Insights into the nucleation and growth of BiOCl nanoparticles by X-ray pair distribution function analysis and liquid cell TEM.

The synthesis of bismuth oxyhalides as defined nanostructures is hindered by their fast nucleation and growth in aqueous solutions. Using our recently developed single-source precursor, the formation of bismuth oxychloride in such solutions can be slowed significantly. As reported herein, this advance enables BiOCl formation to be investigated by X-ray total scattering and liquid cell transmission electron microscopy.

Atomic layer deposition of PbCl, PbBr and mixed lead halide (Cl, Br, I) PbXY thin films.

Atomic layer deposition offers outstanding film uniformity and conformality on substrates with high aspect ratio features. These qualities are essential for mixed-halide perovskite films applied in tandem solar cells, transistors and light-emitting diodes. The optical and electronic properties of mixed-halide perovskites can be adjusted by adjusting the ratios of different halides.