Organolead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals: Branched Capping Ligands Control Crystal Size and Stability

CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) of different sizes (ca. 2.5–100 nm) with high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY; ca. 15–55 %) and product yield have been synthesized using the branched molecules, APTES and NH₂‐POSS, as capping ligands. These ligands are sterically hindered, resulting in a uniform size of PNCs. The different capping effects resulting from branched versus straight‐chain capping ligands were compared and a possible mechanism proposed to explain the dissolution–precipitation process, which affects the growth and aggregation of PNCs, and thereby their overall stability. Unlike conventional PNCs capped with straight‐chain ligands, APTES‐capped PNCs show high stability in protic solvents as a result of the strong steric hindrance and propensity for hydrolysis of APTES, which prevent such molecules from reaching and reacting with the core of PNCs.     

Unveiling the Photo- and Thermal-Stability of Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals

Lead halide perovskites possess unique characteristics that are well-suited for optoelectronic and energy capture devices, however, concerns about their long-term stability remain. Limited stability is often linked to the methylammonium cation, and all-inorganic CsPbX₃ (X=Cl, Br, I) perovskite nanocrystals have been reported with improved stability. In this work, the photostability and thermal stability properties of CsPbX₃ (X=Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals were investigated by means of electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with FTIR (TGA-FTIR), ensemble and single particle spectral characterization. CsPbBr₃ was found to be stable under 1-sun illumination for 16 h in ambient conditions, although single crystal luminescence analysis after illumination using a solar simulator indicates that the luminescence states are changing over time. CsPbBr₃ was also stable to heating to 250 °C. Large CsPbI₃ crystals (34±5 nm) were shown to be the least stable composition under the same conditions as both XRD reflections and Raman bands diminish under irradiation; and with heating the γ (black) phase reverts to the non-luminescent δ phase. Smaller CsPbI₃ nanocrystals (14±2 nm) purified by a different washing strategy exhibited improved photostability with no evidence of crystal growth but were still thermally unstable. Both CsPbCl₃ and CsPbBr₃ show crystal growth under irradiation or heat, likely with a preferential orientation based on XRD patterns. TGA-FTIR revealed nanocrystal mass loss was only from liberation and subsequent degradation of surface ligands. Encapsulation or other protective strategies should be employed for long-term stability of these materials under conditions of high irradiance or temperature.     

Revealing the Formation Mechanism of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals Produced via a Slowed‐Down Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis

We developed a microwave‐assisted slowed‐down synthesis of CsPbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystals, which retards the reaction and allows us to gather useful insights into the formation mechanism of these nanoparticles, by examining the intermediate stages of their growth. The trends in the decay of the emission intensity of CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals under light exposure are well correlated with their stability against decomposition in TEM under electron beam. The results show the change of the crystal structure of CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals from a deficient and easier to be destroyed lattice to a well crystallized one. Conversely the shift in the ease of degradation sheds light on the formation mechanism, indicating first the formation of a bromoplumbate ionic scaffold, with Cs‐ion infilling lagging a little behind. Increasing the cation to halide ratio towards the stoichiometric level may account for the improved radiative recombination rates observed in the longer reaction time materials.     

Effect of Humidity on Crystal Growth of CuSCN for Perovskite Solar Cell Applications

Copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) is one of the most robust hole-transport materials for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the power conversion efficiency of CuSCN-based PSCs is low due to difficulty in crystallization of CuSCN. In this study, we focused on humidity conditions during the aging process of CuSCN-based PSCs to improve their performance. PSCs aged in humid air, i. e., at a relative humidity of 70 %, exhibited better performance (efficiency; 10.6 %) than those aged in lower humidity (5.9 %) due to improved crystallinity of CuSCN layers. The results of the study provide insights into how to improve fabrication process of CuSCN-based PSCs for higher stability and efficiency.     

表面包覆策略:提高全无机铯铅卤钙钛矿纳米晶的稳定性及其在照明显示领域的应用

全无机铯铅卤钙钛矿纳米晶具有荧光量子产率高、色纯度高、色域广等优异的光电性质,在发光二极管、太阳能电池和生物标记等领域具有广阔的应用前景。但由于其离子特性所导致该纳米晶的稳定性较差,严重阻碍了进一步推广应用。尽管已发展出许多提高稳定性的策略,如离子掺杂、表面钝化和表面包覆,但暴露于空气、水和极性溶剂等情况下如何保持钙钛矿纳米晶的稳定性仍然是目前亟待解决的重要问题。此外,钙钛矿纳米晶中的阴离子交换现象也限制了其在多色发光显示领域的应用。通过表面包覆可以有效提高钙钛矿纳米晶的稳定性,同时限制了纳米晶中的阴离子交换,因此近年来成为了科研工作者研究的热点。本文总结了造成钙钛矿纳米晶不稳定的原因,详细介绍了铅卤钙钛矿包覆工艺的研究进展及其在照明显示领域的应用,最后分析了全无机铯铅卤钙钛矿纳米晶发展过程中面临的挑战,并对未来的研究方向进行展望。     

Study of the Growth of Capped ZnO Nanocrystals: A Route to Rational Synthesis

We report the study of complex and unexpected dependencies of nanocrystal size as well as nanocrystal‐size distribution on various reaction parameters in the synthesis of ZnO nanocrystals using poly(vinyl pyrollidone) (PVP) as a capping agent. This method establishes a qualitatively different growth mechanism to the anticipated Ostwald ripening behavior. The study of size‐distribution kinetics and an understanding of the observed non‐monotonic behaviors provides a route to rational synthesis. We used a simple, but accurate, approach to estimate the size‐distribution function of nanocrystals from the UV‐absorption spectrum. Our results demonstrate the accuracy and generality of this approach, and we also illustrate its application to various semiconducting nanocrystals, such as ZnO, ZnS, and CdSe, over a wide size range (1.8–5.3 nm).     

无铅卤系钙钛矿纳米晶:新一代光催化材料

由于TiO₂光催化材料具有反应速度快、稳定性好、不产生二次污染等优点,常被应用于污染物降解、CO₂还原、制氢等领域,然而TiO₂可见光利用率低,限制了其进一步广泛应用。近年来,无铅卤系钙钛矿纳米晶由于其带隙可调、可见光吸收能力强等优势在光催化领域显示出巨大的潜力。相关研究表明:无铅卤系钙钛矿纳米晶可成功应用于CO₂还原、有机污染物降解等领域,效果显著。基于此,本文首先阐述了无铅卤系钙钛矿纳米晶的制备方法,并系统地总结了其在CO₂还原、制氢、污染物降解、NO去除等领域的应用研究进展,最后就现阶段无铅卤系钙钛矿纳米晶光催化材料研究中存在的问题及今后的研究方向进行了分析和展望。     

Surface Capping Agents and Their Roles in Shape‐Controlled Synthesis of Colloidal Metal Nanocrystals

Surface capping agents have been extensively used to control the evolution of seeds into nanocrystals with diverse but well‐controlled shapes. Here we offer a comprehensive review of these agents, with a focus on the mechanistic understanding of their roles in guiding the shape evolution of metal nanocrystals. We begin with a brief introduction to the early history of capping agents in electroplating and bulk crystal growth, followed by discussion of how they affect the thermodynamics and kinetics involved in a synthesis of metal nanocrystals. We then present representative examples to highlight the various capping agents, including their binding selectivity, molecular‐level interaction with a metal surface, and impacts on the growth of metal nanocrystals. We also showcase progress in leveraging capping agents to generate nanocrystals with complex structures and/or enhance their catalytic properties. Finally, we discuss various strategies for the exchange or removal of capping agents, together with perspectives on future directions.     

Methylammonium-Mediated Evolution of Mixed-Organic-Cation Perovskite Thin Films: A Dynamic Composition-Tuning Process

Methylammonium-mediated phase-evolution behavior of FA_1−xMA_xPbI₃ mixed-organic-cation perovskite (MOCP) is studied. It is found that by simply enriching the MOCP precursor solutions with excess methylammonium cations, the MOCPs form via a dynamic composition-tuning process that is key to obtaining MOCP thin films with superior properties. This simple chemical approach addresses several key challenges, such as control over phase purity, uniformity, grain size, composition, etc., associated with the solution-growth of MOCP thin films with targeted compositions.     

铅基复合钙钛矿型弛豫铁电单晶的生长基元与生长机理Ⅰ.PMNT单晶的表面形貌、负晶结构及生长基元的组装与拆分

铅基复合钙钛矿型弛豫铁电单晶体PMNT的生长基元为多种[BO_6]配位八面体,晶体生长过程可视为多种八面体基元与Pb~(2 )的组装过程.这些生长基元向{111}面叠合时易采取法向生长机制,向{001}面叠合时易采取层状生长机制,由此决定了晶体生长速度的各向异性与晶体的形貌.Bridgman法生长的PMNT晶体在生长过程中由内向生长机制形成规则的负晶结构;在晶体生长过程中,在其自然表面上可形成正形与负形两种形貌;在高温退火过程中,由于PbO的分解,晶体表面上可形成类似“蚀象”的构型,这些可从[BO_6]八面体生长基元的组装或拆分方面获得解释.     

Spontaneous Crystallization of Perovskite Nanocrystals in Nonpolar Organic Solvents: A Versatile Approach for their Shape‐Controlled Synthesis

The growing demand for perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) for various applications has stimulated the development of facile synthetic methods. Perovskite NCs have often been synthesized by either ligand‐assisted reprecipitation (LARP) at room temperature or by hot‐injection at high temperatures and inert atmosphere. However, the use of polar solvents in LARP affects their stability. Herein, we report on the spontaneous crystallization of perovskite NCs in nonpolar organic media at ambient conditions by simple mixing of precursor–ligand complexes without application of any external stimuli. The shape of the NCs can be controlled from nanocubes to nanoplatelets by varying the ratio of monovalent (e.g. formamidinium⁺ (FA⁺) and Cs⁺) to divalent (Pb²⁺) cation–ligand complexes. The precursor–ligand complexes are stable for months, and thus perovskite NCs can be readily prepared prior to use. Moreover, we show that this versatile synthetic process is scalable and generally applicable for perovskite NCs of different compositions.     

Direct Anisotropic Growth of CdS Nanocrystals in Thermotropic Liquid Crystal Templates for Heterojunction Optoelectronics

The direct growth of CdS nanocrystals in functional solid‐state thermotropic liquid crystal (LC) small molecules and a conjugated LC polymer by in situ thermal decomposition of a single‐source cadmium xanthate precursor to fabricate LC/CdS hybrid nanocomposites is described. The influence of thermal annealing temperature of the LC/CdS precursors upon the nanomorphology, photophysics, and optoelectronic properties of the LC/CdS nanocomposites is systematically studied. Steady‐state PL and ultrafast emission dynamics studies show that the charge‐transfer rates are strongly dependent on the thermal annealing temperature. Notably, annealing at liquid‐crystal state temperature promotes a more organized nanomorphology of the LC/CdS nanocomposites with improved photophysics and optoelectronic properties. The results confirm that thermotropic LCs can be ideal candidates as organization templates for the control of organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposites at the nanoscale level. The results also demonstrate that in situ growth of semiconducting nanocrystals in thermotropic LCs is a versatile route to hybrid organic/inorganic nanocomposites and optoelectronic devices.     

配液结晶法制备溶菌酶蛋白质晶体的生长机理研究

采用配液结晶法制取了溶菌酶蛋白质晶体, 使用动态光散射测量了溶液中聚集体的颗粒度几率分布; 使用Zeiss显微镜测定了溶菌酶(110)晶面的生长速度. 实验表明: 随着蛋白质和NaCl浓度的增加, 溶液中聚集体的颗粒尺寸也相应增加. 随着反应时间的增加, 溶菌酶分子在溶液中的聚集反应, 逐渐达到平衡; 在蛋白质和NaCl浓度较高时, 溶菌酶晶体的(110)面生长较快, 而在蛋白质和NaCl浓度较低时, 该晶面生长较慢. 基于二维成核生长机理, 从晶体生长动力学理论方程出发, 计算了二维成核的形成能α＝4.01×10^－8 J•cm^－2.     

Directing the Growth of Semiconductor Nanocrystals in Aqueous Solution: Role of Electrostatics

In this study, we demonstrate a new insight into the growth stage of aqueous semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs); namely, that the experimental variable‐dependent growth rate and photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) are understandable according to electrostatics. In this context, the aqueous NCs possess (from core outwards) an inorganic core, ligand layer, adsorbed layer, and a diffuse layer. The presence of an electric double‐layer not only makes the NCs dispersible in the colloidal solution, but also governs the migration of monomers and monomer adsorption on the NC surface. To maintain NC growth, monomers need to migrate through the double‐layer. Consequently, the nature of the diffuse layer influences the ability of monomer diffusion and hence the growth rate of NCs. Systematic studies reveal that the experimental variables, including precursor concentrations, pH of the solution, additional NaCl concentrations, ratio of Cd to ligand, and the nature of the ligands significantly govern the nature of the NC electric double‐layer. The experimental variables, which reduce the thickness of the diffuse layer, benefit from monomer diffusion and a rapid growth of NCs. However, on the other hand, the diffuse layer also presents a charge‐selective transfer of Cd monomers. The neutral monomers, such as the complex of Cd²⁺ and 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) with 1:1 molar ratio [Cd(MPA)], migrate through the diffuse layer more easily than the charged ones [Cd(MPA)₂^2? or Cd(MPA)₃^4?], thus facilitating the growth of NCs. The nature of the adsorbed layer inside the diffuse layer, defined as the assumed interface of solid NCs and the liquid environment, also affects the growth rate and especially the PLQYs of NCs through the adsorption and coalescence of monomers on this interface. Strong interaction between the adsorbed layer and Cd monomers provides the opportunity to accelerate NC growth and to obtain NCs with high PLQYs.     

Atomic-Scale Tracking of Dynamic Nucleation and Growth of an Interfacial Lead Nanodroplet

Revealing the evolutional pathway of the nucleation and crystallization of nanostructures at the atomic scale is crucial for understanding the complex growth mechanisms at the early stage of new substances and spices. Real-time discrimination of the atomic mechanism of a nanodroplet transition is still a formidable challenge. Here, taking advantage of the high temporal and spatial resolution of transmission electron microscopy, the detailed growth pathway of Pb nanodroplets at the early stage of nucleation was directly observed by employing electron beams to induce the nucleation, growth, and fusion process of Pb nanodroplets based on PbTiO₃ nanowires. Before the nucleation of Pb nanoparticles, the atoms began to precipitate when they were irradiated by electrons, forming a local crystal structure, and then rapidly and completely crystallized. Small nanodroplets maintain high activity and high density and gradually grow and merge into stable crystals. The whole process was recorded and imaged by HRTEM in real time. The growth of Pb nanodroplets advanced through the classical path and instantaneous droplet coalescence. These results provide an atomic-scale insight on the dynamic process of solid/solid interface, which has implications in thin-film growth and advanced nanomanufacturing.     

Study of Growth Mechanism of Lysozyme Crystal by Batch Crystallization Method

Space environment is regarded as the perfect environment for the production of higher quality protein crystals since the sedimentation movement and convective flow due to the gravity is negligible under the microgravity condition of space environment. A n…     

溶菌酶晶体生长前期溶液中聚集体研究

用动态光散射法研究了不同浓度NaCl对溶菌酶晶体生长前期溶液中聚集体状态的影响,并将这些溶液中的聚集体吸附到硅片表面,用原子力显微镜进行了观察.结果表明,在NaCl浓度为0～0.5 mol·L^-1时,随着NaCl浓度的升高,溶液中大的聚集体逐渐消失,直至基本上只存在几纳米大小的聚集体.测量了相应条件下溶液的Zeta电势值以说明NaCl与溶菌酶之间的相互作用的变化情况.本文从溶液中无序聚集体的角度出发提出了判断晶体能否生长的一个可能的标准,并对动态光散射与原子力显微镜的结果进行了对比和分析.     

动态光散射法研究季铵盐Gemini表面活性剂的胶团化行为

用动态光散射技术在10～70℃温度范围内,通过测定胶团的平均流体力学半径随温度、盐浓度和联接基团长度的变化情况,研究联接基团为聚亚甲基链的阳离子季铵盐Gemini表面活性剂胶团在无机盐介质中的长大规律.实验结果表明,增加盐量、降低温度和减小联接基团的长度均使平均流体力学半径变大,Gemini表面活性剂胶团长大时是由球状转变为棒状.从实验测定的平流体力学半径求算了支配球-棒转变的平衡常数及热力学函数值,并用NNLS(non-negatively constrainedleast square)算法对胶团的粒径分布情况进行了分析.此外,对具有短联接基团的Gemini表面活性剂胶团长大所具有的独特性质进行了讨论.     

NaCl对液-液扩散法生长溶菌酶晶体的影响

用动态光散射法研究了不同浓度NaCl对液—液扩散法生长溶菌酶晶体的影响， 并测量了晶体生长前后体系的Zeta电势．结果表明，NaCl浓度较高时，在溶菌酶溶 液—凝胶界面处会发生液液分层现象，溶液中一直存在较大的聚集体，生长出的晶 体质量较差．而在合适的NaCl浓度下，随着溶液Zeta电势降低，溶液中溶菌酶的大 的聚集体发生解聚集，生长出的晶体质量较高．