Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117864
Weibo Yang , Siqian Qu , Shaopeng Fu , Yanfei Shi , Zenghui Cao , Zhengxia Guo , Chengxiao Huang , Yifeng Lei , Jianfeng Li
Cathode interface layers fulfill a crucial function in improving the stability and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells by optimizing the ohmic contacts, energy level alignment and charge extraction. Water/alcohol-soluble conjugated polymers (WSCPs) have been widely used due to their excellent photovoltaic properties and unique solubility. However, their relatively low conductivity severely limits their further development. To solve this problem, a novel polymer PQA-FN, which is soluble in methanol solution, was synthesized based on the electron-deficient group quinacridone (QA) and the fluorene unit possessing a polar side chain. Introducing it into the classical OSCs system (PTB7-Th: PC71BM) as a cathode interfacial material significantly improves the charge extraction and elevates the short-circuit current density (JSC) and the fill factor (FF), resulting in devices with a PCE reaching 8.69 %. Meanwhile, PQA-FN exhibits self-doping properties that effectively reduce the cathode work function and suppress dark current leakage. This study provides valuable insights into developing high-performance WSCPs as efficient CILs for OSCs applications.
{"title":"Self-doped quinacridone-fluorene alcohol-soluble conjugated polymer as an efficient cathode interlayer for organic solar cells","authors":"Weibo Yang , Siqian Qu , Shaopeng Fu , Yanfei Shi , Zenghui Cao , Zhengxia Guo , Chengxiao Huang , Yifeng Lei , Jianfeng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117864","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117864","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cathode interface layers fulfill a crucial function in improving the stability and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells by optimizing the ohmic contacts, energy level alignment and charge extraction. Water/alcohol-soluble conjugated polymers (WSCPs) have been widely used due to their excellent photovoltaic properties and unique solubility. However, their relatively low conductivity severely limits their further development. To solve this problem, a novel polymer PQA-FN, which is soluble in methanol solution, was synthesized based on the electron-deficient group quinacridone (QA) and the fluorene unit possessing a polar side chain. Introducing it into the classical OSCs system (PTB7-Th: PC<sub>71</sub>BM) as a cathode interfacial material significantly improves the charge extraction and elevates the short-circuit current density (<em>J</em><sub>SC</sub>) and the fill factor (FF), resulting in devices with a PCE reaching 8.69 %. Meanwhile, PQA-FN exhibits self-doping properties that effectively reduce the cathode work function and suppress dark current leakage. This study provides valuable insights into developing high-performance WSCPs as efficient CILs for OSCs applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19564,"journal":{"name":"Optical Materials","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 117864"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117881
Jeonghun Yang , Kwang-Mo Kang , Young-Hun Kim , Jihun Kim , Yoon-Chae Nah , Dong Hun Kim
This study investigates the structural and electrochromic properties of sputter-deposited, post-annealed NiWO4 thin films for electrochromic smart window applications. At room temperature, the as-deposited film exhibited a columnar structure, which became denser upon annealing. Annealing up to 400 °C led to grain growth and pore formation, which enhanced electrochromic properties of the film; however, functionality declined with annealing beyond 400 °C. Optimally annealed NiWO4 films exhibited an exceptional transmittance modulation of 94 % at 550 nm and cyclic stability in the KOH electrolyte, outperforming conventional anodic electrochromic NiO films. Moreover, these films remained highly transparent in their as-prepared state, eliminating the need for preprocessing. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed reversible Ni2+/Ni3+ redox reactions during OH− ion insertion/extraction as the underlying electrochromic mechanism. W substitution at Ni sites during annealing generates defects enhancing the electrochromic properties. This study highlights NiWO4 films as next-generation electrochromic materials for smart windows, adaptive displays, and energy-efficient optical devices, providing high transmittance modulation and intrinsic stability without any initial activation.
{"title":"Enhanced electrochromic performance of sputtered NiWO4 thin films by post-annealing","authors":"Jeonghun Yang , Kwang-Mo Kang , Young-Hun Kim , Jihun Kim , Yoon-Chae Nah , Dong Hun Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117881","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117881","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the structural and electrochromic properties of sputter-deposited, post-annealed NiWO<sub>4</sub> thin films for electrochromic smart window applications. At room temperature, the as-deposited film exhibited a columnar structure, which became denser upon annealing. Annealing up to 400 °C led to grain growth and pore formation, which enhanced electrochromic properties of the film; however, functionality declined with annealing beyond 400 °C. Optimally annealed NiWO<sub>4</sub> films exhibited an exceptional transmittance modulation of 94 % at 550 nm and cyclic stability in the KOH electrolyte, outperforming conventional anodic electrochromic NiO films. Moreover, these films remained highly transparent in their as-prepared state, eliminating the need for preprocessing. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed reversible Ni<sup>2+</sup>/Ni<sup>3+</sup> redox reactions during OH<sup>−</sup> ion insertion/extraction as the underlying electrochromic mechanism. W substitution at Ni sites during annealing generates defects enhancing the electrochromic properties. This study highlights NiWO<sub>4</sub> films as next-generation electrochromic materials for smart windows, adaptive displays, and energy-efficient optical devices, providing high transmittance modulation and intrinsic stability without any initial activation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19564,"journal":{"name":"Optical Materials","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 117881"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117863
Minwoo Nam
To improve the commercial viability of organic photovoltaics (OPVs), alternative hole transport layer (HTL) materials and scalable fabrication methods are required to overcome the limitations of conventional thermally evaporated metal oxides such as MoO3. Here, an efficient inverted OPV architecture employing surface-doped printable semiconducting polymer HTLs is demonstrated. A polymer film is transferred onto the active layer via water-transfer printing and subsequently p-doped at room temperature using 12-molybdophosphoric acid hydrate. This post-deposition treatment forms a spatially confined doped region, providing a stable polymer-based hole-transporting interface with improved electrical characteristics. In comparison with conventional MoO3-based counterparts, OPVs incorporating polymer HTLs exhibit superior performance and stability, resulting from reduced trap densities and suppressed interfacial recombination. The polymer HTLs also show high reproducibility and maintain performance when scaled to larger active areas. This solution-processable and vacuum-free HTL strategy provides a scalable and structurally compatible interface design platform for advanced organic and printed electronics.
{"title":"Surface-doped printable semiconducting polymer films for efficient charge extraction in scalable organic photovoltaics","authors":"Minwoo Nam","doi":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117863","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117863","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To improve the commercial viability of organic photovoltaics (OPVs), alternative hole transport layer (HTL) materials and scalable fabrication methods are required to overcome the limitations of conventional thermally evaporated metal oxides such as MoO<sub>3</sub>. Here, an efficient inverted OPV architecture employing surface-doped printable semiconducting polymer HTLs is demonstrated. A polymer film is transferred onto the active layer via water-transfer printing and subsequently p-doped at room temperature using 12-molybdophosphoric acid hydrate. This post-deposition treatment forms a spatially confined doped region, providing a stable polymer-based hole-transporting interface with improved electrical characteristics. In comparison with conventional MoO<sub>3</sub>-based counterparts, OPVs incorporating polymer HTLs exhibit superior performance and stability, resulting from reduced trap densities and suppressed interfacial recombination. The polymer HTLs also show high reproducibility and maintain performance when scaled to larger active areas. This solution-processable and vacuum-free HTL strategy provides a scalable and structurally compatible interface design platform for advanced organic and printed electronics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19564,"journal":{"name":"Optical Materials","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 117863"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117871
Wenqian Chang, Xuwu Xiang, Yan Wang, Weikang You, Haonan Xue, Yu Zhou, Jie Zhou
Inverted (p-i-n) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained popularity due to their superior operational stability compared to typical n-i-p structures, especially demonstrating significant advantages in long-term durability in practical application environments. However, non-radiative recombination losses, especially at the perovskite/electronic transport layer (ETL) interface, often lead to lower power conversion efficiency (PCE). Interface modification is an effective method for enhancing the performance of inverted PSCs. In this study, 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine (DTBP) is used to modify the upper interface of the perovskite layer, optimizing energy-level matching between the perovskite and C60 layers. The bipyridine groups passivate defects through bidentate coordination with Pb2+. Additionally, the hydrophobic tert-butyl groups around the DTBP molecules form a dense protective layer on the perovskite surface. The contact angle test shows that the water contact angle increases, significantly inhibiting the erosion of the perovskite lattice by environmental water molecules. Ultimately, a PCE of 25.3 % was achieved. In the stability test, the unpackaged device could still maintain an initial efficiency of 90 % after continuous operation for 240 h at 50 % relative humidity in air. This study achieved a simultaneous improvement in efficiency and stability through molecular interface engineering, providing a new design concept for the development of highly stable and efficient inverted PSCs.
{"title":"Interfacial bidentate passivation by a hydrophobic bipyridine molecule for boosting the performance of perovskite solar cells","authors":"Wenqian Chang, Xuwu Xiang, Yan Wang, Weikang You, Haonan Xue, Yu Zhou, Jie Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117871","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117871","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inverted (p-i-n) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained popularity due to their superior operational stability compared to typical n-i-p structures, especially demonstrating significant advantages in long-term durability in practical application environments. However, non-radiative recombination losses, especially at the perovskite/electronic transport layer (ETL) interface, often lead to lower power conversion efficiency (PCE). Interface modification is an effective method for enhancing the performance of inverted PSCs. In this study, 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine (DTBP) is used to modify the upper interface of the perovskite layer, optimizing energy-level matching between the perovskite and C<sub>60</sub> layers. The bipyridine groups passivate defects through bidentate coordination with Pb<sup>2+</sup>. Additionally, the hydrophobic <em>tert</em>-butyl groups around the DTBP molecules form a dense protective layer on the perovskite surface. The contact angle test shows that the water contact angle increases, significantly inhibiting the erosion of the perovskite lattice by environmental water molecules. Ultimately, a PCE of 25.3 % was achieved. In the stability test, the unpackaged device could still maintain an initial efficiency of 90 % after continuous operation for 240 h at 50 % relative humidity in air. This study achieved a simultaneous improvement in efficiency and stability through molecular interface engineering, providing a new design concept for the development of highly stable and efficient inverted PSCs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19564,"journal":{"name":"Optical Materials","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 117871"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117869
Miaomiao Yang , Tianpeng Jia , Xiaohui An , Jing Wang , Chunxu Han , Shuai Yang , Qingqiang Meng , Haiyang Zhang , Aiping Wu
Semiconductor photocatalysis is a sustainable approach for pollutant degradation, yet its efficiency is often limited by low carrier mobility and high electron-hole recombination rates. In this study, ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets were modified with sulfonic acid groups and coupled with Bi2MoO6 via a solvothermal method to construct a sulfonic acid-bridged g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6 heterojunction photocatalyst. The composite exhibited enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity toward tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) degradation. Spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical analyses confirmed that the sulfonic acid groups acted as molecular bridges, promoting efficient charge separation and transfer between the two semiconductors. Moreover, theoretical calculations and experimental results demonstrated that both the surface modification and heterojunction structure synergistically improved carrier dynamics. The degradation pathway and toxicity evolution of TC-HCl were also elucidated via LC-MS and predictive modeling, revealing the environmental safety of the photocatalytic process. This work explores a strategy for heterojunction photocatalysts and offers insights into water treatment.
{"title":"Sulfonic-acid-bridged 2D/2D g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6 heterojunctions for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride and toxicity assessment","authors":"Miaomiao Yang , Tianpeng Jia , Xiaohui An , Jing Wang , Chunxu Han , Shuai Yang , Qingqiang Meng , Haiyang Zhang , Aiping Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117869","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117869","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Semiconductor photocatalysis is a sustainable approach for pollutant degradation, yet its efficiency is often limited by low carrier mobility and high electron-hole recombination rates. In this study, ultrathin g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> nanosheets were modified with sulfonic acid groups and coupled with Bi<sub>2</sub>MoO<sub>6</sub> via a solvothermal method to construct a sulfonic acid-bridged g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/Bi<sub>2</sub>MoO<sub>6</sub> heterojunction photocatalyst. The composite exhibited enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity toward tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) degradation. Spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical analyses confirmed that the sulfonic acid groups acted as molecular bridges, promoting efficient charge separation and transfer between the two semiconductors. Moreover, theoretical calculations and experimental results demonstrated that both the surface modification and heterojunction structure synergistically improved carrier dynamics. The degradation pathway and toxicity evolution of TC-HCl were also elucidated via LC-MS and predictive modeling, revealing the environmental safety of the photocatalytic process. This work explores a strategy for heterojunction photocatalysts and offers insights into water treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19564,"journal":{"name":"Optical Materials","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 117869"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117868
S. Gálvez-Barbosa , Ana K. Barajas , Luis A. González , Luis A. Bretado , Mayra L. Melgoza-Ramírez
This study presents a novel green synthesis of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) using an aqueous extract of Taraxacum officinale as a phytochemical-rich reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized NPs were evaluated as photocatalysts for the degradation of crystal violet (CV) under natural sunlight, and the phytotoxicity of the treated water was assessed to demonstrate its environmental safety and potential for reuse. ZnFe2O4 NPs were synthesized using extract concentrations of 0.015, 0.020, and 0.030 g/ml, followed by calcination at 500 °C for 2 h. Phytochemicals from the plant extract involved in NP formation were identified using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, and phytochemical analysis. FT-IR and XRD analyses confirmed the formation of a single-phase ZnFe2O4 spinel structure, while FE-SEM and HR-TEM revealed predominantly icosahedral NPs with sizes ranging from 10 to 12 nm. The optical bandgap and various optical parameters were determined. Under natural sunlight, the ZnFe2O4 NPs exhibited efficient photocatalytic degradation of CV (91.5 % for the 0.030 g/ml sample) with excellent morphological and structural stability after three reuse cycles. Radical scavenger tests identified ·OH and ·O2− as the main reactive species involved in the photocatalytic degradation of CV. Phytotoxicity assays showed that, compared with untreated water, the treated water enhanced seed germination (88.8 %) and root growth (1.59 cm), demonstrating its low toxicity and potential for sustainable water reuse.
{"title":"Green synthesis of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles using Taraxacum officinale extract for photocatalysis and seed germination in treated water","authors":"S. Gálvez-Barbosa , Ana K. Barajas , Luis A. González , Luis A. Bretado , Mayra L. Melgoza-Ramírez","doi":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117868","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117868","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a novel green synthesis of ZnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles (NPs) using an aqueous extract of <em>Taraxacum officinale</em> as a phytochemical-rich reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized NPs were evaluated as photocatalysts for the degradation of crystal violet (CV) under natural sunlight, and the phytotoxicity of the treated water was assessed to demonstrate its environmental safety and potential for reuse. ZnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs were synthesized using extract concentrations of 0.015, 0.020, and 0.030 g/ml, followed by calcination at 500 °C for 2 h. Phytochemicals from the plant extract involved in NP formation were identified using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, and phytochemical analysis. FT-IR and XRD analyses confirmed the formation of a single-phase ZnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> spinel structure, while FE-SEM and HR-TEM revealed predominantly icosahedral NPs with sizes ranging from 10 to 12 nm. The optical bandgap and various optical parameters were determined. Under natural sunlight, the ZnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs exhibited efficient photocatalytic degradation of CV (91.5 % for the 0.030 g/ml sample) with excellent morphological and structural stability after three reuse cycles. Radical scavenger tests identified ·OH and ·O<sub>2</sub><sup>−</sup> as the main reactive species involved in the photocatalytic degradation of CV. Phytotoxicity assays showed that, compared with untreated water, the treated water enhanced seed germination (88.8 %) and root growth (1.59 cm), demonstrating its low toxicity and potential for sustainable water reuse.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19564,"journal":{"name":"Optical Materials","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 117868"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In this investigation, CeMgO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple co-precipitation technique, wherein the magnesium concentration was systematically varied to modify the optical and electrical properties of the material. This precise compositional engineering induced significant modifications in the structural, optical, and electrical characteristics of CeMgO2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a well-defined hexagonal crystal structure, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a finely textured surface morphology with uniform particle distribution. Optical characterization using UV–Vis spectrophotometry demonstrated a substantial enhancement in transmittance, increasing from 89 % to 98 %, accompanied by a corresponding decrease in reflectance and absorbance. Additionally, the optical bandgap (Eg) exhibited a notable changing from 3.57 eV to 3.86 eV, while the Urbach energy (EU) decreased from 0.25 eV to 0.11 eV with increasing Mg concentration, indicating improved crystallinity and reduced structural disorder. Leveraging these optimized properties, CeMgO2 was integrated as the electron transport layer (ETL), and BaSi2 was employed as the hole transport layer (HTL) in the design of a CeMgO2/MAFASnBrI3/BaSi2 proposed solar cell. The device exhibited efficient photon-to-electron conversion within the spectral range of 324–1100 nm. Through systematic device optimization, the proposed structure achieved a efficiency of 28.29 %, highlighting the auspicious potential of these materials in advancing high-performance photovoltaic technologies. Overall, this study establishes a robust synthesis structure property relationship for CeMgO2 and highlights its applicability as a next-generation ETL, thereby concrete the way for efficient, scalable, and cost-effective solar energy solutions.
{"title":"High-efficiency solar cells enabled by CeMgO2 nanoparticles in a CeMgO2/MAFASnBrI3/BaSi2 architecture","authors":"Raushan Kumar , Alisha Priya , Ganesh L. Agawane , Vikash Kumar , Baruna Kumar Turuk","doi":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117862","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117862","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this investigation, CeMgO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple co-precipitation technique, wherein the magnesium concentration was systematically varied to modify the optical and electrical properties of the material. This precise compositional engineering induced significant modifications in the structural, optical, and electrical characteristics of CeMgO<sub>2</sub>. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a well-defined hexagonal crystal structure, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a finely textured surface morphology with uniform particle distribution. Optical characterization using UV–Vis spectrophotometry demonstrated a substantial enhancement in transmittance, increasing from 89 % to 98 %, accompanied by a corresponding decrease in reflectance and absorbance. Additionally, the optical bandgap (E<sub>g</sub>) exhibited a notable changing from 3.57 eV to 3.86 eV, while the Urbach energy (E<sub>U</sub>) decreased from 0.25 eV to 0.11 eV with increasing Mg concentration, indicating improved crystallinity and reduced structural disorder. Leveraging these optimized properties, CeMgO<sub>2</sub> was integrated as the electron transport layer (ETL), and BaSi<sub>2</sub> was employed as the hole transport layer (HTL) in the design of a CeMgO<sub>2</sub>/MAFASnBrI<sub>3</sub>/BaSi<sub>2</sub> proposed solar cell. The device exhibited efficient photon-to-electron conversion within the spectral range of 324–1100 nm. Through systematic device optimization, the proposed structure achieved a efficiency of 28.29 %, highlighting the auspicious potential of these materials in advancing high-performance photovoltaic technologies. Overall, this study establishes a robust synthesis structure property relationship for CeMgO<sub>2</sub> and highlights its applicability as a next-generation ETL, thereby concrete the way for efficient, scalable, and cost-effective solar energy solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19564,"journal":{"name":"Optical Materials","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 117862"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In this study, we report for the first time the application of MnCo2O4 as a photocatalyst for Rhodamine B (RhB) removal under visible light irradiation. MnCo2O4 was synthesized via a co-precipitation method followed by calcination at 900 °C, yielding a crystalline spinel phase. The material was comprehensively characterized using XRD, SEM-EDS, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), PL, dielectric spectroscopy, and valence band analysis to elucidate its structural, optical, electronic, and dielectric properties. The catalyst exhibited a pure spinel structure, a direct band gap of 1.92 eV, and favourable optoelectronic features enabling effective charge carrier separation. Photocatalytic tests revealed a degradation efficiency of 73.32 % within 90 min with a rate constant of 0.01335 min−1, nearly 18.5 times higher than photolysis. The catalyst also demonstrated good stability and reusability over six cycles. Scavenger tests identified hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and photogenerated holes (h+) as the main reactive species, with superoxide radicals (•O2−) playing a secondary role. A plausible degradation mechanism was proposed based on these findings, confirming the potential of MnCo2O4 as an efficient and recyclable photocatalyst for wastewater treatment.
{"title":"MnCo2O4 spinel: a novel visible light photocatalyst for efficient removing Rhodamine B","authors":"Khaled Derkaoui , Mohamed Mehdi Kaci , Ismail Bencherifa , Amal Elfiad , Ilyas Belkhettab , Khadidja Boukhouidem , Yamina Mebdoua , Toufik Hadjersi , Imane Akkari , Mohamed Kechouane , Mohamed Trari","doi":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117861","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117861","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, we report for the first time the application of MnCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> as a photocatalyst for Rhodamine B (RhB) removal under visible light irradiation. MnCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> was synthesized via a co-precipitation method followed by calcination at 900 °C, yielding a crystalline spinel phase. The material was comprehensively characterized using XRD, SEM-EDS, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), PL, dielectric spectroscopy, and valence band analysis to elucidate its structural, optical, electronic, and dielectric properties. The catalyst exhibited a pure spinel structure, a direct band gap of 1.92 eV, and favourable optoelectronic features enabling effective charge carrier separation. Photocatalytic tests revealed a degradation efficiency of 73.32 % within 90 min with a rate constant of 0.01335 min<sup>−1</sup>, nearly 18.5 times higher than photolysis. The catalyst also demonstrated good stability and reusability over six cycles. Scavenger tests identified hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and photogenerated holes (h<sup>+</sup>) as the main reactive species, with superoxide radicals (•O<sub>2</sub><sup>−</sup>) playing a secondary role. A plausible degradation mechanism was proposed based on these findings, confirming the potential of MnCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> as an efficient and recyclable photocatalyst for wastewater treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19564,"journal":{"name":"Optical Materials","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 117861"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
We report a copper-redox-mediated thermodynamic inversion in the viscosity-temperature (η-T) behavior of alkali borosilicate glasses, governed by the stoichiometric alkali/borate ratio (RNa2O/B2O3 molar ratio). Integrated high-temperature viscometry (1000–1600 °C) and multiscale structural spectroscopy across R = 0.11–0.42 establish that the Avramov-Milchev (AM) equation surpasses conventional models (VFT, AG) with minimal glass transition temperature (Tg) deviation (ΔT = 30.4 °C). Crucially, the presence of copper dopants (at 0.5 mol%) is associated with an accentuated dual-regime kinetic competition: Below 900 °C, R-driven [BO3]→[BO4] conversion (+8.2 % tetrahedral boron, quantified via Raman) elevates viscosity by 1.5 orders through enhanced B–O–Si cross-linking. Above 900 °C, thermally activated silicate fragmentation (Q3→Q2 transition: −11.8 %) reduces activation energy by 28 % and characteristic temperatures by 144–378 °C. This inversion demarcates a fundamental thermodynamic threshold (ΔG{Si–O}<0), revealing design principles for polarizing glass processing via configurational entropy engineering.
{"title":"Copper-redox mediated thermodynamic inversion in borosilicate glass viscosity: decoupling competing network polymerization/fragmentation via alkali-borate stoichiometry","authors":"Dongmei Wu , Donghua Wu , Huayue Liang , Jinyang Feng , Xiujian Zhao , Liang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117877","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117877","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We report a copper-redox-mediated thermodynamic inversion in the viscosity-temperature (η-T) behavior of alkali borosilicate glasses, governed by the stoichiometric alkali/borate ratio (R<img>Na<sub>2</sub>O/B<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> molar ratio). Integrated high-temperature viscometry (1000–1600 °C) and multiscale structural spectroscopy across R = 0.11–0.42 establish that the Avramov-Milchev (AM) equation surpasses conventional models (VFT, AG) with minimal glass transition temperature (Tg) deviation (ΔT = 30.4 °C). Crucially, the presence of copper dopants (at 0.5 mol%) is associated with an accentuated dual-regime kinetic competition: Below 900 °C, R-driven [BO<sub>3</sub>]→[BO<sub>4</sub>] conversion (+8.2 % tetrahedral boron, quantified via Raman) elevates viscosity by 1.5 orders through enhanced B–O–Si cross-linking. Above 900 °C, thermally activated silicate fragmentation (Q<sup>3</sup>→Q<sup>2</sup> transition: −11.8 %) reduces activation energy by 28 % and characteristic temperatures by 144–378 °C. This inversion demarcates a fundamental thermodynamic threshold (ΔG<sub>{Si</sub>–<sub>O}</sub><0), revealing design principles for polarizing glass processing via configurational entropy engineering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19564,"journal":{"name":"Optical Materials","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 117877"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117858
Hongxia Guan
A series of single-phase phosphors with Dy3+, Eu3+ ions co-doping, K5La(MoO4)4 (KLMO), were synthesized by the high-temperature solid-state method. The crystal structure and luminescent properties of these powders were systematically investigated. By adjusting the concentration of Dy3+ ions, the KLMO: Dy3+ phosphors were successfully controlled to exhibit a continuous transition from blue to cool white light to yellow light. Based on the energy transfer mechanism, the luminescent efficiency of Eu ions was significantly improved, with the energy transfer efficiency from Dy3+ to Eu3+ reaching up to 53 %. By modulating the concentration of activator ions, the emission color of the phosphor was continuously tuned from yellow to red, and warm white light emission was successfully realized. Furthermore, the prepared phosphor exhibits excellent resistance to thermal quenching (I423K/I273K = 83 %). The pc-wLED fabricated by integrating commercial 365 nm n-UV chips with KLMO: Dy3+, Eu3+ demonstrates superior luminescent performance, with a low CCT of 3686 K, and a high CRI value reaching 81.6. These results indicate that the KLMO: Dy3+, Eu3+ phosphors exhibit significant potential as single-phase luminescent materials in healthy lighting and optical anti-counterfeiting.
{"title":"A novel single-phase phosphor with tunable luminescence and high thermal stability for white LEDs and anti-counterfeiting","authors":"Hongxia Guan","doi":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117858","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.optmat.2026.117858","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A series of single-phase phosphors with Dy<sup>3+</sup>, Eu<sup>3+</sup> ions co-doping, K<sub>5</sub>La(MoO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>4</sub> (KLMO), were synthesized by the high-temperature solid-state method. The crystal structure and luminescent properties of these powders were systematically investigated. By adjusting the concentration of Dy<sup>3+</sup> ions, the KLMO: Dy<sup>3+</sup> phosphors were successfully controlled to exhibit a continuous transition from blue to cool white light to yellow light. Based on the energy transfer mechanism, the luminescent efficiency of Eu ions was significantly improved, with the energy transfer efficiency from Dy<sup>3+</sup> to Eu<sup>3+</sup> reaching up to 53 %. By modulating the concentration of activator ions, the emission color of the phosphor was continuously tuned from yellow to red, and warm white light emission was successfully realized. Furthermore, the prepared phosphor exhibits excellent resistance to thermal quenching (I<sub>423K</sub>/I<sub>273K</sub> = 83 %). The pc-wLED fabricated by integrating commercial 365 nm n-UV chips with KLMO: Dy<sup>3+</sup>, Eu<sup>3+</sup> demonstrates superior luminescent performance, with a low CCT of 3686 K, and a high CRI value reaching 81.6. These results indicate that the KLMO: Dy<sup>3+</sup>, Eu<sup>3+</sup> phosphors exhibit significant potential as single-phase luminescent materials in healthy lighting and optical anti-counterfeiting.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19564,"journal":{"name":"Optical Materials","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 117858"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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