Photosensitive and Optical Materials

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Catalysts catalysts	3.8	6.8	2011	12.9 Days	CHF 2700
Materials materials	3.1	5.8	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.4	8.5	2010	13.8 Days	CHF 2900
Photochem photochem	-	3.6	2021	24.6 Days	CHF 1000
Polymers polymers	4.7	8.0	2009	14.5 Days	CHF 2700

11 pages, 2660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bandgap Narrowing of BaTiO₃-Based Ferroelectric Oxides through Cobalt Doping for Photovoltaic Applications

by Mansour K. Gatasheh, Mohamed Saad Daoud and Hamoud Kassim

Materials 2023, 16(24), 7528; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16247528 - 6 Dec 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 987

Following the finding of power conversion efficiency above the Shockley–Queisser limit in BaTiO₃ (BTO) crystals, ferroelectric oxides have attracted scientific interest in ferroelectric photovoltaics (FPV). However, since ferroelectric oxides have a huge bandgap (>3 eV), progress in this sector is constrained. This [...] Read more.

Following the finding of power conversion efficiency above the Shockley–Queisser limit in BaTiO₃ (BTO) crystals, ferroelectric oxides have attracted scientific interest in ferroelectric photovoltaics (FPV). However, since ferroelectric oxides have a huge bandgap (>3 eV), progress in this sector is constrained. This paper proposes and demonstrates a new ferroelectric BaTi_1−xCo_xO₃ powder (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08), abbreviated as BTCx, that exhibited a bandgap decrease with increased Co content. Notably, changing the composition from x = 0.0 to 0.08 caused the system to show a bandgap drop from 3.24 to 2.42 eV. The ideal design with x = 0.08 displayed an abnormal PV response. Raman spectroscopy measurements were used to investigate the cause of the bandgap decrease, and density functional theory was used to interpret the analyzed results. According to our findings, Co²⁺ doping and oxygen octahedral distortions enhance bandgap reduction. This research sheds light on how bandgap tuning developed and laid the way for investigating novel low-bandgap ferroelectric materials for developing next-generation photovoltaic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Photosensitive and Optical Materials)

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13 pages, 3674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Performance of Nanostructured Cu₂O-Based Photodetectors Grown on a Ti/Mo Metallic Substrate

by Alhoda Abdelmoneim, Mohamed Sh. Abdel-wahab, June Key Lee, Meera Moydeen Abdul Hameed, Badr M. Thamer, Abdullah M. Al-Enizi, Rayana Ibrahim Alkhalifah and Wael Z. Tawfik

Catalysts 2023, 13(7), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13071145 - 24 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1394

Abstract

In this work, cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) thin films were prepared using a simplistic sputtering technique. The films were grown on both traditional fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and Ti-metallic substrates. X-ray diffraction applied for investigation of the crystal structure proved that the [...] Read more.

In this work, cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) thin films were prepared using a simplistic sputtering technique. The films were grown on both traditional fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and Ti-metallic substrates. X-ray diffraction applied for investigation of the crystal structure proved that the Cu₂O layer acquires the cubic structure with a (111) main peak at 2θ of 36.46°. The optical absorption and transmission were detected through the utilization of a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and the optical bandgap for the Cu₂O layer was determined to be ~2.15 eV using Tauc’s equation. XPS and scanning electron microscopy were also performed for chemical structure and morphological investigation, respectively. The optoelectronic behaviors for the prepared samples were carried out using a Keithley source meter; the photocurrent density was measured in a range of applied voltage between −1 and 1 volt under the illumination of a xenon lamp with a power density of 100 mWcm⁻². External quantum efficiency, sensitivity, responsivity, and detectivity were computed using proprietary models based on the experimental data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Photosensitive and Optical Materials)

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14 pages, 825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Refractive Properties of Conjugated Organic Materials Doped with Fullerenes and Other Carbon-Based Nano-Objects

by Natalia Kamanina

Polymers 2023, 15(13), 2819; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15132819 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1152

Abstract

Due to the high demand for optoelectronics for use in new materials and processes, as well as the search for their modeling properties, the expansion of the functionality of modified materials using nanotechnology methods is relevant and timely. In the current paper, a [...] Read more.

Due to the high demand for optoelectronics for use in new materials and processes, as well as the search for their modeling properties, the expansion of the functionality of modified materials using nanotechnology methods is relevant and timely. In the current paper, a specific nanotechnology approach is shown to increase the refractive and photoconductive parameters of the organic conjugated materials. The sensitization process, along with laser treatment, are presented in order to improve the basic physical–chemical properties of laser, solar energy, and general photonics materials. Effective nanoparticles, such as fullerenes, shungites, reduced graphene oxides, carbon nanotubes, etc., are used in order to obtain the bathochromic shift, increase the laser-induced change in the refractive index, and amplify the charge carrier mobility of the model matrix organics sensitized with these nanoparticles. The four-wave mixing technique is applied to test the main refractive characteristics of the studied materials. Volt–current measurements are used to estimate the increased charge carrier mobility. The areas of application for the modified nanostructured plastic matrixes are discussed and extended, while also taking into account the surface relief. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Photosensitive and Optical Materials)

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23 pages, 5753 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Recent Advances in Nanomaterial-Based Chemiluminescence Probes for Biosensing and Imaging of Reactive Oxygen Species

by Chuanlin Huang, Wenjuan Zhou, Riliga Wu, Weijiang Guan and Nengsheng Ye

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(11), 1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13111726 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2055

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in organisms and are closely related to various physiological and pathological processes. Due to the short lifetime and easy transformation of ROS, the determination of ROS content in biosystem has always been a challenging task. Chemiluminescence [...] Read more.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in organisms and are closely related to various physiological and pathological processes. Due to the short lifetime and easy transformation of ROS, the determination of ROS content in biosystem has always been a challenging task. Chemiluminescence (CL) analysis has been widely used in the detection of ROS due to its advantages of high sensitivity, good selectivity and no background signal, among which nanomaterial-related CL probes are rapidly developing. In this review, the roles of nanomaterials in CL systems are summarized, mainly including their roles as catalysts, emitters, and carriers. The nanomaterial-based CL probes for biosensing and bioimaging of ROS developed in the past five years are reviewed. We expect that this review will provide guidance for the design and development of nanomaterial-based CL probes and facilitate the wider application of CL analysis in ROS sensing and imaging in biological systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Photosensitive and Optical Materials)

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10 pages, 2978 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Fast-Response Ultraviolet Phototransistor with a PVK QDs/ZnO Nanowire Heterostructure and Its Application in Pharmaceutical Solute Detection

by Jiajun Li, Qihua Guo, Ye Tao, Dalin Li, Yiting Yang, Dandan Zhou, Jiangyong Pan, Xiang Liu and Zhi Tao

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(8), 1364; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13081364 - 14 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1516

Abstract

The sensitivity and photoelectric noise of UV photodetectors are challenges that need to be overcome in pharmaceutical solute detection applications. This paper presents a new device concept for a CsPbBr3 QDs/ZnO nanowire heterojunction structure for phototransistors. The lattice match of the CsPbBr3 QDs [...] Read more.

The sensitivity and photoelectric noise of UV photodetectors are challenges that need to be overcome in pharmaceutical solute detection applications. This paper presents a new device concept for a CsPbBr3 QDs/ZnO nanowire heterojunction structure for phototransistors. The lattice match of the CsPbBr3 QDs and ZnO nanowire reduces the generation of trap centers and avoids carrier absorption by the composite center, which greatly improves the carrier mobility and high detectivity (8.13 × 10¹⁴ Jones). It is worth noting that by using high-efficiency PVK quantum dots as the intrinsic sensing core, the device has a high responsivity (6381 A/W) and responsivity frequency (300 Hz). Thus, a UV detection system for pharmaceutical solute detection is demonstrated, and the type of solute in the chemical solution is estimated by the waveform and the size of the output 2f signals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Photosensitive and Optical Materials)

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12 pages, 4979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Temperature Curable Negative-Tone Photosensitive Polyimides: Structure and Properties

by Sheng-nan Fan, Li-li Yuan, Li-zhe Wang, Bin Jia, Jia-xin Ma, Hai-xia Yang and Shi-yong Yang

Polymers 2023, 15(4), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15040973 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4103

Abstract

Low-temperature curable negative-tone photosensitive polyimide (n-LTPI) viscous solutions were prepared by dissolving photo-crosslinkable poly (amic ester) (pc-PAE) resin, photophotocrosslinker, photoinitiator, and the heteroaromatic base as curing catalysts, and other additives in organic solvents. Among them, the pc-PAE resin was synthesized by polycondensation of [...] Read more.

Low-temperature curable negative-tone photosensitive polyimide (n-LTPI) viscous solutions were prepared by dissolving photo-crosslinkable poly (amic ester) (pc-PAE) resin, photophotocrosslinker, photoinitiator, and the heteroaromatic base as curing catalysts, and other additives in organic solvents. Among them, the pc-PAE resin was synthesized by polycondensation of aromatic diacid chloride and diester of 2-ethoxymathacrylate, aromatic diamines in aprotic solvents. After being spun-coated on a silicon wafer surface, soft-baked, exposed to UV light, and developed, the n-LTPI with 2% of imidazole (IMZ) as a curing catalyst produced high-quality photo-patterns with line via resolution of 5 μm at 5 μm film thickness. The photo-patterned polymer films thermally cured at 230 °C/2 h in nitrogen showed 100% of the imidization degree (ID) determined by in situ FT-IR spectroscopy. The thermally cured polymer films exhibited great combined mechanical and thermal properties, including mechanical properties with tensile strength of as high as 189.0 MPa, tensile modulus of 3.7 GP, and elongation at breakage of 59.2%, as well as glass transition temperature of 282.0 °C, showing great potential in advanced microelectronic packaging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Photosensitive and Optical Materials)

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18 pages, 5780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sensitization of ZnO Photoconductivity in the Visible Range by Colloidal Cesium Lead Halide Nanocrystals

by Artem Chizhov, Marina Rumyantseva, Nikolay Khmelevsky and Andrey Grunin

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4316; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234316 - 5 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1697

Abstract

In this work, colloidal perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are used to sensitize the photoconductivity of nanocrystalline ZnO films in the visible range. Nanocrystalline ZnO with a crystallite size of 12–16 nm was synthesized by precipitation of a zinc basic carbonate from an aqueous solution, [...] Read more.

In this work, colloidal perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are used to sensitize the photoconductivity of nanocrystalline ZnO films in the visible range. Nanocrystalline ZnO with a crystallite size of 12–16 nm was synthesized by precipitation of a zinc basic carbonate from an aqueous solution, followed by annealing at 300 °C. Perovskite oleic acid- and oleylamine-capped CsPbBr₃, CsPb(Cl/Br)₃ and CsPb(Br/I)₃ PNCs with a size of 6–13 nm were synthesized by a hot injection method at 170 °C in 1-octadecene. Photoconductive nanocomposites were prepared by applying a hexane sol of PNCs to a thick (100 μm) polycrystalline conductive ZnO layer. The spectral dependence of the photoconductivity, the dependence of the photoconductivity on irradiation, and the relaxation of the photoconductivity of the obtained nanocomposites have been studied. Sensitization of ZnO by CsPbBr₃ and CsPb(Cl/Br)₃ PNCs leads to enhanced photoconductivity in the visible range, the maximum of which is observed at 460 and 500 nm, respectively; close to the absorption maximum of PNCs. Nanocomposites ZnO/CsPb(Br/I)₃ turned out to be practically not photosensitive when irradiated with light in the visible range. The data obtained are discussed in terms of the position of the energy levels of ZnO and PNCs and the probable PNCs photodegradation. The structure, morphology, composition, and optical properties of the synthesized nanocrystals have also been studied by XRD, TEM, and XPS. The results can be applied to the creation of artificial neuromorphic systems in the visible optical range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Photosensitive and Optical Materials)

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13 pages, 1968 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Naphthalene-Based Oxime Esters as Type I Photoinitiators for Free Radical Photopolymerization

by Zhong-Han Lee, Shih-Chieh Yen, Fatima Hammoud, Akram Hijazi, Bernadette Graff, Jacques Lalevée and Yung-Chung Chen

Polymers 2022, 14(23), 5261; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14235261 - 2 Dec 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2373

Abstract

In order to discuss the polymerization effect from the substituted position and methoxy group of Type I photinitiators, a series of naphthalene-based oxime esters was designed and synthesized. Compared to the 2-naphthalene-substituted compound, the UV absorption region of the 1-naphthalene-based compound was greatly [...] Read more.

In order to discuss the polymerization effect from the substituted position and methoxy group of Type I photinitiators, a series of naphthalene-based oxime esters was designed and synthesized. Compared to the 2-naphthalene-substituted compound, the UV absorption region of the 1-naphthalene-based compound was greatly improved. In addition, the methoxy substitution exhibited longer absorption characteristics than did the methoxy-free one. The photochemical reaction behavior of these novel compounds was also studied by photolysis, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments. Finally, the initiation abilities of naphthalene-based oxime esters toward trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) monomer were conducted through the photo-DSC instrument under UV and a 405@nm LED lamp. Remarkedly, the naphthalene-based oxime ester (NA-3) that contains 1-naphthalene with o-methoxy substituent showed the rather red-shifted absorption region with the highest final conversion efficiency under UV (46%) and 405@nm LED (41%) lamp irradiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Photosensitive and Optical Materials)

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11 pages, 3404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surfactant Tween 20 Controlled Perovskite Film Fabricated by Thermal Blade Coating for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

by Kun-Mu Lee, Shun-Hsiang Chan, Chang-Chieh Ting, Shih-Hsuan Chen, Wei-Hao Chiu, Vembu Suryanarayanan, Jen-Fu Hsu, Ching-Yuan Liu and Ming-Chung Wu

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(15), 2651; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12152651 - 2 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2732

Abstract

In recent years, additive engineering has received considerable attention for the fabrication of high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, a non-ionic surfactant, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), was added as an additive into the MAPbI₃ perovskite layer, and the [...] Read more.

In recent years, additive engineering has received considerable attention for the fabrication of high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, a non-ionic surfactant, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), was added as an additive into the MAPbI₃ perovskite layer, and the thermal-assisted blade-coating method was used to fabricate a high-quality perovskite film. The Tween 20 effectively passivated defects and traps in the MAPbI₃ perovskite films. Such a film fabricated with an appropriate amount of Tween 20 on the substrate showed a higher photoluminescence (PL) intensity and longer carrier lifetime. At the optimal concentration of 1.0 mM Tween 20, the performance of the PSC was apparently enhanced, and the champion PSC demonstrated a PCE of 18.80%. Finally, this study further explored and compared the effect on the device performance and ambient stability of the MAPbI₃ perovskite film prepared by the spin-coating method and the thermal-assisted blade coating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Photosensitive and Optical Materials)

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