Effect of Structural Defects and Impurities on the Excited State Dynamics of 2D BA2PbI4 Perovskite

In this work, we show that the quality of the precursor and the thin film preparation strongly affect the optoelectronic properties of the 2D perovskite BA₂PbI₄. 2D perovskites with alkylammonium organic cations such as butylammonium (BA) are relatively soft structures that exhibit large dynamic disorder and phase variations. Here we show, by a variety of spectroscopy techniques (steady state absorption, photoluminescence and ultrafast transient absorption), that at temperatures below the phase transition (253 K) the material exhibits excitonic features from the room temperature phase (due to incomplete structural transition) and a broadband emission at 560–600 nm (due to self-trapped excitons) with varied relative intensities depending on the precursors and processing conditions. This suggests that the processing conditions have a large influence on the crystallization and introduction of extrinsic defect impurities directly affecting the optoelectronic properties. Making absolute statements about the properties of BA₂PbI₄ requires improved control over the materials thin film deposition and a better understanding of the role of the lattice vibrational dynamics and extrinsic defects on the exciton dynamics.     

Two-Step Dielectric Responsive Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Material with Mid-Band Light Emission

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite (HOIP) have received tremendous scientific attention because of the phase transition and photovoltaic properties. However, achieving the special perovskite structure with both two-step dielectric response and luminescence characteristics is rarely reported. Herein, we report an organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite, [(BA)₂ ⋅ PbI₄] (Compound 1, BA=n-butylamine) by introducing flexible organic cations (HBA⁺), with direct mid-band gap as 2.28 eV. Interestingly, this material exhibits two-step reversible dielectric response at 350 K and 460 K (in heating process), respectively. Besides, the photoluminescence was found: it emits charming green light under 365 nm lamp (Photoluminescence quantum yield is 9.52 %). The outstanding two-step dielectric response and luminescence characteristics of this compound might pave the way for the application of dielectric and ferroelectric functional materials in temperature sensors and mechanical switches.     

Target Designing Phase Transition Materials through Halogen Substitution

Crystalline materials have received extensive attention due to their extraordinary physical and chemical properties. Among them, phase transition materials have attracted great attention in the fields of photovoltaic, switchable dielectric devices, and ferroelectric memories, etc. However, many of them suffer from low phase transition temperatures, which limits their practical application. In this work, we systematically designed crystalline materials, (TMXM)₂PtCl₆ (X=F, Cl, Br, I) through halogen substitution on the cations, aiming to improving phase transition temperature. The resulting phase transition of (TMXM)₂PtCl₆ (X=F, Cl, Br, I) get a significant enhancement, compared to the parent compound [(CH₃)₄N]₂PtCl₆ ((TM)₂PtCl₆). Such phase transition temperature enhancement can be attributed to the introduction of halogen atoms that increase the potential energy barrier of the cation rotation. In addition, (TMBM)₂PtCl₆ and (TMIM)₂PtCl₆ have a low symmetry and crystallize in the space group C₂/c and P2₁2₁2₁, respectively. This work highlights the halogen substitution in designing crystal materials with high phase transition temperature.     

Study on the application of reduced graphene oxide and multiwall carbon nanotubes hybrid materials for simultaneous determination of catechol,hydroquinone, p-cresol and nitrite

In this paper, the reduced graphene oxide and multiwall carbon nanotubes hybrid materials (RGO–MWNTs) were prepared and a strategy for detecting environmental contaminations was proposed on the basis of RGO–MWNTs modified electrode. The hybrid materials were characterized by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and N₂ sorption–desorption isotherms. Due to the excellent catalytic activity, enhanced electrical conductivity and high surface area of the RGO–MWNTs, the simultaneous measurement of hydroquinone (HQ), catechol (CC), p-cresol (PC) and nitrite (NO₂⁻) with four well-separate peaks was achieved at the RGO–MWNTs modified electrode. The linear response ranges for HQ, CC, PC and NO₂⁻ were 8.0–391.0 μM, 5.5–540.0 μM, 5.0–430.0 μM and 75.0–6060.0 μM, correspondingly, and the detection limits (S/N = 3) were 2.6 μM, 1.8 μM, 1.6 μM and 25.0 μM, respectively. The outstanding film forming ability of RGO–MWNTs hybrid materials endowed the modified electrode enhanced stability. Furthermore, the fabricated sensor was applied for the simultaneous determination of HQ, CC, PC and NO₂⁻ in the river water sample.     

Facile low-temperature solid-state synthesis of efficient blue-emitting Cs3Cu2I5 powder phosphors for solid-state lighting

The discovery of new environmentally friendly luminescent materials with high photoluminescence quantum yield and long-term stability is critical for future solid-state lighting and displays applications. Although lead halide perovskite materials with excellent optical properties have been extensively investigated in recent years because they hold tremendous promise in optoelectronic devices, the toxicity of lead and poor air-stability still hinder their commercial applications. Moreover, while substantial work has been done on three-dimensional (3D) perovskite halides, the zero-dimensional (0D) halide emitters with bright luminescence remain elusive. Herein we report a facile solid-state reaction method to prepare an efficient lead-free all-inorganic halide material with 0D structure, Cs₃Cu₂I₅, with photoluminescence quantum yield up to 80%. Under ultraviolet excitation at 313 nm, the Cs₃Cu₂I₅ powder phosphors show a strong blue photoluminescence emission with peak at 445 nm and CIE color coordinates of (0.1486, 0.0873). Notably, Cs₃Cu₂I₅ exhibits good color stability at high temperatures and outstanding stability towards air exposure exceeding one month (30 days). These findings not only open up a door for the development of promising highly emissive low-dimensional halide materials for lighting and displays, but also offer a new scalable approach for the potential mass production of halide emitters.     

Influence of Isotope Substitution on Lattice and Spin‐Peierls‐Type Transition Features in One‐Dimensional Nickel Bis‐dithiolene Spin Systems

Four new 1D spin‐Peierls‐type compounds, [D₅]1‐(4′‐R‐benzyl)pyridinium bis(maleonitriledithiolato)nickelate ([D₅]R‐Py; R=F, I, CH₃, and NO₂), were synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. These 1D compounds are isostructural with the corresponding non‐deuterated compounds, 1‐(4′‐R‐benzyl)pyridinium bis(maleonitriledithiolato)nickelate (R‐Py; R=F, I, CH₃, and NO₂). Compounds [D₅]R‐Py and R‐Py (R=F, I, CH₃, and NO₂) crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with uniform stacks of anions and cations in the high‐temperature phase and triclinic space group P$\bar 1$ with dimerized stacks of anions and cations in the low‐temperature phase. Similar to the non‐deuterated R‐Py compounds, a spin‐Peierls‐type transition occurs at a critical temperature for each [D₅]R‐Py compound; the magnetic character of the 1D S=1/2 ferromagnetic chain for [D₅]F‐Py and the 1D S=1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chain for others appear above the transition temperature. Spin‐gap magnetic behavior was observed for all of these compounds below the transition temperature. In comparison to the corresponding R‐Py compound, the cell volume is almost unchanged for [D₅]F‐Py and shows slight expansion for [D₅]R‐Py (R=I, CH₃, and NO₂) as well as an increase in the spin‐Peierls‐type transition temperature for all of these 1D compounds in the order of F>I≈CH₃≈NO₂. The large isotopic effect of nonmagnetic countercations on the spin‐Peierls‐type transition critical temperature, T_C, can be attributed to the change in ω₀ with isotope substitution.     

Phase Regulation Strategy of Perovskite Nanocrystals from 1D Orthomorphic NH4PbI3 to 3D Cubic (NH4)0.5Cs0.5Pb(I0.5Br0.5)3 Phase Enhances Photoluminescence

This work reports this first synthesis of 1D orthomorphic NH₄PbI₃ perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) considering the role of inorganic ammonium ions at the nanoscale. The addition of bromide ions at the halogen site did not improve the photoluminescence properties. Furthermore, the 3D cubic phase of (NH₄)_0.5Cs_0.5Pb(I_0.5Br_0.5)₃ NCs with bright photoluminescence was synthesized by adding Cs ions into the crystal lattice of (NH₄)Pb(I_0.5Br_0.5)₃. Moreover, the photophysical properties of different phase structures were studied using femtosecond transient absorption (FTA) spectroscopy. The ultrafast trap state capture process is a key factor in the change of photoluminescence properties and the cubic phase may be the best structure for photoluminescence. These results suggest that the ammonium ion perovskite (AIP) nanocrystals could be potential materials for optoelectronic applications through A‐site cation substitution.     

Three‐Dimensional Cuprous Lead Bromide Framework with Highly Efficient and Stable Blue Photoluminescence Emission

Considering the instability and low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of blue‐emitting perovskites, it is still challenging and attractive to construct single crystalline hybrid lead halides with highly stable and efficient blue light emission. Herein, by rationally introducing d¹⁰ transition metal into single lead halide as new structural building unit and optical emitting center, we prepared a bimetallic halide of [(NH₄)₂]CuPbBr₅ with new type of three‐dimensional (3D) anionic framework. [(NH₄)₂]CuPbBr₅ exhibits strong band‐edge blue emission (441 nm) with a high PLQY of 32 % upon excitation with UV light. Detailed photophysical studies indicate [(NH₄)₂]CuPbBr₅ also displays broadband red light emissions derived from self‐trapped states. Furthermore, the 3D framework features high structural and optical stabilities at extreme environments during at least three years. To our best knowledge, this work represents the first 3D non‐perovskite bimetallic halide with highly efficient and stable blue light emission.     

Structural,optical and dielectric relaxor properties of neodymium doped cubic perovskite (Ba1−xNd2x/3)(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3

Neodymium doped Barium Zirconate Titanate (Ba_1−xNd_2x/3)(Zr_0.3Ti_0.7)O₃ (x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10) ceramics were prepared using the solid state reaction route. Structural characterizations of the materials were done by using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. XRD study suggested that all the compositions were of single phase cubic perovskite structure with space group Pm-3m while Raman spectra revealed that the replacement of the Ba²⁺ ions by Nd³⁺ ions significantly reduced the intensity of the Raman active modes and shifted them towards higher energy side. Room temperature optical property was analyzed by photoluminescence spectroscopy, which confirmed formation of shallow defects in the band gap. Photoluminescence property was attributed to the presence of polar [TiO₆] distorted clusters in the globally cubic matrix. As a result PL emission spectra of these materials were found to belong to violet–blue regions. Microstructural study of sintered pellets revealed that the grain sizes increase with increase in doping concentration. The temperature dependence of the dielectric properties was investigated in the frequency range 1 kHz to 1 MHz. The broadening in the dielectric constant peak around the phase transition temperature and shifting of the temperature maximum towards higher temperatures with increase in frequency indicated a relaxor type of behavior.     

Theoretical analysis of the initial stages of the thermal decomposition of trinitromethane

The hybrid method B3LYP/6-311G* of density functional theory is used to optimize the geometries of nitroform and some intermediates of its decomposition (CH(NO₂)₂, CH(NO₂)₂ONO, CH(NO₂), and HC(O)NO) and to locate the transition states of the dissociation and isomerization reactions involving these species. The heat of formation of nitroform and of the intermediates of its decomposition and the Gibbs energies of activation of the reactions examined are calculated using the modern ab initio multilevel procedures G2M(CC5) and G2. The high-pressure limits of the rate constants of these reactions in the temperature range 300–2000 K are calculated using transition state theory or its variational analogue.     

Multimode Luminescence Tailoring and Improvement of Cs2NaHoCl6 Cryolite Crystals via Sb3+/Yb3+ Alloying for Versatile Photoelectric Applications

Lead-free halide double perovskites are currently gaining significant attention owing to their exceptional environmental friendliness, structural adjustability as well as self-trapped exciton emission. However, stable and efficient double perovskite with multimode luminescence and tunable spectra are still urgently needed for multifunctional photoelectric application. Herein, holmium based cryolite materials (Cs₂NaHoCl₆) with anti-thermal quenching and multimode photoluminescence were successfully synthesized. By the further alloying of Sb³⁺ (s-p transitions) and Yb³⁺ (f-f transitions) ions, its luminescence properties can be well modulated, originating from tailoring band gap structure and enriching electron transition channels. Upon Sb³⁺ substitution in Cs₂NaHoCl₆, additional absorption peaking at 334 nm results in the tremendous increase of photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). Meanwhile, not only the typical NIR emission around 980 nm of Ho³⁺ is enhanced, but also the red and NIR emissions show a diverse range of anti-thermal quenching photoluminescence behaviors. Furthermore, through designing Yb³⁺ doping, the up-conversion photoluminescence can be triggered by changing excitation laser power density (yellow-to-orange) and Yb³⁺ doping concentration (red-to-green). Through a combined experimental-theoretical approach, the related luminescence mechanism is revealed. In general, by alloying Sb³⁺/Yb³⁺ in Cs₂NaHoCl₆, abundant energy level ladders are constructed and more luminescence modes are derived, demonstrating great potential in multifunctional photoelectric applications.     

Fluorine Kα x-ray emission studies of fluorinated organic compounds

Fluorine K_α X-ray emission spectra have been measured and interpreted using UV photoelectron and X-ray photoelectron spectral data and the results of quantum-chemical calculations, for a series of fluorine-containing organic molecules: CH₃F, n-C₅F₁₂, polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, 4-XC₆H₄F (X = H, F, NH₂, NO₂), 1,3-difluorobenzene, 1,2,4,5-tetrafluorobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, C₆F₅X (X = H, F, SCH₃, OCH₃, CN, NO₂, C₆F₅, P(OCH₃)₂), pentafluoropyridine, octafluoronaphthalene and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene, all in solid or gaseous states. It has been concluded that the fluorine 2pAO contribution to the highest occupied π-orbitals of the benzene ring and π-orbital of the ethylene bond is small: it is somewhat higher for a system of lower-lying π-orbitals and the highest for σ-orbitals. CH₃F is assumed to have hyperconjugation.     

(La0.8A0.2)MnO3 (A = Sr,K) perovskite catalysts for NO and C10H22 oxidation and selective reduction of NO by C10H22

In this work, we studied the catalytic activity of LaMnO₃ and (La_0.8A_0.2)MnO₃ (A = Sr, K) perovskite catalysts for oxidation of NO and C₁₀H₂₂ and selective reduction of NO by C₁₀H₂₂. The catalytic performances of these perovskites were compared with that of a 2 wt% Pt/SiO₂ catalyst. The La site substitution increased the catalytic properties for NO or C₁₀H₂₂ oxidation compared with the non-substituted LaMnO₃ sample. For the most efficient perovskite catalyst, (La_0.8Sr_0.2)MnO₃, the results showed the presence of two temperature domains for NO adsorption: (1) a domain corresponding to weakly adsorbed NO, desorbing at temperatures lower than 270 ℃ and (2) a second domain corresponding to NO adsorbed on the surface as nitrate species, desorbing at temperatures higher than 330 ℃. For the Sr-substituted perovskite, the maximum NO₂ yield of 80% was observed in the intermediate temperature domain (around 285 ℃). In the reactant mixture of NO/C₁₀H₂₂/O₂/H₂O/He, (La_0.8Sr_0.2)MnO₃ perovskite showed better performance than the 2 wt% Pt/SiO₂ catalyst： NO₂ yields reaching 50% and 36% at 290 and 370 ℃, respectively. This activity improvement was found to be because of atomic scale interactions between the A and B active sites, Sr²⁺ cation and Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺ redox couple. Thus, (La_0.8Sr_0.2)MnO₃ perovskite could be an alternative free noble metal catalyst for exhaust gas after treatment.     

镉基杂化晶体的介电相变和蓝白光致发光双重特性

通过采用容易无序的胺,我们合成了2种有机无机杂化晶体,分别为基于bempy （bempy=1-甲基-1-溴乙基吡咯烷阳离子）的溴盐化合物（bempy） Br （1）和镉基溴化物（bempy）₂CdBr₄（2）,并对其结构相变、介电相变和蓝白荧光进行了详细的表征分析。化合物1在测试温度范围内未观察到可逆相变,化合物2为高温介电相变,介电和差示扫描量热法测试表征其相变温度为357 K。同时,化合物1和2均具备蓝白光致发光特性,荧光测试表明,化合物1和2分别在538 nm和547、750 nm处存在发射峰。化合物2具备介电相变和蓝白光致发光的双重特性。     

Highly stable metal halides Cs2ZnX4 (X = Cl,Br) with Sn2+ as dopants for efficient deep-red photoluminescence

The development of deep-red emitting lead-free metal-halide perovskites with high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and outstanding stability remains a major challenge for displays and deep-tissue bioimaging. In this work, we report a facile and convenient solvothermal method to synthesize metal halides Cs₂ZnX₄ (X = Cl, Br) that however is PL innert at room temperature. Upon composition engineering utilizing Sn²⁺ as the dopant, the resulting Cs₂ZnCl₄:Sn not only emits strong deep-red PL peaked at 700 nm with the highest 99.4% PLQY among the similar materials so far, but also exhibits excellent structure stability in air (PLQY remains 96% after one year exposure to the atmosphere). Detailed experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the deep-red emission stems from self-trapped excitons induced by the Sn²⁺ dopant. Particularly, triplet emission (³P₂→¹S₀) from Sn-5s² orbitals has been observed at low temperature due to the break of parity-forbidden transition. This work provides an important guidance for the development of deep-red light-emitting materials with low price, high efficiency and excellent stability.     

The Natural Optical Activity of Tris(Ethylenediamine)Metal(II) Nitrates V. The Single Crystal Circular Dichroism Spectrum of Ni(en)3 (NO3 )2

The axial CD spectra of single crystal of Zn(en)₃(NO₃)₂ doped with 1-50% Ni(en)₃(NO₃)₂ have been observed at temperatures from ambient to 5 K. The increase in R of the ³E[³T_3g(F)] transition as the temperature decreases is consistent with the magnetic dipole allowed character of the parent octahedral transition. The electric and magnetic dipole forbidden transition to the ³T_1g(F) octahedral level gives rise to a relatively weak axial CD band with an unusual temperature dependent splitting. This structure is attributed to electric quadrupole intensity, which is allowed for transitions to both the E and ³A₂[³T_1g(F)] levels in D₃ symmetry.     

Stabilizing RbPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals through Cs+ Substitution

ABX₃-type halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have been a hot topic recently due to their fascinating optoelectronic properties. It has been demonstrated that A-site ions have an impact on their photophysical and chemical properties, such as the optical band gap and chemical stability. The pursuit of halide perovskite materials with diverse A-site species would deepen the understanding of the structure–property relationship of the perovskite family. In this work we have attempted to synthesize rubidium-based perovskite NCs. We have discovered that the partial substitution of Rb⁺ by Cs⁺ help to stabilize the orthorhombic RbPbBr₃ NCs at low temperature, which otherwise can only be obtained at high temperature. The inclusion of Cs⁺ into the RbPbBr₃ lattice results in highly photoluminescent Rb_1−xCs_xPbBr₃ NCs. With increasing amounts of Cs⁺, the band gaps of the Rb_1−xCs_xPbBr₃ NCs decrease, leading to a redshift of the photoluminescence peak. Also, the Rb_1−xCs_xPbBr₃ NCs (x=0.4) show good stability under ambient conditions. This work demonstrates the high structural flexibility and tunability of halide perovskite materials through an A-site cation substitution strategy and sheds light on the optimization of perovskite materials for application in high-performance optoelectronic devices.     

Magnesium(II) Complexes with High Emission: The Distinct Charge‐Transfer Process from Transition Metal

Generally, the first‐row transition‐metal complexes are notorious in luminescence materials because of their metal‐ligand charge transfer in emission process. Herein, we rationally used magnesium instead the first‐row transition metal to coordinate with 2‐(anthracen‐9‐yl)‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline (AIP) in the construction of luminescent complexes. Further investigation revealed AIP could work as detector for quantitative determination of Mg²⁺ cation. Comparing to other divalent cations, this fluorescence sensor exhibited high selectivity for the quantitative determination of Mg²⁺ with the low limit of detection (5 × 10^–7 m ). Through X‐ray single crystal diffraction, the crystal structures of [Mg(AIP₂)(NO₃)₂ · (H₂O)₄] ( 1 ), [Mn(AIP)(NO₃) · EtOH] ( 2 ), and [Co₂(AIP)₂Cl₄ · (MeOH)₂] ( 3 ) were observed in various arrangements. The theory calculations based on crystal structures indicated the Mg^II complex undergoes distinct charge‐transfer process from other transition‐metals based compounds, in which charge‐transfer excited‐state lifetimes were deactivated rapidly through metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) process. This study provided insight into construction of luminescence compounds by using d⁰ metals in main groups instead of transition metals.     

Luminescent organic–inorganic hybrid materials based on lanthanide containing ionic liquids and sylilated β-diketone

In this work, we report the luminescent organic–inorganic hybrid materials prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of sylilated β-diketone under acid conditions in the presence of carboxyl-functionalized ionic liquid in which Eu³⁺ ions are coordinated to the oxygen atoms of carboxylate groups from the ionic liquids. The obtained materials were characterized with FT-IR, TG and photoluminescence spectroscopy. FT-IR spectra imply that Eu³⁺ ions are still coordinated to the ionic liquid in the hybrid materials. Excitation and emission spectra demonstrate that the energy transfer occurs from the β-diketone molecules covalently bonded with silica to Eu³⁺ ions. The Eu³⁺ (⁵D₀) quantum efficiency value of the hybrid materials has been estimated based on the emission spectrum and the value of lifetime. A large value of ratio (16.44) between the intensities of the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ and ⁵D₀→⁷F₁ transition and high value of ⁵D₀ quantum efficiency (51.01%) are obtained.     

X-site doping in ABX3 triggers phase transition and higher Tc of the dielectric switch in perovskite

Material stability is always the key factor for applied materials especially the working environment that requires higher temperature sensitivity or temperature fluctuation range. In which, the stimulus-response perovskite materials are just sensitive to stability to ensure the accuracy and stability of the signals, in the applied devices of batteries and memory storage devices and so on. However, it is still a tremendous challenge to improve the stability of perovskite materials, and maintain reliability in the devices. Here, a novel ABX₂X'₁ (X-site doping in an ABX₃) compound [CEMP]-[CdBr₂(SCN)] (1, CEMP = 1-(2-chloro-ethyl)-1-methyl-piperidine) with remarkable high-temperature reversible dielectric switching behavior was proposed. The strategy of [SCN]⁻doping in perovskite for improving the stability was successfully achieved. Meanwhile, the steric hindrance is increased while the energy barrier is also increased by replacing hydrogen with flexible groups, which leads to a high-temperature reversible phase transition. The new finding provides a new direction to enrich new applications and design ideas of perovskite materials. Especially the X-site strategy of doping or substitution in the ABX₃, it will promote ingenious and perfect experimental results in material synthesis and performance improvement by chemistry disciplines.