Acid-Base Reaction-Assisted Quantum Dot Patterning via Ligand Engineering and Photolithography

The integration of quantum dots (QDs) into device arrays for high-resolution display and imaging sensor systems remains a significant challenge in research and industry because of issues associated with the QD patterning process. It is difficult for conventional patterning processes such as stamping, inkjet printing, and photolithography to employ QDs and fabricate high-resolution patterns without degrading the properties of QDs. Here, we introduce a novel strategy for the QD patterning process by treating QDs with a bifunctional ligand for acid-base reaction-assisted photolithography. Bifunctional ligands, such as MPA (mercaptopropionic acid) or TGA (thioglycolic acid), have a carboxyl group on one side that allows the QDs to be etched along with the photoresist (PR) by the base developer, while on the opposite side the ligands have a thiol group that passivates the QD surface. Passivating MPA ligands on QDs facilitates patterning of QD films and makes them compatible with harsh photolithography processes. We successfully achieved the patterning of QDs down to 5 μm. We also fabricated high-resolution patterned QD light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and QD photodetector arrays. Our patterning process provides precise control for the fabrication of highly integrated QD-based optoelectronic devices.

Quasi-2D Halide Perovskite Memory Device Formed by Acid-Base Binary Ligand Solution Composed of Oleylamine and Oleic Acid

Organometal halide perovskite materials are receiving significant attention for the fabrication of resistive-switching memory devices based on their high stability, low power consumption, rapid switching, and high ON/OFF ratios. In this study, we synthesized 3D FAPbBr₃ and quasi-2D (RNH₃)₂(FA)₁Pb₂Br₇ films using an acid-base binary ligand solution composed of oleylamine (OlAm) and oleic acid in toluene. The quasi-2D (RNH₃)₂(FA)₁Pb₂Br₇ films were synthesized by controlling the protonated OlAm (RNH₃⁺) solution concentration to replace FA⁺ cations with large organic RNH₃⁺ cations from 3D FAPbBr₃ perovskites. The quasi-2D (RNH₃)₂(FA)₁Pb₂Br₇ devices exhibited nonvolatile write-once read-many (WORM) memory characteristics, whereas the 3D FAPbBr₃ only exhibited hysteresis behavior. Analysis of the 3D FAPbBr₃ device indicated operation in the trap-limited space-charge-limited current region. In contrast, quasi-2D (RNH₃)₂(FA)₁Pb₂Br₇ devices provide low trap density that is completely filled by injected charge carriers and then subsequently form conductive filaments (CFs) to operate as WORM devices. Nanoscale morphology analysis and an associated current mapping study based on conductive atomic force microscopy measurements revealed that perovskite grain boundaries serve as major channels for high current, which may be correlated with the conductive low-resistive-switching behavior and formation of CFs in WORM devices.

Facile Approach to Graft Ionic Liquid into MOF for Improving the Efficiency of CO2 Chemical Fixation

This work describes a facile approach to modify metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with ionic liquids (ILs), rendering them as useful heterogeneous catalysts for CO₂ chemical fixation. An amino-functionalized imidazolium-based ionic liquid is firmly grafted into the porous MOF, MIL-101-SO₃H by the acid-base attraction between positively charged ammonium groups on the IL and negatively charged sulfonate groups from the MOF. Analyses by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, and N₂ sorption experiments reveal the MOF-supported ionic liquid (denoted as IL@MOF) material remains intact while functioning as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst that can efficiently convert CO₂ and epichlorohydrin into chloropropene carbonate without the addition of a cocatalyst.

Donor-Bridge-Acceptor Proton Transfer in Aqueous Solution

We use ab initio molecular dynamics to study proton transfer in a donor-bridge-acceptor system in which the bridge is a single water molecule and the entire system is embedded in aqueous solution. The results, based on a large number of proton transfer trajectories, demonstrate that the dominant charge-transfer pathway is a subpicosecond "through bridge" event in which the bridge adopts an Eigen-like (hydronium) structure. We also identify another state in which the bridge forms a Zundel-like configuration with the acceptor that appears to be a dead end for the charge transfer. The reaction coordinate is inherently multidimensional and, as we demonstrate, cannot be given in terms of either local structural parameters of the donor-bridge-acceptor system or local solvent coordination numbers.