CO2 Laser Crystallization in Ambient for Highly Efficient FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells.

Metal halide perovskite solar cells have achieved tremendous progress and have attracted enormous research and development efforts since the first report of demonstration in 2009. Due to fabrication versatility, many heat treatment methods can be utilized to achieve perovskite film crystallization. Herein, 10.6 µm carbon dioxide laser process is successfully developed for the first time for perovskite film crystallization. In addition, this is the first time formamidinium lead triiodide solar cells by laser annealing under ambient are demonstrated. The champion cell produces a power conversion efficiency of 21.8%, the highest for laser-annealed perovskite cells. And this is achieved without any additive, passivation, or post-treatment.

Piperidine and Pyridine Series Lead-Free Dion-Jacobson Phase Tin Perovskite Single Crystals and Their Applications for Field-Effect Transistors.

Two-dimensional (2D) organic-inorganic metal halide perovskites have gained immense attention as alternatives to three-dimensional (3D) perovskites in recent years. The hydrophobic spacers in the layered structure of 2D perovskites make them more moisture-resistant than 3D perovskites. Moreover, they exhibit unique anisotropic electrical transport properties due to a structural confinement effect. In this study, four lead-free Dion-Jacobson (DJ) Sn-based phase perovskite single crystals, 3AMPSnI4, 4AMPSnI4, 3AMPYSnI4, and 4AMPYSnI4 [AMP = (aminomethyl)-piperidinium, AMPY = (aminomethyl)pyridinium] are reported. Results reveal structural differences between them impacting the resulting optical properties. Namely, higher octahedron distortion results in a higher absorption edge. Density functional theory (DFT) is also performed to determine the trends in energy band diagrams, exciton binding energies, and formation energies due to structural differences among the four single crystals. Finally, a field-effect transistor (FET) based on 4AMPSnI4 is demonstrated with a respectable hole mobility of 0.57 cm2 V-1 s-1 requiring a low threshold voltage of only -2.5 V at a drain voltage of -40 V. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third DJ-phase perovskite FET reported to date.

Recent progress in layered metal halide perovskites for solar cells, photodetectors, and field-effect transistors.

Metal halide perovskite materials demonstrate immense potential for photovoltaic and electronic applications. In particular, two-dimensional (2D) layered metal halide perovskites have advantages over their 3D counterparts in optoelectronic applications due to their outstanding stability, structural flexibility with a tunable bandgap, and electronic confinement effect. This review article first analyzes the crystallography of different 2D perovskite phases [the Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) phase, the Dion-Jacobson (DJ) phase, and the alternating cations in the interlayer space (ACI) phase] at the molecular level and compares their common electronic properties, such as out-of-plane conductivity, crucial to vertical devices. This paper then critically reviews the recent development of optoelectronic devices, namely solar cells, photodetectors and field effect transistors, based on layered 2D perovskite materials and points out their limitations and potential compared to their 3D counterparts. It also identifies the important application-specific future research directions for different optoelectronic devices providing a comprehensive view guiding new research directions in this field.

Performance Enhancement of Lead-Free 2D Tin Halide Perovskite Transistors by Surface Passivation and Its Impact on Non-Volatile Photomemory Characteristics.

Two-dimensional (2D) tin (Sn)-based perovskites have recently received increasing research attention for perovskite transistor application. Although some progress is made, Sn-based perovskites have long suffered from easy oxidation from Sn2+ to Sn4+ , leading to undesirable p-doping and instability. In this study, it is demonstrated that surface passivation by phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) and 4-fluorophenethylammonium iodide (FPEAI) effectively passivates surface defects in 2D phenethylammonium tin iodide (PEA2 SnI4 ) films, increases the grain size by surface recrystallization, and p-dopes the PEA2 SnI4 film to form a better energy-level alignment with the electrodes and promote charge transport properties. As a result, the passivated devices exhibit better ambient and gate bias stability, improved photo-response, and higher mobility, for example, 2.96 cm2 V-1 s-1 for the FPEAI-passivated films-four times higher than the control film (0.76 cm2 V-1 s-1 ). In addition, these perovskite transistors display non-volatile photomemory characteristics and are used as perovskite-transistor-based memories. Although the reduction of surface defects in perovskite films results in reduced charge retention time due to lower trap density, these passivated devices with better photoresponse and air stability show promise for future photomemory applications.

Thermal-Radiation-Driven Ultrafast Crystallization of Perovskite Films Under Heavy Humidity for Efficient Inverted Solar Cells.

Fabricating perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in air is conducive to low-cost commercial production; nevertheless, it is rather difficult to achieve comparable device performance as that in an inert atmosphere because of the poor moisture toleration of perovskite materials. Here, the perovskite crystallization process is systematically studied using two-step sequential solution deposition in an inert atmosphere (glovebox) and air. It is found that moisture can stabilize solvation intermediates and prevent their conversion into perovskite crystals. To address this issue, thermal radiation is used to accelerate perovskite crystallization for integrated perovskite films within 10 s in air. The as-formed perovskite films are compact, highly oriented with giant grain size, superior photoelectric properties, and low trap density. When the films are applied to PSC devices, a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.8% is obtained, one of the best results for air-processed inverted PSCs under high relative humidity (60 ± 10%). This work substantially assists understanding and modulation to perovskite crystallization kinetics under heavy humidity. Also, the ultrafast conversion strategy by thermal radiation provides unprecedented opportunities to manufacture high-quality perovskite films for low-temperature, eco-friendly, and air-processed efficient inverted PSCs.

Inorganic-Cation Pseudohalide 2D Cs2 Pb(SCN)2 Br2 Perovskite Single Crystal.

Most of the reported 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) lead halide perovskites with the general formula of An +1 Bn X3 n +1 (n = 1, 2, …) comprise layered perovskites separated by A-site-substituted organic spacers. To date, only a small number of X-site-substituted RP perovskites have been reported. Herein, the first inorganic-cation pseudohalide 2D phase perovskite single crystal, Cs2 Pb(SCN)2 Br2 , is reported. It is synthesized by the antisolvent vapor-assisted crystallization (AVC) method at room temperature. It exhibits a standard single-layer (n = 1) Ruddlesden-Popper structure described in space group of Pmmn (#59) and has a small separation (d = 1.69 Å) between the perovskite layers. The SCN- anions are found to bend the 2D Pb(SCN)2 Br2 framework slightly into a kite-shaped octahedron, limiting the formation of a quasi-2D perovskite structure (n > 1). This 2D single crystal exhibits a reversible first-order phase transformation to 3D CsPbBr3 (Pm3m #221) at 450 K. It has a low exciton binding energy of 160 meV-one of the lowest for 2D perovskites (n = 1). A Cs2 Pb(SCN)2 Br2 -single-crystal photodetector is demonstrated with respectable responsivity of 8.46 mA W-1 and detectivity of ≈1.2 × 1010 Jones at a low bias voltage of 0.5 V.

Magnetic optical rotary dispersion and magnetic circular dichroism in methylammonium lead halide perovskites.

Large magnetic optical rotary dispersion (Faraday rotation) has been demonstrated recently in methylammonium lead bromide. Here, we investigate the prospect of extending the active spectral range by altering the halogen. We also investigate the origins of large Faraday rotation in these diamagnetic materials using magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy and the Kramers-Kronig relations. We find that, while MAPbCl3 (MA = methylammonium) single crystals exhibit a large Verdet constant in the blue, no appreciable Faraday rotation is observed in the red/near infra-red for MAPbI3 single crystals. However, in all film samples, we find clear evidence of large MCD resulting from the Zeeman splitting of the highly resonant 1s exciton state. Our Kramers-Kronig calculations of Faraday rotation based on MCD data matches well with the dispersion of our experimental data for MAPbCl3 and MAPbBr3 , with some deviation in magnitude-demonstrating the excitonic nature of Faraday rotation in these materials. However, our calculations predict significant Faraday rotation in MAPbI3 , contrary to our experimental results, indicating a potential discrepancy between the properties of the thin film and single crystal.

Metal-Metalloligand Coordination Polymer Embedding Triangular Cobalt-Oxo Clusters: Solvent- and Temperature-Induced Crystal to Crystal Transformations and Associated Magnetism.

Reaction of the metalloligand IrIII(ppy-COOH)3 and the anisotropic paramagnetic CoII ion under solvothermal conditions resulted in a metal-metalloligand coordination polymer, [CoII3(µ3-O)(µ-OH2){IrIII(ppy-COO)2(ppy-COOH)}2(H2O)4]·2DMF·xH2O (I). It consists of trimeric Co3O secondary building units (SBUs) bridged by pairs of Ir to form chains of alternate orthogonal squares. The compound undergoes two single-crystal to single-crystal transformations while retaining its general structural features. A chemical transformation occurs to give [CoII3(µ3-O){IrIII(ppy-COO)2(ppy-COOH)}2(H2O)4(DMF)]·DMF·H2O (II) by soaking in acetone, where a bridging water molecule departs and the solvent DMF bonds to the vacant site of the Co center. Both I and II undergo a temperature-induced transformation to [CoII3(µ3-O){IrIII(ppy-COO)2(ppy-COOH)}2(H2O)3(DMF)]·DMF (III), where one more coordinated water molecule is lost. The major difference in the three phases is in the Co coordination spheres, which have considerable consequences on the magnetism. Compound I displays paramagnetism down to 2 K, whereas II and III show weak ferromagnetism with TC values of 14 and 17 K, respectively.

Solution-Processed Faraday Rotators Using Single Crystal Lead Halide Perovskites.

Lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have become a promising alternative for a wide range of optoelectronic devices, thanks to their solution-processability and impressive optical and electrical properties. More recently, LHPs have been investigated in magneto-optic studies and have exhibited spin-polarized emission, photoinduced magnetization, and long spin lifetimes. Here, the viability of methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) single crystals as solution-processed Faraday rotators is demonstrated. Compared to terbium gallium garnet, the industry standard in the visible, it is found that MAPbBr3 exhibits Verdet constants (i.e., strength of Faraday effect) of similar or greater magnitude (up to 2.5x higher), with lower temperature dependence. Due to its low trap absorption, it is calculated that an optical isolator made from MAPbBr3, with appropriate antireflection coatings, should reach ≈95% transmission and achieve 40 dB isolation for incoming powers of over 2 W. It is also shown that the Verdet constant of MAPbBr3 can be calculated accurately from its dispersion in refractive index, allowing the possibility to predict similar effects in other perovskite materials.

Acetic Acid Assisted Crystallization Strategy for High Efficiency and Long-Term Stable Perovskite Solar Cell.

Improving the quality of perovskite poly-crystalline film is essential for the performance of associated solar cells approaching their theoretical limit efficiency. Pinholes, unwanted defects, and nonperovskite phase can be easily generated during film formation, hampering device performance and stability. Here, a simple method is introduced to prepare perovskite film with excellent optoelectronic property by using acetic acid (Ac) as an antisolvent to control perovskite crystallization. Results from a variety of characterizations suggest that the small amount of Ac not only reduces the perovskite film roughness and residual PbI2 but also generates a passivation effect from the electron-rich carbonyl group (C=O) in Ac. The best devices produce a PCE of 22.0% for Cs0.05FA0.80MA0.15Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 and 23.0% for Cs0.05FA0.90MA0.05Pb(I0.95Br0.05)3 on 0.159 cm2 with negligible hysteresis. This further improves device stability producing a cell that maintained 96% of its initial efficiency after 2400 h storage in ambient environment (with controlled relative humidity (RH) <30%) without any encapsulation.

From a layered iridium(iii)-cobalt(ii) organophosphonate to an efficient oxygen-evolution-reaction electrocatalyst.

Bimetallic MOF precursors can produce a homogeneous distribution of mixed-metal oxides after calcination, and thus may provide high efficiency as electrocatalysts in the water splitting process. We designed a layered bimetallic-organophosphonate containing Ir, Co and P because the metal-oxides are well-known for their efficiency in the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER), especially when the phosphate acts as a proton carrier. We describe the structure of the MOF and characteristics of the calcined form, which has outstanding OER characteristics in 1.0 M KOH with an overpotential of 317.7 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a low Tafel slope of 59.1 mV dec-1.

Iridium(III)-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks as Multiresponsive Luminescent Sensors for Fe3+, Cr2O72-, and ATP2- in Aqueous Media.

Three iridium(III)-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), namely [Cd3{Ir(ppy-COO)3}2(DMF)2(H2O)4]·6H2O·2DMF (1), [Cd3{Ir(ppy-COO)3}2(DMA)2(H2O)2]·0.5H2O·2DMA (2), and [Cd3{Ir(ppy-COO)3}2(DEF)2(H2O)2]·8H2O·2DEF (3) (ppy-COOH = methyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)benzoic acid, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide, DEF = N,N-diethylformamide), have been synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal structural determinations reveal that compounds 1-3 are isostructural, showing a three-dimensional framework structure with (3,6) connected rtl topologyin whose trimers of {Cd3(COO)6} are cross-linked by Ir(ppy-COO)33-. The structures are completely different from those of other Ir(III)-based MOFs. Compound 1 was selected for a detailed study on sensing properties. The excellent luminescence as well as good water stability of 1 makes it a highly selective and sensitive multiresponsive luminescent sensor for Fe3+ and Cr2O72-. The detection limits are 67.8 and 145.1 ppb, respectively. Compound 1 can also be used as an optical sensor for selective sensing of adenosine triphosphate (ATP2-) over adenosine diphosphate (ADP2-) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP2-) in aqueous solution. This is the first example of iridium(III)-based MOFs for the optical detection of Fe3+, Cr2O72-, and ATP2-. More interestingly, the luminescent composite film doped with 1% (w/w) of compound 1, 1@PMMA (PMMA = poly(methyl methacrylate)), can be successfully prepared, which endows efficient sensitivity for Fe3+ and Cr2O72- detection and thus provides great potential for future applications.

Defective Metal-Organic Frameworks Incorporating Iridium-Based Metalloligands: Sorption and Dye Degradation Properties.

Artificial control and engineering of metal-organic framework (MOF) crystals with defects can endow them with suitable properties for applications in gas storage, separation, and catalysis. A series of defective iridium-containing MOFs, [Zn4 (µ4 -O)(Ir-A)2(1-x) (Ir-B)2x ] (ZnIr-MOF-dx ), were synthesized by doping heterostructured linker Ir-BH3 into the parent [Zn4 (µ4 -O)(Ir-A)2 ] (ZnIr-MOF), in which Ir-AH3 represents [Ir(ppy-COOH)3 ] (ppyCOOH=3-(pyridin-2-yl)benzoic acid) and Ir-BH3 is [Ir(ppy-COOH)2 (2-pyPO3 H)] (2-pyPO3 H2 =2-pyridylphosphonic acid). Samples with different degrees of defects were characterized by SEM, IR and NMR spectroscopy, powder XRD measurements, and thermal and elemental analyses. ZnIr-MOF-d0.3 was selected as a representative for gas (N2 , CO2 ) or vapor (H2 O, alcohol) sorption studies. The results demonstrate that defective ZnIr-MOF-d0.3 possesses multiple pore size distributions, ranging from micro- to mesopores, unlike the parent material, which shows a uniform micropore distribution. The hydrophilicity of the interior surface is also increased after defect engineering. As a result, ZnIr-MOF-d0.3 shows an enhanced adsorption capability toward n-butanol, relative to that of the parent compound. Optical studies reveal that both ZnIr-MOF and ZnIr-MOF-d0.3 have low band gaps (2.35 and 2.40 eV), corresponding to semiconductors. ZnIr-MOF-d0.3 exhibits dramatically increased photocatalytic efficiency for dye degradation.