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| Open AccessLocal ionic transport enables selective PGM-free bipolar membrane electrode assembly
Here, authors report that local ionic transport across cathode catalyst layers is vital in improving CO production from CO2. This work demonstrates the potential of a CO2 electrolyzer constructed from materials free from platinum group metals.
- Mengran Li
- , Eric W. Lees
- & Thomas Burdyny
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Article
| Open AccessOrganic thermoelectric device utilizing charge transfer interface as the charge generation by harvesting thermal energy
The authors propose an organic thermoelectric device having a new power generation mechanism based on an organic charge transfer interface with carrier transport layers, extracting small-scale thermal energy, i.e., a few tens of millielectronvolts, at room temperature without a temperature gradient.
- Shun Kondo
- , Mana Kameyama
- & Chihaya Adachi
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Article
| Open AccessUnderstanding the origin of lithium dendrite branching in Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 solid-state electrolyte via microscopy measurements
Lithium dendrite growth in solid-state electrolytes is a significant challenge for next-generation battery development. Here, authors used dark-field X-ray microscopy to investigate dislocations near dendrite tips, suggesting that stress-induced dislocation may influence dendrite branching and material fracture.
- Can Yildirim
- , Florian Flatscher
- & Daniel Rettenwander
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| Open AccessTransforming wearable technology with advanced ultra-flexible energy harvesting and storage solutions
Flexible organic photovoltaics and energy storage systems have profound implications for future wearable electronics. Here, the authors discuss the transformative potential and challenges associated with the integrative design of these systems for energy harvesting.
- Muhammad Jahandar
- , Soyeon Kim
- & Dong Chan Lim
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Article
| Open AccessSuperlattice cathodes endow cation and anion co-intercalation for high-energy-density aluminium batteries
Here, the authors propose a superlattice cathode with co-(de)intercalation chemistry in a rechargeable aluminum ion battery. The proposed cathode exceeds the theoretical capacity for conventional oxide electrodes with single cation shuttling.
- Fangyan Cui
- , Jingzhen Li
- & Yuxiang Hu
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Article
| Open AccessInequalities in global residential cooling energy use to 2050
One quarter of households globally owns air-conditioning, but this could reach 41% by 2050. Yet, access and use will remain highly unequal. Electricity demand for air-conditioning will double, potentially increasing global CO2 emissions.
- Giacomo Falchetta
- , Enrica De Cian
- & Ian Sue Wing
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Article
| Open AccessOperando identification of the oxide path mechanism with different dual-active sites for acidic water oxidation
Microscopic reaction pathways are crucial for electrochemical performance, but manipulating them remains challenging. Here, the authors report an approach that involves integrating Mn into RuO2 catalysts to switch the reaction mechanism of the oxygen evolution reaction from a traditional single metal-site adsorbate evolution mechanism to a different dual-metal-site oxide path mechanism.
- Qianqian Ji
- , Bing Tang
- & Wensheng Yan
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Article
| Open AccessPassive isothermal film with self-switchable radiative cooling-driven water sorption layer for arid climate applications
A millimeter-scale passive isothermal film maintains temperature near 25 °C without energy use, solely through natural phenomena in arid climates. It uses self-switchable radiative cooling with a water desorption-driven endothermic reaction layer.
- Seonggon Kim
- , Sunghun Lee
- & Yong Tae Kang
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Article
| Open AccessUnveiling crystal orientation-dependent interface property in composite cathodes for solid-state batteries by in situ microscopic probe
A bottleneck in solid-state batteries is the solid electrode-electrolyte interface being maintained over repeated cycles. Here, the authors use an epitaxial model system to probe and control the interface in real time.
- Sunyoung Lee
- , Hayoung Park
- & Kisuk Kang
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Article
| Open AccessUltra-high freshwater production in multistage solar membrane distillation via waste heat injection to condenser
Multistage solar membrane distillation is facing challenges with current system designs due to constrained temperature and vapor pressure gradients. Here, the authors propose a stage temperature-boosting concept that enhances moisture transport with up to 88% improvement in overall distillate flux.
- Primož Poredoš
- , Jintong Gao
- & Ruzhu Wang
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Article
| Open AccessSuperoxide radical derived metal-free spiro-OMeTAD for highly stable perovskite solar cells
The migration and hygroscopicity of lithium salt in doped spiro-OMeTAD hampers the device efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Here, the authors employ Eu(TFSI)2 salts to generate superoxide radical for facile pre-oxidation, achieving enhanced efficiency and stability of solar cells and modules.
- Linfeng Ye
- , Jiahao Wu
- & Hongqiang Wang
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Article
| Open AccessCr dopant mediates hydroxyl spillover on RuO2 for high-efficiency proton exchange membrane electrolysis
Developing highly active and stable anode catalysts for green hydrogen production is crucial but challenging. Here, the authors report a Cr0.2Ru0.8O2-x catalyst with an unconventional dopant-mediated hydroxyl spillover mechanism for high-efficiency proton exchange membrane water electrolysis.
- Yu Shen
- , Xiao-Long Zhang
- & Shu-Hong Yu
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Article
| Open AccessEnhancing electrochemical carbon dioxide capture with supercapacitors
Supercapacitors are emerging as energy-efficient devices for CO2 capture. This work investigates the effects of charging protocols and electrode structures on electrochemical CO2 capture and explores the potential of devices for practical CO2 capture, especially in the presence of O2.
- Zhen Xu
- , Grace Mapstone
- & Alexander C. Forse
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| Open AccessReactive capture of CO2 via amino acid
The electrosynthesis of CO via integrated capture and conversion of dilute CO2 suffers from low energy efficiency. Here, the authors report an amino acid salt-based system that employs a single-atom catalyst and operates at an elevated temperature and pressure, which enables efficient CO production.
- Yurou Celine Xiao
- , Siyu Sonia Sun
- & David Sinton
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| Open AccessQuantifying concentration distributions in redox flow batteries with neutron radiography
Advancing electrochemical technologies requires local information that is not available with traditional techniques. Here, the authors introduce a neutron imaging methodology to visualize concentration distributions in operando nonaqueous redox flow cells, shedding light into reactive mass transport.
- Rémy Richard Jacquemond
- , Maxime van der Heijden
- & Antoni Forner-Cuenca
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| Open AccessDesigning electrolytes with high solubility of sulfides/disulfides for high-energy-density and low-cost K-Na/S batteries
Advanced solvents that dissolve both polysulfides and sulfides are developed for intermediate temperature K-Na/S batteries. The innovation enhances cell’s reaction kinetics and energy density, making them attractive for long-duration energy storage.
- Liying Tian
- , Zhenghao Yang
- & Yuan Yang
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| Open AccessTime Lens Photon Doppler Velocimetry (TL-PDV) for extreme measurements
Velocimetry diagnostics such as photon Doppler velocimetry (PDV) are essential to the field of shock and high energy density physics. Here, the authors demonstrate a system that dramatically extends the velocity dynamic range of PDV into the regime of fusion experiments by harnessing a time lens.
- Velat Kilic
- , Christopher S. DiMarco
- & Mark A. Foster
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Article
| Open AccessRobust chelated lead octahedron surface for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
The lead halide octahedron framework is mainly stabilized via optimization of bonding characteristics and dimensionality. Here, the authors employ bidentate ligands to in-situ form lead iodide chelates layer for surface passivation, achieving device efficiency over 25% in perovskite solar cells.
- Bin Wen
- , Tian Chen
- & Pingqi Gao
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Article
| Open AccessUnderstanding the electrochemical processes of SeS2 positive electrodes for developing high-performance non-aqueous lithium sulfur batteries
SexSy is a promising positive electrode material for non-aqueous Li||chalcogen batteries. However, the behaviour of S and Se in the electrode is unclear. Here, the authors investigate the physicochemical phenomena of SexSy and the catalytic role of Se during battery testing.
- Ji Hwan Kim
- , Mihyun Kim
- & Seung-Ho Yu
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| Open AccessCarrier-phonon decoupling in perovskite thermoelectrics via entropy engineering
Authors propose an entropy engineering strategy to realize the carrier-phonon decoupling in SrTiO3-based perovskite thermoelectrics, reducing the lattice thermal conductivity nearly to the amorphous limit and improving the weighted mobility.
- Yunpeng Zheng
- , Qinghua Zhang
- & Yuan-Hua Lin
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Article
| Open AccessEnhanced continuous atmospheric water harvesting with scalable hygroscopic gel driven by natural sunlight and wind
Sorption-based atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH), despite great promise, is constrained by slow sorption kinetics and inefficient condensation. Here the authors synthesize a hygroscopic interconnected porous gel with excellent sorption kinetics and high scalability and adopt solar concentration strategy for efficient continuous SAWH.
- Xinge Yang
- , Zhihui Chen
- & Ruzhu Wang
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| Open AccessPathway decisions for reuse and recycling of retired lithium-ion batteries considering economic and environmental functions
Reuse and recycling of retired electric vehicle batteries offer sustainable waste management but face decision challenges. Ma et al. present a strategy with an accessible economic and environmental evaluation framework for treating these batteries.
- Ruifei Ma
- , Shengyu Tao
- & Guangmin Zhou
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| Open AccessCo-adsorbed self-assembled monolayer enables high-performance perovskite and organic solar cells
Self-assembled monolayers are essential for achieving high performance solar cells by minimizing interfacial energy losses. Here, authors the develop a co-adsorb strategy with a small molecule to provide a favorable heterointerface, realizing high efficiency in p-i-n perovskite and organic devices.
- Dongyang Li
- , Qing Lian
- & Chun Cheng
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Article
| Open AccessCharacterisation and modelling of potassium-ion batteries
Potassium-ion batteries are a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Here, authors characterise the solid-state diffusivities and exchange current densities of leading negative and positive electrode materials, enabling full-cell modelling to identify the properties limiting rate capability.
- Shobhan Dhir
- , John Cattermull
- & Mauro Pasta
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Article
| Open AccessAn alumina phase induced composite transition shuttle to stabilize carbon capture cycles
Distinct alumina phases lead to various intermediate phases in the CaO@x-Al2O3 composites. Here authors show that δ-Al2O3 induces a transition shuttle between Ca3Al2O6 and Ca5Al6O14 in a classical CaO-Al2O3 system, thus improving its carbon capture stabilities.
- Xingyue Ma
- , Shuxuan Luo
- & Yongqi Sun
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Article
| Open AccessA Fe-NC electrocatalyst boosted by trace bromide ions with high performance in proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Replacing expensive and rare platinum with metal–nitrogen–carbon catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells is limited by their lower activity and stability for oxygen reduction reactions. The authors report Fe-N-C catalyst with trace Br ions to enhance Fe-N4 density and introduce defects and mesopores, achieving high activity for oxygen reduction reaction in proton exchange membrane fuel cell.
- Shuhu Yin
- , Long Chen
- & Shigang Sun
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| Open AccessEngineering active and robust alloy-based electrocatalyst by rapid Joule-heating toward ampere-level hydrogen evolution
The rapid Joule heating method has been reported for rational design of bimetallic alloy (RuMo alloy) to improve the electrocatalytic activity and stability of Mo-based cathode for ampere-level alkaline hydrogen evolution.
- Zhan Zhao
- , Jianpeng Sun
- & Xiangchao Meng
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Article
| Open AccessThe importance of A-site cation chemistry in superionic halide solid electrolytes
The role of the A-site (A=Li, Na, Cu and Ag) cation chemistry on ionic conductivity is studied in A2ZrCl6 solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). This work explores the limits of conductivity in halide SSEs, providing new avenues for materials design.
- Kit Barker
- , Sarah L. McKinney
- & Ieuan D. Seymour
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Article
| Open AccessProton exchange membrane-like alkaline water electrolysis using flow-engineered three-dimensional electrodes
Efficient gas bubble removal is crucial for high-rate water electrolysis aimed at optimizing hydrogen production. Here, the authors show that integrating 3-D foam electrodes into a specially designed cell configuration enables alkaline water electrolysis to perform comparably to advanced systems, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.
- Fernando Rocha
- , Christos Georgiadis
- & Joris Proost
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| Open AccessEntropy-increased LiMn2O4-based positive electrodes for fast-charging lithium metal batteries
Effective development of rechargeable lithium-based batteries requires fast-charging electrode materials. Here, the authors report entropy-increased LiMn2O4-based positive electrodes for fast-charging non-aqueous Li metal batteries.
- Weihao Zeng
- , Fanjie Xia
- & Jinsong Wu
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Article
| Open AccessUnifying the ORR and OER with surface oxygen and extracting their intrinsic activities on platinum
Catalyzing the splitting and formation of oxygen on noble metal surfaces are key reactions developing materials for electrolysis. Here, authors show on platinum that the state of a surface oxidation process is a key descriptor for the kinetics.
- Benedikt Axel Brandes
- , Yogeshwaran Krishnan
- & Johan Hjelm
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Article
| Open AccessSurface chemical polishing and passivation minimize non-radiative recombination for all-perovskite tandem solar cells
The efficiency of all-perovskite tandem solar cells is impacted by the nonradiative recombination loss in Sn–Pb mixed narrow bandgap perovskite films. Here, the authors utilize a surface polishing agent with surface passivator to deliver films with a close-to-ideal stoichiometric ratio surface.
- Yongyan Pan
- , Jianan Wang
- & Wei Chen
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Article
| Open AccessPd-Ru pair on Pt surface for promoting hydrogen oxidation and evolution in alkaline media
Hydrogen oxidation in alkaline media is vital for fuel cells and ammonia compressors but typically requires costly platinum catalysts. Here the authors report a Pd-Ru pair decorated on Pt to enhance the mass activity of noble-metal for hydrogen oxidation reactions.
- Longsheng Cao
- , Fernando A. Soto
- & Chunsheng Wang
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Article
| Open AccessBoosting oxygen evolution reaction by FeNi hydroxide-organic framework electrocatalyst toward alkaline water electrolyzer
Developing cost-efficient catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction is crucial for various modern energy technologies. Here the authors report an efficient and durable NiFe hydroxide organic framework catalyst for water oxidation at 1 A/cm2 with long durability over 1000 h.
- Yuzhen Chen
- , Qiuhong Li
- & Xiaoyong Xu
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| Open AccessHow local electric field regulates C–C coupling at a single nanocavity in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Precisely tunning the C–C coupling pathway through local microenvironments remains somewhat unclear. Here, the authors developed a nano-confined Raman spectroscopic strategy to uncover how the local electric field regulates the evolution of C–C coupling intermediates at a specific nanocavity.
- Ruixin Yang
- , Yanming Cai
- & Zixuan Chen
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Article
| Open AccessAn acid-tolerant metal-organic framework for industrial CO2 electrolysis using a proton exchange membrane
This work develops an industrial-level CO2 electrolysis system for formic acid production by constructing a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer with an acid-tolerant Bismuth metal-organic framework.
- Kang Yang
- , Ming Li
- & Jingjing Duan
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Article
| Open AccessA binary 2D perovskite passivation for efficient and stable perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells
The performance of wide bandgap perovskite solar cells is limited by the carrier recombination at their electron extraction interface. Here, the authors assemble binary 2D perovskites for efficient charge transport and realizing stable perovskite/silicon tandems with device efficiency over 30%.
- Fengtao Pei
- , Yihua Chen
- & Qi Chen
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Article
| Open AccessHigh vacancy formation energy boosts the stability of structurally ordered PtMg in hydrogen fuel cells
Fuel cells are promising for various applications but need durable electrocatalysts. Here, the authors present a solution-phase derived Pt-Mg alloy endowed with a Pt-rich shell and an intermetallic core, showing high durability and activity.
- Caleb Gyan-Barimah
- , Jagannath Sai Pavan Mantha
- & Jong-Sung Yu
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Article
| Open AccessIodine-induced self-depassivation strategy to improve reversible kinetics in Na-Cl2 battery
An iodine-induced self-depassivation strategy extends Na-Cl2 battery life to 2000 cycles by forming high-reactivity NaCl and lowering the chlorine conversion polarization, which successfully solves a key failure mechanism for superior reversibility.
- Wenting Feng
- , Xinru Wei
- & Linjie Zhi
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Article
| Open AccessSynchronized crystallization in tin-lead perovskite solar cells
The film quality of Sn-Pb perovskites is compromised by the asynchronous crystallization. Here, the authors introduce a noncovalent binding agent to target unsaturated Sn(II) solvate, achieving certified efficiency of 24.13% for operationally stable single-junction Sn-Pb perovskite solar cells.
- Yao Zhang
- , Chunyan Li
- & Han Chen
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Article
| Open AccessMolecular interaction induced dual fibrils towards organic solar cells with certified efficiency over 20%
The nanoscale fibrillar morphology of the photoactive layer is critical to improve performance of organic solar cells. Here, the authors incorporate thiophene terminal groups in the non-fullerene acceptor, realizing nanofibrils with enhanced structural order and certified device efficiency of 20%.
- Chen Chen
- , Liang Wang
- & Tao Wang
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Article
| Open AccessOffshore wind and wave energy can reduce total installed capacity required in zero-emissions grids
Offshore wind and wave energy may play a key role in the energy transition. Here, authors identify cost targets for these technologies to become cost effective and show how the grid’s installed capacity decreases, and generation and transmission change as offshore energy deployment increase.
- Natalia Gonzalez
- , Paul Serna-Torre
- & Patricia Hidalgo-Gonzalez
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Article
| Open AccessA rolling-mode triboelectric nanogenerator with multi-tunnel grating electrodes and opposite-charge-enhancement for wave energy harvesting
Limited current output hinders triboelectric nanogenerators for maritime applications. Authors design a rolling-mode TENG with multi-tunnel grating electrodes, achieving 185.4 W/(m3·Hz) power density. They demonstrate a self-powered ocean sensing system for water quality monitoring and wireless communication.
- Yawei Wang
- , Hengxu Du
- & Minyi Xu
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-performance Mg3Sb2-based thermoelectrics with reduced structural disorder and microstructure evolution
The authors modify complex defect microstructure in Mg3Sb2-based thermoelectrics to reduce structural disorder and promote microstructural evolution, synergistically optimizing electron and phonon transport via a delocalization effect for high performance.
- Longquan Wang
- , Wenhao Zhang
- & Takao Mori
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-entropy superparaelectrics with locally diverse ferroic distortion for high-capacitive energy storage
High-entropy superparaelectrics with locally diverse ferroic distortion simultaneously achieve ultrahigh energy density and ultrahigh energy storage efficiency under large electric fields.
- Jianhong Duan
- , Kun Wei
- & Hao Li
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Article
| Open Access0.68% of solar-to-hydrogen efficiency and high photostability of organic-inorganic membrane catalyst
Solar-driven flat-panel H2O-to-H2 conversion is an important technology for value-added solar fuel production. Here, an organic-inorganic interface membrane catalyst displays high photostability and operability with 0.68% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency.
- Wei Li
- , Wen Duan
- & Chuanyi Wang
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Article
| Open AccessA high-performance watermelon skin ion-solvating membrane for electrochemical CO2 reduction
The development of ion-solvating membranes with low ion resistance and high ion selectivity remains a challenge in the field of electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Here the authors report that watermelon skin ion-solvating membrane exhibits high ion conductivity and high ion selectivity.
- Qinglu Liu
- , Tang Tang
- & Licheng Sun
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Article
| Open AccessUltrastrong, flexible thermogalvanic armor with a Carnot-relative efficiency over 8%
Flexible thermogalvanic device provides a sustainable platform for body heat harvesting, but its performance is limited by low energy conversion efficiency and poor mechanical strength. The authors report a flexible thermogalvanic armor with a Carnot-relative efficiency of 8.53% and strong mechanical toughness.
- Jinpei Wang
- , Yuxin Song
- & Zuankai Wang
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Article
| Open AccessImpacts of large-scale deployment of vertical bifacial photovoltaics on European electricity market dynamics
The study investigates the potential of vertical bifacial photovoltaics (PV) adoption in the European electricity market. It shows that with up to 50% deployment, curtailment levels could be reduced, system costs lowered by around 3.8 billion Euros, and gas consumption decreased by nearly 12%.
- Laszlo Szabo
- , Magda Moner- Girona
- & Sandor Szabo