Search Results (181)

Multimodal luminescent materials integrating spectral and temporal information are highly desirable for dynamic optical information encoding. However, constructing such systems often requires complicated molecular design or multiple synthetic steps. Herein, we report a simple Sb-introduction strategy to regulate excited-state dynamics in the zero-dimensional (0D) organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide (AP)₂ZnCl₄ (AP = 2-aminoacetophenone). The pristine host intrinsically combines prompt AP⁺ fluorescence with long-lived AP⁺-derived room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP). Upon Sb introduction, an additional broad Sb-related localized/self-trapped excitonic emission appears and the excited-state relaxation kinetics are redistributed while the native RTP pathway remains operative. These composition-dependent responses enable a proof-of-concept sequential time-gated optical encoding/decoding scheme with “WWW”, “SUV”, and “RTP” outputs. The results highlight dopant-mediated excited-state regulation in 0D hybrid metal halides for dynamic optical information encoding. Full article

Two-dimensional (2D) organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites exhibit coupled ionic, electronic, and electromechanical responses that can strongly influence local charge transport. Here, solution-processed mixed-halide butylammonium lead perovskite crystals were mechanically exfoliated and investigated using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), and conductive atomic force microscopy (c-AFM). PFM measurements under −5, 0, and +5 V revealed clear bias-dependent changes in amplitude and phase, indicating an electric field-sensitive local electromechanical response. Local c-AFM measurements showed nonlinear bipolar hysteresis, with a pronounced increase in current near +7–8 V and a decrease near −7 to −6 V during the subsequent negative sweep. Because the crystals are mixed ionic–electronic conductors and the nanoscale tip–sample junction introduces substantial injection and contact barriers, the observed behavior is interpreted as resistive switching-like conductivity modulation, rather than definitive ferroelectric switching. The results are consistent with the combined contributions of charge injection, trap filling, possible ionic redistribution, and piezoelectricity-associated modulation of the local transport barrier. These findings provide nanoscale insight into electric field-dependent electromechanical and out-of-plane conductive behaviors in layered 2D hybrid perovskites. Full article

This work reports the synthesis of the organic–inorganic copper chloride perovskite (C₆H₅CH₂NH₃)₂[CuCl₄] and its application as an electrode material for lithium-ion batteries. Hybrid copper halide perovskites have emerged as environmentally friendly alternatives to lead-based systems due to their structural versatility and chemical stability; however, their electrochemical energy storage properties remain largely unexplored. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report investigating (C₆H₅CH₂NH₃)₂[CuCl₄] as an electrode material for lithium-ion batteries. The structural and morphological characteristics of the material were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and infrared spectroscopy (IR), confirming the formation of a layered perovskite structure. Electrochemical performance was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements. The material delivered an initial specific capacity of 114 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 20 mA g⁻¹ and maintained a coulombic efficiency around 99% after 100 cycles, indicating good cycling stability. The electrochemical behavior suggests that the reversible redox activity of Cu species contributes significantly to the charge storage mechanism. Postmortem XRD analysis revealed that the original perovskite framework was only partially retained after cycling, as several characteristic diffraction peaks remained while others disappeared, indicating partial structural decomposition. These results highlight the potential of chlorocuprate-based hybrid perovskites as alternative electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Full article

Here, (CH₃NH₃)₂CoCl₄ and (CH₃NH₃)₂CoBr₄ were prepared via a solvent-free mechanochemical route and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, and thermal analysis. Both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic P2₁/c space group and exhibit paramagnetic behavior consistent with isolated high-spin Co²⁺ tetrahedra and negligible inter-site exchange. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy yielded optical band gaps of 1.65 and 1.60 eV for the chloride and bromide, respectively. Valence-band XPS and cyclic voltammetry provided consistent experimental band-edge positions, confirming favorable alignment with TiO₂ and Spiro-OMeTAD in an n-i-p architecture. SCAPS-1D simulations using experimentally determined optical and electronic parameters predicted power conversion efficiencies of 6.63% and 4.86%, at an optimum absorber thickness of 1.28 μm. Defect density was identified as the dominant performance-limiting parameter, while the parity-forbidden Co²⁺ d-d transitions intrinsically constrain the attainable photocurrent. These results provide the first experimental grounded photovoltaic assessment of hybrid halocobaltates, combining measured optical and electronic parameters with SCAPS-1D device simulations, and establish design parameters for future device optimization. Full article

The absorber layer thicknesses of tandem photovoltaic devices containing hybrid organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite absorbers are optimized under AM 1.5 and AM 0 solar irradiance using external quantum efficiency (EQE) simulations. Using the EQE modeling approach derived from analysis of ellipsometric spectra collected from complete single-junction perovskite, all-perovskite tandem, and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin film solar cells, structural–optical models are developed for two high-efficiency tandem solar cell configurations from their published EQE spectra. These configurations include a superstrate all-perovskite device and a substrate perovskite/CIGS device. These models serve as realistic and practical baselines for optimizing device performance under different circumstances. By increasing the thicknesses of an all-perovskite tandem superstrate device’s wide E_g and narrow E_g absorber layers from 350 and 975 nm to 356 and 1200 nm, the J_sc may be increased from 15.81 to 15.94 mA/cm² under AM 1.5 illumination. This corresponds to a potential increase in efficiency from 25.83 to 26.05% when using reported open circuit voltage (V_oc) and fill factor (FF). Under AM 0, an increase in absorber layer thickness to 310 and 1200 nm increases the J_sc from 18.56 to 19.72 mA/cm², which corresponds to an increase in efficiency from 30.33 to 32.22%. By increasing the thickness of the perovskite layer in a perovskite/CIGS substrate device from 500 to 615 nm, the J_sc may be increased from 18.84 to 19.65 mA/cm² assuming AM 1.5 illumination. This change would increase efficiency from 23.74 to 24.76%. Under AM 0 illumination, an increase in the perovskite thickness to 512 nm results in an increase in predicted J_sc from 23.13 to 23.34 mA/cm². This corresponds to a predicted efficiency increase from 29.15 to 29.41%. This modeling approach provides a stable platform for practical evaluation of different superstrate and substrate design tandem solar cells with perovskite semiconductors as at least one of their absorber layers. Full article

Blue-excitable lead-free metal halide microcrystals (MCs) with high efficiency and narrow emission are highly desired for next-generation wide-gamut displays. Herein, an ultrafast self-assembly strategy is developed to prepare hybrid manganese bromide MCs with tunable alkyl-chain lengths. With increasing alkyl-chain length, the emission intensity of the obtained MCs first improves significantly and then deteriorates, accompanied by a gradual narrowing of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) from 46.37 to 41.97 nm. The optimized [(C₂H₅)₄N]₂MnBr₄ MCs exhibit strong narrow-band green emission at 518 nm with a FWHM of 43.30 nm and a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 98.70% under 455 nm excitation. This superior emission performance is ascribed to cooperative weak interactions, an appropriate Mn-Mn distance, and highly localized electronic transitions within isolated [MnBr₄]²⁻ tetrahedra. Moreover, the [(C₂H₅)₄N]₂MnBr₄ MCs show moderate thermal stability, retaining 52.03% of their initial emission intensity at 413 K. By integrating [(C₂H₅)₄N]₂MnBr₄ with K₂SiF₆: Mn⁴⁺ red phosphors on a blue chip, a white light-emitting diode with a high luminous efficacy of 134.60 lm/W and a wide gamut of 112.6% NTSC is achieved, demonstrating the great promise of ultrafast-assembled hybrid manganese bromides for efficient and wide gamut display backlighting. Full article

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a disruptive photovoltaic technology for aerospace and extreme environment applications, driven by their substantial power-to-weight ratio and mechanical flexibility. However, continuous operation under harsh conditions, characterized by the AM0 spectrum, deep vacuum, extreme thermal cycling, and ionizing radiation, exposes the fundamental thermodynamic instability of traditional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites. This comprehensive review systematically synthesizes 131 recent studies to provide a holistic framework for designing ultrastable, radiation-hardened PSCs. We critically examine the underlying degradation mechanisms, including vacuum-induced volatile desorption, UV-triggered halide segregation, and thermomechanical fracture at buried interfaces. To overcome these critical barriers, we highlight advanced engineering strategies: the transition to all-inorganic CsPbX₃ and lead-free double/chalcogenide perovskites (e.g., Cs₂SnI₆, CaHfS₃), the implementation of dopant-free inorganic transport layers coupled with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) for cascade band alignment, and the integration of polymeric scaffolds for fracture energy toughening. Furthermore, we emphasize the imperative shift toward solvent-free vacuum deposition techniques (ALD, PLD). A distinctive focus of this review is the integration of Artificial Intelligence; specifically, we evaluate Deep Learning architectures, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, for predictive State of Health (SOH) monitoring, underscoring the vital transition from simulated to empirical datasets. Finally, coupled with Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA), this review outlines a strategic roadmap for the commercialization and deployment of autonomous, self-diagnosing photovoltaic platforms in next-generation satellite and deep-space missions. Full article

Developing lead-free organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides with strong light-harvesting capabilities and superior stability, while precisely tuning their crystalline phases and electronic structures, remains a key challenge in optoelectronics. Herein, we report a neutral iodine-induced structural transition from a 1D chain-like (C₆H₁₁NH₃)₂SbI₅ architecture to a 0D dimeric (C₆H₁₁NH₃)₃[Sb₂I₉]·I₂ supramolecular host-guest complex. This transformation is achieved via a controlled solution-cooling crystallization process, yielding high-quality bulk single crystals. Crystallographic analysis reveals that N–H···I hydrogen-bonding networks stabilize the organic cations, while halogen bonding interactions anchor the I₂ guests within the lattice cavities of the [Sb₂I₉]³⁻ dimeric host. Experimental characterizations, including XRD, TGA, and XPS, confirm the high phase purity and thermal stability of the (C₆H₁₁NH₃)₃[Sb₂I₉]·I₂ hybrid and determine its electronic band structure. To further elucidate the underlying mechanisms, theoretical calculations were performed, revealing that strong sp-orbital hybridization yields a high absorption coefficient. The associated dimensional transition narrows the direct optical bandgap to 1.46 eV, approaching the Shockley-Queisser limit and demonstrating strong potential for visible-light harvesting. This work elucidates the role of supramolecular host-guest interactions in modulating the lattice evolution of lead-free antimony-based materials, presenting halogen guest engineering as an effective approach for optoelectronic material design. Full article

Geant4 (version 11.3.2) simulations were used to study particle-dependent radiation interaction in MAPbI₃ under electron, photon, and neutron irradiation. The analysis focused on spatial distributions of interaction events, released energy, secondary-particle generation, and process-specific contributions. A 1 mm single-layer MAPbI₃ target was used to identify the intrinsic material response, while multilayer MAPbI₃ containing detector geometries were considered to assess device-like effects. Electrons produced extended charged particle tracks governed by direct energy loss and secondary-electron cascades. Photons showed weak direct energy deposition, with the response mainly controlled by secondary electrons generated in discrete electromagnetic interactions. Neutrons produced sparse but locally intense energy-release patterns dominated by recoil particles and nuclear-reaction products. The results show that total released energy alone is insufficient to describe radiation response in MAPbI₃; spatial morphology and the balance between primary and secondary contributions are essential for interpreting both detector operation and possible radiation-induced degradation. Full article

CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ crystalline films were prepared on ITO substrates using the spin-coating method, followed by a vapor-phase anion exchange process in a tube furnace using CH₃NH₃I to gradually replace the Br anions with I anions. By controlling the reaction time, the structural evolution and changes in optical properties were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns show that the I anions gradually replace the Br anions in the perovskite lattice as the reaction time increases, leading to lattice expansion and a shift in the diffraction peaks toward lower angles. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the average grain size increases and the grain boundary reconstructs during the exchange process. Photoluminescence and UV–Vis absorption spectra show that the photoluminescence peak exhibits a continuous redshift, the absorption edge gradually shifts to longer wavelengths, and the optical bandgap decreases steadily toward the value of CH₃NH₃PbI₃. A sharp increase in the resistivity of the ITO substrate was also observed. Control experiments confirm that this change is not due to thermal annealing but to the vapor-phase reaction between CH₃NH₃I and ITO. In the tube furnace, CH₃NH₃I is thermally decomposed into HI. HI not only promotes halide substitution but also diffuses to the ITO interface and etches In₂O₃ into insulating InI₃, destroying the original conductive network. Therefore, this process is attributed to a HI-mediated multiphase reaction rather than a simple solid–vapor exchange. Overall, vapor-phase anion exchange provides an effective way to continuously tune the band structure, absorption range, and emission peak of hybrid perovskites, offering a controllable route for multicomponent perovskites and multiband optoelectronic devices. This work also emphasizes the potential chemical corrosion of bottom electrodes during the vapor-phase anion exchange process and suggests that protective measures such as barrier layers or corrosion-resistant electrodes should be considered. Full article

All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) couple the high theoretical energy density of sulfur (2600 Wh kg⁻¹) with the safety and polysulfide-shuttle suppression advantages of solid electrolytes (SEs). In practice, however, sluggish solid-state conversion kinetics, chemo-mechanical degradation in composite cathodes, and large solid–solid interfacial resistance remain the principal barriers to practical implementation. This review systematically examines recent progress across the three key components of ASSLSBs: cathodes, solid electrolytes, and interfaces. For cathodes, S/C composite design strategies and alternative active materials—including Li₂S, metal sulfides, and organosulfur compounds—are discussed. For solid electrolytes, inorganic (sulfide, oxide, halide, and hydride), polymer, and hybrid composite systems are compared. For interfaces, physical strategies (stack pressure, compliant interlayers, three-dimensional cathode architectures) and chemical strategies (cathode–SE and Li metal–SE interphase engineering, in situ stabilization) are evaluated. Outstanding challenges and design guidelines for next-generation ASSLSBs are discussed. Full article

Organic–inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIMHs), especially zero-dimensional (0D) ones, have been recognized as an excellent class of luminescent materials due to their structural diversity and tunable emission properties. In this work, using the environmentally friendly Zn(II) ion as the central metal and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Cyclen) as the organic component, we successfully synthesized a novel OIMH, (H₃Cyclen)(ZnBr₄)·Br·H₂O. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that (H₃Cyclen)(ZnBr₄)·Br·H₂O possesses a 0D structure, in which the [ZnBr₄]²⁻ tetrahedra are uniformly separated by the organic amine cations. This structural feature is expected to enhance the material’s stability and optimize its optoelectronic properties. Under UV lamp irradiation, (H₃Cyclen)(ZnBr₄)·Br·H₂O emits bright blue-green light. Therefore, we systematically investigated its luminescence properties. The emission mechanism was further elucidated using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Finally, (H₃Cyclen)(ZnBr₄)·Br·H₂O was employed as a luminescent material to fabricate a white light-emitting diode (WLED), demonstrating its potential as an excellent phosphor material. Full article

Two-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (2D-OIHP) heterostructures provide a versatile platform for crystal engineering because their composition, dimensionality, excitonic structure and interfacial energy alignment can be tuned at the molecular level. However, the same ionic softness that enables facile chemical transformation also leads to ion migration under thermal, electrical and optical stimuli. In 2D-OIHP heterostructures, ion migration is not only a degradation pathway; it determines whether a heterointerface remains sharp, becomes compositionally graded, evolves into a mixed-halide alloy, or forms a bias-programmed functional junction. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding ion migration in 2D-OIHP-based heterostructures, with emphasis on migration species, driving forces, pathways and interface evolution. We first classify representative fabrication strategies according to the initial interface profiles they generate. We then discuss thermally driven in-plane and out-of-plane halide migration, spacer-cation engineering for suppressing interdiffusion, and electric-field-induced directional migration in functional devices. Finally, we extract design rules and unresolved challenges for achieving stable, sharp or dynamically programmable perovskite heterostructures. The aim is to provide a mechanistic framework for using ion migration as both a stability criterion and a crystal-engineering tool in layered hybrid perovskites. Full article

Thin-film solar cells (TFSCs) remain a cornerstone of the global transition toward renewable energy, characterized by consistent reductions in manufacturing costs and steady gains in power conversion efficiency. In addition to electricity generation, TFSCs play an important role in advanced solar thermal cooling, heating, and energy storage systems, where their tunable optical absorption, low thermal mass, and flexibility enable integration with photovoltaic–thermal (PV/T) collectors, thermally driven cooling cycles, and hybrid thermal–electrical storage architectures. This paper provides a comprehensive review of prominent TFSC technologies, including copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), cadmium telluride (CdTe/CdS), amorphous silicon (a-Si), copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS), organic photovoltaics (OPVs), and metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs), with a focus on their material structures, performance specifications, and current efficiency benchmarks. Compared to state-of-the-art reviews, this article distinguishes itself by addressing next-generation innovations, cross-domain solar thermal–photovoltaic applications, and economic analysis. Specifically, the integration of machine learning and simulation-based material dynamics is examined to accelerate material discovery, process optimization, and the characterization of novel TFPV components relevant to coupled thermal–electrical energy systems. Furthermore, the study explores how additive manufacturing is transforming the industry through the development of high-efficiency electrodes, electrohydrodynamic atomization for thin-film deposition, and the fabrication of flexible solar arrays suitable for thermally integrated and building-scale energy systems, including space applications. By integrating advancements in module efficiency, scalable manufacturing approaches, and techno-economic analysis, this paper positions TFSCs as sustainable, resource-abundant technologies essential for next-generation solar thermal cooling, heating, and energy storage infrastructures. Full article

High-performance electromagnetic wave absorption materials are desperately needed due to the growing serious electromagnetic interference and pollution issues brought on by the quick growth of modern electronic technology and wireless communication. This work uses the organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite MAPbBr_xI_3−x as a model system to address the problem of restricted loss mechanisms and the challenges in changing the absorption bandwidth of single-component wave-absorbing materials. It achieves systematic tuning of electromagnetic wave absorption performance, especially within the effective working frequency spectrum, through accurate halogen site engineering. According to the study, MAPbI₃ (MPI), MAPbBr_1.5I_1.5 (MPIB), and MAPbBr₃ (MPB), which were synthesized using the anti-solvent approach, all demonstrated exceptional microwave absorption capability, with maximum reflection loss values exceeding −37 dB, among which MPB achieves a remarkable value of −42.41 dB at 16.60 GHz. More significantly, this work shows a distinct structure-property relationship between the effective absorption peak frequency range of this series of materials and their band structure: the strongest absorption peak shows a regular blue shift as the material bandgap widens and the bromine content rises. This finding suggests that focused tailoring of the operating frequency band in wave-absorbing materials can be achieved by manipulating the band structure of perovskites by varying the halogen concentration. In addition to confirming the significant application potential of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites in the field of microwave absorption, this study offers a novel research perspective and material template for precisely and programmably controlling the absorption frequency band of wave-absorbing materials based on their basic electronic structures. Full article