The PV-Researcher's Siren: Hybrid metal halide perovskites

Metal-halide perovskite semiconductors are certainly one of the hottest topic in solar energy conversion. Optimization of both the absorber material and device architecture has led to an astoundingly rapid increase in the reported device efficiencies. Initially developed in the context of dye-sensitized solar cell research, metal-halide perovskite devices now reach efficiency values and hence need to be compared to more conventional photovoltaic technologies such as silicon, copper indium gallium diselenide and cadmium telluride. Strong direct band gap absorption, long charge carrier diffusion length, ease and flexibility in processing at low temperatures and facile tunability makes these materials ideal for solar energy conversion applications. This review will both reflect on favorable properties of these hybrid and ionic semiconductors as well as reflecting on lead toxicity, material and device stability as the most critical issues that need to be solved in order for these materials to become technologically viable.     

High quality large single crystals of metal halide perovskites for optoelectronic applications

正As the technological development of large single-crystalline wafers have revolutionized many industries including electronics and photovoltaics,one can predict that the availability of large single-crystalline perovskite crystals and wafers can revolutionize its broad applications in photodetectors,solar cells,LEDs,lasers,etc.In 2015,Liu et al.[1]at Shaanxi Normal University developed a reactive inverse-temperature crystallization(RITC)method and harvested high quality MAPbI_3 single     

New organic metals: Radical cation salts of bis(ethylenedioxo)tetrathiafulvalene with halide mercurate anions

Radical cation salts with halide mercurate anions were obtained by the electrochemical oxidation of bis(ethylenedioxo)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDO-TTF), and their conductivity was studied. The compounds (BEDO-TTF)₄Hg₃X₈ (X = Cl or Br), (BEDO-TTF)₄Hg_3.5I₉, and (BEDO-TTF)₂HgBr₃ possess the conductivity of the metallic type down to helium temperatures.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 5, pp. 1167–1170, May, 1996.     

Raman microscopic studies of the liquid-liquid interface between an organic layer and an aqueous solution containing metal ions

Raman microscopic studies of liquid-liquid interfaces between an organic layer and aqueous solutions of metal ions containing extractants are described for the first time. Using a specially constructed cell, the observation of third-phase formation which hinders the mass transfer of metals from the aqueous to the organic layers has been monitored and the spectra discussed in terms of the processes involved and the molecular interactions. The system selected for study was tri-n-butylphosphate-odourless kerosene with zirconium(IV) in aqueous nitric acid solution, a model of an industrial process for nuclear fuels reprocessing. Particulate matter at the interface between the organic and aqueous layers was identified spectroscopically as a carbonate from wash solutions used in neutralisation of the aqueous acid component.     

Method to control the optical properties: Band gap energy of mixed halide Organolead perovskites

In this work, we studied the effect of varying the volume of mixed halide perovskites on the structural, morphological and optical properties of deposited thin films. A two-step process of spin coating and dipping technique was employed so as to enhance deposition of the films. The samples were subjected to heat treatment after each deposition cycle in order to increase the crystalinity and grain size of the films. The band gap, refractive index, dielectric constant and optical conductivity of the mixed halide perovskites were calculated. The single term Wemple DiDomenico oscillator formulae were applied in determining the expression of the parameter n below the optical band gap in relation to the energy.A significant observation in this study was that the band gap of mixed halide perovskites was extremely lowered compared to the high band energy of its halide perovskite, which reveals the band gap alteration effect of mixed halide perovskites. The refractive index and dielectric constant of the halide and mixed halide perovkites showed results in the wavelength range of 300–600 nm, which is significant for photovoltaic materials.     

The role of the organic layer functionalization in the formation of silicon/organic layer/metal junctions with coinage metals

The design of silicon/alkyl layer/metal junctions for the formation of optimal top metal contacts requires knowledge of the mechanistic and energetic aspects of the interactions of metal atoms with the modified surface. This involves (a) the interaction of the metal with the terminal groups of the organic layer, (b) the diffusion of metal atoms through the organic layer and (c) the reactions of metal atoms with the silicon surface atoms. The diffusion through the monolayer and the metal catalyzed breakage of Si-C bonds must be avoided to obtain high quality junctions. In this work, we performed a comprehensive density functional theory investigation to identify the reaction pathways of all these processes. In the absence of a reactive terminal group, gold atoms may penetrate through a compact alkyl monolayer on Si(111) with no energy barrier. However, the presence of thiol terminal groups introduces a high energy barrier which blocks the diffusion of metals into the monolayer. The diffusion barriers increase in the order Ag < Au < Cu and correlate with the stability of metal-thiolate complexes whereas the barriers for the formation of metal silicides increase in the order Cu < Au < Ag in correlation with the increasing metallic radii. The reactivity of gold clusters with functionalized Si(111) surfaces was also investigated. Metal silicide formation can only be avoided by a compact monolayer terminated by a reactive functional group. The mechanistic and energetic picture obtained in this work contributes to understanding of the factors that influence the quality of top metal contacts during the formation of silicon/organic layer/metal junctions.     

Synthesis and metal cation complexing properties of crown-annelated terthiophenes containing 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene

Macrocyclic systems derived from crown-annelated terthiophene involving a median EDOT unit have been synthesized by coupling diiodooligooxyethylene chains and bis(2-cyanoethylsulfanyl)terthiophene under high dilution conditions. The metal cation complexing properties of the compounds have been analyzed using 1H NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. These various experiments provide consistent results showing that one of the compounds exhibits interesting complexing properties for Pb2+.     

Adsorption of alkali metal cations and halide anions on metal oxides: prediction of Hofmeister series using 1-pK triple layer model

Adsorption of electrolyte ions on metal oxides significantly affects the interfacial charge distribution. The general procedure for the prediction of surface charge on oxides in salt solutions was given by Sverjensky for the 2-pK Triple Layer Model (2-pK TLM) (Sverjensky, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 69:225–257, 2005). Based on his parameters values and by assuming parameters transferability (Piasecki, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 302:389–395, 2006) we have predicted the adsorption constants for three monovalent ions (Rb⁺, F^?, Br^?) for eight oxides within the framework of the 1-pK Triple Layer Model (1-pK TLM). The obtained parameters values along with the previously reported ones (Piasecki, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 302:389–395, 2006) allowed us to compare the adsorption affinities of alkali metal cations and halide anions, and construct the following Hofmeister series for the cations (Cs⁺≈ Rb⁺≈ K⁺< Na⁺< Li⁺) and for the anions (F^?? Cl^?≈ Br^?< I^?) for investigated oxides. The same lyotropic series was predicted by the 2-pK TLM. It indicates that Hofmeister series is invariable during parameter transfer between surface complexation models.     

Relative stabilities of layered perovskite and pyrochlore structures in transition metal oxides containing trivalent bismuth

In order to investigate the factors determining the relative stabilities of layered perovskite and pyrochlore structures of transition metal oxides containing trivalent bismuth, several ternary and quaternary oxides have been investigated. While d⁰ cations stabilize the layered perovskite structure, cations containing partially-filled d orbitals (which suppress ferroelectric distortion of MO₆ octahedra) seem to favor pyrochlore-related structures. Thus, the vanadium analogue of the layered perovskite Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ cannot be prepared; instead the composition consists of a mixture of pyrochlore-type Bi_1.33V₂O₆, Bi₂O₃, and Bi metal. The distortion of Bi_1.33V₂O₆ to orthorhombic symmetry is probably due to an ordering of anion vacancies in the pyrochlore structure. None of the other pyrochlores investigated, Bi₂NbCrO₇, Bi₂NbFeO₇, TlBiM₂O₇ (M = Nb, Ta), shows evidence for cation ordering in the X-Ray diffraction patterns, as indeed established by structure refinement of TlBiNb₂O₇.     

Influence of halide mixing on thermal and photochemical stability of hybrid perovskites: XPS studies

The effect of I^–/Cl^–and I^–/Br^–mixing on the thermal and photochemical degradation of organometallic perovskite MeNH₃PbI₃ (MAPbI₃) was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which revealed the opportunity to essentially increase the photo and thermal stabilities of the material depending on the level and position of halide-mixing. The largest positive effect was observed for the small concentration of chloride substituent (MAPbI_2.7Cl_0.3), while the full halide substitution (MAPbBr₃) had a negative effect on the stability of hybrid perovskite.     

Distinguishing metal halide molecular clusters from perovskite magic sized clusters in the synthesis of metal halide perovskite nanostructures

Background

Research into perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) has uncovered interesting properties compared to their bulk counterparts, including tunable optical properties due to size-dependent quantum confinement effect (QCE). More recently, smaller PNCs with even stronger QCE have been discovered, such as perovskite magic sized clusters (PMSCs) and ligand passivated PbX₂ metal halide molecular clusters (MHMCs) analogous to perovskites.

Objective

This review aims to present recent data comparing and contrasting the optical and structural properties of PQDs, PMSCs, and MHMCs, where CsPbBr₃ PQDs have first excitonic absorption around 520 nm, the corresponding PMSCS have absorption around 420 nm, and ligand passivated MHMCs absorb around 400 nm.

Results

Compared to normal perovskite quantum dots (PQDs), these clusters exhibit both a much bluer optical absorption and emission and larger surface-to-volume (S/V) ratio. Due to their larger S/V ratio, the clusters tend to have more surface defects that require more effective passivation for stability.

Conclusion

Recent study of novel clusters has led to better understanding of their properties. The sharper optical bands of clusters indicate relatively narrow or single size distribution, which, in conjunction with their blue absorption and emission, makes them potentially attractive for applications in fields such as blue single photon emission.     

Theoretical study of the influence of phosphorus containing substituents on organic molecules

An ab initio study of the importance of the phosphorus atom in PHY, PY₂, POY₂ (Y=–H, –CH₃, –NH₂, –OH and –F) functional groups is presented. Methods like HF, DFT, MP(2,4), QCISD(T), CCSD(T) are used to estimate structural and energetic behaviour and obtain charge distribution. The radicals and their positive and negative ions are considered as well as neutral and negatively charged organic compounds in order to compare these situations. By the use of different properties, the influence of the phosphorus containing groups and the importance of the phosphorus atom in these substituents is discussed and clarified.     

Divalent transition metal phosphonates with new structure containing hydrogen-bonded layers of phosphonate anions

A series of divalent transition metal phosphonates containing hydrogen-bonded layers of phosphonate anions, namely [M(phen)₃]·C₆H₅PO₃·11H₂O [M=Co(1), Ni(2), Cu(3)] and [Cd(phen)₃]·C₆H₅PO₃H·Cl·7H₂O (4) have been synthesized, structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. These compounds all crystallize in the triclinic system, space group P-1. The lattice parameters are a=12.1646(5), b=12.4155(6), c=15.4117(10) Å, α=78.216(2), β=79.735(3), γ=77.8380(3)°, V=2205.1(2) Å³, Z=2 for 1; a=12.097(2), b=12.606(3), c=15.742(3) Å, α=76.66(3), β=80.04(3), γ=77.75(3)°, V=2263.4(8) Å³, Z=2 for 2; a=12.058(2), b=12.518(3), c=15.781(3) Å, α=77.77(3), β=80.02(3), γ=77.91(3)°, V=2255.5(8) Å³, Z=2 for 3 and a=12.47680(10), b=12.6693(2), c=16.1504(3) Å, α=82.600(1), β=71.122(1), γ=77.355(1)°, V=2352.37(6) Å³, Z=2 for 4. All structures are refined by full-matrix least-squares methods [for 1, R1=0.0602 using 6458 independent reflections with I>2σ(I); for 2, R1=0.0632 using 4657 independent reflections with I>2σ(I); for 3, R1=0.0634 using 6221 independent reflections with I>2σ(I); for 4, R1=0.0400 using 7930 independent reflections with I>2σ(I)]. In the crystal structures, the phenylphosphonate anions and water molecules are hydrogen-bonded to form layers, and there exist the cationic species [M(phen)₃]²⁺ between the adjacent layers of anions and water. Luminescence, thermal analysis as well as IR spectroscopic studies are also presented.     

Molecular emission cavity analysis: stimulation of metal halide emissions

Some metal halides (Mn, Co, Ni, Pb and possibly Fe) emit metal(I) halide spectra from the MECA cavity in hydrogen-nitrogen-air flames, in contrast to their behaviour in conventional aspiration flame systems. However, the emission intensity is too weak to provide sensitive analytical applications. Indium halides give intense emissions by either the MECA or aspiration method. Halogenated organic compounds give intense CH and C₂ emissions. Cadmium halides give only an intense atomic emission. Sensitive methods for halides, indium, cadmium and organic compounds are thus possible. Mercury (II) halides and metal fluorides give no measurable emission in the cavity method.     

Gas-Phase studies of valinomycin-alkali metal cation complexes: attachment rates and cation affinities

Reactions of laser-desorbed Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺ with thermally vaporized valinomycin generate metal-ligand complexes in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance trapping cell, proving that complexes can form via gas-phase ion-molecule reactions. Although desorption of intact pre-formed complexes cannot be ruled out, this route appears minor. Relative rate constants for the complexation reactions show strong dependence on the charge densities of the cations. Competition experiments between valinomycin and the synthetic ionophores 18-crown-6 (18C6) and [2.2.2]-cryptand ([2.2.2]) show that valinomycin has a higher intrinsic alkali metal cation affinity than either 18C6 or [2.2.2], in contrast to the complex formation constants observed in methanol, where K+ affinities are in the order [2.2.2] > 18C6 > valinomycin.     

Effect of metal cation surrounding on the redox properties of aluminum porphyrinate in the reaction with organic peroxide

Intermolecular interaction of aluminum(III) 5,15-di(o-methoxyphenyl)-2,8,12,18-tetrabutyl-3,7,13.17-tetramethylporphyrinate chloride with bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)peroxide has been studied by spectral and modeling methods; the reaction kinetics and mechanism have been elucidated. Effect of nature of the metal outer coordination sphere on the reaction rate has been examined. Geometry parameters of the initial molecules and the intermediates have been simulaed by the PM3 method, and their distortion has been estimated. The intermediates formation is accompanied by increased steric strain of the macrocycle.     

Synthesis and magnetic behavior of stable organic open-shell polymers containing phenothiazine cation radicals as spin resources

Two types of organic open-shell polymer containing phenothiazine cation radicals as spin resources were synthesized and the magnetic behaviors were investigated. The one is the 1,3-phenylene-linked polymer, and the other is the arylamine nitrogen-linked polymer. Precursor polymers were prepared by the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and the Pd-catalyzed amination. The formation of complexes between the phenothiazine moieties in precursor polymers and antimony(V) chloride gave stable open-shell polymers. The magnetic behavior of 1,3-phenylene-linked polymer was intramolecularly ferromagnetic, but intermolecularly antiferromagnetic. Whereas, the arylamine nitrogen-linked polymer was in the S = 1 spin state in spite of low spin concentration of 0.16 spins per repeating unit.     

Radiation stability of trivalent antimony in the presence of organic acids

The gamma ray induced oxidation of Sb(III) in sulfuric acid solutions was studied. A simplified method depending on selective extraction of the different valency states and radiometric counting was elaborated for oxidation yield determination. The effect of increasing amounts of HCOOH, CH₃COOH, NH₂CH₂COOH, CH₃CHOH COOH and H₂C₂O₄ on G[-Sb(III)] was examined. The study enabled a determination of rate constant values for reactions of the used additives with the OH radical in the working solutions.