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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301516.].

This paper presents the solar-driven electrocarboxylation of 2-bromopyridine (2-BP) with CO[sub.2] into high-value-added chemicals 2-picolinic acid (2-PA) using dye-sensitized photovoltaics under simulated sunlight. Using three series-connected photovoltaic modules and an Ag electrode with excellent catalytic performance, a Faraday efficiency (FE) of 33.3% is obtained for 2-PA under mild conditions. The experimental results show that photovoltaics-driven systems for electrocarboxylation conversion of CO[sub.2] with heterocyclic halide to afford value-added heterocyclic carboxylic acid are feasible and effective.

All inorganic CsPbBr[sub.3] possesses ideal stability in halide perovskites, but its wide bandgap and relatively poor film quality seriously limit the performance enhancement and possible applications of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, a triple-functional poly(3-Hexylthiophene) (P3HT) modifier was introduced to realize color-tunable semi-transparent CsPbBr[sub.3] PSCs. From the optical perspective, the P3HT acted as the assistant photoactive layer, enhanced the light absorption capacity of the CsPbBr[sub.3] film, and broadened the spectrum response range of devices. In view of the hole transport layer, P3HT modified the energy level matching between the CsPbBr[sub.3]/anode interface and facilitated the hole transport. Simultaneously, the S[sup.−] in P3HT formed a more stable Pb-S bond with the uncoordinated Pb[sup.2+] on the surface of CsPbBr[sub.3] and played the role of a defect passivator. As the P3HT concentration increased from 0 to 15 mg/mL, the color of CsPbBr[sub.3] devices gradually changed from light yellow to reddish brown. The PSC treated by an optimal P3HT concentration of 10 mg/mL achieved a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.71%, with a V[sub.OC] of 1.30 V and a J[sub.SC] of 8.54 mA/cm[sup.2], which are remarkably higher than those of control devices (6.86%, 1.22 V, and 8.21 mA/cm[sup.2]), as well its non-degrading stability and repeatability. Here, the constructed CsPbBr[sub.3]/P3HT heterostructure revealed effective paths for enhancing the photovoltaic performance of CsPbBr[sub.3] PSCs and boosted their semi-transparent applications in building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs).

Solar energy is environmentally friendly technology, a great energy supply and one of the most significant renewable and green energy sources. It plays a substantial role in achieving sustainable development energy solutions. Therefore, the massive amount of solar energy attainable daily makes it a very attractive resource for generating electricity. Both technologies, applications of concentrated solar power or solar photovoltaics, are always under continuous development to fulfil our energy needs. Hence, a large installed capacity of solar energy applications worldwide, in the same context, supports the energy sector and meets the employment market to gain sufficient development. This paper highlights solar energy applications and their role in sustainable development and considers renewable energy’s overall employment potential. Thus, it provides insights and analysis on solar energy sustainability, including environmental and economic development. Furthermore, it has identified the contributions of solar energy applications in sustainable development by providing energy needs, creating jobs opportunities and enhancing environmental protection. Finally, the perspective of solar energy technology is drawn up in the application of the energy sector and affords a vision of future development in this domain.

In this work, CdSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x QDs with X different value and compositions were prepared for utilization as light absorbing in the CdS/CdSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x multiple quantum dot-sensitized solar cells. These QDs with X different value were deposited on the FTO/TiO.sub.2NPs/CdS/CdSe.sub.XS.sub.1-X/ZnS photoanode through the successive ionic layer absorption and reaction (SILAR) method. Then the photovoltaic parameters were measured and extracted by different photovoltaic analyses. The X value was altered in the range of 0.1-0.4, and the corresponding cells were fabricated. According to the results, the best efficiency was achieved for the QDSCs with CdSe.sub.XS.sub.1-X, X = 0.3, light absorbing layer. The efficiency was increased about 39% compared to the reference CdSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x free cell. The process of synthesis and deposition of CdSe.sub.XS.sub.1-X QDs was carried out in 5 cycles. In the following, the number of SILAR cycles was optimized for the X appropriate ratio. According to measurements, the FTO/TiO.sub.2NPs/CdS/CdSe.sub.0.3S.sub.0.7/ZnS photoanode structure with the CdSe.sub.0.3S0.sub..7 layer deposited in 3 SILAR cycles, created and efficiency enhancement about 38% compared to the pervious maximum state. The IPCE curves were measured, and corresponding APCEs were extracted which showed a maximum quantum conversion efficiency about 75%, while the spectrum is spread in the wavelength range of 400-700 nm. This improvement in photovoltaic characteristics can be attributed to the broader light absorption region and higher light-harvesting efficiency. Besides, due to the performed calculations a cascade energy band diagram is formed between the CdS and CdSeS sensitizing layers which is suitable for well transfer of photogenerated electron-hole pair.

The evolution of photovoltaic cells is intrinsically linked to advancements in the materials from which they are fabricated. This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of the latest developments in silicon-based, organic, and perovskite solar cells, which are at the forefront of photovoltaic research. We scrutinize the unique characteristics, advantages, and limitations of each material class, emphasizing their contributions to efficiency, stability, and commercial viability. Silicon-based cells are explored for their enduring relevance and recent innovations in crystalline structures. Organic photovoltaic cells are examined for their flexibility and potential for low-cost production, while perovskites are highlighted for their remarkable efficiency gains and ease of fabrication. The paper also addresses the challenges of material stability, scalability, and environmental impact, offering a balanced perspective on the current state and future potential of these material technologies.

Developing novel functional materials to advance the technological level of clean and renewable energy systems is the focus of much research. Due to their outstanding operational and compositional properties, perovskite-based structures have already been studied as an important class of solid-state components for electrochemical (EC), photoelectrochemical (PEC), and photovoltaic–electrochemical (PV-EC) CO[sub.2] reduction, showing great potential in their catalytic activity and device stability and with a promising window for further technological developments. In this review, the different kinds of perovskites in the context of their structural features, which lead to their different applications, are first investigated. Then, we summarize the recent progress in the use of perovskites in EC, PEC, and PV-EC CO[sub.2]-reduction devices. The research demonstrates that the mechanism and kinetics of intermediate formation have a significant effect on the creation of the final product. Investigations show that appropriate surface modifications, such as through the use of doping agents, alloy construction, and composites, can considerably improve the electrocatalytic activity and stability of perovskites. Finally, the perspectives on, and limitations of, the commercial and large-scale production of perovskites for CO[sub.2] reduction are stated.

This work synthesized Pt-doped dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) with different molar ratios and thicknesses. The materials were revealed fully through X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photovoltaic properties of the sample were studied by UV-visible spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and IPEC (incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency) techniques. EIS analysis established the decrease in series resistance at the electrolyte interface. It could be one of the reasons for the increase in electron transfer rate and decrease in the recombination process at the interface. Statistical data obtained from optical and electrical investigations revealed that the electrical power-output efficiency of DSSC was 14.25%. It was found that a high ratio of Pt doping and thinner thickness can promote cell performance, owing to the reduction of series resistance, lower bandgap, and high dye adsorption. Doping TiO[sub.2] with Pt reduced its energy bandgap and introduces intermediate energy levels inside TiO[sub.2] to facilitate the transition of electrons at low excitation energies. The absorbance of the samples 0.15 M Pt and 0.25 M Pt showed improvement in the wavelength ranging from 200 to 800 nm by Pt doping.