Electron-hole Pair Generation Research Articles

Yielding high photovoltaic conversion efficiency by Pd-decoration on Si-based interface: A density-functional theory study

There has been showing great interest in boosting the performance of III-V/Si multi-junction solar cell, which is low-cost and offering high photovoltaic conversion efficiency. Adding noble-metal nano-array at the interface between the Si and III-V materials is one of most effective ways. This theoretical work comprehensively studied the atomic structure, electronic properties, and optical response of Pd-decoration on the Si(111) surface by using density-functional theory calculations. The structural stability calculations showed that Pd atoms could exist on Si surface in many forms. The calculated differential charge density with Bader charge showed that the charge transfer between Pd and Si atoms would increase the generation of electron-hole pairs. At the same time, Pd-decoration could reduce the work function and improve the optical conductivity of Si surface. In addition, the modification of Pd atoms would create new energy levels near the Fermi level in the band gap of Si surface. These energy levels enable Si bottom cell to undergo electron inter-band transitions under weak light irradiation, improving the utilization of weak light. This work provided a micro physical explanation for the improvement of III-V/Si solar cell by using noble-metal nano-array.

The organic HTL in highly efficient germanium-alloyed CsSnI3 perovskite solar cell: a modelling and computational analysis

It is usually anticipated that perovskites will be an appealing material for extremely effective solar cells. However, its practical applications are constrained by its hazardous properties and stability. Thus, CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3, a more environmentally benign substitute for toxic lead-based perovskites, provides superior stability in solar cells. This work reports on the numerical modeling and computational analysis of a heterostructure CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3, with TiO2 and D-PBTTT-14 serving as the electron and hole transport layers, respectively. The introduction of D-PBTTT-14 as a hole transport layer was motivated by its superior stability over existing organic HTLs. Furthermore, the higher electron–hole pair generation rate and very favorable absorption coefficients of each layers manifested improved efficiency. Various parameters were examined to enhance the newly designed solar cell performance such as: thickness, defect density, doping density, coefficient of radiative recombination, defect at interface, shunt and series resistance, front and back contacts, and operating temperature. Perovskite solar cells with their current architecture have the potential to achieve a current density (Jsc) of 28.31 mA cm−2, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.24 V, a fill factor (FF) of 85.90%, and efficiency of 30.27%.

Insights into nitrogen-doped BiOBr with oxygen vacancy and carbon quantum dots photocatalysts for the degradation of sulfonamide antibiotics: Actions to promote exciton dissociation and carrier migration

The strong excitonic effect significantly influences the efficiency of electron-hole pair generation. Therefore, promoting the dissociation of excitons into free charge carriers has drawn much attention. In this study, nitrogen (N)-doped BiOBr photocatalyst (BOBNC) modified with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) was synthesized via a solvothermal method. We demonstrated through photoluminescence and photoelectrochemical techniques the synergistic effect of oxygen vacancies and CQDs, facilitating exciton dissociation and charge carrier migration, consequently significantly enhancing the electron density in the material. Compared to pure BiOBr, degradation experiments revealed that the optimized doping ratio of 0.5BOBNC with CQDs increased the rate constant for sulfamethoxazole (SIZ) by 19.89 times. Furthermore, based on quenching experiments, electron spin resonance (ESR) tests, and DFT calculations, h+, O2•− and 1O2 were identified as the primary reactive species for SIZ degradation, and a photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. Additionally, the influence of various environmental factors on the photocatalytic system was investigated. In conclusion, this work not only contributes to a profound understanding of BiOBr exciton dissociation but also presents a promising photocatalytic technique for the remediation of diverse water environments.

Lattice strain engineered reactive oxygen species generation of NaNbO3 ferroelectric

The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using ambient mechanical energy with piezoelectric materials is emerging as a promising method for producing renewable green oxidants. However, the low piezoelectricity and limited electron-hole pair separation efficiency significantly hinder its productivity. Here, non-stoichiometric Na1-xNbO3-δ perovskites with lattice strain and ferroelectric enhancement were successfully designed to boost the piezo-catalytic activity. Significantly, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide radicals (•O2-), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) were powerfully generated by the Na0.95NbO2.975 piezo-catalyst through redox reaction with rates of 362.4, 69.3, and 65.0 µmol∙g−1∙h−1, respectively, and the yield of H2O2 was approximately three times higher than that of the stoichiometric NaNbO3. The elevated piezoelectricity and polarization electric field effects induced by lattice strain could promote the generation of electron-hole pairs and drive them to separate facilely. The distribution of sodium vacancies and oxygen vacancies in the crystal lattice enhanced the diffusion of carriers for fast migration to the opposite surface of the catalyst. Furthermore, the presence of Na defects enhanced the adsorption of O2 on the Na1-xNbO3-δ surface and contributed to the catalytic generation of H2O2. This work provides a novel and effective methodology for the design of high-performance piezo-catalysts with lattice-strained engineering and broadens the strategy for improved H2O2 evolution efficiency.

Reduced Work Function in Anatase ⟨101⟩ TiO2 Films Self-Doped by O-Vacancy-Dependent Ti3+ Bonds Controlling the Photocatalytic Dye Degradation Performance.

TiO2 has the proven capability of catalytically decomposing pollutants under light illumination, thereby embracing potential applications in wastewater management. The photocatalytic dye degradation activity is largely controlled by the optical band gap that dictates the extent of electron-hole pair generation via photon absorption, and the recombination kinetics of charges. In this context, the material's work function governs how easily the charge carriers can be transferred at the dye-adsorbed photocatalytically active sites. Accordingly, nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films are grown in the anatase phase with ⟨101⟩ orientation, using RF magnetron sputtering at 200 °C. Besides studying the film's structural morphology, optical band gap, and elemental composition, the electronic properties are extensively investigated. The work function of the material was controlled by varying the O-vacancy-dependent Ti3+ bonding configuration in the network. It has been demonstrated how the photocatalytic methylene blue dye degradation activity of the nanocrystalline TiO2 films of predominantly the anatase phase improves on reducing the sputtering pressure during deposition. At a low deposition pressure of 20 mTorr, a low work function of ∼4.2 eV of the film, resulting from the formation of a Ti3+-bond through the O vacancies in the network, potentially increases its carrier lifetime and delivers the superior photocatalytic activity (∼82.7% dye degradation with a rate constant of k ∼ 0.0073 min-1) via silently facilitating fast electron transfer from the photocatalyst to the dye in the aqueous solution. The higher stoichiometric film prepared at p = 40 mTorr exhibits an inferior photocatalytic activity (∼20.4% dye degradation with a rate constant of k ∼ 0.0009 min-1), as retarded by its higher work function of ∼4.62 eV, despite retaining a relatively low band gap. Thus, without using any heterojunction or extrinsically doped photocatalyst, the dye degradation can be controlled simply by reducing the work function of nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films via controlling the O-vacancy-dependent Ti3+ bonding in its self-doped network.

Hot carrier photocurrent induced by 0.92 eV photon energy radiation in a Si solar cell

Absorption of the below-bandgap solar radiation and direct pre-thermalizational impact of a hot carrier (HC) on the operation of a single-junction solar cell are ignored by the Shockley-Queisser theory. The detrimental effect of the HC is generally accepted only via the thermalization-caused heating of the lattice. Here, the authors demonstrate experimental evidence of the HC photocurrent induced by the below-bandgap 0.92 eV photon energy radiation in an industrial silicon solar cell. The carriers are heated both through direct free-carrier absorption and by residual photon energy remaining after the electron-hole pair generation. The polarity of the HC photocurrent opposes that of the conventional generation photocurrent, indicating that the total current across the p-n junction is contingent upon the interplay between these two currents. A model of current-voltage characteristics analysis allowing us to obtain a reasonable value of the HC temperature was also proposed. This work is remarkable in two ways: first, it contributes to an understanding of HC phenomena in photovoltaic devices, and second, it prompts discussion of the HC photocurrent as a new intrinsic loss mechanism in solar cells.

Enhancement in photocatalytic and electrochemical performance of hydrothermally synthesized β-Bi2O3 via Ni incorporation

β-Bi2O3 and Ni-incorporated β-Bi2O3 nanoparticles with different Ni incorporating amounts (0, 2, and 4 at. wt. %) were successfully synthesized through a viable hydrothermal process. As-synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed by complementary analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) for structural, microstructural, compositional, and spectral properties. The photocatalytic performance of synthesized nanoparticles was assessed by subjecting them to visible light irradiation and monitoring the decomposition of rhodamine-B dye. The findings demonstrated that the inclusion of Ni(4%) in β-Bi2O3 nanoparticles significantly enhanced its photocatalytic activity compared to pristine β-Bi2O3 which is desirable for environmental remediation. This improvement may be caused by increased generation of electron-hole (e−-h+) pairs, reduced recombination rate of these pairs, enhanced absorption of visible light, and a decreased band gap energy. To evaluate the specific capacitance characteristics of synthesized electrode materials, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance analyses were conducted. The super capacitance activities of prepared electrode materials were observed in the order of Bi2O3 < Ni(2%)-Bi2O3 < Ni(4%)-Bi2O3. Notably, Ni(4%)-Bi2O3 nanocomposite exhibited higher supercapacitance, which can be attributed to the effective role of appropriate nickel incorporation in Bi2O3. These results suggested that the incorporation of Ni(4%) into β-Bi2O3 to form a nanocomposite showed greater capability as an effective electrode material for advanced energy storage devices, especially supercapacitors.

Boosting tetracycline degradation of BaTiO3-based piezo-catalysts via modulating phase boundary and band structure

Piezoelectric catalysis, which converts mechanical energy into chemical activity, has important applications in environmental remediation. However, the piezo-catalytic activity of various piezoelectric materials is limited by the weak piezoelectricity as well as the mismatched band-gap, leading to inefficient electron-hole pair generation and difficult carrier migration. Here, a simple strategy combining phase boundary and energy band structure modulation was innovatively proposed to enhance the piezo-catalytic activity of BaTiO3 ferroelectric by Ce ions selecting different doping sites. Thanks to the coexistence of tetragonal (P4mm) and orthorhombic (Amm2) phases effectively flattened the Gibbs free-energy and thus enhanced the piezoelectric activity, as well as suitable energy bandwidth facilitating the carrier migration were realized in the B-sites doped Ba(Ti0.95Ce0.05)O3. The degradation rate constant k of tetracycline (TC) was high to 30.56 × 10-3 min−1, which was 2.03 times higher than that of pure BaTiO3 and superior to most representative lead-free perovskite piezoelectric materials. Theoretical calculations validated that the charge density and high O2 and OH– adsorption energy on the Ba(Ti0.95Ce0.05)O3 surface promoted more efficient •O2– and •OH radicals conversion and bettered response to piezo-catalytic reaction. This work is important to design high-performance piezo-catalysts by synergistic regulation of phase boundary and energy band structure in perovskite materials for long-term antibiotic tetracycline removal.

Enhancing photocatalytic performance of Cu6Fe2SnS8 by N doping using magnetic grinding method

Nitrogen doped quaternary metal sulfide Cu6Fe2SnS8 (CFTS) was prepared by magnetic grinding. The mechanochemical method has the advantage of simple synthesis of non-metallic doped polymetallic sulfides, and there is no solvent involved in the reaction process, which is very environmentally friendly. Non metallic doping can form electron capture centers on semiconductors, suppress the recombination of photo generated electron hole pairs, and extend electron lifetime. Moreover, doping N element into the CFTS lattice will lead to the formation of new energy states, thereby narrowing the energy band gap. The characterizations of XPS and EDS have proven the successful doping of N element into CFTS. In addition, the photocatalytic mechanism and the stability of the N-doped CFTS (N-CFTS) were studied through active substance capture experiments and cyclic experiments. The experimental results indicate that ·O2− is the main active substance in the degradation of MB by N-CFTS. After multiple cyclic experiment, the N-CFTS catalytic material still exhibits good crystal structure and photocatalytic stability. This photocatalytic material has great potential for applications in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Substantiating the mechanisms of electronic and phonon friction in the conjugation of materials of samples (parts) by the methods of solid state physics

The article elucidates the essence of the mechanisms of electronic and phonon friction in the coupling of samples (parts) using the methods of solid state physics.&#x0D; It is shown that in the triboconjugation of samples made of metallic materials, the flow of fluctuation-electromagnetic and electron-phonon processes should be distinguished. Fluctuation-electromagnetic interactions have long-range effects, and electron-phonon interactions have short-range effects. Based on Lifshitz's fluctuation-electromagnetic theory, the force of friction in moving couplings of metal samples is substantiated, taking into account the frequency ratio in the atomic absorption spectrum and the plasma frequency. A formula for estimating the friction force was obtained, taking into account the dielectric function and the Clausius-Mossotti formula.&#x0D; The electronic friction force was estimated using the "jelly" model and the generation of electron-hole pairs in the quantum perturbation theory of solid-state physics.&#x0D; The mechanism of electronic friction was discovered based on the phenomenological theory of braking losses of slow ions in solids. The scheme of the model of the electronic friction mechanism is close to the Persson model, which connects the braking force with the electron scattering process. A refined formula for estimating the electronic friction force is proposed.&#x0D; The strength of phonon friction is justified on the basis of structural effects that can be induced by the mechanism of breaking adhesive bonds, and perturbation theory. A formula was obtained for estimating the force of phonon friction, taking into account the frequency of phonons, the inverse decay time and the function of the two-dimensional Fourier image of the force of interaction between the atoms of the conjugated surface of the triboelement.&#x0D; Cases of static and dynamic phonon friction are considered.&#x0D; Electronic and phonon frictional forces are considered at the nanolevel. The Debye low-temperature approximation and refinement of the expressions for estimating the electronic and phonon friction forces are given, taking into account the type of interatomic potential

NOx removal capacity and compressive strength of photocatalytic cementitious materials with various color properties

The photocatalytic cementitious materials (PCM) are expected to alleviate air pollution due to the direct utilization of natural solar energy. However, the color properties of cementitious materials have significant effect on the photocatalytic performance of PCM. In the present study, the colorful PCM is prepared using various colorants. The effect of color properties of cementitious materials on the NOx removal capacity of PCM is researched, and the related mechanism is analyzed by optical analysis. Furthermore, the effect of colorants on the compressive strength of PCM is studied. Results showed that the NOx removal capacity of PCM is decreased by the presence of colorants. As the 5% of black, yellow, red, and blue colorants are used, the NOx removal capacity of PCM is reduced by 73%, 48%, 21%, and 19%, respectively. Both the nano-TiO2 and cement in the PCM can absorb UV light. Colorants could enhance the UV light absorption capacity of cement, leading to a decrease in the UV light absorption of nano-TiO2, which is harmful to the generation of electron-hole pairs. Moreover, the Fe-phase in colorants could improve the surface charge separation resistance of nano-TiO2, limiting the efficiently separated electron-hole pairs. Therefore, the photocatalytic performance of PCM is weakened by the presence of colorants. The compressive strength of PCM is decreased by using colorants, but the reduction ratio at 28 d is no more than 10%, with the content of colorants within 5%. This research can guide the color design of PCM in practical applications.

Multifunctional Ce+3 doped nickel-cobalt mixed ferrites via co-precipitation method for photocatalytic and antibacterial activity

The overuse of industrial dyes and anti-bacterial drugs are destroying fresh water reservoirs and making bacteria more resistant, respectively. To sort out these problems, we have synthesized Cerium doped Nickel-Cobalt mixed ferrites (Ce-@NCMF) with chemical composition [Ni0.4Co0.6CexFe2-xO4 (where x = 0.00, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25)] via co-precipitation method. Influence of cerium doping on the structural, optical, electrical, magnetic, photocatalytic and anti-bacterial properties of Ce-@NCMF studied. Powder x-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD) confirmed the synthesis of Ce-@NCMF. Decrease of crystallite size from 29.71 to 24.95 nm was observed with increase in dopant concentration. Tauc’s plot indicated the decrease of energy bandgap from 2.10 to 1.89 eV with increase in dopant concentration, which revealed the absorption of light in visible region to generate electron–hole pairs for photocatalytic applications. FTIR spectra indicated the presence of M-O bonds as major functional group present in Ce-@NCMF. Electrical properties demonstrated the prominent increase of electrical conductivity with increase of Ce-doping. VSM analysis was performed to analyse the magnetic properties of materials and showed prominent decrease in saturation magnetization value from 84.66 to 19.85 emu g−1. Owing to optical bandgap in the visible region, all the synthesized samples were evaluated for their photocatalytic potential for the degradation of methylene blue. Ce-@NCMF at x = 25% dopant value showed maximum degradation efficiency (95%) under sunlight irradiation of 90 min. Kinetic studies of dye degradation followed pseudo-1st order kinetics with maximum rate constant (k) value of 2.78×10−2 min−1. Antibacterial activity results showed the bioactive nature of Ce-@NCMF against all strains of bacteria in consistent with the crystallite size of samples. Smallest crystallite size Ce-@NCMF were found most active against gram-negative bacterial strains.

Demonstration and imaging of cryogenic magneto-thermoelectric cooling in a van der Waals semimetal

Attaining viable thermoelectric cooling at cryogenic temperatures is of considerable fundamental and technological interest for electronics and quantum materials applications. In-device temperature control can provide more efficient and precise thermal environment management compared with conventional global cooling. The application of a current and perpendicular magnetic field gives rise to cooling by generating electron–hole pairs on one side of the sample and to heating due to their recombination on the opposite side, which is known as the Ettingshausen effect. Here we develop nanoscale cryogenic imaging of the magneto-thermoelectric effect and demonstrate absolute cooling and an Ettingshausen effect in exfoliated WTe2 Weyl semimetal flakes at liquid He temperatures. In contrast to bulk materials, the cooling is non-monotonic with respect to the magnetic field and device size. Our model of magneto-thermoelectricity in mesoscopic semimetal devices shows that the cooling efficiency and the induced temperature profiles are governed by the interplay between sample geometry, electron–hole recombination length, magnetic field, and flake and substrate heat conductivities. The observations open the way for the direct integration of microscopic thermoelectric cooling and for temperature landscape engineering in van der Waals devices.

Schottky Barrier-Based Built-In Electric Field for Enhanced Tumor Photodynamic Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy's antitumor efficacy is hindered by the inefficient generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the photogenerated electron-hole pairs recombination of photosensitizers (PS). Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop efficient PSs with enhanced carrier dynamics. Herein, we designed Schottky junctions composed of cobalt tetroxide and palladium nanocubes (Co3O4@Pd) with a built-in electric field as effective PS. The built-in electric field enhanced photogenerated charge separation and migration, resulting in the generation of abundant electron-hole pairs and allowing effective production of ROS. Thanks to the built-in electric field, the photocurrent intensity and carrier lifetime of Co3O4@Pd were approximately 2 and 3 times those of Co3O4, respectively. Besides, the signal intensity of hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen increased to 253.4% and 135.9%, respectively. Moreover, the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Pd also enhanced the photothermal conversion efficiency of Co3O4@Pd to 40.50%. In vitro cellular level and in vivo xenograft model evaluations demonstrated that Co3O4@Pd could generate large amounts of ROS, trigger apoptosis, and inhibit tumor growth under near-infrared laser irradiation. Generally, this study reveals the contribution of the built-in electric field to improving photodynamic performance and provides new ideas for designing efficient inorganic PSs.

A Study of Synthesis and Characterization Techniques for Iron Oxide (FeO) Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles, especially iron oxide nanoparticles, are pivotal in various applications due to their magnetic properties. This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of iron oxide (FeO) nanoparticles. The study delves into the versatile applications of these nanoparticles, ranging from magnetic colloids to bio-functional uses, highlighting their significance in magnetic bio-separation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and precision drug delivery. The experimental design employs diverse synthesis techniques, emphasizing the gel-evaporation, co-precipitation, reverse micelles, and hydrothermal methods. These approaches offer control over the size and shape of nanoparticles, crucial for tailoring their physicochemical properties. Detailed exploration of the polyol technique and micro-emulsion method provides insights into their mechanisms and the resulting nanoparticles' characteristics. The synthesis of nanoparticles through hydro-thermal conditions is also investigated, elucidating the influence of reaction parameters on particle size and morphology. For comprehensive characterization, various techniques are employed. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) determines crystal structures, while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) offer morphological and topographical insights. Photoluminescence (PL) is utilized for non-destructive optical characterization, analyzing electron-hole pair generation and recombination. Experimental data is collected using advanced equipment such as the FESEM-Hitachi S4800, JEM 3010 TEM, and a Horiba Jobin Yvon system. XRD scans cover a range of 10 to 75 degrees, SEM provides high-resolution 3D images, TEM allows atomic-level resolution, and PL spectra are acquired for liquid samples.This comprehensive study contributes to the understanding of iron oxide nanoparticles, their synthesis techniques, and their potential applications in various fields. The findings offer valuable insights for researchers and practitioners involved in nanomaterial science, catalysis, and biomedical applications.

Photo-Responsive Ascorbic Acid-Modified Ag2S-ZnS Heteronanostructure Dropping pH to Trigger Synergistic Antibacterial and Bohr Effects for Accelerating Infected Wound Healing.

Nonantibiotic approaches must be developed to kill pathogenic bacteria and ensure that clinicians have a means to treat wounds that are infected by multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study prepared matchstick-like Ag2S-ZnS heteronanostructures (HNSs). Their hydrophobic surfactants were then replaced with hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and thioglycolic acid (TGA) through the ligand exchange method, and this was followed by ascorbic acid (AA) conjugation with TGA through esterification, yielding well-dispersed PEGylated Ag2S-ZnS@TGA-AA HNSs. The ZnS component of the HNSs has innate semiconductivity, enabling the generation of electron-hole pairs upon irradiation with a light of wavelength 320 nm. These separate charges can react with oxygen and water around the HNSs to produce reactive oxygen species. Moreover, some holes can oxidize the surface-grafted AA to produce protons, decreasing the local pH and resulting in the corrosion of Ag2S, which releases silver ions. In evaluation tests, the PEGylated Ag2S-ZnS@TGA-AA had synergistic antibacterial ability and inhibited Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Additionally, MRSA-infected wounds treated with a single dose of PEGylated Ag2S-ZnS@TGA-AA HNSs under light exposure healed significantly more quickly than those not treated, a result attributable to the HNSs' excellent antibacterial and Bohr effects.

Theory of Tribovoltaics: Direct Current Generation at a p - n Semiconductor Interface

A simple theory of tribovoltaics is proposed by using a quantum mechanical model of energy release due to sliding-induced bonding between the surfaces of a p-doped semiconductor and a n-doped semiconductor. The energy release in forming a bond may lead to the excitation of electron-hole pairs at the p-n semiconductor interface if the released energy is higher than the effective band gap at the semiconductor interface. An expression for the generated current as a function of the relative sliding speed between the p and n sides is suggested and used to model current transport by solving the complete set of drift-diffusion equations with appropriate boundary and initial conditions. Analytical results are obtained and verified numerically using the finite-element-method software. It is shown that since the typical time period associated with periodic sliding is many orders of magnitude higher than the carrier lifetimes, the time-dependent variations in the electron and hole concentrations and the current density follow the time variation of the sliding speed. Since the electron-hole pair generation occurs near the semiconductor interface only, the current density is shown to be constant as a function of position even if the sliding speed changes in time. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Study on the single-event burnout mechanism of GaN MMIC power amplifiers

In this Letter, a single-event burnout (SEB) mechanism in gallium nitride (GaN) microwave monolithic integrated circuit power amplifiers with a high linear energy transfer of 78.1 MeV·cm2/mg has been investigated in detail. A typical SEB phenomenon was observed. With the aid of photon emission measurements and scanning electron microscopy, it is found that catastrophic burnout occurs in the power-stage GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and the metal–insulator–metal (MIM) capacitors, respectively. For the GaN HEMT, the incident heavy ions will generate electron–hole pairs within it, which can gain enough energy with the transverse high electric field. The high-energy electrons will collide with the lattice near the drain electrode and induce significant electron trapping, which will result in a significant longitudinal local electric field. When a critical electric field is achieved, catastrophic burnout occurs. For the MIM capacitor, the burnout is attributed to the single-event dielectric rupture via severe impact ionization or latent tracks when heavy ions strike it.

Synthesis and Characterization of AuNP/TiO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Hybrid Nanoparticles for Possible Photocatalytic Application

Nanoparticles have been intensively studied due to their unique, size-dependent properties, paving the way for various applications, particularly in photocatalysis. This study aims to determine the physicochemical characteristics of TiO2 and Au nanoparticles and the AuNP/TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles. Employing multiple characterization techniques, the structural and functional parameters were elucidated. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis revealed the pore sizes of TiO2 and the Au/TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles as 12 nm and 18 nm, respectively. The Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements revealed the hydrodynamic size of the AuNP/TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles at 386 nm. The UV-visible spectroscopy showed the absorbance peaks associated with their electronic structures and potential photocatalytic applications. The fast Fourier infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results revealed the surface molecular interactions crucial for nanoparticle functionalities. The AuNP/TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles exhibit a larger pore size compared to TiO2NPs, indicating their superior adsorption capability. Moreover, the unique band gap of TiO2NPs and electron-hole pair generation make it a formidable candidate for photocatalysis. The incorporation of AuNPs may further augment charge separation, optimizing photocatalytic activity. These findings spotlight the promise of these AuNP/TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles in possible photocatalytic applications.

Laser-enabled dual-state transformation on PANI:PSS/Si for wavelength-selective detection

Position-sensitive detectors are widely used in industry due to accurate sensing of changes in light position. The introduction of additional wavelength selectors can cause deviations in light position and affect the performance of the devices. In this work, an organic–inorganic heterojunction of polyaniline-poly (p-styrenesulfonic acid) (PANI:PSS)/p-Si is proposed to achieve selective detection at optical wavelengths using the lateral photovoltaic effect. The maximum reduction of sensitivity in the detection of 405 nm laser can reach up to 127.59 mV/mm, with a decrease in about 99%. When the device is exposed to blue-violet light, the absorption layer changes from a Si layer to a PANI:PSS layer, which weakens the photon utilization efficiency and charges carrier transport. The self-generated longitudinal voltage further enhances the absorption of the PANI:PSS layer for blue-violet light. PANI absorbs photon energy to generate electron–hole pairs and transitions from the reduced state to the oxidized state in the depletion region at the contact interface. The oxide layer hinders carrier separation and increases carrier recombination. Due to the inherent properties of the structure, the wavelength selection function is realized by the detector itself, enriching its original single function. The sensitivity in other light bands has been improved, including more than three times at 520 nm compared to p-Si. These results have provided the theoretical foundation for highly selective and tunable optoelectronic devices while helping to overcome the challenges of high manufacturing costs and customized application scenarios. They provide a viable solution for the intelligent development of optoelectronic devices.