Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports最新文献

The lack of high-performance p-type semiconducting materials hinders the integration of complementary metal-oxide semiconductors with well-established n-type metal-oxide counterparts. Although tin halide perovskites are promising p-type material candidates, their practical implementation is hindered by excessive hole concentrations and difficulties in precisely controlling crystallization, which leads to poor device performance and yield. In this paper, we propose a formate pseudohalide engineering method to overcome these issues and demonstrate high-performance tin perovskite thin-film transistors (TFTs). The incorporation of formate anion greatly suppresses the vacancy defects at the surfaces of the perovskite films with an increase in crystallinity and grain size. This reduces the hole concentration and eliminates the dependence on the addition of excessive tin fluoride for hole suppression. Hence, high-performance TFTs with a high average field-effect hole mobility of 57.34 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and on/off current ratios surpassing 10⁸ can be achieved, approaching p-channel low-temperature polysilicon devices.

Recombination layers are crucial in achieving high power conversion efficiency (PCE) in tandem solar cells. Here, we report the development and optimization of recombination junctions for high PCE perovskite-organic tandem solar cells (PO-TSCs). We choose a wide bandgap perovskite (1.79 eV) for the front subcell and a narrow bandgap (1.36 eV) organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) for the rear subcell. The optimal thicknesses of the perovskite and organic layers were determined to be 260 and 100 nm, respectively, based on the analysis of Transfer-Matrix optical simulations. Our results demonstrate that the optimal recombination layer consists of an ultrathin layer of indium zinc oxide IZO (∼ 2 nm) deposited on MoO_x/2PACz, which delivers a PCE of 23.6 %. This high PCE is attributed to the high transparency of the recombination layer in the NIR spectra region and the low sheet resistance of IZO. Furthermore, we provide a theoretical analysis of the potential efficiency of PO-TSCs as a function of front and rear subcells and predict a maximum theoretical PCE value of more than 36 %. Our work highlights the importance of selecting the proper recombination layer design for achieving high-performance PO-TSCs.

Since Niels Ryberg Finsen won the Nobel Prize 120 years ago for his invention of ultraviolet (UV)-based phototherapy for skin tuberculosis (lupus vulgaris), UV has made great strides, benefit from its powerful sterilization function in the face of the global novel coronavirus epidemic more than 100 years later. Nevertheless, the development of high-efficiency UV materials and devices has encountered tremendous challenges and lags behind comparable visible light-emitting products. Due to the diversity of UV luminescent materials, the field of chemistry is still incomplete, which means that much fundamental knowledge remains to be discovered. In the early days of the exploration of UV photoluminescent materials, rare earth or main group metal ion-activated phosphors are one of the main candidates because of their simple synthesis methods. Recently, carbon dot-based nanomaterials as well as perovskite nanocrystals have been shown to achieve narrow band and high quantum yield. In this review, we systematically review aspects covering the development history, design principles, classification and applications of all promising UV photoluminescent materials, which may inspire researchers to explore the great potential of the UV region.

Ferroelectricity in Hf_1-xZr_xO₂ (HZO) thin films has garnered significant attention for advanced memory devices. However, the challenge in understanding nanoscale polymorphism and the absence of non-centrosymmetric crystallization techniques compatible with back-end-of-line processes have restricted its broader application to various types of information storage systems. In this study, we report a novel method to generate the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase (o-phase) in HZO films via photon-assisted non-centrosymmetric crystallization. As-prepared HZO films (8 nm) prepare by atomic layer deposition underwent thermal annealing and subsequent deep ultraviolet (DUV) irradiation. The DUV treatment successfully triggered ferroelectricity in HZO films annealed at 300 °C. Moreover, the same post-treatment applied to HZO films annealed at 400 °C led to a further enhanced polarization up to 29.2 μC cm⁻² under high bipolar triangular pulses and outstanding reliability for up to 10⁶ bias stress cycles. Finally, based on in-depth microscopic and structural analyses, we proposed the mechanism on the symmetry-breaking phase transformation to the o-phase HZO with advanced ferroelectricity via oxygen vacancy-driven lattice rearrangement.

In the flourishing field of materials science and engineering, ionic liquids (ILs) stand out for their advantageous features, unique tunable properties, and environmentally friendly attributes, making them ideal candidates for various applications. However, the enormous diversity of ILs presents a challenge that has traditionally been addressed through extensive experimental work. In this study, a computational approach that combines robust molecular modeling and advanced ensemble deep learning is employed. This proof-of-concept approach allows for the simultaneous prediction of multiple properties of ILs, thereby enabling a simplified pathway to eco-efficient inverse solvent design. Based on an extensive dataset from ILThermo with 73,847 data points of 2917 ILs from 1213 references and using insightful molecular features derived from COSMO-RS, 8 machine learning algorithms were used to predict various physical properties of ILs. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have been proven to be the optimal choice based on the results obtained. The ANN model was carefully tuned, resulting in an ensemble model with a total of 11,241 parameters that exhibited remarkable predictive ability with R² values of 0.993, 0.907, 0.931, and 0.875 for density, viscosity, surface tension, and melting temperature, respectively. A remarkable feature of this study is the extensive screening of 303,880 ILs obtained by combining all possible pairs from a set of 1070 cations and 284 anions (1070×284). This demonstrates a pragmatic approach to identifying different property profiles that significantly narrow the spectrum for experimental validation. Based on the screening, an open-source “Inverse Designer Tool” was developed as an advanced database filter to explore ILs based on user-defined criteria, facilitating the identification of promising IL candidates for specific applications. The results presented here open a door for a new approach to the exploration and application of ILs and catalyze their integration in various industrial fields as potential environmentally friendly solvents.

We conducted a comprehensive literature review of LiFePO₄ (LFP) and LiMn_xFe_1-xPO₄ (x=0.1–1) (LMFP)-based lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), focusing mostly on electric vehicles (EVs) as a primary application of LIBs. Although numerous individual research studies exist, a unified and coordinated review covering the subject from mine to chassis has not yet been presented. Accordingly, our review encompasses the entire LIB development process. I) Initial resources, including lithium, iron, manganese, and phosphorous; their global reserves; mining procedures; and the demand for LIB production. II) The main Fe- and Mn-containing precursors, Fe⁰, Fe_xO_y, FePO₄, FeSO₄, and MnSO₄, focusing on their preparation methods, use in LIBs, and their effect on the electrochemical performance of the final active cathode materials. III) Use of the precursors in the synthesis of active cathode materials and pioneering synthesis methods for olivine production lines, particularly hydrothermal liquid-state synthesis, molten-state synthesis, and solid-state synthesis. IV) Electrode engineering and the design and optimization of electrolytes. V) Production of cells, modules, and packs. (VI) Highlights of the challenges associated with the widespread utilization of olivines in LIBs, emphasizing their safety, cost, energy efficiency, and carbon emissions. In conclusion, our review offers a comprehensive overview of the entire process involved in the fabrication of LFP/LMFP-based LIBs, from the initial elements in the mine to the assembly of the final packs that power EVs.

Bioceramics such as hydroxyapatite, bioglass, and magnesium-calcium-phosphate combinations are extensively used for bone tissue regeneration. Although hydroxyapatite possesses inherent osteoconductive capacity that stimulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, it lacks the ability for the induction of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis plays a very crucial role in bone tissue regeneration by delivering oxygen, nutrients, and progenitor cells to the site of injury and is essential for bone defect repair and regeneration. Some bioceramics like bioglass, and magnesium whitlockite display angiogenic properties. Metal doping of the above-mentioned bioceramics has been shown to accelerate the osteogenic and angiogenic potential of the biomaterial in in vivo and in vitro studies. The coupling of osteogenesis and angiogenesis has proven to be of great benefit in tissue engineering for enhanced healing of damaged bone tissue. This review gives a brief explanation of the available types of bioceramics and the metal ions doped onto them to achieve enhanced and coupled osteogenesis and angiogenesis.

Alginate, a polymer mainly derived from seaweed, has garnered significant attention owing to its renewability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and exceptional gel formation characteristics, rendering it highly versatile for numerous applications. Recognizing the imperative for tailored bulk materials, this review scrutinizes the processing methodologies of alginate-based bulk materials and delineates strategies to improve their properties, encompassing ionic crosslinking, plasticization, and hybridization with other polymers and/or fillers. It explores noteworthy alginate-based blends with natural polymers like polysaccharides and proteins, alongside fossil-based polymers like poly(vinyl alcohol). It also examines alginate-based composites incorporating various nanofillers such as cellulose nanoparticles, graphene, and nanoclays. The processing techniques for these multiphase alginate-based systems encompass solution casting, coating, spinning, 3D printing, and thermomechanical processing. Strategies for crosslinking alginate, plasticizing it, and optimizing its interactions with other polymers/fillers are outlined, bearing repercussions on the resultant materials properties. This review emphasizes the structure–process–property relationships of these multiphase systems in bulk and highlights synergistic effects and potential impediments to property improvements. It surveys prospective applications for alginate-based multiphasic bulk materials, spanning membrane separation, controlled release, wound healing, tissue engineering, food packaging, and agricultural domains. Finally in this field, knowledge gaps have been identified and future research directions are suggested.

Since the last century, the abundance of MXenes, two-dimensional (2D) transition-metallic carbides/nitrides isolated from multilayer MAX states, has gained considerable attention in the research of 2D transitional metallic borides. Researchers originally described a novel class of 2D transition metallic borides as MXene precursors in 2017 and gave these the fast moniker MBenes. MBenes have garnered significant attention in the fields of nanotechnology, physical science, and chemistry during the last five years. MBenes have a potential prospect, because they possess numerous appealing features and are being extensively explored for energy conservation and electrocatalysis purposes. However, the research study of MBene is still in its initial phases, presenting numerous predicted characteristics and impacts that have yet to be examined. Similarly, the computational predictions and primary experimental efforts reveal the extensive chemistry, exceptional reactions, substantial mechanical properties, high electrical conductance, transitional features, and potential for energy capturing of these materials. MBenes have a higher range of structural complexity in comparison to MXenes, since they possess various crystallography configurations, polymorphism, and undergo structural transitions. These characteristics complicate the process of synthesizing and separating them into single flakes. This review initially provides a comprehensive overview of MBenes, describing them as a collection of 2D transition metallic borides, that have sandwich-like structures formed from multilayer MAB phases. Next, we discussed the advancement of synthesis techniques, characteristics, distinctive properties, morphology, and potential applications of MBenes for energy conservation and electrocatalysis processes. The continuous challenges with performing experimental synthesis and making computational predictions were thoroughly discussed, along with the potential and future possibilities of MBenes.

The ubiquitous electromagnetic interference and pollution have become a deteriorating issue with the rapid advancement of wireless communication technologies and devices. Developing enhanced microwave absorber is a feasible and persistent research hotspot to counter serious electromagnetic radiation problems. To this end, state-of-the-art low-dimensional materials, including zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and mixed-dimensional nanoarchitectures have sprung up on account of their built-in merits including the modulable crystal and electronic structures, exquisite nanoarchitectures, and quantum and dielectric confinement effects. However, the pristine low-dimensional materials perform inferior status in microwave attenuation due to the monotonous dielectric or magnetic responses, the incoordination between wavelength and nanoscale, and semi-empirical electromagnetic attenuation mechanism. Therefore, the elaborate engineering strategies in low-dimensional materials, such as architecture modification, interface engineering, defect engineering, entropy manipulation, and dielectric-magnetic synergy are motivated to contend for enhanced microwave absorption performance. This review provides the cutting-edge progresses of engineering strategies for low-dimensional microwave absorbers. Firstly, the underlying microwave attenuation mechanisms of low-dimensional microwave absorbers are introduced thoroughly. Then, the leading-edge engineering strategies and low-dimensional microwave absorbers inspired by the basic principle of microwave attenuation are summarized and outlined. In the end, the challenges, and outlooks for engineering strategies in low-dimensional microwave absorbers are combed to pinpoint the long-term development orientation.