Functional materials for photovoltaics and hydrogen energy

FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR PHOTOVOLTAICS AND HYDROGEN ENERGY
U.A. Mayinova¹, J.M. Abdiev^2,3
1 Institute of Engineering Physics of Samarkand State University (IEPSSU), Samarkand, Uzbekistan
² Physical-Technical Institute of Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan (PTI, ASU), Tashkent, 100084, Uzbekistan
³ Laboratory of Environmental Science and Technology, The Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry (XYIPC), Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, (CAS), Urumqi, 830000, China


Abstract. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and organic solar cells (OSCs) have expanded the boundaries of photovoltaic energy conversion. PSCs, nearing 25.7% power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), could achieve 42-49% efficiencies in tandem devices. The fusion of perovskite with silicon and CIGS in tandem cells shows high efficiency potential. OSCs, however, provide affordable, adaptable optical features, processability, and flexibility, with the finest OSCs yielding over 18% PCEs. Despite hurdles, combining perovskite and organic semiconductors in a tandem structure, has resulted in 16% PCE and 1.63 V V_oc, indicating scope for improvement.
Keywords: Perovskite Solar Cells, Organic Solar Cells, Tandem Devices, Power Conversion Efficiency, Low-bandgap Materials, Silicon, CIGS, Photovoltaics, Hydrogen Energy.

Introduction
In light of the global energy dilemma, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources has become critical. Enhancing the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and durability of renewable energy capture and storage systems is at the forefront of this transition. In particular, the innovative materials propelling solar energy technologies, such as Photovoltaics (PV), and the burgeoning role of hydrogen as an energy vector, are essential in this context. PV energy transformation, which converts sunlight to electricity via solar cells, has progressed considerably in recent years, spearheaded by Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and organic solar cells (OSCs) [1]. Concurrently, hydrogen energy is emerging as a compelling, environmentally friendly alternative due to its high energy potential. PSCs and OSCs have notably expanded PV energy transformation capabilities. PSCs are nearing top power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 25.7% under standard solar conditions, whereas OSCs provide affordable, adjustable optical properties and mechanical flexibility, making them versatile for numerous applications [2]. This paper offers a detailed exploration of the functional materials underpinning PV and hydrogen energy systems. We aim to provide an encompassing perspective on the theoretical foundation, existing technologies, and materials within these fields. Our discussion accentuates recent progress, innovations, and case studies, allowing for a comparative analysis of functional materials utilized in PV and hydrogen energy systems. We also anticipate future trends and research directions, offering potential research pathways to stimulate innovation in this sector [3]. We commence with an outline of PV and hydrogen energy, providing a theoretical backdrop and current technologies and materials overview. We then scrutinize novel materials, their properties, and recent breakthroughs, focusing primarily on PV, followed by a similar analysis for hydrogen energy. We then conduct a comparative examination of the functional materials within these domains. We identify the primary strengths and weaknesses of these materials, laying the groundwork for a discussion on future trends and research directions. We conclude with a recapitulation of central points and final reflections on the sector's status. This exploration of functional materials for PV and hydrogen energy provides an insightful perspective for researchers and engineers working in renewable energy technology [4]. It could guide future research and technological advancement, possibly leading to more efficient, affordable, and robust energy harvesting and storage systems [5].