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    Home > Newsroom > Research Progress

    ​Researchers Propose Multifunctional Buffer Layer Engineering for Efficient and Stable Wide-Bandgap Perovskite

    In a study published in Angewandte Chemie, a research team from Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, collaborated with City University of Hong Kong reported a facile and effective strategy for precisely modulating the perovskite by incorporating AlOx deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the top interface.

    Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a revolutionary photovoltaic technology because of their high performance, low cost, and easy fabrication of large-scale flexible devices. However, the solution processing and the low formation energy of perovskites lead to numerous defects formed at both the bulk and interfaces of the perovskite layer, which ultimately results in a substantial deficit in the open-circuit voltage (VOC).In a study published in Angewandte Chemie, Prof. LU Linfeng from Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, collaborated with Prof. Alex K.-Y. Jen at City University of Hong Kong reported a facile and effective strategy for precisely modulating the perovskite by incorporating AlOx deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the top interface.Researchers found that Al3+ ions not only infiltrated in the perovskite layer but also interacted with halide ions. The modification contributed to realizing better-matched energy levels, suppressed ion migration and minimized interfacial carrier losses simultaneously.Additionally, the self-encapsulation effect of this dense interlayer could inhibit volatile ion overflow at high temperatures and improve light and thermal stability.Consequently, the ALD-AlOx modification could significantly improve the PCE of wide-bandgap PSCs from 19.32% to 21.80%. More importantly, a monolithic perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells using AlOx-modified perovskite achieved a PCE of 28.50% with good stability.The resulting 1.55-eV PSC and module also achieved a PCE of 25.08% (0.04 cm2) and 21.01% (aperture area of 15.5 cm2), respectively, proving the universality of the strategy. The study provides an effective way for efficient and stable wide-band gap perovskite and perovskite-silicon TSCs and shed light on large-area inverted PSCs.Figure:The schematic diagram of incorporating AlOx deposited on perovskite surface(image by SARI)<!--!doctype-->

    2024-09-03 more+

    Researchers Developed a Spatial-coupling Strategy to Facilitate Efficient Propylene Oxide Production

    A research team led by Profs. CHEN Wei and WEI Wei from the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported a spatial-coupling strategy over RuO2/Ti hollow-fiber penetration electrode (HPE) to facilitate efficient PO production, significantly improving PER performance to ampere level. The results were published in Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. ​on Aug 7th, 2024.

    The electrochemical propylene epoxidation reaction (PER) provides a promising route for ecofriendly propylene oxide (PO) production, instantly generating active halogen/oxygen species to alleviate chloride contamination inherent in traditional PER.However, the complex processes and unsatisfactory PO yield for current electrochemical PER falls short of meeting industrial application requirements.Motivated by such a challenge, a research team led by Profs. CHEN Wei and WEI Wei from the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported a spatial-coupling strategy over RuO2/Ti hollow-fiber penetration electrode (HPE) to facilitate efficient PO production, significantly improving PER performance to ampere level.The results were published in Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. on Aug 7th, 2024.The unique penetration effect of HPE forces gaseous propylene dispersion and penetration through the porous HPE wall, leading to greatly boosted PER kinetics from oriented mass transfer and enhanced interface reactions.Furthermore, the spatial coupling of anodic CP intermediate with cathodic OH− within a membraneless single-chamber reactor establishes a subtle reaction sequence, simplifying the PO production process to one step.The synergetic combination of the penetration and spatial coupling effects, greatly boosts ampere-level PO production with high specificity, achieving significantly improved PER performance up to ampere level, with PO faradaic efficiency of ≥80% and a maximum PO current density of 859 mA cm−2.This work exhibits significant potential for economically viable PER applications.Figure. Schematic illustration of spatial-coupled ampere-level electrochemical propylene epoxidation over RuO2/Ti HPE. (image by SARI)

    2024-08-15 more+

    ​Researchers Propose a Novel Ag Electrode for Efficient Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO2

    In a study published in Nature Communications, Prof. WEI Wei and Prof. CHEN Wei from Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences constructed a hierarchical Ag hollow-fiber penetration electrode(HPE), which helped to realize high-efficiency CO2 electroreduction in strongly acidic electrolytes at ampere-level current density.

    The electrochemical conversion of CO2 driven by renewable electricity can produce value-added chemicals and feedstocks while mitigating CO2 emissions. Synthesis of valuable chemicals from CO2 electroreduction in acidic media can overcome carbonation, however, how to suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction in such proton-rich environments is very challenging.In a study published in Nature Communications, Prof. WEI Wei and Prof. CHEN Wei from Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences constructed a hierarchical Ag hollow-fiber penetration electrode(HPE), which helped to realize high-efficiency CO2 electroreduction in strongly acidic electrolytes at ampere-level current density.Previous studies by the research team have indicated that the HPE with a compact structure has shown promising potential for high-rate and efficient CO2 reduction due to enhanced mass transport, thus realizing the generation of CO, formate and C2+ products under ampere-level current density.In order to further explore the efficient working mechanism of HPE in acid system, an Ag2CO3-derived hierarchical micro/nanostructured silver HPE (CD-Ag HPE) was developed to investigate the effects of catalyst microenvironments on CO2 electrolysis performance in an acidic medium (pH =1).Experiments and theoretical studies demonstrated that the the presence of K+ in the acidic electrolyte controlled the onset of the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), and that a moderate concentration of H+ effectively prevented the carbonation of CO2 and CO2RR active sites due to the precipitation of (bi)carbonate, ensuring sufficient CO2 and CO2RR active sites at the catalyst surface for high-efficiency CO2RR at ampere-level current density.By optimizing the K+ and H+ concentration and CO2 flow rate in a strong acidic electrolyte, a high CO faradaic efficiency of 95% at 4.5 A/cm2 and a 200 h of stability testing at 2 A/cm2 were achieved.In addition, by limiting the availability of input CO2, the CO2 single-pass carbon efficiency for CO2RR reached 87% at a high j of 2 A/cm2, demonstrating remarkable CO2 conversion capability.This study paves the way for high-efficiency CO2 conversion in strong acid by modulating catalyst microenvironments, which has great potential for practical application.Figure. Schematic of Ag hollow fiber penetration electrode for boosting CO2 electroreduction to CO in a strongly acidic electrolyte (Image by SARI)

    2024-08-15 more+

    Researchers Propose a Novel Cu Electrode for Efficient Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO2

    In a study published in Angewandte Chemie, Prof. WEI Wei and Prof. CHEN Wei from Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences constructed a hierarchical Cu hollow-fiber penetration electrode (HPE), which helped to realize high-efficiency CO2 electroreduction to C2+ products in both neutral and strongly acidic electrolytes at ampere-level.


    　　In a study published in Angewandte Chemie, Prof. WEI Wei and Prof. CHEN Wei from Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences constructed a hierarchical Cu hollow-fiber penetration electrode (HPE), which helped to realize high-efficiency CO2 electroreduction to C2+ products in both neutral and strongly acidic electrolytes at ampere-level.
    　　The electrochemical conversion of CO2 into carbon-based fuels and valuable feedstocks by renewable electricity is an attractive strategy for both the mitigation of the greenhouse gas effect and the consumption of renewable energy. However, it remains a challenge to possess efficient conversion of CO2 to C2+ products in acidic system due to hydrogen evolution.
    　　Previous studies by the research team have shown that the Cu hollow fiber permeation electrode can greatly improve the CO2 coverage because of its unique porous structure, thus realizing the generation of C2+ products under ampere-level current under acidic conditions.
    　　To further improve the selectivity of C2+ products at ampere-level current density, researchers constructed in situ lattice strained nanosheets of copper on the surface of Cu permeation electrode by wet chemical/ electrochemical reduction method.
    　　High concentration of K+ could concurrently suppress hydrogen evolution reaction and facilitate C–C coupling. The synergistic effect of lattice strain effect and gas permeability effect enables the Cu permeable electrode to efficiently and stably convert CO2 into C2+ products under both neutral and acidic conditions (Current density > 3.5 A cm-2, C2+ products faraday efficiency >80%).
    　　Experimental measurements, in-situ spectroscopy studies, and density functional theory simulations revealed that tensile-strained Cu HPE boosted the asymmetric C–C coupling to steer the selectivity and activity of C2+ products.This study provides the novel approach to construct efficient catalysts with tensile strain for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction to C2+ and C2+ alcohols. Schematic diagram and electrocatalytic performance of electroreduction of CO2 to multicarbon products over Cu penetration electrode in acidic system (Image by SARI)
    　　Contact：CHEN WeiShanghai Advanced Research InstituteEmail:chenw@sari.ac.cn

    2024-07-18 more+

    Researchers Develop ZrO2–Ru Interface to Boost Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis to Olefins

    A research team led by Profs. ZHONG Liangshu, LIN Tiejun and LI Shenggang from the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have constructed a ZrO2-Ru interface structure, which greatly enhanced the FTO performance. The work shows that the ZrO2-Ru interface could be engineered by loading the ZrO2 promoter onto silica-supported Ru nanoparticles (ZrRu/SiO2), achieving 7.6 times higher intrinsic activity and ~45% reduction in the apparent activation energy compared with the unpromoted Ru/SiO2 catalyst.

    Considering the high cost of noble metal Ru, the creation of highly active interfacial sites at low Ru loading is identified as a key scientific challenge for Ru-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to olefin (FTO).A research team led by Profs. ZHONG Liangshu, LIN Tiejun and LI Shenggang from the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have constructed a ZrO2-Ru interface structure, which greatly enhanced the FTO performance.The work shows that the ZrO2-Ru interface could be engineered by loading the ZrO2 promoter onto silica-supported Ru nanoparticles (ZrRu/SiO2), achieving 7.6 times higher intrinsic activity and ~45% reduction in the apparent activation energy compared with the unpromoted Ru/SiO2 catalyst.Their pioneering work, published in Nat. Commun., provides the scientific basis for designing highly active, highly selective, highly stable, and economically feasible Ru-based FTO industrial catalysts.Various characterizations reveal that the highly dispersed ZrO2 promoter strongly binds the Ru nanoparticles to form the Zr-O-Ru interfacial structure, which strengthens the hydrogen spillover effect and serves as a reservoir for active H species by forming Zr-OH* species.Density functional theory calculations were further employed to investigate the promotional effect of ZrO2 to the Ru catalyst for CO activation and dissociation. The simulations suggest the formation of Zr-OH species at the Zr-O-Ru interface, which results from the barrierless dissociation of H2 molecules and the subsequent migration of the H* adsorbates to the Zr-O-Ru interface with a modest energy barrier.Furthermore, the calculations also reveal a change of the H-assisted CO dissociation route from the formyl (HCO*) pathway to the hydroxy-methylidyne (COH*) pathway, which significantly reduces the energy barrier of CO dissociation and greatly enhances CO reactivity.Thus, the much higher FTO activity of the ZrO2-promoted Ru catalyst over the unpromoted Ru catalyst can be attributed to the presence of Zr-OH species at the Zr-O-Ru interface, indicating the importance of the chemical state of the active species on its reactivity.This work deepens our understanding of the metal-promoter interaction, and shed light on the design of efficient industrial Fisher-Tropsch synthesis catalysts.
    　　 Fig.1 Diagram showing CO dissociation mechanism and catalytic performance over Ru and ZrO2/Ru interfacial sites (Image by SARI) 

    2024-07-15 more+

    Researchers Find Novel Rhombic Ice Phase Formation from Aqueous Salt Solutions

    A research team at Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported a systematic study of the two-dimensional rhombic ice formation process from various aqueous solutions at ambient temperature under strong compressed confinement of graphene.The research results were published as a Letter in Physical Review E.


    　　Two dimensional ice has been confirmed to play a ubiquitous role in many physical processes like surface wetting, antifreezing, adhesion, friction, etc. Though many work has been done on investigating two-dimensional ice on various solid surfaces, the geometry and thermodynamics of ice formation in salt solutions at the solid-liquid interface are still less understood, due to the complex interactions between salt ions, water molecules, and solid surfaces.
    　　Motivated by such a challenge, a research team led by Prof. CHEN Jige at Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported a systematic study of the two-dimensional rhombic ice formation process from various aqueous solutions at ambient temperature under strong compressed confinement of graphene.
    　　The research results were published as a Letter in Physical Review E.
    　　The classical molecular dynamics simulation (MD) shows that two rhombic ice phases grow from the aqueous salt solutions by applying continuous external compression in the confined graphene layers.
    　　The rhombic ice phases possess identical geometry and thermodynamic properties such as the configuration entropy, tetrahedral order parameter, and hydrogen bond number, but with different projections of the oxygen atoms against solid surface symmetry.
    　　The density functional theory (DFT) calculation reveals that the rhombic ice phase relates to the stable and metastable arrangements of water molecules. The rhombic ice formation is a general phenomenon in different aqueous solutions like NaCl, LiCl, KCl, CaCl2 , MgCl2 , and AlCl3 solutions, etc.
    　　The result indicates salt ions and the hydration shell of water molecules around salt ions would heavily contribute to the ice formation process. It is thus particular important in practical applications since salt ions are commonly present in our liquid environment.
    　　The result further enlightens our understanding of the ordered geometry of water molecules and the complex hydrated structures on the solid surface. 
    　　Contact: CHEN Jige
    　　Shanghai Advanced Research Institute
    　　Email:chenjg@sari.ac.cn

    2024-07-05 more+
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