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Efficient semi‐transparent solar cells can extend the adoption of photovoltaics beyond standard utility‐scale, commercial, or residential applications. Halide perovskites are particularly suitable in this respect owing to their tunable bandgap. The main drawbacks in the development of transparent perovskite solar cells are the high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) deficit and the difficulties in depositing high‐quality thin films over large area substrates, given the low solubility of bromide and chloride precursors. In this work, passivation strategies are developed for the high bandgap Br perovskite able to reduce charge recombination and consequently improve the Voc. The study demonstrates 1 cm2 perovskite solar cells with Voc up to 1.73 V (1.83 eV Quasi Fermi Level Splitting) and a PCE of 8.1%. The average visible transmittance (AVT) exceeds 70% by means of a bifacial light management and a record light utilization efficiency (LUE) of 5.72 is achieved. Moreover, the potential use of the technology is evaluated toward Internet of Things (IoT) application owing to a bifaciality factor of 87% along with 17% PCE under indoor lighting. Finally, the up‐scaling is demonstrated by fabricating 20 cm2 active area modules with PCE of 7.3% and Voc per cell up to 1.65 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells have become promising candidates for thin‐film photovoltaics (PV), but many record cells suffer from losses in current (≈3–4 mA cm−2). This is due to the choice of superstrate configurations (i.e., glass‐side illumination) and thin absorber layers, typically on the order of ≈500 nm. Illumination through a top transparent conductive oxide electrode (substrate configuration) using LiF and Al2Ox as anti‐reflective coatings leads to reflectance losses below 1% is demonstrated. When combined with 1 µm thick absorber layers, substrate configurated bifacial devices have power conversion efficiencies >20%, with minimized reflection losses approaching 98% of their detailed‐balance limits and higher Jsc than their monofacial counterparts. Further analysis is conducted to show there is still a significant fraction of current lost due to poor charge‐carrier extraction (e.g., resistive or low mobility contacts). This is studied by a direct comparison of photoluminescence at short‐circuit versus open‐circuit estimating a 4.5% loss in charge‐carrier collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra‐thin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) solar cells on transparent conductive oxide back contact reduce the material consumption of rare indium and gallium and simultaneously exhibit great potential for semi‐transparent bifacial application. For highly efficient CIGSe solar cells, a steep back Ga grading and Na treatment are expected. However, Na will promote the formation of highly resistive GaOx at the rear interface owing to Ga accumulation. In this work, the three‐stage co‐evaporation process is renewed and the effect of the deposition sequence in the first stage on the Ga distribution as well as the cross‐correlated influence of Na is explored. In particular, the standard deposition sequence of Ga+In is altered to start with In. When a thin In layer is pre‐deposited on the back contact, the fill factor and efficiency increase. The deposition of In+Ga+In in the first stage of CIGSe growth leads to efficiencies 28% (on average) higher than for the standard deposition sequence of Ga+In. Additionally, 2.74% efficiency is reached under rear and 9.32% under simultaneous front and rear illumination. Therefore, adapting the deposition sequence in the first stage of CIGSe growth is identified as a key to improving the device performance on transparent back contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are of great interest due to their potential for breaking the Shockley-Queisser limit of single-junction silicon solar cells. Perovskite solar cells are widely used as the top subcells in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells due to their high efficiency and lower fabrication cost. Herein, we review the semi-transparent perovskite solar cell in terms of the mechanisms of their translucent structure, transparent electrodes, charge transport layer, and component modification. In addition, recent progress in the research and development of 4T perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is summarized, with emphasis on the influence of perovskite structure and silicon cells on the progress of tandem solar cells. Finally, we discuss the challenges associated with 4T perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells and suggest directions for the development of perovskite/silicon commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ultra‐thin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) solar cells on transparent conductive oxide back contact reduce the material consumption of rare indium and gallium and simultaneously exhibit great potential for semi‐transparent bifacial application. For highly efficient CIGSe solar cells, a steep back Ga grading and Na treatment are expected. However, Na will promote the formation of highly resistive GaOx at the rear interface owing to Ga accumulation. In this work, the three‐stage co‐evaporation process is renewed and the effect of the deposition sequence in the first stage on the Ga distribution as well as the cross‐correlated influence of Na is explored. In particular, the standard deposition sequence of Ga+In is altered to start with In. When a thin In layer is pre‐deposited on the back contact, the fill factor and efficiency increase. The deposition of In+Ga+In in the first stage of CIGSe growth leads to efficiencies 28% (on average) higher than for the standard deposition sequence of Ga+In. Additionally, 2.74% efficiency is reached under rear and 9.32% under simultaneous front and rear illumination. Therefore, adapting the deposition sequence in the first stage of CIGSe growth is identified as a key to improving the device performance on transparent back contact.

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are of great interest due to their potential for breaking the Shockley-Queisser limit of single-junction silicon solar cells. Perovskite solar cells are widely used as the top subcells in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells due to their high efficiency and lower fabrication cost. Herein, we review the semi-transparent perovskite solar cell in terms of the mechanisms of their translucent structure, transparent electrodes, charge transport layer, and component modification. In addition, recent progress in the research and development of 4T perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is summarized, with emphasis on the influence of perovskite structure and silicon cells on the progress of tandem solar cells. Finally, we discuss the challenges associated with 4T perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells and suggest directions for the development of perovskite/silicon commercialization.

In this article, a low-profile quad-port wideband and multiband printed conformal antenna for 4G/5G WLAN/Wi-Fi 6E applications is presented. The designed antenna is printed on a 0.5 mm thick transparent polymide substrate with dimensions of 112.8 × 112.8 mm2. Over a 10 dB impedance bandwidth, the slotted ground plane antenna can operate in the following spectrums: 2.2–2.6 GHz (Bluetooth, ISM band, Wi-Fi), 3–5.59 GHz (LTE band 42, New radio bands 77, 78, and 79), and 5.8–7.1 GHz (5G WLAN, Vehicular Band, Wi-Fi 6E band). Therefore, the antenna presented in this research has versatile operation, almost covering existing and upcoming frequency bands for 4G and 5G applications, respectively. The proposed conformal antenna also provides superior performance in terms of isolation—better than 20 dB—even after antenna elements are kept with a minimum distance between them. Because of such isolation improvements, it is possible to achieve a radiation efficiency of up to 93 percent with an overall gain of around 4.8 dBi over the desired operating band. Further, MIMO characteristics including channel capacity, Envelope Correlation Co-Efficient, Channel Capacity Loss and Diversity gain have been calculated to validate the MIMO performance of the proposed antenna. More studies have shown that the suggested antenna works well enough for both multi-band and wide-band applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are advancing rapidly and have reached a performance comparable to that of silicon solar cells. Recently, they have been expanding into a variety of applications based on the excellent photoelectric properties of perovskite. Semi-transparent PSCs (ST-PSCs) are one promising application that utilizes the tunable transmittance of perovskite photoactive layers, which can be used in tandem solar cells (TSC) and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). However, the inverse relationship between light transmittance and efficiency is a challenge in the development of ST-PSCs. To overcome these challenges, numerous studies are underway, including those on band-gap tuning, high-performance charge transport layers and electrodes, and creating island-shaped microstructures. This review provides a general and concise summary of the innovative approaches in ST-PSCs, including advances in the perovskite photoactive layer, transparent electrodes, device structures and their applications in TSC and BIPV. Furthermore, the essential requirements and challenges to be addressed to realize ST-PSCs are discussed, and the prospects of ST-PSCs are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSC) offer a promising solution for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) due to its high photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE). However, increasing the transparency of their functional layers dramatically decreases the PCE. Here, a computer controlled laser patterning method was proposed to directly turn PSC modules into semitransparent and with aesthetic artificial pattern, without additional complexities to the conventional PSCs fabrication process. A structured ST-PSC achieving a champion PCE of 17.5% with average visible transparency (AVT) of 18.2%, and a mini-module with 5 × 5 cm2 delivering a PCE of 9.1% with AVT of 37.7% were demonstrated. Rationally designed aesthetic patterns were imprinted on mini-modules, achieving a PCE of 14.4%. These results reveal a new route for low-cost facile fabricating high performance large-area aesthetic BIPV modules, and represent a big step forward toward the fabrication of solar cells with high efficiency and high transparency.

The optimization of semi-transparent organic solar cells involves balancing average visible transparency (AVT) and power conversion efficiency (PCE). We propose enhancing ST-OSC performance by replacing the conventional opaque Ag electrode with a MoO 3 /Ag/MoO 3 as a dielectric/metal/dielectric (DMD) layer structure, explored theoretically and experimentally. A prototype ST-OSC configuration, comprising ITO/ZnO/P3HT: PCBM/MoO3/Ag/MoO3, was fabricated with varying thicknesses of the MoO 3 /Ag/MoO 3 layer, determined through theoretical calculations utilizing MATLAB software. This study investigates the impact of metal layer thickness on two active layer densities (10 and 18 mg/mL) and evaluates AVT, color rendering index, Correlated Color Temperature, and CIELAB color coordinates (a*, b*). Both theoretical calculations and experimental results confirm that the optimized configuration of the DMD structure with specific layer thicknesses for each component (MoO 3 = 10nm/Ag = 6nm/MoO 3 = 30 nm) achieves an AVT of over 59.60 %. This high level of transparency makes this configuration suitable for applications requiring both high transparency and efficient light transmission. The optimized device delivered high-quality light transmission, approaching white perception to the human eye. This combined approach validates empirical results and provides a deeper understanding of transparent OSC mechanisms. [Display omitted] • MoO 3 /Ag/MoO 3 is an effective transparent top electrode in semi-transparent solar cells. • Optimizing with a 6 nm Ag layer maximizes AVT to 65.5%. • All Ag thickness variations achieve AVT > 50%, suitable for windows. • Study evaluates color parameters for building integration. • Experimental and theoretical results show good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A device architecture with n‐type oxide/perovskite halide/p‐type oxide for the sputtering damage‐free semi‐transparent perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is reported. A p‐type nickel oxide (NiOx) nanoparticle overlayer on a perovskite layer is introduced to act as both a hole transporting layer and buffer layer to avoid sputtering damage during deposition of transparent conducting oxide. The NiOx based semi‐transparent PSCs exhibit superior durability under harsh sputtering conditions such as high temperature and sputtering power, enabling the high quality of transparent electrodes. With optimal sputtering condition for tin‐doped indium oxide (ITO) as a top transparent electrode, the semi‐transparent device shows an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.5% (20.5% with a back reflector), which is higher than that of the opaque device (19.2%). The semi‐transparent devices also shows superior storage stability without encapsulation under 10% relative humidity, retaining over 90% of initial PCE for 1000 h. By controlling the molar concentration of perovskite solution, a semi‐transparent PSC with a PCE of 12.8%, showing a high average visible transmittance (AVT) of 30.3%, is fabricated. The authors believe that this architecture with n‐type oxide/perovskite halide/p‐type oxide represents a cornerstone for the high performance and commercialization of semi‐transparent PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi‐transparent perovskite solar cells (ST‐PeSCs) have tremendous potential as solar windows owing to their higher efficiency and visible transmittance. However, studies toward this application are still nascent, particularly in unraveling the interplay between how the perovskite composition impacts the achievable device performance and stability. Here, the role of A‐ and X‐site modification in APbX3 perovskites is studied to understand their influence on these factors. Through detailed experimental and simulation work, it is found that a perovskite composition consisting of cesium (Cs) and formamidinium (FA) at the A‐site delivers the best device performance over a range of band gaps, which are tuned by changes to the X‐site anion. Using this optimized perovskite composition, power conversion efficiencies of 15.5% and 4.1% are achieved for ST‐PeSCs with average visible transmittance values between 20.7% and 52.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the CsFA‐based ST‐PeSCs show excellent long‐term stability under continuous illumination and heating. The stability of the precursor solutions across each of the studied compositions has also been considered, showing dramatic differences in the structural properties of the perovskites and their device performance for all mixed A‐site compositions possessing the archetypal methyl ammonium species, while also confirming the superior stability of the CsFA precursor solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are advancing rapidly and have reached a performance comparable to that of silicon solar cells. Recently, they have been expanding into a variety of applications based on the excellent photoelectric properties of perovskite. Semi-transparent PSCs (ST-PSCs) are one promising application that utilizes the tunable transmittance of perovskite photoactive layers, which can be used in tandem solar cells (TSC) and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). However, the inverse relationship between light transmittance and efficiency is a challenge in the development of ST-PSCs. To overcome these challenges, numerous studies are underway, including those on band-gap tuning, high-performance charge transport layers and electrodes, and creating island-shaped microstructures. This review provides a general and concise summary of the innovative approaches in ST-PSCs, including advances in the perovskite photoactive layer, transparent electrodes, device structures and their applications in TSC and BIPV. Furthermore, the essential requirements and challenges to be addressed to realize ST-PSCs are discussed, and the prospects of ST-PSCs are presented.

Summary: The strong but narrow-bandwidth absorption spectra of organic semiconductors make them excellent candidates for semi-transparent solar cell applications in which color specificity is important. In this study, using a hybrid heterojunction combining the transparent inorganic semiconductor copper thiocyanate (CuSCN) with organic semiconductors (C70, PC70BM, C60, ITIC, IT-4F, or Y6), we show that simple color-tunable solar cells can be fabricated in which the transmission spectrum is determined solely by choice of the organic semiconductor. Using a joint electrical-optical model, we show that it is possible to combine the unique attributes of high photovoltage and color tunability to use these heterojunctions as photovoltaic windows in tandem photoelectrochemical (PEC)-photovoltaic (PV) cells. We demonstrate that this configuration can lead to a reduction in the parasitic absorption losses in the PEC-PV cells and, thus, to solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies (>3%) that are higher than that predicted using the traditionally used architecture in which the PV is placed behind the PEC.

Semi‐transparent organic solar cells (STOSCs) have attracted tremendous attention in power‐generating windows for buildings and automobiles. Although STOSCs based on vacuum‐deposited thin metal films exhibited power conversion efficiency exceeding 10%, solution‐processed top transparent electrode (TE) is desirable for large‐area and low‐cost fabrication of STOSCs. Here, we present a self‐assembled and knitted Ag nanoparticles/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes composite thin film by solution process as transparent top electrode for STOSC. The composite film exhibits an extremely low sheet resistance of 14.5Ω sq−1, an average visible transmittance (AVT) of ≈67%, and a high color rendering index (CRI) of 97. The optimized device with solution‐processed top TE achieves an AVT of 36% and a high CRI of 90. This work paves a simple and promising route towards low‐cost fabrication of power‐generating window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Promotion of Ge incorporation into CZTSe lattice via Na, detected by XRD and Raman. • Thicker NaF layer results in higher Ge content, E g and shorter depletion width. • Nano-Mo/nano-V 2 O 5 /FTO as good back contact for semi-transparent kesterite devices. • Semi-transparent CZTGSe-based solar cells with 5.6% efficiency. Cu 2 ZnSn 1-x Ge x Se 4 (CZTGSe) thin films have been grown onto Mo/SLG and Mo/V 2 O 5 /FTO/SLG substrates using thermal co-evaporation followed by a subsequent thermal annealing. A NaF precursor layer was evaporated prior to the deposition of the kesterite absorber layer. In the samples grown on Mo/SLG, it has been found that Na promotes Ge incorporation into the Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 lattice. The high concentration of incorporated Ge leads to the segregation of Sn-Se secondary phases as well as to an accumulation of Sn next to the Mo layer. The use of 12 and 16 nm NaF thick precursor layers prior to the CZTGSe deposition leads to absorber band gaps of 1.30 and 1.34 eV, and to device performances of 4.7 and 4.0%, respectively. A higher Na content, furthermore, caused the formation of bigger grains, a higher charge carrier concentration and a shorter depletion width. A 12 nm NaF precursor layer was used for the devices grown on FTO-based substrates, producing an optimal back contact that allows achieving efficiencies of 5.6% and transmittance of 30% in the near infrared range. This enhanced performance can be associated with the absence of secondary phases and Ge distribution through the absorber layer. The formation of a MoSe 2 layer at the back interface in all the investigated devices seems to play a crucial role to improve the solar cell efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different parameters could contribute to the performance of Building Integrated Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic/Thermal (BISTPV/T) systems, for example amount of incident radiation, the location, the degree of semi-transparency of the PV system, orientation of the collector surface, and the mode of ventilation of the air within the double-skin façade (DSF). Nevertheless, the performance of the system could not be solely depended on energy efficiency but has to be analyzed in its entirety. Thus, exergy efficiency must be examined as well. The present work studies the exergy, exergoeconomic and enviroeconomic analysis of BISTPV/T system by natural ventilation. For a given meteorological conditions, the energy and exergy efficiency, net and ratio loss rate, CO 2 emission and enviroeconomic reduction are calculated by solving a set of energy and exergy formulations. The results depicted that the BISTPV/T exhibits greater energy and exergy efficiency than the opaque BIPV/T, thus creating lower loss rate and eventually better impact economy and environment. Left: Prototype of the double skin PV façade. Right: single prism element showing PV and glazed surfaces. Image 106055 • Exergy, exergoeconomic and enviroeconomic analyses of a (BISTPV/T) system. • BISTPV/T exhibits greater exergy efficiency than the opaque BIPV/T. • BISTPV/T creates less CO 2 emission and higher enviroeconomic reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DSSCs can be advantageously fabricated by Digital Materials Deposition "DMD". • DMD fabricated DSSCs are more efficient than by screen printing. • DMD is a quick process (less than 15 min). • DMD is compatible with large surface, with any shapes and flexible and rigid substrates. • DMD is more economical as it saves materials. This study reports on the printing of TiO 2 nanoparticles and the sensitization of the photoanode by a new digital printing technology, named Digital Materials Deposition "DMD" to fabricate semi-transparent DSSCs. In this study, the push-pull dye coded "D35" and I 3 −/I− were used respectively as sensitizer and redox mediator. The photovoltaic performances of the solar cells printed with the DMD technology were compared to those prepared by the conventional method consisting of screen-printed nanoparticles and dying process by overnight soaking of the electrode into a solution of the sensitizer. Scanning Electron Microscopy shows that the DMD printed film is more porous than the one deposited by screen printing. The cells prepared by DMD give higher solar energy conversion efficiency (Jsc = 12.65 mA/cm2, Voc = 775 mV, FF = 75%, PEC = 7.4%) than with conventional screen-printing technique (Jsc = 10.03 mA/cm2, Voc = 760 mV, FF = 72%, PEC = 5.48%). IMVS/IMPS measurements demonstrate that the superior photocurrent density delivered by DMD printed solar cells is due to a higher charge collection efficiency. Overall, this study demonstrates that DMD technology simplifies the DSSC fabrication process with a reduction of the material consumption and it is quick and efficient representing an innovative and attractive method to manufacture DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A unique AgNW-C60 composite film as the top electrode of semi-transparent perovskite solar cells was fabricated by a sequential spin-coating method at low temperature (<100 °C). • The spin-coated C60 filler on the AgNW network engendered a high contact area and favourable energy level alignment at the cathode interface. • Perovskite solar cells with AgNW-C60 composite top electrode showed significantly improved efficiency and stability as compared to devices using AgNW-only top electrode, and were comparable to conventional devices with thermally evaporated electrodes. All solution-processed semi-transparent perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with high efficiency were fabricated with Ag nanowire (AgNW) top electrode directly coated on the organic electron transport layer (ETL). A unique AgNW/ETL interface morphology was attained by the fabrication of the AgNW-C60 composite electrode through a sequential spin-coating method. The C60 filler spin-coated on the AgNW network engendered a high contact area and favourable energy level alignment at the interface between the ETL and AgNW. As a result, devices based on AgNW-C60 electrode far outperformed devices with pristine AgNW electrodes. By adjusting the thickness of the AgNW film, the AgNW-C60 devices attained a PCE of 11.02%. The incorporation of C60 into the AgNW electrode also led to remarkable stability improvement. The low-temperature solution-processed and semi-transparent AgNW-C60 top electrode is also applicable to other PSC structures with various interfacial layers, thus showing a promising path towards fully-printable, flexible and translucent photovoltaic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of semi-transparent photovoltaic devices causes an inevitable loss of photocurrent, as light transmitted has not been absorbed. This trivial effect also leads to a loss of photovoltage, an effect partially due to the lower photocurrent but also due to the geometry of the semi-transparent photovoltaic device. We here demonstrate and evaluate this photovoltage loss in semi-transparent organic photovoltaic devices, compared with non-transparent solar cells of the same material. Semi-transparent solar cells in addition introduce photovoltage loss when formed by lamination. We document and analyze these effects for a number of polymer blends in the form of bulk heterojunctions. Image 1015002 • The use of semi-transparent photovoltaic devices causes an inevitable loss of photovoltage. • This photovoltage loss is analyzed using detailed balance theory which also fits the experimental data. • Semitransparent device have a geometrical V oc loss around 0.018 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When we use video chat, video game, or other video applications, motion-blurred hands often appear. Accurately extracting these hands is very useful for video editing and behavior analysis. However, existing motion-blurred object extraction methods either need user interactions, such as user supplied trimaps and scribbles, or need additional information, such as background images. In this letter, a novel method which can automatically extract the semi-transparent motion-blurred hand just according to the original RGB image is proposed. The proposed method separates the extraction task into two subtasks: alpha matte prediction and foreground prediction. These two subtasks are implemented by Xception based encoder-decoder networks. The images of extracted motion-blurred hands are calculated by multiplying the predicted alpha mattes and foreground images. Experiments on synthetic and real datasets show that the proposed method has promising performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep-ultraviolet (DUV) photodetectors (PDs) are gaining significant importance in applications such as ultraviolet communication, monitoring, and missile detection. MgTiO 3 (MTO) has demonstrated exceptional suitability for DUV PDs owing to its extensive UVC light detection ability in the superwide band (4.4–4.6 eV) and its structural and thermal stability. In this study, we fabricated a semi-transparent MTO-based self-powered vertical metal-semiconductor-metal PD using a facile solution process. Two different transparent electrodes (ITO and PEDOT:PSS) in contact with the MTO semiconductor allowed not only self-powered operation but also high transparency of the PD. The thickness of the MTO film was controlled to increase the depletion width at the semiconductor–electrode junction. In addition, the work function of the PEDOT:PSS was modulated by adding Nafion. At appropriate conditions of MTO film thickness and Nafion doping concentration in PEDOT:PSS, the device exhibited high responsivity (4.06 mA W−1) and detectivity (3.76 ×109 Jones), fast response time (303/608 ms for rise/decay time), and good stability (over 100 cycles of on–off operations) under UVC light illumination. This study provides new insights into the cost-effective fabrication of high-performance semi-transparent DUV PD. [Display omitted] • Solution processed MgTiO 3 -based vertical MSM PD is fabricated. • MgTiO 3 film thickness affects the number of photocarriers of the PD. • Nafion added in PEDOT:PSS can modulate the Schottky barrier height for the PD. • Asymmetric Schottky junctions enables self-powered operation of the PD. • Semi-transparent MgTiO 3 -based MSM PD exhibits good responsivity and response time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our world is facing an environmental crisis that is driving scientists to research green and smart solutions in terms of the use of renewable energy sources and low polluting technologies. In this framework, photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most worthy of interest. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are innovative PV devices known for their encouraging features of low cost and easy fabrication, good response to diffuse light and colour tunability. All these features make DSSCs technology suitable for being applied to the so-called agrovoltaic field, taking into account their dual role of filtering light and supporting energy needs. In this project, we used 40 DSSC Z-series connected modules with the aim of combining the devices’ high conversion efficiency, transparency and robustness in order to test them in a greenhouse. A maximum conversion efficiency of 3.9% on a 221 cm2 active area was achieved with a transparency in the module’s aperture (312.9 cm2) area of 35%. Moreover, different modules were stressed at two different temperature conditions, 60 °C and 85 °C, and under light soaking at the maximum power point, showing a strong and robust stability for 1000 h. We assembled the fabricated modules to form ten panels to filter the light from the roof of the greenhouse. We carried out panel measurements in outdoor and greenhouse environments in both sunny and cloudy conditions to find clear trends in efficiency behaviour. A maximum panel efficiency in outdoor conditions of 3.83% was obtained in clear and sunny sky conditions.

Abstract A novel ferroelectric coupling photovoltaic effect is reported to enhance the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and the efficiency of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells. A theoretical analysis demonstrates that this ferroelectric coupling effect can effectively promote charge extraction as well as suppress combination loss for an increased minority carrier lifetime. In this study, a ferroelectric polymer P(VDF‐TrFE) is introduced to the absorber layer in solar cells with a proper cocrystalline process. Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) is used to confirm that the P(VDF‐TrFE):CH3NH3PbI3 mixed thin films possess ferroelectricity, while the pure CH3NH3PbI3 films have no obvious PFM response. Additionally, with the applied external bias voltages on the ferroelectric films, the devices begin to show tunable photovoltaic performance, as expected for the polarization in the poling process. Furthermore, it is shown that through the ferroelectric coupled effect, the efficiency of the CH3NH3PbI3‐based perovskite photovoltaic devices is enhanced by about 30%, from 13.4% to 17.3%. And the open‐circuit voltages (VOC) reach 1.17 from 1.08 V, which is reported to be among the highest VOCs for CH3NH3PbI3‐based devices. It should be noted in particular that the thickness of the layer is less than 160 nm, which can be regarded as semi‐transparent.

Abstract Design and synthesis of low bandgap (LBG) nonfullerene small molecule acceptor (SMA) is of critical importance for realizing high-efficiency semitransparent organic solar cells (ST-OSCs). In this article, we synthesized a LBG new SMA, ID-4Cl, by introducing four chlorine substituents onto the electron-acceptor terminals of IDIC. Its optical bandgap (E g opt) is 1.51 eV, which helps to obtain large short-circuit current-density (J sc) without scarifying the transmittance in the visible human-eye-sensitive wavelength region (360–700 nm). The optimal opaque device performance was obtained on a relatively thin active layer of 65 nm, showing high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.2%, large J sc of 18 mA/cm2, high fill factor (FF) of 75%, and open-circuit voltage of 0.77 V. The ST-OSC device fabricated with the structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/active layer/PDINO/Au (15 nm) shown a PCE of 6.99% in a small area of 4 mm2 and 1.1% in a large area of 1 cm2 with an AVT (average visible transmittance) of 43.7%, showing potentiality in building integrated photovoltaics. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A chlorinated fused-ring electron acceptor shows >10% efficiency and 75% fill-factor. • Semi-transparent organic solar cell with 7% efficiency and 44% AVT. • A large-area (1 cm2) semi-transparent solar cell with 1.1% efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a base material of conductive polymer (poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate), PEDOT:PSS), a flexible and high-conductivity (as low as 45 Ω/sq) transparent electrode was fabricated on polydimethylsiloxane elastomer by an acid treatment and transfer process. Combined with the D-sorbitol-doped PEDOT:PSS electric glue, we successfully demonstrated a vacuum-free and ambient lamination fabrication process for semi-transparent perovskite solar cells using triple cation Cs005(MA017FA083)095Pb(I083Br017)3 perovskite. By this manufacturing-friendly lamination process, we fabricated semi-transparent perovskite solar cell devices with power conversion efficiencies up to 16.4% and variable transparencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Semi-transparent CIGS solar cells are deposited on FTO substrates by single stage co-evaporation. • Optimal Na content in the absorber layer is critical for solar cell performance. • 6.46% PCE and 18.59% AVT for the solar cell with 200-nm-thick absorber is obtained. Abstract Semi-transparent thin-film solar cells with ultra-thin Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) absorber layers were fabricated on fluorine-doped tin oxide coated glass substrates using a single-stage co-evaporation process. The effects of the deposition conditions, such as the absorber thickness, deposition temperature, and post-deposition treatment using NaF on the material properties of the CIGS films were evaluated. In addition, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and average visible transmission (AVT) in the wavelength range of 420–720 nm for semi-transparent CIGS solar cells using these absorber layers were systematically investigated. The AVT of the solar cells was directly dependent on the thickness of the CIGS absorber films. When the film thickness of the absorber layers increased from 300 nm to 950 nm, the AVT decreased gradually from 9.04% to 0.30%, while their PCE values did not show a clear dependence on the absorber thickness. Narrow columnar grains were observed in the microstructure of the ultra-thin CIGS absorber layers, irrespective of the film thickness and deposition temperature. Doping the ultra-thin CIGS absorber layers with Na after film deposition enhanced solar cell performance (the open circuit voltage (V OC) and fill factor (FF) were improved). The enhanced cell performance was attributed to the lack of a resistive GaO x film at the CIGS/FTO interface and thermal damage to the FTO back contact. The PCE values of semi-transparent solar cells with ultra-thin CIGS absorber layers prepared under the optimal deposition conditions varied from 6.46% to 9.78% when the CIGS absorber thickness was varied from 200 nm to 300 nm, respectively, while the corresponding AVT values changed from 18.59% to 9.04%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Semi-transparent flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) are highly attractive for effective use of solar energy in many areas such as building- and vehicle-integrated photovoltaics. High power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells is achieved mainly by using transparent conductive oxide electrodes, which are unsuitable for FPSCs. Here, we first report semi-transparent and high-aperture FPSCs with anode/cathode electrodes fabricated by doping of graphene (GR) with bis (trifluoromethanesulfonyl)-amide (TFSA) and triethylenetetramine (TETA), respectively. The FPSCs are fabricated by laminating the polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/TETA-doped GR (TETA-GR)/ZnO/MAPbI 3 /poly-triarylamine and the PEDOT:PSS/TFSA-doped GR (TFSA-GR)/PET stacks. PCEs of 10.56/10.73% are obtained by illumination at the TFSA-GR/TETA-GR sides of the FPSCs with an active area of 100 mm2, respectively. The PCE is further enhanced to 10.96/11.16% by adding Ag reflectors at the top/bottom of the FPSCs, respectively. In addition, the PCE is maintained at 70% or more of its original value even after 1000 bending cycles at a bending radius of 8 mm, promising for practical applications of the FPSCs as next-generation semi-transparent solar energy power sources. Highlights • First use of doped-graphene anode/cathode for transparent/flexible perovskite solar cells. • Power-conversion efficiency (PCE) is 10.56/10.73% at the anode/cathode sides. • PCE is maintained at 70% or more of its original value even after 1000 bending tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A stretchable and semi-transparent epidermal thin film heater (TFH) has been fabricated by using silver nanowire (Ag NW) networks as a Joule heat generator and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a stretchable and transparent matrix. The device is a conductive layer of interconnected Ag NWs sandwiched with two layers of PDMS. The output power and transparency of the device were rationally tuned by adjusting the Ag NW amount. Our results show that the device transparency at 600 nm decreases from 70% to 46% when we tuned the sheet resistance of Ag NW layer from 30.0 Ω/□ to 5.4 Ω/□. The TFH shows a favorable stretchability, and it can almost completely recover when we applied a strain up to 200% or after a fatigue test of 1000 cycles, 50% in strain. The ultimate temperature in air reached up to 81 °C when we applied an electric field of 1.0 V/cm. Its epidermal heating performance was simulated by warming a piece of pork, and it can make the subcutaneous temperature increase 12 °C. A model to evaluate the heating performance of TFHs with thermal capacity per-unit area, device resistance and energy conversion efficiency was also proposed, which will fatally determine their heating rate and ultimate temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a method which combines the discrete ordinate method (DOM), the finite element method (FEM), and the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm is proposed to resolve two-dimensional transient inverse coupled radiation and conduction problems. Firstly, three radiative thermo-physical parameters of semi-transparent media are simultaneously retrieved. The effect factors on the results of reconstruction are discussed in detail. Secondly, parameters of Si3N4 ceramics are reconstructed by using experimental measured temperatures as inverse inputs. The results demonstrate that the present method has high accuracy, good stability and robustness. The maximum root mean square deviation of the identified parameters is 4.3%. For the experimental data, the maximum relative error between the reconstructed temperatures and the measurement temperatures is 7.5%. The proposed method could integrate self-made inversion algorithm program and commercial software, which is efficient and accurate enough to retrieve thermo-physical properties of semi-transparent media. Moreover, it is convenient for engineering applications. • A novel method is developed to simultaneously retrieve multi-parameters in semi-transparent medium. • The thermo-physical properties of Si3N4 ceramics are successfully retrieved. • The maximum relative error between measured high-temperatures and revised temperatures is 7.5%. • The present method is convenient, efficient, and more suitable for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are a promising technology for integration and renewable energy generation in buildings because they are inexpensive, lightweight, aesthetically versatile, can concentrate both direct and diffuse light and offer wavelength-selective transparency. LSCs have been extensively investigated for applications involving photovoltaic electricity generation. However, little work has been done to investigate the use of thermal energy generated at the edges of LSCs, despite the potential for harnessing a broad range of solar thermal energy. In this work, Newton’s law of cooling is used to measure the thermal power generated at the edge of LSC modules subjected to solar-simulated radiation. Results show that the dye in single-panel LSC modules can generate 17.9 W/m2 under solar-simulated radiation with an intensity of 23.95 mW/cm2 over the spectral region from 360 to 1000 nm. Assuming a mean daily insolation of 5 kWh/m2, the dye in the single-panel LSC modules can generate ~100 kWh/m2 annually. If the surface area of a building is comparable to its floor space, thermal energy generated from LSCs on the buildings surface could be used to substantially reduce the buildings energy consumption.

Semi-transparent organic solar cells (ST-OSCs) have attracted significant research attention, as they have strong potential to be applied in automobiles and buildings. For ST-OSCs, the transparent top electrode is an indispensable component, where the dielectric/metal/dielectric (D/M/D) structured electrode displayed a promising future due to its simplicity in the fabrication. In this work, by using the MoO3-/Ag-/MoO3-based D/M/D transparent electrode, we fabricated ST-OSCs based on the PM6:N3 active layer for the first time. In the device fabrication, the D/M/D transparent electrode was optimised by varying the thickness of the outer MoO3 layer. As a result, we found that increasing the thickness of the outer MoO3 layer can increase the average visible transmittance (AVT) but decrease the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device. The outer MoO3 layer with a 10 nm thickness was found as the optimum case, where its corresponding device showed the PCE of 9.18% with a high AVT of 28.94%. Moreover, the colour perception of fabricated ST-OSCs was investigated. All semi-transparent devices exhibited a neutral colour perception with a high colour rendering index (CRI) over 90, showing great potential for the window application.

The rapid efficiency enhancement of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) make it a promising photovoltaic (PV) research, which has now drawn attention from industries and government organizations to invest for further development of PSC technology. PSC technology continuously develops into new and improved results. However, stability, toxicity, cost, material production and fabrication become the significant factors, which limits the expansion of PSCs. PSCs integration into a building in the form of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) is one of the most holistic approaches to exploit it as a next-generation PV technology. Integration of high efficiency and semi-transparent PSC in BIPV is still not a well-established area. The purpose of this review is to get an overview of the relative scope of PSCs integration in the BIPV sector. This review demonstrates the benevolence of PSCs by stimulating energy conversion and its perspective and gradual evolution in terms of photovoltaic applications to address the challenge of increasing energy demand and their environmental impacts for BIPV adaptation. Understanding the critical impact regarding the materials and devices established portfolio for PSC integration BIPV are also discussed. In addition to highlighting the apparent advantages of using PSCs in terms of their demand, perspective and the limitations, challenges, new strategies of modification and relative scopes are also addressed in this review.

For over a decade, single-junction perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have experienced an unprecedent increase in efficiencies and even offer opportunities to surpass the Shockley–Queisser limit in multijunction configuration. There is consequently an intense need for easily processable semi-transparent PSCs as a basis of affordable tandems. The current study reports the comparison of negative-intrinsic-positive (NIP) and positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) architectures based on CH3NH3PbI3{Cl}-based perovskite. Both devices could be prepared with the same N-type (SnO2 nanoparticles) and P-type (poly-triarylamine (PTAA) polymer) materials. Each layer (except for electrodes) was deposited using solvent-based low temperature processes, contrasting with other literature studies, especially SnO2 for PIN-type purposes. A thorough experimental comparison of the two architectures reveals rather similar optical and structural properties for perovskites, whether deposited on an N- or P-type underlayer, with also comparable efficiencies in the final devices. A compatible deposition process for sputtered indium tin oxide (ITO) as a semi-transparent electrode was then performed for both architectures. Upon varying the illuminated devices’ side, the semi-transparent cells exhibited different photocurrent behaviors, the magnitude of which depended on the device’s architecture. In conclusion, despite slightly better efficiencies for the semi-transparent NIP-type devices, the semi-transparent PIN-type counterparts also appear to be optically attractive for (two-terminal) tandem applications.

In this work, a versatile strategy was proposed to fabricate translucent superhydrophobic coatings by spraying the suspension of modified SiO _2 /polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on various substrates. The wettability can be adjusted by changing the mass ratio of modified SiO _2 nanoparticles in the suspension. By optimizing the parameters in the spraying process, a superhydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 164.1 ± 3.4° and a sliding angle of 4.2 ± 0.4° was achieved. As prepared translucent superhydrophobic SiO _2 /PDMS coatings show good mechanical durability, chemical stability, and self-cleaning performances.

Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells (ST-PSCs) have attracted enormous attention recently due to their potential in building-integrated photovoltaic. To obtain adequate average visible transmittance (AVT), a thin perovskite is commonly employed in ST-PSCs. While the thinner perovskite layer has higher transparency, its light absorption efficiency is reduced, and the device shows lower power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this work, a combination of high-quality transparent conducting layers and surface engineering using 2D-MXene results in a superior PCE. In situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction provides direct evidence that the MXene interlayer retards the perovskite crystallization process and leads to larger perovskite grains with fewer grain boundaries, which are favorable for carrier transport. The interfacial carrier recombination is decreased due to fewer defects in the perovskite. Consequently, the current density of the devices with MXene increased significantly. Also, optimized indium tin oxide provides appreciable transparency and conductivity as the top electrode. The semi-transparent device with a PCE of 14.78% and AVT of over 26.7% (400-800 nm) was successfully obtained, outperforming most reported ST-PSCs. The unencapsulated device maintained 85.58% of its original efficiency after over 1000 h under ambient conditions. This work provides a new strategy to prepare high-efficiency ST-PSCs with remarkable AVT and extended stability.

We focused on fabricating all p-i-n layer hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxide (a-SiO x :H) thin film solar cells in order to improve their transmittance in visible ranges of 500–800 nm for application in building integrated photovoltaics system. We varied CO 2 /SiH 4 ( R ) gas flow ratio from 0 to 0.6 for i-layer to investigate an effect of oxygen addition. When the R ratio increased, the transmittance of devices improved due to the enhancement in optical bandgap of the absorber. However, power conversion efficiency (PCE) decreased owing to the increase in defects and recombination rate which might be ascribed to back bonding of oxygen atoms with Si atoms. Unlike other R flow ratio, however, the PCE of a-SiO x :H solar cell at the R ratio of 0.2 was slightly improved by the increase in open circuit voltage as indicated by the wide band gap and the increase in quantum efficiency within short-wavelengths (300–500 nm). We introduced a figure of merit (FOM), multiplication of PCE and average transmittance in range of 500–800 nm, in order to assess the performance of transparent solar cells. The a-SiO x :H solar cell at the R ratio of 0.2 achieved the highest FOM, which was better than conventional amorphous silicon solar cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to overcome the decreased power conversion efficiency of semi-transparent organic solar cells, methods to prepare a simple external reflection layer were studied. A reflective layer was formed by blending a polymer with high refractive index materials and was fabricated on top of the device to enhance the power conversion efficiency of the semi-transparent device. When silver coated exfoliated montmorillonite, aluminum oxide nano-particles, or magnesium oxide nano-particles were used as a reflective layer material, the enhancement in power conversion efficiency was imperceptible. A reflective layer formed by blending polymer and gold nanoparticles was tried to enhance the power conversion efficiency based on the plasmonic effect of gold. Two different sizes (2 nm and 30 nm in diameter) of gold nanoparticles were used as reflective layers to fabricate OPV devices and both devices showed an approximately 20% power conversion efficiency increase compared to the reference semi-transparent device. Better enhancement of power conversion efficiency was obtained by combining the gold plasmonic effect and the scattering effect from a reflective layer formed with a 1:1 mixture of 2 nm and 30 nm gold nanoparticles. Devices with the gold nanoparticle mixture layer as a reflective layer showed about 50% improvement in power conversion efficiency compared to the reference device. The process for preparing this polymer reflective layer is very simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A simple reflector film for semi-transparent OPV was developed. • Reflector film with gold nanoparticles showed enhanced conversion efficiency. • Mixing different size gold nanoparticles showed more enhanced efficiency. • Plasmonic effect and scattering effect were combined for mixed gold nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our research group fabricated low temperature based inverted semi-transparent CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite photovoltaics. The work function of PEDOT:PSS (PH1000) electrode was modified using polyethylenimine (PEI) and both layers are transferred on the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 /PCBM layer using hydrophobic polyurethane acrylate (PUA) polymer stamp. Even if the PH1000 spin coating on the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 /PCBM layer shows degradation of perovskite due to the inter-diffusion of PH1000 solvent, drying transfer shows effective layer stacking without degradation. The PEI treatment on the PH1000 contributes to reduce the work function from 5.1eV to 3.97 eV and this modification makes to improve the device performance from 0.07% to 4.02%. The full device average visible transmittance (AVT) exhibits 24.53% and the work function modification shows the decreased charge transporting resistance (R c ), which directly correlate to the enhanced open circuit voltage (V oc ) short circuit current (J sc ) and fill factor (FF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Semi‐transparent plastic solar cells are currently highly attractive for their potential as the most prominent components for building‐integrated photovoltaics. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of semi‐transparent plastic solar cells still lags behind due to the lack of a suitable transparent top electrode which can be easily fabricated. Here, we demonstrate high performance semi‐transparent plastic solar cells by introducing an oxide‐metal‐oxide (OMO) multilayer composed of MoO3 and Ag as a transparent top electrode. Because the conductivity of the OMO electrode is governed by an intermediate Ag layer sandwiched between 2 MoO3 layers, the PCE also strongly depends on the thickness of the intermediate Ag layer in the OMO electrode. By controlling the thickness of Ag layer, we obtained various PCE values from 4.5% with ~50% maximum transparency in the visible region to 9.1% with ~5% maximum transparency in the visible region. In addition, in order to get closer to practical application, 2 sizes of mini‐module devices were fabricated on a larger (10.0 cm × 10.0 cm) substrate for outdoor operation and small‐sized (7.0 cm × 5.0 cm) substrates for indoor operation were demonstrated using 3 materials of different color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of smart electronic devices, the importance of surface-protective coatings is rapidly increasing. Superhydrophobic surfaces are promising protective coatings that exhibit potential for anti-wetting, self-cleaning, and antibacterial applications. However, their poor mechanical durability makes their practical application difficult. Additionally, rough surface geometries induce incident light scattering, thereby reducing the transparency and limiting their optical applications. This study describes semi-transparent superhydrophobic surfaces with improved mechanical strength and thermal stability obtained through simple spray coating. We mixed reactive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a binder with low surface free energy and high thermal resistance with fluorinated silica nanoparticles. PDMS polymers were functionalized to improve their hydrophobicity and adhesion properties through hydrosilylation with acrylate monomers. As a result, our superhydrophobic surfaces had a high-water repellency of above 160° and transparency of approximately 60 % at a wavelength of 550 nm. The coated surfaces exhibited an outstanding pencil hardness of 5H and sufficient clarity to identify objects through them. After heat treatment at 400 °C, the hardness increased to 6H while maintaining superhydrophobicity. Additionally, various contaminants were easily removed with water spraying. Our semi-transparent superhydrophobic surfaces can be widely applied in hard coatings for mobile displays, solar cell panels, self-cleaning paint, and outdoor facilities. [Display omitted] • We developed thermally stable, semi-transparent superhydrophobic surfaces with excellent mechanical strengths. • The superhydrophobic surfaces were fabricated from functionalized polydimethylsiloxane and fluorinated silica nanoparticles. • Optimizing the content of silica nanoparticles enabled semi-transparent superhydrophobic surfaces. • The semi-transparent superhydrophobic surfaces exhibited excellent water repellency and a high degree of hardness above 5H. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-transparent and self-encapsulated perovskite solar cells could be fabricated by simply laminating the front sub-cell (ITO/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 ) and back sub-cell (FTO/compact-TiO 2 /mesoporous-TiO 2 /CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 ), without vacuum-evaporating metal electrode. The addition of chlorobenzene (CB) between two perovskite layers accelerated perovskite crystals interfusion and close interfacial contact from two separated sub-cells, which contributed to perovskite film with high crystallinity and light absorption in laminated cells. The self-encapsulated perovskite solar cell (device area of 0.39 cm 2 ) with CB treatment not only showed power conversion efficiency of 6.9%, but also existed excellent stability even if soaking in water for 24 h. This novel approach to fabricate semi-transparent, solution-processible, cost-effective and high-stable perovskite solar cells may provide a reliable royal road for realizing commercial application in exterior building window, with the combination of large-area roll-to-roll printing technique, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, certified lab scale organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells reach efficiencies of more than 12% and life times of 10 years. For commercialization, it is necessary to understand which performance can be reached in fully printed large scale products. Our investigations show that large area, semi-transparent organic photovoltaic modules based on industrially available materials can achieve power conversion efficiencies of more than 4.8% on rigid substrates and 4.3% on flexible ones. The modules processed with a combination of large area coating and laser patterning with an active area of 68.76 cm 2 for flexible modules and a total area of 197.4 cm 2 for glass modules offer exceptionally high geometric fill factors of more than 94% and a transparency of more than 10%. The processing recipe and the layout of the modules are based on indications of optical and electrical simulations which allow to produce devices with only negligible losses in comparison to small single cell devices. Losses due to imperfect coating or patterning are identified by thermal imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organo-lead-halide perovskite based solar cells have achieved remarkable advancements in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in recent years. Given their attractive properties, possible applications for perovskites are wide ranging and among others, particularly appealing for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). In this study, patterned perovskite films were successfully fabricated based on a microsphere lithography SiO 2 honeycomb scaffold template, which was derived by a combination of air-water interface self-assembly and O 2 plasma etching. These patterned perovskite films exhibited near-neutral-color and tunable semitransparency, which meet the requisites of semitransparent solar cells for BIPVs application. O 2 plasma etching of the microsphere template could effectively improve the active layer average visible transmission (AVT), and the existence of the SiO 2 nanoscaffold effectively smoothed the internal trade-off of active layer AVT and device PCE. Solar cell devices fabricated with these optimized patterened perovskite films yielded a maximum PCE of 10.3% with relatively high active layer AVT of 38%. This nanoscaffold patterned perovskite opens up a new strategy for design and fabrication of functional photoelectric device based on organo-lead-halide perovskite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical properties of a novel semi-transparent organic solar cell were investigated both experimentally and by transfer matrix modelling to maximize photocurrent generation. The effect of multilayer anode thickness and illumination direction was studied. Bottom illumination was shown to provide enhanced exciton generation and increased photocurrent. Changing the multilayer anode thickness also influenced the device reflectance and photocurrent generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]