3D Tin Research Articles

Photolithography-Free, Solution-Processable Perovskite Electrodes for High-Performance Organic Transistors.

Solution-processable electrodes are promising for next-generation electronics due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and potential for large-area fabrication. However, current solution-processable electrodes based on conductive polymers, carbon-based compounds, and metal nanowires face challenges related to stability, patterning, and production scalability. Here we introduce a novel approach using 3D tin halide perovskites (THPs) combined with a photolithography-free solution patterning technique to fabricate solution-processed electrodes. We demonstrate the preparation of highly conductive CsSnI3 films (234.9 S cm-1) and the fabrication of patterned 35 × 35 perovskite electrode arrays on a 4-in. silicon wafer. These electrodes, used as source/drain electrodes in organic transistors, resulted in devices showing high uniformity and stability. This electrode fabrication strategy is also applicable to other 3D THPs like FASnI3 and MASnI3, showcasing versatility for diverse applications. The results highlight the feasibility and advantages of using 3D THPs as solution-processable electrodes, providing a new material system for the advancement of solution-processed electronics.

Wireless flexi-sensor using narrow band quasi colloidal 3D tin telluride (SnTe) for respiratory, environment, and proximity sensing

We developed a wireless and flexible humidity sensor based on three-dimensional (3D) narrow band quasi colloidal (NBQC) tin telluride (SnTe) material. Pristine SnTe granules were exfoliated into a homogeneous quasi colloidal (HQC) solution through mechanical liquid phase exfoliation (MLPE). Resulting HQC solution had a higher surface area with randomly shaped 3D NBQC SnTe particles that increased its humidity sensing ability by rendering more active sites and irregular pathways for interaction with water molecules. Fabrication of SnTe humidity sensor included highly conductive (2.5 μΩ/cm) and precise plasma sputtered gold (Au) inter-digital electrodes (IDEs) using a shadow mask on the flexible substrate followed by coating the thin film of 3D HQC SnTe. The SnTe humidity sensor showed variance in both capacitance and impedance with changing relative humidity (%RH). Impedance response of SnTe humidity sensor was more sensitive compared to its capacitance. We adjusted the operating frequency of our humidity sensor (1, 10, and 100 kHz) to maximize sensitivity, enhance accuracy, and reduce interference. The developed humidity sensor exhibited efficient performance, including a wide operating range (5–92 %RH), high sensitivity (85.6 kΩ/%RH), consistent stability (>48 days), and a fast response/recovery time (1.7/3.2 s). The narrow band gap of SnTe enabled strong interaction with water molecules, leading to a highly sensitive impedance response to %RH. To improve its mobility, portability, and measurability, the SnTe humidity sensor was made wireless for easy integration into a variety of devices. Our 3D NBQC SnTe humidity sensor showed its potential applications in environment monitoring, health monitoring, and proximity sensing.

EXPERIMENTING TIN DATA STRUCTURE FOR REPRESENTING PLANE SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE SPATIAL OBJECTS - PRELIMINARY WORK

Abstract. Understanding and analyzing complex spatial objects involves the integration of surface, terrain, and subsurface data into 3D spatial models. However, describing and efficiently analyzing the connections between these data model is particularly challenging. This study aims to generate TIN data structure that enable the 3D representation of surface terrain subsurface integration. Furthermore, to ensure accurate representation within a unified 3D model, spatial relationships between the TIN data model could be obtained. Consequently, three – dimensional Triangular Irregular Networks (3D TIN) mesh of spatial objects representations and indexing structures were created. The integration of spatial objects, encompassing surface, terrain, and subsurface elements, is realized through a unified model. This synergy is achieved by combining the distinct 2D and 3D topology structures of each component. The resulting comprehensive model captures the intricate relationships and interactions within the spatial environment. This study provides additional insight into the representation and analysis of surface, terrain, and subsurface management in 3D spatial models. Hence, better decision making, resource management, underground utility installations, and evaluation of spatial objects will be made possible in our future work.

Metal-decorated 3D tin oxide nanotubes in a monolithic sensor array chip for room-temperature gas identification

Inadequate limit of detection at room temperature and unsatisfactory selectivity remain challenge for wide applications of the chemiresistive gas sensors. Nanostructured gas sensors ensure the desirable activation energy for the gas adsorption and chemical reactions, favorable for room-temperature parts-per-billion (ppb) level gas detection. In this work, we demonstrated a single-chip integrated gas sensor array (4 ×4 pixels) based on kinds of metal (Pt, Pd, Au, Ag) decorated 3D SnO2 nanotubes for ultrasensitive room-temperature gas-sensing. The nanostructured sensor array has a high surface area-to-volume ratio, enabling room temperature sensing with high detection response toward H2 (minimum 5 ppm), formaldehyde (minimum 50 ppb), toluene (minimum 50 ppb) and NO2 (minimum 100 ppb) with the detection accuracy within 5% range, respectively. In addition, the effect of metals decoration on the gas identification features were systematically conducted, and these specific response features can be mainly attributed to metal activation capability toward the gases, which enables demonstrating differentiable response patterns for the target gases identification employing a pattern recognition algorithm. These results demonstrate that the proposed strategy helps to provide an excellent route for the future low-power-consumption smart sensing devices design and fabrication.

Tailoring Low-Dimensional Phases for Improved Performance of 2D–3D Tin Perovskite Solar Cells

Tailoring Low-Dimensional Phases for Improved Performance of 2D–3D Tin Perovskite Solar Cells

A sequential template electrodeposition anodization and in situ aniline electropolymerization-based facile electrochemical synthesis strategy

Herein, we propose a facile continuous electrochemical synthesis strategy to build 3D hierarchical hybrid conductive networks based on sequential template electrodeposition-anodization and in-situ aniline electropolymerization. It was implemented in a tin system to prepare a 3D tin skeleton with micron-scale features using the hydrogen bubble dynamic template method, followed by electrochemical anodization to achieve nanoscale modulation. This well-designed 3D hierarchical metal oxide framework was used for the in-situ electropolymerization of aniline, preserving the hierarchical morphological features while establishing large conductive networks for ultrafast electron transport and enhancing the structural stability of tin dendrites. Regulation of the hierarchical morphologies promotes material surface reactivity, increases the electrochemically active sites, and improves the ion diffusion kinetics, thus solving the “dead surface” problem in the energy storage process. Such multifaceted synergistic strategies of structural modulation and functional hybridization have opened up new ways to design efficient binder-free hybrid electrode materials.

Fluorinated Organic A‐Cation Enabling High‐Performance Hysteresis‐Free 2D/3D Hybrid Tin Perovskite Transistors

Abstract2D tin‐based perovskites have gained considerable attention for use in diverse optoelectronic applications, such as solar cells, lasers, and thin‐film transistors (TFTs), owing to their good stability and optoelectronic properties. However, their intrinsic charge‐transport properties are limited, and the insulating bulky organic ligands hinder the achievement of high‐mobility electronics. Blending 3D counterparts into 2D perovskites to form 2D/3D hybrid structures is a synergistic approach that combine the high mobility and stability of 3D and 2D perovskites, respectively. In this study, reliable p‐channel 2D/3D tin‐based hybrid perovskite TFTs comprising 3D formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3) and 2D fluorinated 4‐fluoro‐phenethylammonium tin iodide ((4‐FPEA)2SnI4) are reported. The optimized FPEA‐incorporated TFTs show a high hole mobility of 12 cm2 V−1 s−1, an on/off current ratio of over 108, and a subthreshold swing of 0.09 V dec−1 with negligible hysteresis. This excellent p‐type characteristic is compatible with n‐type metal‐oxide TFT for constructing complementary electronics. Two procedures of antisolvent engineering and device patterning are further proposed to address the key concern of low‐performance reproducibility of perovskite TFTs. This study provides an alternative A‐cation engineering method for achieving high‐performance and reliable tin‐halide perovskite electronics.

Improved Structural Order and Exciton Delocalization in High-Member Quasi-Two-Dimensional Tin Halide Perovskite Revealed by Electroabsorption Spectroscopy

Engineering of quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) tin halide perovskite structures is a promising pathway to achieve high-performance lead-free perovskite solar cells, with recently developed devices demonstrating over 14% efficiency. Despite the significant efficiency improvement over the bulk three-dimensional (3D) tin perovskite solar cells, the precise relationship between structural engineering and electron-hole (exciton) properties is not fully understood. Here, we study exciton properties in high-member quasi-2D tin perovskite (which is dominated by large n phases) and bulk 3D tin perovskite using electroabsorption (EA) spectroscopy. By numerically extracting the changes in polarizability and dipole moment between the excited and ground states, we show that more ordered and delocalized excitons are formed in the high-member quasi-2D film. This result indicates that the high-member quasi-2D tin perovskite film consists of more ordered crystal orientations and reduced defect density, which is in agreement with the over 5-fold increase in exciton lifetime and much improved solar cell efficiency in devices. Our results provide insights on the structure-property relationship of high-performance quasi-2D tin perovskite optoelectronic devices.

Temperature-Modulated Selective Detection of Part-per-Trillion NO2 Using Platinum Nanocluster Sensitized 3D Metal Oxide Nanotube Arrays.

Semiconductor chemiresistive gas sensors play critical roles in a smart and sustainable city where a safe and healthy environment is the foundation. However, the poor limits of detection and selectivity are the two bottleneck issues limiting their broad applications. Herein, a unique sensor design with a 3D tin oxide (SnO2 ) nanotube array as the sensing layer and platinum (Pt) nanocluster decoration as the catalytic layer, is demonstrated. The Pt/SnO2 sensor significantly enhances the sensitivity and selectivity of NO2 detection by strengthening the adsorption energy and lowering the activation energy toward NO2 . It not only leads to ultrahigh sensitivity to NO2 with a record limit of detection of 107 parts per trillion, but also enables selective NO2 sensing while suppressing the responses to interfering gases. Furthermore, a wireless sensor system integrated with sensors, a microcontroller, and a Bluetooth unit is developed for the practical indoor and on-road NO2 detection applications. The rational design of the sensors and their successful demonstration pave the way for future real-time gas monitoring in smart home and smart city applications.

Developing Potential Energy Surfaces for Graphene-Based 2D–3D Interfaces From Modified High-Dimensional Neural Networks for Applications in Energy Storage

Abstract Designing a new heterostructure electrode has many challenges associated with interface engineering. Demanding simulation resources and lack of heterostructure databases continue to be a barrier to understanding the chemistry and mechanics of complex interfaces using simulations. Mixed-dimensional heterostructures composed of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) materials are undisputed next-generation materials for engineered devices due to their changeable properties. The present work computationally investigates the interface between 2D graphene and 3D tin (Sn) systems with density functional theory (DFT) method. This computationally demanding simulation data is further used to develop machine learning (ML)-based potential energy surfaces (PES). The approach to developing PES for complex interface systems in the light of limited data and the transferability of such models has been discussed. To develop PES for graphene-tin interface systems, high-dimensional neural networks (HDNN) are used that rely on atom-centered symmetry function to represent structural information. HDNN are modified to train on the total energies of the interface system rather than atomic energies. The performance of modified HDNN trained on 5789 interface structures of graphene|Sn is tested on new interfaces of the same material pair with varying levels of structural deviations from the training dataset. Root-mean-squared error (RMSE) for test interfaces fall in the range of 0.01–0.45 eV/atom, depending on the structural deviations from the reference training dataset. By avoiding incorrect decomposition of total energy into atomic energies, modified HDNN model is shown to obtain higher accuracy and transferability despite a limited dataset. Improved accuracy in the ML-based modeling approach promises cost-effective means of designing interfaces in heterostructure energy storage systems with higher cycle life and stability.

Bio-inorganic hybrid structures for direct electron transfer to photosystem I in photobioelectrodes

Synthetic materials can be combined with biological components in many ways. One example that provides scientists with multiple challenges is a photobioelectrode that converts sunlight into electrons in a biohybrid approach. In the present study several key parameters are evaluated concerning their influence on the direct electron transfer from a 3D indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode material to photosystem I (PSI) as a light-harvesting biomolecule. In contrast to previous investigations, no mediating molecule is added to shuttle the electrons to the luminal side of PSI. Thus, this setup is less complex than foregoing ones. The solution composition drastically influences the interaction of PSI with the ITO surface. Here, the application of higher buffer concentrations and the addition of salts are advantageous, whereas the nature of the buffer ions plays a minor role. The artificial electrode material's thickness is adjustable since a spin-coating procedure is used for preparation. With a 30 μm thick structure and immobilized PSI cathodic photocurrents up to 10.1 μA cm−2 are obtained at 100 mW cm−2 illumination intensity and an applied potential of −0.1V vs. Ag/AgCl. Over a period of three days the photobioelectrodes are illuminated for a total of 90 min and stored between the measurements at ambient temperature. The stability of the setup is noteworthy as still about 90% of the photocurrent is retained. The photocathode described here offers many positive features, including a high onset potential for the photocurrent starting sligthly above the redox potentail of P700, and applicability in a wide pH range from pH 5 to 8.

Phenylethylammonium-formamidinium-methylammonium quasi-2D/3D tin wide-bandgap perovskite solar cell with improved efficiency and stability

Wide bandgap (WBG) Sn perovskite solar cells (PSCs) efficiency enhancement is another sought after field and to resolve the issues related to fast crystallization, trap density and moisture induced oxidation of Sn2+ state in Sn perovskite, we endeavor the benefits of substituting hydrophobic phenylethlammonium (PEA+) cation into WBG PEAxFA0.75MA0.25-xSnI2Br through compositional engineering. We have realized that PEA+ substitution in WBG Sn perovskite led to form 2D/3D mixed perovskite and execute preferential orientation of 3D perovskite planes with controlled crystallinity. Our observation suggests that 2D perovskite phase here helps in merging the grain boundaries and reduce the rate of moisture penetration which ultimately controlled further oxidation of Sn2+. Also, the substitution of PEA+ in WBG Sn perovskite helps in modulating the band energies and aids to efficient electron injection from perovskite to transport layer. Compared to the 3D counterpart, 2D/3D perovskite exhibits slow lifetime decay (τavg = 1.25 ns), suppressed trap state density (1.7 × 1016 cm−3), improved band alignment with slower carrier recombination (τ = 1217 μs) and efficient charge extraction. As compared to FASnI2Br (PCE of 2.38%) and FA0.75MA0.25SnI2Br (PCE of 3.66%), our champion device PCE of 7.96% (Certified PCE of 7.84%) with Jsc of 16.89 mA·cm−2, Voc of 0.67 V and FF of 70.36% was achieved for PEA0.15FA0.75MA0.10SnI2Br, which is the highest PCE till date with compositional engineering strategy. The device kept under N2 atmosphere retained nearly original PCE after almost 1500 hrs and air stability of 300 hrs without encapsulation, indicating excellent stability.

3D Flower-like Tin Monosulfide/Carbon Nanocomposite Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

The nanostructured tin monosulfide/carbon composites were synthesized by a simple wet chemical synthesis approach. It was revealed that the 3D flower-like tin monosulfide nanoparticles are usable as an active anode material for sodium-ion batteries, exhibiting a specific capacity of 480.4 mAh/g. The 3D flower-like tin monosulfide nanoparticles were wrapped with reduced graphene oxide sheets by a solvothermal heterogeneous synthetic method. By incorporating the reduced graphene oxide sheets as a mechanically flexible and electrically conductive additive, a specific capacity of 633.2 mAh/g was obtained from tin monosulfide/carbon nanocomposite anodes, providing an excellent rate capability even at a high current density condition of 5000 mA/g.

Fully Printed 3D Tin Selenide (SnSe) Thermoelectric Generators with Alternating n-type and p-type Legs

Fully Printed 3D Tin Selenide (SnSe) Thermoelectric Generators with Alternating n-type and p-type Legs

A Review of Three-Dimensional Tin Halide Perovskites as Solar Cell Materials

Thin film solar cell materials such as 3D metal halide perovskites are cheaper alternatives to silicon. Presently, the conversion efficiency of 3D lead halide perovskites is 25.5% (2021), which represents an increase of more than 550% since their discovery in 2009 (3.8%). Despite this remarkable progress, concerns about the toxicity of lead have sparked the quest for possible substitutes, in particular, 3D tin halide perovskites. This review covers the general properties of tin halide perovskites, synthesis and stability. It also identifies possible gaps and application beyond solar cells.

Phenylethylammonium-Formamidinium-Methylammonium Quasi-2d/3d Tin Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cell with Improved Efficiency and Stability

Phenylethylammonium-Formamidinium-Methylammonium Quasi-2d/3d Tin Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cell with Improved Efficiency and Stability

Electrospinning for building 3D structured photoactive biohybrid electrodes

We describe the development of biohybrid electrodes constructed via combination of electrospun (e-spun) 3D indium tin oxide (ITO) with the trimeric supercomplex photosystem I and the small electrochemically active protein cytochrome c (cyt c). The developed 3D surface of ITO has been created by electrospinning of a mixture of polyelthylene oxide (PEO) and ITO nanoparticles onto ITO glass slides followed by a subsequent elimination of PEO by sintering the composite. Whereas the photosystem I alone shows only small photocurrents at these 3D electrodes, the co-immobilization of cyt c to the e-spun 3D ITO results in well-defined photoelectrochemical signals.The scaling of thickness of the 3D ITO layers by controlling the time (10 min and 60 min) of electrospinning results in enhancement of the photocurrent. Several performance parameters of the electrode have been analyzed for different illumination intensities.

Field‐Effect Transistors Based on Formamidinium Tin Triiodide Perovskite

AbstractTo date, there are no reports of 3D tin perovskite being used as a semiconducting channel in field‐effect transistors (FETs). This is probably due to the large amount of trap states and high p‐doping typical of this material. Here, the first top‐gate bottom‐contact FET using formamidinium tin triiodide perovskite films is reported as a semiconducting channel. These FET devices show a hole mobility of up to 0.21 cm2 V−1 s−1, an ION/OFF ratio of 104, and a relatively small threshold voltage (VTH) of 2.8 V. Besides the device geometry, the key factor explaining this performance is the reduced doping level of the active layer. In fact, by adding a small amount of the 2D material in the 3D tin perovskite, the crystallinity of FASnI3 is enhanced, and the trap density and hole carrier density are reduced by one order of magnitude. Importantly, these transistors show enhanced parameters after 20 months of storage in a N2 atmosphere.

Continuous 3D Titanium Nitride Nanoshell Structure for Solar‐Driven Unbiased Biocatalytic CO2 Reduction

AbstractZ‐scheme‐inspired tandem photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells have received attention as a sustainable platform for solar‐driven CO2 reduction. Here, continuously 3D‐structured, electrically conductive titanium nitride nanoshells (3D TiN) for biocatalytic CO2‐to‐formate conversion in a bias‐free tandem PEC system are reported. The 3D TiN exhibits a periodically porous network with high porosity (92.1%) and conductivity (6.72 × 104 S m−1), which allows for high enzyme loading and direct electron transfer (DET) to the immobilized enzyme. It is found that the W‐containing formate dehydrogenase from Clostridium ljungdahlii (ClFDH) on the 3D TiN nanoshell is electrically activated through DET for CO2 reduction. At a low overpotential of 40 mV, the 3D TiN‐ClFDH stably converts CO2 to formate at a rate of 0.34 µmol h−1 cm−2 and a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 93.5%. Compared to a flat TiN‐ClFDH, the 3D TiN‐ClFDH shows a 58 times higher formate production rate (1.74 µmol h−1 cm−2) at 240 mV of overpotential. Lastly, a bias‐free biocatalytic tandem PEC cell that converted CO2 to formate at an average rate of 0.78 µmol h−1 and an FE of 77.3% only using solar energy and water is successfully assembled.

3D Porous Tin Created by Tuning the Redox Potential Acts as an Advanced Electrode for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted significant research interest for large-scale electric energy storage. However, anodes with good rate capability and long cycle life are still lacking. Here, a three-dimensional (3D) porous Sn on Cu foil (Sn/Cu) is prepared by tuning the redox potential of Cu+ /Cu with a ligand of thiourea to trigger the replacement reaction between Cu and Sn2+ . The as-synthesized Sn/Cu is used as an integrated porous electrode and can be directly applied as an advanced freestanding electrode for SIBs. Such a unique structure can efficiently relieve the strain caused by sodiation/desodiation and benefit penetration of the electrolyte and diffusion of Na+ . This is a merit of its large reversible capacity of about 700 mAh g-1 at 2500 mA g-1 for 400 cycles. A full battery of Sn/Cu//Na3 (VO0.5 )2 (PO4 )3 F2 is constructed, which presents a high energy density of 311.7 Wh kg-1 and long lifespan of 200 cycles. This facile synthesis strategy and good electrochemical performance will encourage more investigations into structure design of functional materials.