Preferred Crystal Orientation Research Articles

Thin Film Formation Based on a Nanoporous Metal-Organic Framework by Layer-By-Layer Deposition.

Understanding the structure of thin films is essential for successful applications of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), such as low k-dielectrics in electronic devices. This study focuses on the thin film formation of the 3D nanoporous MOF Cu2(bdc)2(dabco). The thin films are prepared by a layer-by-layer technique with varying deposition cycles (1 to 50). Thin film morphologies and crystallographic properties were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD). AFM revealed an island growth (Volmer-Weber) with plate-like shaped islands. FTIR and GIXD revealed that Cu2(bdc)2(dabco) crystals form already during the first preparation cycle. The heights of the islands do not increase linearly with the number of deposition cycles, suggesting multiple growth stages. X-ray diffraction pole figures uncover a uniplanar texture of the Cu2(bdc)2(dabco) crystals, together with randomly oriented crystallites. The fraction of uniplanar oriented crystals increases with each deposition cycle, reaching a maximum of 75% at ten deposition cycles, simultaneously achieving complete substrate coverage. However, already at five cycles, an additional phase of randomly oriented copper-terephthalate (Cu2(bdc)) crystals appeared; this phase reaches a fraction of 22% at the largest film thickness (50 cycles). In summary, a detailed understanding of the thin film formation of an archetypal layer-pillar MOF is presented, elucidating how films grow in terms of their morphology and crystalline properties. Samples prepared by ten cycles show complete coverage of the substrate together with the highest degree of preferred crystal orientation. These results establish a deepened understanding of critical parameters for MOF thin film applications, such as complete substrate coverage and definition of the nanopores relative to the substrate surface.

Surface treatment processed electron transport layers for efficient Sb2S3 solar cells

Solution-processed Sb2S3 thin films and solar cell devices have recently gained popularity due to their easy procedure and outstanding final device performance. Nevertheless, although the substrate has a significant influence on thefollowing functional films, the effect of the substrate in the Sb-based solar cells appears to have not been adequately examined. In this study, we performed an interesting thioacetamide (TA)-assisted surface treatment strategy on the electron transport layer (ETL) to achieve high-quality development of Sb2S3 thin films and based solar devices. The surface treatment of ETLs resulted in a uniform surface, Zn(OH)2 impurity reduction, and excellent wettability. The above enhanced the growth of Sb2S3 thin films with features like extremely large crystal sizes (∼8 um), more homogeneous and dense film morphology, preferred crystal orientation, reduced oxygen content, and fewer defects, which benefits carrier transport. Finally, a device structure constructed of FTO/TiO2/Zn(O,S)/Sb2S3/Spiro/Au was created, resulting in an almost 30 % increase in efficiency, from 4.05 % to 5.21 %. The proposed approach not only gives new insights into generating higher-quality Sb2S3 thin films and devices, but it also presents new concepts and methods for future high-quality sulfide thin film preparation.

Tuning Crystalline Preferred Orientation of SnSe2 Anode by Co-doping to Enhance Pseudocapacitive Behaviors for High-Performance Sodium Storage.

SnSe2 has attracted great attention due to its unique 2D-layered structure, which makes it capable of sodium ion storage and higher theoretical capacities compared to traditional anode materials like hard carbon for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, SnSe2-based materials will cause structural damage due to volume expansion during ion storage, leading to poor cycle stability and rate capacity. In this work, Co-doped SnSe2 (Co-SnSe2) with preferred crystal orientation was fabricated by a one-step solvothermal method. It has been found that after doping Co, the lower (001) crystal plane located at 14.4° replaced the higher (101) plane at 30.7° as the dominant crystal plane in Co-SnSe2, which significantly promoted ion diffusion and enhanced the pseudocapacitance behavior. Therefore, this Co-SnSe2 anode achieves a high capacity of 504 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1, and a high-rate cycle stability, delivering a reversible capacity of 302 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1 after 1800 cycles with a retained capacity rate of 94%. Moreover, the Na3V2(PO4)3||Co-SnSe2 full cell exhibits a stable cycle performance of over 300 cycles at 1 A g-1, demonstrating great promise for practical applications. This work provides an effective reference for the exploration of high-performance sodium storage anode materials.

Insights into the North Patagonian Massif Lower Crust: Petrology and Microstructure of Granulite Xenoliths

Abstract The continental lower crust constitutes a key zone for understanding the mantle–crust magmatic and mechanical transfers, but its study is hampered by the paucity of lower crust samples. Here, we characterise the petrological, geochemical and petrophysical processes structuring the lower crust of the North Patagonian Massif (NPM; Argentina) using a suite of representative mafic granulite and websterite xenoliths. These xenoliths were entrained by alkaline lavas from five volcanic centres that erupted between the Oligocene and Pleistocene. Electron microprobe and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICPMS) were used to obtain in situ geochemical data on the minerals, while microstructural data were obtained by Electron BackScatter Diffraction (EBSD). Both granulites and websterites display a granoblastic texture and sometimes a weak inherited magmatic layering. Mafic granulite xenoliths show a plagioclase + clinopyroxene ± orthopyroxene assemblage commonly associated with spinel or titanomagnetite. Websterite xenoliths show an association of clinopyroxene + orthopyroxene + spinel, along with accessory plagioclase. Mafic granulites and websterites have SiO2 contents ranging from 44 to 53 wt %, while their Mg# varies from 53 to 79. Clinopyroxenes are characterised by weak convex upward chondrite-normalised Rare Earth Elements - REE patterns (Light-REE </<< Mid-REE > Heavy-REE) which are similar to clinopyroxene phenocrysts and megacrysts from intra-plate basalts. Calculated liquid in equilibrium with clinopyroxene have similar REE patterns to those found in Cenozoic basalts from the NPM, suggesting that the xenolith suite represents evidence for underplating processes, possibly related to one of the magmatic events that have occurred in the NPM since the Permo-Trias. Mafic granulites and websterites show a weak mineral shape preferred orientation and an associated weak Crystal Preferred Orientation (CPO) related to the magmatic layering. Recorded plastic deformation is associated with the activation of both (100)[001] and (001)[100] slip systems in clinopyroxene, (100)[001] in orthopyroxene and (010)[001] in plagioclase. However, the activation of slip systems is generally not correlated with CPO in granulites, suggesting that the lower crust underwent subsolidus equilibration and weak plastic deformation in an inactive tectonic context, thereby preserving an inherited magmatic layering. Two-pyroxene (Fe–Mg) thermometer and pseudosection calculations define P–T conditions of the main paragenesis at 760°C to 1120°C and 7.2 to 10.3 kbar, which allows to define the Cenozoic geotherm of the NPM crust at 30°C/km and to reconsider the petrologic Moho depth at ca. 40 km.

Frictional properties and environmental adaptability of Ti-MoS2/WC multilayer films

Magnetron-sputtered molybdenum disulfide films are extensively utilized as solid lubricating coatings in space applications as a result of their low friction coefficient and minimal contamination. However, MoS2-based films are sensitive to hygrothermal and oxidation environment, and are easily oxidized to form MoO3, which results in high friction and wear of the films, significantly reducing their operational lifespan. Especially when the spacecraft adopts the launching mode of coastal launch or ocean platform, the performance deterioration caused by oxidation of MoS2 films during transportation, storage and launch is more serious. Therefore, to enhance the frictional performance and oxidation resistance of the films in humid and salt spray environments, the Ti-MoS2/WC multilayer films with preferred (002) crystal plane orientation were prepared, achieving a friction coefficient of 0.009 in a vacuum environment and a wear rate of 1.1×10-7 mm3/N∗m. In particular, the film can maintain this extremely low coefficient of friction even after exposure to moisture or salt spray. These findings demonstrate that the dual doping of Ti and WC and the design of multilayer structures enable MoS2 films to achieve outstanding frictional performance and oxidation resistance. This is crucial for designing MoS2 films with excellent environmental adaptability.

Crystallization-Based Modification of Ammonium Perchlorate Heat Release.

Composite propellants use the decomposition of crystalline oxidizers, such as ammonium perchlorate (AP), to produce oxidizing species that can combust with fuels. Controlled crystal microstructure must be leveraged to tailor reactivity to minimize the use of exotic energetic materials. This work uses meniscus-guided coating (MGC) to fabricate films of AP with a high degree of control over the AP crystal microstructure. Exploring a wide range of crystallization parameters resulted in film thickness ranging from 200 nm to 14 μm, particle size ranging from 18 to 110 μm, variable preferential orientation with respect to the substrate, and relative defect density ranging from 2.74 × 105 to 6.78 × 105 μm-3. Increasing coating blade speed and substrate temperature within the MGC process shifts the preferential orientation of the AP crystals from predominantly exhibiting (002) and (210) crystal planes parallel to the substrate to (200)/(011) crystal planes parallel to the substrate. This shift in orientation is accompanied by an increase in defect density, which is shown to increase the heat release from the low-temperature decomposition regime and decrease the heat release from the high temperature regime. These results demonstrate the ability to use recrystallization, defect density control, and orientation control to tune the heat release profiles of energetic materials to augment propellant performance.

Textural and chemical variations in peridotite induced by hydrous melt migration in mantle under the back-arc spreading

This study presents the structural and petrological characteristics of mantle peridotites in relation to the rock-hydrous melt reaction found in the Hayachine ultramafic complex, NE Japan. We conducted sampling, microstructural observations, crystal-orientation analyses, and major element composition analyses of the major constituent minerals in the peridotites. We used 17 serpentinized peridotites that preserved better mantle textures. The peridotites are composed of lherzolite to harzburgite, consisting of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, amphibole, and spinel. The peridotites were classified into two textures according to olivine grain size: coarse-grained (ca. 2–3 mm) and fine-grained (ca. 0.3–0.5 mm). Fine-grained peridotites were newly found in this study and were characterized by aggregates of orthopyroxene and amphibole with a large number of spinel inclusions. Based on olivine crystal-preferred orientation (CPO), we found that the coarse-grained peridotites were further classified into Group 1 (A type CPO) and 2 (AG type CPO) and the fine-grained peridotites were accordingly classified into Group 3 (weak CPO). The systematic continuity in the chemical compositions of the minerals suggests that Group 1 peridotites partially melted to form Group 2 peridotites, followed by Group 3 peridotites, due to further reaction of Group 2 peridotites with hydrous melts. These textural and chemical variations in the peridotites could have resulted from rock-hydrous melt reactions under back-arc spreading and subsequent processes.

Microstructures, hydrogen concentrations, and seismic properties of a tectonically exhumed sliver of oceanic mantle lithosphere, Moa Island, Timor-Tanimbar outer-arc, eastern Indonesia

We characterize and quantify the microstructure, hydrogen concentrations, and seismic properties of a tectonically exhumed sliver of oceanic lithospheric mantle outcropping in the Moa Island (Leti archipelago, Timor-Tanimbar outer-arc). The 18 spinel peridotites (lherzolites and harzburgites) have coarse-porphyroclastic microstructures and olivine crystal-preferred orientations (CPO) with axial-[010] (also known as AG-type) or [100](010) (A-type) patterns, similar to those observed in peridotitic xenoliths from oceanic mantle lithosphere. These coarse-porphyroclastic microstructures are variably overprinted by growth of strain-free olivine neoblasts and crystallization of secondary pyroxenes. Recrystallized fractions vary from 6.9 up to 31.3%. The interstitial (cuspate) shapes and CPOs of clinopyroxene, uncorrelated with the olivine CPOs, indicate that refertilization by a reactive melt percolation post-dated deformation. Seismic properties are calculated based on the modal compositions and CPOs of all samples. Increase in the recrystallized olivine fraction decreased the seismic anisotropy, since static recrystallization produced some dispersion of the CPO, but did not change drastically the texture acquired during deformation. Mean seismic velocities (mean Vp = 7.9 km.s−1; mean Vs = 4.5 km.s−1) and anisotropy (mean maximum S wave polarization anisotropy = 4.5%), estimated by considering coherent orientation of the foliation and lineation of all samples, are within the range of typical values for the uppermost mantle. The nominally anhydrous minerals contain small amounts of hydrogen (olivine: 13–18 ppm H2O by weight; orthopyroxene: 58–175 wt ppm H2O and clinopyroxenes: 244–288 wt ppm H2O). A bulk water content of 50 wt ppm H2O is estimated based on nomminally anhydrous minerals for the Moa peridotites, in agreement with previous estimates for the oceanic mantle lithosphere based on peridotitic xenoliths. This is the first direct measurement of hydrogen concentrations in peridotites from an oceanic mantle lithosphere which experienced melt extraction.

Effects of halogens and alkali metals on guanidinium-ethylammonium hybrid-doped perovskite photovoltaic devices

Effects of substitution of halogen anions and addition of alkali metal cations for guanidinium (GA)-ethylammonium (EA) hybrid-doped perovskite solar cells were investigated by fabricating devices and comparing their photovoltaic properties. The halogen compositions of the additives were found to contribute to the improvement of preferred orientations of perovskite crystals, and the order of the effectiveness was I, Cl, and Br. In addition, the addition of alkali metal cations contributed to improvement of the conversion efficiencies, and 3 % addition of cesium at the CH3NH3 site was the most effective. It was also found that the short-circuit current densities and fill factors depended on the (100) preferred crystal orientation of the perovskite compounds.

Lateral and vertical variations of seismic anisotropy in the lithosphere–asthenosphere system underneath Central Europe from long-term splitting measurements

SUMMARY Backazimuthal variations in the shear wave splitting of core-refracted shear waves (SKS, SKKS and PKS phases, jointly referred to as XKS) at the Black Forest Observatory (BFO, Southwest Germany) indicate small-scale lateral and partly vertical variations of the seismic anisotropy. However, existing anisotropy studies and models for the nearby Upper Rhine Graben (URG) area in the northern Alpine foreland are mostly based on short-term recordings and by this suffer from a limited backazimuthal coverage and averaging over a wide or the whole backazimuth range. To identify and delimit laterally confined anisotropy regimes in this region, we carry out XKS splitting measurements at six neighbouring (semi-)permanent broad-band seismological recording stations (interstation distance 10–80 km). We manually analyse long-term (partly > 20 yr) recordings to achieve a sufficient backazimuthal coverage to resolve complex anisotropy. The splitting parameters (fast polarization direction $\phi $, delay time $\delta t$) are determined in a single- and multi-event analysis. We test structural anisotropy models with one layer with horizontal or tilted symmetry axis and with two layers with horizontal symmetry axes (transverse isotropy). To account for lateral variations around a single recording site, modelling is compared for the whole and for limited backazimuth ranges. Based on this, we provide a 3-D block model with spatial variation of anisotropic properties. Based on delay times > 0.3 s and missing discrepancies between SKS and SKKS phases, which do not support lower mantle anisotropy, the found anisotropy is placed in the lithosphere and asthenosphere. The spatial distribution as well as the lateral and backazimuthal variations of the splitting parameters confirm lateral and partly vertical variations in anisotropy. On the east side of the URG, we suggest two anisotropic layers in the Moldanubian Zone (south) and one anisotropic layer in the Saxothuringian Zone (north). In the Moldanubian Zone, a change of the fast polarization directions is observed between the east and the west side of the URG, indicating different textures. At the boundary between the two terranes, an inclined anisotropy is modelled which may be related with deformation during Variscan subduction. Regarding the observation of numerous null measurements and inconsistent splitting parameters, especially (southwest of BFO) in the southern URG, different hypothesis are tested: scattering of the seismic wavefield due to small-scale lateral heterogeneities, a vertical a-axis due to a vertical mantle flow related to the Kaiserstuhl Volcanic Complex, as well as a different preferred orientation of the olivine crystals (not A-type, but C-type) due to specific ambient conditions (high temperature, water content).

Moisture‐Induced High‐Quality Perovskite Film in Air for Efficient Solar Cells

The quality of perovskite light‐harvesting layer is known to be the most critical factor for the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a facile ambient air‐aging process (AAP, 20%–30% RH) is adopted to realize the fabrication of high‐quality Cs0.15FA0.75MA0.1PbI3 perovskite films, thereby upgrading device performance. We find that the perovskite crystallinity after AAP for 10 d is greatly intensified, with large grain size and preferred crystal orientation along (110) and (220) planes. Comparative studies on the Ag‐based devices employing the perovskite films upon exposing to different atmospheres, i.e., dry N2, dry O2, N2, and H2O (20%–30% RH) and ambient air (20%–30% RH), demonstrate that H2O molecules in air rather than O2 molecules induce an effective defect passivation that holds the multiple functions in enhancing the quality of perovskite film, inhibiting the nonradiative recombination, prolonging the carrier lifetime, and improving the energy level matching, etc. Moreover, the positive effect of H2O in ambient atmosphere on cell performance is irreversible and remains even if moisture escapes. Finally, the average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of device based on the AAP‐induced film is increased from 18.24 ± 1.49 to 21.34 ± 0.76, with the champion PCE up to 22.60%. Also, the device with AAP exhibits better moisture resistance capability. Herein, it offers a viable AAP‐induced route for the perovskite films with superb optoelectronic properties that can be subsequently extended to the design and construction of other photovoltaic devices for practical application.

Anisotropic thermal conductivity of antigorite along slab subduction impacts seismicity of intermediate-depth earthquakes

Double seismic zones (DSZs) are a feature of some subducting slabs, where intermediate-depth earthquakes (~70–300 km) align along two separate planes. The upper seismic plane is generally attributed to dehydration embrittlement, whereas mechanisms forming the lower seismic plane are still debated. Thermal conductivity of slab minerals is expected to control the temperature evolution of subducting slabs, and therefore their seismicity. However, effects of the potential anisotropic thermal conductivity of layered serpentine minerals with crystal preferred orientation on slab’s thermal evolution remain poorly understood. Here we measure the lattice thermal conductivity of antigorite, a hydrous serpentine mineral, along its crystallographic b- and c-axis at relevant high pressure-temperature conditions of subduction. We find that antigorite’s thermal conductivity along the c-axis is ~3–4 folds smaller than the b-axis. Our numerical models further reveal that when the low-thermal-conductivity c-axis is aligned normal to the slab dip, antigorite’s strongly anisotropic thermal conductivity enables heating at the top portion of the slab, facilitating dehydration embrittlement that causes the seismicity in the upper plane of DSZs. Potentially, the antigorite’s thermal insulating effect also hinders the dissipation of frictional heat inside shear zones, promoting thermal runaway along serpentinized faults that could trigger intermediate-depth earthquakes.

Achieving High Efficiency and Stability by Blocking Moisture‐Oxygen Permeation Paths on Perovskite Surfaces Using the Curing Agent 4‐(2‐Carboxyvinyl) Benzoic Acid

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are ideal candidates for the new generation of photovoltaics (PV) due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. However, the active layer of perovskite may have many defects such as vacancies, interstitials, and substitutions during the solution method preparation process. The defects in films can become fast channels for moisture‐oxygen penetration, which promotes the interaction of moisture and oxygen with the defects and accelerates the degradation of PV in air, significantly limiting the efficiency and stability of PSCs. Herein, the curing agent 4‐(2‐carboxyvinyl) benzoic acid is added to the perovskite precursor solution to enhance the device stability by forming a moisture‐oxygen‐blocking barrier at the grain boundaries, at the same time, the Lewis base property of the molecule plays a key role to realize the preferred crystal orientation of perovskite films, passivate the defects and enhance the PV performance, which can significantly improve the devices efficiency. The final optimized PSCs achieve an outstanding power conversion efficiency of 20.28% and show excellent stability, with the unencapsulated device maintaining 78% of its initial efficiency after 1000 h of under ambient environment.

Modeling of Texture Development during Metal Forming Using Finite Element Visco-Plastic Self-Consistent Model

In directional forming processes, such as rolling and extrusion, the grains can develop preferred crystal orientations. These preferred orientations—the texture—are the main cause for material anisotropy. This anisotropy leads to phenomena such as earing, which occur during further forming processes, e.g., during the deep drawing of sheet metal. Considering anisotropic properties in numerical simulations allows us to investigate the effects of texture-dependent defects in forming processes and the development of possible solutions. Purely phenomenological models for modeling anisotropy work by fitting material parameters or applying measured anisotropy properties to all elements of the part, which remain constant over the duration of the simulation. In contrast, crystal plasticity methods, such as the visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) model, provide a deeper insight into the development of the material microstructure. By experimentally measuring the initial texture and using it as an initial condition for the simulations, it is possible to predict the evolution of the microstructure and the resulting effect on the mechanical properties during forming operations. The results of the simulations with the VPSC model show a good agreement with corresponding compression tests and the earing phenomenon, which is typical for cup deep drawing.

Depth‐Dependent Anisotropy Along Northwest Segment of the North Anatolian Fault Zone: Evidence for Paleo‐Tectonic Structures Contributing to Overall Complexity

AbstractThe North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) is a prominent tectonic structure with a significant impact on the observed active deformation in Türkiye. Detailed knowledge of the seismic anisotropy in the crust and mantle along this nascent shear deformation zone provides insights into the kinematics associated with past and present tectonic events. We employed teleseismic earthquakes observed by the Dense Array North Anatolia seismic network to map 3‐ D variations in crustal and mantle anisotropy in/around the NW segment of the NAFZ. To achieve this, we first performed a harmonic decomposition analysis of P‐receiver functions. The results were then used as a priori information to conduct an anisotropic receiver function inversion with the Neighborhood Algorithm that enabled imaging of the actual orientation and geometry of anisotropic structures. SKS splitting measurements are further used to make a comparison between the anisotropic behavior of crustal and mantle structures. Crustal anisotropy parameters estimated in our analyses/models well identify the signature of deformation caused by accumulated strain in the earthquake cycle through the strike of shallow cutting faults in the brittle crust beneath the NAFZ. Diffuse intense anisotropic energy at lower crustal depths was attributed to lattice preferred orientation of crystals or partially molten lenses elongated along the shear direction. Strong harmonic energy variations beneath the northern part of the Istanbul Zone likely reflect imprints of LPO‐originated frozen fabric at shallow depths (0–20 km) associated with the palaeotectonic Odessa Shelf, Intra‐Pontide Suture Zones or remnants of the Tethys Ocean.

A novel peony-shaped ZnO/biochar nanocomposites with dominant {100} facets for efficient adsorption and photocatalytic removal of refractory contaminants

Herein, a peony-shaped nanocomposite (P-ZnO/BC) was facilely developed by incorporating ZnO with Hemp stalk derived biochar (BC) via two-step sequential solvothermal procedure and used for photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants. The as-prepared P-ZnO/BC presents preferential (100) crystal orientation, suitable electronic energy level, and distinct mesoporous distribution as well as large specific surface area. Thereby, the optimal P-ZnO0.3/BC (weight ratio of 3:7 for ZnO:BC) shows higher photocatalytic activity with degradation efficiency as high as 94.5 % toward methylene blue (MB) within 120 min, whereas the ZnO and BC merely deliver 6.3 % and 63.5 %, respectively. Obviously, the superior contaminants removal properties of P-ZnO0.3/BC can be attributed to the synergistic effect of adsorption of BC and photocatalysis of ZnO. Also, this can be associated with the improved adsorption, accelerated charges (e-/h+ pairs) transportation and reduced e-/h+ pairs recombination of P-ZnO0.3/BC. The reactive radicals scavenging experiments and ESR measurements confirm that the main reactive species are hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and holes (h+). Furthermore, P-ZnO0.3/BC displays desirable reusability and better universal applicability toward other organic dyes and antibiotics removal. Moreover, the possible degradation mechanism and pathway were also inferred by analyzing the intermediates via liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technique. In conclusion, this work provides a fundamental insight via integrating ZnO with low-cost BC for efficient removal of the refractory organic pollutants.

Solution‐Processed Sb2(S,Se)3 Seed‐Assisted Sb2Se3 Thin Film Growth for High Efficiency Solar Cell

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) emerges as a promising sunlight absorber in thin film photovoltaic applications due to its excellent light absorption properties and carrier transport behavior, attributed to the quasi‐one‐dimensional Sb4Se6‐nanoribbon crystal structure. Overcoming the challenge of aligning Sb2Se3‐nanoribbons normal to substrates for efficient photogenerated carrier extraction, a solution‐processed nanocrystalline Sb2(S,Se)3‐seeds are employed on the CdS buffer layer. These seeds facilitate superstrated Sb2Se3 thin film solar cell growth through a close‐space sublimation approach. The Sb2(S,Se)3‐seeds guided the Sb2Se3 absorber growth along a [002]‐preferred crystal orientation, ensuring a smoother interface with the CdS window layer. Remarkably, Sb2(S,Se)3‐seeds improve carrier transport, reduce series resistance, and increase charge recombination resistance, resulting in an enhanced power conversion efficiency of 7.52%. This cost‐effective solution‐processed seeds planting approach holds promise for advancing chalcogenide‐based thin film solar cells in large‐scale manufacturing.

Scalable Customization of Crystallographic Plane Controllable Lithium Metal Anodes for Ultralong-Lasting Lithium Metal Batteries.

A formidable challenge to achieve the practical applications of rechargeable lithium (Li) metal batteries (RLMBs) is to suppress the uncontrollable growth of Li dendrites. One of the most effective solutions is to fabricate Li metal anodes with specific crystal plane, but still lack of a simple and high-efficient approach. Herein, a facile and controllable way for the scalable customization of polished Li metal anodes with highly preferred (110) and (200) crystallographic orientation (donating as polished Li(110) and polished Li(200), respectively) by regulating the times of accumulative roll bonding, is reported. According to the inherent characteristics of polished Li(110)/Li(200), the influence of Li atomic structure on the electrochemical performance of RLMBs is deeply elucidated by combining theoretical calculations with relative experimental proofs. In particular, a polished Li(110) crystal plane is demonstrated to induce Li+ uniform deposition, promoting the formation of flat and dense Li deposits. Impressively, the polished Li(110)||LiFePO4 full cells exhibit unprecedented cycling stability with 10000 cycles at 10 C almost without capacity degradation, indicating the great potential application prospect of such textured Li metal. More valuably, this work provides an important reference for low-cost, continued, and large-scale production of Li metal anodes with highly preferred crystal orientation through roll-to-roll manufacturability.

Silane Doping for Efficient Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells with Improved Defect Passivation and Device Stability.

In this work, doping 3-amino-propyl triethoxysilane (APTES) into a perovskite precursor is proven to be an effective strategy, which can passivate crystal defects, control the crystallization rate, and improve the morphology. APTES can form oligomers through hydrolysis and a condensation reaction, thus blocking the invasion of external water molecules. In addition, the lone pair electrons on the N atom in the amino group of APTES form a coordination bond with perovskite by sharing the empty 6p orbital on Pb2+, which can effectively passivate the defects of the film and realize a highly uniform and dense perovskite film with preferential crystal growth orientation. The film exhibits high (110) crystal plane orientation and long carrier lifetime and mobility, which improves the performance of flexible perovskite solar cells. Using this approach, the champion device presents an optimal power conversion efficiency of 19.84% with much promoted air stability. Moreover, the efficiency of flexible devices does not decrease after maximum power point irradiation for 360 s.

Orientation Manipulation and Defect Passivation for Perovskite Solar Cells by a Natural Compound.

Different facets in perovskite crystals exhibit distinct atomic arrangements, influencing their electronic, physical, and chemical properties. Perovskite films incorporating tin oxide (SnO2) as the electron transport layer face challenges in facet regulation. This study reveals that tea saponin (TS), a natural compound serves as a SnO2 modifier, facilitates optimal growth of perovskite crystals on the (111) facet. The modification promotes preferential crystal orientation through hydrogen bond and Lewis coordination. TS forms a chelate with SnO2, resulting in a smoother film and n-type doping, leading to improved carrier extraction and reduced defects. The TS-modified perovskite solar cells achieve a champion efficiency of 24.2%, leveraging from an obvious enhancement of open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.18V and fill factor (FF) of 82.8%. The devices also demonstrate enhanced humidity tolerance and storage stability, ensuring improved stability without encapsulation.