Hybrid systems have gained significant attention among researchers and scientists worldwide due to their ability to integrate solar cells and supercapacitors. Subsequently, this has led to rising demands for green energy, miniaturization and mini-electronic wearable devices. These hybrid devices will lead to sustainable energy becoming viable and fossil-fuel-based sources of energy gradually being replaced. A solar photovoltaic (SPV) system is an electronic device that mainly functions to convert photon energy to electrical energy using a solar power source. It has been widely used in developed countries given that they have advanced photovoltaic (PV) technology that reduces dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation. Furthermore, a supercapacitor is an alternative solution for replacing heavy batteries and it is a system with a prominent high power density and a long life cycle. Its unique properties of high capacitance with low voltage limits lead to this highly in-demand material being incorporated into goods and services that are produced by the electrical and electronics industries. It is another option for grid-based power or large batteries. Since supercapacitors have the ability to store huge amounts of energy, they allow for a novel system that integrates supercapacitors with solar cells in which energy generation and energy storage are combined into one system. This paper explores the common materials that are used for solar cells and supercapacitors, the working mechanisms, the effectiveness of the integrated device and the technical challenges that are encountered when refining this device. Hence, this review serves as a guide for choosing the right materials and methods in order to produce an integrated PV solar cell–energy storage device for various applications.

The (Bi,Pb)₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_x (BSCCO-2223) samples were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction and co-precipitation methods. The crystal size, cell parameter, and crystal structure were identified from X-ray diffraction (XRD). The peaks drawn by co-precipitation have higher intensities and the width of peaks were narrower compared to the sample prepared by solid-state method. Slight difference in the value of lattice parameters between the samples were also noticeable. Concentration of defects increased the distortion of crystal lattice that cause the changes in these parameters. The electrical properties of the superconductors were investigated by using cryogenic four-point probe and AC susceptibility. The sample prepared by co-precipitation method was able to reach higher critical temperature, T_C at 106 K compared to the other sample, T_C at 97 K. Meanwhile Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs for solid-state method sample showed more random grain alignment and porous structures. The microstructures and grain growth results of Bi-2223 were reflected to the heat and temperature applied during sintering process. In short, the research work reveals that co-precipitation method produces better quality of high temperature superconductor compared with solid-state method due to higher homogeneity resulted by chemical reactions.

The PUSPATI TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor is currently been used in various applications such as Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), Delayed Neutron Activation Analysis (DNAA), radioisotope production for medical, industrial and agricultural purposes, Neutron Radiography and Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). However, there are not much research activities on utilizing neutron flux from the reactor to study properties of superconducting materials. For superconductors to be fabricated into components of electrical and magnetic devices, the sustainability of the transition temperature, TC and the transport critical current density, JC of the materials is vital to ensure the durability and effectiveness of the devices. A strong superconducting flux pinning capability of superconductors is necessary to maintain high TC and larger JC. Meanwhile, exposure of superconductors to neutron flux is able to create the self-organization of defects that are responsible in producing higher TC and JC in superconductors where the defects act as the flux pinning centres. In this paper, we report the utilization of neutron flux from the PUSPATI TRIGA Mark II research reactor in enhancing the TC and JC of bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper oxide (BSCCO) superconductor. Appropriate sample holder and shielding was fabricated as protection from radiation effect. In this work, 2212-phase BSCCO superconductor (Bi-2212 phase) samples were synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction method. The samples underwent fast neutron irradiation with neutron flux of 2.0 × 1011 neutrons/(cm2.s) for 6 hours. Results showed that the TC of the samples improved slightly, and the JC was found to increase by more than 3 folds.