Solvent engineering towards scalable fabrication of high-quality perovskite films for efficient solar modules

Over the last decade,remarkable progress has been made in metal halide perovskite solar cells(PSCs),which have been a focus of emerging photovoltaic techniques and show great potential for commercialization.However,the upscaling of small-area PSCs to large-area solar modules to meet the demands of practical applications remains a significant challenge.The scalable production of high-quality perovskite films by a simple,reproducible process is crucial for resolving this issue.Furthermore,the crystallization behavior in the solution-processed fabrication of perovskite films can be strongly influenced by the physicochemical properties of the precursor inks,which are significantly affected by the employed solvents and their interactions with the solutes.Thus,a comprehensive understanding of solvent engineering for fabricating perovskite films over large areas is urgently required.In this paper,we first analyze the role of solvents in the solution-processed fabrication of large-area perovskite films based on the classical crystal nucleation and growth mechanism.Recent efforts in solvent engineering to improve the quality of perovskite films for solar modules are discussed.Finally,the basic principles and future challenges of solvent system design for scalable fabrication of high-quality perovskite films for efficient solar modules are proposed.

Direct fabrication of flexible tensile sensors enabled by polariton energy transfer based on graphene nanosheet films

A fundamental problem in the direct manufacturing of flexible devices is the low melting temperature of flexible substrates,which hinders the development of flexible electronics.Proposed here is an electron-cyclotron-resonance sputtering system that can batch-fabricate devices directly on flexible substrates under a low temperature by virtue of the polariton energy transfer between the plasma and the material.Flexible graphene nanosheet-embedded carbon(F-GNEC)films are manufactured directly on polyimide,polyethylene terephthalate,and polydimethylsiloxane,and how the substrate bias(electron energy),microwave power(plasma flux and energy),and magnetic field(electron flux)affect the nanostructure of the F-GNEC films is investigated,indicating that electron energy and flux contribute to the formation of standing graphene nanosheets in the film.The films have good uniformity of distribution in a large size(17 mm×17 mm),and tensile and angle sensors with a high gauge factor(0.92)and fast response(50 ms)for a machine hand are obtained by virtue of the unique nanostructure of the F-GNEC film.This work sheds light on the quantum manufacturing of carbon sensors and its applications for intelligent machine hands and virtual-reality technology.

Fabrication and properties of ZAO powder,sputtering target materials and the related films

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide （ZnO：Al）, abbreviated as ZAO, is a novel and widely used transparent conductive material. The ZAO powder was synthesized by chemical coprecipitation. The ZAO ceramic sputtering target materials were fabricated by sintering in air, and ZAO transparent conductive films were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering on glass substrates. XRD proved that such films had an orientation of （002） crystal panel paralleled to the surface of the glass substrate. The average transmittance of the films in the visible region exceeded 80%.

Recent progress in ICF target fabrication at RCLF

Target is one of the essential parts in inertial confinement fusion(ICF)experiments.To ensure the symmetry and hydrodynamic stability in the implosion,there are stringent specifications for the target.Driven by the need to fabricate the target required by ICF experiments,a series of target fabrication techniques,including capsule fabrication techniques and the techniques of target characterization and assembly,are developed by the Research Center of Laser Fusion(RCLF),China Academy of Engineering Physics(CAEP).The capsule fabrication techniques for preparing polymer shells,glow discharge polymer(GDP)shells and hollow glass micro-sphere(HGM)are studied,and the techniques of target characterization and assembly are also investigated in this paper.Fundamental research about the target fabrication is also done to improve the quality of the target.Based on the development of target fabrication techniques,some kinds of target have been prepared and applied in the ICF experiments.

Controllable fabrication of self-organized nano-multilayers in copper–carbon films

In order to clarify the influence of methane concentration and deposition time on self-organized nano-multilayers,three serial copper-carbon films have been prepared at various methane concentrations with different deposition times using a facile magnetron sputtering deposition system. The ratios of methane concentration(CH4/Ar+CH4) used in the experiments are 20%, 40%, and 60%, and the deposition times are 5 minutes, 20 minutes, and 40 minutes, respectively.Despite the difference in the growth conditions, self-organizing multilayered copper-carbon films are prepared at different deposition times by changing methane concentration. The film composition and microstructure are investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), x-ray diffraction(XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM). By comparing the composition and microstructure of three serial films, the optimal growth conditions and compositions for self-organizing nano-multilayers in copper-carbon film are acquired. The results demonstrate that the self-organized nano-multilayered structure prefers to form in two conditions during the deposition process. One is that the methane should be curbed at low concentration for long deposition time,and the other condition is that the methane should be controlled at high concentration for short deposition time. In particular, nano-multilayered structure is self-organized in the copper-carbon film with copper concentration of 10-25 at.%.Furthermore, an interesting microstructure transition phenomenon is observed in copper-carbon films, that is, the nanomultilayered structure is gradually replaced by a nano-composite structure with deposition time and finally covered by amorphous carbon.

An overview of thermoelectric films:Fabrication techniques,classification,and regulation methods

Thermoelectric materials have aroused widespread concern due to their unique ability to directly convert heat to electricity without any moving parts or noxious emissions.Taking advantages of two-dimensional structures of thermoelectric films,the potential applications of thermoelectric materials are diversified,particularly in microdevices.Well-controlled nanostructures in thermoelectric films are effective to optimize the electrical and thermal transport,which can significantly improve the performance of thermoelectric materials.In this paper,various physical and chemical approaches to fabricate thermoelectric films,including inorganic,organic,and inorganic–organic composites,are summarized,where more attentions are paid on the inorganic thermoelectric films for their excellent thermoelectric responses.Additionally,strategies for enhancing the performance of thermoelectric films are also discussed.

Fabrication of GaN films through reactive reconstruction of magnetron sputtered ZnO/Ga_2O_3

A simple and easily operated technique was developed to fabricate GaN films. GaN films possessing hexagonal wurtzite structure were fabricated on Si(111) substrates with ZnO buffer layers through nitriding Ga2O3 films in the tube quartz furnace. ZnO buffer layers and Ga3O3 films were deposited on Si substrates in turn by using radio frequency magnetron sputtering system before the nitriding process. The structure and composition of GaN films were studied by X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer. The morphologies of GaN films were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that ZnO buffer layer improves the crystalline quality and the surface morphology of the films relative to the films grown directly on silicon substrates. The measurement result of room-temperature photoluminescence spectrum indicates that the photoluminescence peaks locate at 365 nm and 422 nm.

Principle and Process Window of Cerium Dioxide Thin Film Fabrication with Dual Plasma Deposition

Cerium dioxide, CeO2, is a potentially superior material in a myriad of areas, and many methods have been proposed to deposit single crystal CeO2 thin films. A novel fabrication technique utilizing dual plasma generated by metal vacuum arc (MEVVA) and radio frequency (RF) is discussed in this paper. We have recently conducted a systematic investigation to determine the optimal process window to deposit CeO2 thin films'on Si(100) substrates. The X-ray diffraction results show the existence of CeO2(100) in the as-deposited sample.

Fabrication and photoluminescence characteristics of nonuniform Yb-Er codoped films

The nonuniform Yb-Er Codoped Al2O3 films were prepared on SiO2/Si substrates using a medium frequency magnetron sputtering system. Two asymmetry targets in the system were introduced to realize the nonuniform dopant. Some curves of Photoluminescence （PL） peak intensity were obtained by adjusting the deposition parameters, such as, the pillar number of erbium and ytterbium in the mixed target and the distance between a sample table and targets. Typically, the curve of PL peak intensity against the offset distance was approximately linear. The ratio of the PL intensity at the two ends of the same sample was 12.6 and the slope was 71.83/mm when the pillar numbers of the erbium and ytterbium in the mixed target are 5 and 60, respectively, and the distance between targets and the sample table is 2.9 cm.

Large-area fabrication:The next target of perovskite light-emitting diodes

Perovskite materials show exciting potential for light-emitting diodes(LEDs)owing to their intrinsically high photoluminescence efficiency and color purity.The research focusing on perovskite light-emitting diodes(PeLEDs)has experienced an exponential growth in the past six years.The maximum external quantum efficiency of red,green,and blue PeLEDs has surpassed 20%,20%,and 10%,respectively.Nevertheless,the current PeLEDs are still in the laboratory stage,and the key for further development of PeLEDs is large-area fabrication.In this paper,we briefly discuss the similarities and differences between manufacturing high-quality and large-area PeLEDs and perovskite solar cells.Especially,the general technologies for fabricating large-area perovskite films are also introduced.The effect of charge transport layers and electrodes on large-area devices are discussed as well.Most importantly,we summarize the advances of large-area(active area≥30 mm^(2))PeLEDs reported since 2017,and describe the methods for optimizing large-area PeLEDs reported in the literature.Finally,the development perspective of PeLEDs is presented for the goal of highly efficient and large-area PeLED fabrication.It is of great significance for the application of PeLEDs in future display and lighting.

Fabrication of High-Haze Flexible Transparent Conductive PMMA Films Embedded with Silver Nanowires

High-haze flexible transparent conductive polymethyl methacrylate （PMMA） films embedded with silver nanowires （AgNWs） are fabricated by a low-cost and simple process. The volatilization rate of the solvent in PMMA solution affects the surface microstructures and morphologies, which results in different haze factors of the composite films. The areal mass density of AgNW shows a significant influence on the optical and electrical properties of composite films. The AgNW/PMMA transparent conductive films with the sheet resistance of 5.5Ω sq ^-1 exhibit an excellent performance with a high haze factor of 81.0% at 550？nm.

Influence of Ti target current on microstructure and properties of Ti-doped graphite-like carbon films

Ti-doped graphite-like carbon （Ti-GLC） films were synthesized successfully by magnetron sputtering technique. The compositions, microstructures and properties of the Ti-doped GLC films dependent on the parameter of Ti target current were systemically investigated by Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, atomic force microscopy （AFM）, nanoindentation and ball-on-disk tribometer. With the increase of the Ti target current, the ratio of sp2 bond and the content of Ti as well as the film hardness and compressive internal stress increase, but the high content of the Ti would result in the loose film due to the formation of the squamose structure. Less incorporated Ti reduces the friction of the GLC film in dry-sliding condition, while pure GLC film exhibits the lowest friction coefficient in water-lubricated condition. Ti-GLC film deposited with low Ti target current shows high wear resistance in both dry-sliding and water-lubricated conditions.

Target effects on electrical properties and laser induced voltages of La_(0.72)Ca_(0.28)MnO_3 thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

La0.72Ca0.28MnO3 thin films were deposited on untilted and 15° tilted LaAlO_3 （100） single crystalline substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The polycrystalline targets used in the deposition process were synthesized by sol-gel and coprecipitation methods, respectively. The structure, electrical transport properties and surface morphology of the targets and films were studied. It is found that, compared with coprecipitation method, the sol-gel target has more homogeneous components and larger density and grain size, thus the higher insulator-metal transition temperature and larger temperature coefficient of resistivity. The thin film prepared by sol-gel target has a uniform grain size and higher quality. The metal-insulator transition temperature is higher and the laser induced voltage signal is larger. Preparing the target by sol-gel method can largely improve the properties of corresponding thin films in pulsed laser deposition process.

Liquid-phase epitaxial layer by layer brushing fabrication of metalorganic frameworks films

Development of metal-organic framework(MOF)films is of great importance to expand their applications.Herein,we report a facile and universal method of liquid-phase epitaxial(LPE)layer by layer(LBL)brushing approach for fabricating MOF films on various substrates in a high-throughput fashion.This MOF films preparation method offers a great prospective to cost-effectively construct films with short preparation time and little reagent consumption.Moreover,this LBL brushing approach has been implemented successfully to assemble various MOF films,including HKUST-1,zeolitic imidazolate framework-8(ZIF-8),Cu(bdc),and Cu_(2)(L)_(2)P(L=bdc,ndc,and cam;P=dabco and bipy).Afterwards,the classic MOF HKUST-1 and ZIF-8 films were grown on sensor chip electrode and porous fiber support for good volatile organic compounds(VOCs)selective sensing and water purification applications.This study demonstrates that this LBL brushing preparation method can be employed to synthesize various MOF films with a variety of characteristics to realize their sensing and separation applications.

Film Morphology,Emulsification of Dodecyl/Carboxyl Modified Polysiloxane and Its Application Performance on Cotton Fabrics

The film morphology of dodecyl/carboxyl modified polysiloxane(RCAS) on cotton fabric or the silicon wafer was investigated and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM),atomic force microscope(AFM),and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR).Experimental results indicate that RCAS is a good film forming material on different substrates.Relatively smooth film was formed on cotton fabric surface,on which the grooves disappeared.In addition,RCAS formed a micromorphology inhomogeneous and unsmooth film on the silicon wafer.Many high or low bright peaks distributed randomly on the film surface,especially as the field was 2μm×2 μm and the date scale was 5 nm in AFM observation.Then RCAS was emulsified with nonionic surfactant alkyl polyoxyethylene ether in order to achieve a transparent organosilicon emulsion-RCAS emulsion(RCSE),which possessed good stability.The properties of RCSE and its application performance on cotton fabrics were investigated and characterized by transmission electron microscope(TEM),particle size analysis,and voltage test instrument.The results show that the average particle size of RCAS emulsion is 28.32 nm,while the ζ voltage is-37.88 mV.Compared with untreatd cotton fabric,the softness of treated fabric can be improved with RCSE to a certain extent.At the same time,the fabric treated with RCSE acquires unique fluffy and soft handle.

Test research on IR radiation characteristics control of space target using cryogenic vacuum multilayer insulation film structure

In order to achieve the objective of controlling IR radiation characteristics of space target,we design multilayer insulation film structure to cover the target.In space environment the structure comes to cryogenic vacuum multilayer insulation film structure.It can quickly lower the surface temperature of space target,approaching to the ultra-low temperature of the space environment.A vacuum simulation verification test was designed and performed.Through the analysis of test results,we can see that the surface temperature of space target covered by the structure changes with the ambient temperature,having no direct relationship with internal temperature of the target.Therefore,the designed cryogenic vacuum multilayer insulation film structure has excellent IR radiation control performance.It can reduce the target’s IR radiation intensity so as to reduce the probability of detection by IR detectors.

A Novel Method of Fabricating Flexible Transparent Conductive Large Area Graphene Film

We fabricate flexible conductive and transparent graphene films on position-emission-tomography substrates and prepare large area graphene films by graphite oxide sheets with the new technical process. The multi-layer graphene oxide sheets can be chemically reduced by HNO3 and HI to form a highly conductive graphene film on a substrate at lower temperature. The reduced graphene oxide sheets show a high conductivity sheet with resistance of 476Ω/sq and transmittance of 76% at 550nm （6 layers）. The technique used to produce the transparent conductive graphene thin film is facile, inexpensive, and can be tunable for a large area production applied for electronics or touch screens.

Preparation of PZT Thin Films by Magnetron Sputtering With Metal and Metal Oxide Composite Target

This article mainly deals with the preparation and properties of PZTthin films. A new type of Metal-Me tal Oxide composite target was developed. Relating factors have been discussed. The electrical and optical properties of PZT thin films have also been studied.

Impact of the Target Film Thickness on the Properties of the Neutron Tube

Neutron tube is a kind of accelerator neutron source, which has been applied extensively. It is mainly composed of an ion source system, an accelerator system, and a target system. The target system is one of the most important parameters of the neutron tube and it impacts directly the yield, the lifetime, and the stability. By far the relation between the property of neutron tube and target thickness has not been studied drastically in the Institute of Radiation Technology of Northeast Normal University. High-quality titanium target should be produced in order to manufacture the neutron tube with intense yield, long lifetime and high stability. In our experiment, the pure titanium film was evaporated on the ceramic target by using the evaporation technique. The impact of the thickness of the titanium film on the yield of the neutron tube was studied, and the yield of the neutron tube was on optimistic state if the thickness of titanium film was 2.2 μm. The properties of training and stability of neutron tubes with different thick titanium film target were also present in this paper.

Research on Tearing Property of Reinforced Plastic Film with Bi-axial Warp Knitted Fabric Skeleton

The specification of laid-in and warp yams,thedensity of fabric and the specification of groundyam are of great importance when the bi-axialwarp knitted fabric being knitted.In this paper,the tearing property of the reinforced plastic filmwith bi-axial warp knitted fabric skeleton istested and analyzed.The resuits show thatamong the three factors,the specification of laid-in and warp yam has the greatest influence onthe tearing strength of the reinforced plastic film,while the rest of them has secondary and lesseffect respectively,and there is exponential re-lation between the tearing strength of the rein-forced plastic film and the number of yams in thedirection of force.