Reanalysis of energy band structure in the type-II quantum wells

Band structure analysis holds significant importance for understanding the optoelectronic characteristics of semiconductor structures and exploring their potential applications in practice. For quantum well structures, the energy of carriers in the well splits into discrete energy levels due to the confinement of barriers in the growth direction. However, the discrete energy levels obtained at a fixed wave vector cannot accurately reflect the actual energy band structure. In this work, the band structure of the type-II quantum wells is reanalyzed. When the wave vectors of the entire Brillouin region(corresponding to the growth direction) are taken into account, the quantized energy levels of the carriers in the well are replaced by subbands with certain energy distributions. This new understanding of the energy bands of low-dimensional structures not only helps us to have a deeper cognition of the structure, but also may overturn many viewpoints in traditional band theories and serve as supplementary to the band theory of low-dimensional systems.

Surface encapsulation of layered oxide cathode material with NiTiO_(3) for enhanced cycling stability of Na-ion batteries

In Na-ion batteries,O3-type layered oxide cathode materials encounter challenges such as particle cracking,oxygen loss,electrolyte side reactions,and multi-phase transitions during the charge/discharge process.This study focuses on surface coating with NiTiO_(3) achieved via secondary heat treatment using a coating precursor and the surface material.Through in-situ x-ray diffraction(XRD)and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry(DEMS),along with crystal structure characterizations of post-cycling materials,it was determined that the NiTiO_(3) coating layer facilitates the formation of a stable lattice structure,effectively inhibiting lattice oxygen loss and reducing side reaction with the electrolyte.This enhancement in cycling stability was evidenced by a capacity retention of approximately 74%over 300 cycles at 1 C,marking a significant 30%improvement over the initial sample.Furthermore,notable advancements in rate performance were observed.Experimental results indicate that a stable and robust surface structure substantially enhances the overall stability of the bulk phase,presenting a novel approach for designing layered oxide cathodes with higher energy density.

Fluorinated soft carbon as an ultra-high energy density potassium-ion battery cathode enabled by a ternary phase K_(x)FC

Fluorinated carbons(CFx)have been widely applied as lithium primary batteries due to their ultra-high energy density.It will be a great promise if CFx can be rechargeable.In this study,we rationally tune the C-F bond strength for the alkaline intercalated CFx via importing an electronegative weaker element K instead of Li.It forms a ternary phase K_(x)FC instead of two phases(LiF+C)in lithium-ion batteries.Meanwhile,we choose a large layer distance and more defects CFx,namely fluorinated soft carbon,to accommodate K.Thus,we enable CFx rechargeable as a potassium-ion battery cathode.In detail fluorinated soft carbon CF_(1.01) presents a reversible specific capacity of 339 mA h g^(-1)(797 Wh kg^(-1))in the 2nd cycle and maintains 330 mA h g^(-1)(726 Wh kg^(-1))in the 15th cycle.This study reveals the importance of tuning chemical bond stability using different alkaline ions to endow batteries with rechargeability.This work provides good references for focusing on developing reversible electrode materials from popular primary cell configurations.

Biphenyl-lithium-TEGDME solution as anolyte for high energy density non-aqueous redox flow lithium battery

Non-aqueous redox flow batteries, because of larger operating voltage, have attracted considerable at- tention for high-density energy storage applications. However, the study of the anolyte is rather limited compared with the catholyte due to the labile properties of redox mediators at low potentials. Here, we report a new strategy that exploits high concentration organic lithium metal solution as a robust and energetic anolyte. The solution formed by dissolving metallic lithium with biphenyl （BP） in tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether （TEGDME） presents a redox potential of 0.39V versus Li/Li＋, and a concentration up to 2 M. When coupled with a redox-targeted LiFePO4 catholyte system, the constructed redox flow lithium battery full cell delivers a ceil voltage of 3.0V and presents reasonably good cycling performance.

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of La_(2)CuO_(4)as a promising coating material for high voltage Li-rich layered oxide cathodes

The structural transformations,oxygen releasing and side reactions with electrolytes on the surface are considered as the main causes of the performance degradation of Li-rich layered oxides(LROs)cathodes in Li-ion batteries.Thus,stabilizing the surfaces of LROs is the key to realize their practical application in high energy density Li-ion batteries.Surface coating is regarded as one of the most effective strategies for high voltage cathodes.The ideal coating materials should prevent cathodes from electrolyte corrosion and possess both electronic and Li-ionic conductivities simultaneously.However,commonly reported coating materials are unable to balance these functions well.Herein,a new type of coating material,La_(2)CuO_(4)was introduced to mitigate the surface issues of LROs for the first time,due to its superb electronic conductivity(26-35 mS·cm^(-1))and lithium-ionic diffusion coefficient(10^(-12)-10^(-13)cm^(2)·s^(-1)).After coating with the La_(2)CuO_(4),the capacity retention of Li_(1.2)Ni_(0.54)Co_(0.13)Mn_(0.13)O_(2)cathode was increased to 85.9%(compared to 79.3%of uncoated cathode)after 150 cycles in the voltage range of 2.0-4.8 V.In addition,only negligible degradations on the deliverable capacity and rate capability were observed.

A novel calculation strategy for optimized prediction of the reduction of electrochemical window at anode

The reduction of the electrochemical window(EW)of electrolytes plays a significant role in assessing their compatibility with the anode in lithium-ion batteries.However,the accurate calculation of the reduction of EW is still challenging due to missing the solvation effects,condensation effects,kinetic factors,and the passivation on anodes.The theoretical prediction of the intrinsic and apparent EW is confirmed by a comprehensive experimental analysis of ethylene carbonatedimethyl carbonate(EC-DMC)electrolytes,combining linear sweep voltammetry(LSV)and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS).The proposed novel kinetic normal distribution theory model can quantitatively explain the current density from LSV and affirm acetaldehyde(MeCHO)as one of the primary reduction products of EC.The solvent effect restricts the intrinsic EW of EC-DMC without lithium salt to 2.6 V(vs.Li^(+)/Li)arising from the Marcus-Gerischer theory and the passivation of MeCHO on the anode broadens the apparent EW to 0.3 V(vs.Li^(+)/Li)arising from the normal distribution of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO)for MeCHO produced by thermal motion.In addition,the passivation on the anode depends intensively on the lithium salt,resulting in more complicated influences on the apparent EW.

A General Strategy for Ordered Carrier Transport of Quasi‑2D and 3D Perovskite Films for Giant Self‑Powered Photoresponse and Ultrahigh Stability

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have been focusing more attention in the field of self-powered photodetectors due to their superb photoelectric properties.However,a universal growth approach is required and challenging to realize vertically oriented growth and grain boundary fusion of 2D and 3D perovskite grains to promote ordered carrier transport,which determines superior photoresponse and high stability.Herein,a general thermal-pressed(TP)strategy is designed to solve the above issues,achieving uniaxial orientation and single-grain penetration along the film thickness direction.It constructs the efficient channel for ordered carrier transport between two electrodes.Combining of the improved crystal quality and lower trap-state density,the quasi-2D and 3D perovskite-based self-powered photodetector devices(with/without hole transport layer)all exhibit giant and stable photoresponse in a wide spectrum range and specific wavelength laser.For the MAPbI_(3)-based self-powered photodetectors,the largest R_(λ) value is as high as 0.57 A W^(−1)at 760 nm,which is larger than most reported results.Meanwhile,under laser illumination(532 nm),the FPEA_(2)MA_(4)Pb_(5)I_(16)-based device exhibits a high responsivity(0.4 A W^(−1)) value,which is one of the best results in 2DRP self-powered photodetectors.In addition,fast response,ultralow detection limit,and markedly improved humidity,optical and heat stabilities are clearly demonstrated for these TP-based devices.

Interface and mechanical degradation mechanisms of the silicon anode in sulfide-based solid-state batteries at high temperatures

Silicon(Si)is a competitive anode material owing to its high theoretical capacity and low electrochemical potential.Recently,the prospect of Si anodes in solid-state batteries(SSBs)has been proposed due to less solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)formation and particle pulverization.However,major challenges arise for Si anodes in SSBs at elevated temperatures.In this work,the failure mechanisms of Si-Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl(LPSC)composite anodes above 80℃are thoroughly investigated from the perspectives of interface stability and(electro)chemo-mechanical effect.The chemistry and growth kinetics of Lix Si|LPSC interphase are demonstrated by combining electrochemical,chemical and computational characterizations.Si and/or Si–P compound formed at Lix Si|LPSC interface prove to be detrimental to interface stability at high temperatures.On the other hand,excessive volume expansion and local stress caused by Si lithiation at high temperatures damage the mechanical structure of Si-LPSC composite anodes.This work elucidates the behavior and failure mechanisms of Si-based anodes in SSBs at high temperatures and provides insights into upgrading Si-based anodes for application in SSBs.

Quantum confinement of carriers in the type-I quantum wells structure

Quantum confinement is recognized to be an inherent property in low-dimensional structures.Traditionally,it is believed that the carriers trapped within the well cannot escape due to the discrete energy levels.However,our previous research has revealed efficient carrier escape in low-dimensional structures,contradicting this conventional understanding.In this study,we review the energy band structure of quantum wells along the growth direction considering it as a superposition of the bulk material dispersion and quantization energy dispersion resulting from the quantum confinement across the whole Brillouin zone.By accounting for all wave vectors,we obtain a certain distribution of carrier energy at each quantized energy level,giving rise to the energy subbands.These results enable carriers to escape from the well under the influence of an electric field.Additionally,we have compiled a comprehensive summary of various energy band scenarios in quantum well structures relevant to carrier transport.Such a new interpretation holds significant value in deepening our comprehension of low-dimensional energy bands,discovering new physical phenomena,and designing novel devices with superior performance.

Enhanced Performance in Perovskite Organic Lead Iodide Heterojunction Solar Cells with Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor Back Contact

Metal-insulator-semiconductor back contact has been employed for a perovskite organic lead iodide heterojunction solar cell,in which an ultrathin Al_(2)O_(3) film as an insulating layer was deposited onto the CH_(3)NH_(3)PbI_(3) by atomic layer deposition technology.The light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of the devices is significantly enhanced from 3.30%to 5.07%.Further the impedance spectrum reveals that this insulating layer sustains part of the positive bias applied in the absorber region close to the back contact and decreases the carrier transport barrier,thus promoting transportation of carriers.

Electrolyte and current collector designs for stable lithium metal anodes

With the increasing demand for high energy-density batteries for portable electronics and large-scale energy storage systems,the lithium metal anode(LMA)has received tremendous attention because of its high theoretical capacity and low redox potential.However,the commercial application of LMAs is impeded by the uncontrolled growth of lithium dendrites.Such dendrite growth may result in internal short circuits,detrimental side reactions,and the formation of dead lithium.Therefore,the growth of lithium metal must be controlled.This article summarizes our recent efforts in inhibiting such dendrite growth,decreasing the detrimental side reactions,and elongating the LMA lifespan by optimizing the electrolyte structure and by designing appropriate current collectors.After identifying that the unstable solid electrolyte inter-face(SEI)film is responsible for the potential dropping in carbonate electrolytes,we developed LiPF_(6)-LiNO_(3) dual-salt electrolyte and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide(LiFSI)-carbonate electrolyte to stabilize the SEI film of LMAs.In addition,we achieved controlled lithium depos-ition by designing the structure and material of the current collectors,including selective lithium deposition in porous current collectors,lithio-philic metal guided lithium deposition,and iron carbide induced underpotential lithium deposition in nano-cavities.The limitations of the cur-rent strategies and prospects for future research are also presented.

Improved electrochemical performance of Li(Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2)O2 at high charging cut-off voltage with Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6（PO4）3 surface coating

Ba0.8Sr0.2FeO3-δhas been surface-modified by the lithium-ion conductor Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3via a facile mechanical fusion method. The annealing temperature during coating process shows a strong impact on the surface morphology and chemical composition of Li(Ni0.6 Co0.2 Mn0.2)O2. The 600-?C annealed material exhibits the best cyclic stability at high charging cut-off voltage of 4.5 V(versus Li+/Li) with the capacity retention of 90.9% after 100 cycles, which is much higher than that of bare material(79%). Moreover, the rate capability and thermal stability are also improved by Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3coating. The enhanced performance can be attributed to the improved stability of interface between Ba0.8Sr0.2FeO3-δand electrolyte by Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3modification. The results of this work provide a possible method to design reliable cathode materials to achieve high energy density and long cycle life.

Advances in Understanding Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries by Atomic Force Microscopy

The development of advanced lithium batteries represents a major technological challenge for the new century.Understanding the fundamental electrode degradation mechanisms is important for battery performance improvements.The complex electrochemical processes inside a working battery are being explored to a limited extent.Various advanced material characterization techniques have been used to monitor dynamic conditions for optimizing battery materials.State-of-the-art atomic force microscopy methods have been applied to energy storage systems,specifically lithium-ion batteries.Atomic force microscopy is an ideal tool to provide localized morphological,chemical,and physical information at nanoscale for the in-depth understanding of the electrochemical processes,reaction mechanisms,and degradation of battery materials.Here,we review recent progress in the development and application of atomic force microscopy for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.We discuss atomic force microscopy as an analytical tool to help researchers understand graphite,silicon,layered metal oxides,and other representative electrode materials.We summarize the importance of atomic force microscopy technique in studying the next-generation Li–S and Li–O 2 batteries.We also highlight some of the remaining challenges and possible solutions for future development.

Reversible Al^(3+) storage mechanism in anatase TiO_(2) cathode material for ionic liquid electrolyte-based aluminum-ion batteries

Rechargeable aluminum ion battery(AIB) with high theoretical specific capacity, abundant elements and low cost engages considerable attention as a promising next generation energy storage and conversion system. Nevertheless, to date, one of the major barriers to pursuit better AIB is the limited applicable cathode materials with the ability to store aluminum highly reversibly. Herein, a highly reversible AIB is proposed using mesoporous TiO2 microparticles(M-TiO2) as the cathode material. The improved performance of Ti O2/Al battery is ascribed to the high ionic conductivity and material stability, which is caused by the stable architecture with a mesoporous microstructure and no random aggregation of secondary particles. In addition, we conducted detailed characterization to gain deeper understanding of the Al^(3+) storage mechanism in anatase Ti O2 for AIB. Our findings demonstrate clearly that Al^(3+)can be reversibly stored in anatase TiO2 by intercalation reactions based on ionic liquid electrolyte. Especially, DFT calculations were used to investigate the accurate insertion sites of aluminum ions in M-Ti O2 and the volume changes of M-TiO2 cells during discharging. As for the controversial side reactions in AIBs, in this work, by normalized calculation, we confirm that M-Ti O2 alone participate in the redox reaction. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry(CV) test was performed to investigate the pseudocapacitive behavior.

Anthraquinone derivative as high-performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries using ether-based electrolytes

Organic materials, especially the carbonyl compounds, are promising anode materials for room temperature sodium-ion batteries owing to their high reversible capacity, structural diversity as well as eco-friendly synthesis from bio-mass. Herein, we report a novel anthraquinone derivative, C_(14)H_6 O_4 Na_2 composited with carbon nanotube(C_(14)H_6 O_4 Na_2-CNT), used as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries in etherbased electrolyte. The C_(14)H_6 O_4 Na_2-CNT electrode delivers a reversible capacity of 173 mAh g^(-1) and an ultra-high initial Coulombic efficiency of 98% at the rate of 0.1 C. The capacity retention is 82% after 50 cycles at 0.2 C and a good rate capability is displayed at 2 C.Furthermore, the average Na insertion voltage of 1.27 V vs. Na^+/Na makes it a unique and safety battery material, which would avoid Na plating and formation of solid electrolyte interface. Our contribution provides new insights for designing developed organic anode materials with high initial Coulombic efficiency and improved safety capability for sodium-ion batteries.

Direct Observation of Carrier Transportation Process in InGaAs/GaAs Multiple Quantum Wells Used for Solar Cells and Photodetectors

The resonant excitation is used to generate photo-excited carriers in quantum wells to observe the process of the carriers transportation by comparing the photoluminescence results between quantum wells with and without a p-n junction. It is observed directly in experiment that most of the photo-excited carriers in quantum wells with a p-n junction escape from quantum wells and form photoeurrent rather than relax to the ground state of the quantum wells. The photo absorption coei^cient of multiple quantum wells is also enhanced by a p-n junction. The results pave a novel way for solar cells and photodetectors making use of low-dimensional structure.

Effects of active layer thickness on performance and stability of dual-active-layer amorphous InGaZnO thin-film transistors

Dual-active-layer(DAL)amorphous InGaZnO(IGZO)thin-film transistors(TFTs)are fabricated at low temperature without post-annealing.A bottom low-resistance(low-R)IGZO layer and a top high-resistance(high-R)IGZO layer constitute the DAL homojunction with smooth and high-quality interface by in situ modulation of oxygen composition.The performance of the DAL TFT is significantly improved when compared to that of a single-active-layer TFT.A detailed investigation was carried out regarding the effects of the thickness of both layers on the electrical properties and gate bias stress stabilities.It is found that the low-R layer improves the mobility,ON/OFF ratio,threshold voltage and hysteresis voltage by passivating the defects and providing a smooth interface.The high-R IGZO layer has a great impact on the hysteresis,which changes from clockwise to counterclockwise.The best TFT shows a mobility of 5.41 cm^2/V·s,a subthreshold swing of 95.0 mV/dec,an ON/OFF ratio of 6.70×10^7,a threshold voltage of 0.24 V,and a hysteresis voltage of 0.13 V.The value of threshold voltage shifts under positive gate bias stress decreases when increasing the thickness of both layers.

Achieving high initial Coulombic efficiency for competent Na storage by microstructure tailoring from chiral nematic nanocrystalline cellulose

Although it has been proven that porous,heteroatomic,and defective structures improve Na storage performance,they also severely affect the initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE)due to the huge irreversible capacity in the first cycle,which always limits the practical application of carbon anodes in commercial Na-ion batteries(NIBs).Here,we show the successful synthesis of nanocrystalline cellulose and the derivative hard carbons.A series of treatments including acid hydrolysis,hydrothermal carbonization,and hightemperature pyrolysis help tune the pores,heteroatoms,and defects to achieve an optimized balance between superior ICE and reversible capacity of up to 90.4%and 314 mAh g^(−1).This study highlights that tailoring the electrode microstructure could be an important strategy in the future design of carbonaceous anode materials for high-performance Na-ion batteries.

A repeated interdiffusion method for efficient planar formamidinium perovskite solar cells

A repeated interdiffusion method is described for phase-stable and high-quality （FA,MA）PbI3 film. The crys- tallization and growth of the perovskite films can be well controlled by adjusting the reactant concentrations. With this method, dense, smooth perovskite films with large crystals have been obtained. Finally, a PCE of 16.5% as well as a steady-state efficiency of 16.3% is achieved in the planar perovskite solar cell.

Carrier transport in III–V quantum-dot structures for solar cells or photodetectors

According to the well-established light-to-electricity conversion theory,resonant excited carriers in the quantum dots will relax to the ground states and cannot escape from the quantum dots to form photocurrent,which have been observed in quantum dots without a p–n junction at an external bias.Here,we experimentally observed more than 88% of the resonantly excited photo carriers escaping from In As quantum dots embedded in a short-circuited p–n junction to form photocurrent.The phenomenon cannot be explained by thermionic emission,tunneling process,and intermediate-band theories.A new mechanism is suggested that the photo carriers escape directly from the quantum dots to form photocurrent rather than relax to the ground state of quantum dots induced by a p–n junction.The finding is important for understanding the low-dimensional semiconductor physics and applications in solar cells and photodiode detectors.