Synthesis Parameters Research Articles

Na-Promoted Bimetallic Hydroxide Nanoparticles for Aerobic C-H Activation: Catalyst Design Principles and Insights into Reaction Mechanism.

A precious metal-free bimetallic FexMn1-x(OH)y hydroxide catalyst was developed that is capable of catalyzing aerobic C-H oxidation reactions at low temperatures, without the need for an initiator, relying sustainably on molecular oxygen. Through a systematic synthetic effort, we scanned a wide nanoparticle synthesis parameter space to lay out a detailed set of catalyst design principles unraveling how the Fe/Mn cation ratio, NaOH(aq) concentration used in the synthesis, catalyst washing procedures, extent of residual Na+ promoters on the catalyst surface, reaction temperature, and catalyst loading influence catalytic C-H activation performance as a function of the electronic, surface chemical, and crystal structure of FexMn1-x(OH)y bimetallic hydroxide nanostructures. Our comprehensive XRD, XPS, BET, ICP-MS, 1H NMR, and XANES structural/product characterization results as well as mechanistic kinetic isotope effect (KIE) studies provided the following valuable insights into the molecular level origins of the catalytic performance of the bimetallic FexMn1-x(OH)y hydroxide nanostructures: (i) catalytic reactivity is due to the coexistence and synergistic operation of Fe3+ and Mn3+ cationic sites (with minor contributions from Fe2+ and Mn2+ sites) on the catalyst surface, where in the absence of one of these synergistic sites (i.e., in the presence of monometallic hydroxides), catalytic activity almost entirely vanishes, (ii) residual Na+ species on the catalyst surface act as efficient electronic promoters by increasing the electron density on the Fe3+ and Mn3+ cationic sites, which in turn, presumably enhance the electrophilic adsorption of organic reactants and strengthen the interaction between molecular oxygen and the catalyst surface, (iii) in the fluorene oxidation reaction the step dictating the reaction rate likely involved the breaking of a C-H bond (kH/kD = 2.4), (iv) reactivity patterns of a variety of alkylarene substrates indicate that the C-H bond cleavage follows a stepwise PT-ET (proton transfer-electron transfer) pathway.

Two-Staged Technology for CoCr Stent Production by SLM

Additive manufacturing of porous materials with a specific macrostructure and tunable mechanical properties is a state-of-the-art area of material science. Additive technologies are widely used in industry due to numerous advantages, including automation, reproducibility, and freedom of design. Selective laser melting (SLM) is one of the advanced techniques among 3D fabrication methods. It is widely used to produce various medical implants and devices including stents. It should be noticed that there is a lack of information on its application in stent production. The paper presents the technological aspects of CoCr stent SLM fabrication, including design of stents and development of regimes for their manufacturing. Physical, chemical, and technological properties of CoCr powder were initially determined. Parametric design of mesh stent models was adopted. A two-stage approach was developed to ensure dimensional accuracy and quality of stents. The first stage involves a development of the single-track fusion process. The second stage includes the stent manufacturing according to determined technological regimes. The single-track fusion process was simulated to assign laser synthesis parameters for stent fabrication. Melting bath temperature and laser regimes providing such conditions were determined. Twenty-seven SLM manufacturing regimes were realized. Dependence of single-tracks width and height on the laser power, exposition time, and point distance was revealed. The qualitative characteristics of tracks imitating the geometry of the stent struts as well as favorable and unfavorable fusion regimes were determined. The results of surface roughness regulating of the stents’ structural elements by various methods were analyzed. Thus, this two-staged approach can be considered as a fundamental approach for CoCr stent SLM fabrication.

Nickel Hexacyanoferrate as Cathode for Sodium‐ion Batteries: Effects of the Synthesis Conditions on the Material Properties

The increment in the energy demand and the limited availability of materials for manufacturing large‐scale energy storage batteries based on Li‐ion chemistry has increased the study of alternative technologies, including Na‐ion batteries. The quest for superior electrochemical performances has led to the developing of new cathodes, such as Prussian blue and its analogs. Among the different members of this family of materials, KNi[Fe(CN)6] has attracted great attraction because of its low synthesis cost and excellent stability. Multiple synthesis approaches based on coprecipitation methods have been explored to optimize its capacity to intercalate sodium; however, the effects of the synthesis conditions on the structural and electrochemical properties of KNi[Fe(CN)6] remain vague. Therefore, in this work, we propose a detailed analysis of how the main synthesis parameters define the structural and electrochemical properties of KNi[Fe(CN)6].

Expression of sPD-L1 levels in an ex vivo liver perfusion model.

The programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) acts as a central inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor. The soluble form of its primary ligand, sPD-L1, was found to be elevated in serum of patients with cancer, infectious diseases and chronic inflammation. So far, the hepatic origin of sPD-L1 has received relatively little attention and is therefore subject of this study in the context of normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) of liver grafts. sPD-L1 concentrations as well as several well-established clinically relevant laboratory parameters were determined in the perfusate of 16 donor liver grafts undergoing normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) up to 30 hours (h). sPD-L1 levels continuously increased during NMP and significantly correlated with markers of hepatic synthesis (cholinesterase), acute-phase proteins (von Willebrand factor, procalcitonin, antithrombin, interleukin-6, fibrinogen) and liver decay markers (gamma-glutamyltransferase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase). Perfusate leukocytes were in the lower reference range, and decreased after 12h. Mean sPD-L1 levels in the perfusate correlated with donor levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Our study reveals a significant increase of concentration of sPD-L1 following ischemia-reperfusion injury in a hepatic ex vivo model. sPD-L1 concentrations during NMP correlate with established acute-phase proteins and liver cell decay markers suggesting that hepatic sPD-L1 synthesis or shedding increases during the acute phase and cell decay. Furthermore, sPD-L1 correlates with established liver function and synthesis parameters as well as with donor laboratory values and might therefore be a potential biomarker for hepatic function of liver grafts.

“Sustainable synthesis of Camellia sinensis-mediated silver nanoparticles (CsAgNP) and their anticancer mechanisms in breast cancer cells”

The present investigation focuses on synthesizing eco-friendly and cost-effective silver nanoparticles (CsAgNP) utilizing Camellia sinensis ethanolic extract (CsE) as a reducing agent and investigating the potential enhancement in its anticancer efficacy as compared to CsE. The CsAgNP formation was confirmed through the color change from pale green to dark brown and further validated using UV–visible spectroscopy in the 400-450 nm range. The optimal CsAgNP synthesis parameters include 1:4 ratio of CsE: 1 mM AgNO3, 60 min of duration and 50 °C reaction temperature. The morphology and the size of nanoparticles were estimated using AFM, SEM and TEM where the results showed a smooth topography with a size <100 nm. The CsAgNP crystalline form was confirmed through SAED pictures and silver's presence confirmed through EDX analysis. FTIR study ascertained the capping agents and distortion in functional groups compared to CsE. The anticancer potency of CsAgNP and crude extract (CsE) was assessed against the T-47D breast cancer cells by MTT assay. CsAgNP displayed strong activity towards T-47D cells (IC50 8 μg/ml) compared to CsE and relatively low activity towards the normal HEK-293 cells. Further, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry data revealed that the CsAgNP promotes apoptosis and also induces G2-M phase cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, CsAgNP treatment decreases p53 and Bcl-2 protein expression, while increasing Bax, Cytochrome c and Caspase-3 levels, indicating mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway activation. Thus, our research aims to investigate the potential of using Camellia sinensis to synthesize CsAgNP, a potent drug delivery system, to enhance anticancer effectiveness and advance cancer therapy in the future.

Accelerating Optimal Synthesis of Atomically Thin MoS2: A Constrained Bayesian Optimization Guided Brachistochrone Approach

AbstractA machine learning (ML) guided approach is presented for the accelerated optimization of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis of 2D materials toward the highest quality, starting from low‐quality or unsuccessful synthesis conditions. Using 26 sets of these synthesis conditions as the initial training dataset, our method systematically guides experimental synthesis towards optoelectronic‐grade monolayer MoS2 flakes. A‐exciton linewidth (σA) as narrow as 38 meV could be achieved in 2D MoS2 flakes after only an additional 35 trials (reflecting 15% of the full factorial design dataset for training purposes). In practical terms, this reflects a decrease of the possible experimental time to optimize the parameters from up to one year to about two months. This remarkable efficiency was achieved by formulating a constrained sequencing optimization problem solved via a combination of constraint learning and Bayesian Optimization with the narrowness of σA as the single target metric. By employing graph‐based semi‐supervised learning with data acquired through a multi‐criteria sampling method, the constraint model effectively delineates and refines the feasible design space for monolayer flake production. Additionally, the Gaussian Process regression effectively captures the relationships between synthesis parameters and outcomes, offering high predictive capability along with a measure of prediction uncertainty. This method is scalable to a higher number of synthesis parameters and target metrics and is transferrable to other materials and types of reactors. This study envisions that this method will be fundamental for CVD and similar techniques in the future.

Determination of Zeolite NaA (LTA) Synthesis Parameters from Technogenic Silica Gel for Water Softening

Determination of Zeolite NaA (LTA) Synthesis Parameters from Technogenic Silica Gel for Water Softening

Biosynthesis of pterostilbene in Escherichia coli from resveratrol on macroporous adsorption resin using a two-step substrate addition strategy.

Pterostilbene (PST), a 3',5'-O-methylated derivative of resveratrol (RSV), is a potent natural antioxidant produced by some plants in trace amounts as defense compound. It exhibits various health-promoting activities, such as anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects. Large-scale biosynthesis of PST is crucial due to the challenges associated with extracting it from plants. This study aims to develop an efficient method for PST production using an engineered Escherichia coli strain by feeding RSV as a precursor. We introduced a two-step substrate addition strategy combined with immobilized RSV (IMRSV) on macroporous adsorption resin (MAR) to enhance PST production. Five MARs were selected for RSV immobilization, and the substrate addition strategy and fermentation parameters for PST synthesis were optimized. A maximum PST concentration of 403 ± 9 mg/L was achieved, representing a 239% increase over the control, which in a one-step addition of free RSV. The PST titer reached 395 ± 24 mg/L in a 3-L bioreactor. In conclusion, the combination of a two-step substrate addition system and IMRSV is a promising approach for the economical and industrial-scale production of PST.

Regional study of site effects on the high-frequency spectral-decay parameter

The high-frequency spectral-decay parameter κ has been used in the field of engineering seismology for several decades. The zero-distance κ value (κ0) is a site parameter in ground motion models and strong motion synthesis. Using surface-borehole pairs of strong motion records from the strong-motion seismograph network KiK-net, we explored the effect of site soil on κ0, specifically the contribution from ground motion directionality. In the target area (138°E−143°E, 36°N–40°N), and records from earthquakes at 50 pairs of stations were collected. All horizontal orthogonal records were rotated from 0° to 180° with an increment of 10° to capture the difference between the average κ0 on two horizontal components and the median value of the rotated κ0 at surface and borehole stations. The same process was applied to Δκ0, the difference between surface station κ0 and borehole station κ0, to measure the contribution by soil column. The nonlinear behavior of soils led to large shear strains, reduced stiffness, and decreased resonance frequency. Thus, the effect of soil nonlinearity on κ is investigated. In the same area, strong ground motion records with peak ground acceleration >100 cm/s2 were selected to identify the soil nonlinearity by the moving time window deconvolution method, and the temporal variation of time-average shear wave velocity and κ at the 50 surface stations were assessed.

Evaluation of Processing Parameters in the Solvothermal Synthesis of Cu-Rich Tetrahedrites for Potential Application as Thermoelectric Materials

The major issue associated with thermoelectric performance is the low efficiency of power conversion. The main challenge is achieving a combination of high Seebeck coefficient, high electrical conductivity, and low thermal conductivity for a significantly improved figure of merit (ZT). Developing strategies include the production of tetrahedrites with an intrinsically low thermal conductivity through the solvothermal method, using a low reaction time and processing temperature. Here, we report on the preparation of Cu-rich tetrahedrites through the solvothermal technique at low temperature, providing a promising strategy for the preparation of materials with potential applications in thermoelectricity. The influence of synthesis reaction time and temperature on the morphological, structural, and thermoelectrical properties of the samples was investigated through different characterization techniques. Tetrahedrite synthesized at 180 °C for 19 h yielded a favorable ZT value of &gt;0.43 and a thermal conductivity of 0.2 Wm−1 K−1 (423 K), related to the Sb3+/Sb5+ and Cu+/Cu2+ ratio, as was observed by XPS. The cubic tetrahedrite phase attributed to the (222) plane was confirmed by XRD and TEM and the intense Raman mode observed at 351 cm−1. SEM images revealed that nanotetrahedral Cu-rich tetrahedrites efficiently assemble into spherical structures, resulting in an improvement in the Seebeck coefficient (437 µVK−1) and electrical conductivity.

Influence of Synthesis Parameters on Structure and Characteristics of the Graphene Grown Using PECVD on Sapphire Substrate.

The high surface area and transfer-less growth of graphene on dielectric materials is still a challenge in the production of novel sensing devices. We demonstrate a novel approach to graphene synthesis on a C-plane sapphire substrate, involving the microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MW-PECVD) technique. The decomposition of methane, which is used as a precursor gas, is achieved without the need for remote plasma. Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and resistance characteristic measurements were performed to investigate the potential of graphene for use in sensing applications. We show that the thickness and quality of graphene film greatly depend on the CH4/H2 flow ratio, as well as on chamber pressure during the synthesis. By varying these parameters, the intensity ratio of Raman D and G bands of graphene varied between ~1 and ~4, while the 2D to G band intensity ratio was found to be 0.05-0.5. Boundary defects are the most prominent defect type in PECVD graphene, giving it a grainy texture. Despite this, the samples exhibited sheet resistance values as low as 1.87 kΩ/□. This reveals great potential for PECVD methods and could contribute toward efficient and straightforward graphene growth on various substrates.

Large-Scale Green Method for Synthesizing Ultralong Uniform Tellurium Nanowires for Semiconductor Devices.

This study presents a large-scale green approach for synthesizing ultralong tellurium nanowires with diameters around 13 nm using a solution-based method. By adjusting key synthesis parameters such as the surfactant concentration, temperature, and reaction duration, we achieved high-quality, ultralong Te NWs. These nanowires exhibit properties suitable for use in semiconductor applications, particularly when employed as channel materials in thin-film transistors, displaying a pronounced gate effect with a high switch of up to 104 and a mobility of 0.9 cm2 V-1s-1. This study underscores the potential of solvent-based methods in synthesizing large-scale ultralong Te NWs as a critical resource for future sustainable nanoelectronic devices.

Slow release of surfactant by smart thermosensitive polymer-functionalized mesoporous silica for enhanced oil recovery: Synthesis and characterization

The efficiency of surfactant flooding can be improved through slow-release technology, which enables stimuli-sensitive and gradual release of surfactant. In this study, we synthesized a novel nanocomposite capsule composed of mesoporous silica functionalized with thermosensitive poly N-vinyl caprolactam (PNVCL). Well-optimized nanocarriers were synthesized by conducting sensitivity analyses on key synthesis parameters such as pH, reaction duration, and hydrophobic phase, resulting in hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 47 to 109 nm. Characterization of the nanocarrier structure was performed using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to analyze the nanocarrier composition. Poly N-vinyl caprolactam (NVCL)-functionalized mesoporous silica exhibited high surfactant loading (approximately 52 % w/w) and a large specific surface area (542.88 m2/g), featuring ink-bottle pores. Additionally, it demonstrated thermosensitive behavior, with the lower critical solution temperature of 39 °C. Gradual release of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was observed in both deionized water and formation brine, with release rates increasing with temperature. Overall, the synthesized nanocomposite carrier holds significant potential as an ideal candidate for effectively controlling the release of surfactants in reservoirs subjected to high-temperature and high-salinity conditions.

Effective removal of Calcium and Magnesium Ions from boiler feed Water using Polyacrylonitrile supported titanium tungstovanadate composite ion exchange nanofiber

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;​​​​​​&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:&amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;serif&amp;quot;;font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;"&gt;The challenge posed by the presence of calcium ions (Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;) in process streams is attributed to its adverse effects on the heat transfer efficiency of process equipment. In this study, a novel electrospun nanofibrous composite was synthesized by combining polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with well-dispersed Titanium tungestovanadate (TWV) cation exchanger. Homogeneous precipitation technique was employed to synthesize nano-titanium (IV) tungstovanadate (TWV) cation exchanger. Various synthesis parameters, including reactant volume ratio, amount of precipitating agent and reaction temperature, were optimized to achieve the highest ion exchange capacity (IEC). The prepared ion exchange material exhibited an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 2.39 meq.g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; for Na&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; ions. The incorporation of the prepared nanoparticles into nanofibers conferred the sorption capabilities of the composite. The nanofibers' morphologies and structures were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Batch sorption experiments were carried out to investigate the sorption properties. Controlled experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of various factors, including solution pH, temperature, dosage, contact time, and the initial concentration of the hard water. The results indicated that the optimum adsorption conditions that gave the highest percentage of removal 99%, 98% for Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt; and Mg&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;&amp;nbsp; ions respectively were 50 mg of adsorbent dosage, 500 ppm of Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt; and Mg&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;&amp;nbsp; solution =7, and a contact time of 30 min at room temperature .The &amp;nbsp;kinetic data were fitted to pseudo second order model. Furthermore, the thermodynamic study suggested that the adsorption on PAN/TWV NF was endothermic and spontaneous.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Controlling Chelation and Esterification in Pechini Synthesis for Enhancing Chemical Looping Steam Methane Reforming using LaFeO3 Perovskite.

The properties of an oxygen carrier, such as crystalline structure, textural properties, and surface chemical species, significantly influence the redox performance in thermochemical redox applications. This study presents the synthesis of various lanthanum orthoferrite (LaFeO3) perovskites by adjusting Pechini synthesis parameters, including chelating agent ratio, calcination temperature, and solution pH. A larger surface area emerged as a dominant factor contributing to improved redox performance. The porosity of the polyester resin proves crucial in achieving a large surface area and a small particle size for the oxygen carrier. This goal could be attained by controlling the pH of the precursor solution. A low degree of chelation or precipitation may lead to uneven cation distribution, resulting in the enrichment of trace hydroxide impurities. These impurities can suppress the reducibility of particles during the looping experiment. Various investigations, using XRD, XPS, XAS, SEM, and N2 physisorption, revealed that porosity and crystallinity can be controlled by altering the synthesis parameters.

Microcrystalline and nanocrystalline structure of diamond films grown by MPCVD with nitrogen additions: Study of transitional synthesis conditions

This research explores the complex influence of nitrogen concentration and substrate temperature on the resultant properties of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) films grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In particular, we investigated the growth parameters to find the exact conditions for changing the morphology of the resulting film from microcrystalline (MCD) to nanocrystalline (NCD). A series of 2 µm-thick polycrystalline diamond films was grown on Si substrates in methane-hydrogen–nitrogen gas mixtures with varied: (i) nitrogen concentration (0–2 %) and (ii) substrate temperature (700–1050 °C). Comprehensive characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, were employed to assess the morphological, structural, and spectroscopic properties of the films. The study reveals that even minor additions of nitrogen significantly modulate secondary nucleation, impacting both film morphology and phase composition. Furthermore, substrate temperature emerges as another critical parameter, influencing the growth kinetics and crystallite size. The comparison of the characteristics of grown PCD films allowed us to find conditions for the formation of NCD films with minimal surface roughness and maximal growth rate: nitrogen concentration [N2] ≈ 0.2–0.5 % and temperature T ≈ 850–900 °C. These findings can be used to optimize the CVD synthesis parameters of PCD films for applications as protective or friction-reducing layers, as well as for superhard cutting tools and optical devices.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of solketal from glycerol and acetone in the presence of SAPO-34 and SAPO-5

Solketal is one of the most promising additives improving the properties of motor fuels. Investigations related to process intensification of synthesis of solketal from glycerol and acetone is gaining importance. The present work illustrates the use of the microwave mode for intensification of this process in the presence of silicoaluminophosphates (SAPO) as catalysts. The main focus of the study was placed on tuning the textural, acidic, and catalytic properties of SAPO-34 and SAPO-5 via variation of the synthesis parameters, such as the nature of Al and Si sources and the structure-directing agent. The catalytic properties of SAPO materials were investigated in the synthesis of solketal from glycerol and acetone under microwave assistance at the acetone/glycerol molar ratio of 2.4 in a methanol solution (glycerol/methanol: 1 g/1 mL) and 56 °C. It was demonstrated that the selectivity towards solketal was 91.1–98.6 % in the presence of the studied materials. The activities of mesoporous SAPO-34 and SAPO-5 prepared in the presence of triethylamine were higher as compared with microporous SAPO-34 prepared in the presence of tetraethylammonium hydroxide due to the high mesoporosity and a larger content of acid sites. The 90.4 % conversion of glycerol and 98.6 % selectivity towards solketal were observed in the presence of mesoporous 7.6%SAPO-34 for 90 min. The advantage of using microwave technology is shown. The solketal yield in the reaction under microwave irradiation was 3 times higher than that in the process performed under thermal heating conditions.

High Performance of the Metal Organic Framework CPO‐27 for Toxic Gas Capture (NO2)

AbstractMetal‐organic frameworks of the CPO‐27 (MOF‐74) series are known for their high adsorption capacities for nitrogen oxides. On the other hand, significantly varying and partly contradictory results were reported regarding their stability to moisture. This aspect has hampered the use of these MOFs in air filtration applications. Here, we show that the stability of CPO‐27 materials towards moisture and CO2 crucially depends on the synthesis parameters. By precisely adjusting the synthetic parameter‐property relationship, it is possible to prepare a highly stable CPO‐27(Ni) MOF by a simple precipitation in water. To demonstrate the capacity for NO2, breakthrough experiments were performed under dry and wet conditions (55% relative humidity). Extremely high values of nearly 0.74 g/g in dry conditions and 1.23 g/g under wet conditions were achieved. These results pave the way for the toxicologically safe and cost‐effective preparation of a moisture‐stable CPO‐27(Ni), bridging the gap to a potential industrial application of the material for the selective adsorption of toxic gases, such as NO2.

Electrochemical performance enhancement of perovskite-type Li0.3La0.57TiO3 ceramic electrolyte by controlling synthesis parameters

This study investigates the enhancement of the electrochemical performance of perovskite-type Li0.3La0.57TiO3 (LLTO) solid electrolytes through the optimization of synthesis parameters of a sol-gel process. The primary focus lies in examining the impact of calcination temperature on the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of LLTO. Our findings reveal that controlling the calcination temperature significantly influences the grain boundary resistance and overall ionic conductivity. The optimal calcination temperature was identified to be 800 °C, yielding a remarkable improvement in ionic conductivity at grain boundaries (0.88 mS/cm), and total ionic conductivity (0.54 mS/cm), at 30 °C. This enhancement is attributed to the refined microstructure, increased density, and reduced porosity, which collectively facilitate lithium-ion diffusion. These advancements in LLTO electrolytes present promising implications for their application in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to conventional liquid electrolyte systems.

Modification of Copper-based chalcogenide nanocrystals' interconnections for efficient hole transportation in perovskite solar cell

Cu-based chalcogenide p-type semiconductors in the form of nanocrystals can be used to deposit low-temperature and stable hole-transport layers (HTL) for n-i-p perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, the synthesis parameters are modified to improve the hole-extraction of CuIn0.75Ga0.25S2 (CIGS) layer. By optimizing the amount of oleylamine as the capping agent, the internal series resistance of PSCs decreases significantly while preventing aggregation of CIGS nanocrystals. Increasing the growth temperature from 220°C to 275°C leads to an increase in the size of CIGS nanocrystals. This results in an improvement in the open-circuit voltage of PSCs with FTO/c-TiO2/m-TiO2/Cs0.05(MA0.17FA0.83)0.95Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3/CIGS/Au structure from 0.941 to1.092 V, and Fill Factor from 60 to 73 on average. Finally, a nanocomposite of CIGS and a small amount of doped Spiro-OMeTAD is applied in PSCs with ITO/SnO2/(FA,MA)Pb(I,Cl,Br)3/HTL/Au structure. The achieved efficiency of 18.72% is comparable to that of PSCs with highly doped Spiro OMeTAD (18.5%).