Improved Efficiency and Stability of Organic Solar Cells by Interface Modification Using Atomic Layer Deposition of Ultrathin Aluminum Oxide

The interfacial contacts between the electron transporting layers(ETLs)and the photoactive layers are crucial to device performance and stability for OSCs with inverted architecture.Herein,atomic layer deposition(ALD)fabricated ultrathin Al_(2)O_(3)layers are applied to modify the ETLs/active blends(PM6:BTP-BO-4F)interfaces of OSCs,thus improving device performance.The ALD-Al_(2)O_(3)thin layers on ZnO significantly improved its surface morphology,which led to the decreased work function of ZnO and reduced recombination losses in devices.The simultaneous increase in open-circuit voltage(V_(OC)),short-circuit current density(J_(SC))and fill factor(FF)were achieved for the OSCs incorporated with ALD-Al_(2)O_(3)interlayers of a certain thickness,which produced a maximum PCE of 16.61%.Moreover,the ALD-Al_(2)O_(3)interlayers had significantly enhanced device stability by suppressing degradation of the photoactive layers induced by the photocatalytic activity of ZnO and passivating surface defects of ZnO that may play the role of active sites for the adsorption of oxygen and moisture.

A facile finger-paint physical modification for bilateral electrode/electrolyte interface towards a stable aqueous Zn battery

Since the electrode/electrolyte interface(EEI)is the main redox center of electrochemical processes,proper manipulation of the EEI microenvironment is crucial to stabilize interfacial behaviors.Here,a finger-paint method is proposed to enable quick physical modification of glass-fiber separator without complicated chemical technology to modulate EEI of bilateral electrodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs).An elaborate biochar derived from Aspergillus Niger is exploited as the modification agent of EEI,in which the multi-functional groups assist to accelerate Zn^(2+)desolvation and create a hydrophobic environment to homogenize the deposition behavior of Zn anode.Importantly,the finger-paint interface on separator can effectively protect cathodes from abnormal capacity fluctuation and/or rapid attenuation induced by H_(2)O molecular on the interface,which is demonstrated in modified MnO_(2),V_(2)O_(5),and KMn HCF-based cells.The as-proposed finger-paint method opens a new idea of bilateral interface engineering to facilitate the access to the practical application of the stable zinc electrochemistry.

Two-Dimensional Materials for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs)offer low costs and high power conversion efficiency.However,the lack of long-term stability,primarily stemming from the interfacial defects and the sus-ceptible metal electrodes,hinders their practical application.In the past few years,two-dimensional(2D)materials(e.g.,graphene and its derivatives,transitional metal dichalcogenides,MXenes,and black phosphorus)have been identified as a promising solution to solving these problems because of their dangling bond-free surfaces,layer-dependent electronic band structures,tunable functional groups,and inherent compactness.Here,recent progress of 2D material toward efficient and stable PSCs is summarized,including its role as both interface materials and electrodes.We discuss their beneficial effects on perovskite growth,energy level alignment,defect passivation,as well as blocking external stimulus.In particular,the unique properties of 2D materials to form van der Waals heterojunction at the bottom interface are emphasized.Finally,perspectives on the further development of PSCs using 2D materials are provided,such as designing high-quality van der Waals heterojunction,enhancing the uniformity and coverage of 2D nanosheets,and developing new 2D materials-based electrodes.

Research progress in interface modification and thermal conduction behavior of diamond/metal composites

Diamond/metal composites are widely used in aerospace and electronic packaging fields due to their outstanding high thermal conductivity and low expansion.However,the difference in chemical properties leads to interface incompatibility between diamond and metal,which has a considerable impact on the performance of the composites.To improve the interface compatibility between diamond and metal,it is necessary to modify the interface of composites.This paper reviews the experimental research on interface modification and the application of computational simulation in diamond/metal composites.Combining computational simulation with experimental methods is a promising way to promote diamond/metal composite interface modification research.

High-mobility two-dimensional electron gases at oxide interfaces:Origin and opportunities

Our recent experimental work on metallic and insulating interfaces controlled by interfacial redox reactions in SrTiO3-based heterostructures is reviewed along with a more general background of two-dimensional electron gas （2DEG） at oxide interfaces. Due to the presence of oxygen vacancies at the SrTiO3 surface, metallic conduction can be created at room temperature in perovskite-type interfaces when the overlayer oxide ABO3 has Al, Ti, Zr, or Hf elements at the B sites. Furthermore, relying on interface-stabilized oxygen vacancies, we have created a new type of 2DEG at the heterointerface between SrTiO3 and a spinel γ-Al2O3 epitaxial film with compatible oxygen ion sublattices. This 2DEG exhibits an electron mobility exceeding 100000 cm2·V-1·s-1, more than one order of magnitude higher than those of hitherto investigated perovskite-type interfaces. Our findings pave the way for the design of high-mobility all-oxide electronic devices and open a route toward the studies of mesoscopic physics with complex oxides.

Two-dimensional metallic behavior at polar MgO/BaTiO_3(110) interfaces

The first-principles calculations are employed to investigate the electrical properties of polar MgO/BaTiO3（110）interfaces. Both n-type and p-type polar interfaces show a two-dimensional metallic behavior. For the n-type polar interface,the interface Ti3d electrons are the origin of the metallic and magnetic properties. Varying the thickness of Ba TiO3 may induce an insulator–metal transition, and the critical thickness is 4 unit cells. For the p-type polar interface, holes preferentially occupy the interface O 2p y state, resulting in a conducting interface. The unbalance of the spin splitting of the O 2p states in the interface Mg O layer leads to a magnetic moment of about 0.25μB per O atom at the interface.These results further demonstrate that other polar interfaces, besides LaAlO3/SrTiO3, can show a two-dimensional metallic behavior. It is helpful to fully understand the role of polar discontinuity on the properties of the interface, which widens the field of polar-nonpolar interfaces.

In-plane anisotropy in two-dimensional electron gas at LaAlO_3/SrTiO_3(110) interface

A systematic study of the two-dimensional electron gas at La AlO_3/SrTiO_3（110） interface reveals an anisotropy along two specific directions, [001] and 1ī0. The anisotropy becomes distinct for the interface prepared under high oxygen pressure with low carrier density. Angular dependence of magnetoresistance shows that the electron confinement is stronger along the 1ī0 direction. Gate-tunable magnetoresistance reveals a clear in-plane anisotropy of the spin–orbit coupling,and the spin relaxation mechanism along both directions belongs to D＇yakonov–Perel＇（DP） scenario. Moreover, in-plane anisotropic superconductivity is observed for the sample with high carrier density, the superconducting transition temperature is lower but the upper critical field is higher along the 1ī0 direction. This in-plane anisotropy could be ascribed to the anisotropic band structure along the two crystallographic directions.

Lightweight diamond/Cu interface tuning for outstanding heat conduction

With rapid developments in the field of very large-scale integrated circuits,heat dissipation has emerged as a significant factor that restricts the high-density integration of chips.Due to their high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion coefficient,diamond/Cu composites have attracted considerable attention as a promising thermal management material.In this study,a surface tungsten carbide gradient layer coating of diamond particles has been realized using comprehensive magnetron sputtering technology and a heat treatment process.Diamond/Cu composites were prepared using high-temperature and high-pressure technology.The results show that,by adjusting the heat treatment process,tungsten carbide and di-tungsten carbide are generated by an in situ reaction at the tungsten–diamond interface,and W–WC–W_(2)C gradient layer-coated diamond particles were obtained.The diamond/Cu composites were sintered by high-temperature and high-pressure technology,and the density of surface-modified diamond/Cu composites was less than 4 g cm^(-3).The W–WC–W_(2)C@diamond/Cu composites have a thermal diffusivity as high as 331 mm^(2)s^(-1),and their thermal expansion coefficient is as low as 1.76×10^(-6)K^(-1).The interface coherent structure of the gradient layer-coated diamond/copper composite can effectively improve the interface heat transport efficiency.

In situ formed LiF-Li_(3)N interface layer enables ultra-stable sulfide electrolyte-based all-solid-state lithium batteries

Sulfide solid electrolytes are promising for high energy density and safety in all-solid-state batteries due to their high ionic conductivity and good mechanical properties.However,the application of sulfide solid electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries with lithium anode is restricted by the side reactions at lithium/electrolytes interfaces and the growth of lithium dendrite caused by nonuniform lithium deposition.Herein,a homogeneous LiF-Li_(3)N composite protective layer is in situ formed via a manipulated reaction of pentafluorobenzamide with Li metal.The LiF-Li_(3)N layer with both high interfacial energy and interfacial adhesion energy can synergistically suppress side reactions and inhibit the growth of lithium dendrite,achieving uniform deposition of lithium.The critical current densities of Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)and Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl are increased to 3.25 and 1.25 mA cm^(-2)with Li@LiF-Li_(3)N layer,which are almost triple and twice as those of Li-symmetric cells in the absence of protection layer,respectively.Moreover,the Li@LiF-Li_(3)N/Li10GeP2S12/Li@LiF-Li_(3)N cell can stably cycle for 9000 h at 0.1 mA cm^(-2)under 0.1 mA h cm^(-2),and Li@LiF-Li_(3)N/Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl/Li@LiF-Li_(3)N cell achieves stable Li plating/stripping for 8000 h at 0.1 mA cm^(-2)under10 m A h cm^(-2).The improved dynamic stability of lithium plating/stripping in Li@LiF-Li_(3)N/Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)or Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl interfaces is proved by three-electrode cells.As a result,LiCoO_(2)/electrolytes/Li@LiF-Li_(3)N batteries with Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)and Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl exhibit remarkable cycling stability of 500 cycles with capacity retentions of 93.5%and 89.2%at 1 C,respectively.

Ultralow Interfacial Thermal Resistance of Graphene Thermal Interface Materials with Surface Metal Liquefaction

Developing advanced thermal interface materials(TIMs)to bridge heat-generating chip and heat sink for constructing an efficient heat transfer interface is the key technology to solve the thermal management issue of high-power semiconductor devices.Based on the ultra-high basal-plane thermal conductivity,graphene is an ideal candidate for preparing high-performance TIMs,preferably to form a vertically aligned structure so that the basal-plane of graphene is consistent with the heat transfer direction of TIM.However,the actual interfacial heat transfer efficiency of currently reported vertically aligned graphene TIMs is far from satisfactory.In addition to the fact that the thermal conductivity of the vertically aligned TIMs can be further improved,another critical factor is the limited actual contact area leading to relatively high contact thermal resistance(20-30 K mm^(2) W^(−1))of the“solid-solid”mating interface formed by the vertical graphene and the rough chip/heat sink.To solve this common problem faced by vertically aligned graphene,in this work,we combined mechanical orientation and surface modification strategy to construct a three-tiered TIM composed of mainly vertically aligned graphene in the middle and micrometer-thick liquid metal as a cap layer on upper and lower surfaces.Based on rational graphene orientation regulation in the middle tier,the resultant graphene-based TIM exhibited an ultra-high thermal conductivity of 176 W m^(−1) K^(−1).Additionally,we demonstrated that the liquid metal cap layer in contact with the chip/heat sink forms a“liquid-solid”mating interface,significantly increasing the effective heat transfer area and giving a low contact thermal con-ductivity of 4-6 K mm^(2) W^(−1) under packaging conditions.This finding provides valuable guidance for the design of high-performance TIMs based on two-dimensional materials and improves the possibility of their practical application in electronic thermal management.

Photocatalytic applications and modification methods of two-dimensional nanomaterials:a review

Due to its unique electronic structure and special size effect,two-dimensional(2D)nanomaterials have shown great potential far beyond bulk materials in the field of photocatalysis.How to deeply explore the photocatalytic mechanism of 2D nanomaterials and design more efficient 2D semiconductor photocatalysts are research hotspots.This review provides a comprehensive introduction to typical 2D nanomaterials and discusses their current application status in the field of photocatalysis.The effects of material properties such as band structure,morphology,crystal face structure,crystal structure and surface defects on the photocatalytic process are discussed.The main modification methods are highlighted,including doping,noble metal deposition,heterojunction,thickness adjustment,defect engineering,and dye sensitization in 2D material systems.Finally,the future development of 2D nanomaterials is prospected.It is hoped that this paper can provide systematic and useful information for researchers engaged in the field of photocatalysis.

Fabrication and Modification Strategies of Metal Halide Perovskite Absorbers

Due to the long carrier lifetime,high carrier mobility,and high absorption coefficient of perovskite materials,the power conversion efficiency(PCE)of perovskite solar cells(PSCs)has increased from 3.8%in 2009 to 25.7%in 2021,which have already surpassed the PCE of thin-film solar cells and closes to the efficiency of Si-based photovoltaics(26.7%).Therefore,PSCs have become a promising clean energy technology for commercialization.However,the low defect formation energy of perovskite leads to a higher defect density than other conventional photovoltaic materials.It results in severe non-radiative recombination,limiting its further development and the commercialization.In this review,we summarize the mechanism and strategies for high-quality perovskite absorber fabrications to minimize the bulk and surface/interface defects of halide perovskite,including film quality development and interface modification.Strategies are proposed for further promoting the film quality and the corresponding device performance.Finally,we highlight the challenges that need to be overcome to control over the defect properties of halide perovskite.

Primary Mg_(2)Si phase and Mg_(2)Si/α-Mg interface modified by Sn and Sb elements in a Mg-5Sn-2Si-1.5Al-1Zn-0.8Sb alloy

The microstructure of primary Mg_(2)Si and the interface of Mg_(2)Si/α-Mg modified by Sn and Sb elements in an as-cast Mg-5Sn-2Si-1.5Al-1Zn-0.8Sb(wt.%) alloy were investigated.In the primary Mg_(2)Si phase not only the Si atoms but also the Mg atoms could be substituted by Sn and Sb atoms,resulting in the slightly reduced lattice constant a of 0.627 nm.An OR of Mg_(2)Si phase and α-Mg in the form of[001]Mg_(2)Si‖[01■1]α,(220)Mg_(2)Si‖(0■12)αwas discovered.Between primary Mg_(2)Si phase and α-Mg matrix two transitional nano-particle layers were formed.In the rim region of primary Mg_(2)Si particle,Mg_(2)Sn precipitates sizing from 5 nm to 50 nm were observed.Adjacent to the boundary of primary Mg_(2)Si particle,luxuriant columnar crystals of primary Mg_(2)Sn phase with width of about 25 nm and length of about100 nm were distributed on the α-Mg matrix.The lattice constant of the Mg_(2)Sn precipitate in primary Mg_(2)Si particle was about 0.756 nm.Three ORs between Mg_(2)Sn and Mg_(2)Si were found,in which the Mg_(2)Sn precipitates had strong bonding interfaces with Mg_(2)Si phase.Three new minor ORs between Mg_(2)Sn phase and α-Mg were found.The lattice constant of primary Mg_(2)Sn phase was enlarged to 0.813 nm owing to the solution of Sn and Sb atoms.Primary Mg_(2)Sn had edge-to-edge interfaces with α-Mg.Therefore,the primary Mg_(2)Si particle and α-Mg were united and the interfacial adhesion was improved by the two nano-particles layers of Mg_(2)Sn phase.

Interfacial fracture analysis for a two-dimensional decagonal quasi-crystal coating layer structure

The interface crack problems in the two-dimensional(2D)decagonal quasicrystal(QC)coating are theoretically and numerically investigated with a displacement discontinuity method.The 2D general solution is obtained based on the potential theory.An analogy method is proposed based on the relationship between the general solutions for 2D decagonal and one-dimensional(1D)hexagonal QCs.According to the analogy method,the fundamental solutions of concentrated point phonon displacement discontinuities are obtained on the interface.By using the superposition principle,the hypersingular boundary integral-differential equations in terms of displacement discontinuities are determined for a line interface crack.Further,Green’s functions are found for uniform displacement discontinuities on a line element.The oscillatory singularity near a crack tip is eliminated by adopting the Gaussian distribution to approximate the delta function.The stress intensity factors(SIFs)with ordinary singularity and the energy release rate(ERR)are derived.Finally,a boundary element method is put forward to investigate the effects of different factors on the fracture.

Skin-inspired interface modification strategy toward a structurefunction integrated hybrid smart fabric system with self-powered sensing property for versatile applications

Fabric-based composites with superior mechanical properties and excellent perceptive function are highly desirable.However,it remains a huge challenge to attain structure-function integration,especially for hybrid fabric composites.Herein,a skin-inspired interface modification strategy is proposed toward this target by constructing a hybrid smart fabric system consisting of two types of smart fabrics:carbon nanotube(CNT)/MXene-modified aramid fabrics and zinc oxide nanorod(ZnO NR)-modified carbon fabrics.Based on that,flexible piezoelectric pressure sensors with skin-like hierarchical perception interfaces are fabricated,which demonstrate superb sensitivity of 2.39 V·kPa^(-1)and are capable of various wearable monitoring tasks.Besides,the interface-modified hybrid fabric reinforced plastics can also be fabricated,which are proven to possess 13.6%higher tensile strength,10.1%elastic modulus.More impressively,their average energy absorption can be improved by 111.9%,accompanied with inherent damage alert capability.This offers a paradigm to fabricate structure-function integrated hybrid smart fabric composites for the smart clothing and intelligent aerial vehicles.

Optimization of two-dimensional solid-state electrolyte-anode interface by integrating zinc into composite anode with dual-conductive phases

Solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are a solution to safety issues related to flammable organic electrolytes for Li batteries.Insufficient contact between the anode and SSE results in high interface resistance,thus causing the batteries to exhibit high charging and discharging overpotentials.Recently,we reduced the overpotential of Li stripping and plating by introducing a high proportion of dual-conductive phases into a composite anode.The current study investigates the interface resistance and stability of a composite electrode modified with Zn and a lower proportion of dual-conductive phases.Zn-cation-adsorbed Prussian blue is synthesized as an intermediate component for a Zn-modified composite electrode(Li-FeZnNC).The Li-FeZnNC symmetric cell presents a lower interface resistance and overpotential compared with Li-FeNC(without Zn modification)and Li-symmetric cells.The Li-FeZnNC symmetric cell shows high electrochemical stability during Li stripping and plating at different current densities and high stability for 200 h.Full batteries with a Li-FeZnNC composite anode,garnet-type SSE,and LiFePO4 cathode show low charging and discharging overpotentials,a capacity of 152 mAh g^(−1),and high stability for 200 cycles.

Recent progress of interface modification of layered oxide cathode material for sodium-ion batteries

With the advantages of similar theoretical basis to lithium batteries,relatively low budget and the abundance of sodium resources,sodium ion batteries(SIBs)are recognized as the most competitive alternative to lithium-ion batteries.Among various types of cathodes for SIBs,advan-tages of high theoretical capacity,nontoxic and facile synthesis are introduced for layered transition metal oxide cathodes and therefore they have attracted huge attention.Nevertheless,layered oxide cathodes suffer from various degradation issues.Among these issues,interface instability including surface residues,phase transitions,loss of active transition metal and oxygen loss takes up the major part of the degra-dation of layered oxides.These degradation mechanisms usually lead to irreversible structure collapse and cracking generation,which signifi-cantly influence the interface stability and electrochemical performance of layered cathodes.This review briefly introduces the background of researches on layered cathodes for SIBs and their basic structure types.Then the origins and effects on layered cathodes of degradation mech-anisms are systematically concluded.Finally,we will summarize various interface modification methods including surface engineering,doping modification and electrolyte composition which are aimed to improve interface stability of layered cathodes,perspectives of future research on layered cathodes are mentioned to provide some theoretical proposals.

Effects of Ca(Y)-Si modifier on interface morphology and solute segregation during directional solidification of an austenite medium Mn steel

The austenite medium Mn steel modified with controlled additions of Ca, Y, Si were directionally solidified using the vertical Bridgman method to study the effects of Ca（Y）-Si modifier on the solid-liquid （S-L） interface morphology and solute segregation. The interface morphology and the C and Mn segregation of the steel directionally solidified at 6.9 μtrn/s were investigated with an image analysis and a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The 0.5wt% Ca-Si modified steel is solidified with a planar S-L interface. The interface of the 1.0wt% Ca-Si modified steel is similar to that of the 0.5wt% Ca-Si modified steel, but with larger nodes. The 1.5wt% Ca-Si modified steel displays a cellular growth parttern. The S-L interface morphology of the 0.5wt% Ca-Si＋1.0wt% Y-Si modified Mn steel appears as dendritic interface, and primary austenite dendrites reveal developed lateral branching at the quenched liquid. In the meantime, the independent austenite colonies are formed ahead of the S-L interface. A mechanism involving constitutional supercooling explains the S-L interface evolution. It depends mainly on the difference in the contents of Ca, Y, and Si ahead of the S-L interface. The segregation of C and Mn ahead of the S-L interface enhanced by the modifiers is observed.

MICROSTRUCTURE OF INTERFACE BETWEEN Y-MODIFIED REACTIVE ION PLATED Ti(Y)N COATING AND SUBSTRATE STEEL A3

The fine rnicrostrueture of the Y-modified ion plated Ti(Y)N coating/substrate steel A3 system has been examined by means of TEM and microdiffraction technique.It was revealed that the interface consists of 3 sublayers,i.e.α-Fe+Y_6Fe_(23),Ti+Y+FeTi and Ti_2N+YN +Ti_xN_y.The thicknesses of them are about 200,50 and 120 nm respectively.The phases in the transition area seem to have certain orientation relations.The mechanism of interface formation has also been discussed.

Effect of Sr modification on microstructure and thermal conductivity of hypoeutectic Al−Si alloys

Trace amount of Sr(0.05 wt.%)was added into the hypoeutectic Al−Si(3−12 wt.%Si)alloys to modify their microstructure and improve thermal conductivity.The results showed that the thermal conductivity of hypoeutectic Al−Si alloys was improved by Sr modification,and the increment and increasing rate of the thermal conductivity gradually increased with Si content increasing.The improvement of thermal conductivity was primarily related to the morphology variation of eutectic Si phases.In Sr-modified Al−Si alloys,the morphology of eutectic Si phases was a mixed morphology of fiber structure and fine flaky structure,and the proportion of the fine flaky eutectic Si phases gradually decreased with Si content increasing.Under the Si content reaching 9 wt.%,the proportion of fine flaky eutectic Si phases was nearly negligible in Sr-modified alloys.Correspondingly,the increment and increasing rate of thermal conductivity of Sr-modified alloys reached the maximum and tended to be stable.