Direct Synthesis of Semiconductive AgBiS NC Inks toward High-Efficiency, Low-Cost and Environmental-Friendly Solar Cells.

Silver bismuth sulfide nanocrystals (AgBiS NCs) embody a pioneering heavy-metal-free photovoltaic material renowned for its ultrahigh absorption coefficient, offering promising opportunities for advancing the field of ultra-thin and biocompatible solar cells. Currently, the fabrication of AgBiS NC photovoltaic devices relies on hot-injection synthesis and subsequent tedious ligand exchange, leading to high production cost, complex processes and environmental pollution. Here, we developed a direct-synthesis (DS) method without ligand-exchange for AgBiS NC semiconductive inks, significantly simplifying the material preparation and device fabrication processes.

Micronuclear battery based on a coalescent energy transducer.

Micronuclear batteries harness energy from the radioactive decay of radioisotopes to generate electricity on a small scale, typically in the nanowatt or microwatt range. Contrary to chemical batteries, the longevity of a micronuclear battery is tied to the half-life of the used radioisotope, enabling operational lifetimes that can span several decades. Furthermore, the radioactive decay remains unaffected by environmental factors such as temperature, pressure and magnetic fields, making the micronuclear battery an enduring and reliable power source in scenarios in which conventional batteries prove impractical or challenging to replace.

Deciphering the Atomic-Scale Structural Origin for Photoluminescence Quenching in Tin-Lead Alloyed Perovskite Nanocrystals.

The development of tin-lead alloyed halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) is highly desirable for creating ultrastable, eco-friendly optoelectronic applications. However, the current incorporation of tin into the lead matrix results in severe photoluminescence (PL) quenching. To date, the precise atomic-scale structural origins of this quenching are still unknown, representing a significant barrier to fully realizing the potential of these materials.

Photoexcited Carrier Dynamics in Iodine-Doped CHNHPbBr Single Crystals.

Iodine-doped bromide perovskite single crystals (IBPSCs) have important applications in optoelectronic fields, such as in solar cells. Currently, much research has aimed to study the phase separation phenomenon and device performance improvements in IBPSCs. However, important intrinsic photoexcited carrier dynamics are often overlooked in IBPSCs.

Stronger Coupling of Quantum Dots in Hole Transport Layer Through Intermediate Ligand Exchange to Enhance the Efficiency of PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells.

Nowadays, the extensively used lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dot (QD) hole transport layer (HTL) relies on layer-by-layer method to replace long chain oleic acid (OA) ligands with short 1,2-ethanedithiol (EDT) ligands for preparation. However, the inevitable significant volume shrinkage caused by this traditional method will result in undesired cracks and disordered QD arrangement in the film, along with adverse increased defect density and inhomogeneous energy landscape. To solve the problem, a novel method for EDT passivated PbS QD (PbS-EDT) HTL preparation using small-sized benzoic acid (BA) as intermediate ligands is proposed in this work.

synergistic halogen passivation of semiconducting PbS quantum dot inks for efficient photovoltaics.

Lead sulfide colloidal quantum dots (PbS CQDs) show great potential in next-generation photovoltaics. However, their high specific surface area and complex surface crystallography lead to a high surface trap density, which normally requires more than one type of capping ion or ligand to achieve effective surface passivation. In this study, we performed mixed halogen passivation (MHP) during the direct synthesis of semiconducting PbS CQD inks by using different lead halogens.

Stable Inorganic Colloidal Tin and Tin-Lead Perovskite Nanocrystals with Ultralong Carrier Lifetime via Sn(IV) Control.

Inorganic tin (Sn) perovskite nanocrystals offer a promising solution to the potential toxicity concerns associated with their established lead (Pb)-based counterparts. Yet, achieving their superior stability and optoelectronic properties remains an ongoing challenge. Here, we report a synthesis of high-symmetry α-phase CsSnI nanocrystals with an ultralong 278 ns carrier lifetime, exceeding previous benchmarks by 2 orders of magnitude through meticulous Sn(IV) control.

Open-Shell Diradical-Sensitized Electron Transport Layer for High-Performance Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells.

The zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are well-documented as an excellent electron transport layer (ETL) in optoelectronic devices. However, the intrinsic surface flaw of the ZnO NPs can easily result in serious surface recombination of carriers. Exploring effective passivation methods of ZnO NPs is essential to maximize the device's performance.

Breaking the Size Limitation of Directly-Synthesized PbS Quantum Dot Inks Toward Efficient Short-wavelength Infrared Optoelectronic Applications.

PbS quantum dots (QDs) are promising building blocks for solution-processed short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) devices. The recently developed direct synthesis of semi-conductive PbS QD inks has substantially simplified the preparation processing and reduced the material cost, while facing the challenge to synthesize large-size QDs with absorption covering the SWIR region. Herein, we for the first time realize a low-cost, scalable synthesis of SWIR PbS QD inks after an extensive investigation of the reaction kinetics.

Merging Passivation in Synthesis Enabling the Lowest Open-Circuit Voltage Loss for PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells.

The high open-circuit voltage (V ) loss arising from insufficient surface passivation is the main factor that limits the efficiency of current lead sulfide colloidal quantum dots (PbS CQDs) solar cell. Here, synergistic passivation is performed in the direct synthesis of conductive PbS CQD inks by introducing multifunctional ligands to well coordinate the complicated CQDs surface with the thermodynamically optimal configuration. The improved passivation effect is intactly delivered to the final photovoltaic device, leading to an order lower surface trap density and beneficial doping behavior compared to the control sample.

Homologous Bromides Treatment for Improving the Open-Circuit Voltage of Perovskite Solar Cells.

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solution-processed organic-inorganic mixed halide perovskite solar cells has achieved rapid improvement. However, it is imperative to minimize the voltage deficit (W  = E /q - V ) for their PCE to approach the theoretical limit. Herein, the strategy of depositing homologous bromide salts on the perovskite surface to achieve a surface and bulk passivation for the fabrication of solar cells with high open-circuit voltage is reported.

Complete chloroplast genome of (DC.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (Fabaceae) and phylogenetic analysis.

(DC.) H.S.

Complete plastome sequence of (Elaeagnaceae): an Asian endemic plant species.

is an evergreen vine or climbing shrub with 5 m height. It is widespread in southern China. It grows in the sunny forests or forest margins below 1000 m a.

Complete plastome sequence of D. Don (Bignoniaceae): a beautiful landscaping tree species.

is a deciduous arbor with blue flowers native to Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina in South America. After introduction from South America, it was widely cultivated as a garden ornamental plant in South China. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of this ornamental species is reported in this study, based on high-throughput sequencing (Illumina).

Toward printable solar cells based on PbX colloidal quantum dot inks.

Lead chalcogenide (PbX, X = S, Se) colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising solution-processed semiconductor materials for the construction of low-cost, large-area, and flexible solar cells. The properties of CQDs endow them with advantages in semi-conducting film deposition compared to other solution-processed photovoltaic materials, which is critical for the fabrication of efficient large-area solar cells towards industrialization. However, the development of large-area CQD solar cells is impeded by the conventional solid-state ligand exchange process, where the tedious processing with high expense is indispensable to facilitate charge transport of CQD films for photovoltaic applications.

Interfacial Energy Level Tuning for Efficient and Thermostable CsPbIBr Perovskite Solar Cells.

Inorganic mixed-halide CsPbX-based perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) are emerging as one of the most promising types of PeSCs on account of their thermostability compared to organic-inorganic hybrid counterparts. However, dissatisfactory device performance and high processing temperature impede their development for viable applications. Herein, a facile route is presented for tuning the energy levels and electrical properties of sol-gel-derived ZnO electron transport material (ETM) via the doping of a classical alkali metal carbonate CsCO.

High-Efficiency PbS Quantum-Dot Solar Cells with Greatly Simplified Fabrication Processing via "Solvent-Curing".

PbS quantum-dot (QD) solar cells are promising candidates for low-cost solution-processed photovoltaics. However, the device fabrication usually requires ten more times film deposition and rinsing steps, which is not ideal for scalable manufacturing. Here, a greatly simplified deposition processing is demonstrated by replacing methanol with acetonitrile (ACN) as the rinsing solvent.

In Situ Passivation for Efficient PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells by Precursor Engineering.

Current efforts on lead sulfide quantum dot (PbS QD) solar cells are mostly paid to the device architecture engineering and postsynthetic surface modification, while very rare work regarding the optimization of PbS synthesis is reported. Here, PbS QDs are successfully synthesized using PbO and PbAc  · 3H O as the lead sources. QD solar cells based on PbAc-PbS have demonstrated a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.

Room-Temperature Processed NbO as the Electron-Transporting Layer for Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells.

In this work, we demonstrate high-efficiency planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs), using room-temperature sputtered niobium oxide (NbO) as the electron-transporting layer (ETL). Widely spread ETL-like TiO often requires high-temperature (>450 °C) sintering, which is not desired for the fabrication of flexible devices. The amorphous NbO (labeled as a-NbO) ETL, without any heat treatment, can give a best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.

High efficiency all-polymer tandem solar cells.

In this work, we have reported for the first time an efficient all-polymer tandem cell using identical sub-cells based on P2F-DO:N2200. A high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.70% was achieved, which is among the highest efficiencies for all polymer solar cells and 43% larger than the PCE of single junction cell.

Impact evaluation of a community-based intervention to reduce risky sexual behaviour among female sex workers in Shanghai, China.

Background: Female sex workers (FSWs) are at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. We implemented an HIV/STI preventive intervention among FSWs in Shanghai that aimed to increase condom use, improve HIV knowledge, and reduce STI and HIV incidence.

Methods: From six districts in Shanghai, 750 randomly selected venue-based FSWs were allocated to either a behavioural intervention or control group.

Inverted planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells employing polymer as the electron conductor.

Inverted planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells employing different polymers, poly{[N,N'-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide-2,6-diyl]-alt-5,5'-(2,2'-bithiophene)} (N2200), poly{[N,N'-bis(alkyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide-2,6-diyl-alt-5,5'-di(thiophen-2-yl)-2,2'-(E)-2-(2-(thiophen-2-yl)vinyl)thiophene]} (PNVT-8), and PNDI2OD-TT as electron-transporting material (ETM) have been investigated for the first time. The best device performance was obtained when N2200 was applied as the ETM, with JSC of 14.70 mA/cm2, VOC of 0.