Improving the performance of perovskite solar cells by surface passivation

NiO has a perfect-aligned energy level with CH3 NH3 Pb I3 perovskite such that it serves as a hole transport layer(HTL),but Ni O-based perovskite solar cells(PSCs)still suffer from low efficiency due to the poor interface contact between the perovskite layer and the Ni O HTL,and haphazardly stacked perovskite grains.Herein,poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-co-(1,4-benzo-{2,1,3}-thiadiazole)](PFBT)is introduced between the Ni O and perovskite layers in the form of a polymer aggregate to enhance perovskite crystallinity and decrease the interface charge recombination between perovskite and Ni O in PSCs,resulting in an improved performance.Moreover,PFBT modified perovskite films showed sharper,smoother,and more compact crystalline grains with fewer grain boundaries,leading to the decreased nonradiative recombination.This study offers a simple strategy to achieve highly efficient PSCs with the incorporation of polymer semiconductor aggregates to passivate the interface between the perovskite and Ni O layers.

Adiabatic cooling for cold polar molecules on a chip using a controllable high-efficiency electrostatic surface trap

We propose a controllable high-efficiency electrostatic surface trap for cold polar molecules on a chip by using two insulator-embedded charged rings and a grounded conductor plate. We calculate Stark energy structure pattern of ND3 molecules in an external electric field using the method of matrix diagonalization. We analyze how the voltages that are applied to the ring electrodes affect the depth of the efficient well and the controllability of the distance between the trap center and the surface of the chip. To obtain a better understanding, we simulate the dynamical loading and trapping processes of ND3 molecules in a ｜J, KM = ｜1,-1 state by using classical Monte–Carlo method. Our study shows that the loading efficiency of our trap can reach ～ 88%. Finally, we study the adiabatic cooling of cold molecules in our surface trap by linearly lowering the potential-well depth（i.e., lowering the trapping voltage）, and find that the temperature of the trapped ND3 molecules can be adiabatically cooled from 34.5 m K to ～ 5.8 m K when the trapping voltage is reduced from-35 k V to-3 k V.

Electrostatic surface trap for cold polar molecules on a chip

We propose a simple scheme for trapping cold polar molecules in low-field seeking states on the surface of a chip by using a grounded metal plate and two finite-length charged wires that half embanked in an insulating substrate, calculate the electric field distributions generated by our charged-wire layout in free space and the corresponding Stark potentials for ND3 molecules, and analyze the dependence of the trapping center position on the geometric parameters. Moreover, the loading and trapping processes of cold ND3 molecules are studied by using the Monte Carlo method. Our study shows that the loading efficiency of the trap scheme can reach 11.5%, and the corresponding temperature of the trapped cold molecules is about 26.4 mK.

Effect of reactive surface area of minerals on mineralization trapping of CO_2 in saline aquifers

The reactive surface area, an important parameter controlling mineral reactions, affects the amount of mineralization trapping of CO2 which affects the long-term CO2 storage. The effect of the reactive surface area on the mineralization trapping of CO2 was numerically simulated for CO2 storage in saline aquifers. Three kinds of minerals, including anorthite, calcite and kaolinite, are involved in the mineral reactions. This paper models the relationship between the specific surface area and the grain diameter of anorthite based on experimental data from literature （Brantley and Mellott, 2000）. When the reactive surface areas of anorthite and calcite decrease from 838 to 83.8 m^2/m^3, the percentage of mineralization trapping of CO： after 500 years decreases from 11.8% to 0.65%. The amount of dissolved anorthite and the amounts of precipitated kaolinite and calcite decrease significantly when the reactive surface areas ofanorthite and calcite decrease from 838 to 83.8 m2/m3. Calcite is initially dissolved in the brine and then precipitates during the geochemical reactions between CO2-H20 and the minerals. Different reactive surface areas of anorthite and calcite lead to different times from dissolution to precipitation. The pH of the brine decreases with decreasing reactive surface areas of anorthite and calcite which influences the acidity of the saline aquifer. The gas saturation between the upper and lower parts of the saline aquifer increases with decreasing reactive surface areas of anorthite and calcite. The mass density distribution of brine solution shows that the CO2^＋brine solution region increases with decreasing reactive surface areas ofanorthite and calcite.

Null Geodesics, Raychaudhuri Equation, Trapped Surfaces, and Penrose Singularity Theorem

We review the concept of congruence of null geodesics, the Raychaudhuri equation for the expansion, its harmonic oscillator version and associated “quantum” propagator, the role of the equation in the derivation of the Penrose singularity theorem, the definition of trapped surfaces, and the derivation of the theorem itself.

In Situ Iodide Passivation Toward Efficient CsPbI_(3) Perovskite Quantum Dot Solar Cells

All-inorganic CsPbI_3 quantum dots(QDs) have demonstrated promising potential in photovoltaic(PV) applications. However, these colloidal perovskites are vulnerable to the deterioration of surface trap states, leading to a degradation in efficiency and stability. To address these issues, a facile yet effective strategy of introducing hydroiodic acid(HI) into the synthesis procedure is established to achieve high-quality QDs and devices. Through an in-depth experimental analysis, the introduction of HI was found to convert PbI_2 into highly coordinated [PbI_m]~(2-m), enabling control of the nucleation numbers and growth kinetics. Combined optical and structural investigations illustrate that such a synthesis technique is beneficial for achieving enhanced crystallinity and a reduced density of crystallographic defects. Finally, the effect of HI is further reflected on the PV performance. The optimal device demonstrated a significantly improved power conversion efficiency of 15.72% along with enhanced storage stability. This technique illuminates a novel and simple methodology to regulate the formed species during synthesis, shedding light on ofurther understanding solar cell performance, and aiding the design of future novel synthesis protocols for high-performance optoelectronic devices.

Numerical Explanation of Slow Transients in an AlGaN/GaN HEMT

A series of slow drain current recovery transients at different gate biases after a short-term stress are observed in an AIGaN/GaN HEMT. As the variation of the time constants of the transients is small, the working trap is determined to be electronic. A numerical simulation verifies this conclusion and reproduces the measured transients. The electron traps at different spatial positions in the device-on the ungated surface of the AIGaN layer,in the AIGaN barrier, and in the GaN layer are considered;corresponding behaviors in the stress and the transients are discussed;and for the simulated transients, agreement with and deviation from the measured transients are explained. Based on this discussion, we suggest that the measured transients are caused by the combined effects of a deep surface trap and a bulk trap in the GaN layer.

Modified model of gate leakage currents in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

It has been reported that the gate leakage currents are described by the Frenkel-Poole emission(FPE) model,at temperatures higher than 250 K.However,the gate leakage currents of our passivated devices do not accord with the FPE model.Therefore,a modified FPE model is developed in which an additional leakage current,besides the gate(ⅠⅡ),is added.Based on the samples with different passivations,the ⅠⅡcaused by a large number of surface traps is separated from total gate currents,and is found to be linear with respect to(φB-Vg)0.5.Compared with these from the FPE model,the calculated results from the modified model agree well with the Ig-Vgmeasurements at temperatures ranging from 295 K to 475 K.

In situ optical spectroscopic understanding of electrochemical passivation mechanism on sol–gel processed WO_(3) photoanodes

A prevailing understanding on electrochemical activation of photoelectrodes is that electrochemical treatment leads to increased charge carrier densities thereby improved photoelectrode performances.Contrary to this understanding,in this study enhanced photoactivity of WO_(3) photoanode upon electrochemical treatment is ascribed to an extraordinary mechanism of surface trap passivation.The associated mechanism is analyzed by in situ optical spectroscopy,using which the optical property changes of WO_(3) electrode during electrochemical treatment are monitored.The results suggest surface W^(5+)species,the origin of surface traps on WO_(3) photoanodes,are converted to W^(6+) ions by electrochemical treatment.This study demonstrates the particular ability of the electrochemical strategy to passivate surface traps of photoanodes,and also shows the advantages of in situ optical spectroscopy to investigate the real-time electronic structure variations of electrodes during electrochemical treatment.

The role of surface charges in the blinking mechanisms and quantum-confined Stark effect of single colloidal quantum dots

The two frequently observed phenomena,photoluminescence(PL)blinking and quantum-confined Stark effect(QCSE)-induced spectral diffusion,are not conducive to the applications of colloidal quantum dots(QDs).It remains elusive how these two phenomena are linked to each other.Unraveling the potential link between blinking and QCSE could facilitate the adoption of appropriate strategies that can simultaneously suppress both PL blinking and spectral diffusion.In this work,we investigated the blinking mechanism and QCSE of single CdSe/CdS/ZnS QDs in the presence of positive and negative surface charges using single-dot PL spectroscopy.We found that the negative surface charges can simultaneously suppress PL blinking and spectral diffusion of single QDs.On the other hand,the positive surface charges could change the blinking mechanisms of QDs from Auger-blinking to band-edge carrier(BC)-blinking.Two types of QCSE were observed,and a significant QCSE-induced spectral broadening of 5.25 nm was measured,which could be attributed to the hopping of surface charges between different surface-trap sites.Based on these findings,several theoretical models are proposed to explain various phenomena observed.

Photoluminescence of carbon quantum dots:coarsely adjusted by quantum confinement effects and finely by surface trap states

Photoluminescence(PL) mechanism of carbon quantum dots(CQDs) remains controversial up to now even though a lot of approaches have been made. In order to do that, herein a PL color ladder from blue to near infrared of CQDs with the absolute quantum yields higher than 70% were prepared via a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis route and separated by silica gel column.Time-correlated single photon counting measurements suggest that the electron transition takes in effect in the PL progress of the crystalline core-shell structured CQDs, and the PL properties could be coarsely adjusted by tuning the size of the crystalline carbon core owing to quantum confinement effects, and finely adjusted by changing the surface functional groups consisted shell owing to surface trap states,respectively. Both coarse and fine adjustments of PL, as optical and photoelectrical characterizations and density-functional theory(DFT) calculations have demonstrated, make it possible for top-level design and precise synthesis of new CQDs with specific optical properties.

Effects of Bi-dopant and co-catalysts upon hole surface trapping on La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7) nanosheet photocatalysts in overall solar water splitting

Pristine and Bi-doped lanthanum titanium oxide(La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7))nanosheets have been synthesized as photocatalysts for overall solar water splitting.The surface hole trap is a critical factor that limits the photocatalytic activity of pristine La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7)-Deposition of cobalt phosphate(Co-Pi)and platinum(Pt)nanoparticles on La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7) cannot remove the surface traps although they are essential for enabling the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions.It is interesting that doping bismuth(Bi)into La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7) nanosheets has eliminated the surface traps due to surface enrichment of Bi.The Co-Pi/Bi-La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7)/Pt nanosheets exhibit increasing photocatalytic activity toward overall water splitting with increasing the Bi-dopant level up to 5 at.%.Further increasing the Bi-dopant level leads to the formation of localized states above the valence band,leading to the lifetime reduction of photogenerated charge-carriers,and jeopardizing the photocatalytic activity.This work proposes an effective strategy to address the surface trapping and surface catalysis issues in the nanostructured metal oxide photocatalysts.

Water-trapping and drag-reduction effects of fish Ctenopharyngodon idellus scales and their simulations

In the last decades, surface drag reduction has been re-emphasized because of its practical values in engineering applications,including vehicles, aircrafts, ships, and fuel pipelines. The bionic study of drag reduction has been attracting scholars' attentions. Here, it was determined that the delicate microstructures on the scales of the fish Ctenopharyngodon idellus exhibit remarkable drag-reduction effect. In addition, the underlying drag-reduction mechanism was carefully investigated. First,exceptional morphologies and structures of the scales were observed and measured using a scanning electron microscope and3-dimensional(3D) microscope. Then, based on the acquired data, optimized 3D models were created. Next, the mechanism of the water-trapping effect of these structures was analyzed through numerical simulations and theoretical calculations. It was determined that there are many microcrescent units with certain distributions on its surface. In fact, these crescents are effective in generating the "water-trapping" effect and forming a fluid-lubrication film, thus reducing the skin friction drag effectively.Contrasting to a smooth surface, the dynamics finite-element analysis indicated that the maximum drag-reduction rate of a bionic surface is 3.014% at 0.66 m/s flow rate. This study can be used as a reference for an in-depth analysis on the bionic drag reduction of boats, underwater vehicles, and so forth.

Characteristics and optimization of 4H-SiC MESFET with a novel p-type spacer layer incorporated with a field-plate structure based on improved trap models

A novel structure of 4H-SiC MESFETs is proposed that focuses on surface trap suppression.Characteristics of the device have been investigated based on physical models for material properties and improved trap models.By comparing with the performance of the well-utilized buried-gate incorporated with a field-plate （BG-FP） structure,it is shown that the proposed structure improves device properties in comprehensive aspects. A p-type spacer layer introduced in the channel layer suppresses the surface trap effect and reduces the gate-drain capacitance（C_（gd）） under a large drain voltage.A p-type spacer layer incorporated with a field-plate improves the electric field distribution on the gate edge while the spacer layer induces less C_（gd） than a conventional FP.For microwave applications,4H-SiC MESFET for the proposed structure has a larger gate-lag ratio in the saturation region due to better surface trap isolation from the conductive channel.For high power applications,the proposed structure is able to endure higher operating voltage as well.The maximum saturation current density of 460 mA/mm is yielded.Also,the gate-lag ratio under a drain voltage of 20 V is close to 90%.In addition,5%and 17.8%improvements in f_T and f_（max） are obtained compared with a BG-FP MESFET in AC simulation,respectively.Parameters and dimensions of the proposed structure are optimized to make the best of the device for microwave applications and to provide a reference for device design.

Electromagnetic environment around a high-speed railway using analytical technique

A switched-mode unit used in electric locomotive generates a strong high frequency conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI),which radiates electromagnetic energy through railway lines.Evaluation of magnetic field using analytical technique based on contour integral is presented,in order to assess the electromagnetic environment around a high-speed railway.Actual railway multiconductor finitely long overhead lines are represented by an infinitely long single line above two-layered earth,whose characteristic is different from homogeneous earth.Owing to the constraint of the GB/T 24338-2009 and the high frequency investigated (a few MHz),only the magnetic fields are examined.The magnetic fields consist of four components:the direct wave,the ideal reflected wave or image wave,the trapped surface wave,and the lateral wave.The calculation results proved that due to the presence of the trapped surface wave,the magnetic field of the observer point on the interface is strongly influenced,when the line is on or closed to the interface.