Surface Passivation Research Articles

Synergetic Optimization of Upper and Lower Surfaces of the SnO2 Electron Transport Layer for High-Performance n-i-p Perovskite Solar Cells.

The SnO2 electron transport layer (ETL) has been recognized as one of the most effective protocols for achieving high-efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To date, most research has primarily focused on the modification of the upper surface of SnO2 ETL films. The lower surface of the SnO2 film, which directly influences the film formation of solution-processed SnO2, is equally important but receives relatively less attention. Herein, we present a synergetic optimization approach involving the deposition of aluminum oxide (AlOx) via atomic layer deposition (ALD) as a buffer layer and the incorporation of rubidium acetate (RbAc) as an upper surface passivation additive. This process leads to a conformal coating of SnO2 nanoparticles, improved electrical performance, and higher-quality perovskite crystals. As a result, with this composite ETL film, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) reached 22.41 from 20.77%. Further modification with p-butyl iodide (BAI) on the perovskite upper surface increased the champion PCE to 23.32%, with a voltage loss of 0.41 V, ranking among the lowest values for the triple-cation mixed-halide perovskite absorber (1.58 eV). Importantly, the perovskite solar cells remained 87.30% of its initial performance after 14 days of aging and exhibited photostability under long-term UV (254 nm) illumination.

Highly stable deep-blue emitting CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets with modified zwitterionic surface passivation

Two-dimensional CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets (NPLs) with narrow emission line width are one of the most promising materials for lighting and display applications. Nevertheless, it has been difficult to successfully synthesize deep-blue emitting CsPbBr3 NPLs with long-term stability and high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), which prevents their widespread application in the field of lighting. The use of ligands engineering strategy has demonstrated an increase in the PLQY and stability. Herein, a method employing in situ formation of modified zwitterionic surface ligands is proposed to successfully synthesize high-quality CsPbBr3 NPLs. Zwitterionic passivation strategy can produce deep blue emission of CsPbBr3 NPLs at ∼ 461 nm, achieving a near-unity quantum yield and excellent stability for long-term storage at room-temperature, heat treatment, and ultraviolet irradiation. This enhancement can be attributed to the strong chelation between the modified zwitterions and the surface of CsPbBr3 NPLs, which can effectively immobilize surface halide ions and passivate surface defects. This work provides a flexible way to achieve high PLQY and improve the stability issues in perovskite NPLs.

Minimization of Energy Level Mismatch of PCBM and Surface Passivation for Highly Stable Sn-Based Perovskite Solar Cells by Doping n-Type Polymer.

Developing high-performance and stable Sn-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is difficult due to the inherent tendency of Sn2+ oxidation and, the huge energy mismatch between perovskite and Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), a frequently employed electron transport layer (ETL). This study demonstrates that perovskite surface defects can be passivated and PCBM's electrical properties improved by doping n-type polymer N2200 into PCBM. The doping of PCBM with N2200 results in enhanced band alignment and improved electrical properties of PCBM. The presence of electron-donating atoms such as S, and O in N2200, effectively coordinates with free Sn2+ to prevent further oxidation. The doping of PCBM with N2200 offers a reduced conduction band offset (from 0.38 to 0.21eV) at the interface between the ETL and perovskite. As a result, the N2200 doped PCBM-based PSCs show an enhanced open circuit voltage of 0.79V with impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.98% (certified PCE 11.95%). Significantly, the N2200 doped PCBM-based PSCs exhibited exceptional stability and retained above 90% of their initial PCE when subjected to continuous illumination at maximum power point tracking for 1000h under one sun.

Enhancing Optical and Thermal Stability of Blue-Emitting Perovskite Nanocrystals through Surface Passivation with Sulfonate or Sulfonic Acid Ligands.

This study aims to enhance the optical and thermal properties of cesium-based perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) through surface passivation with organic sulfonate (or sulfonic acid) ligands. Four different phenylated ligands, including sodium β-styrenesulfonate (SbSS), sodium benzenesulfonate (SBS), sodium p-toluenesulfonate (SPTS), and 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA), were employed to modify blue-emitting CsPbBr1.5Cl1.5 perovskite NCs, resulting in improved size uniformity and surface functionalization. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the successful anchoring of sulfonate or sulfonic acid ligands on the surface of perovskite NCs. Moreover, the photoluminescence quantum yield increased from 32% of the original perovskite NCs to 63% of the SPTS-modified ones due to effective surface passivation. Time-resolved photoluminescence decay measurements revealed extended PL lifetimes for ligand-modified NCs, indicative of reduced nonradiative recombination. Thermal stability studies demonstrated that the SPTS-modified NCs retained nearly 80% of the initial PL intensity when heated at 60 °C for 10 min, surpassing the performance of the original NCs. These findings emphasize the optical and thermal stability enhancement of cesium-based perovskite NCs through surface passivation with suitable sulfonate ligands.

Determination of band offsets at the interfaces of NiO, SiO2, Al2O3, and ITO with AlN

The valence and conduction band offsets at the interfaces between NiO/AlN, SiO2/AlN, Al2O3/AlN, and ITO/AlN heterointerfaces were determined via x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using the standard Kraut technique. These represent systems that potentially would be used for p-n junctions, gate dielectrics, and improved Ohmic contacts to AlN, respectively. The band alignments at NiO/AlN interfaces are nested, type-I heterojunctions with a conduction band offset of −0.38 eV and a valence band offset of −1.89 eV. The SiO2/AlN interfaces are also nested gap, type-I alignment with a conduction band offset of 1.50 eV and a valence band offset of 0.63 eV. The Al2O3/AlN interfaces are type-II (staggered) heterojunctions with a conduction band offset of −0.47 eV and a valence band offset of 0.6 eV. Finally, the ITO/AlN interfaces are type-II (staggered) heterojunctions with conduction band offsets of −2.73 eV and valence band offsets of 0.06 eV. The use of a thin layer of ITO between a metal and the AlN is a potential approach for reducing contact resistance on power electronic devices, while SiO2 is an attractive candidate for surface passivation or gate dielectric formation on AlN. Given the band alignment of the Al2O3, it would only be useful as a passivation layer. Similarly, the use of NiO as a p-type layer to AlN does not have a favorable band alignment for efficient injection of holes into the AlN.

The use of ChatGPT to generate experimentally testable hypotheses for improving the surface passivation of perovskite solar cells

The use of ChatGPT to generate experimentally testable hypotheses for improving the surface passivation of perovskite solar cells

Enhanced detection of glucose with carbon quantum dot-modified copper oxide: Computational insight and machine learning modeling of electrochemical sensing

Poor conductivity and surface passivation pose critical challenges in metal oxide structures during their application for non-enzymatic oxidation. To address this, we systematically employed in-situ deposition of carbon-quantum dots (C-dots) over copper oxide (CuO), enhancing its electrocatalytic properties for direct non-enzymatic glucose oxidation in alkaline media. The process involved the systematic deposition of varying wt.% of C-dots onto the CuO nanostructure. The electrode’s sensing capability was assessed through CV, DPV, and amperometric measurements, evaluating its suitability in high (0.1 to 0.85 mM) and low glucose concentration levels (15 to 225 nM) with a representative LOD of 1.4 nM (17142.86 µA mM−1 cm−2). Additionally, the CuO-Cdot-16.6 protective coating allowed for long-term working capability, with chronoamperometric measurement confirming a 99 % current retention ability compared to pristine CuO’s 39 % retention during 3500 s of continuous measurement. DFT calculations further confirmed the efficacy of CuO substrate as a scaffold for glucose adsorption. The stable CuO-glucose complex formed due to energetically favorable conditions further strengthens its potential as a sensor. Successful recoveries of spiked glucose serum samples validated the sensor’s practical usage in complex matrices. Moreover, Machine learning was also adopted to validate the accuracy of glucose detection, where artificial neural network (ANN) model emerged as a suitable model to interpret the DPV derived data relationships, adding in sensor working capability and promising its future application in precision/intelligent healthcare.

High photoluminescence Ag-In-Ga-S quantum dots based on ZnX2-treated surface passivation

High photoluminescence Ag-In-Ga-S quantum dots based on ZnX2-treated surface passivation

Impact of carbon concentration on optical and zeta potential properties of carbon quantum dots

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are fluorescent nanoparticles with diverse applications in multiple fields. The optical and physical properties of CQDs are influenced by several factors, such as the synthesis method, surface passivation and particle size. This study explores how carbon concentration affects the properties of CQDs. The CQDs were synthesized through a carbonization process with carbon concentrations varying from 0.03 to 0.15 g/ml. The samples of CQDs were characterized by using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicate that carbon concentration significantly impacts the optical properties and zeta potential of CQDs. Specifically, higher carbon concentrations result in increased fluorescence intensity and larger particle size. HRTEM images reveal that the average size of the CQDs is below 10 nm, consistent with DLS measurements. These findings suggest that carbon concentration can serve as a straightforward and effective parameter for tuning CQDs properties, with potential applications in bioimaging, sensing and optoelectronics.

Corrosion evolution of 316L stainless steel after ultrasonic severe surface rolling and laser shock peening processing

Laser shock peening induced smaller grain size than ultrasonic severe surface rolling for 316L stainless steel. Furthermore, laser shock peening processing facilitated to induce more strain induced α′-martensites. Therefore, the refined grains and α′-martensite enhanced significantly the hardness of 316L stainless steel. Moreover, laser shock peened sample exhibited better corrosion resistance than ultrasonic severe surface rolled one in a medium containing chloride ions. Although α′-martensite would decrease passivation and anti-corrosion ability of 316L stainless steel, the grain refinement promoted the diffusion activity of chromium element, which accelerated surface passivation process.

Development of Low-Cost c-Si-Based CPV Cells for a Solar Co-Generation Absorber in a Parabolic Trough Collector

Concentrator photovoltaics (CPVs) have demonstrated high electrical efficiencies and technological potential, especially when deployed in CPV–thermal (CPV-T) hybrid absorbers, in which the cells’ waste heat can be used to power industrial processes. However, the high cost of tracking systems and the predominant use of expensive multi-junction PV cells have caused the market of solar co-generation technologies to stall. This paper describes the development and testing of a low-cost alternative CPV cell based on crystalline silicone (c-Si) for use in a novel injection-molded parabolic hybrid solar collector, generating both, photovoltaic electricity and thermal power. The study covers two different c-Si cell technologies, namely, passive emitter rear contact (PERC) and aluminum back surface field (Al-BSF). Simulation design and manufacturing are described with special attention to fingerprinting in order to achieve high current carrying capacities for concentrated sunlight. It was determined that Al-BSF cells offer higher efficiencies than PERC for the considered use case. Solar simulator tests showed that the highly doped 4 cm2 cells (50 ohm/sq) reach efficiencies of 16.9% under 1 sun and 13.1% under 60 suns at 25 °C with a temperature coefficient of −0.069%(Abs)/K. Finally, options to further improve the cells are discussed and an outlook is given for deployment in a field-testing prototype.

Enhancing efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells via evaporated NdF3 surface passivation

Realizing efficient and stable perovskite photovoltaic devices remains a key challenge for further development in this field. Surface defects, especially those caused by unbound Pb, are often linked to the performance of these devices. This study demonstrates that NdF3 deposited on the surface of perovskite films effectively passivates unbound lead, thereby improving film quality. The resulting device achieved an power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.88% and exhibited good stability. Even after being stored in air for 1400 h, the device maintained its initial PCE of 87.5%. Additionally, after aging at 120 °C for 400 h in a nitrogen atmosphere, the device still retained 90% of its initial PCE. Furthermore, the device maintains 52% of its initial PCE after 1000 h of continuous light soaking.

Bicone nanoflower evolution and multi-peak emission of polymer caped Cu doped ZnO.

A low-temperature polymer-assisted wet chemical method was used to synthesise Cu-doped ZnO bicone nanoflowers at three different PEG concentrations.The effects of PEG concentration on the structural, morphological and optical properties of Cu doped ZnO nanostructures were studied. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the as-synthesized ZnO nanostructures are highly crystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite phase. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the prepared nanostructures have bicone-nanoflower morphology and PEG concentration has strongly influenced the size as well the shape of nanoflowers. The surface passivation effect of PEG on the band gap energies was studied by analysing UV -visible spectra of all the samples. The room-temperature fluorescent spectra of all the nanoflowers showed multiple peak emissions, both in the ultra-violet and visible regions, with varying intensities.These recasted multiple peaks are attributed to the morphological modification caused by the PEG addition.&#xD.

Accurate band alignment of sputtered Sc2O3 on GaN for high electron mobility transistor applications

Sc2O3 is a promising gate dielectric for surface passivation in GaN-based devices. However, the interface quality and band alignment of sputtered Sc2O3 on GaN has not been fully explored. In this work, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry were performed to extract the discontinuities in the valence and conduction bands of the Sc2O3/GaN system. Sc2O3 films were deposited on GaN using radio frequency sputtering. The valence band offset of Sc2O3/GaN was determined to be 0.76 ± 0.1 eV using Kraut’s method. The Sc2O3 band gap of 6.03 ± 0.25 eV was measured using O 1s energy loss spectroscopy. The electron affinity measurements of GaN and Sc2O3 using XPS secondary electron cut-off spectra provided an additional degree of accuracy to the derived band line-up for the Sc2O3/GaN interface. The band alignment results were compared with literature values of band offsets determined experimentally and theoretically for differently grown Sc2O3 films on GaN.

Effects of the Addition of Tin Powder to Perovskite Precursor Solutions on Band Bending at PEDOT:PSS/Perovskite Interfaces in Mixed-Cation Mixed-Halide Tin Perovskite Solar Cells.

Using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, we investigated the effects of the addition of tin (Sn) powder to perovskite layers on band bending at the perovskite surface near poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole-transport layers in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) involving formamidinium (FA)-methylammonium (MA)-mixed-cation I-Br-mixed-halide tin perovskites. We performed dark ESR spectroscopy measurements of a PEDOT:PSS/FA0.75MA0.25Sn(I0.75Br0.25)3 stack and of a PEDOT:PSS/Sn-powder-added FA0.75MA0.25Sn(I0.75Br0.25)3 stack. The results indicate that FA0.75MA0.25Sn(I0.75Br0.25)3 layers have significant downward band bending near PEDOT:PSS layers. Such downward band bending is unfavorable for hole selectivity and surface passivation at the interface. However, the addition of Sn powder to the tin perovskite precursor solution was found to significantly prevent the downward band bending and rather cause upward band bending, which can improve the hole selectivity and field-effect passivation quality. This can be due to prevented oxidation of perovskite layers by Sn powder addition. These findings are crucial for developing highly efficient and stable tin perovskite solar cells.

4-Methoxy phenethylammonium halide salts for surface passivation of perovskite films towards efficient and stable solar cells

Surface defects-mediated non-radiative charge recombination in polycrystalline perovskite films has been widely acknowledged to be responsible for the undesired open-circuit voltage (VOC) deficit, which is still a great challenge for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to achieve the Shockley-Queisser efficiency limit. Herein, we report the use of 4-methoxy phenethylammonium halide salts (4-MeO-PEAX, X = I, Br, Cl) on the surface of formamidinium-cesium (FACs) perovskite films for surface passivation. The impact of halogen species in 4-MeO-PEAX on the quality of FACs perovskite films and device performance are comparatively investigated. We find that the prepared FACs perovskite films demonstrate dramatically reduced defect density and surface roughness, improved crystallinity, preferred (001) orientation and prolonged carrier lifetime after the post-treatment by 4-MeO-PEACl. Consequently, the 4-MeO-PEACl post-processed p-i-n PSCs have achieved a significantly improved power conversion efficiency of 22.63 % and VOC of 1.13 V. The unencapsulated devices post-treated with 4-MeO-PEACl maintained 90 %, 88 % and 84 % of their initial efficiencies, after being thermally stressed at 65 ℃ under dark for 312 h, stored in ambient air for 720 h and operated under continuous 1 sun equivalent illumination with maximum power point tracking at 50 ℃ for 1000 h, respectively.

Enhanced Surface Passivation of InP/ZnSe Quantum Dots by Zinc Acetate Exposure

Enhanced Surface Passivation of InP/ZnSe Quantum Dots by Zinc Acetate Exposure

The role of magnetite for enhancing reduction of N-nitrosodimethylamine by zero-valent iron

Mixed-valent iron mineral has significant effects in redox reaction and engineering applications. Magnetite (Fe3O4) combined with zero-valent iron (ZVI) were chosen to reduce N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Enhancement had been shown in ZVI-Fe3O4 system than the sum of removals of ZVI and Fe3O4 systems. Lower solution pH value facilitated the removal of NDMA, the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) had little effect. The main reduction products of NDMA by ZVI-Fe3O4 were 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and dimethylamine (DMA). The total nitrogen mass was unbalanced. By capturing the active species in the ZVI-Fe3O4 system, active hydrogen atoms had been determined. Catalytic hydrogenation was proposed to be the mechanism. Electrochemical tests showed that ZVI-Fe3O4 had a lower open circuit potential and a higher corrosion current than ZVI, the presence of Fe3O4 promoted the corrosion of ZVI. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of solid powders showed that the corrosion was more serious and no other substances were formed on the surface of powders in ZVI-Fe3O4 system after reaction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that the value of ratio of peak area of Fe(III) to Fe(II) of ZVI-Fe3O4 surfaces was lowest. The Fe(III) on the powders’ surface could be reduced by ZVI and the surface passivation of ZVI would be prevented, which would be benefit for the generation of active hydrogen atoms.

Advancements in the green synthesis of carbon dots for sustainable development

The use of various biomass derivatives and wastes to produce carbon dots (CDs) represents a green synthesis approach that holds great potential for commercialization by offering economically viable, abundant, and sustainable resources. The process is reliable and reproducible by producing high-quality CDs with controllable size and surface structure, high photoluminescence (PL), and narrow emission. This review highlights the potential of biomass wastes and derivatives as a valuable resource for the production of CDs, showcasing their economic viability and environmental sustainability. The discussion is focusing on optimizing the green synthesis of CDs from different biomass precursors, including small molecules (e.g., sugars, polymers, amino acids, proteins, etc.) and biomass wastes (e.g., leaves, stem, root, flower, pollen, etc.), elucidating the underlying synthetic mechanisms, and exploring various modification techniques. The pursuit of high-quality CDs materials is also realized through innovative modification strategies, such as surface passivation, precise morphology and size control, and heteroatom doping, which enable tailoring the properties of CDs according to specific requirements while minimizing waste generation. The formation mechanism and tuning of optical properties were also discussed in detail, focusing on the comparison with CDs using other precursors. We further introduced the sustainable applications of these green CDs on renewable energies, such as photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaics. Finally, this review provides a perspective on the challenges, potential advancements and future directions in the field of the green CDs.

Effect of Secondary Phase on Passivation Layer of Super Duplex Stainless Steel UNS S 32750: Advanced Safety of Li-Ion Battery Case Materials.

Aluminum, traditionally the primary material for battery casings, is increasingly being replaced by UNS S 30400 for enhanced safety. UNS S 30400 offers superior strength and corrosion resistance compared to aluminum; however, it undergoes a phase transformation owing to stress during processing and a lower high-temperature strength. Duplex stainless steel UNS S 32750, consisting of both austenite and ferrite phases, exhibits excellent strength and corrosion resistance. However, it also precipitates secondary phases at high temperatures, which are known to form through the segregation of Cr and Mo. Various studies have investigated the corrosion resistance of UNS S 32750; however, discrepancies exist regarding the formation and thickness of the passivation layer. This study analyzed the oxygen layer on the surface of UNS S 32750 after secondary-phase precipitation. The microstructure, volume fraction, chemical composition, and depth of O after the precipitation of the secondary phases in UNS S 32750 was examined using FE-SEM, EDS, EPMA and XRD, and the surface chemical composition and passivation layer thickness were analyzed using electron probe microanalysis and glow-discharge spectroscopy. This study demonstrated the segregation of alloy elements and a reduction in the passivation-layer thickness after precipitation from 25 μm to 20 μm. The findings of the analysis aid in elucidating the impact of secondary-phase precipitation on the passivation layer.