Article
Optics
Somdatta Paul, Jenifar Sultana, Nayan Ranjan Saha, Goutam K. Dalapati, Anupam Karmakar, Sanatan Chattopadhyay
Summary: In this study, n-ZnO nanowires were grown on p-Si substrate using the CBD technique, and the influence of annealing the ZnO seed layer at different temperatures was investigated. It was found that nanowires grown on seeds annealed at 400 degrees C exhibited superior performance.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ebrahim Chalangar, Elfatih Mustafa, Omer Nur, Magnus Willander, Hakan Pettersson
Summary: In this study, a new low-cost template-assisted synthesis method was used to fabricate vertically aligned ZnO nanorod arrays on Si (100). The nanorods were grown on a double seed layer composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles. The seed layer was prepared by spray-coating the substrate with graphene and dip-coating it into an Al-doped ZnO sol-gel solution. A growth template was created using a double-layer resist spin-coated on top of the rGO/ZnO:Al seed layer and patterned by colloidal lithography. The results showed successful chemical bath deposition of ZnO nanorods with controllable diameter and density in the nanoholes of the patterned resist mask. Our novel method has the potential to fabricate electronic devices on various smooth substrates with a short thermal budget and the seed layer acting as a conductive strain-relieving back contact. The top contact can be easily made by depositing a suitable transparent conductive oxide or metal, depending on the specific application.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Lakshmiprasad Maddi, Khidhirbrahmendra Vinukonda, Thirumala Rao Gurugubelli, Ravindranadh Koutavarapu
Summary: An in-situ hydrothermal process was used to create Co-doped ZnO/CdS nanosheets, and the effects of Co ions on the test material's structural, morphological, optical, and magnetic characteristics were examined. The development of a hexagonal wurtzite structure was confirmed by XRD for both ZnO and CdS. SEM, TEM, and HR-TEM studies revealed a sheet-like morphology. Essential elements (S, Cd, O, Co, and Zn) were verified by elemental mapping and XPS examination. Co-doping significantly enhanced the nanosheets' ability to absorb light in the visible region. The bandgap energy (2.59 eV) was well-regulated and a yellow emission band at 577 nm was observed in the PL spectrum.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Richard Grothe, Jan Striewe, Dennis Meinderink, Thomas Troester, Guido Grundmeier
Summary: Nanocrystalline ZnO films were used as interface layers for polymer/metal bonds in this study, showing improved bond strength under humid environments. The combination of NC ZnO films with adhesion-promoting molecules was found to have the best performance, as confirmed by electrochemical properties analysis and Scanning Kelvin probe measurements, which effectively inhibited corrosive delamination of the polymer from the metal substrate.
JOURNAL OF ADHESION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Clara Sanchez-Perez, Sriluxmi Srimurugananthan, Carlos Sotelo-Vazquez, Sanjayan Sathasivam, Mingyue Wang, Javier Marugan, Ivan P. P. Parkin, Claire J. J. Carmalt
Summary: ZnO thin film coatings were synthesized by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) with different Zn : O ratios, and the synthetic parameters for self-texturing were analyzed. The effects of Zn environment and temperature on the morphology of the coatings were evaluated. A non-pyrophoric molecular precursor was investigated and found to produce 002-oriented, compact, transparent ZnO thin coatings with minimal carbon contamination at 300°C and fast growth rates (>40 nm min(-1)). This new deposition approach provides a rapid method to achieve optoelectronic coatings at ambient pressure.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vanja Vlajkov, Ivana Pajcin, Marta Loc, Dragana Budakov, Jelena Dodic, Mila Grahovac, Jovana Grahovac
Summary: This study focuses on the characterization of a representative from the rhizosphere microbiome of Phaseolus vulgaris, Bacillus sp. BioSol021, regarding its plant growth promotion traits and biocontrol effects against aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus. The results indicate that high aeration intensity and agitation rate have a positive impact on inhibiting the growth of Aspergillus flavus and promoting maize seed germination.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mahmoud Wagih, Dimitra G. Georgiadou
Summary: This paper presents a nonlinear model and antenna-circuit co-design for solution-processed Zinc-Oxide (ZnO) Schottky diodes. Experimental results show a good agreement between the extracted equivalent circuit model and on-wafer characterization. Additionally, the designed rectifier demonstrates high power conversion efficiency in the UHF RFID band.
2022 29TH IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ELECTRONICS, CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS (IEEE ICECS 2022)
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zicheng Ding, Yi Zhang, Yueling Su, Yin Wu, Yanchun Han, Kui Zhao, Shengzhong (Frank) Liu
Summary: By controlling phase separation and crystallization, a new type of stretchable organic solar cells (OSCs) is achieved by blending polymer donor PM6 and non-fullerene acceptor Y6 with elastomer SEBS. The addition of high-boiling point solvent additive CN dramatically alters the aggregation dynamics and film solidification process, resulting in improved molecular ordering and mechanical properties.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Shaomin Yang, Yuwei Duan, Zhike Liu, Shengzhong (Frank) Liu
Summary: All-inorganic CsPbX3 perovskites have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their excellent optoelectronic properties and wide range of applications. This review provides a brief introduction to the fundamental properties of CsPbX3 perovskites and summarizes the recent progress in crystallization modulation strategies for high-quality CsPbX3 films. The potential methods for improving the efficiency of inorganic PSCs are also discussed, offering insights into the future development prospects.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jinbo Pang, Songang Peng, Chongyang Hou, Xiao Wang, Ting Wang, Yu Cao, Weijia Zhou, Ding Sun, Kai Wang, Mark H. Ruemmeli, Gianaurelio Cuniberti, Hong Liu
Summary: In this review, the applications of MXene in sensors and actuators are discussed. MXene-based films, membranes, and composites are used to simulate the five primary human senses and stimulate muscles. MXene is utilized in image sensors, gas sensors, chemical biosensors, acoustic devices, and tactile sensors for electronic skin, as well as in MXene-based actuators. The future opportunities for MXene research in artificial intelligence and humanoid robots are also presented.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi-Han Wang, Yu Qin, Shen Tang, Qing-Hu Teng, Meng-Meng Zhu, Song Peng, Kai Wang, Fu-Pei Liang
Summary: Two novel polynuclear lanthanide clusters with asymmetric metallogrid and double-layered cage topologies have been synthesized. Magnetic measurements reveal slow magnetic relaxation behavior in both compounds.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Li, Chenyang Zhang, Xiuzun Zhong, Wanyuan Deng, Hanlin Hu, Kai Wang
Summary: This study investigates the design of two new small-molecule donors with different end groups and their successful incorporation into the organic solar cell system, which enhances charge collection and transportation and improves the efficiency of the cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Manni Chen, Zhipeng Zhang, Bin Wen, Runze Zhan, Kai Wang, Shaozhi Deng, Jiangsheng Xie, Jun Chen
Summary: This study presents the use of Ga2O3 compact layer to form a heterojunction structure with FAPbI3 for perovskite-based X-ray detectors. The FAPbI3/Ga2O3 detector exhibits significantly reduced dark current and increased photo-to-dark current ratio compared to the bare FAPbI3 detector. It also achieves a lower detection limit and shorter response time. Furthermore, the FAPbI3/Ga2O3 device demonstrates better repeatability due to the suppression of ion migration.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinhe Wu, Haiqin Ma, Kai Wang, Juan Wang, Guohong Wang, Huogen Yu
Summary: An innovative and one-step sodium acetate (CH3COONa)-mediated synthesis strategy has been designed to synthesize a high-yield and crystalline g-C3N4 photocatalyst, aiming to avoid the drawbacks of currently reported molten salt-assisted strategy. The CH3COONa can effectively prevent the sublimation of DCDA and promote the transformation of DCDA into g-C3N4 with a high yield. The resulting g-C3N4 exhibits significantly enhanced H2-evolution rate.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Qing-Hu Teng, Feng-Lai Lu, Kai Wang, Li-Ya Zhou, Dian-Peng Li
Summary: A photocatalytic chemodivergent reaction was proposed to selectively form C-S and C-N bonds in a controlled manner. The reaction medium, either neutral or acidic, plays a critical role in dictating the formation of 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles and 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones from isothiocyanates and hydrazones. This protocol offers a practical approach to achieve chemoselectivity under mild and metal-free conditions.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yali Zhou, Bin Liu, Qi Luo, Heqing Yang, Shengzhong Liu
Summary: The discovery of a new physical phenomenon will lead to the exploration of a new research area. Here, we demonstrate a novel phenomenon called the thermovoltaic effect on a nonpolar ZnO (1010) surface, which is distinct from the pyroelectric and thermoelectric effects. The thermovoltaic effect does not require temperature variation or gradient. By applying thermal radiation from a rod-shaped heater (9.0 W), the ZnO thermovoltaic device produces a short-circuit current of 0.64 mu A and an open-circuit voltage of 0.88 mV. This effect is attributed to the spontaneous electric field (Es) along the polar [0001] direction on the ZnO (1010) surface, which facilitates the directional movement of thermally generated electrons and enables the observation of the thermovoltaic effect. This discovery opens up possibilities for the study of thermovoltaic cells and provides evidence for the general polar structure theory.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhuo Xu, Ming Chen, Weidong Luo, Shengzhong Frank Liu
Summary: The contact properties of Cs2PbI2Cl2 with different metals were investigated in this study. The presence of a naturally formed buffer layer at the interface of Cs2PbI2Cl2 was found to significantly affect the interface electronic properties. Two stacking patterns were constructed based on their symmetry. Different contact types (type I and type II) were observed, with type II contacts showing a strong Fermi level pinning effect. Ohmic contacts were obtained in Pd/Ir/Pt-Cs2PbI2Cl2 type I contacts. The study reveals the influence of interfacial coupling behaviors on the Fermi level pinning effect and provides guidance for developing electronic nanodevices based on Cs2PbI2Cl2.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yang Yang, Lu Liu, Jianxun Li, Shuai Zhao, Zhen Chang, Le Wang, Dongqi Yu, Kai Wang, Shengzhong (Frank) Liu
Summary: In this work, we demonstrate an ambient aging process that appears to further improve the performance of wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells. The aging process induces secondary recrystallization and reduces defect density through air passivation and halogen redistribution. This leads to suppressed nonradiative recombination and prolonged carrier lifetime. The champion wide-bandgap perovskite solar cell achieved a power-conversion efficiency of 20.12% and a high open-circuit voltage of 1.27 V, making it one of the highest-performing wide-bandgap solar cells reported. This work reveals the impact of the air aging process on perovskite film properties and demonstrates a scalable post-treatment strategy for producing state-of-the-art semiconducting films.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yabin Ma, Jinghao Ge, Alex K. -Y. Jen, Jiaxue You, Shengzhong (Frank) Liu
Summary: Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with excellent photoelectric properties have gained significant attention. However, the manufacturing process of PSCs introduces a large number of defects, which negatively impact their performance. Polymers have emerged as promising additives due to their adjustable structures, multiple functional groups, stability, and low cost, further promoting the commercialization of PSC technology. However, the lack of systematic studies and effective guidelines has hindered the application of polymers in PSCs. This review summarizes the various roles of polymers in PSCs, including crystallization regulation, enhancing the mechanical stability of flexible PSCs, and serving as undoped hole transport materials. It also proposes the use of machine learning to design and select polymers for PSCs. Promising guidelines and recommendations for the commercialization of PSCs are provided.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhe Yan, Sheji Luo, Qi Li, Zhong-Shuai Wu, Shengzhong (Frank) Liu
Summary: A supercapacitor is a promising energy storage device with high-power density for flexible, smart electronic devices. The flexible components, including electrodes, electrolytes, separators, and current collectors, are crucial for the performance of flexible supercapacitors. The review also discusses the practical applications and challenges of flexible supercapacitors in wearable technologies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuo Xu, Weidong Luo, Songyan Guo, Shengzhong Frank Liu
Summary: This work reveals the crucial role of spacer ligands in metal-2D perovskite junctions, which can significantly affect the contact properties. Ligands with different sizes and functional groups have been found to strongly influence the interface binding energy, Schottky barrier height, and tunneling property. Small-size ligands can effectively enhance the interface coupling and perturb the perovskite electronic properties, resulting in a high tunneling probability.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongliang Bai, Dexu Zheng, Shaoan Yang, Fengyang Yu, Xuejie Zhu, Lei Peng, Likun Wang, Jishuang Liu, Dong Yang, Shengzhong (Frank) Liu
Summary: The defects formed by halide ion escape and the wettability of the perovskite absorber are important factors limiting the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, a series of ionic organic modulators containing halide anions were designed to prevent defect formation and improve the surface tension of the perovskite absorber. It was found that the modulator containing Br anions was the most effective in reducing charge recombination and promoting carrier transfer. Additionally, this modulator improved the hydrophobicity of the perovskite surface. As a result, the efficiency of PSCs using the Br-containing modulator increased to 23.32% from the control device's efficiency of 21.08%. The unencapsulated PSCs with the modulator also showed excellent stability, retaining 75.42% of their initial efficiency after 28 days of storage in air with about 35% humidity, compared to the control device's 44.49% retention. The research demonstrates the importance of halide ions in defect prevention and surface tension improvement of perovskite absorber, and highlights the potential of ionic organic modulators for enhancing PSC performance.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mengjiao Dong, Liyun Liao, Chensheng Li, Yingxiao Mu, Yanping Huo, Zhong-Min Su, Fushun Liang
Summary: This study investigates the influence of the polarity of polymer matrices on persistent room-temperature phosphorescence (pRTP). It is discovered that intense phosphorescence emission can be achieved in highly polar matrices such as polyacrylic acid (PAA). The dipole-dipole interaction between the polar fluorophore and polar matrix is proposed to stabilize the excited state and facilitate the generation of efficient room-temperature phosphorescence emissions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Han-Jiang Yang, Weijia Xiang, Xiangzhou Zhang, Jin-Yun Wang, Liang-Jin Xu, Zhong-Ning Chen
Summary: This article reports a 2D copper(I)-based cluster material for X-ray imaging, which exhibits ultra-high spatial resolution, high photoluminescence efficiency, and low detection limit. The material shows excellent linear response to X-ray dose rates and light output, and has the best spatial resolution among reported lead-free metal halide hybrids.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Taek Joon Kim, Sang-hun Lee, Dayeong Kwon, Jinsoo Joo
Summary: Donor-acceptor heterostructures using organic-inorganic halide perovskites, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, pi-conjugated organic small/macro molecules, and quantum dots are promising platforms for exciton-based photonics and optoelectronics. Hetero-interlayer excitons and hetero-intermolecular excitons formed through optical and/or electrical charge transfer in various heterostructures are important quasi-particles for light emission, detection, and harvesting systems.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liemao Cao, Xiaohui Deng, Zhen-kun Tang, Rui Tan, Yee Sin Ang
Summary: We investigate the interface properties between WSi2N4 and Mo2B, O-modified Mo2B, and OH-modified Mo2B nanosheets. We find that WSi2N4 and Mo2B form n-type Schottky contacts, while functionalizing Mo2B with O and OH leads to the formation of both n-type and p-type ohmic contacts with WSi2N4. Additionally, we demonstrate the emergence of quasi-ohmic contact with ultralow lateral Schottky barrier and zero vertical interfacial tunneling barriers in Mo2B(OH)2-contacted WSi2N4.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ga Eun Kim, Hae-Jin Kim, Heesuk Jung, Minwoo Park
Summary: This study presents a solution to the commercialization challenges of flexible LEDs based on MAPbBr(3) by incorporating polyurethane and an In-Ga-Zn-Sn liquid alloy. The designed devices showed high flexibility, efficiency, and durability, with improved electron injection and reduced defects, making them promising for next-generation displays.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tao Shen, Zeng Wu, Zhen Jiang, Dongsheng Yan, Yan Zhao, Yang Wang, Yunqi Liu
Summary: Sidechain engineering is an important molecular design strategy for tuning the solid-state packing and structural ordering of conjugated polymers. The effects of sidechain direction on the optoelectronic properties of polymers and device performance were systematically investigated in this study. The results demonstrate that tuning the sidechain substitution direction can effectively improve the molecular structure and light absorption properties of polymers, providing new insights for the rational design of functional polymers.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lotte Clinckemalie, Bapi Pradhan, Roel Vanden Brande, Heng Zhang, Jonathan Vandenwijngaerden, Rafikul Ali Saha, Giacomo Romolini, Li Sun, Dirk Vandenbroucke, Mischa Bonn, Hai I. Wang, Elke Debroye
Summary: In this study, a facile strategy using a non-conductive polymer was proposed to fabricate stable, pinhole-free thick films. The effect of introducing a second phase into CsPbBr3 perovskite crystals on their photophysical properties and charge transport was investigated. The dual phase devices exhibited improved stability and more effective operation at higher voltages in X-ray detection.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jingye Zou, Shenglan Hao, Pascale Gemeiner, Nicolas Guiblin, Omar Ibder, Brahim Dkhil, Charles Paillard
Summary: When rare-earth ions are embedded in a ferroelectric material, their photoluminescence can serve as an all-optical probe for temperature, electric field, and mechanical stimulus. However, the impact of ferroelectric phase transitions on photoluminescence is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate changes in the photoluminescence of green emission bands during critical ferroelectric transitions in an Er-doped BaTiO3 material. We also find that the intensity ratio and wavelength position difference of sub-peaks provide information on the phase transitions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiangchao Han, Daming Zhou, Wei Yang, Chen Lv, Xinhe Wang, Guodong Wei, Weisheng Zhao, Xiaoyang Lin, Shengbo Sang
Summary: Rare type-II spin-gapless semiconductors (SGSs) have attracted increasing attention due to their unique spin properties. In this study, the interface contacts and spin transport properties of different devices composed of VSi2P4 ferromagnetic layers were investigated. The results show that VSi2P4 is a promising material for designing vertical van der Waals heterostructures with a giant tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) in spintronic applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tianqi Zhao, Renagul Abdurahman, Qianting Yang, Ruxiangul Aiwaili, Xue-Bo Yin
Summary: In this study, we designed and prepared Cr and Ba-doped gamma-Ga2O3 nanoparticles to achieve near-infrared emission and enhance the emission intensity. The emission mechanism was proposed based on the trap depth, band gap, and energy levels of Cr ions. The ratiometric temperature sensing and encryption information transfer demonstrated the potential applications of this technology.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shuvankar Gupta, Jyotirmoy Sau, Manoranjan Kumar, Chandan Mazumdar
Summary: In this study, a new spin-gapless semiconductor material CoFeMnSn is reported, and its stable structure and spin-polarized band structure are determined through experimental realization and theoretical calculations. The compound exhibits a high ferromagnetic transition temperature, making it excellent for room temperature applications. The nearly temperature-independent resistivity, conductivity, and carrier concentration of the compound, adherence to the Slater-Pauling rule, and the high intrinsic anomalous Hall conductivity achieved through hole doping further confirm its spin-gapless semiconductor nature. Additionally, the compound's SGS and topological properties make it suitable for spintronics and magneto-electronics devices.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ikumi Aratani, Yoji Horii, Yoshinori Kotani, Hitoshi Osawa, Hajime Tanida, Toshiaki Ina, Takeshi Watanabe, Yohko F. Yano, Akane Mizoguchi, Daisuke Takajo, Takashi Kajiwara
Summary: In this study, two-dimensional arrays of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were systematically modified through Langmuir-Blodgett methods and chemical modifications. The introduction of bulky alkoxide groups induced structural changes and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. This research provides a promising strategy for the construction of high-density magnetic memory devices using molecular spintronics.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zonghao Lei, Houhe Dong, Lijie Sun, Bing Teng, Yanfei Zou, Degao Zhong
Summary: Researchers have successfully developed four different up-conversion phosphors based on the Eulytite-type host Ba3Yb(PO4)(3). The optical temperature sensing properties of these phosphors were thoroughly investigated, and it was found that Ba3Yb(PO4)(3):Tm/Er/Ho showed potential for optical temperature measurement applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
C. Roncero-Barrero, M. A. Carvajal, J. Ribas-Arino, I. de P. R. Moreira, M. Deumal
Summary: This study computationally investigates the conductivity of four isostructural compounds with different Se contents, and reveals the parameters that define their conductivity in stable organic radical materials. The results provide insights into the influence of Se content on the conductivity and highlight the importance of considering multiple parameters in understanding the trends in conductivity.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Remi Arras, Kedar Sharma, Lionel Calmels
Summary: In this study, we investigated the interplay between structural defects in NiFe2O4, showing that the complex formed by a Ni-Oh/Fe-Td-cation swap and a neutral oxygen vacancy is more stable than these two isolated defects, and significantly reduces the width of the minority-spin band gap.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
