Article
Optics
Xiankun Zheng, Lijin Wang, Jialin Bai, Han Zhang, Hanzhuang Zhang, Aiwei Tang, Wenyu Ji
Summary: The low device efficiency of quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) based on CuInZnS quantum dots is mainly attributed to trap-related recombination and is sensitive to temperature and hole-transporting layers. A higher efficiency can be achieved by using hole-transporting layers with low highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels.
LASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Han Song, Yu Lin, Mengsi Zhou, Huashang Rao, Zhenxiao Pan, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: The study focuses on the design and preparation of ZCISSe quinary alloyed QDs for achieving a balance among light-harvesting, photogenerated electron extraction, and charge-collection efficiencies in QDSCs, leading to a new efficiency record of 14.4% for liquid-junction QD solar cells.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Roopakala Kottayi, Ilangovan Veerappan, Ramadasse Sittaramane
Summary: This study synthesized Ag-Zn-Ga-S-Se alloyed quantum dots (QDs) by colloidal hot injection and characterized their properties. The results showed that the synthesized QDs have high light absorption ability and can be used as sensitizers in solar cells, achieving a high photoconversion efficiency.
BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
F. Shen, Y. M. Fan, H. Li, S. P. Li, M. Xu, W. B. Dai
Summary: Quantum dots (QDs) have attracted attention for use in photovoltaic applications. Current research mainly focuses on binary QDs containing toxic elements, while studying heavy-metal free alloyed QDs is a common approach for commercial applications. The study shows that alloyed QDs can improve conductivity and power conversion efficiency (PCE), reduce defect density, and regulate bandgap to facilitate electron injection.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
F. Shen, Y. M. Fan, H. Li, S. P. Li, M. Xu, W. B. Dai
Summary: The study explores the use of less-toxic ternary QDs and overgrown shell structure to achieve high power conversion efficiency in quantum dot sensitized solar cells. The diffusion of Zn2+ into QDs for alloyed QDs is proposed as a better strategy to improve conductivity and efficiency. Surface passivation with ZnS layer is also studied to enhance the performance of QD sensitized electrodes.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Zhu, Yu-Yang Hu, Wei Wang, Yiling Xie, Weinan Xue, Fangfang He, Yan Li
Summary: In this study, a protective ZnSe shell is grown on the surface of Al/Zn coincorporated Cu-In-Se QDs to reduce surface defects and improve the photovoltaic performance of QDSCs. The ZnSe shell thickness is found to be crucial in enhancing the PL intensity of QDs and can be tailored during the synthesis process. Surface engineering of QDs with ZnSe shell leads to an increase in the power conversion efficiency of QDSCs from 10.15% to 10.53%.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Liu, R. Fan, Y. Zhao, M. Yu, L. Li, Q. Li, B. Liang, W. Zhang
Summary: In this study, a relatively less toxic CISSe quantum dot was prepared by an organic high-temperature hot injection method for use in QD-sensitized solar cells. Through Sn doping and ZnS passivation, the electron collection efficiency was improved and charge recombination was inhibited, resulting in a power conversion efficiency of 6.7% for the QDSSC.
MATERIALS TODAY ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qitao Chen, Yanhong Liu, Xiaoqing Gu, Di Li, Dongxu Zhang, Dongqi Zhang, Hui Huang, Baodong Mao, Zhenhui Kang, Weidong Shi
Summary: A ternary photocatalyst was constructed using Cu-In-Zn-S quantum dots, MoS2 and carbon dots, showing significantly increased hydrogen production rate compared to individual components. Carbon dots played a key role in electron sinking, leading to enhanced charge extraction efficiency in composite photocatalyst design.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yukai Ma, Yunong Zhang, Ming Liu, Tongliga Han, Yanlai Wang, Xiaojing Wang
Summary: In this study, Zn-CuInS2 and CuInS2 quantum dots were synthesized by heat injection method for their application as photosensitizers in quantum dot sensitized solar cells. It was found that Zn doping expands the optical absorption range, enhances luminescence intensity, and improves electron injection efficiency. The Zn-CuInS2 QDSCs exhibit high conversion efficiency and short circuit current density under AM 1.5G illumination.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Dongyang Wang, Hao Yang, Junhong Duan, Weiqing Liu, Huaming Wu
Summary: A novel photoanode based on CdSe/CdS@SnO2 core/shell nanoparticles was fabricated for highly efficient quantum dots and dye-sensitized tandem solar cells. The introduction of a SnO2 nanolayer in the CdSe/CdS@SnO2 at N719 device avoids quantum dots corrosion and collects electrons from surrounding N719 and CdSe/CdS core, transferring them to the front FTO electrode. Photovoltaic performance tests demonstrate the enhanced stability of the cell, with no attenuation in short-circuit current J(sc) and gradual increase in open-circuit voltage V-oc, resulting in improved photoelectric conversion efficiency. An optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.43% is achieved for tandem solar cells.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRON DEVICES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinxing Zhao, Fei Chen, Haoran Jia, Lijin Wang, Ping Liu, Tao Luo, Li Guan, Xu Li, Zhe Yin, Aiwei Tang
Summary: In this work, high-performance cadmium-free Cu & horbar;In & horbar;Zn & horbar;S(CIZS)-based QLEDs are designed and fabricated through tailoring interfacial energy level alignment and improving the balance of charge injection. The incorporation of Cu2+ ions can regulate the energy level structure of NiOx and enhance the hole mobility. The CIZS-based QLEDs with Cu & horbar;NiOx/PEDOT:PSS bilayered HIL exhibit significantly improved external quantum efficiency and half-life time compared to devices with only PEDOT:PSS HIL.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ting Wang, Jiayong Zhang, Bin Yao, Yongfeng Li, Zhanhui Ding, Chunkai Wang, Jia Liu
Summary: Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)(4) films with different ratios were fabricated and used in CZTSSe solar cells. The crystal quality and lattice constants of the films increased with the ratio, while the amount of Zn(S,Se) decreased, resulting in an improvement in the solar cell conversion efficiency.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ncediwe Tsolekile, Sundararajan Parani, Erenilda Ferreira de Macedo, Thabang Calvin Lebepe, Rodney Maluleke, Vuyelwa Ncapayi, Mangaka Clara Matoetoe, Sandile Phinda Songca, Katia Conceicao, Dayane Batista Tada, Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi
Summary: The conjugation of ZCIS/ZnS quantum dots with mTHPP has shown promising results in enhancing the efficacy of photodynamic therapy, especially in reducing cell viability and exhibiting antibacterial effects. This suggests that the conjugate is a potential material for anti-cancer and antimicrobial PDT applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wenlei Lv, Yilong Lei, Jianping Deng, Junfei Fang, Wendeng Huang
Summary: Metal ion doping is an effective method to improve the optical and electrical properties of quantum dots (QDs). In this study, Zn-doped CdS and CdSe QDs were synthesized using the SILAR method and utilized in the construction of sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). The results showed that Zn doping significantly enhanced the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the QDSSCs by improving the current density, open-circuit voltage, and light absorbance. The Zn doping also reduced the interfacial charge recombination rate and prolonged the electron lifetime, resulting in more efficient charge collection in the QDSSCs.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Akash S. Rasal, Sudesh Yadav, Anil A. Kashale, Ali Altaee, Jia-Yaw Chang
Summary: This review discusses the factors influencing the performance stability of QDSSCs and provides insights into the mechanisms causing degraded performances. It also presents cutting-edge strategies for improving the overall performance stability of QDSSCs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guizhi Zhang, Jianxin Zhang, Yongyu Liao, Zhenxiao Pan, Huashang Rao, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: A novel hole transport material CSI NCs was synthesized and used in carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cells, leading to improved hole extraction efficiency and photovoltaic performance by optimizing energy level alignment between the perovskite and carbon electrode.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Namyoung Ahn, Young-Shin Park, Clement Livache, Jun Du, Kivanc Gungor, Jaehoon Kim, Victor I. Klimov
Summary: Laser diodes based on solution-processable materials have immense potential in various technologies. However, there have been challenges in achieving QD laser diodes, including rapid nonradiative decay and device degradation. In this study, we overcome these challenges and demonstrate optically excited lasing from fully functional high-current density electroluminescent devices.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shan He, Jun Du, Wenfei Liang, Boyu Zhang, Guijie Liang, Kaifeng Wu
Summary: Thermally activated delayed photoluminescence (TADPL) is an exotic mechanism observed in molecule-functionalized semiconductor nanocrystals, which allows for energy harvesting from dark molecular triplets and controllable, long-lived photoluminescence. Despite successful coverage of the visible spectrum, TADPL in nanocrystals is less efficient compared to thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules. In this study, bright, near-infrared TADPL was achieved in lead-free CuInSe2 nanocrystals functionalized with carboxylated tetracene ligands, by efficient triplet energy transfer from nanocrystals to ligands and subsequent thermally activated reverse energy transfer.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lingcong Li, Ruike Zhang, Zhujie Wu, Yao Wang, Jin Hong, Huashang Rao, Zhenxiao Pan, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: The preparation of high-efficiency perovskite solar cells in ambient air environment is challenging. In this study, a simple component engineering strategy is proposed to regulate the crystallization process of perovskite film, leading to improved crystallinity, reduced defect state density, and suppressed non-radiative recombination processes. The efficiency of the carbon-based perovskite solar cells reached a record high.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianxin Zhang, Guizhi Zhang, Yongyu Liao, Zhenxiao Pan, Huashang Rao, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: In this study, a novel hybrid hole conductor, Poly-3-hexylthiophene - CsPbI3 quantum dots (P-QD), was used to improve hole extraction in CsPbI2Br C-PSCs. The P-QD hybrid hole conductor effectively improved hole extraction by aligning perovskite/carbon energy-level and extending the optical response range of CsPbI2Br solar cells, resulting in an increased power conversion efficiency from 13.49% to 15.04%. This strategy provides a new approach for the construction of hole transport layers in carbon-based perovskite solar cells.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Optics
Wenfei Liang, Chengming Nie, Jun Du, Yaoyao Han, Guohui Zhao, Fan Yang, Guijie Liang, Kaifeng Wu
Summary: Researchers have used zinc-doped CuInSe2 nanocrystals as a low-cost and non-toxic alternative to lead chalcogenides for near-infrared upconversion. Achieving upconversion to yellow with an external quantum efficiency of 16.7%, this system can be combined with photoredox catalysis for efficient near-infrared-driven organic synthesis and polymerization, overcoming the issue of reabsorption loss. Additionally, the wide light absorption range of these nanocrystals enables rapid reactions under indoor sunlight, extending the potential of "solar synthesis" in the near-infrared spectrum.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cuiting Kang, Shuaihang Xu, Huashang Rao, Zhenxiao Pan, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: A strategy for constructing an all-inorganic 2D/3D CsPb2I4Br/CsPbI2Br bulk heterojunction (BHJ) by in situ reaction of excess PbI2 in a precursor solution with CsPbI2Br during annealing is proposed. The formed 2D/3D BHJ effectively passivates defects in 3D CsPbI2Br and reduces nonradiative recombination loss in carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs). The optimized C-PSCs achieve an open-circuit voltage of 1.32 V and an efficiency of 15.25%, which are the best results for CsPbI2Br-based C-PSCs.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhengyan Zhang, Han Song, Wenran Wang, Huashang Rao, Yueping Fang, Zhenxiao Pan, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: A ligand design strategy using mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and inorganic ligands (ILs) as dual ligands on the surface of quantum dots (QDs) is developed to enhance the loading amount and optoelectronic performance of QD sensitizers. The ILs not only facilitate QD loading but also reduce interdot repulsion and form dense QD layers, while the pseudohalide SCN- has a passivation effect on QD surfaces and suppresses defect trap states. As a result, QDSCs based on dual SCN/MPA ligands achieve a certified efficiency of 16.10%, a new record for liquid junction QD solar cells.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongyu Liao, Jianxin Zhang, Wenran Wang, Zechao Yang, Rong Huang, Jiage Lin, Lei Che, Guoying Yang, Zhenxiao Pan, Huashang Rao, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: Surface molecular passivation is an effective strategy to reduce defect-assisted recombination and nonradiative recombination loss in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, most passivating molecules bind weakly to the perovskite surface, resulting in weak passivation effects. In carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs), the molecular passivation effect is more susceptible to disturbance during the preparation of carbon electrodes. In this study, a bidentate ligand 2,2'-Bipyridine (2Bipy) is used to passivate surface defects of CsPbI2.6Br0.4 perovskite films. The results show that 2Bipy exhibits a stronger chelation effect and achieves better passivation performance compared to monodentate pyridine (Py). As a result, the efficiency of C-PSCs is significantly improved, setting a new record efficiency for hole transport material-free inorganic C-PSCs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruike Zhang, Lingcong Li, Wenran Wang, Zhujie Wu, Yao Wang, Jin Hong, Huashang Rao, Zhenxiao Pan, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: Researchers reported a new method for fabricating wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells without acid treatment. Formamidine/cesium (FA/Cs) as an additive can effectively control the crystallization process of perovskite films, improving the crystallinity and efficiency of the solar cells.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jianxin Zhang, Guizhi Zhang, Pei-Yang Su, Rong Huang, Jiage Lin, Wenran Wang, Zhenxiao Pan, Huashang Rao, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: Defects in perovskite can be effectively passivated by choline halide (ChX), which binds with charged point defects. We found that ChI can react with CsPbI3 to form a novel crystal phase of one-dimensional (1D) ChPbI(3), which improves the photoluminescence lifetime and stability of the CsPbI3 film. The CsPbI3-based carbon-based solar cells achieved high efficiencies and set new records in hole transport material-free inorganic solar cells.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yao Wang, Lingcong Li, Zhujie Wu, Ruike Zhang, Jin Hong, Jianxin Zhang, Huashang Rao, Zhenxiao Pan, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: A self-driven prenucleation strategy using formamide as the co-solvent is proposed to achieve fast nucleation and improve the crystalline quality of perovskite film.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhujie Wu, Yao Wang, Lingcong Li, Ruike Zhang, Jin Hong, Rong Huang, Lei Che, Guoying Yang, Huashang Rao, Zhenxiao Pan, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: In this study, a mild continuous pH control strategy using urea as a weak organic base was proposed to regulate the hydrolysis process of TiCl4 post-treatment. This strategy facilitated the formation of an anatase-dominated TiO2 surface layer on the mesoporous TiO2, leading to reduced defect density and improved charge extraction efficiency in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The fabricated carbon electrode-based PSCs (C-PSCs) achieved an efficiency of 18.08%, the highest among C-PSCs based on wide-bandgap perovskites.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Guizhi Zhang, Jianxin Zhang, Zhenxiao Pan, Huashang Rao, Xinhua Zhong
Summary: Researchers synthesized a carbon nanotube/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (CNT/P3HT) composite as a hole transport material to construct state-of-the-art carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs). The CNT in the composite provides a high-speed channel for hole transmission, lowering charge transmission impedance and improving hole extraction efficiency. Using this composite, CsPbI2Br C-PSCs achieved an increase in open-circuit voltage from 1.233 to 1.355 V and power conversion efficiency from 13.29% to 15.56%, setting a new record for all-inorganic perovskite C-PSCs.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qinghong Guo, Xuefang Guo, Nuo Ji, Bang Shen, Xinhua Zhong, Lihua Xiao, Yaoyu Feng, Ningbo Xia
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread pathogen that infects various warm-blooded animals, including humans, leading to significant socioeconomic and healthcare burdens. Despite the lack of an ideal toxoplasmosis vaccine, targeting key pathways in the parasite's metabolism shows promise for new antiparasitic strategies.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
