Search

The purpose of this paper is to examine the condition for a Finsler space with a generalized α , β -metric to be projectively flat. In addition, we establish that the Finsler space with generalized α , β -metric is a flat-parallel Minkowski space and derive the condition under which the β -change for the aforementioned metric is projective. We also explored the projective nature of β -change for various significant Finsler metrics derived from the generalized α , β -metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific community is exploring novel all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) as a substitute for conventional lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes. These ASSBs possess several attractive advantages, including improved safety, extended temperature range, and improved energy density. Solid-state electrolytes (SSE) have become significant parts of ASSBs. For example, garnet-type Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) SSE has shown promise among the various forms of SSEs. LLZO demonstrates ionic conductivity of 10−3 to 10−4 S/cm and remarkable chemical durability in combination with lithium metal. Because of these qualities, LLZO is a good option for solid-state Li-metal batteries. Various advancements have been made in garnet-type SSEs and ASSBs since the discovery of LLZO in 2007, resulting in enhanced electrochemical durability and energy density. The advantages of LLZO include durability and safety under elevated temperatures, high-temperature stability, and safety of garnet-type electrolytes. This review article examines current developments in garnet-type LLZO electrolytes, considering experimental research and theoretical findings. We discuss the synthetic methodology, modifications, the robustness of these garnet-based electrolyte materials, novel blueprints for nanostructures, understanding of the electrolyte decomposition pathway, and routes to overcome the electrolyte decomposition pathway with regard to LZZO. Additionally, battery architectures and integrations are explored. The review provides a comprehensive outlook for garnet-based LLZO electrolyte research, focusing on its applications in different solid-state battery concepts, such as Li-ion, Li-S, and Li-air batteries. It highlights the opportunities and perspectives that garnet-type LLZO electrolytes offer, serving as a roadmap for future advancements in SSEs and batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercapacitors are highly efficient energy storage devices that are known for their stability, ability to charge and discharge rapidly, extended cycle life, and impressive power density. However, their low energy density makes them unsuitable for energy-demanding applications like electric vehicles, requiring larger packs. This challenge has led to ongoing research focused on creating lightweight and cost-effective supercapacitors that can deliver optimal performance. This study aimed to develop a polyindole/gadolinium-gallium-aluminum garnet (PIn/GGAG) nano-composite tailored specifically for supercapacitor applications. The two-step synthesis process involved the sol-gel method to produce GGAG nano-powder, followed by creating the PIn/GGAG binary composite through a straightforward oxidative polymerization reaction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the morphology of the composite, which was found to be within the 230–560 nm range. Characterization techniques, including XRD, FTIR, Raman, and FE-SEM, confirmed the presence of the GGAG phase. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to scrutinize the supercapacitive performance in a three-electrode configuration. CV confirmed the contribution of the pseudo-capacitance mechanism at the interface of the PIn/GGAG nano-composite-coated carbon fiber (CF) and H2SO4 electrolyte. The calculated specific capacitance (SC) using the CV technique was 105 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s. The PIn/GGAG nano-composite-coated CF electrode demonstrated a charging potential increase of up to 1.8 V within 100s, coupled with a discharge time of approximately 90s. These findings suggest that the PIn/GGAG nano-composite has significant potential as a novel, high-performance lightweight supercapacitor electrode, potentially enhancing the longevity and charging efficiency in the hybrid energy systems of electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have emerged as a potential candidate for third-generation thin film solar energy conversion systems because of their outstanding optoelectronic properties, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and easy manufacturing process. The electron transport layer is one of the most essential components in DSSCs since it plays a crucial role in the device's greatest performance. Silver ions as a dopant have drawn attention in DSSC device applications because of their stability under ambient conditions, decreased charge recombination, increased efficient charge transfer, and optical, structural, and electrochemical properties. Because of these concepts, herein, we report the synthesis of pristine TiO2 using a novel green modified solvothermal simplistic method. Additionally, the prepared semiconductor nanomaterials, Ag-doped TiO2 with percentages of 1, 2, 3, and 4%, were used as photoanodes to enhance the device's performance. The obtained nanomaterials were characterized using XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, EDS, and UV–vis techniques. The average crystallite size for pristine TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO2 with percentages of 1, 2, 3, and 4% was found to be 13 nm by using the highest intensity peaks in the XRD spectra. The Ag-doped TiO2 nanomaterials exhibited excellent photovoltaic activity as compared to pristine TiO2. The incorporation of Ag could assist in successful charge transport and minimize the charge recombination process. The DSSCs showed a Jsc of 8.336 mA/cm2, a Voc of 698 mV, and an FF of 0.422 with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.45% at a Ag concentration of 4% under illumination of 100 mW/cm2 power with N719 dye, indicating an important improvement when compared to 2% Ag-doped (PCE of 0.97%) and pristine TiO2 (PCE of 0.62%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we study the Finslerian hypersurfaces of a special generalized (α, β)-metric in the form L(α, β) = α(β α), with condition (0) = 0 (0) = 00 (0) = 000 (0) = 1. Further, we examined the hypersurfaces of this special metric as a hyperplane of first, second and third kinds with certain condition on the above Finsler metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanosized architectural (a spider's web) structure of cellulose (Iα) was extracted from green seaweed Chaetomorpha antennina through bleaching treatment. Furthermore, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires were deposited over seaweed cellulose while using a simple hydrothermal method. A simple press method was used to prepare rGO-ZnO seaweed cellulose nanocomposite for the paper supercapacitor. This rGO-ZnO seaweed cellulose paper anode material was characterized by using various analytical techniques such as FT-IR, SEM, TGA, XRD, and tensile tests. XRD peaks reveal that graphene oxide powder when mixed with seaweed cellulose got reduced and gave XRD peak of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). In this paper, supercapacitors were tested in CV, GCD, and EIS. From GCD, the specific energy density of the ZnO-cellulose paper device is found to be 0.00066 Wh/kg whereas, for the rGO-ZnO cellulose, paper device gives a greater energy density of 5.21 Wh/kg. From EIS, the series resistance of ZnO-cellulose is found as 326 Ω and for ZnO-rGO-cellulose as 2.16 Ω. This marine resources based rGO-ZnO seaweed cellulose paper supercapacitor has application in various energy storage domains including electric vehicles and electronic industries as it is bio-degradable, cost-effective, thinnest, bearing high performance, and safe for getting used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R. Miron initiated the study of L-duality in Lagrange and Finsler spaces in 1987. The concrete L-duals of the Randers metric, Kropina metric, Matsumoto metric, exponential metric, as well as a few more unique (a, B)- metrics, are really just an of the remarkable results obtained. The importance of L-duality, however, is basically limited to finding the dual of a few key Finsler functions. In this paper, we find L- Dual of a Finsler space with a special (a, B)- metric F =, where a is a Riemannian metric and B is a differential one form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel synergistic botanical formulation comprising garlic oil and cashew nut shell liquid was developed using spontaneous emulsification methodology as a sustainable alternative for management of early blight disease. Based on the stability studies, GCNE (5%) comprising of garlic oil, surfactants, cashew nut shell liquid and water in ratio of 5:10:10:75 were optimum for developing stable nano-emulsion. The particle size of nanoemlusion with 5% cashew nut shell liquid was 25.15 nm, poly dispersity index (PDI) 0.238 and zeta potential 33.03 mV. The developed nano-emlusion GCNE (5%) was more effective in controlling Alterineriasolani, the causative agent of early blight of tomato under in-vitro and field conditions in comparison to bulk garlic oil, cashew nut shell liquid and garlic nano-emlusion. The formulation developed showed synergism and ready mix of developed nano-emlusion showed better synergism in comparison to tank mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article invites the reader to reflect on the practice and teaching of sociology through reflexivity in India in a new emerging space of liberal arts in private universities. These spaces can be considered as the fringe of sociology teaching. I argue that students in private universities grapple with a 'crisis of relatedness' regarding sociological discourse, and the debates they study leave them with different questions. I suggest that the understanding of social facts and issues is different and distant from those studying in public universities. The different lived experiences produce different sociological imaginations with the engagement of the same sociological texts. Teaching sociology in liberal arts spaces could mark the emergence of a generation of sociologists in India who have their training rooted in private universities. This new location of sociology students asks us to revisit the ongoing debate of skill-based sociology versus critical sociology that generates new questions for reflexivity and social location of both practitioner and student of sociology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Igarashi introduce the concept of (α, β)-metric in Cartan space ln analogously to one in Finsler space and obtained the basic important geometric properties and also investigate the special class of the space with (α, β)-metric in ln in terms of 'invariants' . In the present paper, we determine the 'invariants' in two different cases of deformed infinite series metric, which characterize the special classes of Cartan spaces ln .Further, we investigate some classes of deformed infinite series spaces and obtain deformed infinite series class which will provide the example of Cartan spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the role of active and transport layer materials in the degradation mechanism is studied using different device geometries. Initially, the absorbance of the active layer materials as a function of the degradation time is compared with the photovoltaic characteristics. Also, it has been found that the hole- and electron-transport layers play a pivotal role in the degradation process for the observed decreased device efficiency. The theoretical charge-transport model complements these experimental photovoltaic parameters well. The results are attributed to the change in the quasi-Fermi level, and exciton splitting for the fresh and aged devices. These interesting and impactful results reveal a basic understanding of the degradation mechanism for the P3HT:PC71BM and PTB7:PC71BM blend systems and provide insights for achieving long-term stability in such solar-cell devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is a common congenital paediatric disorder. The gold standard for its diagnosis is the demonstration of the absence of ganglion cells on H&E stained sections from a spastic segment of the bowel, still at times; conclusive diagnosis of HD is difficult. This study was done to assess the accuracy of rapid Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining and AChE histochemistry in combination for the diagnosis of HD, especially in frozen section specimens. Samples from 36 clinically suspected HD cases were evaluated for the presence or absence of ganglion cells on H&E staining on both fresh-frozen and paraffinembedded sections, whereas AChE staining was done on frozen sections only. Of the 36 cases of frozen section specimens from the spastic region of the colon, GCs were absent in 28 cases on H&E staining while positive staining patterns on AChE histochemistry were observed in 29 cases. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections showed the absence of GC on H&E staining in 28 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of frozen sections with rapid H&E were 77.78% and 81.82% while the sensitivity and specificity of AChE histochemistry were 80.56% and 81.82% respectively in the diagnosis of HD. Application of AChE histochemistry as an ancillary technique on frozen sections specimens of HD in combination with rapid H&E staining is very useful for definitive diagnosis of HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) based technology is actively competing in the global photovoltaic market with high conversion efficiency. Commercial CIGS modules are anticipated to perform on rated output in the field condition for 20 years. Potential induced degradation (PID) is considered as one of the critical concerns among all the current reliability assessment issues. PID accelerated tests have been performed on pre‐commercial CIGS modules to investigate reduction in electrical performance. We report the severe reduction in electrical performance after PID is correlated to the microstructural and chemical properties of the constituent materials. Under extreme PID stress, the cell surface reveals various defects including crater formation. The aim of this article is to explore the consequences of PID induced craters on the efficiency of CIGS solar cells by investigating material degradation kinetics. In this perspective, we present the root cause of PID in CIGS thin‐film modules in relation to microstructural defects by detailed investigation using J‐V analysis, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Raman spectroscopy, X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). This analysis can provide more effective and sustainable research strategies to cultivate more efficient and reliable CIGS technologies in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of present paper to determine the Finsler spaces due to deformation of special Finsler (α, β)-metric. Consequently, we obtained the non-holonomic frame with the help of α² = aij(x)yiyj, one form metric β = bi(x)yi and infinite series of (α, β) metric such as the forms I: (***) + α² = F¹2 + F²2 i.e. sum of the square of infinite series of (_, β)-metric and square of Riemannian metric II: (***) + α² = F²1 + F²3 i.e. sum of the square of infinite series of (_, β)-metric and square of 1-form metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic–inorganic perovskites photovoltaic materials are considered as one of the promising candidates for the emerging photovoltaic (PV) sector. It has drawn tremendous attention from fundamental research and PV industries, due to its high efficiency, chemical properties, and low fabrication cost. But, its lifetime under real field operation is always the major obstacle toward commercialization. Potential‐induced degradation (PID) is known as the common reliable threat in the established commercial PV technologies which lead to catastrophic failure within a short time. Thus, it is essential to enable reliability assessment of PID on the precommercial development stage of perovskite photovoltaics to further enrich the confidence by identifying, eliminating, and developing an understanding of the possible degradation mechanism in the field condition. In this article, different architecture‐based perovskite solar cells are studied to reveal the degradation mechanism under PID for the first time. The results show that PSCs of n–i–p with a phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) layer have good stability under PID compared with other treated structures with only 4% degradation after 18 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid electrical energy storage system (EESS) consisting of supercapacitor (SC) in combination with lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery has been studied through theoretical simulation and experiments to address thermal runaway in an electric vehicle. In theoretical simulation, the working temperature of Li-ion battery and SC has been varied from 0 to 75 °C in steps of 25 °C and the effect of the variation is observed on the output current, voltage and power of Li-ion battery and SC for a calculated load using the standard driving cycle. Further, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) have been performed to investigate the effect of temperature on SC. EIS measurements of SC indicate a low equivalent series resistance of 0.095 Ω at 25 °C. CV measurements indicate a high value of capacitance of 56.65 F/g at 25 °C for a scan rate of 5 mV s−1. Through theoretical simulation of EESS, a temperature increase ( Δ T ) of 0.41 °C is calculated considering an initial peak of 10-s duration for the case of EESS without SC, whereas the use of SC reduces Δ T to 0.025 °C. Further, optimal size calculation for hybrid EESS is done to achieve the least cost, wherein Li-ion battery capacity has been varied from 0 to 200 Ah and the SC capacity has been varied from 0 to 5 F in MATLAB simulation. The optimal combination is obtained as 30 Ah capacity of Li-ion battery and 3 F capacity of SC by connecting load across hybrid EESS for a duration of 3600 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of present paper to determine the Finsler spaces due to deformation of special Finsler (α, β)-metric. Consequently, we obtained the non-holonomic frame with the help of Riemannian metric α 2 = aij (x)yiyj, one form metric β = bi(x)y i and infinite series of (α, β) metric such as the forms I. ( β²/β−α )α = αβ²/β−α i.e. product of the infinite series of (α, β)-metric and Riemannian metric II. ( β²/β−α )β = β³/β−α i.e. product of the infinite series of (α, β)-metric and 1-form metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper we have studied the Finslerian hypersurfaces of a Finsler space with the special form of exponential (α, β)- metric such as L (α, β) = αeβ/α + βe-β/α. We also examined the hypersurfaces of this special exponential metric as a hyperplane of first, second and third kinds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rationale of this paper is to study the Finslerian hypersurfaces of a Finsler space with the special deformed Berwald-Infinite series metric. Further examined under which condition, the Finslerian hypersurfaces of this special metric becomes a hyperplane of first, second and third kinds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the two-step processing method represents an attractive route for the thin film formation of halide perovskites. However, a fundamental understanding of the film formation dynamics in the case of spin coating methylammonium iodide (MAI) on PbI2 has not been established yet. Here we apply in situ optical spectroscopy during the two-step film formation of the model halide perovskite MAPbI3via spin coating. We identify and analyze in detail the optical features that occur in the photoluminescence and the corresponding absorption spectra during processing. We find that the film formation takes place in five consecutive steps, including the formation of a MAPbI3 capping layer via an interface crystallization and the occurrence of an intense dissolution–recrystallization process. Consideration of confinement and self-absorption effects in the PL spectra, together with consideration of the corresponding absorption spectra allows quantification of the growth rate of the initial interface crystallization, which is found to be 11 nm s−1 under our processing conditions. We find that the main dissolution–recrystallization process happens at a rate of 445 nm s−1, emphasizing its importance to the overall processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution processed hole transport layer based on graphene oxide (GO) and molybdenum oxide (MoO3) composite in bulk heterojunction organic solar cell (OSC) devices offer low cost, improved performance compared to conventional organic solar cells. Here, we have made a study comparing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of this composite to the pristine GO and MoO3 as a hole transport layer in the organic photovoltaics. The devices with the composite shows optimized performance with PCE of ∼ 5.1%, while the pristine GO and MoO3 display 1.59% and 2.5%, respectively. These differences are attributed to the lower short circuit current (Jsc) and thereby lower fill factor (FF) with respect to the GO and MoO3. Nevertheless, the composite based devices exhibits improved optical absorption and photoluminescence quenching as compared to pristine interface layer. This study intends to highlight efficient modulation of the interface barrier of hole transport layer which allow us to give faster transport and extraction of the charge carrier efficiently at the electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equation of geodesic in a two-dimensional Finsler space is given by Matsumoto and Park for Finsler space with a (α,β)- metric in the year 1997 and 1998. Further Park and Lee studied the above case for generalized Kropina metric in the year 2000. Recently Chaubey and his co-authors studied the same for some special (α,β)- metric in 2013 and 2014. In continuation of this the purpose of present paper is to express the differential equations of geodesics in a two-dimensional Finsler space with some special Finsler (α,β)- metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In organic semiconductors, optical absorption is pivotal for the performance of optoelectronic devices. The absorption by the semiconductors generates excitons which dissociate into free charge carriers, resulting in energy conversion. Although high performance has been achieved in non-fullerene organic solar cells, their charge generation behavior is far from being well understood. Keeping this in view, we have employed optical spectroscopic tools to study the charge generation mechanism in FLR (1,6,7,10-tetramethylfluoranthene) as a non-fullerene electron acceptor blended with P3HT (poly(3-hexylthiophene)) as an electron donor in five different solvents. Through steady state UV-visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy, we provide a basic understanding of charge transport by enlightening the influence of solvents on the aggregation behavior and exciton bandwidth. Furthermore, for the first time, by employing ultrafast vis-NIR transient absorption spectroscopy, we address the ultrafast charge generation and charge separation mechanism with systematic variation in solvent polarity by incorporating the time evolution of the transient species under various pump–probe wavelengths in the range of 450 nm to 1600 nm. For the different excitation wavelengths, the lifetime kinetics have been depicted by their multiexponential fits. The results show a fast decay term at a lifetime of a few picoseconds (ps) (∼1 to 5 ps) and a slow decay term at a lifetime of ∼500 ps. The charge generation in the P3HT:FLR blend proceeds on a ps time scale, which implies good intermixing of the components. It is clearly established that the non-halogenated solvents influence this aggregation behavior and higher conjugation lengths with higher photoluminescence quenching contribute to the higher charge generation. The enhanced polaron population in P3HT with the addition of FLR illustrates the importance of this acceptor material in the blend because a good solvent-material combination is essential to enhance the charge generation. As such, this comprehensive study explicitly shows the role of FLR as an emerging efficient non-fullerene acceptor for further improving the performance of devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potential induced degradation of the shunt type (PID-s) in multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) solar cells is becoming critical for performance reduction of solar panels in large scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants. In this article PID-s has been investigated by applying high voltage stress on mc-Si solar cells for their degradation and recovery and results have been explained on the basis of DC and AC characterization. The efficiency decreases drastically from 15.7% to 2.9% due to a high voltage stress of −800 V at 85 °C for 48 hours, which is attributed to a reduction in shunt resistance and an increase in depletion and diffusion capacitances. The reduction in electrical performance due to PID-s has been further explained by morphological, structural and elemental analysis. Observed negative capacitance behaviour in impedance spectra of mc-Si solar cells after PID-s has been attributed to structural deformation caused by potential induced migration of sodium ions (Na+) into mc-Si. The structural deformation induced by potential induced migration of Na+ ions has been confirmed by using non-destructive and lattice strain sensitive micro-Raman spectroscopy. The obtained experimental results have been correlated with existing theoretical understanding of p–n junction solar cells to explain the consequences of PID-s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key challenge for researchers in the field of organic solar cells (OSCs) is to develop a physical model for a device that correctly describes the charge carrier transport phenomenon. In this article, an analytical study on the charge carrier transport phenomenon in an OSC is reported, which expresses a balance between free charge carrier generation and recombination in low mobility PTB7:PC71BM blend layers. First, the current density–voltage (J–V) data for the fabricated OSC were extracted from experiments by varying the incident power light intensity (IPL) and then analysis through theoretical simulation was used to quantify the dominant interface recombination parameters limiting the device’s performance. It was found that although the generation of free charge carriers increased at higher IPL values, the performance of the device remained low due to poor electrical transport properties which resulted in a considerable accumulation of generated charge carriers in the active layer. Therefore, it has become important to work out the complex relation between charge carrier mobility, exciton-recombination dynamics and the overall electrical performance parameters in a single framework. This article explains the influence of incident power light intensity and charge carrier mobility on performance parameters, which limits the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the OSC. The presented analysis could be helpful in optimizing the architecture of future devices to increase the PCE of OSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the effect of partial shading (PS) on the electrical output of a solar cell using the two-diode model. The reduction in electrical performance parameters induced by various recombination losses has been explained for c-Si solar cells under the effect of PS. The PS mainly affects the short-circuit current density (JSC) and efficiency (η) of the solar cells. JSC and η decrease from 37.84 to 5.48 mA cm-2 and from 18.31 to 2%, respectively. Among all the energy losses encountered for PS, spatial relaxation and recombination losses are the dominating factors responsible for the reduction in JSC. PC1D and Griddler simulations have been performed to evaluate the effect of front surface and bulk recombination. The PC1D simulated external quantum efficiency is governed by the front and back surface recombination velocity and carrier life time of the charge carriers under PS. The power loss (Pe) of ∼ 34% from the emitter region has been determined by resistance analysis in correlation with the recombination in the emitter region of the solar cells under PS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper we have studied the Finslerian hypersurfaces of a Finsler space with the special deformed Berwald-Matsumoto metric. We also examined the hypersurfaces of this special metric as a hyperplane of first, second and third kinds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and fabrication of better excitonic solar cells are the need of the hour for futuristic energy solutions. This designing needs a better understanding of the charge transport properties of excitonic solar cells. One of the popular methods of understanding the charge transport properties is the analysis of the J–V characteristics of a device through theoretical simulation at varied illumination intensity. Herein, a J–V characteristic of a polymer:fullerene based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs) of structure ITO/PEDOT:PSS (∼40 nm)/PTB7:PC71BM (∼100 nm)/Al (∼120 nm) is analyzed using one- and two-diode models at varied illumination intensity in the range of 0.1–2.33 Sun. It was found that the double diode model is better with respect to the single diode model and can explain the J–V characteristics of the OSCs correctly. Further, the recombination mechanism is investigated thoroughly and it was observed that fill factor (FF) is in the range of 62.5%–41.4% for the corresponding values of the recombination-to-extraction ratio (ϑ) varying from 0.001 to 0.023. These findings are attributed to the change in charge transport mechanism from trap-assisted to bimolecular recombination with the variation of illumination intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a novel solution-processable 1,6,7,10-tetramethylfluoranthene (1), as the smallest fragment of fullerene, is synthesized and systematically studied for use as a non-fullerene acceptor in an organic solar cell (OSC). Molecule 1 has the potential to be synthesized on a large scale. Optical and electrochemical studies revealed that 1 has a high absorption range and an appropriate band gap, which is compatible with poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) as a donor. The morphology showed high intermixed blend with uniform distribution of donor–acceptor molecules. Steady state and time resolved photoluminescence studies showed efficient charge separation from the donor and acceptor. These studies can be confirmed by the conventional OSC device structure employing a blend of P3HT:1, which gives a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 0.71% with an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.52 V and a fill factor (FF) of 44.89%. Despite this, the significant stability of the device, even after 60 h in open air, demonstrates that this molecule shows promising output and the result can be enhanced in the future with further optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of present paper is to find the nonholonomic frames for the deformed Matsumoto type metric which are given in the forms I: (α2/α-β )α = α3 α-β II: (α2/α-β)β = α2β α-β where α2 = aij(x)yiyj and β = bi(x)yi. The first metric of the above deformation is obtained by the product of Matsumoto and Riemannian metric and second one is the product of Matsumoto and 1-form metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the synthesis of vertically oriented titanium dioxide nanorod (TiO-NR) layer on fluorine doped tin oxide substrate using hydrothermal method and its application in solar energy harvesting. The morphological variations of TiO-NR have been achieved by varying precursor concentration and growth temperature in the hydrothermal process. The porosity of TiO-NR layer decreases from 49 to 11 % with increasing NR diameter from 70 to 204 nm for various practically achievable inter-rod separations. The effect of TiO-NR layer parameters, such as, nanorod diameter, inter-rod separation, and porosity on the charge collection has been explored through theoretical and experimental photo-generated current density of the dye and perovskite (CHNHPbI) solar cells to find the optimum range. High current density with a deviation of ±10 % of the best value can be achieved for a porosity range of 35-65 %, which corresponds to the nanorod diameter range of 75 ± 8, 95 ± 14, 110 ± 16, 130 ± 20 and 150 ± 22 nm for the inter-rod separation of 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 nm respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effect of ageing on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The electrical characterization of fresh and degraded DSCs is done under AM1.5G spectrum and the current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics are analyzed. Short circuit current density (JSC) decreases significantly whereas a noticeable increase in open circuit voltage is observed. These results have been further investigated electroanalytically using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). An increase in net resistance results in a lower JSC for the degraded DSC. This decrease in current is mainly due to degradation of TiO2-dye interface, which is observed from light and dark J-V characteristics and is further confirmed by EIS measurements. A reduction in the chemical capacitance of the degraded DSC is observed, which is responsible for the shifting of Fermi level with respect to conduction band edge that further results in an increase of open circuit voltage for the degraded DSC. It is also confirmed from EIS that the degradation leads to a better contact formation between the electrolyte and Pt electrode, which improves the fill factor of the DSC. But the recombination throughout the DSC is found to increase along with degradation. This study suggests that the DSC should be used under low illumination conditions and around room temperature for a longer life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study,Tagetes erecta, Rheum emodi, andCurcuma longaextracts and their combination with commercial polymer-based seed coats have been developed. Seed coats were screened for enhancing the keeping quality of soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] seeds. Loss in seed-quality parameters, such as percent germination, growth, seed vigor, moisture, and longevity were studied. The reduction in percent germination was lowest (7.40%) for natural colorant-based seed coats as compared with commercial polymer-coated seeds (12.20%) and uncoated seeds (17.27%) across six month storage period. Seeds coated with T. erecta methanol extract concentrate (Te MC) exhibited 82.7% germination, the highest among all treatments. A significant correlation (r = 0.846; P = 0.01) between seed vigor indices and the germination of the treated seeds was observed. The study revealed the effectiveness of natural colorant-based seed-coatings in reducing overall progressive decrease in seed-quality parameters, and thereby improving seed germination. Such natural colorant-based novel seed-coatings can be used for long-term storage of soybean seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper reports plasmon-enhanced light transmission through the Ag nanoparticle-coupled graphene thin-film deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates. An experimental set-up is developed to quantify the photon enhancement due to metal nanoparticle-embedded graphene layer. The results show that a specific distribution of graphene nanosheets over Ag nanoparticle-deposited FTO glass can trap maximum normally incident light for photovoltaic applications. An enhancement of 6.35 % in the current density of silicon solar cell (kept under Ag-coated FTO glass) is observed for 30-μL graphene dispersion deposited on the FTO/Ag (3 nm). The results indicate the possibility of minimizing the reflection of incident radiation by combining plasmonic oscillations of metal nanoparticles with graphene plasmonics, which can be useful for optoelectronic devices, radiation sensors, and various types of photovoltaic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work reports a detailed electro-analytical framework for studying commercially available mono-crystalline silicon solar cells under varying illumination conditions to explore their application in the up-and-coming field of low concentration photovoltaics (LCPVs). The effect of low concentration illumination (＞1–12 suns) on performance indicating parameters, i.e., short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor, efficiency and ideality factor, was investigated using DC characterization. The same framework can be used for AC characterization in order to explore diffusion capacitance, transition capacitance, diffusion resistance and recombination kinetics under varying illumination. Recent developments in the impedance spectroscopy technique have broadened its horizon and have allowed its use in addressing unexplored material and performance aspects of mono-crystalline Si solar cells under non-equilibrium conditions. The obtained DC and AC experimental results are coupled with theoretical treatment to demonstrate the characteristic features of charge recombination in the space-charge region and the quasi-neutral region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant and nematicidal properties were evaluated for R. emodi extractives which are extracted by standardizing and adopting accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) method along with traditional Soxhlet extraction. The extracted material was separated using flash chromatography and the separation conditions and solvents were standardized for the extracted plant constituents. The purity was detected by using analytical reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). LC-MS/MS detection in the direct infusion mode of the isolated, purified products afforded four anthraquinones, characterized by their infrared spectra (IR) and ¹H spectra as chrysophanol, physcion, emodin, and aloe-emodin. Five antraquinone glucoside derivatives and piceatannol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside have also been detected from the extracted product. During in vitro evaluation the antioxidant potential of methanolic crude extract (CE1) was the highest, followed by ethyl acetate crude extract (CE2) and chloroform extract (CE3) in DPPH radical scavenging activity. The CE1 also demonstrated outstanding nematicidal activity as compared with other extracts, pure anthraquinones, and even positive control azadirachtin. The study conclusively demonstrated the antioxidant potential of R. emodi extracts and also its ability in extenuating the Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode). The bioassay results can be extrapolated to actual field condition and clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localized surface plasmon resonance incurred by silver nanoparticles is used to enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency of a TiO nanorod-based dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Improved light transmission is observed experimentally in silver nanoparticle-coated FTO glass. The transmission data are used to explore the effect on electrical parameters of DSSC using theoretical model. Current density increased from 11.7 to 12.34 mA/cm and open-circuit voltage increased from 704 to 709.5 mV. Overall efficiency enhancement of 6.67 % is observed in TiO nanorod-based DSSC due to plasmon-induced light trapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piecewise linear parabolic trough collector (PLPTC) is designed and developed to concentrate solar radiation on monocrystalline silicon based photovoltaicmodule. Atheoreticalmodel is used to performelectrical energy and exergy analysis of low-concentration photovoltaic (LCPV) system working under actual test conditions (ATC).Theexergy efficiency of LCPV system is in the range from 5.1% to 4.82% with increasing rate of input exergy rate from 30.81W to 96.12W, when concentration ratio changes from 1.85 to 5.17 Sun. Short-circuit current shows increasing trend with increasing input exergy rate of 0.011 A/W. Power conversion efficiency decreases from 7.07 to 5.66%, and open-circuit voltage decreases from 9.86 to 8.24V with temperature coefficient of voltage 0.021 V/K under ATC. The results confirm that the commercially available silicon solar PV module performs satisfactorily under low concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steady-state current-voltage curve and dynamic response of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is mathematically modeled based on electrical equivalent circuit. The effect of temperature and illumination on the steady-state and dynamic parameters of dye-sensitized solar cells is studied. It is found that the dynamic resistance of DSSC decreases from 619.21Ω to 90.34Ω with the increase in illumination level from 200W/m² to 800W/m². A positive temperature coefficient of dynamic resistance is observed. The interfacial charge transfer and recombination losses at the oxide/dye/electrolyte interface are found to be the most influential factor on the overall conversion efficiency and included in the mathematical model. The saturation current of rectifying diode and saturation current of recombination diode are responsible for the transfer recombination losses and have major influence on the overall conversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, metal halide perovskite solar cells have become a major competitor in the run to lower the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Commercialization of this new technology mainly depends on the long‐term stability of such devices, for which potential‐induced degradation (PID) may represent a factor of detrimental impact. As PID can trigger rapid and significant losses in PV systems, it is generally considered among the most critical failure modes with a high financial repercussion. Herein, the results of PID tests on perovskite solar cells are reported for the very first time. The solar cells are found to be extremely susceptible to PID: 18 h of high‐voltage stress, according to the PID test standard IEC 62804‐1 TS (foil method at 60 °C), shows a performance degradation of up to 95%, which mainly results from a decrease in the short‐circuit current. These results also uncover near full PID recoverability and pave the way toward further research into its mechanisms, kinetics, and mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils were obtained from same raw material of cumin seed by extraction with hydrodistillation and super critical fluid extraction (SCFE). For SCFE, supercritical carbon dioxide at 45°C and 100 bar was used as variable for the extraction. The composition of the extracts was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Yield of essential oil was more in the SCFE method. Extract obtained by supercritical fluid extraction technique using CO2was heavier than the hydrodistilled volatile oil. Cumin oil obtained by hydrodistillation contained higher percentage of cuminaldehyde (52.6%), then did oil obtained by SCFE (37.3%), whereas cumin oil obtained by hydrodistillation had the lower percentage of cuminic alcohol (13.3%) as compared to 19.3% in SCFE method. However, cuminal (2-caren-10-al) content was almost similar in cumin oil obtained by the SCFE and hydrodistillation method (24.5–25.8%). Hydrodistilled volatile oil showed better antioxidant activity measured by DPPH and FRAP assay and more total phenol content. The results indicated that though essential oil yield was more in the SCFE method, antioxidant property was more in conventional hydrodistillation method. SCFE extracted non polar (wax materials) compounds along with volatile oil and it was recorded that enhanced aroma of signature compounds of cumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-concentration photovoltaic (LCPV) system has immense potential for further cost reduction of solar photovoltaic (PV) power as compared to flat panel PV. This paper explains the performance of commercially available solar PV module mounted on parabolic trough collector experimentally and theoretically. A piecewise linear parabolic trough collector is modeled and designed to focus the solar radiation with uniform intensity on solar PV module. Silicon solar PV module based LCPV system is also modeled and simulated to study the variation of output power, open-circuit voltage, and short-circuit current with respect to module temperature and irradiance. The developed theoretical model is able to predict the performance of a LCPV system under the actual test conditions (ATCs). It was observed that the open-circuit voltage decreases from 9.86 to 8.24 V with temperature coefficient of voltage ≈-0.021 V/K under ATC. The short-circuit current of LCPV system shows increasing trend with light concentration with a rate of ≈0.285 Am2/kW. The results confirm that the commercially available silicon solar PV module performs satisfactorily up to ∼8 Sun concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]