A Universal Perovskite/C60 Interface Modification via Atomic Layer Deposited Aluminum Oxide for Perovskite Solar Cells and Perovskite-Silicon Tandems

The primary performance limitation in inverted perovskite-based solar cells is the interface between the fullerene-based electron transport layers and the perovskite. Atomic layer deposited thin aluminum oxide (AlOX) interlayers that reduce nonradiative recombination at the perovskite/C60 interface are developed, resulting in >60 millivolts improvement in open-circuit voltage and 1% absolute improvement in power conversion efficiency. Surface-sensitive characterizations indicate the presence of a thin, conformally deposited AlOx layer, functioning as a passivating contact. These interlayers work universally using different lead-halide-based absorbers with different compositions where the 1.55 electron volts bandgap single junction devices reach >23% power conversion efficiency. A reduction of metallic Pb0 is found and the compact layer prevents in- and egress of volatile species, synergistically improving the stability. AlOX-modified wide-bandgap perovskite absorbers as a top cell in a monolithic perovskite-silicon tandem enable a certified power conversion efficiency of 29.9% and open-circuit voltages above 1.92 volts for 1.17 square centimeters device area.

Noble-Metal-Free High-Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles for Efficient Solar-Driven Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Metal nanoparticle (NP) cocatalysts are widely investigated for their ability to enhance the performance of photocatalytic materials; however, their practical application is often limited by the inherent instability under light irradiation. This challenge has catalyzed interest in exploring high-entropy alloys (HEAs), which, with their increased entropy and lower Gibbs free energy, provide superior stability. In this study, 3.5 nm-sized noble-metal-free NPs composed of a FeCoNiCuMn HEA are successfully synthesized. With theoretic calculation and experiments, the electronic structure of HEA in augmenting the catalytic CO2 reduction has been uncovered, including the individual roles of each element and the collective synergistic effects. Then, their photocatalytic CO2 reduction capabilities are investigated when immobilized on TiO2. HEA NPs significantly enhance the CO2 photoreduction, achieving a 23-fold increase over pristine TiO2, with CO and CH4 production rates of 235.2 and 19.9 µmol g-1 h-1, respectively. Meanwhile, HEA NPs show excellent stability under simulated solar irradiation, as well high-energy X-ray irradiation. This research emphasizes the promising role of HEA NPs, composed of earth-abundant elements, in revolutionizing the field of photocatalysis.

Understanding and Mitigating Atomic Oxygen-Induced Degradation of Perovskite Solar Cells for Near-Earth Space Applications

Combining high efficiency with good radiation tolerance, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising candidates to upend expanding space photovoltaic (PV) technologies. Successful employment in a Near-Earth space environment, however, requires high resistance against atomic oxygen (AtOx). This work unravels AtOx-induced degradation mechanisms of PSCs with and without phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) based 2D-passivation and investigates the applicability of ultrathin silicon oxide (SiO) encapsulation as AtOx barrier. AtOx exposure for 2 h degraded the average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of devices without barrier encapsulation by 40% and 43% (w/o and with 2D-PEAI-passivation) of their initial PCE. In contrast, devices with a SiO-barrier retained over 97% of initial PCE. To understand why 2D-PEAI passivated devices degrade faster than less efficient non-passivated devices, various opto-electrical and structural characterications are conducted. Together, these allowed to decouple different damage mechanisms. Notably, pseudo-J-V curves reveal unchanged high implied fill factors (pFF) of 86.4% and 86.2% in non-passivated and passivated devices, suggesting that degradation of the perovskite absorber itself is not dominating. Instead, inefficient charge extraction and mobile ions, due to a swiftly degrading PEAI interlayer are the primary causes of AtOx-induced device performance degradation in passivated devices, whereas a large ionic FF loss limits non-passivated devices.

Accelerated Redox Reactions Enable Stable Tin-Lead Mixed Perovskite Solar Cells

The facile oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+ poses an inherent challenge that limits the efficiency and stability of tin-lead mixed (Sn-Pb) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and all-perovskite tandem devices. In this work, we discover the sustainable redox reactions enabling self-healing Sn-Pb perovskites, where their intractable oxidation degradation can be recovered to their original state under light soaking. Quantitative and operando spectroscopies are used to investigate the redox chemistry, revealing that metallic Pb0 from the photolysis of perovskite reacts with Sn4+ to regenerate Pb2+ and Sn2+ spontaneously. Given the sluggish redox reaction kinetics, V3+ /V2+ ionic pair is designed as an effective redox shuttle to accelerate the recovery of Sn-Pb perovskites from oxidation. The target Sn-Pb PSCs enabled by V3+ /V2+ ionic pair deliver an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.22 % and excellent device lifespan, retaining nearly 90 % of its initial PCE after maximum power point tracking under light for 1,000 hours.

Interfacial alloying between lead halide perovskite crystals and hybrid glasses

The stellar optoelectronic properties of metal halide perovskites provide enormous promise for next-generation optical devices with excellent conversion efficiencies and lower manufacturing costs. However, there is a long-standing ambiguity as to whether the perovskite surface/interface (e.g. structure, charge transfer or source of off-target recombination) or bulk properties are the more determining factor in device performance. Here we fabricate an array of CsPbI3 crystal and hybrid glass composites by sintering and globally visualise the property-performance landscape. Our findings reveal that the interface is the primary determinant of the crystal phases, optoelectronic quality, and stability of CsPbI3. In particular, the presence of a diffusion "alloying" layer is discovered to be critical for passivating surface traps, and beneficially altering the energy landscape of crystal phases. However, high-temperature sintering results in the promotion of a non-stoichiometric perovskite and excess traps at the interface, despite the short-range structure of halide is retained within the alloying layer. By shedding light on functional hetero-interfaces, our research offers the key factors for engineering high-performance perovskite devices.

Interface passivation for 31.25%-efficient perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells

Silicon solar cells are approaching their theoretical efficiency limit of 29%. This limitation can be exceeded with advanced device architectures, where two or more solar cells are stacked to improve the harvesting of solar energy. In this work, we devise a tandem device with a perovskite layer conformally coated on a silicon bottom cell featuring micrometric pyramids-the industry standard-to improve its photocurrent. Using an additive in the processing sequence, we regulate the perovskite crystallization process and alleviate recombination losses occurring at the perovskite top surface interfacing the electron-selective contact [buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀)]. We demonstrate a device with an active area of 1.17 square centimeters, reaching a certified power conversion efficiency of 31.25%.

Near-Field Localization of the Boson Peak on Tantalum Films for Superconducting Quantum Devices

Superconducting circuits are among the most advanced quantum computing technologies; however, their performance is limited by losses found in surface oxides and disordered materials. In this work, we demonstrate the identification and spatial localization of a near-field signature of loss centers on tantalum films using terahertz scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy. By utilizing terahertz nanospectroscopy, we observe a localized excess vibrational mode around 0.5 THz and identify this resonance as the boson peak, a signature of amorphous materials. Grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering reveals that oxides on freshly solvent-cleaned samples are amorphous, whereas crystalline phases emerge after aging in air. Through nanoscale localization of defect centers, our findings provide valuable insights for the optimization of fabrication procedures for new low-loss superconducting circuits.

Single-particle optical study on the effect of chloride post-treatment of MAPbI3 nano/microcrystals

Surface passivation by post-treatment with methylammonium chloride (MACl) is regarded as a promising strategy to suppress surface defects in organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites and elevate the efficiency of solar cells based on these materials. However, traditional MACl post-treatment methods often impede the performance of the final device, due to the creation of additional unwanted defects. Herein, we report a novel approach for chloride post-treatment by applying a mixed ethanol/toluene solvent and validate its beneficial effect on the structure, composition, and optical properties of methylammonium lead iodide nano/microcrystals and related photosensitive devices. An optimized (mild) Cl content improves the crystallinity, enhances photoluminescence (PL) intensity, provides longer PL lifetimes, and induces brighter and longer ON-states in single-particle emission trajectories. On top of a reduction in the population percentage of crystals showing gradual photodegradation, our Cl-treatment method even leads to photobrightening. Additionally, the extent of carrier communication throughout spatially distant nanodomains enhances after MACl-based post-modification. Our results demonstrate that surface-bound Cl significantly reduces the trap density induced by under-coordinated lead ions or iodide vacancies and reveal the importance of a careful consideration of the applied Cl content to avoid the generation of high-bandgap MAPbCl₃ heterojunctions upon excessive Cl treatment. Importantly, significant trap passivation upon MACl treatment translates into a more stable and elevated photocurrent in the corresponding photodetector device. We anticipate these findings will be beneficial for designing durable, high-performance lead halide perovskite photonic devices.

Tethered Small-Molecule Acceptors Simultaneously Enhance the Efficiency and Stability of Polymer Solar Cells

For polymer solar cells (PSCs), the mixture of polymer donors and small-molecule acceptors (SMAs) is fine-tuned to realize a favorable kinetically trapped morphology and thus a commercially viable device efficiency. However, the thermodynamic relaxation of the mixed domains within the blend raises concerns related to the long-term operational stability of the devices, especially in the record-holding Y-series SMAs. Here, a new class of dimeric Y6-based SMAs tethered with differential flexible spacers is reported to regulate their aggregation and relaxation behavior. In their polymer blends with PM6, it is found that they favor an improved structural order relative to that of Y6 counterpart. Most importantly, the tethered SMAs show large glass transition temperatures to suppress the thermodynamic relaxation in mixed domains. For the high-performing dimeric blend, an unprecedented open circuit voltage of 0.87 V is realized with a conversion efficiency of 17.85%, while those of regular Y6-base devices only reach 0.84 V and 16.93%, respectively. Most importantly, the dimer-based device possesses substantially reduced burn-in efficiency loss, retaining more than 80% of the initial efficiency after operating at the maximum power point under continuous illumination for 700 h. The tethering approach provides a new direction to develop PSCs with high efficiency and excellent operating stability.

An embedded interfacial network stabilizes inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite thin films

The black perovskite phase of CsPbI₃ is promising for optoelectronic applications; however, it is unstable under ambient conditions, transforming within minutes into an optically inactive yellow phase, a fact that has so far prevented its widespread adoption. Here we use coarse photolithography to embed a PbI₂-based interfacial microstructure into otherwise-unstable CsPbI₃ perovskite thin films and devices. Films fitted with a tessellating microgrid are rendered resistant to moisture-triggered decay and exhibit enhanced long-term stability of the black phase (beyond 2.5 years in a dry environment), due to increasing the phase transition energy barrier and limiting the spread of potential yellow phase formation to structurally isolated domains of the grid. This stabilizing effect is readily achieved at the device level, where unencapsulated CsPbI₃ perovskite photodetectors display ambient-stable operation. These findings provide insights into the nature of phase destabilization in emerging CsPbI₃ perovskite devices and demonstrate an effective stabilization procedure which is entirely orthogonal to existing approaches.

Fluorinated Perylene-Diimides: Cathode Interlayers Facilitating Carrier Collection for High-Performance Organic Solar Cells

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have experienced rapid progress with the innovation of near-infrared (NIR)-absorbing small-molecular acceptors (SMAs), while the unique electronic properties of the SMAs raise new challenges in relation to cathode engineering for effective electron collection. To address this issue, two fluorinated perylene-diimides (PDIs), PDINN-F and PDINN-2F, are synthesized by a simple fluorination method, for application as cathode interlayer (CIL) materials. The two bay-fluorinated PDI-based CILs possess a lower lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level of ≈-4.0 eV, which improves the energy level alignment at the NIR-SMAs (such as BTP-eC9)/CIL for a favorable electron extraction efficiency. The monofluorinated PDINN-F shows higher electron mobility and better improved interfacial compatibility. The PDINN-F-based OSCs with PM6:BTP-eC9 as active layer exhibit an enhanced fill factor and larger short-circuit current density, leading to a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 18%. The devices with PDINN-F CIL retain more than 80% of their initial PCE after operating at the maximum power point under continuous illumination for 750 h. This work prescribes a facile, cost-effective, and scalable method for the preparation of stable, high-performance fluorinated CILs, and instilling promise for the NIR-SMAs-based OSCs moving forward.

Terbium-Doped and Dual-Passivated γ-CsPb(I1- x Brx )3 Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells with Improved Air Thermal Stability and High Efficiency

Realizing photoactive and thermodynamically stable all-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) remains a challenging task within halide perovskite photovoltaic (PV) research. Here, a dual strategy for realizing efficient inorganic mixed halide perovskite PV devices based on a terbium-doped solar absorber, that is, CsPb_{1- x} Tb_x I₂ Br, is reported, which undertakes a bulk and surface passivation treatment in the form of CsPb_{1- x} Tb_x I₂ Br quantum dots, to maintain a photoactive γ-phase under ambient conditions and with significantly improved operational stability. Devices fabricated from these air-processed perovskite thin films exhibit an air-stable power conversion efficiency (PCE) that reaches 17.51% (small-area devices) with negligible hysteresis and maintains >90% of the initial efficiency when operating for 600 h under harsh environmental conditions, stemming from the combined effects of the dual-protection strategy. This approach is further examined within large-area PSC modules (19.8 cm² active area) to realize 10.94% PCE and >30 days ambient stability, as well as within low-bandgap γ-CsPb_0.95 Tb_0.05 I_2.5 Br_0.5 (E_g  = 1.73 eV) materials, yielding 19.01% (18.43% certified) PCE.

Metal Halide Perovskite Based Heterojunction Photocatalysts

With fascinating photophysical properties and a strong potential to utilize solar energy, metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have become a prominent feature within photocatalysis research. However, the effectiveness of single MHP photocatalysts is relatively poor. The introduction of a second component to form a heterojunction represents a well-established route to accelerate carrier migration and boost reaction rates, thus increasing the photoactivity. Recently, there have been several scientific advances related to the design of MHP-based heterojunction photocatalysts, including Schottky, type II, and Z-scheme heterojunctions. In this Review, we systematically discuss and critically appraise recent developments in MHP-based heterojunction photocatalysis. In addition, the techniques for identifying the type of active heterojunctions are evaluated and we conclude by briefly outlining the ongoing challenges and future directions for promising photocatalysts based on MHP heterojunctions.

Photothermal Suzuki Coupling Over a Metal Halide Perovskite/Pd Nanocube Composite Catalyst

The development of improved catalysts capable of performing the Suzuki coupling reaction has attracted considerable attention. Recent findings have shown that the use of photoactive catalysts improves the performance, while the reaction mechanism and temperature-dependent performance of such systems are still under debate. Herein, we report Pd nanocubes/CsPbBr₃ as an efficient catalyst for the photothermal Suzuki reaction. The photo-induced and thermal contribution to the overall catalytic performance has been investigated. Light controls the activity at temperatures around and below 30 °C, while thermal catalysis determines the reactivity at higher temperatures. The Pd/CsPbBr₃ catalyst exhibits 11 times higher activity than pure CsPbBr₃ at 30 °C due to reduced activation barrier and facilitated charge carrier dynamics. Furthermore, the alkoxide radicals (R-O^-) for the Suzuki reaction are experimentally and theoretically confirmed, and photogenerated holes are proven to be crucial for cleaving C-B bonds of phenylboronic acids to drive the reaction. This work prescribes a general strategy to study photothermal catalysis and offers a mechanistic guideline for photothermal Suzuki reactions.

Solar-to-Chemical Fuel Conversion via Metal Halide Perovskite Solar-Driven Electrocatalysis

Sunlight is an abundant and clean energy source, the harvesting of which could make a significant contribution to society's increasing energy demands. Metal halide perovskites (MHP) have recently received attention for solar fuel generation through photocatalysis and solar-driven electrocatalysis. However, MHP photocatalysis is limited by low solar energy conversion efficiency, poor stability, and impractical reaction conditions. Compared to photocatalysis, MHP solar-driven electrocatalysis not only exhibits higher solar conversion efficiency but also is more stable when operating under practical reaction conditions. In this Perspective, we outline three leading types of MHP solar-driven electrocatalysis device technologies now in the research spotlight, namely, (1) photovoltaic-electrochemical (PV-EC), (2) photovoltaic-photoelectrochemical (PV-PEC), and (3) photoelectrochemical (PEC) approaches for solar-to-fuel reactions, including water-splitting and the CO₂ reduction reaction. In addition, we compare each technology to show their relative technical advantages and limitations and highlight promising research directions for the rapidly emerging scientific field of MHP-based solar-driven electrocatalysis.

Manipulating crystallization dynamics through chelating molecules for bright perovskite emitters

Molecular additives are widely utilized to minimize non-radiative recombination in metal halide perovskite emitters due to their passivation effects from chemical bonds with ionic defects. However, a general and puzzling observation that can hardly be rationalized by passivation alone is that most of the molecular additives enabling high-efficiency perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are chelating (multidentate) molecules, while their respective monodentate counterparts receive limited attention. Here, we reveal the largely ignored yet critical role of the chelate effect on governing crystallization dynamics of perovskite emitters and mitigating trap-mediated non-radiative losses. Specifically, we discover that the chelate effect enhances lead-additive coordination affinity, enabling the formation of thermodynamically stable intermediate phases and inhibiting halide coordination-driven perovskite nucleation. The retarded perovskite nucleation and crystal growth are key to high crystal quality and thus efficient electroluminescence. Our work elucidates the full effects of molecular additives on PeLEDs by uncovering the chelate effect as an important feature within perovskite crystallization. As such, we open new prospects for the rationalized screening of highly effective molecular additives.

Multidentate molecular additives are widely used to passivate perovskite, yet the role of chelate effect is still unclear. Here, the authors investigate a wide range of additives with different coordination number and functional moieties to establish correlation between coordination affinity and perovskite crystallisation dynamics.

State of the Art and Prospects for Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals

Metal-halide perovskites have rapidly emerged as one of the most promising materials of the 21st century, with many exciting properties and great potential for a broad range of applications, from photovoltaics to optoelectronics and photocatalysis. The ease with which metal-halide perovskites can be synthesized in the form of brightly luminescent colloidal nanocrystals, as well as their tunable and intriguing optical and electronic properties, has attracted researchers from different disciplines of science and technology. In the last few years, there has been a significant progress in the shape-controlled synthesis of perovskite nanocrystals and understanding of their properties and applications. In this comprehensive review, researchers having expertise in different fields (chemistry, physics, and device engineering) of metal-halide perovskite nanocrystals have joined together to provide a state of the art overview and future prospects of metal-halide perovskite nanocrystal research.

Trojans That Flip the Black Phase: Impurity-Driven Stabilization and Spontaneous Strain Suppression in γ-CsPbI3 Perovskite

The technological progress and widespread adoption of all-organic CsPbI₃ perovskite devices is hampered by its thermodynamic instability at room temperature. Because of its inherent tolerance toward deep trap formation, there has been no shortage to exploring which dopants can improve the phase stability. While the relative size of the dopant is important, an assessment of the literature suggests that its relative size and impact on crystal volume do not always reveal what will beneficially shift the phase transition temperature. In this perspective, we analyze the changes in crystal symmetry of CsPbI₃ perovskite as it transforms from a thermodynamically stable high-temperature cubic (α) structure into its distorted low-temperature tetragonal (β) and unstable orthorhombic (γ) perovskite structures. Quantified assessment of the symmetry-adapted strains which are introduced due to changes in temperature and composition show that the stability of γ-CsPbI₃ is best rationalized from the point of view of crystal symmetry. In particular, improved thermal-phase stability is directly traced to the suppression of spontaneous strain formation and increased crystal symmetry at room temperature.

Impact of Amine Additives on Perovskite Precursor Aging: A Case Study of Light-Emitting Diodes

Amines are widely employed as additives for improving the performance of metal halide perovskite optoelectronic devices. However, amines are well-known for their high chemical reactivity, the impact of which has yet to receive enough attention from the perovskite light-emitting diode community. Here, by investigating an unusual positive aging effect of CH₃NH₃I/CsI/PbI₂ precursor solutions as an example, we reveal that amines gradually undergo N-formylation in perovskite precursors over time. This reaction is initialized by hydrolysis of dimethylformamide in the acidic chemical environment. Further investigations suggest that the reaction products collectively impact perovskite crystallization and eventually lead to significantly enhanced external quantum efficiency values, increasing from ∼2% for fresh solutions to ≳12% for aged ones. While this case study provides a positive aging effect, a negative aging effect is possible in other perovksite systems. Our findings pave the way for more reliable and reproducible device fabrication and call for further attention to underlying chemical reactions within the perovskite inks once amine additives are included.

Texture Formation in Polycrystalline Thin Films of All-Inorganic Lead Halide Perovskite

Controlling grain orientations within polycrystalline all-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells can help increase conversion efficiencies toward their thermodynamic limits; however, the forces governing texture formation are ambiguous. Using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, mesostructure formation within polycrystalline CsPbI_2.85 Br_0.15 powders as they cool from a high-temperature cubic perovskite (α-phase) is reported. Tetragonal distortions (β-phase) trigger preferential crystallographic alignment within polycrystalline ensembles, a feature that is suggested here to be coordinated across multiple neighboring grains via interfacial forces that select for certain lattice distortions over others. External anisotropy is then imposed on polycrystalline thin films of orthorhombic (γ-phase) CsPbI_{3- x} Br_x perovskite via substrate clamping, revealing two fundamental uniaxial texture formations; i) I-rich films possess orthorhombic-like texture (<100> out-of-plane; <010> and <001> in-plane), while ii) Br-rich films form tetragonal-like texture (<110> out-of-plane; <110> and <001> in-plane). In contrast to relatively uninfluential factors like the choice of substrate, film thickness, and annealing temperature, Br incorporation modifies the γ-CsPbI_{3- x} Br_x crystal structure by reducing the orthorhombic lattice distortion (making it more tetragonal-like) and governs the formation of the different, energetically favored textures within polycrystalline thin films.

Implementing Dopant-Free Hole-Transporting Layers and Metal-Incorporated CsPbI2Br for Stable All-Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells

Mixed-halide CsPbI₂Br perovskite is promising for efficient and thermally stable all-inorganic solar cells; however, the use of conventional antisolvent methods and additives-based hole-transporting layers (HTLs) currently hampers progress. Here, we have employed hot-air-assisted perovskite deposition in ambient condition to obtain high-quality photoactive CsPbI₂Br perovskite films and have extended stable device operation using metal cation doping and dopant-free hole-transporting materials. Density functional theory calculations are used to study the structural and optoelectronic properties of the CsPbI₂Br perovskite when it is doped with metal cations Eu²⁺ and In³⁺. We experimentally incorporated Eu²⁺ and In³⁺ metal ions into CsPbI₂Br films and applied dopant-free copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-based materials as low-cost hole transporting layers, leading to record-high power conversion efficiencies of 15.27% and 15.69%, respectively, and a retention of >95% of the initial efficiency over 1600 h at 85 °C thermal stress.

Direct Z-Scheme Heterojunction of Semicoherent FAPbBr3/Bi2WO6 Interface for Photoredox Reaction with Large Driving Force

Metal halide perovskites with direct band gap and strong light absorption are promising materials for harvesting solar energy; however, their relatively narrow band gap limits their redox ability when used as a photocatalyst. Adding a second semiconductor component with the appropriate band structure offsets can generate a Z-scheme photocatalytic system, taking full advantage of the perovskite's intrinsic properties. In this work, we develop a direct Z-scheme photocatalyst based on formamidinium lead bromide and bismuth tungstate (FAPbBr₃/Bi₂WO₆) with strong redox ability for artificial solar-to-chemical energy conversion. With desirable band offsets and strong joint redox potential, the dual photocatalyst is shown to form a semicoherent heterointerface. Ultrafast transient infrared absorption studies employing selective excitation reveal synergetic photocarrier dynamics and demonstrate Z-scheme charge transfer mechanisms. Under simulated solar irradiation, a large driving force photoredox reaction (∼2.57 eV) of CO₂ reduction coupled with benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzaldehyde is achieved on the Z-scheme FAPbBr₃/Bi₂WO₆ photocatalyst, harnessing the full synergetic potential of the combined system.

Tuning the Structural and Optoelectronic Properties of Cs2 AgBiBr6 Double-Perovskite Single Crystals through Alkali-Metal Substitution

Lead-free double perovskites have great potential as stable and nontoxic optoelectronic materials. Recently, Cs₂ AgBiBr₆ has emerged as a promising material, with suboptimal photon-to-charge carrier conversion efficiency, yet well suited for high-energy photon-detection applications. Here, the optoelectronic and structural properties of pure Cs₂ AgBiBr₆ and alkali-metal-substituted (Cs_{1- x} Y_x )₂ AgBiBr₆ (Y: Rb⁺ , K⁺ , Na⁺ ; x = 0.02) single crystals are investigated. Strikingly, alkali-substitution entails a tunability to the material system in its response to X-rays and structural properties that is most strongly revealed in Rb-substituted compounds whose X-ray sensitivity outperforms other double-perovskite-based devices reported. While the fundamental nature and magnitude of the bandgap remains unchanged, the alkali-substituted materials exhibit a threefold boost in their fundamental carrier recombination lifetime at room temperature. Moreover, an enhanced electron-acoustic phonon scattering is found compared to Cs₂ AgBiBr₆ . The study thus paves the way for employing cation substitution to tune the properties of double perovskites toward a new material platform for optoelectronics.

Silica gel solid nanocomposite electrolytes with interfacial conductivity promotion exceeding the bulk Li-ion conductivity of the ionic liquid electrolyte filler

The transition to solid-state Li-ion batteries will enable progress toward energy densities of 1000 W·hour/liter and beyond. Composites of a mesoporous oxide matrix filled with nonvolatile ionic liquid electrolyte fillers have been explored as a solid electrolyte option. However, the simple confinement of electrolyte solutions inside nanometer-sized pores leads to lower ion conductivity as viscosity increases. Here, we demonstrate that the Li-ion conductivity of nanocomposites consisting of a mesoporous silica monolith with an ionic liquid electrolyte filler can be several times higher than that of the pure ionic liquid electrolyte through the introduction of an interfacial ice layer. Strong adsorption and ordering of the ionic liquid molecules render them immobile and solid-like as for the interfacial ice layer itself. The dipole over the adsorbate mesophase layer results in solvation of the Li⁺ ions for enhanced conduction. The demonstrated principle of ion conduction enhancement can be applied to different ion systems.

Low-temperature activation of carbon black by selective photocatalytic oxidation

Carbon black is chemically modified by selective photocatalytic oxidation, removing amorphous carbon and functionalizing the graphitic fraction to produce porous, graphitized carbon black, commonly used as an adsorbent in chromatography. In contrast to pyrolytic treatments, this photocatalytic modification proceeds under mild reaction conditions using oxygen, nitric oxide, water vapor and a titanium dioxide photocatalyst at 150 °C. The photo-oxidation can be performed both with the photocatalyst in close proximity (contact mode) or physically separated from the carbon. Structural analysis of remotely photo-oxidized carbon black reveals increased hydrophilic properties as compared to pyrolysis at 700 °C in a N₂ atmosphere. Carbon black photo-oxidation selectively mineralizes sp³-hybridized carbon, leading to enhanced graphitization. This results in an overall improved structural ordering by enriching carbon black with sp²-hybridized graphitic carbon showing decreased interplanar distance, accompanied by a twofold increase in the specific surface area. In addition, the photo-oxidized material is activated by the presence of oxygen functionalities on the graphitic carbon fraction, further enhancing the adsorptive properties.

Thermal unequilibrium of strained black CsPbI3 thin films

The high-temperature, all-inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite black phase is metastable relative to its yellow, nonperovskite phase at room temperature. Because only the black phase is optically active, this represents an impediment for the use of CsPbI3 in optoelectronic devices. We report the use of substrate clamping and biaxial strain to render black-phase CsPbI3 thin films stable at room temperature. We used synchrotron-based, grazing incidence, wide-angle x-ray scattering to track the introduction of crystal distortions and strain-driven texture formation within black CsPbI3 thin films when they were cooled after annealing at 330°C. The thermal stability of black CsPbI3 thin films is vastly improved by the strained interface, a response verified by ab initio thermodynamic modeling.

Tracking Structural Phase Transitions in Lead-Halide Perovskites by Means of Thermal Expansion

The extraordinary properties of lead-halide perovskite materials have spurred intense research, as they have a realistic perspective to play an important role in future photovoltaic devices. It is known that these materials undergo a number of structural phase transitions as a function of temperature that markedly alter their optical and electronic properties. The precise phase transition temperature and exact crystal structure in each phase, however, are controversially discussed in the literature. The linear thermal expansion of single crystals of APbX₃ (A = methylammonium (MA), formamidinium (FA); X = I, Br) below room temperature is measured using a high-resolution capacitive dilatometer to determine the phase transition temperatures. For δ-FAPbI₃ , two wide regions of negative thermal expansion below 173 and 54 K, and a cascade of sharp transitions for FAPbBr₃ that have not previously been reported are uncovered. Their respective crystal phases are identified via powder X-ray diffraction. Moreover, it is demonstrated that transport under steady-state illumination is considerably altered at the structural phase transition in the MA compounds. The results provide advanced insights into the evolution of the crystal structure with decreasing temperature that are essential to interpret the growing interest in investigating the electronic, optical, and photonic properties of lead-halide perovskite materials.

Polyvinylnorbornene Gas Separation Membranes

Polynorbornenes are already used in a wide range of applications. They are also considered materials for polymer gas separation membranes because of their favorable thermal and chemical resistance, rigid backbone and varied chemistry. In this study, the use of 5-vinyl-2-norbornene (VNB), a new monomer in the field of gas separations, is investigated by synthesizing two series of polymers via a vinyl-addition polymerization. The first series investigates the influence of the VNB content on gas separation in a series of homo and copolymers with norbornene. The second series explores the influence of the crosslinking of polyvinylnorbornene (pVNB) on gas separation. The results indicate that while crosslinking had little effect, the gas separation performance could be fine-tuned by controlling the VNB content. As such, this work demonstrates an interesting way to significantly extend the fine-tuning possibilities of polynorbornenes for gas separations.

Solid-state speciation of interlayer anions in layered double hydroxides

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) have been proposed for phosphate (PO₄) recovery and recycling from waste streams due to their high anion exchange capacity, good stability and high affinity towards PO₄. The high affinity towards PO₄ strongly relates to the electrostatic interaction with PO₄, and thus the charge of PO₄. However, the anion speciation of intercalated PO₄, i.e. either H₂PO₄^-, HPO₄^2- or PO₄^3- is often overlooked. This study was set up to measure solid phase PO₄ speciation through ion exchange stoichiometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and modelling. Six phase pure Mg/Al LDH materials were synthesized using co-precipitation of metal nitrate (NO₃^-) solutions with varying M²⁺/M³⁺ ratio at pH 12 and pH 10. The LDHs synthetized at pH 12 contained larger equivalent fractions of intercalated OH^-, smaller fractions of NO₃^- and smaller interlayer distance than those prepared at pH 10, likely because of the higher OH^- concentration in the more alkaline synthesis solutions. Two high charge LDHs prepared at pH 12 or 10 were selected, exchanged with PO₄ (0-20 mM initial PO₄, 24 h) at one starting pH (7.20); desorption was subsequently performed with carbonate (3 mM, initial pH 8.4) during 480 h. The resulting solution concentrations of NO₃, PO₄ and CO₃ and the pH allowed the identification of the anion exchange stoichiometry. The LDH synthesized at pH 12, which had a large fraction of exchangeable OH^-, adsorbed PO₄ as HPO₄^2-/PO₄^3-, in exchange for both NO₃^- and OH^- anions. The material synthesized at pH 10 containing a lower fraction of exchangeable OH^-, therefore, adsorbed mainly HPO₄^2- in exchange for NO₃^- anions. The carbonate exchange was consistent with adsorption of divalent CO₃^2-. The pH dependent speciation modelling showed that the exchanged PO₄ ions have higher charge compared to those in the contacting solution. This study suggests that the highest P content of LDH is obtained in high charge materials holding divalent PO₄ anions, i.e. materials synthesized at lower pH and/or exchanged in solutions with low alkalinity.

Indirect tail states formation by thermal-induced polar fluctuations in halide perovskites

Halide perovskites possess enormous potential for various optoelectronic applications. Presently, a clear understanding of the interplay between the lattice and electronic effects is still elusive. Specifically, the weakly absorbing tail states and dual emission from perovskites are not satisfactorily described by existing theories based on the Urbach tail and reabsorption effect. Herein, through temperature-dependent and time-resolved spectroscopy on metal halide perovskite single crystals with organic or inorganic A-site cations, we confirm the existence of indirect tail states below the direct transition edge to arise from a dynamical Rashba splitting effect, caused by the PbBr₆ octahedral thermal polar distortions at elevated temperatures. This dynamic effect is distinct from the static Rashba splitting effect, caused by non-spherical A-site cations or surface induced lattice distortions. Our findings shed fresh perspectives on the electronic-lattice relations paramount for the design and optimization of emergent perovskites, revealing broad implications for light harvesting/photo-detection and light emission/lasing applications.

The weak effects induced by lattice disorder on the optoelectronic properties of halide perovskites still remain elusive. Here Wu et al. confirm the indirect transition tail states in perovskite crystals which explain their low photoluminescence quantum yield, dual emission peaks and difficulties in realizing lasing.

Photophysical Pathways in Highly Sensitive Cs2 AgBiBr6 Double-Perovskite Single-Crystal X-Ray Detectors

The sensitive detection of X-rays embodies an important research area, being motivated by a common desire to minimize the radiation doses required for detection. Among metal halide perovskites, the double-perovskite Cs₂ AgBiBr₆ system has emerged as a promising candidate for the detection of X-rays, capable of high X-ray stability and sensitivity (105 μC Gy^-1 cm^-2 ). Herein, the important photophysical pathways in single-crystal Cs₂ AgBiBr₆ are detailed at both room (RT) and liquid-nitrogen (LN₂ T) temperatures, with emphasis made toward understanding the carrier dynamics that influence X-ray sensitivity. This study draws upon several optical probes and an RT excitation model is developed which is far from optimal, being plagued by a large trap density and fast free-carrier recombination pathways. Substantially improved operating conditions are revealed at 77 K, with a long fundamental carrier lifetime (>1.5 µs) and a marked depopulation of parasitic recombination pathways. The temperature dependence of a single-crystal Cs₂ AgBiBr₆ X-ray detecting device is characterized and a strong and monotonic enhancement to the X-ray sensitivity upon cooling is demonstrated, moving from 316 μC Gy^-1 cm^-2 at RT to 988 μC Gy^-1 cm^-2 near LN₂ T. It is concluded that even modest cooling-via a Peltier device-will facilitate a substantial enhancement in device performance, ultimately lowering the radiation doses required.

Shaping the Optical Properties of Silver Clusters Inside Zeolite A via Guest-Host-Guest Interactions

The appealing luminescent properties of Ag-zeolites have been shown to be dependent on the local environment of the confined silver clusters. Herein, we shed light on the properties of Ag clusters inside hydrated Linde-type A (LTA) zeolites and relate them to the nature of the host framework when expanded and compressed by the incorporation of Li⁺ cations and the Ag⁺ loading. Within this scenario, we measure a strong emission color shift in these materials, which we directly correlate with the fine structure details derived by optical luminescence-detected X-ray absorption in combination with deep UV-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Strong guest-host-guest interactions are revealed to underpin the variations in the optical properties; a modification in the zeolite lattice parameter results in changing bond lengths of the silver cluster. This interplay between the host zeolite and its confined guests can thus be harnessed to easily tune the Ag-zeolites' emission properties.

Giant Electron-Phonon Coupling and Deep Conduction Band Resonance in Metal Halide Double Perovskite

The room-temperature charge carrier mobility and excitation-emission properties of metal halide perovskites are governed by their electronic band structures and intrinsic lattice phonon scattering mechanisms. Establishing how charge carriers interact within this scenario will have far-reaching consequences for developing high-efficiency materials for optoelectronic applications. Herein we evaluate the charge carrier scattering properties and conduction band environment of the double perovskite Cs₂AgBiBr₆ via a combinatorial approach; single crystal X-ray diffraction, optical excitation and temperature-dependent emission spectroscopy, resonant and nonresonant Raman scattering, further supported by first-principles calculations. We identify deep conduction band energy levels and that scattering from longitudinal optical phonons- via the Fröhlich interaction-dominates electron scattering at room temperature, manifesting within the nominally nonresonant Raman spectrum as multiphonon processes up to the fourth order. A Fröhlich coupling constant nearing 230 meV is inferred from a temperature-dependent emission line width analysis and is found to be extremely large compared to popular lead halide perovskites (between 40 and 60 meV), highlighting the fundamentally different nature of the two "single" and "double" perovskite materials branches.

Resolving the Framework Position of Organic Structure-Directing Agents in Hierarchical Zeolites via Polarized Stimulated Raman Scattering

The direct synthesis of hierarchically intergrown silicalite-1 can be achieved using a specific diquaternary ammonium agent. However, the location of these molecules in the zeolite framework, which is critical to understand the formation of the material, remains unclear. Where traditional characterization tools have previously failed, herein we use polarized stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to resolve molecular organization inside few-micron-sized crystals. Through a combination of experiment and first-principles calculations, our investigation reveals the preferential location of the templating agent inside the linear pores of the MFI framework. Besides illustrating the attractiveness of SRS microscopy in the field of material science to study and spatially resolve local molecular distribution as well as orientation, these results can be exploited in the design of new templating agents for the preparation of hierarchical zeolites.

Cause of Cambrian Explosion - Terrestrial or Cosmic?

We review the salient evidence consistent with or predicted by the Hoyle-Wickramasinghe (H-W) thesis of Cometary (Cosmic) Biology. Much of this physical and biological evidence is multifactorial. One particular focus are the recent studies which date the emergence of the complex retroviruses of vertebrate lines at or just before the Cambrian Explosion of ∼500 Ma. Such viruses are known to be plausibly associated with major evolutionary genomic processes. We believe this coincidence is not fortuitous but is consistent with a key prediction of H-W theory whereby major extinction-diversification evolutionary boundaries coincide with virus-bearing cometary-bolide bombardment events. A second focus is the remarkable evolution of intelligent complexity (Cephalopods) culminating in the emergence of the Octopus. A third focus concerns the micro-organism fossil evidence contained within meteorites as well as the detection in the upper atmosphere of apparent incoming life-bearing particles from space. In our view the totality of the multifactorial data and critical analyses assembled by Fred Hoyle, Chandra Wickramasinghe and their many colleagues since the 1960s leads to a very plausible conclusion - life may have been seeded here on Earth by life-bearing comets as soon as conditions on Earth allowed it to flourish (about or just before 4.1 Billion years ago); and living organisms such as space-resistant and space-hardy bacteria, viruses, more complex eukaryotic cells, fertilised ova and seeds have been continuously delivered ever since to Earth so being one important driver of further terrestrial evolution which has resulted in considerable genetic diversity and which has led to the emergence of mankind.

Silver Clusters in Zeolites: From Self-Assembly to Ground-Breaking Luminescent Properties

Interest for functional silver clusters (Ag-CLs) has rapidly grown over years due to large advances in the field of nanoscale fabrication and materials science. The continuous development of strategies to fabricate small-scale silver clusters, together with their interesting physicochemical properties (molecule-like discrete energy levels, for example), make them very attractive for a wide variety of applied research fields, from biotechnology and the environmental sciences to fundamental chemistry and physics. Apart from useful catalytic properties, silver clusters (Ag_n, n < 10) were recently shown to also exhibit exceptional optical properties. The optical properties and performance of Ag-CLs offer strong potential for their integration into appealing micro(nano)-optoelectronic devices. To date, however, the rational design and directed synthesis of Ag-CLs with specific functionalities has remained elusive. The inability for rational design stems mainly from a lack of understanding of their novel atomic-scale phenomena. This is because accurately studying silver cluster systems at such a scale is hindered by the perturbations introduced during exposure to various experimental probes. For instance, silver possesses a strong tendency to cluster and form ever-larger Ag aggregates while probed with high-energy electron beams and X-ray irradiation. As well, there exists a need to provide a stabilizing environment for which Ag_n^δ+ clusters can persist, setting up a complex interacting guest-host system, as isolated silver clusters are confined within a suitable hosting medium. Fundamental research into Ag_n^δ+ formation mechanisms and their important optical properties is paramount to establishing truly informed synthesis protocols. Over recent years, we have developed several protocols for the ship-in-a-bottle synthesis of highly luminescent Ag-CLs within the microporous interiors of zeolite frameworks. This approach has yielded materials displaying a wide variety of optical properties, offering a spectrum of possible applications, from nano(micro)photonic devices to smart luminescent labels and sensors. The versatility of the Ag-zeolite multicomponent system is directly related to the intrinsic and complex tunability of the system as a whole. There are several key zeolite parameters that confer properties to the clusters, namely, the framework Si/Al ratio, choice of counterbalancing ions, silver loading, and zeolite topology, and cannot be overlooked. This Account is intended to shed light on the current state-of-the-art of luminescent Ag-CLs confined in zeolitic matrices, emphasizing the use of combinatorial approaches to overcome problems associated with the correct characterization and correlation of their structural, electronic, and photoluminescence properties, all to establish the important design principles for developing functional silver-zeolite-based materials. Additionally, examples of emerging applications and future perspectives for functional luminescent Ag-zeolite materials are addressed in this Account.

Adsorption and Separation of Aromatic Amino Acids from Aqueous Solutions Using Metal-Organic Frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are investigated for the adsorption of aromatic amino acids l-phenylalanine (l-Phe), l-tryptophan (l-Trp), and l-tyrosine (l-Tyr) from aqueous solutions. After screening a range of water-stable MOFs, the hydrophobic Zr-MOF MIL-140C emerged as the best performing material, exhibiting uptakes of 15 wt % for l-Trp and 20 wt % for l-Phe. These uptakes are 5-10 wt % higher than those of large-pore zeolites Beta and Y. Both single-compound and competitive adsorption isotherms for l-Phe and l-Trp were experimentally obtained at the natural pH of these amino acid mixtures (pH 6.5-7) without additional pH modification. We find that the hydrophobic nature of MIL-140C and the capacity of l-Trp to form hydrogen bonds favor the uptake of l-Trp with its larger indole moiety compared to the smaller phenyl side group of l-Phe. On the basis of literature and vibrational analysis, observations of hydrogen-bonded l-Trp within the MIL-140C framework are evidenced by red- and blue-shifted -NH vibrations (3400 cm^-1) in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which were attributed to types N-H_l-Trp···π_MIL-140C and N-H_l-Trp···O_MIL-140C, respectively. MIL-140C is shown to be recycled at least three times for both aromatic amino acids without any loss of adsorption capacity, separation performance, or crystallinity. Desorption of aromatic amino acids proceeds easily in aqueous ethanol. Substantial coadsorption of negatively charged amino acids l-glutamate and l-aspartate (l-Glu and l-Asp) was observed from a model solution for wheat straw protein hydrolysate at pH 4.3. On the basis of these results, we conclude that MIL-140C is an interesting material for the recovery of essential aromatic amino acids l-Tyr, l-Phe, and l-Trp and of l-Glu and l-Asp from waste protein hydrolysates.

Direct Laser Writing of δ- to α-Phase Transformation in Formamidinium Lead Iodide

Organolead halide perovskites are increasingly considered for applications well beyond photovoltaics, for example, as the active regions within photonic devices. Herein, we report the direct laser writing (DLW: 458 nm cw-laser) of the formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI₃) yellow δ-phase into its high-temperature luminescent black α-phase, a remarkably easy and scalable approach that takes advantage of the material's susceptibility to transition under ambient conditions. Through the DLW of α-FAPbI₃ tracks on δ-FAPbI₃ single-crystal surfaces, the controlled and rapid microfabrication of highly luminescent structures exhibiting long-term phase stability is detailed, offering an avenue toward the prototyping of complex perovskite-based optical devices. The dynamics and kinetics of laser-induced δ- to α-phase transformations are investigated in situ by Raman microprobe analysis, as a function of irradiation power, time, temperature, and atmospheric conditions, revealing an interesting connection between oxygen intercalation at the surface and the δ- to α-phase transformation dynamics, an insight that will find application within the wider context of FAPbI₃ thermal phase relations.

Rationalizing Acid Zeolite Performance on the Nanoscale by Correlative Fluorescence and Electron Microscopy

The performance of zeolites as solid acid catalysts is strongly influenced by the accessibility of active sites. However, synthetic zeolites typically grow as complex aggregates of small nanocrystallites rather than perfect single crystals. The structural complexity must therefore play a decisive role in zeolite catalyst applicability. Traditional tools for the characterization of heterogeneous catalysts are unable to directly relate nanometer-scale structural properties to the corresponding catalytic performance. In this work, an innovative correlative super-resolution fluorescence and scanning electron microscope is applied, and the appropriate analysis procedures are developed to investigate the effect of small-port H-mordenite (H-MOR) morphology on the catalytic performance, along with the effects of extensive acid leaching. These correlative measurements revealed catalytic activity at the interface between intergrown H-MOR crystallites that was assumed inaccessible, without compromising the shape selective properties. Furthermore, it was found that extensive acid leaching led to an etching of the originally accessible microporous structure, rather than the formation of an extended mesoporous structure. The associated transition of small-port to large-port H-MOR therefore did not render the full catalyst particle functional for catalysis. The applied characterization technique allows a straightforward investigation of the zeolite structure-activity relationship beyond the single-particle level. We conclude that such information will ultimately lead to an accurate understanding of the relationship between the bulk scale catalyst behavior and the nanoscale structural features, enabling a rationalization of catalyst design.

Superconducting Ferromagnetic Nanodiamond

Superconductivity and ferromagnetism are two mutually antagonistic states in condensed matter. Research on the interplay between these two competing orderings sheds light not only on the cause of various quantum phenomena in strongly correlated systems but also on the general mechanism of superconductivity. Here we report on the observation of the electronic entanglement between superconducting and ferromagnetic states in hydrogenated boron-doped nanodiamond films, which have a superconducting transition temperature T_c ∼ 3 K and a Curie temperature T_Curie > 400 K. In spite of the high T_Curie, our nanodiamond films demonstrate a decrease in the temperature dependence of magnetization below 100 K, in correspondence to an increase in the temperature dependence of resistivity. These anomalous magnetic and electrical transport properties reveal the presence of an intriguing precursor phase, in which spin fluctuations intervene as a result of the interplay between the two antagonistic states. Furthermore, the observations of high-temperature ferromagnetism, giant positive magnetoresistance, and anomalous Hall effect bring attention to the potential applications of our superconducting ferromagnetic nanodiamond films in magnetoelectronics, spintronics, and magnetic field sensing.

Mechanism of periodic height variations along self-aligned VLS-grown planar nanostructures

In this study we report in-plane nanotracks produced by molecular-beam-epitaxy (MBE) exhibiting lateral self-assembly and unusual periodic and out-of-phase height variations across their growth axes. The nanotracks are synthesized using bismuth segregation on the GaAsBi epitaxial surface, which results in metallic liquid droplets capable of catalyzing GaAsBi nanotrack growth via the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism. A detailed examination of the nanotrack morphologies is carried out employing a combination of scanning electron and atomic force microscopy and, based on the findings, a geometric model of nanotrack growth during MBE is developed. Our results indicate diffusion and shadowing effects play significant roles in defining the interesting nanotrack shape. The unique periodicity of our lateral nanotracks originates from a rotating nucleation "hot spot" at the edge of the liquid-solid interface, a feature caused by the relative periodic circling of the non-normal ion beam flux incident on the sample surface, inside the MBE chamber. We point out that such a concept is divergent from current models of crawling mode growth kinetics and conclude that these effects may be utilized in the design and assembly of planar nanostructures with controlled non-monotonous structure.

Laser-induced oxidation kinetics of bismuth surface microdroplets on GaAsBi studied in situ by Raman microprobe analysis

We report the cw-laser-induced oxidation of molecular-beam-epitaxy grown GaAsBi bismuth surface microdroplets investigated in situ by micro-Raman spectroscopy under ambient conditions as a function of irradiation power and time. Our results reveal the surface droplets are high-purity crystalline bismuth and the resultant Bi₂O₃ transformation to be β-phase and stable at room temperature. A detailed Raman study of Bi microdroplet oxidation kinetics yields insights into the laser-induced oxidation process and offers useful real-time diagnostics. The temporal evolution of new β-Bi₂O₃ Raman modes is shown to be well described by Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov kinetic transformation theory and while this study limits itself to the laser-induced oxidation of GaAsBi bismuth surface droplets, the results will find application within the wider context of bismuth laser-induced oxidation and direct Raman laser processing.

Raman scattering reveals strong LO-phonon-hole-plasmon coupling in nominally undoped GaAsBi: optical determination of carrier concentration

We report room-temperature Raman scattering studies of nominally undoped (100) GaAs1−xBix epitaxial layers exhibiting Bi-induced (p-type) longitudinal-optical-plasmon-coupled (LOPC) modes for 0.018 ≤ x ≤ 0.048. Redshifts in the GaAs-like optical modes due to alloying are evaluated and are paralleled by strong damping of the LOPC. The relative integrated Raman intensities of LO(Γ) and LOPC ALO/ALOPC are characteristic of heavily doped p-GaAs, with a remarkable near total screening of the LO(Γ) phonon (ALO/ALOPC → 0) for larger Bi concentrations. A method of spectral analysis is set out which yields estimates of hole concentrations in excess of 5×1017cm−3 and correlates with the Bi molar fraction. These findings are in general agreement with recent electrical transport measurements performed on the alloy, and while the absolute size of the hole concentrations differ, likely origins for the discrepancy are discussed. We conclude that the damped LO-phonon-hole-plasmon coupling phenomena plays a dominant role in Raman scattering from unpassivated nominally undoped GaAsBi.

Chloroplast coupling factor 1: A species-specific receptor for tentoxin

Tentoxin, a cyclic tetrapeptide, induces chlorosis in certain plant species. It inactivated photophosphorylation and coupling factor 1 (CF(1)) ATPase in lettuce, a sensitive species. This effect was due to binding of tentoxin with CF(1) at a single site (affinity constant 1.3 to 20 x 10(7) M(-1)). Neither AMP nor adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate appeared to bind to this site. In radish, an insensitive species, 20 times more tentoxin was required for 50% inhibition of photophosphorylation. In this species CF(1) ATPase was unaffected by tentoxin, and its CF(1) bound tentoxin only weakly (affinity constant less than 1 x 10(4) M(-1)). Sensitivity of photophosphorylation to tentoxin was correlated with chlorosis sensitivity in six other species examined.