Silicon/hematite core/shell nanowire array decorated with gold nanoparticles for unbiased solar water oxidation.

Core–shell titanium dioxide /carbon nanofibers decorated nickel nanoparticles as supports for electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol

Abstract Recently alcohol fuel cells has been increased consideration because of their environmental friendliness, high energy conversion efficiency and low emissions. Many effort have been made to improve the electro-oxidation performance of alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and propanol. In this work, a new method for ethanol oxidation based on core–shell titanium dioxide / carbon nanofib...

Core-shell silicon nanowire solar cells

Silicon nanowires can enhance broadband optical absorption and reduce radial carrier collection distances in solar cell devices. Arrays of disordered nanowires grown by vapor-liquid-solid method are attractive because they can be grown on low-cost substrates such as glass, and are large area compatible. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that an array of disordered silicon nanowires surrounded...

Improved photovoltaic performance of silicon nanowire/organic hybrid solar cells by incorporating silver nanoparticles

Silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays show an excellent light-trapping characteristic and high mobility for carriers. Surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be used to increase light scattering and absorption in solar cells. We fabricated a new kind of SiNW/organic hybrid solar cell by introducing AgNPs. Reflection spectra confirm the improved light scattering of AgNP-decorated ...

Current Approach in Surface Plasmons for Thin Film and Wire Array Solar Cell Applications

Surface plasmons, which exist along the interface of a metal and a dielectric, have been proposed as an efficient alternative method for light trapping in solar cells during the past ten years. With unique properties such as superior light scattering, optical trapping, guide mode coupling, near field concentration, and hot-electron generation, metallic nanoparticles or nanostructures can be tai...

Electrocatalyst decorated hematite nanowire arrays for photoelectrochemical water splitting