Search

CdS quantum dots sensitised solar cells were fabricated based on TiO2/carbon nanotube nanocomposite photoanodes obtained by a sol-gel process. An energy conversion efficiency increment of about three times is achieved for the solar cell with carbon nanotube content of 0·36 wt-%, and it was disclosed that the enhanced energy conversion efficiency mainly depends on the carbon nanotube content in nanocomposite photoanodes. With the carbon nanotube content increasing from 0·00 to 0·36 wt-%, the energy conversion efficiency of solar cell significantly improved from 0·38 to 1·15% because of the enhanced photogenerated electron collection efficiency and increased adsorption amount of CdS quantum dots. When the carbon nanotube content is up to 0·48 wt-%, however, the energy conversion efficiency declines to 0·75% because of a decrease of photogenerated electron collection efficiency and sensitiser adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the weld appearance, microstructures and mechanical properties of electron beam welding-welded joints of SiCp/Al composite and Ti-6Al-4V were studied. The results showed that the weld appearance and mechanical properties were poor when the heat source was located at the middle of the butt joint. The weld was mainly composed of Ti3Al intermetallic compounds, but large amounts of Al4C3 brittle phase appeared at the fusion line close to the SiCp/Al composite. The weld appearance was improved by deviating the heat source towards the Ti-6Al-4V side. The microstructures of the weld changed into an α( α')+ β dual-phase structures and the amounts of Al4C3 brittle phase decreased. A well-formed joint with a tensile strength of 108·9 MPa, 60% that of the base metal, was obtained when the heat source was deviated by 0·3 mm towards the Ti-6Al-4V side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]