초임계 이산화탄소 조건에서 다중벽 탄소 나노튜브(MWCNT)에 공유결합으로 조합된 폴리(2-에티닐피리디 늄 염) 복합체를 제조하였다. 초기 반응 단계에서 MWCNT 표면에서 형성된 4차염화 2-에티닐피리디늄 염의 활성 화된 아세틸렌 삼중 결합이 MWCNT 표면에서 연속적으로 중합되어 폴리(2-에티닐피리디늄 염)이 공유결합으로 조 합된 MWCNT가 용이하게 제조되었다. MWCNT/폴리(2-에티닐피리디늄 염)의 전기 광학 및 전기화학적 특성을 측 정하고 분석하였다. 해당 복합체의 광발광 피크는 2.04 eV의 광자 에너지에 해당하는 610 nm에서 관찰되었다. SnO2:F/TiO2/N719 염료/고체 전해질/Pt 장치가 있는 준고체 DSSC를 MWCNT/P2EP로 제조하였는데, 이의 최대 에 너지 변환효율은 5.33%였다.

국내 태양광 산업은 2000년대 초 크게 성장하였으나 태양광 패널의 수명이 도래함에 따라 폐패널 발생량이 급격히 증 가할 것으로 예상된다. 그러나 태양광 패널의 주요 구성요소인 강화유리는 상용화된 재활용 기술이 부족하여 대부분 파 쇄 후 매립되고 있는 실정이다. 향후 대량 발생하게 될 폐패널의 재활용 기술 개발 필요성이 대두됨에 따라 태양광 폐패 널의 강화유리를 아스팔트 콘크리트 재료로서 재활용할 수 있는 기술을 개발하고자 하였다. 따라서 폐패널 유리 골재를 제조 및 이를 적용한 아스팔트 혼합물의 배합설계를 수행하였으며 일반 아스팔트 혼합물과 폐패널 유리 골재 아스팔트 혼합물의 성능평가 및 경제성을 비교·분석하였다. 그 결과 폐패널 유리 아스팔트 혼합물이 저온균열 저항성을 제외한 모 든 성능 시험에서 우수한 성과를 보였으며, 경제성 또한 일반 아스팔트 혼합물과 비교 시 뛰어난 것으로 나타났다.

전국 태양광 발전시설의 효율적인 보급을 위해 9개 도 지역별 기상 데이터를 활용한 DEA(Data Envelopment Analysis) 효율성 분석 결과를 도출하고자 한다. 국내 태양광 중심으로 설비보급과 발전 비중이 빠른 속도로 증가 중이며 재생에너지 전력 생산의 효율적 개편을 위해 기후변화에 따른 기상 예측 정보를 활용하고 있다. 본 연구는 신재생 에너지 정책의 시사점이 높았던 2020∼2022년의 기상청 데이터와 과거 30년 평균(1981년 ∼2012년) 데이터를 기준으로 일사량 변화에 의한 발전량 예측 모델을 시뮬레이션했다. 특히 기상 데이터와 실제 발전량 사이 관계를 분석하여 투입 산출 변수와 관련 있는 연구모형의 효율성을 파악하였다. 태양광 발전시설의 안정적인 운영과 관리를 통해 최상의 발전시설 상태를 유지하고, 전력량을 끌어올리기 위해 전문적이고 차별화된 운영관리 (O&M) 서비스 제공이 필요하다.

In this study, we examine the relationships between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) space weather scale frequencies and the maximum monthly sunspot number in each solar cycle: 1975 to 2020 for radio blackouts (R scales) and solar radiation storms (S scales), 1932 to 2020 for geomagnetic storms (G scales). Our main results are as follows. First, we find that NOAA space weather scale frequencies have strong solar cycle dependencies. Second, we propose new linear relationships between the frequency of certain scales (R1 to R4, and G1 to G4) and the maximum monthly sunspot number. T-test results show that R1 to R3 and G1 to G4 relationships are statistically meaningful, but marginal for R4. Third, our results significantly reduce the root-mean-square error (RMSE) between observed and suggested frequencies compared to the NOAA’s current frequencies. For example, in the case of solar cycle 24, our new prediction (74) for R3 scale is much more consistent with the observational frequency (74) than the NOAA prediction (175), and our prediction (85) for G3 scale is much closer to the observation (40) than the NOAA prediction (200). Our work may provide a useful guideline for advancing the space weather scales.

Genetic algorithms (GAs) are used to optimize solutions to problems, particularly those that are analytically impossible to solve. As their name suggests, they are inspired by the biological concepts of genetics and evolution. Our work aims to study and model a silicon-based photovoltaic generator (PVG). Among the various models available is that of the diode. Modeling was used to approximate the PVG output (voltage, current) as a function of two inputs: temperature and irradiation. The parameters of our model were identified using a real coding algorithm, with the cumulative square error was used for selection. To test the effectiveness of our model, we carried out simulation tests on the power-voltage (P-V) and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a wide range of irradiation and temperature variations. This study demonstrates the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach (GAs) and validates the parameters obtained and used in the single-diode electrical model. The results indicate that the GA technique is a better conventional parameter extraction strategy in terms of convergence. It provides globally optimal solutions.

This study investigates the performance characteristics of electrodeposited (ED) silver nanowires (AgNWs) networks as transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) considering Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cells. The electrodeposition process uniformly deposits silver onto a network of spin-coated AgNWs, resulting in the enlargement of individual nanowire diameters and the formation of stronger interconnections between the AgNWs. This structural enhancement significantly improves both the electrical conductivity and thermal stability of the ED AgNW networks, making them more efficient and robust for practical applications in solar cells. The study comprehensively examines the optoelectronic properties of the ED AgNW networks, encompassing total and specular transmittance, transmission haze values, and sheet resistance, with varying durations of silver electrodeposition. Additionally, this study presents the current density (J)-voltage (V) characteristics of CIGS thin-film solar cells employing the ED AgNW TCEs, revealing how electrodeposition duration impacts overall device performance. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing TCEs in not only thin-film solar cells but also in other optoelectronic devices, highlighting the potential for improved long-term stability across various applications without compromising performance.

Perovskite-based solar cells have recently exhibited rapid improvement in power conversion efficiency due to their high optical and electrical properties. However, perovskite materials are fundamentally degraded by heat and moisture, making long-term stability a critical issue. One way to improve the stability of perovskite solar cells is to encapsulate them. However, a low temperature encapsulation process of less than 100 °C is needed to minimize degrading the perovskite materials. High moisture barrier properties are also required. To realize a high performance encapsulation layer at low temperature we employed atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. As the encapsulation layer materials, Al2O3, which is most commonly used due to its high density and optical properties, and SnO2, which is mainly used as an electron transport layer in perovskite solar cells, were selected. Single film and multi-layer structured films of Al2O3 and SnO2 were deposited, and the structural, optical, and moisture permeability properties were investigated.

Among various organic materials suitable for silicon-based inorganic-organic hybrid solar cells, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been extensively studied due to its high optical transmittance, high work function, and low bandgap characteristics. The electro-optical properties of PEDOT:PSS have a significant impact on the power conversion efficiency of silicon-organic hybrid solar cells. To enhance the photovoltaic properties of the silicon-organic hybrid solar cells, we developed a method to improve the properties of the PEDOT:PSS film using Ag nanowires (NW) instead of conventional solvent addition methods. The influence of the Ag NW on the electro-optical property of the PEDOT:PSS film and the photovoltaic performance of the silicon-organic hybrid solar cells were investigated. The addition of Ag NW further improved the sheet resistance of the PEDOT:PSS film, enhancing the performance of the silicon-organic hybrid solar cells. The present work using the low sheet resistance PEDOT:PSS layer paves the way to develop simple yet more efficient siliconorganic hybrid solar cells.

Flexible electrodes, particularly paper electrodes modified with polypyrrole, have shown promise in energy-related applications. We have earlier demonstrated the usage of paper electrodes modified with polypyrrole as a flexible and suitable photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC). Further, modification of this electrode system with an appropriate tandem absorber system for solar fuel production is interesting in developing efficient photoanodes. In this study, we study the PEC performance of flexible polypyrrole-based paper photoanodes (PPy-PAs) by decorating them with rGO@Cu2Zn- SnS4 chalcopyrites (rGO@CZTS/PPy-PAs). The lower bandgap (~ 1.5 eV) of the rGO@CZTS/PPy-PAs system allows for efficient visible light absorption, substantially improving PEC water-splitting reactions. The rGO@CZTS/PPy-PAs exhibited an enhanced current density of ~ 13.2 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs RHE, ABPE of ~ 1.5%, and a hydrogen evolution rate of 177 μmoles/min/cm2. Overall, rGO@CZTS/PPy-PAs showed 2.1-fold, 1.1-fold, and 1.4-fold enhancement in photocurrent activity over PPy-PAs, CZTS/PPy-PAs, and rGO/PPy-PAs, respectively. The usability of rGO@CZTS/PPy-PAs is established in the form of stable photocurrent for more than 200 min. These findings open new possibilities for developing modified PPy PAs as flexible PEs for efficient solar-driven PEC devices and give directions on improving flexible PEs for flexible and efficient solar-driven PEC systems.

We investigated dynamic interaction between adjacent magnetic loops in the solar atmosphere, which is a process of volume shrinkage with nonuniform acceleration caused by Lorentz force. When these loops locally have different thermal and dynamic properties, a significant discrepancy between their translational motions driven by means of that force may arise, leading to the dynamic interaction. We use both numerical simulation and analytic model of magnetic piston-driven wave to evaluate how much a single event of the interaction contributes to increasing the temperature in the upper chromosphere. The model shows a possibility that a chromospheric plasma is heated by the single event to have transition region temperature, which is typically several tens of times higher than chromospheric temperature. The model also provides an insight into the formation height of the transition region.

The Balloon-borne Investigation of Temperature and Speed of Electrons in the corona (BITSE) mission, performed by KASI and NASA, used a high-altitude scientific balloon. The purpose of BITSE was to investigate the scientific feasibility of electron temperature and velocity measurements in the solar corona using wavelength-dependent polarization brightness differences. KASI was responsible for developing the command and data handling (C&DH) system, including the main electronics unit and flight software (FSW). Here, we introduce the development of C&DH system of BITSE and describe the ground integration and test and flight operations. The main electronics unit was built using an industrial-grade modular system in customized enclosures that withstood the operating environment. The FSW was developed using the core Flight System (cFS), an open-source software framework developed by NASA and used in several successful space missions. BITSE was launched at Fort Sumner, New Mexico, USA, on September 18, 2019. It observed the solar corona for approximately 4 hours at an altitude of approximately 40 km and collected 16,000 solar corona images. This study could provide guidelines for developing the C&DH system for future balloon missions.

Forbush decreases (FDs), as the transient event of decreasing cosmic ray (CR) intensity, show the main phase of a sudden decrease within approximately one day and the recovery phase over several days. FDs are associated with abrupt solar wind events such as interplanetary shocks (IP shocks) and magnetic clouds. FD generation is explained by drift due to the magnetic field strength and by diffusion caused by magnetic turbulence. The FDs and the IP shocks from 1998 to 2004 in the solar maximum period were chosen to determine a more effective generation of FD between drift and diffusion. Seventy FDs with a CR variation of more than 3.0% and a minimum value of less than −1.5% were selected using Oulu neutron monitor data. The Advanced Composition Explorer satellite identified 292 IP shocks and we divided them into two sections: the pre-sheath region ahead of the shock front and the post-sheath region behind the shock front. The magnetic field strength, magnetic turbulence, solar wind speed, and solar wind turbulence of the post-sheath regions were analyzed. Most (62/70) of the FDs were associated with the post-sheath regions of the IP shocks. The important factors that generated the FDs were drift by the large physical properties in the post-sheath regions and diffusion by the strong turbulence in the post-sheath regions. The increase in the magnitude of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) shows larger in the IP shocks associated with FD (2.33 times) than in those not associated with an FD (1.70 times) between the pre-sheath and post-sheath regions. On the other hand, the increase in turbulence of IMF was the same for IP shocks associated with an FD and not associated with an FD. Although it was difficult to determine the dominant factor for the generation of FDs, the present study suggested that the drift by the magnetic field strength may play a more significant role than the diffusion by the magnetic turbulence.

This study focuses on analyzing the energy-saving effects of the recirculation aquaculture system using seawater source heat pumps and solar power generation. Based on the thermal load analysis conducted using the transient system simulation tool, the annual energy consumption of the recirculation aquaculture system was analyzed and the energy-saving effects of utilizing the photovoltaic system was evaluated. When analyzing the heat load, the sea areas where the fish farms are located, the type of breeding tank, and the circulation rate of breeding water were taken into consideration. In addition, a method for determining the appropriate capacity for each operation time was examined when applying the energy storage system instead of the existing diesel generator as an emergency power, which is required to maintain the water temperature of breeding water during power outage. The results suggest that, among the four seas considered, Jeju should be estimated to achieve the highest energy-saving performance using the solar power generation, with approximately 45% energy savings.

Herein, the present work focuses on the effective counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. The bottom–up approach was adapted to synthesize Mn2O3 nanorods via the hydrothermal method and the reduced graphene oxide was merged with Mn2O3 to prepare a nanocomposite. The prepared nanocomposites were subjected to physio-chemical and morphological characterizations which revealed the crystalline nature of Mn2O3 nanorods. The purity level rGO was characterized using the Raman spectrum and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy employed to find the functional groups. The morphological micrographs were visualized using SEM and TEM and the high aspect ratio Mn2O3 nanorods were observed with 5–7 nm and supported by rGO sheets. The electrocatalytic nature and corrosion properties of the counter electrode towards the iodide electrolyte were studied using a symmetrical cell. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were introduced as counter electrodes for DSSC and produced 4.11% of photoconversion efficiency with lower charge transfer resistance. The fabricated DSSC devices were undergone for stability tests for indoor and outdoor atmospheres, the DSSC stability showed 93% and 80% respectively for 150 days.

Graphene-modified melamine sponges (RGO-MSs) were prepared, as adsorbents with photothermal conversion ability, utilizing solar energy to achieve heavy oil temperature rise, viscosity reduction, and efficient adsorption recovery of highly viscous oil. The RGO-MSs were prepared through a simple impregnation method. The photothermal performance and heavy oil adsorption performances of RGO-MSs with different densities and thicknesses were observed. It was found that as the density increases, the thermal conductivity of RGO-MS increases too, leading to the increase of the average oil absorption rate. The reduction of thickness is beneficial to improving of the adsorption rate. The prepared RGO-MS with a density of 21.5 mg/cm−3 and a height of 1 cm (RGO-MS-3-1) shows excellent mechanical properties and fatigue resistance. Cyclic adsorption–desorption of RGO-MS-3-1 was achieved through extrusion/ ethanol washing. After 10 cycles of reuse through extrusion, the adsorption capacity decreased from 52.90 to 50.02 g g− 1, with a loss of 5.4%. The material was then washed with petroleum ether and ethanol in turn. Its adsorption capacity can restored to 98.8% of the initial value, showing a promising application prospect on heavy oil leakage treatment. The easily prepared RGO-MS exhibits excellent light absorption and photothermal oil adsorption properties, providing a good solution for the problem of heavy oil leakage at sea.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are zero-dimensional carbonous materials with exceptional physical and chemical properties such as a tuneable band gap, good conductivity, quantum confinement, and edge effect. The introduction of GQDs in various layers of solar cells (SCs) such as hole transport layer (HTL), electron transport materials (ETM), cathode interlayer (CIL), photoanode materials (PAM), counter electrode (CE), and transparent conducting electrode (TCE) could improve the solar energy (SE) harvesting, separation and transportation of electrons and hole, thus ultimately enhance the overall performance and stability of SCs. The incorporation of GQDs in various layers such as HTL, ETM, CIL, PAM, CE, and TCE achieved photo conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 18.63, 21.1, 12.81, 9.41, 8.1, and 3.66%, respectively. Furthermore, GQDs improved stabilities such as resistance to degradation for HTL (up to 77%), ETM (80%), resistance to UV light for ETM (94%), resistance to temperature in ETM (90%), and bending stabilities after 1000 cycles for HTL (88%) and for TCE (90%). There are reviews focused on the utilization of different carbon-structured materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNT), fullerenes, and carbon dots in SCs applications. More specifically, the utilization of GQDs for SCs is limited and yet to be explored in greater detail. This review mainly focuses on the recent advancement of various techniques of production of GQDs synthesis, utilization of GQDs in various layers like HTL, ETM, CIL, PAM, CE, and TCE for the enhancement of PCE, and the stability of SCs. As a result, we believe that an exclusive study on GQDs-sensitized solar cells (GQDSSCs) could provide an in-depth analysis of the recent progress, achievements, and challenges.

Photoanode optimization is a fascinating technique for enlightening the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this present study, V2O5/ ZnO and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-V2O5/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared by the solid-state technique and used as photoanodes for DSSCs. A wet chemical technique was implemented to generate individual V2O5 and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). The structural characteristics of the as-synthesized NCs were investigated and confirmed using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The average crystallite size (D) of the as-synthesized V2O5/ ZnO and rGO-V2O5/ZnO NCs was determined by Debye-Scherer’s formula. The bandgap (eV) energy was calculated from Tauc’s plots, and the bonding nature and detection of the excitation of electrons were investigated using the Ultra violet (UV) visible spectra, Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL) spectral analysis. Electrical studies like Hall effect analysis and the Nyquist plots are also described. The V2O5/ ZnO and rGO-V2O5/ZnO NCs based DSSCs exhibited 0.64% and 1.27% of PCE and the short circuit current densities and open circuit voltages improved from 7.10 to 11.28 mA/cm2 and from 0.57 to 0.68 V, respectively.