High External Quantum Efficiency and Ultra‐Narrowband Organic Photodiodes Using Single‐Component Photoabsorber With Multiple‐Resonance Effect
This research provides a significant breakthrough in the field of narrowband organic photodiodes (OPDs) by introducing a novel class of boron-nitrogen (BN) single-component wavelength-selective materials. The OPDs incorporating these single-component BN photoabsorbers demonstrate record-high external quantum efficiency of 33.77% and small full-width half-maximum of 36 nm in the reported narrowband OPDs using single-component photoabsorbers.
Abstract
Organic photodiodes (OPDs) that utilize wavelength-selective absorbing molecules offer a direct approach to capturing specific wavelengths of light in multispectral sensors/imaging systems without filters. However, they exhibit broad response bandwidths, low external quantum efficiency (EQE), and often require compromises in two-component photoactive materials. Herein, the first utility of boron-nitrogen (BN) single-component photoabsorbers, leveraging a multi-resonance effect are introduced to attain OPDs with both record-high EQE of 33.77% and ultra-small full-width half-maximum (FWHM) of 36 nm in the reported narrowband OPDs using single-component photoabsorbers. It is found that the outstanding performance of these narrowband OPDs can be attributed to the ultra-small FWHM, slow charge recombination, low activation energy, and balanced bipolar charge transport within the para-tert-butyl substituted B,N-embedded rigid polycyclic molecule (BNCz) film. Furthermore, BN derivatives such as BN(p)SCH3, BN(p)SO2CH3, and pyBN-m-H have also shown high EQE, minimal FWHM, and tunable photoresponse peaks ranging from blue-violet to blue-turquoise, highlighting the potential of BN molecules and molecular engineering in the development of novel narrowband absorbers for advanced wavelength-selective OPDs. Such pioneering working can provide a class of novel narrowband absorbers to propel the advancement of high-performance wavelength-selective OPDs.
Synergistic Multimodal Energy Dissipation Enhances Certified Efficiency of Flexible Organic Photovoltaics beyond 19%
By combining multimodal energy dissipation and phase modulation in active layer films, the mechanical and photovoltaic properties of flexible electronics are innovatively co-developed to achieve a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.07%, which is the highest PCE reported for flexible organic photovoltaic device to date.
Abstract
All-polymer organic solar cells (OSCs) have shown unparalleled application potential in the field of flexible wearable electronics in recent years due to the excellent mechanical and photovoltaic properties. However, the small molecule acceptors after polymerization in still retain some mechanical and aggregation properties of the small molecule, falling short of the ductility requirements for flexible devices. Here, based on the multimodal energy dissipation theory, the mechanical and photovoltaic properties of flexible devices are co-enhanced by adding the thermoplastic elastomer material (polyurethane, PU) to the PM6:PBQx-TF:PY-IT-based active layer films. The construction of multi-fiber network structure and the decrease of films’ residual stresses contribute to the enhancement of carrier transport properties and the decrease of defect state density. Eventually, the PCE (power conversion efficiency) of 19.40% is achieved on the flexible devices with an effective area of 0.102 cm2, and the third-party certified PCE reaches 19.07%, which is the highest PCE for flexible OSCs currently available. To further validate the potential of this strategy for large-area module applications, the 25-cm2-based flexible and super-flexible modules are prepared with the PCEs of 15.48% and 14.61%, respectively, and demonstration applications are implemented.
High‐Performance Green and Blue Light‐Emitting Diodes Enabled by CdZnSe/ZnS Core/Shell Colloidal Quantum Wells
A new synthesis strategy for CdZnSe/ZnS core/shell colloidal quantum wells, which covers the green and blue spectral range and exhibits exceptional photoelectric properties, is achieved by direct cation exchange from Cd to Zn and hot-injection shell growth. This enables the fabrication of high-performance green and blue light-emitting diodes with the peak external quantum efficiencies of 20.4% and 10.6%.
Abstract
The unique anisotropic properties of colloidal quantum wells (CQWs) make them highly promising as components in nanocrystal-based devices. However, the limited performance of green and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on CQWs has impeded their practical applications. In this study, alloy CdZnSe core CQWs with precise compositions are tailored via direct cation exchange (CE) from CdSe CQWs with specific size, shape, and crystal structure and utilized hot-injection shell (HIS) growth to synthesize CdZnSe/ZnS core/shell CQWs exhibiting exceptional optoelectronic characteristics. This approach enabled the successful fabrication green and blue LEDs manifesting superior performance compared to previously reported solution-processed CQW-LEDs. The devices demonstrated a remarkable peak external quantum efficiency (20.4% for green and 10.6% for blue), accompanied by a maximum brightness 347,683 cd m−2 for green and 38,063 cd m−2 for blue. The high-performance represents a significant advancement for nanocrystal-based light-emitting diodes (Nc-LEDs) incorporating anisotropic nanocrystals. This work provides a comprehensive synthesis strategy for enhancing the efficiency of Nc-LEDs utilizing anisotropic nanocrystals.
Breaking the Trade‐Off Between Mobility and On–Off Ratio in Oxide Transistors
Mild CF4 plasma is introduced to resolve the trade-off between mobility and the on-current (I on)/off-current (I off) ratio in degenerate oxide semiconductors without the need for thermal annealing. This technique effectively reduces carrier density, achieving a high I on/I off ratio (10⁸) while preserving high mobility (104 cm2 V−1s−1) of thick In2O3 transistors, leading to enhanced switching performance and making it ideal for three-dimensional integration in advanced electronic devices.
Abstract
Amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOS) are pivotal for next-generation electronics due to their high electron mobility and excellent optical properties. However, In2O3, a key material in this family, encounters significant challenges in balancing high mobility and effective switching as its thickness is scaled down to nanometer dimensions. The high electron density in ultra-thin In2O3 hinders its ability to turn off effectively, leading to a critical trade-off between mobility and the on-current (I on)/off-current (I off) ratio. This study introduces a mild CF4 plasma doping technique that effectively reduces electron density in 10 nm In2O3 at a low processing temperature of 70 °C, achieving a high mobility of 104 cm2 V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and an I on/I off ratio exceeding 10⁸. A subsequent low-temperature post-annealing further improves the critical reliability and stability of CF4-doped In2O3 without raising the thermal budget, making this technique suitable for monolithic three-dimensional (3D) integration. Additionally, its application is demonstrated in In2O3 depletion-load inverters, highlighting its potential for advanced logic circuits and broader electronic and optoelectronic applications.
Linking Nanoscopic Insights to Millimetric‐Devices in Formamidinium‐Rich Perovskite Photovoltaics
This review sheds light on the most detrimental nanoscopic phase impurities in FA-rich perovskite PVs and further, highlights research directions that can mitigate their formation in the final films. The objective is to provide fundamental guidelines for engineering state-of-the-art FA-rich perovskite absorbers pairing exceptional performance and prolonged device stability.
Abstract
Halide-perovskite semiconductors have a high potential for use in single-junction and tandem solar cells. Despite their unprecedented rise in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) for photovoltaic (PV) applications, it remains unclear whether perovskite solar modules can reach a sufficient operational lifetime. In order to make perovskite solar cells (PSCs) commercially viable, a fundamental understanding of the relationship between their nanostructure, optoelectronic properties, device efficiency, and long-term operational stability/reliability needs to be established. In this review, the phase instabilities in state-of-the-art formamidinium (FA)-rich perovskite absorbers is discussed. Furhermore, the concerted efforts are summarized in this prospect, covering aspects from fundamental research to device engineering. Subsequently, a critical analysis of the dictating impact of the nanoscale landscape of perovskite materials on their resulting intrinsic stability is provided ’. Finally, the remaining challenges in the field are assessed and future research directions are proposed for improving the operational lifetimes of perovskite devices. It is believed that these approaches, which bridge nanoscale structural properties to working solar cell devices, will be critical to assessing the realization of a bankable PSC product.
Simultaneous Regulating the Surface, Interface, and Bulk via Phosphating Modification for High‐Performance Li‐Rich Layered Oxides Cathodes
A straightforward and effective “all-in-one” modification strategy is exploited to achieve cooperative enhancements across the surface, interface, and bulk phase. This strategy provides a comprehensive understanding of reversible and irreversible characteristics of oxygen redox processes, offering theoretical guidance and experimental evidence for enhancing anionic redox reversibility and designing high-performance Li-rich Mn-based layered oxides.
Abstract
Li-rich Mn-based layered oxides (LRMOs) are regarded as the leading cathode materials to overcome the bottleneck of higher energy density. Nevertheless, they encounter significant challenges, including voltage decay, poor cycle stability, and inferior rate performance, primarily due to irreversible oxygen release, transition metal dissolution, and sluggish transport kinetics. Moreover, traditionally single modification strategies do not adequately address these issues. Herein, an innovative “all-in-one” modification strategy is developed, simultaneously regulating the surface, interface, and bulk via an in-situ gas–solid interface phosphating reaction to create P-doped Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2@Spinel@Li3PO4. Specifically, Li3PO4 surface coating layer shields particles from electrolyte corrosion and enhances Li+ diffusion; in-situ constructed spinel interfacial layer reduces phase distortion and suppresses the lattice strain; the strong P─O bond derived from P-doping stabilizes the lattice oxygen frame and inhibits the release of O2, thereby improving the reversibility of oxygen redox reaction. As a result, the phosphatized LRMO demonstrates an exceptional capacity retention of 82.1% at 1C after 300 cycles (compared to 50.8% for LRMO), an outstanding rate capability of 170.5 mAh g−1 at 5C (vs 98.9 mAh g−1 for LRMO), along with excellent voltage maintenance and thermostability. Clearly, this “all-in-one” modification strategy offers a novel approach for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.
Synergistic Acid‐Base Action Leads to Ultrafast Decontamination of Nerve and Blister Agents by OH− Intercalated Zr4+‐Doped MgAl‐LDH under Ambient Conditions
The synthesized Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH achieves ultrafast decontamination of nerve and blister agents under ambient conditions with the synergistic effect of Zr4+ and bridging/terminal hydroxyl in the laminates and OH− in the interlayers, remarkably sets the record for the shortest decontamination half-life for DECP and GD. Further, self-detoxifying protective fibers are prepared using Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH as a catalytic component.
Abstract
Developing materials capable of rapidly decontaminating nerve and blister agents directly under ambient conditions are crucial for practical applications. In this work, Mg3Al1- x Zr x -LDH with different Zr4+ doping contents and corresponding OH− intercalated materials Mg3Al1- x Zr x -LDH-OH are synthesized. First, they are used for the decontamination of nerve agents under ambient conditions, showing that increasing the Zr4+ doping amount accelerates the decontamination rate of diethyl cyanophosphonate (DECP) and soman (GD), with the half-life of DECP and GD being 3–5 times shorter with Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH (the highest Zr4+ doping content) compared to Mg3Al1-LDH. Notably, the intercalation of OH− in Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH further greatly enhances the catalytic activity for DECP and GD, the reaction half-life of DECP and GD with Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH being 18 s and <15 s, respectively, which is the shortest recorded so far. Additionally, under ambient conditions, Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH exhibits superior detoxification performance for mustard gas (HD) compared to Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH, with 92.8% of HD being removed within 6 h. Mechanistic studies reveal that Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH efficiently decontaminates nerve and blister agents utilizing the synergistic effect of Lewis acid-base sites (Zr4+ and laminate OH groups) and interlayer OH−. To extend the practical applications of the materials, PVA@(PAN/LDH-OH) self-detoxifying fiber loaded with Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH is prepared.
Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photocatalysis
This review provides an overview of recent advances in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for photocatalysis, focusing on sustainable energy applications like water splitting, hydrogen peroxide generation, and CO2 and N2 reduction. It discusses design principles, structure-function relationships, challenges in COF photocatalysis, and strategies to enhance performance and convert products into value-added compounds.
Abstract
The global energy crisis and environmental concerns are driving research into renewable energy and sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies. Solar energy, as an ideal sustainable resource, has significant potential to contribute to the goal of net-zero carbon emissions if effectively harnessed and converted into a reliable and storable form of energy. Photocatalysts have the potential to convert sunlight into chemical energy carriers. In this respect, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have shown great promise due to their tunable structure on different length scales, high surface areas, and beneficial optical properties such as broad visible light absorption. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the key developments in COF-based photocatalysts for various applications, including water splitting, hydrogen peroxide generation, organic transformations, and carbon dioxide and nitrogen reduction. The underlying mechanisms, essential principles for material design, and structure-function relationships of COFs in various photocatalytic applications are discussed. The challenges faced by COF-based photocatalysts are also summarized and various strategies to enhance their performance are explained, such as improving crystallinity, regulating molecular structures, tailoring linkages, and incorporating cocatalysts. Finally, critical strategies are proposed for the utilization of photocatalytically generated chemicals into value-added products.
Symbiotic reactions over a high-entropy alloy catalyst enable ultrahigh-voltage Li–CO2 batteries
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE04116J, PaperTao Chen, Junfei Cai, Hangchao Wang, Chuan Gao, Chonglin Yuan, Kun Zhang, Yue Yu, Wukun Xiao, Tie Luo, Dingguo Xia
The Li–CO2 battery with ultra-high discharge voltage and low overpotential is realized by using the high entropy alloy catalyst to realize the symbiotic reaction.
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Suppressing non-radiative recombination for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE02917H, Review Article Open Access   This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.Jiahua Tao, Chunhu Zhao, Zhaojin Wang, You Chen, Lele Zang, Guang Yang, Yang Bai, Junhao Chu
This review analyzes non-radiative recombination mechanisms, device stability, and hysteresis, providing strategies to reduce trap states and improve the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells, offering a forward-looking perspective.
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Fri 13 Dec 13:00: Optimising Sustainable Energy with Functional Programming
Abstract
This talk describes some results from a collaboration between Computer Science, Physics, and Climate Impact Research on theories and tools for performance optimisation of strongly coupled physical systems with a large parameter space. The first part of the talk discusses computing optimal policies; we have used these techniques for climate decisions and for fusion energy designs. The second part of the talk will focus on one particularly important concept: the Pareto-front, which mathematically captures the trade-offs between two (or more) conflicting objectives. The core object of study is an expensive black-box function computing multiple objectives, for which we approximate the Pareto front using adaptive mesh refinement.
Bio
Patrik Jansson is a professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department, joint between Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg, Sweden. His main research areas are Programming Languages, Functional Programming, Domain-Specific Languages, and their application to climate, physics, etc. His research focus is on systems for constructing correct and reusable software. The goal is to develop the programming languages of the future and theories, tests and proofs of correctness of high-level models of complex systems. Important techniques include functional programming, domain-specific languages and type theory. Examples of applications are climate impact research, physics, and language technology but many results are also curiosity driven basic research with generic applicability in most areas.
Patrik has been on sabbatical in Oxford, as a Visiting Fellow of Kellogg College for Michaelmas term 2024, visiting Prof Jeremy Gibbons.
- Speaker: Prof. Patrik Jansson, Chalmers, Sweden, Visiting Fellow at Kellogg College, Oxford
- Friday 13 December 2024, 13:00-14:00
- Venue: SS03, William Gates Building. Zoom link: https://cl-cam-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/4361570789?pwd=Nkl2T3ZLaTZwRm05bzRTOUUxY3Q4QT09&from=addon .
- Series: Energy and Environment Group, Department of CST; organiser: lyr24.
Fri 13 Dec 17:30: Causal Reading Group with José R. Zubizarreta
Abstract not available
- Speaker: José R. Zubizarreta, Harvard University
- Friday 13 December 2024, 17:30-18:00
- Venue: MR20, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge.
- Series: Causal Inference Reading Group; organiser: Martina Scauda.
Fri 14 Mar 08:45: Title to be confirmed
Chaired by Andrew Grant
- Speaker: Molly Cliff, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Friday 14 March 2025, 08:45-10:00
- Venue: LT2.
- Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.
Fri 14 Mar 08:45: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Unraveling Its Variability, Mimics, and Predictors
Jose Novo Matos DVM M Sc PhD DECVIM (Cardiology) AFHEA MRCVS Jose graduated from the University of Lisbon in 2005 and completed a cardiology residency at the University of Zurich, becoming an ECVIM -CA Diplomate in 2014 and an RCVS Specialist in Cardiology in 2015. He worked as a Senior Lecturer at Zurich before completing a PhD on feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at the Royal Veterinary College and a Master’s in Cardiovascular Pathology at the University of Padua. Currently, he is a Teaching Professor and Head of Cardiology at the University of Cambridge. His clinical and research focus includes feline cardiomyopathies and cardiac imaging. Jose also co-hosts The Animal Heartbeat podcast, the first podcast dedicated to veterinary cardiology.
Chaired by Andrew Grant
- Speaker: Jose Novo Matos, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Friday 14 March 2025, 08:45-10:00
- Venue: LT2.
- Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.
Fri 28 Feb 08:45: Title to be confirmed
Chaired by Mark Owusu (with Laurence Tiley)
- Speaker: Speaker to be confirmed
- Friday 28 February 2025, 08:45-10:00
- Venue: LT2.
- Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.
Fri 28 Feb 08:45: Title to be confirmed
Chaired by Mark Owusu (with Laurence Tiley)
- Speaker: Arran Smith, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Friday 28 February 2025, 08:45-10:00
- Venue: LT2.
- Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.
Fri 21 Feb 08:45: Preparing for the next pandemic: a computationally designed, future-proofed pan-H5 haemagglutinin nanoparticle vaccine
Chaired by Chris Jenkins (with Cathryn Mellersh)
- Speaker: Chloe Huang, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Friday 21 February 2025, 08:45-10:00
- Venue: LT2.
- Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.
Fri 21 Feb 08:45: Development of diagnostic assays using a surface plasmon resonance platform technology
Alex was awarded his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2019. He subsequently worked for two years in general practice, prior to completing internships at the RVC and University of Liverpool. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Practice, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice, a Post Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Education and is an active Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Chaired by Chris Jenkins (with Cathryn Mellersh)
- Speaker: Alex Currie, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Friday 21 February 2025, 08:45-10:00
- Venue: LT2.
- Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.
Fri 31 Jan 08:45: The MRC Toxicology Unit Histopathology Core Facility – resources and potential opportunities?”
Mark joined the MRC Toxicology Unit in 2022 as the Histopathology Core Facility Manager. The Core Facility provides an extensive range of both routine- and highly specialised- histopathological techniques. These include immunohistochemistry, single and multiplex immunofluorescence, and preparation of whole-slide digital images for computational analysis and spatial biology. Prior to this Mark undertook Post-Doctoral research at Royal Papworth Hospital for multiple National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), British Heart Foundation and Innovate UK funded projects. Mark’s PhD explored the Regulation of Bone Morphogenetic Signalling in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Vascular Development and in 2015 Mark undertook a MSt. in Genomic Medicine at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge.
Chaired by Cinzia Cantecessi Talk recorded
- Speaker: Mark Southwood, MRC Toxicology Histology Core Facility
- Friday 31 January 2025, 08:45-10:00
- Venue: LT2.
- Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.
Fri 24 Jan 08:45: Title to be confirmed
Chaired by Abel Walekhwa and Olivier Restif
- Speaker: Charlotte Rendina, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Friday 24 January 2025, 08:45-10:00
- Venue: LT2.
- Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.