1. Lattice-matched ▫$Ta_3N_5/Nb_5N_6$▫ interface enables a bulk charge separation efficiency of close to 100%Yitong Liu, Zeyu Fan, Ronghua Li, Andraž Mavrič, Iztok Arčon, Matjaž Valant, Gregor Kapun, Beibei Zhang, Chao Feng, Zemin Zhang, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The interface between the semiconductor light absorber
and the metal electrode is critical for facilitating the extraction of photogenerated charges in photoelectrodes. Achieving a lattice-matched
semiconductor/electrode interface with low defect density is highly desirable but remains a challenge for Ta3N5 photoanodes. In this study, we synthesized niobium nitride thin film electrodes with controllable crystallographic phases to achieve a lattice-matched Ta3N5/Nb5N6 back contact. This results in an enhanced crystallinity of the Ta3N5 film and
reduced interfacial defect density. Consequently, the photoanode with the lattice-matched back contact attains a record half-cell solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 4.1%, attributed to the bulk carrier separation efficiency of nearly 100%. This work highlights lattice-matching as an effective strategy to enhance the efficiency of thin film-based solar energy conversion devices.
Ključne besede: photoelectrochemistry, photoanode, interface, semiconductors
Objavljeno v RUNG: 28.03.2025; Ogledov: 454; Prenosov: 8
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4. The interface between Pt and ▫$Bi_2Se_3$▫ : instability and formation of a new ordered phaseMattia Fanetti, Katja Ferfolja, Sandra Gardonio, Matjaž Valant, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: topological insulator, platinum, interface, thin film, TEM, intermetallic
Objavljeno v RUNG: 28.01.2025; Ogledov: 770; Prenosov: 5
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5. Environmental priorities in the circular economy : examples from iron-based technologiesAndreea Oarga-Mulec, Uroš Luin, Keith R. Skene, Matjaž Valant, 2024, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Opis: The circular economy (CE) framework is crucial for promoting resource efficiency and minimizing waste, but it cannot achieve its sustainability goals alone. To achieve a truly sustainable future, broader social, environmental and economic aspects need to be taken into account. Rather than separating biological and technological cycles, as the CE principles are depicted in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s butterfly diagram (EMF, 2017), we propose an integrated approach that prioritises environmental aspects and includes a conceptual framework, socio-economic changes and implementation processes. It is crucial to re-evaluate the environmental aspects and strengthen their importance within the CE framework. Within this concept we present the case of iron, the most widely used metal, widely available compared to others and has been an essential part of societal development for more than 5,000 years. With its abundance, safety and electrochemical properties, iron is an ideal material for low-carbon energy technologies. We discuss how advanced iron-based technologies have a high potential to be successfully integrated into the CE, we evaluate different electrochemical energy storage systems and present advances in thermochemical Fe-Cl cycles for hydrogen production. An innovative thermal system for hydrogen production based on the thermochemical Fe-Cl cycle was evaluated in a life cycle assessment (LCA) study and shows the importance of choosing sustainable energy sources to minimise environmental impact. Sustainable production methods for iron are also analysed to demonstrate their potential to reduce the carbon footprint of the iron and steel industry. Finally, efforts should focus on minimising environmental impact and optimising resource recovery.
Ključne besede: circular economy, resource efficiency, sustainability, iron, hydrogen
Objavljeno v RUNG: 25.11.2024; Ogledov: 1015; Prenosov: 0
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6. Chemical interactions at the interface of Au on ▫$Bi_2 Se_3$▫ topological insulatorMatjaž Valant, Sandra Gardonio, Saul Estandia, Mattia Fanetti, Andrey Vladimirovich Matetskiy, Polina M. Sheverdyaeva, Paolo Moras, Vasiliki Tileli, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Objavljeno v RUNG: 01.10.2024; Ogledov: 1088; Prenosov: 4
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8. Single crystal synthesis and surface electronic structure of Bi_{1.993}Cr_{0.007}Se_{3}Sandra Gardonio, Zipporah Rini Benher, Mattia Fanetti, Paolo Moras, Polina M. Sheverdyaeva, Matjaž Valant, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: topological insulators, magnetic atoms, crystal synthesis, formation of clusters, surface electronic structure
Objavljeno v RUNG: 21.08.2024; Ogledov: 1424; Prenosov: 8
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9. Understanding the in-situ transformation of ▫$Cu_xO$▫ interlayers to increase the water splitting efficiency in NiO/n-Si photoanodesChao Feng, Zhi Liu, Huanxin Ju, Andraž Mavrič, Matjaž Valant, Jie Fu, Beibei Zhang, Yanbo Li, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The buried interface tens of nanometers beneath the solid-liquid junction is crucial for photocarrier extraction, influencing the overall efficiency of photoelectrochemical devices. Precise characterization of the interfacial properties is essential for device optimization but remains challenging. Here, we directly probe the in situ transformation of a CuxO interlayer at the NiO/n-Si interface by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found that Cu(I) in the CuxO interlayer gradually transforms to Cu(II) with air exposure, forming an energetically more favorable interface and improving photoanode’s efficiency. Based on this finding, a reactive e-beam evaporation process is developed for the direct deposition of a CuO interlayer, achieving a half-cell solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 4.56% for the optimized NiO/CuO/n-Si heterojunction photoanode. Our results highlight the importance of precision characterization of interfacial properties with advanced hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in guiding the design of efficient solar water-splitting devices.
Ključne besede: photo anode, energy harvesting, nickel oxide, interface
Objavljeno v RUNG: 01.08.2024; Ogledov: 2122; Prenosov: 12
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10. Back to the future with emerging iron technologiesAndreea Oarga-Mulec, Uroš Luin, Matjaž Valant, 2024, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Here is a comprehensive overview of iron's potential in low-carbon energy technologies, exploring applications like metal fuel combustion, iron-based batteries, and energy-carrier cycles, as well as sustainable approaches for production and recycling with a focus on reducing environmental impact. Iron, with its abundance, safety, and electrochemical characteristics, is a promising material to contribute to a decarbonized future. This paper discusses the advancements and challenges in iron-based energy storage technologies and sustainable iron production methods. Various innovative approaches are explored as energy storage solutions based on iron, like advancements in thermochemical Fe–Cl cycles highlight the potential of iron chloride electrochemical cycles for long-term high-capacity energy storage technology. Additionally, the utilization of iron as a circular fuel in industrial processes demonstrates its potential in large-scale thermal energy generation. Sustainable iron production methods, such as electrolysis of iron chloride or oxide and deep eutectic solvent extraction, are investigated to reduce the carbon footprint in the iron and steel industry. These findings also show the importance of policy and technology improvements that are vital for the widespread use and recycling of iron-based tech, stressing the need for collaboration toward a sustainable future.
Ključne besede: iron's potential, low-carbon energy technologies
Objavljeno v RUNG: 02.07.2024; Ogledov: 2210; Prenosov: 8
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