An XPS Study of Perovskite Oxides

An　XPS　Study　of　Perovskite　Oxides　...     

Rational Design of Ferroelectric 2D Perovskite for Improving the Efficiency of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells Over 23 %

Despite the great progress of flexible perovskite solar cells (f-PSCs), it still faces several challenges during the homogeneous fabrication of high-quality perovskite thin films, and overcoming the insufficient exciton dissociation. To the ends, we rationally design the ferroelectric two-dimensional (2D) perovskite based on pyridine heterocyclic ring as the organic interlayer. We uncover that incorporation of the ferroelectric 2D material into 3D perovskite induces an increased built-in electric field (BEF), which enhances the exciton dissociation efficiency in the device. Moreover, the 2D seeds could assist the 3D crystallization by forming more homogeneous and highly-oriented perovskite crystals. As a result, an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 23 % has been achieved by the f-PSCs with outstanding ambient stability. Moreover, the piezo/ferroelectric 2D perovskite intrigues a decreased hole transport barriers at the ITO/perovskite interface under tensile stress, which opens new possibilities for developing highly-efficient f-PSCs.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Perovskite PbTiO_3 Powders from Different Precursors

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The Preparation of Perovskite Nano Powder by Sol-gel from DTPA and the Mechanism of Thermal Decomposition

Dy0.8Sr0.2FeO3 nano powder, a synthetic oxide, is made by sol-gel method from metal nitrate and diethylenetriaminepentaaeetic acid (DTPA), and the processing parameters are optimized.The process of the preparation, thermal decomposition and the property of the powder are studied by TG-DTA, IR, TEM, and XRD. The diameter of the average grain is about 70 nm. This new technique can be used in the preparation and the studying of ha‘no materials in the complex oxide system.     

14.31 % Power Conversion Efficiency of Sn-Based Perovskite Solar Cells via Efficient Reduction of Sn4+

The photoelectric properties of nontoxic Sn-based perovskite make it a promising alternative to toxic Pb-based perovskite. It has superior photovoltaic performance in comparison to other Pb-free counterparts. The facile oxidation of Sn²⁺ to Sn⁴⁺ presents a notable obstacle in the advancement of perovskite solar cells that utilize Sn, as it adversely affects their stability and performance. The study revealed the presence of a Sn⁴⁺ concentration on both the upper and lower surfaces of the perovskite layer. This discovery led to the adoption of a bi-interface optimization approach. A thin layer of Sn metal was inserted at the two surfaces of the perovskite layer. The implementation of this intervention yielded a significant decrease in the levels of Sn⁴⁺ and trap densities. The power conversion efficiency of the device was achieved at 14.31 % through the optimization of carrier transportation. The device exhibited operational and long-term stability.     

Low-Temperature Phase Formation of Sn-Doped LaMnO3+δ Perovskite

The incorporation of Sn into LaMnO₃ perovskite and its influence on magnetotransport properties were studied in samples synthesized at low temperature. Single-phase materials for two series of samples with La/(Sn+Mn)=1 and La/(Sn+Mn)<1 ratios were obtained by substitution of up to 10% of the Mn ions by Sn⁴⁺. The effect of Sn substitution was monitored through measurements of thermal, “M(T)”, and magnetic field, “M(H)”, dependences of magnetization, as well as of resistivity, “ρ(T)”, at 0 and 70 kOe. These showed that this effect depends strongly on the perovskite cation site ratio (A/B). For La/(Sn+Mn)=1, M and T_C were depressed as Sn content was increased. The magnetization data suggest the presence of magnetic clusters with superparamagnetic behavior. No evidence of magnetoresistance (MR) was found. For La/(Sn+Mn)<1 ratio, the samples showed ferromagnetic behavior and MR and both M and T_C raised as Sn content increased. The results are discussed in terms of A site vacancies.     

The Role of Dimethylammonium Iodide in CsPbI3 Perovskite Fabrication: Additive or Dopant?

The controllable growth of CsPbI₃ perovskite thin films with desired crystal phase and morphology is crucial for the development of high efficiency inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The role of dimethylammonium iodide (DMAI) used in CsPbI₃ perovskite fabrication was carefully investigated. We demonstrated that the DMAI is an effective volatile additive to manipulate the crystallization process of CsPbI₃ inorganic perovskite films with different crystal phases and morphologies. The thermogravimetric analysis results indicated that the sublimation of DMAI is sensitive to moisture, and a proper atmosphere is helpful for the DMAI removal. The time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance results confirmed that the DMAI additive would not alloy into the crystal lattice of CsPbI₃ perovskite. Moreover, the DMAI residues in CsPbI₃ perovskite can deteriorate the photovoltaic performance and stability. Finally, the PSCs based on phenyltrimethylammonium chloride passivated CsPbI₃ inorganic perovskite achieved a record champion efficiency up to 19.03 %.     

Structure of Activity Sites in Perovskite－type Complexs Oxides LaMnO_3＋λ for Total Oxidation of Methane

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High-Performance and Self-Powered X-Ray Detectors Made of Smooth Perovskite Microcrystalline Films with 100 μm Grains

Perovskite single crystals and polycrystalline films have complementary merits and deficiencies in X-ray detection and imaging. Herein, we report preparation of dense and smooth perovskite microcrystalline films with both merits of single crystals and polycrystalline films through polycrystal-induced growth and hot-pressing treatment (HPT). Utilizing polycrystalline films as seeds, multi-inch-sized microcrystalline films can be in situ grown on diverse substrates with maximum grain size reaching 100 μm, which endows the microcrystalline films with comparable carrier mobility-lifetime (μτ) product as single crystals. As a result, self-powered X-ray detectors with impressive sensitivity of 6.1×10⁴ μC Gy_air⁻¹ cm⁻² and low detection limit of 1.5 nGy_air s⁻¹ are achieved, leading to high-contrast X-ray imaging at an ultra-low dose rate of 67 nGy_air s⁻¹. Combining with the fast response speed (186 μs), this work may contribute to the development of perovskite-based low-dose X-ray imaging.     

Decomposition of High Concentration Hydrogen Peroxide over Alumina-Supported Lao.6Sr0.4MnO3 Perovskite Catalyst

In recent years there has been ever-increasing interest in space propellants that are more environmentally benign,less toxic and easier and safer to handle than conventional ones     

Comparative Characterization of Relaxed Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Structures Using Molecular Dynamic Simulation and X-ray Diffraction Data

Materials based on organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites MAPbX₃ (X = I, Cl, or Br) having unique adsorption characteristics have been considered. Theoretical investigation data obtained by molecular modeling and results of X-ray diffraction measurements of the hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite structures based on methylammonium lead trichloride in different temperature ranges have been analyzed.Z     

Preparation and Characterization of Single-Phase Perovskite La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ

Single-phase perovskite La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ has been successfully prepared by using citrate-EDTA complexation method at relatively low calcination temperature. The structure and thermal decomposition process of the complex precursor have been investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry-thermal gravimetric analysis (DSC/TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR) measurements. The precursor decomposed completely and started to form perovskite-type oxide above 420℃ according to the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) results. Single-phase perovskite La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ obtained has been confirmed from the XRD pattern, and no peak of SrCO3 was found by XR.D of the oxides synthesized at a relatively low temperature of 800 ℃. The reducibility of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ was also characterized by the temperature programmed reduction (TPR) technique. Disk shaped dense La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ membrane was prepared by the isostatical pressing method. The oxygen flux rate of dense La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ membrane was (2.8-18)×10-8 mol/(cm2·s) in the temperature range of 800-1 000℃.     

Manipulation of the Buried Interface for Robust Formamidinium-based Sn−Pb Perovskite Solar Cells with NiOx Hole-Transport Layers

Low band gap tin-lead perovskite solar cells (Sn−Pb PSCs) are expected to achieve higher efficiencies than Pb-PSCs and regarded as key components of tandem PSCs. However, the realization of high efficiency is challenged by the instability of Sn²⁺ and the imperfections at the charge transfer interfaces. Here, we demonstrate an efficient ideal band gap formamidinium (FA)-based Sn−Pb (FAPb_0.5Sn_0.5I₃) PSC, by manipulating the buried NiO_x/perovskite interface with 4-hydroxyphenethyl ammonium halide (OH-PEAX, X=Cl⁻, Br⁻, or I⁻) interlayer, which exhibits fascinating functions of reducing the surface defects of the NiO_x hole transport layer (HTL), enhancing the perovskite film quality, and improving both the energy level matching and physical contact at the interface. The effects of different halide anions have been elaborated and a 20.53 % efficiency is obtained with OH-PEABr, which is the highest one for FA-based Sn−Pb PSCs using NiO_x HTLs. Moreover, the device stability is also boosted.     

CO2 Reforming of CH4 over Nickel and Cobalt Catalysts Prepared from La—Based Perovskite Precursors

Four perovskite-type complex oxides (LaNiO3, La2NiO4, LaCoO3 and La2CoO4) were successfully prepared using two sol-gel methods, the Pechini method (PC) and the citric acid complexing method (CC). The catalysts were characterized by XRD and TPR. After reduction, the activity of the catalysts in the CO2 reforming of methane was tested. Ni-based catalysts from La2NiO4 precursors were the most active and stable catalyst after calcination above 850 癈, which gave a methane conversion of 0.025 mmol/(g-s) for those prepared by the PC method and 0.020 mmol/(g-s) by the CC method. It was proposed that the well-defined structure and lower reducibility is responsible for the unusual catalytic behavior observed over the pre-reduced La2NiO4 catalyst.     

High Compression-Induced Conductivity in a Layered Cu–Br Perovskite

We show that the onset pressure for appreciable conductivity in layered copper-halide perovskites can decrease by ca. 50 GPa upon replacement of Cl with Br. Layered Cu–Cl perovskites require pressures >50 GPa to show a conductivity of 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹, whereas here a Cu–Br congener, (EA)₂CuBr₄ (EA=ethylammonium), exhibits conductivity as high as 2×10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at only 2.6 GPa, and 0.17 S cm⁻¹ at 59 GPa. Substitution of higher-energy Br 4p for Cl 3p orbitals lowers the charge-transfer band gap of the perovskite by 0.9 eV. This 1.7 eV band gap decreases to 0.3 eV at 65 GPa. High-pressure X-ray diffraction, optical absorption, and transport measurements, and density functional theory calculations allow us to track compression-induced structural and electronic changes. The notable enhancement of the Br perovskite's electronic response to pressure may be attributed to more diffuse Br valence orbitals relative to Cl orbitals. This work brings the compression-induced conductivity of Cu-halide perovskites to more technologically accessible pressures.     

Cell Volume Effect on the Ferroelectric Stability of Perovskite Oxides PbTiO3 and BaTiO3 from First Principle Calculation

Electronic structure of ferroelectric PbTiO3 and BaTiO3 is calculated by the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. The total energy as a function of the displacement of Ti-cation is obtained for PbTiO3 and BaTiO3 at different cell volumes. At experimental cell volume, Ti-displacement lowers the total energy and the ferroelectricity is stable. When the cell volume is reduced to 90%, total energy is increased with Ti-displacement and ferroelectricity will disappear. The cell volume effect is also confirmed by comparison of the density of states of Ti and O at different cell volumes.     

Extending the π-Conjugated System in Spiro-Type Hole Transport Material Enhances the Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Modules

Hole transport materials (HTMs) are a key component of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The small molecular 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenyl)-amine-9,9′-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD, termed “Spiro”) is the most successful HTM used in PSCs, but its versatility is imperfect. To improve its performance, we developed a novel spiro-type HTM (termed “DP”) by substituting four anisole units on Spiro with 4-methoxybiphenyl moieties. By extending the π-conjugation of Spiro in this way, the HOMO level of the HTM matches well with the perovskite valence band, enhancing hole mobility and increasing the glass transition temperature. DP-based PSC achieves high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 25.24 % for small-area (0.06 cm²) devices and 21.86 % for modules (designated area of 27.56 cm²), along with the certified efficiency of 21.78 % on a designated area of 27.86 cm². The encapsulated DP-based devices maintain 95.1 % of the initial performance under ISOS-L-1 conditions after 2560 hours and 87 % at the ISOS-L-3 conditions over 600 hours.     

How Chemical Bonding Impacts Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals Growth to Bulk Films: Implication of Pb−X Bond on Growth Kinetics

Lead halide perovskites nanocrystals have emerged as a leading candidate in perovskite solar cells and light-emitting diodes. Given their favorable, tunable optoelectronic properties through modifying the size of nanocrystals, it is imperative to understand and control the growth of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals. However, during the nanocrystal growth into bulk films, the effect of halide bonding on growth kinetics remains elusive. To understand how a chemical bonding of Pb−X (covalency and ionicity) impact on growth of nanocrystals, we have examined two different halide perovskite nanocrystals of CsPbCl₃ (more ionic) and CsPbI₃ (more covalent) derived from the same parent CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals. Tracking the growth of nanocrystals by monitoring the spectral features of bulk peaks (at 445 nm for Cl and at 650 nm for I) enables us to determine the growth activation energy to be 92 kJ/mol (for CsPbCl₃) versus 71 kJ/mol (for CsPbI₃). The electronegativity of halides in Pb−X bonds governs the bond strength (150–240 kJ/mol), characteristics of bonding (ionic versus covalent), and growth kinetics and resulting activation energies. A fundamental understanding of Pb−X bonding provides a significant insight into controlling the size of the perovskite nanocrystals with more desired optoelectronic properties.