Anisotropic magnetoresistance as evidence of spin-momentum inter-locking in topological Kondo insulator SmB nanowires.

SmB, which opens up an insulating bulk gap due to hybridization between itinerant d-electrons and localized f-electrons below a critical temperature, turns out to be a topological Kondo insulator possessing exotic conducting states on its surface. However, measurement of the surface-states in SmB draws controversial conclusions, depending on the growth methods and experimental techniques used. Herein, we report anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) observed in the Kondo energy gap of a single SmB nanowire that is immune to magnetic dopant pollution and features a square cross-section to show high-symmetry crystal facets.

Interface Tuning between Two Connecting Bulk Heterojunctions in Small Molecule Bilayer Ternary Solar Cells.

Bilayer ternary solar cells are a kind of novel organic photovoltaic device with a triple-component active layer but are different from the ternary bulk heterojunction (BHJ) blend. Two binary BHJs with a common acceptor (or donor) are deposited sequentially in this kind of device. Here, we study the fabrication and optimization of bilayer ternary solar cells using metal phthalocyanine donors and fullerene acceptor.

Observation and Ultrafast Dynamics of Inter-Sub-Band Transition in InAs Twinning Superlattice Nanowires.

A variety of infrared applications rely on semiconductor superlattices, including, notably, the realization of high-power, compact quantum cascade lasers. Requirements for atomically smooth interface and limited lattice matching options set high technical standards for fabricating applicable heterostructure devices. The semiconductor twinning superlattice (TSL) forms in a single compound with periodically spaced twin boundaries and sharp interface junctions and can be grown with convenient synthesis methods.

Improved performance of small molecule organic solar cells by incorporation of a glancing angle deposited donor layer.

Improving the photovoltaic performance directly by innovative device architectures contributes much progress in the field of organic solar cells. Photovoltaic device using different kinds of heterojunction with the given set of organic semiconductors paves the way to a better understanding of the working mechanism of organic heterojunction. Here, we report on the fabrication of a new device structure without employing extra material.

Growth Mechanism of SmB Nanowires Synthesized by Chemical Vapor Deposition: Catalyst-Assisted and Catalyst-Free.

SmB nanowires, as a prototype of nanostructured topological Kondo insulator, have shown rich novel physical phenomena relating to their surface. Catalyst-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a common approach to prepare SmB nanowires and Ni is the most popular catalyst used to initiate the growth of SmB nanowires. Here, we study the effect of growth mechanism on the surface of SmB nanowires synthesized by CVD.

3D Printed High-Performance Lithium Metal Microbatteries Enabled by Nanocellulose.

Batteries constructed via 3D printing techniques have inherent advantages including opportunities for miniaturization, autonomous shaping, and controllable structural prototyping. However, 3D-printed lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have not yet been reported due to the difficulties of printing lithium (Li) metal. Here, for the first time, high-performance LMBs are fabricated through a 3D printing technique using cellulose nanofiber (CNF), which is one of the most earth-abundant biopolymers.

Applied Stress-Assisted Growth of Single Crystal γ-Fe₂O₃ Nanowires.

It is difficult to obtain γ-Fe₂O₃ nanostructures by heating iron substrate in ambient conditions because γ-Fe₂O₃ is less thermodynamically stable than α-Fe₂O₃. In this work, we synthesize γ-Fe₂O₃ nanowires by heating iron particles under an external force. The stacking style of iron and oxygen ions under a strong shearing stress tends to adopt the γ-Fe₂O₃ structure regardless of the thermodynamic restriction.

Tunable Low Loss 1D Surface Plasmons in InAs Nanowires.

Due to the ability to manipulate photons at nanoscale, plasmonics has become one of the most important branches in nanophotonics. The prerequisites for the technological application of plasmons include high confining ability (λ /λ ), low damping, and easy tunability. However, plasmons in typical plasmonic materials, i.

Improved performance of small molecule solar cell by using oblique deposition technique and zinc phthalocyanine cathode buffer layer.

Short circuit current density ( ) and open circuit voltage ( ) are two important parameters to evaluate the performance of organic solar cells. How to increase these two parameters without using novel material still remains a challenge. Two small molecules, zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic bisbenzimidazole (PTCBI), are used to fabricate ITO/ZnPc/ZnPc:PTCBI/PTCBI/ZnPc/Al photovoltaic device.

Ultralight, highly thermally insulating and fire resistant aerogel by encapsulating cellulose nanofibers with two-dimensional MoS.

Thermally insulating materials, made from earth-abundant and sustainable resources, are highly desirable in the sustainable construction of energy efficient buildings. Cellulose from wood has long been recognized for these characteristics. However, cellulose can be a flammability hazard, and for construction this has been addressed via chemical treatment such as that with halogen and/or phosphorus, which leads to further environmental concerns.

Synthesis of Bi₂Te₃ Nanotubes Using Te Nanotubes as a Template.

Bi₂Te₃ nanotubes are synthesized by a facile two-step hydrothermal method. Te nanotubes are prepared firstly and then used as a template to produce Bi₂Te₃ nanotubes. The structure and morphology of the synthesized nanotubes are characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope.

Growth of High Material Quality Group III-Antimonide Semiconductor Nanowires by a Naturally Cooling Process.

We report on a simple but powerful approach to grow high material quality InSb and GaSb nanowires in a commonly used tube furnace setup. The approach employs a process of stable heating at a high temperature and then cooling down naturally to room temperature with the nanowire growth occurred effectively during the naturally cooling step. As-grown nanowires are analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy setup.

Bulk heterojunction organic solar cells fabricated by oblique angle deposition.

Bulk heterojunction organic solar cells based on small molecules are often fabricated by the co-deposition of donor and accepter materials on substrates placed horizontally. An intimate blend of donor and acceptor molecules is the common product in as-prepared samples. Using metal phthalocyanine as the donor and fullerene as the acceptor, we tilt the substrate to deposit the active layer.