OPTICAL SPECTRA OF LOW-DIMENSIONAL SEMICONDUCTORS

We have studied the optical spectra of low-dimensional semiconductor systems by calculating all possible optical transitions between electronic states. Optical absorption and emission have been obtained under different carrier population conditions and in different photon wavelengths. The line-shapes of the peaks in the optical spectrum are determined by the density of electronic states of the system, and the symmetries and intensities of these peaks can be improved by reducing the dimensionality of the system. Optical gain requires in general a population inversion, whereas for a quantum-dot system, there exists a threshold value of the population inversion.

Constructing low-dimensional perovskite network to assist efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

The use of low-dimensional(LD)perovskite materials is crucial for achieving high-performance perovskite solar cells(PSCs).However,LD perovskite films fabricated by conventional approaches give rise to full coverage of the underlying 3D perovskite films,which inevitably hinders the transport of charge carriers at the interface of PSCs.Here,we designed and fabricated LD perovskite structure that forms net-like morphology on top of the underlying three-dimensional(3D)perovskite bulk film.The net-like LD perovskite not only reduced the surface defects of 3D perovskite film,but also provided channels for the vertical transport of charge carriers,effectively enhancing the interfacial charge transfer at the LD/3D hetero-interface.The net-like morphological design comprising LD perovskite effectively resolves the contradiction between interfacial defect passivation and carrier extraction across the hetero-interfaces.Furthermore,the net-like LD perovskite morphology can enhance the stability of the underlying 3D perovskite film,which is attributed to the hydrophobic nature of LD perovskite.As a result,the net-like LD perovskite film morphology assists PSCs in achieving an excellent power conversion efficiency of up to 24.6%with over 1000 h long-term operational stability.

Synthesis and Modulation of Low-Dimensional Transition Metal Chalcogenide Materials via Atomic Substitution

In recent years,low-dimensional transition metal chalcogenide(TMC)materials have garnered growing research attention due to their superior electronic,optical,and catalytic properties compared to their bulk counterparts.The controllable synthesis and manipulation of these materials are crucial for tailoring their properties and unlocking their full potential in various applications.In this context,the atomic substitution method has emerged as a favorable approach.It involves the replacement of specific atoms within TMC structures with other elements and possesses the capability to regulate the compositions finely,crystal structures,and inherent properties of the resulting materials.In this review,we present a comprehensive overview on various strategies of atomic substitution employed in the synthesis of zero-dimensional,one-dimensional and two-dimensional TMC materials.The effects of substituting elements,substitution ratios,and substitution positions on the structures and morphologies of resulting material are discussed.The enhanced electrocatalytic performance and photovoltaic properties of the obtained materials are also provided,emphasizing the role of atomic substitution in achieving these advancements.Finally,challenges and future prospects in the field of atomic substitution for fabricating low-dimensional TMC materials are summarized.

Low-Cost and Biodegradable Thermoelectric Devices Based on van der Waals Semiconductors on Paper Substrates

We present a method to fabricate handcrafted thermoelectric devices on standard office paper substrates.The devices are based on thin films of WS_(2),Te,and BP(P-type semiconductors)and TiS_(3)and TiS_(2)(N-type semiconductors),deposited by simply rubbing powder of these materials against paper.The thermoelectric properties of these semiconducting films revealed maximum Seebeck coefficients of(+1.32±0.27)mV K^(-1)and(-0.82±0.15)mV K^(-1)for WS_(2)and TiS_(3),respectively.Additionally,Peltier elements were fabricated by interconnecting the P-and N-type films with graphite electrodes.A thermopower value up to 6.11 mV K^(-1)was obtained when the Peltier element were constructed with three junctions.The findings of this work show proof-of-concept devices to illustrate the potential application of semiconducting van der Waals materials in future thermoelectric power generation as well as temperature sensing for low-cost disposable electronic devices.

Features of Recombination Radiation of GaAs Type Semiconductors with the Participation of Fine Acceptor Levels in a Magnetic Field

Using the method of Picus and Beer invariants, general expressions are obtained for the total intensity I and the degree of circular polarization Рcirc.of the luminescence of GaAs-type semiconductors with the participation of shallow acceptor levels in a longitudinal magnetic field H. Special cases are analyzed depending on the value and direction of the magnetic field strength, as well as on the constants of the g-factor of the acceptor g1,g2and the conduction band electron ge. In the case of a strong magnetic field H// [100], [111], [110], a numerical calculation of the angular dependence of the quantities I and Рcirc.was performed for some critical values of g2/g1, at which Рcirc.exhibits a sharp anisotropy in the range from −100% to +100%, and the intensity of the crystal radiation along the magnetic field tends to a minimum value.

Structural evolution of low-dimensional metal oxide semiconductors under external stress

Metal oxide semiconductors(MOSs) are attractive candidates as functional parts and connections in nanodevices.Upon spatial dimensionality reduction, the ubiquitous strain encountered in physical reality may result in structural instability and thus degrade the performance of MOS. Hence, the basic insight into the structural evolutions of low-dimensional MOS is a prerequisite for extensive applications, which unfortunately remains largely unexplored. Herein, we review the recent progress regarding the mechanical deformation mechanisms in MOSs, such as CuO and ZnO nanowires(NWs). We report the phase transformation of CuO NWs resulting from oxygen vacancy migration under compressive stress and the tensile strain-induced phase transition in ZnO NWs. Moreover, the influence of electron beam irradiation on interpreting the mechanical behaviors is discussed.

Machine Learning-Assisted Low-Dimensional Electrocatalysts Design for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Efficient electrocatalysts are crucial for hydrogen generation from electrolyzing water.Nevertheless,the conventional"trial and error"method for producing advanced electrocatalysts is not only cost-ineffective but also time-consuming and labor-intensive.Fortunately,the advancement of machine learning brings new opportunities for electrocatalysts discovery and design.By analyzing experimental and theoretical data,machine learning can effectively predict their hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)performance.This review summarizes recent developments in machine learning for low-dimensional electrocatalysts,including zero-dimension nanoparticles and nanoclusters,one-dimensional nanotubes and nanowires,two-dimensional nanosheets,as well as other electrocatalysts.In particular,the effects of descriptors and algorithms on screening low-dimensional electrocatalysts and investigating their HER performance are highlighted.Finally,the future directions and perspectives for machine learning in electrocatalysis are discussed,emphasizing the potential for machine learning to accelerate electrocatalyst discovery,optimize their performance,and provide new insights into electrocatalytic mechanisms.Overall,this work offers an in-depth understanding of the current state of machine learning in electrocatalysis and its potential for future research.

Comparative coherence between layered and traditional semiconductors: unique opportunities for heterogeneous integration

As Moore’s law deteriorates,the research and development of new materials system are crucial for transitioning into the post Moore era.Traditional semiconductor materials,such as silicon,have served as the cornerstone of modern technologies for over half a century.This has been due to extensive research and engineering on new techniques to continuously enrich silicon-based materials system and,subsequently,to develop better performed silicon-based devices.Meanwhile,in the emerging post Moore era,layered semiconductor materials,such as transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs),have garnered considerable research interest due to their unique electronic and optoelectronic properties,which hold great promise for powering the new era of next generation electronics.As a result,techniques for engineering the properties of layered semiconductors have expanded the possibilities of layered semiconductor-based devices.However,there remain significant limitations in the synthesis and engineering of layered semiconductors,impeding the utilization of layered semiconductor-based devices for mass applications.As a practical alternative,heterogeneous integration between layered and traditional semiconductors provides valuable opportunities to combine the distinctive properties of layered semiconductors with well-developed traditional semiconductors materials system.Here,we provide an overview of the comparative coherence between layered and traditional semiconductors,starting with TMDs as the representation of layered semiconductors.We highlight the meaningful opportunities presented by the heterogeneous integration of layered semiconductors with traditional semiconductors,representing an optimal strategy poised to propel the emerging semiconductor research community and chip industry towards unprecedented advancements in the coming decades.

The room temperature ferromagnetism in highly strained twodimensional magnetic semiconductors

In spintronics,it is still a challenge in experiments to realize the ferromagnetic semiconductors with Curie temperature Tc above room temperature.In 2017,the successful synthesis of two-dimensional(2D)van der Waals ferromagnetic semiconductors,including the monolayer CrI3 with Tc=45 K[1]and the bilayer Cr2Ge2Te6 with Tc=28 K[2]in experiments,has attracted extensive attention in the 2D ferromagnetic semiconductors.One of the key problems is to find suitable 2D magnetic semiconductors,which can have room-temperature operation as required in applications.

Pinning energies of organic semiconductors in high-efficiency organic solar cells

With the emergence of new materials for high-efficiency organic solar cells(OSCs),understanding and finetuning the interface energetics become increasingly important.Precise determination of the so-called pinning energies,one of the critical characteristics of the material to predict the energy level alignment(ELA)at either electrode/organic or organic/organic interfaces,are urgently needed for the new materials.Here,pinning energies of a wide variety of newly developed donors and nonfullerene acceptors(NFAs)are measured through ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy.The positive pinning energies of the studied donors and the negative pinning energies of NFAs are in the same energy range of 4.3−4.6 eV,which follows the design rules developed for fullerene-based OSCs.The ELA for metal/organic and inorganic/organic interfaces follows the predicted behavior for all of the materials studied.For organic-organic heterojunctions where both the donor and the NFA feature strong intramolecular charge transfer,the pinning energies often underestimate the experimentally obtained interface vacuum level shift,which has consequences for OSC device performance.

Recent progress on ambipolar 2D semiconductors in emergent reconfigurable electronics and optoelectronics

In these days,the increasing massive data are being produced and demanded to be processed with the rapid growth of information technology.It is difficult to rely solely on the shrinking of semiconductor devices and scale-up of the integrated circuits(ICs)again in the foreseeable future.Exploring new materials,new-principle semiconductor devices and new computing architectures is becoming an urgent topic in this field.Ambipolar two-dimensional(2D)semiconductors,possessing excellent electrostatic field controllability and flexibly modulated major charge carriers,offer a possibility to construct reconfigurable devices and enable the ICs with new functions,showing great potential in computing capacity,energy efficiency,time delay and cost.This review focuses on the recent significant advancements in reconfigurable electronic and optoelectronic devices of ambipolar 2D semiconductors,and demonstrates their potential approach towards ICs,like reconfigurable circuits and neuromorphic chips.It is expected to help readers understand the device design principle of ambipolar 2D semiconductors,and push forward exploring more new-principle devices and new-architecture computing circuits,and even their product applications.

Low-dimensional perovskite modified 3D structures for higher-performance solar cells

For solution prepared perovskite solar cells,metal halide perovskite materials with low-dimensional(LD)are flexibly employed in 3D perovskite solar cells to promote efficiency and long-term stability.In this review,the various structures,properties,and applications of LD perovskites are firstly summarized and discussed.To take advantage of LD materials,LD perovskites are introduced in the 3D bulk and/or the interface between the perovskite thin film and the carrier transporting layer to passivate the gain boundary defects while providing the stability advantage of LD materials.Therefore,the preparation methods and crystallization control of the LD perovskite layers are discussed in depth.Then,the combined devices using both LD and 3D components are reviewed on the basis of device design,cell structure,interface charge transfer,energy lever alignment,and synergistic improvement of both efficiency and stability.Finally,the challenges and expectations are speculated for further development of perovskite solar cells.

p‑Type Two‑Dimensional Semiconductors:From Materials Preparation to Electronic Applications

Two-dimensional(2D)materials are regarded as promising candidates in many applications,including electronics and optoelectronics,because of their superior properties,including atomic-level thickness,tunable bandgaps,large specific surface area,and high carrier mobility.In order to bring 2D materials from the laboratory to industrialized applications,materials preparation is the first prerequisite.Compared to the n-type analogs,the family of p-type 2D semiconductors is relatively small,which limits the broad integration of 2D semiconductors in practical applications such as complementary logic circuits.So far,many efforts have been made in the preparation of p-type 2D semiconductors.In this review,we overview recent progresses achieved in the preparation of p-type 2D semiconductors and highlight some promising methods to realize their controllable preparation by following both the top-down and bottom-up strategies.Then,we summarize some significant application of p-type 2D semiconductors in electronic and optoelectronic devices and their superiorities.In end,we conclude the challenges existed in this field and propose the potential opportunities in aspects from the discovery of novel p-type 2D semiconductors,their controlled mass preparation,compatible engineering with silicon production line,high-κdielectric materials,to integration and applications of p-type 2D semiconductors and their heterostructures in electronic and optoelectronic devices.Overall,we believe that this review will guide the design of preparation systems to fulfill the controllable growth of p-type 2D semiconductors with high quality and thus lay the foundations for their potential application in electronics and optoelectronics.

Discovery of new potential magnetic semiconductors in quaternary Heusler compounds by addition of lanthanides

Magnetic semiconductors have attracted a lot of attention by having both electronic charge and spin degrees of freedom. In this paper, we obtained twenty magnetic semiconductors such as FeVLaSb, FeVPrSb, FeCrTbSi, CoVDySi, and CoVHoSi by adding lanthanides to quaternary Heusler compounds based on the Slater-Pauling law and orbital hybridization theory. The relationship between the lattice constants and energy gaps of the magnetic semiconductors with lanthanide elements is investigated by in-depth analysis. These magnetic semiconductors of quaternary Heusler compounds are promising candidates to find applications as spin filtering materials in spintronics devices.

Valley polarization in transition metal dichalcogenide layered semiconductors:Generation,relaxation,manipulation and transport

In recent years,valleytronics researches based on 2D semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides have attracted considerable attention.On the one hand,strong spin–orbit interaction allows the presence of spin–valley coupling in this system,which provides spin addressable valley degrees of freedom for information storage and processing.On the other hand,large exciton binding energy up to hundreds of me V enables excitons to be stable carriers of valley information.Valley polarization,marked by an imbalanced exciton population in two inequivalent valleys(+K and-K),is the core of valleytronics as it can be utilized to store binary information.Motivated by the potential applications,we present a thorough overview of the recent advancements in the generation,relaxation,manipulation,and transport of the valley polarization in nonmagnetic transition metal dichalcogenide layered semiconductors.We also discuss the development of valleytronic devices and future challenges in this field.

Two-dimensional transition metal halide PdX_(2)(X=F,Cl,Br,I):A promising candidate of bipolar magnetic semiconductors

Two-dimensional(2D)nanomaterials with bipolar magnetism show great promise in spintronic applications.Manipulating carriers'spin-polarized orientation in bipolar magnetic semiconductor(BMS)requires a gate voltage,but that is volatile.Recently,a new method has been proposed to solve the problem of volatility by introducing a ferroelectric gate with proper band alignment.In this paper,we predict that the PdX_(2)(X=F,Cl,Br,I)monolayers are 2D ferromagnetic BMS with dynamic stability,thermal stability,and mechanical stability by first-principles calculations.The critical temperatures are higher than the boiling point of liquid nitrogen and the BMS characteristics are robust against external strains and electric fields for PdCl_(2) and PdBr_(2).Then,we manipulate the spin-polarization of PdCl_(2) and PdBr_(2) by introducing a ferroelectric gate to enable magnetic half-metal/semiconductor switching and spin-up/down polarization switching control.Two kinds of spin devices(multiferroic memory and spin filter)have been proposed to realize the spin-polarized directions of electrons.These results demonstrate that PdCl_(2) and PdBr_(2) with BMS characters can be widely used as a general material structure for spintronic devices.

A family of flexible two-dimensional semiconductors:MgMX2Y6(M=Ti/Zr/Hf;X=Si/Ge;Y=S/Se/Te)

Inspired by the recently predicted 2D MX_(2)Y_(6)(M=metal element;X=Si/Ge/Sn;Y=S/Se/Te),we explore the possible applications of alkaline earth metal(using magnesium as example)in this family based on the idea of element replacement and valence electron balance.Herein,we report a new family of 2D quaternary compounds,namely MgMX_(2)Y_(6)(M=Ti/Zr/Hf;X=Si/Ge;Y=S/Se/Te)monolayers,with superior kinetic,thermodynamic and mechanical stability.In addition,our results indicate that MgMX_(2)Y_(6)monolayers are all indirect band gap semiconductors with band gap values ranging from 0.870 to 2.500 eV.Moreover,the band edges and optical properties of 2D MgMX_(2)Y_(6)are suitable for constructing multifunctional optoelectronic devices.Furthermore,for comparison,the mechanical,electronic and optical properties of In_(2)X_(2)Y_(6)monolayers have been discussed in detail.The success of introducing Mg into the 2D MX_(2)Y_(6)family indicates that more potential materials,such as Caand Sr-based 2D MX_(2)Y_(6)monolayers,may be discovered in the future.Therefore,this work not only broadens the existing family of 2D semiconductors,but it also provides beneficial results for the future.

Two-dimensional Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3)Janus magnetic semiconductor with large magnetic exchange interaction and high-T_(C)

The two-dimensional(2D)Janus monolayers are promising in spintronic device application due to their enhanced magnetic couplings and Curie temperatures.Van der Waals CrCl_(3) monolayer has been experimentally proved to have an in-plane magnetic easy axis and a low Curie temperature of 17 K,which will limit its application in spintronic devices.In this work,we propose a new Janus monolayer Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) based on the first principles calculations.The phonon dispersion and elastic constants confirm that Janus monolayer Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) is dynamically and mechanically stable.Our Monte Carlo simulation results based on magnetic exchange constants reveal that Janus monolayer Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) is an intrinsic ferromagnetic semiconductor with TC of 180 K,which is much higher than that of CrCl_(3) due to the enhanced ferromagnetic coupling caused by S substitution.Moreover,the magnetic easy axis of Janus Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) can be tuned to the perpendicular direction with a large magnetic anisotropy energy(MAE)of 142eV/Cr.Furthermore,the effect of biaxial strain on the magnetic property of Janus monolayer Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) is evaluated.It is found that the Curie temperature is more robust under tensile strain.This work indicates that the Janus monolayer Cr_(2)Cl_(3)S_(3) presents increased Curie temperature and out-of-plane magnetic easy axis,suggesting greater application potential in 2D spintronic devices.

Ultrafine Vacancy-Rich Nb_(2)O_(5)Semiconductors Confined in Carbon Nanosheets Boost Dielectric Polarization for High-Attenuation Microwave Absorption

The integration of nano-semiconductors into electromagnetic wave absorption materials is a highly desirable strategy for intensifying dielectric polarization loss;achieving high-attenuation microwave absorption and realizing in-depth comprehension of dielectric loss mechanisms remain challenges.Herein,ultrafine oxygen vacancy-rich Nb_(2)O_(5)semiconductors are confined in carbon nanosheets(ov-Nb_(2)O_(5)/CNS)to boost dielectric polarization and achieve high attenuation.The polarization relaxation,electromagnetic response,and impedance matching of the ov-Nb_(2)O_(5)/CNS are significantly facilitated by the Nb_(2)O_(5)semiconductors with rich oxygen vacancies,which consequently realizes an extremely high attenuation performance of-80.8 dB(>99.999999%wave absorption)at 2.76 mm.As a dielectric polarization center,abundant Nb_(2)O_(5)–carbon heterointerfaces can intensify interfacial polarization loss to strengthen dielectric polarization,and the presence of oxygen vacancies endows Nb_(2)O_(5)semiconductors with abundant charge separation sites to reinforce electric dipole polarization.Moreover,the three-dimensional reconstruction of the absorber using microcomputer tomography technology provides insight into the intensification of the unique lamellar morphology regarding multiple reflection and scattering dissipation characteristics.Additionally,ov-Nb_(2)O_(5)/CNS demonstrates excellent application potential by curing into a microwave-absorbing,machinable,and heat-dissipating plate.This work provides insight into the dielectric polarization loss mechanisms of nano-semiconductor/carbon composites and inspires the design of high-performance microwave absorption materials.

Regulating the dopant clustering in LiZnAs-based diluted magnetic semiconductor

Tuning of the magnetic interaction plays the vital role in reducing the clustering of magnetic dopant in diluted magnetic semiconductors(DMS).Due to the not well understood magnetic mechanism and the interplay between different magnetic mechanisms,no efficient and universal tuning strategy is proposed at present.Here,the magnetic interactions and formation energies of isovalent-doped(Mn) and aliovalent(Cr)-doped LiZnAs are studied based on density functional theory(DFT).It is found that the dopant–dopant distance-dependent magnetic interaction is highly sensitive to the carrier concentration and carrier type and can only be explained by the interplay between two magnetic mechanisms,i.e.,superexchange and Zener’s p–d exchange model.Thus,the magnetic behavior and clustering of magnetic dopant can be tuned by the interplay between two magnetic mechanisms.The insensitivity of the tuning effect to U parameter suggests that our strategy could be universal to other DMS.