Enhancement of organic thin-film solar cells by incorporating hybrid Au nanospheres and Au nanorods on a metallic grating surface

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate the fabrication of hybrid plasmonic solar cells using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Two types of AuNPs, gold nanospheres (AuNSs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs), were incorporated in a hole transport layer (HTL) (PEDOT:PSS) on a metallic grating electrode. The organic solar cells (OSCs) structure comprised an indium-tin-oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrate/PEDOT:PSS:AuNSs:AuNRs/P3HT:PCBM/Al grating electrode. Adding AuNPs induced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), while grating structured Al at the interface with a photoactive layer excited the propagating surface plasmons. Compared with a flat reference device, the proposed OSCs exhibited improved photovoltaic properties by increasing both the short-circuit current density (J_SC) and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) with large enhancements of 16.23% and 14.06%, respectively. The efficiency improvement was attributed to increased broadband absorption and improved electrical properties inside the thin-film devices.     

Linear Optical Properties in Multilayers of Polydiacetylenes

Abstract

The linear optical properties in multilayers of polydiacetylenes (PDA) have been investigated by studying both the transmission/absorption coefficients and the waveguide properties of the thin PDA films (?5000 A). The PDA films were deposited one monolayer at a time by the Langmuir Blodgett technique. The waveguide modes of the PDA waveguide (in an air - PDA film - silver configuration) were coupled via a grating at the air-PDA and/or PDA-Ag interface. Since the diacetylene chains are parallel to the interface, the TE wave/ waveguide modes (i.e., the electronic field is parallel to the PDA film), the system can be treated simply as an isotropic case. For TM wave/waveguide modes, the system has to be treated as an anisotropic one. The results of wavelength dependent linear optical property of PDA films and their impact to the waveguide properties as well as the grating coupling effects in the waveguide system will be discussed.     

“三明治”PbS纳米晶/rGO复合材料的制备及其对NH_3的室温气敏性能研究

采用一步溶液法制备"三明治"PbS纳米晶/rGO复合材料,通过X射线衍射仪和场发射扫描电子显微镜对样品的晶体结构和表面形貌进行表征,并制作旁热式气敏元器件,测试其气敏特性。研究结果表明在PbS纳米晶/rGO复合材料中,PbS纳米晶均匀负载在rGO片层上,且复合材料存在类似"三明治"的三维结构。该复合材料在室温下对NH_3具有良好检测能力,对1000 ppm NH_3的灵敏度达到3.45,与纯PbS纳米晶及rGO相比,气敏性能得到显著提升,其最低检测极限为1 ppm,且具有良好的氨气选择性。对"三明治"PbS纳米晶/rGO复合材料气敏机理进行分析认为,rGO加入起到载流子传输层的作用,三维结构增加气体扩散速度及吸附面积。三明治状PbS纳米晶/rGO复合材料因其特殊结构及优异的气敏性能,有望在气敏领域得到广泛应用。     

Localized surface plasmon enhanced microcrystalline–silicon solar cells

A novel type of substrate named “Ag–SP substrate”, in which silver nanoparticles are incorporated, is introduced and utilized as a back reflector for hydrogenated microcrystalline-silicon solar cell in a substrate-type (n-i-p) configuration. Optical and morphological analyses of Ag–SP substrates fabricated with various sizes of silver nanoparticles are systematically performed. It is shown that silver nanoparticles in Ag–SP substrate structure can lead to significant scattering of light when their diameter increases up to 300 nm. Furthermore, the photocurrent of the solar cell fabricated on an Ag–SP substrate with RMS roughness as small as 16.5 nm and a proper lateral diameter (approximately 300 nm) of silver nanoparticles is improved as compared to that of the solar cell prepared on reference textured substrate with RMS roughness of 25.3 nm, owing to strong scattering of light by silver nanoparticles in the red-infrared region.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a 2D (6,3) coordination network, {[Ag(L)1.5]NO3} n [L = 1,3-bis(benzylthio)propane]

A new dithioether silver(I) complex, {[Ag(L)_1.5]NO₃} _n (1) has been prepared by the reaction of AgNO₃ with 1,3-bis(benzylthio)propane (L) in methanol/chloroform. The structure was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis: rhombohedral system, space group R –3c, with a =b = 15.651(7), c = 39.26(4) Å, V = 8328(1) ų, and Z = 6. The crystal structure consists of [Ag(L)_1.5]⁺ cations and NO₃ ^– anions. In 1, each silver(I) center is coordinated equivalently to three sulfur donors from three different ligands to give a trigonal-planar coordination geometry. Each L links two adjacent silver(I) centers in bis-monodentate bridging mode to form a 2D (6,3) network sheet. Furthermore, these 2D sheets are linked by the weak coordination interactions between nitrate ions and silver(I) atoms to form a 3D brick-wall framework.     

Evolution of chemical structure during silver photodiffusion into chalcogenide glass thin films

The change of chemical structure resulting after X-ray and photo-induced silver diffusion into chalcogenide glass (ChG) thin films is monitored by high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). As₄₀S₆₀ and Ge₃₀Se₇₀ thin films, which are based on pyramids and tetrahedral structural units, are investigated as model materials. Survey, core level (As 3d, S 2p, Ge 3d, Ge 2p, Se 3d, Ag 3d_5/2, O 1s, C 1s) and valence band spectra have been recorded and analyzed. Reference point for the binding energy is established by the subsequent deposition of thin gold film on top of the measured samples. The chemical structure gradually changes during diffusion of silver in all the samples. The mechanism of change depends on the chemical composition, thickness of the diffused silver layer and conditions of irradiation. It is revealed that surface oxygen can play important role in the Ag photodiffusion process, leading to phase separation on the surface of the films. Photodiffusion of Ag into As₄₀S₆₀ film leads to the formation of a uniform ternary phase and arsenic oxides on the surface. The formation of ethane-like Ge₂(S_1/2)₆ units together with germanium oxidation are the main outcomes of X-ray induced Ag diffusion into Ge₃₀Se₇₀ film.     

Structure refinement and Raman spectrum of silver azide

Silver nitrate reacts with sodium azide to give white powdery silver azide, which can be crystallized in aqueous ammonia. The compound belongs to orthorhombic space group Ibam with a = 5.600(1), b = 5.980(6), c = 5.998(1) Å, and Z = 4. The layer-type structure is constructed from edge-sharing regular rectangles, each composed of silver atoms at its vertices with an enclosed azide anion in a tilted orientation. The linear and asymmetrical structure of the azide anion in crystalline silver azide has been confirmed by its Raman spectrum.     

Processing optimization and optical properties of 3-D photonic crystals

The synthesis optimization of three-dimensional photonic crystals (direct and inverse opals) is discussed in terms of the influence of processing parameters on the final optical quality. A colloidal/sol–gel route, starting with the self-organization of polystyrene microspheres into opal structures by convective self-assembly, followed by infiltration with a dielectric matrix precursor sol and heat treatment, has been followed. Several substrate hydrophilization methods have been tested and different substrates. Sol–gel infiltration of the opal template interstices with silica was achieved by dip-coating or micro-syringe application and it was followed by removal of the polymeric template. The concentration of the colloidal sol, containing polystyrene spheres of 235 or 460 nm in diameter, was optimized. The structural and optical properties of the opals and inverse opals have been studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy and optical reflectivity spectroscopy, in order to assess the relationship between their structure and the photonic properties obtained. By using borosilicate glass substrates hydrophilized with hydrochloric acid, colloidal photonic crystals of good quality have been obtained, with well ordered regions up to ～100 μm². By monitoring the effective refractive index change with relative humidity of the surrounding atmosphere, using spectroscopic ellipsometry with an environmental chamber, it was concluded that the present photonic crystals are suitable for humidity sensing applications.     

High Stability and Uniformity Polymeric Thin-Film Transistor Arrays Fabricated by Directly Subtractive Photolithography

We prepared polymer thin film on a diffraction grating by electrochemical polymerization in cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLC). The polymer thin film synthesized in ChLC shows diffraction function due to periodic structure produced by imprinting of the matrix ChLC. Combination of diffractions from the substrate (prepared by top-down technique) and the polymer having fingerprint structure (prepared by bottom-up technique) provides double diffraction grating function.     

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/carbon-based nanocomposite for gas sensing

Abstract

In this study, we have manufactured sensory films based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/carbon nanotubes/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite. The charge transport in obtained films was analyzed using impedance spectroscopy and temperature dependence of conductivity in the 90–325?K temperature range. The activation mechanism of charge transfer was established and the activation energy of conductivity was determined. The percolation effect in the nanocomposite was found with increasing the content of carbon nanoparticles. A decrease in resistance and an increase in the capacity of hybrid films due to the adsorption of water and ammonia molecules were revealed. Found features of the charge transport processes can expand the prospects of application of nanocomposite films for sensor electronics.     

MgZnO/ZnO异质结构的发光性质研究

本文利用等离子体辅助分子束外延(P-MBE)技术在蓝宝石 (Al2O3) 衬底上生长了Mg0.12Zn0.88O(100nm)/ZnO (20nm) /Mg0.12Zn0.88O (40nm) 异质结构,测得样品的X射线衍射谱表明,在34.56°的位置出现很强的(002)方向衍射峰,其半高宽度为0.20°,比Mg0.12Zn0.88O合金薄膜的半高宽度0.15°明显展宽.通过光致发光谱研究了MgZnO/ZnO/MgZnO异质结构的光学性质,室温下测得在370nm(3.35eV)位置有很强的紫外发光,而在348nm (3.56eV)的位置处有一个较弱的发光,这两个峰分别被归结于来自ZnO层和MgZnO盖层的发光.室温下的吸收光谱中,在上述两个峰的位置附近分别存在很明显的吸收,指示了带边吸收来自于MgZnO和ZnO两种材料.通过变温发光谱研究了异质结构中载流子弛豫、复合的规律.随着温度增加,来自于ZnO层和MgZnO层的发光强度比增加,这归结为MgZnO/ZnO异质结构存在界面势垒所致.     

X-ray Crystallographic Structures of Two Lamotrigine Analogues: (I) 3,5-Diamino-6-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine Water Solvate and (II) 3,5-Diamino-6-(3,6-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine Methanol Solvate

Abstract The X-ray crystal structures of two lamotrigine derivatives (I) 3,5-diamino-6-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine, C₉H₈ClN₅, (465BL) as a hydrate, and (II) 3,5-diamino-6-(3,6-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine, C₉H₇Cl₂N₅, (469BR) as a methanol solvate, have been carried out at liquid nitrogen temperature and room temperature, respectively. A detailed comparison of the two structures is given. Both are centrosymmetric with (I) in the orthorhombic space group Pbca, a = 12.2507(3), b = 15.7160(6), c = 21.71496(9) ?, Z = 16, and (II) in the monoclinic space group C2/c, a = 38.553(3), b = 4.9586(2), c = 14.546(2) ?, β = 111.59(1)°, Z = 8. Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] for (I) are R1 = 0.0670, wR2 = 0.1515 and for (II) R1 = 0.0434, wR2 = 0.1185. Structure (I) has water of crystallization in the lattice and (II) includes a solvated CH₃OH. Structure (I) is characterized by having two crystallographically independent molecules, A and B, of 465BL, per asymmetric unit. Molecule B has a very unusual feature in that the 2-chlorophenyl ring is statistically disordered, occupying site (1) in 87.5% of the structure and site (2) in 12.5% of the structure. Sites (1) and (2) are related by an exact 180° pivot of the phenyl ring about the ring linkage bond. The presence of two independent molecules per asymmetric unit provides an ideal opportunity for the conformational flexibility of the molecule 465BL to be studied. Structure (I) also includes a further unusual feature in that the lattice contains one fully occupied water molecule and an additional solvated water which is only 33% occupied. Index Abstract Rex A. Palmer, Brian S. Potter, Michael J Leach and Babur Z. Chowdhry The crystal structures of two lamotrigine analogues: (I) 3, 5-diamino-6-(2-chlorophenyl)-1, 2, 4-triazine, water solvate and (II) 3, 5-diamino-6-(3,6-dichlorophenyl)-1, 2, 4-triazine methanol solvate are presented. Structure (I) includes two molecules per asymmetric unit labeled A and B where molecule B is unusually disordered having Cl in either position 2 (87.5% occupied) or position 6 of the phenyl ring (12.5% occupied), the two sites being related by 180deg rotation about the ring linkage bond. Molecule I(A) on the other hand shows no disorder. The relative orientations of the two rings in I(A and B) and in II is shown to be different. Lamotrigine and analogues have been investigated for some time for their effects on the central nervous system. For example both lamotrigine and 5-(2,3,5-trichlorophenyl)-2,4-diaminopyrimidine (code name BW 1003C87) are voltage-gated sodium channel blockers as well as blocking the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate. BW 1003C87 has also been shown to reduce the release of glutamate evoked by veratrine in brain tissue, providing a therapeutic approach in both cerebral ischemia and epilepsy [B. S. Meldrum, J. H. Swan, M. J. Leach, M. H. Millan, R. Gwinn, K. Kadota, S. H Graham, J. Chen, R. P. Simon , Brain Res., 1992, 593, 1.]. This is one of a series of papers on the structures of lamotrigine analogues.      

Effect of oxygen content on barrier properties of silicon oxide thin film deposited by dual ion-beam sputtering

A silicon oxide thin film barrier was prepared with various oxygen contents and its chemical composition, surface morphology and optical and barrier properties were related to the deposition conditions used. Our study showed that under Ar and O₂ assisted process conditions, a stoichiometric silicon oxide thin film formed at a critical oxygen content during deposition of 40-50%. The thin films deposited at the critical condition showed the lowest surface roughness giving similar or higher optical transmittance than that of the bare polycarbonate (PC) substrate. The boiling and tensile strength test performed on the thin film deposited with assisted ions before the deposition process showed improvement in the adhesion between the oxide layer and the polymer substrate. In addition, interface modification to improve for improving the barrier layer properties of the silicon oxide thin film was achieved through the introduction of dual ion beam sputtering without pre-treatment.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Crystal Structure of 1-Phenyl-3-methyl-4-(salicylidene hydrazide)-phenylethylene-pyrazolone-5

Abstract A new compound 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(salicylidene hydrazide)-phenylethylene-pyrazolone-5 (PMPeP-SHZ) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectrum, MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in a monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c with cell parameters: a = 10.8275(19) ?, b = 24.689(4) ?, c = 9.7167(16) ? and β = 95.127(4)°, Z = 4, S = 1.097. In the crystal structure, the compound presents in the diketo form. The structure exhibits both intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding and the molecules are interlinked through hydrogen bonds forming an infinite 2D network. The fluorescent result shows blue emission at room temperature in solid state. Graphical Abstract Synthesis, Characterization and Crystal Structure of 1-Phenyl-3- methyl-4-(salicylidene hydrazide)-phenylethylene-pyrazolone-5 Li Zhang, Guan-Cheng Xu, Lang Liu, Guang-Fei Liu, and Dian-Zeng Jia* Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

HREM investigations of intermediate ZnO and ZnO/Y–ZrO2 layers in Y–ZrO2 bicrystals and ZnO films grown on Y–ZrO2 bicrystal substrates

The structure of yttrium-stabilized ZrO₂ (YSZ) bicrystals with ZnO and ZnO/YSZ/ZnO/YSZ/ZnO intermediate layers, as well as ZnO films grown on YSZ bicrystal (1 1 0)/90° substrates, has been investigated by means of high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) and microanalysis. All bicrystals were produced by the solid-phase intergrowth (SPI) method. The internal ZnO film in the bicrystal formed at the SPI temperature of 1400°C consisted of domains with two symmetrical orientations: , and , . A bicrystal with a ZnO/YSZ/ZnO/YSZ/ZnO internal film was formed at the temperature of 1200°C. There was no mixing of ZnO and YSZ films and no traces of any solid-phase reactions were observed. Grains in all internal ZnO films and ZnO films grown on the bicrystal substrates had numerous stacking faults. It was found that SPI does not influence the density and structure of these defects. Orientational relationships between YSZ and ZnO in all samples were determined. The ZnO films grown on (1 1 0)/90° bicrystal substrates inherited the grain boundary (GB) from the substrate. Its structure and geometry is determined by four variants of ZnO grain growth.     

A BODIPY-based highly emissive dye with thiophene-based branch harvesting the light

ABSTRACT

A novel BODIPY-based dye with highly emissive character was configured by Sonogashira coupling and routinely characterized by NMR and MS technology. The emission of dye was investigated in solution/film/solid and shows intensive emission. In solution, the emission peak appeared around 510 nm with little influence by the polar environment. The terthiophene plays an effective antenna effect, harvesting the light and transferring the energy to BODIPY. The pseudo Stoke's shift enlarged to ～170 nm in solution. In film, the emission peak shifted to 563 nm in polycarbonate matrix. And it shifted further to 585 nm in solid due to the highly twisted structure, which avoided closely regular-tight packing. The dye rendered an intense fluorescence, good optothermal stability, and high fluorescence quantum yield (0.55). The solid emission showed highly red emission with Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (X = 0.69, Y = 0.31). Thus, the synthesized dye is idea candidate for emitting materials.     

Pressure Dependence of C–V Curve for Ferroelectric PbTiO3 Thin Films Prepared by RF Multi-target Magnetron Sputtering

Lead titanate thin films were prepared in-situ by RF magnetron sputtering method in the substrate temperature region of 550 °C ˜ 650 °C using Ti and Pb metal targets and oxygen gas. The films deposited at 650 °C for 60 min – when the applied power to the Ti and Pb target and deposition pressure were 200 W, 40 W, and 1.8 × 10⁻² Torr, respectively — had stoichiometric composition ratio and shown X-ray diffraction patterns of tetragonal structure like that of the powder. For the application to the piezoelectric field effect transistor (PI-FET), the substrate of SiO₂ (50 nm)/p-Si(100) was used. Leakage current density of the thin film was 7 × 10⁻⁸ A/cm² at 100 kV/cm, dielectric breakdown voltage was 1.8 MV/cm, and so it showed high insulator characteristics. Capacitance-voltage curve was measured as a function of pressure. The variation width of the capacitance was 6.5 pF at bias voltage of –4 volts, and the value increased linearly according to the pressure up to about 6 kgf/cm², and was saturated at the pressure of 8 kgf/cm².     

Transmission electron microscopy observation of GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As T-shaped quantum well structure fabricated by glancing angle molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs(100) reverse-mesa etched substrates

GaAs/Al_0.3Ga_0.7As multi-layer structures were grown on GaAs (100) reverse-mesa etched substrates by glancing angle molecular beam epitaxy (GA-MBE). A(111)B facet was formed as a side-facet. Surface migration of Ga and Al atoms from the (100) flat region to the (111)B side-facet region has been investigated to fabricate T-shaped GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells (QWs) under the condition that Ga and Al atoms impinge only an the (100) flat region and do not impinge on the (111)B side-facet. Observation of T-shaped GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wires (QWRs) by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that there is no migration of Al atoms from the (100) to the (111)B facet region at a substrate temperature (T_s) as high as 630°C, under a V/III ratio of 28 (in pressure ratio). On the other hand, very thin GaAs epitaxial layers grown on the (111)B side-facet region owing to the Ga migration were observed for substrate temperatures of 600 and 630°C. It was found that the mass flow of Ga atoms from the (100) region to the (111)B side-facet region increases, with the thermal activation energy of 2.0 eV, as the substrate temperature increases from 570 to 630°C. The GA-MBE growth on a reverse-mesa etched GaAs substrate at a low temperature 570°C or lower is desirable to fabricate a nm-scale GaAs/AlGaAs QWR structure with nm-scale precision.     

Resistance and Current Density Studies on Plasma Sprayed Coatings of Bi(Pb)?Ca?Sr?Cu?O Superconducting Materials

Plasma spraying is a potential technique for forming flexible tapes from brittle high T_c oxides. It is possible to obtain superconducting Bi(Pb) Ca Sr Cu O coating by suitable heat treatment schedule after spraying. In an effort to get maximum transport current densities (J_c) of the coating, the content of lead and sintering time have been optimised. A J_c value of 200 Amp/cm² is obtained in Bi_1.4Pb_0.6 · Ca₂Sr_1.9Cu₃O_y specimen coated on silver sprayed Fe[(Ag)/Fe] substrate. Remarkable improvement in J_c values up to 694 Amp/cm² is obtained in the same specimen coated on Ca₂Sr_1.9Cu₃O_y sprayed Fe[Ca₂Sr_1.9Cu₃O_y)/Fe] substrate. The observed decrease in J_c(B) curves with increase in magnetic field shows the presence of weak coupling between the grains.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a Novel Silver Sulfonate Involving Ag–C Interactions

Abstract  A new coordination polymer [Ag(C₆H₅NHC₆H₄SO₃)] (1) was synthesized by the reaction of sodium diphenylamine sulfonate, [C₆H₅NHC₆H₄SO₃Na] (NaL, L = C₆H₅NHC₆H₄SO₃⁻) and silver nitrate and its structure was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystals are triclinic Pī space group with cell parameters a = 5.640(1) ?, b = 10.711(2) ? and c = 10.737(2) ?, α = 117.70(1)°, β = 90.95(1)°, γ = 94.51(1)°, V = 571.5 (4) ?³, and Z = 2. The X-ray analysis shows that each silver cation is 4-coordinated by three oxygen atoms and one phenyl ring carbon atom. Silver cations are bridged by sulfonate groups to form an 8-membered closed ribbon structure, each ribbon is connected to the two neighboring ribbons through the organometallic bonds between the phenyl carbon atoms and the silver ions of the neighboring ribbons to form two-dimensional layer. Index Abstract  Reaction of sodium diphenylamine sulfonate, [C₆H₅NHC₆H₄SO₃Na] (NaL, L = C₆H₅NHC₆H₄SO₃⁻), with silver nitrate affords a novel silver sulfonate, [Ag(C₆H₅NHC₆H₄SO₃)] (1) involving Ag–C interactions.