Progress and Application of Halide Perovskite Materials for Solar Cells and Light Emitting Devices

Hysteresis and pyroelectric behaviour at isomorphic transition in green CsSnI3

Lead-free perovskite halide CsSnI3has emerged as a promising material for optoelectronic applications due to its direct bandgap (1.3-1.4 eV), high charge carrier mobility, and strong visible-spectrum absorption. Among its polymorphs, the green phase, with a favorable bandgap of ∼1.24 eV, demonstrates enhanced structural stability and resistance to phase degradation under ambient conditions. In this study, we investigate the green polymorph of CsSnI3and observe pyroelectric behavior, indicative of ferroelectric-like properties despite its globally centrosymmetric (Pa3-) cubic structure. Utilizing Piezo-force microscopy, dielectric measurements, impedance spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, we identified local non-centrosymmetry influencing hysteresis and conduction properties. Impedance spectroscopy further reveals the interaction of grains and grain boundaries under a low AC electric field, both before and after light exposure and poling. A reduction in relaxation time with increasing temperature in poled samples is observed, while the combined effects of light exposure and poling result in an increased relaxation time. Our results indicate that local non-centrosymmetry plays a critical role in influencing hysteresis and conduction behavior. These findings highlight the importance of phase transitions and vibrational mode dynamics in optimizing the performance of CsSnI3-based devices, paving the way for their broader application in advanced optoelectronic technologies.

Cathodoluminescence of MAPbCl3 Halide Perovskite Single Crystal

Chloride perovskites are semiconductors with a near-ultraviolet bandgap that are promising for applications in optoelectronics and photonics. One of the most studied representatives of this family is the methylammonium lead chloride MAPbCl3 (MA+ = CH3NH3+). Low-temperature luminescence spectroscopy of this material demonstrates a complex emission structure. In this work, we have studied the cathodoluminescecne of the MAPbCl3 halide perovskite single crystal at 70 K. Excitation by an electron beam was used to localize different emitters: excitons, defect-related states, and inclusions, previously assigned to the material itself. Exciton luminescence is observed from an undamaged sample, while the defect band is emitted from regions with dislocations, growth defects, and crystal damage. Defect formation under electron beam irradiation was studied. It was found that MAPbCl3 is resistant to irradiation, which supports the defect tolerance of halide perovskites and paves the way for their electron-beam modification for applications.

Stress-Induced Martensitic Transformation in Na3YCl6

Martensitic transformation with volume expansion plays a crucial role in enhancing the mechanical properties of steel and partially stabilized zirconia. We believe that a similar concept could be applied to unexplored nonoxide materials. Herein, we report the stress-induced martensitic transformation of monoclinic Na3YCl6 with an ∼3.4% expansion. In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and atomistic simulations showed that anisotropic crystallographic transformation from monoclinic to rhombohedral Na3YCl6 occurs exclusively under uniaxial pressure; no effect is observed under hydrostatic pressure conditions. The uniaxially pressed powder compact of monoclinic Na3YCl6 showed a large indentation impression and low Young's modulus, in contrast to its high bulk modulus, suggesting that these unique mechanical properties are induced by the martensitic transformation.

Synthesis and Catalytic Performance of High-Entropy Rare-Earth Perovskite Nanofibers: (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3 in Low-Temperature Carbon Monoxide Oxidation

This study investigated the catalytic properties of low-temperature oxidation of carbon monoxide, focusing on (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3 synthesized via a glycothermal method using 1,4-butanediol and diethylene glycol at 250 °C. This synthesis route bypasses the energy-intensive sintering process at 1200 °C while maintaining a high-entropy single-phase structure. The synthesized material was characterized structurally and chemically by X-ray diffraction and SEM/EDX analyses. The material was shown to form nanofibers of (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3, thereby increasing the active surface area for catalytic reactions, and crystallize in the model Pbnm space group of distorted perovskite cell. Using a custom setup to investigate catalytic properties of (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3, the CO oxidation behavior of those high-entropy perovskite oxide was investigated, showing an overall conversion of 78% at 50 °C and 97% at 100 °C. These findings highlight the effective catalytic activity of nanofibers of (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3 under mild conditions and their versatility in various catalytic processes of robust CO neutralization. The incorporation of rare-earth elements into a high-entropy structure could impart unique catalytic properties, promoting a synergistic effect that enhances performance.

Advanced Synthesis and Characterization of CdO/CdS/ZnO Heterostructures for Solar Energy Applications

This study introduces an innovative method for synthesizing Cadmium Oxide /Cadmium Sulfide/Zinc Oxide heterostructures (CdO/CdS/ZnO), emphasizing their potential application in solar energy. Utilizing a combination of electrochemical deposition and oxygen annealing, the research provides a thorough analysis of the heterostructures through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The findings reveal a complex surface morphology and a composite structure with significant contributions from hexagonal CdS and cubic CdO phases. The study highlights the uniformity in the distribution of luminescent centers and the crystalline quality of the heterostructures, which is evident from the PL analysis. The redshift observed in the emission peak and the additional peaks in the excitation spectrum indicate intricate optical properties influenced by various factors, including quantum confinement and lattice strain. The research demonstrates these heterostructures' potential in enhancing solar cells' efficiency and applicability in optoelectronic devices. This comprehensive characterization and analysis pave the way for future optimization and application in efficient and sustainable solar energy solutions.