Emission properties of sequentially deposited ultrathin CH3NH3PbI3/MoS2 heterostructures

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite materials have obtained considerable attention due to their exotic optoelectronic properties and extraordinarily high performance in photovoltaic devices. Herein, we successively converted the ultrathin PbI₂/MoS₂ into the CH₃NH₃PbI₃/MoS₂ heterostructures via CH₃NH₃I vapor processing. Atomic force microscopy (AFM)、Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) measurements prove the high-quality of the converted CH₃NH₃PbI₃/MoS₂. Both MoS₂ and CH₃NH₃PbI₃ related photoluminescence (PL) intensity quenching in CH₃NH₃PbI₃/MoS₂ implies a Type-II energy level alignment at the interface. Temperature-dependent PL measurements show that the emission peak position shifting trend of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ is opposite to that of MoS₂ (traditional semiconductors) due to the thermal expansion and electron-phonon coupling effects. The CH₃NH₃PbI₃/TMDC heterostructures are useful in fabricating innovative devices for wider optoelectronic applications.     

First-principles study on the electronic and optical properties of cubic ABX3 halide perovskites

The electronic properties of ABX₃ type compounds in the cubic phase are systematically studied using the first-principles calculations. The chemical trend of their properties as A or B or X varies is fully investigated. The optical properties of the ABX₃ compounds are also investigated. Our calculations show that taking into account the spin–orbit coupling effect is crucial for predicting the accurate band gap of these halide perovskites. We predict that CH₃NH₃SnBr₃ is a promising material for solar cells absorber with a perfect band gap and good optical absorption.     

Electronic structure calculations and optical properties of a new organic-inorganic luminescent perovskite: (C9H19NH3)2PbI2Br2

(C₉H₁₉NH₃)₂PbI₂Br₂ compound is a new crystal belonging to the large hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites compounds family. Optical properties are investigated by optical absorption UV-visible and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. Bands to band absorption peak at 2.44 eV as well as an extremely strong yellow-green photoluminescence emission at 2.17 eV is observed at room temperature. First principle calculations based on the DFT and FLAPW methods combined with LDA approximation are performed as well. Density of state close to the gap is presented and discussed in terms of optical absorption and photoluminescence experimental results. The perfect agreement between experimental data and electronic structure calculations is highlighted.     

Hole blocking PbI2/CH3NH3PbI3 interface

Modulated charge separation across (MO)/CH₃NH₃PbI₃ and (MO)/PbI₂/CH₃NH₃PbI₃ (MO = TiO₂, MoO₃) interfaces was investigated by surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy. Perovskite layers were deposited by solution‐based one‐step preparation and two‐step preparation methods. An unreacted PbI₂ layer remained at the interface between the metal oxide and CH₃NH₃PbI₃ for two‐step preparation. For the two‐step preparation on TiO₂, the SPV signal related to absorption in CH₃NH₃PbI₃ increased in comparison to the one‐step preparation due to electron transfer from CH₃NH₃PbI₃ via PbI₂ into TiO₂ whereas the SPV signal related to defect transitions decreased. For the one‐step preparation on MoO₃, holes photogenerated in CH₃NH₃PbI₃ recombined with electrons in MoO₃. In contrast, a hole transfer from CH₃NH₃PbI₃ towards MoO₃ was blocked by the PbI₂ interlayer for the two‐step preparation on MoO₃. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

钙钛矿晶体的电荷复合动力学研究

本文利用紫外吸收光谱和稳态荧光光谱技术结合理论模型,研究了钙钛矿材料CH₃NH₃PbI₃晶体在光激发过程中的电荷复合动力学行为,进而获得晶体的扩散长度. 电荷载体的扩散长度是判断光电材料的重要参数. 研究通过合成两种不同缺陷态浓度的CH₃NH₃PbI₃晶体,测量这两种晶体在0.019∽4.268 μJ/cm²的激光激发下的时间分辨荧光光谱,利用动力学模型对光谱进行拟合,可以获得每个晶体的掺杂浓度,空穴浓度以及电荷复合参数. 将这些参数结合已有公式,最终可获得每个晶体的电荷载体的扩散长度.     

The influence of localized states on the optical absorption and carrier transport properties of acylamino hybrid perovskites with tunable electronic structures

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells have excellent optoelectronic properties, but their low thermal and chemical stabilities limit their commercial applications. In this paper, a new type of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite is proposed. Malondiamide (MA,CH₂(CONH₂)₂) and propionamide (PA, CH₃CH₂CONH₂) were used as organic layers, with Pb-I octahedral inorganic layers to form quasi three-dimensional (3D) perovskites. The crystal structure, stability, electronic structure, and optical properties of MAPbI₄ and PAPbI₄ perovskites were investigated, and the results showed that there were localized states that corresponded to the number of acyl groups in the two perovskites. Energy band calculations showed that the localized states of the two perovskites rose above the bottom of the conduction band. This can be used to regulate the band gap of the two perovskites, which affects the electronic properties and optical absorption characteristics of the two perovskites. Compared with PAPbI₄, MAPbI₄ has a lower formation energy, lower band gap, lower effective mass of electrons and holes, wider energy range, and larger absorption coefficient, which indicates that MAPbI₄ is more suitable for use in solar cells. This study provides guidance for obtaining efficient and stable photovoltaic materials.     

Sonochemical synthesis of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite ultrafine nanocrystal sensitizers for solar energy applications

The organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite CH₃NH₃PbI₃ is becoming an interesting material in the field of energy harvesting. This material is one of the cleanest and cheapest components in solar cells which is available in ample amounts. However, most of the previous research work was done on thin film of this material. In the present work we describe the preparation of a powder containing nanoparticles of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ using a sonochemical method. Characterization of the product was done by various methods, such as HRTEM, FTIR, PL, DLS and XRD. The particles were found to be highly crystalline (tetragonal crystal structure), polygonal in shape and having diameters of 10–40 nm.     

Band gap tuning of Ge/SiC bilayers under an electric field: a density functional study

The structure and electronic properties of Ge/SiC van der Waals (vdW) bilayer under the influence of an electric field have been investigated by the first-principles method. Without an electric field, the system shows a small band gap of 126 meV at the equilibrium state. Interestingly, by applying a vertical external electric field, the results present a parabola-like relationship between the band gap and the strength. As the negative E-field changes from 0.0 to ?0.40 V/Å, the band gap first increases to a maximum of about 378 meV and then decreases to zero. A similar trend is exhibited for the positive E-field, ranging from 0.0 to +0.40 V/Å. The band gap reaches a maximum of about 315 meV at +0.10 V/Å. The significant variations of band gap are owing to different states of Ge, Si, and C atoms in conduction band and valence band. The predicted electric field tunable band gap of the Ge/SiC vdW heterostructures is very promising for its potential use in nanodevices.     

Critical behavior of quasi-2D organic-inorganic halide perovskite (C6H5CH2CH2NH3)2CuCl4 single crystals

Critical behavior of quasi two-dimensional organic-inorganic halide perovskites (C₆H₅CH₂CH₂NH₃)₂CuCl₄ is investigated using magneto-thermal and isothermal magnetic properties along the easy axis. Banerjee's criterion indicates that phase transition from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phases below T_C = 9.4 K is of second-order. Scaling analysis reveals that critical exponent β from spontaneous magnetization in the critical region below T_C and δ from critical isotherm at T_C are found to be 0.22(3) and 9.28–9.4, close to 2D finite XY model. Meanwhile, γ from magnetic susceptibility in the critical region above T_C is gradually decreased from 2.4 at high-temperature region. Critical exponents from magneto-thermal properties are found to be consistent with those determined from magnetization isotherms. The reliability of critical values is verified using the scaling hypothesis. Our results evidence that (C₆H₅CH₂CH₂NH₃)₂CuCl₄ crossovers from isotropic 2D Heisenberg to anisotropic 3D models towards T_C and can be promising candidates for magnetocaloric materials for hydrogen reliquefaction.     

Ultrasonically sprayed-on perovskite solar cells-effects of organic cation on defect formation of CH3NH3PbI3 films

Methylammonium lead iodide (CH₃NH₃PbI₃) based perovskite having low degrees of the disorder is of great interest for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. In this work, a layer of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ was successfully prepared using an ultrasonically sprayed-nebulous method. Changes in structural and optical properties alongside with photo-induced charge separation and transportation behavior were systematically studied. The surface photovoltage spectra reveal a significant reduction of the density of deep defect states as the organic content was increased. It was observed that the measured values of Urbach energies decrease from 33.36 to 28.24 meV as the amount of organic content was increased to an optimum value. The best perovskite solar cells obtained using the sprayed-on approach exhibited a J_sc of 16.54 mA/cm², a V_oc of 0.99 V, and a FF of 62.4, resulting in an overall PCE of 10.09%.     

钙钛矿/银电极界面降解和离子迁移的原位研究

本文对CH_3NH_3PbI_3钙钛矿层与Ag电极之间的界面降解和离子迁移过程进行了全面地研究.利用原位光电子能谱检测于段,发现了Ag电极会诱导钙钛矿层的降解,导致PbI_2和AgI物种的形成以及Pb~(2+)离子在界面处还原成金属Pb物种.I 3d谱峰强度的反常增强为碘离子从CH_3NH_3PbI_3下表面迁移到Ag电极提供了直接的实验证据.此外,Ag电极和钙钛矿层接触会在CH_3NH_3PbI_3/Ag界面处诱导0.3 eV的界面偶极,这可能进一步促进碘离子扩散迁移,导致钙钛矿层的分解和Ag电极的侵蚀.     

Modulation of band gap by normal strain and an applied electric field in SiC-based heterostructures

The structure and electronic properties of the WS₂/SiC van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures under the influence of normal strain and an external electric field have been investigated by the ab initio method. Our results reveal that the compressive strain has much influence on the band gap of the vdW heterostructures and the band gap monotonically increases from 1.330 to 1.629 eV. The results also imply that electrons are likely to transfer from WS₂ to SiC monolayer due to the deeper potential of SiC monolayer. Interestingly, by applying a vertical external electric field, the results present a parabola-like relationship between the band gap and the strength. As the E-field changes from to ?0.50 +0.20 V/Å, the band gap first increases from zero to a maximum of about 1.90 eV and then decreases to zero. The significant variations of band gap are owing to different states of W, S, Si, and C atoms in conduction band and valence band. The predicted electric field tunable band gap of the WS₂/SiC vdW heterostructures is very promising for its potential use in nanodevices.     

Humidity controlled crystallization of thin CH3NH3PbI3 films for high performance perovskite solar cell

Control of crystallization of a solution‐processed perovskite layer is of prime importance for high performance solar cells. In spite of the negative effect of water on perovskite solar energy conversion in several previous works, we observed that humidity plays a critical role to develop a thin uniform, dense perovskite film with preferred crystals, in particular, in a device with architecture of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/CH₃NH₃PbI₃/ PC₇₁BM/LiF/Al fabricated by two‐step sequential spin‐coating process. Humidity controlled spin‐coating of CH₃NH₃I on the pre‐formed PbI₂ layer was the most influential process and systematic structural investigation as a function of humidity revealed that grains of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite crystals increase in size with their preferred orientation while film surface becomes roughened as the humidity increases. The performance of a device was closely related to the humidity dependent film morphology and in 40% relative humidity, the device exhibited the maximum power conversion efficiency of approximately 12% more than 10 times greater than that of a device fabricated at 20% humidity. The results suggest that our process with controlled humidity can be another efficient route for high performance and reliable perovskite solar cells. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

DFT and k · p modelling of the phase transitions of lead and tin halide perovskites for photovoltaic cells

3D hybrid organic perovskites, CH₃NH₃PbX₃ (X = halogen), have recently been used to strongly improve the efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) leading to a new class of low‐cost mesoscopic solar cells. CsSnI₃ perovskite can also be used for hole conduction in DSSC. Density functional theory and GW corrections are used to compare lead and tin hybrid and all‐inorganic perovskites. The room temperature optical absorption is associated to electronic transitions between the spin–orbit split‐off band in the conduction band and the valence band. Spin–orbit coupling is about three times smaller for tin. Moreover, the effective mass of relevant band edge hole states is small (0.17). The high temperature phase sequence of CsSnI₃ leading to the room temperature orthorhombic phase and the recently reported phases of CH₃NH₃MI₃ (where M = Pb, Sn) close to the room temperature, are also studied. Tetragonal distortions from the ideal cubic phase are analysed by a k · p perturbation, including spin–orbit effect. In addition, the non‐centrosymmetric phases of CH₃NH₃MI₃ exhibit a splitting of the electronic bands away from the critical point. The present work shows that their physical properties are more similar to conventional semiconductors than to the absorbers used in DSSC. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

One-dimensional excitons in inorganic–organic self-organized quantum-wire crystals [NHC(I)=NH]PbI and [CHSC(=NH)NH]PbI

Optical properties of lead-iodide-based one-dimensional perovskite-type crystals [NH₂C(I)=NH₂]₃PbI₅ and [CH₃SC(=NH₂)NH₂]₃PbI₅ have been investigated theoretically and experimentally. The electronic and excitonic structures are studied based on group theoretical consideration and first-principle band calculation. Strong one-dimensional anisotropy of the optical absorption spectra, large Stokes shifts (1.0 eV) and huge exchange energies (70 meV) indicate that the excitons in these crystals are one-dimensional Frenkel excitons.     

Inverted structure perovskite solar cells: A theoretical study

We analysed perovskite CH₃NH₃PbI_3-xCl_x inverted planer structure solar cell with nickel oxide (NiO) and spiro-MeOTAD as hole conductors. This structure is free from electron transport layer. The thickness is optimized for NiO and spiro-MeOTAD hole conducting materials and the devices do not exhibit any significant variation for both hole transport materials. The back metal contact work function is varied for NiO hole conductor and observed that Ni and Co metals may be suitable back contacts for efficient carrier dynamics. The solar photovoltaic response showed a linear decrease in efficiency with increasing temperature. The electron affinity and band gap of transparent conducting oxide and NiO layers are varied to understand their impact on conduction and valence band offsets. A range of suitable band gap and electron affinity values are found essential for efficient device performance.     

RF-plasma assisted pulsed laser deposition of nitrogen-doped SrTiO3 thin films

Perovskite-type nitrogen substituted SrTiO₃ thin films were deposited with a one-step process by RF-plasma assisted pulsed laser deposition from a SrTiO₃ target using a N₂ plasma, while deposition with a NH₃ plasma yields films with almost no incorporated nitrogen. The deposited films exhibit a cubic perovskite-type crystal structure and reveal oriented growth on MgO(100) substrates. The unit cell parameters of the studied N-doped SrTiO₃ films range within 3.905<a<3.918 Å, which is slightly larger than for SrTiO₃ (a=3.905 Å). The nitrogen content in the deposited films varies from 0.2 to 0.7 atom%. The amount of incorporated nitrogen in the films decreases with increasing RF-power, while the N₂ flow rate does not have any pronounced influence on the N content. Nitrogen incorporation results in an increased optical absorption at 400–600 nm, which is associated with N(2p) energy states that have a higher energy level than the valence band in strontium titanate. The optical band gap energies in the studied N-doped SrTiO₃ films are at 3.2–3.3 eV, which is very similar to that of pure strontium titanate (～3.2 eV). Films deposited with NH₃ for the RF-plasma exhibit a lower degree of crystallinity and reveal almost no nitrogen incorporation into the crystal lattice.     

Magnetic susceptibility of (CH3NH3)2FeCl3Br: An example of a canted spin system

Magnetic susceptibility of (CH₃NH₃)₂FeCl₃Br is measured in the temperature range 80–200°K. A sharp peak characteristic of a spin canted system is found at T_N(H=0)=98° K. Magnetic field dependence of the susceptibility and the effect of the halide ion size on the canted spin is discussed.     

Efficient band structure engineering and visible-light response in ZrS2/GaS heterobilayer by electrical field or external strains

Via first-principle methods, the electronic structures and optical properties of 2D ZrS₂/GaS van der Waals heterostructure (vdWH) are studied. It is found that the band alignment changes from type-II to type-I under negative electrical field, and compressive strains. The transition points are -0.2 V/Å and -1%, respectively. The band gap changes efficiently under positive electrical field and compressive strains. The tensile strains increase the optical adsorption coefficients in ultraviolet regions, while the compressive strains increase the optical adsorption coefficients in visible region significantly.     

Rotational Spectra of CH3CCH–NH3, NCCCH–NH3, and NCCCH–OH2

Microwave spectra of NCCCH–NH₃, CH₃CCH–NH₃, and NCCCH–OH₂have been recorded using a pulsed-nozzle Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer. The complexes NCCCH–NH₃and CH₃CCH–NH₃are found to have symmetric-top structures with the acetylenic proton hydrogen bonded to the nitrogen of the NH₃. The data for CH₃CCH–NH₃are further consistent with free or nearly free internal rotation of the methyl top against the ammonia top. For NCCCH–OH₂, the acetylenic proton is hydrogen bonded to the oxygen of the water. The complex has a dynamicalC_2vstructure, as evidenced by the presence of two nuclear-spin modifications of the complex. The hydrogen bond lengths and hydrogen-bond stretching force constants are 2.212 Å and 10.8 N/m, 2.322 Å and 6.0 N/m, and 2.125 Å and 9.6 N/m for NCCCH–NH₃, CH₃CCH–NH₃, and NCCCH–OH₂, respectively. For the cyanoacetylene complexes, these bond lengths and force constants lie between the values for the related hydrogen cyanide and acetylene complexes of NH₃and H₂O. The NH₃bending and weak-bond stretching force constants for CH₃CCH–NH₃are less than those found in NCCCH–NH₃, NCH–NH₃, and HCCH–NH₃, suggesting that the hydrogen bonding interaction is particularly weak in CH₃CCH–NH₃. The weakness of this hydrogen bond is partially a consequence of the orientation of the monomer electric dipole moments in the complex. In CH₃CCH–NH₃the antialigned monomer dipole moments lead to a repulsive dipole–dipole interaction energy, while in NCH–NH₃and NCCCH–NH₃the aligned dipoles give an attraction interaction.