Watching Ions Move: Scanning Probe Microscopy on Perovskite Solar Cells

Multifunctional superparamagnetic MnO@SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles and their application for optical and magnetic resonance imaging

Highly biocompatible multifunctional nanocomposites consisting of monodisperse manganese oxide nanoparticles with luminescent silica shells were synthesized by a combination of w/o-microemulsion techniques and common sol–gel procedures. The nanoparticles were characterized by TEM analysis, powder XRD, SQUID magnetometry, FT-IR, UV/vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. Due to the presence of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains on the SiO2 surface, the nanocomposites are highly soluble and stable in various aqueous solutions, including physiological saline, buffer solutions and human blood serum. The average number of surface amino groups available for lig…

Anisotropic carrier diffusion in single MAPbI(3) grains correlates to their twin domains

Polycrystalline thin films and single crystals of hybrid perovskites – a material group successfully used for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications – reportedly display heterogeneous charge carrier dynamics often attributed to grain boundaries or crystalline strain. Here, we locally resolved the carrier diffusion in large, isolated methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) grains via spatial- and time-resolved photoluminescence microscopy. We found that the anisotropic carrier dynamics directly correlate with the arrangement of ferroelastic twin domains. Comparing diffusion constants parallel and perpendicular to the domains showed carriers diffuse around 50–60% faster along the parallel d…

Removal of Surface Oxygen Vacancies Increases Conductance Through TiO(2) Thin Films for Perovskite Solar Cells

[Image: see text] We report that UV–ozone treatment of TiO(2) anatase thin films is an efficient method to increase the conductance through the film by more than 2 orders of magnitude. The increase in conductance is quantified via conductive scanning force microscopy on freshly annealed and UV–ozone-treated TiO(2) anatase thin films on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates. The increased conductance of TiO(2) anatase thin films results in a 2% increase of the average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of methylammonium lead iodide-based perovskite solar cells. PCE values up to 19.5% for mesoporous solar cells are realized. The additional UV–ozone treatment results in a reduced number of oxygen…

Anisotropic Charge Carrier Diffusion Correlated to Ferroelastic Twin Domains in MAPbI3 Perovskite

Quantitative myocardial perfusion magnetic resonance imaging: the impact of pulsatile flow on contrast agent bolus dispersion.

Myocardial blood flow (MBF) can be quantified using T1-weighted first-pass magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with a tracer-kinetic model, like MMID4. This procedure requires the knowledge of an arterial input function which is usually estimated from the left ventricle (LV). Dispersion of the contrast agent bolus may occur between the LV and the tissue of interest. The aim of this study was to investigate the dispersion under conditions of physiological pulsatile blood flow, and to simulate its effect on MBF quantification. The dispersion was simulated in coronary arteries using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. Simulations were accomplished on straight vessels wit…

Slide electrification: charging of surfaces by moving water drops.

We investigate the charge separation caused by the motion of a water drop across a hydrophobic, insulating solid surface. Although the phenomenon of liquid charging has been consistently reported, these reports are primarily observational, results are difficult to reproduce, and no quantitative theory has been developed. In this work, we address both the experimental and theoretical sides of this problem. We reproducibly measure the charge gained by water drops sliding down a substrate, and we outline an analytical theory to describe this charging process. As an experimental system, we choose water drops moving down an inclined plane of glass hydrophobized with perfluoro octadecyltrichloros…

The Interplay of Contact Layers: How the Electron Transport Layer Influences Interfacial Recombination and Hole Extraction in Perovskite Solar Cells.

Charge-selective contact layers in perovskite solar cells influence the current density–voltage hysteresis, an effect related to ion migration in the perovskite. As such, fullerene-based electron transport layers (ETLs) suppress hysteresis by reducing the mobile ion concentration. However, the impact of different ETLs on the electronic properties of other constituent device layers remains unclear. In this Kelvin probe force microscopy study, we compared potential distributions of methylammonium lead iodide-based solar cells with two ETLs (planar TiO2 and C60-functionalized self-assembled monolayer) with different hysteretic behavior. We found significant changes in the potential distributio…

Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for selective targeting of cells

AbstractInitiation of pathways that lead to proliferation and chemoresistance by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is an important factor in cancer progression. Here, we show the response of human cancer cells to TLR signaling inevitably linked to tumor biology. The approach is based on tailored multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles equipped with pathogen-derived ligands (CpG) functioning as TLR agonists (molecular component) to investigate the impact of transcription factor immune activation on human cancer cells. Magnetic nanoparticles (MnO and bifunctional Au-MnO) particles were covalently coated with a multifunctional polymer, displaying no cytotoxicity, to being able to enter cells while car…

Quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging using different autocalibrated parallel acquisition techniques

Purpose To compare three different autocalibrated parallel acquisition techniques (PAT) for quantitative and semiquantitative myocardial perfusion imaging. Materials and Methods Seven healthy volunteers underwent myocardial first-pass perfusion imaging at rest using an SR-TrueFISP pulse sequence without PAT and while using GRAPPA, mSENSE, and TSENSE. signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), normalized upslopes (NUS), and myocardial blood flow (MBF) were calculated. Artifacts, image noise, and overall image quality were qualitatively assessed. Furthermore, the relation between signal intensity (SI) and contrast medium (CM) concentration was determined in phantoms. Results …

Comparison of the quantitative first pass myocardial perfusion MRI with and without prospective slice tracking: Comparison between breath-hold and free-breathing condition

Physiologic motion of the heart is one of the major problems of myocardial blood flow quantification using first pass perfusion-MRI method. To overcome these problems, a perfusion pulse sequence with prospective slice tracking was developed. Cardiac motion was monitored by a navigator directly positioned at heart's basis to overcome no additional underlying model calculations connecting diaphragm and cardiac motion. Additional prescans were used before the perfusion measurement to detect slice displacements caused by remaining cardiac motion between navigator and the perfusion slice readout. The pulse sequence and subsequent quantification of myocardial blood flow was tested in healthy pigs…

Heparin–polynitroxides: Synthesis and preliminary evaluation as cardiovascular EPR/MR imaging probes and extracellular space-targeted antioxidants

We report here the synthesis of heparin-polynitroxide derivatives (HPNs) in which nitroxide moieties are linked either to uronic acid or glycosamine residues of the heparin macromolecule. HPNs have low anticoagulant activity, possess superoxide scavenging properties, bind to the vascular endothelium/extra-cellular matrix and can be detected by EPR and MRI techniques. As the vascular wall-targeted redox-active paramagnetic compounds, HPNs may have both diagnostic (molecular MRI) and therapeutic (ecSOD mimics) applications.

Local Current Imaging through TiO2 Thin Films

Detaching Microparticles from a Liquid Surface.

The work required to detach microparticles from fluid interfaces depends on the shape of the liquid meniscus. However, measuring the capillary force on a single microparticle and simultaneously imaging the shape of the liquid meniscus has not yet been accomplished. To correlate force and shape, we combined a laser scanning confocal microscope with a colloidal probe setup. While moving a hydrophobic microsphere (radius 5-10  μm) in and out of a 2-5  μm thick glycerol film, we simultaneously measured the force and imaged the shape of the liquid meniscus. In this way we verified the fundamental equations [D. F. James, J. Fluid Mech. 63, 657 (1974)JFLSA70022-112010.1017/S0022112074002126; A. D.…

Adaptive Wetting-Adaptation in Wetting

Many surfaces reversibly change their structure and interfacial energy upon being in contact with a liquid. Such surfaces adapt to a specific liquid. We propose the first order kinetic model to describe dynamic contact angles of such adaptive surfaces. The model is general and does not refer to a particular adaptation process. The aim of the proposed model is to provide a quantitative description of adaptive wetting and to link changes in contact angles to microscopic adaptation processes. By introducing exponentially relaxing interfacial energies and applying Young's equation locally, we predict a change of advancing and receding contact angles depending on the velocity of the contact line…

Improvement of solubility and biocompatibility of MnO based nanoparticles in aqueous solutions

ABSTRACTMnO nanoparticles were surface modified using two different multifunctional polymers. By introducing a PEG group, the long term stability, MRI applicability and sterile filtration could be greatly improved. Furthermore, PEGylated MnO NPs were less toxic compared to non-PEGylated NPs. The results suggest that these nanoparticles are suitable for in vivo applications.

Ion Specificity on Electric Energy Generated by Flowing Water Droplets

The development of energy-conversion devices using water movement has actively progressed. Ionovoltaic devices, which are driven by ion dynamics, show ion specificity by which different ions with identical charges show different output performance. However, the ion specificity remains poorly understood because the influence of the ion species on generated electric signals is not elucidated. The ion specificity in electric signals induced by flowing water droplet was investigated in terms of its relationship with the potential profile across the solid-liquid interface.

Synthesis, characterization and functionalization of nearly mono-disperse copper ferrite CuxFe3−xO4 nanoparticles

Magnetic nanocrystals are of great interest for a fundamental understanding of nanomagnetism and for their technological applications. CuxFe3−xO4 nanocrystals (x ≈ 0.32) with sizes ranging between 5 and 7 nm were synthesized starting from Cu(HCOO)2 and Fe(CO)5 using oleic acid and oleylamine as surfactants. The nanocrystals were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron diffraction (ED), magnetization studies and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The CuxFe3−xO4 particles are superparamagnetic at room temperature 300 K with a saturation magnetization of 30.5 emu g−1. Below their blocking temperature of 60 K, they become ferrimagnetic, and at 5 K they show a co…

CpG-DNA loaded multifunctional MnO nanoshuttles for TLR9-specific cellular cargo delivery, selective immune-activation and MRI

Initiation of pathways that lead to a proliferation and chemoresistance by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are an important factor in cancer progression. Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles equipped with a pathogen-derived ligand (CpG) functioning as TLR agonists were used to show the impact of immune activation on human HNSCC (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) cells. The response of human cancer cells to TLR signaling is linked to tumor biology. The magnetic MnO nanoparticles were coated with a multifunctional polymer, displaying no cytotoxicity and being able to enter cells while carrying foreign DNA (unmethylated CpG) to recognize intracellular TLR9. Both the particle and the nucleic …

Light induced charging of polymer functionalized nanorods.

ZnO nanorods were functionalized with new block copolymers containing a hole transporting moiety in one block and a dye and an anchor system in the second block. After functionalization, the ZnO nanorods are well dispersible in organic media and the fluorescence of the dye is quenched. Kelvin probe force microscopy was used to measure changes in electrical potential between the ZnO nanorod and the polymeric corona. Upon light irradiation, potential changes on the order of some tens of millivolts were observed on individual structures. This effect is attributed to light-induced charge separation between the ZnO nanorod and its hole transporting polymeric corona.

Correlating Cathodoluminescence and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy Measurements of Methylammonium-Free 2D Ruddlesden Popper Passivated Perovskite Absorbers

Characterization of quantum dot/conducting polymer hybrid films and their application to light-emitting diodes.

Quantum dot/conducting polymer hybrid films are used to prepare light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The hybrid films (CdSe@ZnS quantum dots excellently dispersed in a conducting polymer matrix, see figure) are readily prepared by various solution-based processes and are also easily micropatterned. The LEDs exhibit a turn-on voltage of 4 V, an external quantum efficiency greater than 1.5%, and almost pure-green quantum-dot electroluminescence.

Comparison of three accelerated pulse sequences for semiquantitative myocardial perfusion imaging using sensitivity encoding incorporating temporal filtering (TSENSE)

Purpose To investigate the parallel acquisition technique sensitivity encoding incorporating temporal filtering (TSENSE) with three saturation-recovery (SR) prepared pulse sequences (SR turbo fast low-angle shot [SR-TurboFLASH], SR true fast imaging with steady precession [SR-TrueFISP], and SR-prepared segmented echo-planar-imaging [SR-segEPI]) for semiquantitative first-pass myocardial perfusion imaging. Materials and Methods In blood- and tissue-equivalent phantoms the relationship between signal intensity (SI) and contrast-medium concentration was evaluated for the three pulse sequences. In volunteers, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and normalized upslopes (N…

Grafting Silicone at Room Temperature—a Transparent, Scratch-resistant Nonstick Molecular Coating

Silicones are usually considered to be inert and, thus, not reactive with surfaces. Here we show that the most common silicone, methyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, spontaneously and stably bonds on glass-and any other material with silicon oxide surface chemistry-even at room temperature. As a result, a 2-5 nm thick and transparent coating, which shows extraordinary nonstick properties toward polar and nonpolar liquids, ice, and even super glue, is formed. Ten microliter drops of various liquids slide off a coated glass when the sample is inclined by less than 10°. Ice adhesion strength on a coated glass is only 2.7 ± 0.6 kPa, that is, more than 98% less than ice adhesion on an uncoated…

Know your full potential: Quantitative Kelvin probe force microscopy on nanoscale electrical devices

In this study we investigate the influence of the operation method in Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) on the measured potential distribution. KPFM is widely used to map the nanoscale potential distribution in operating devices, e.g., in thin film transistors or on cross sections of functional solar cells. Quantitative surface potential measurements are crucial for understanding the operation principles of functional nanostructures in these electronic devices. Nevertheless, KPFM is prone to certain imaging artifacts, such as crosstalk from topography or stray electric fields. Here, we compare different amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) KPFM methods on a reference s…

Au@MnO-“Nanoblumen” - Hybrid-Nanokomposite zur selektiven dualen Funktionalisierung und Bildgebung

In j ngster Vergangenheit hat das Interesse f r die Entwicklung von Hybrid-Nanostrukturen, die sich aus verschiedenen Materialien zusammensetzen, in erheblichem Mase zugenommen. Es wurde berichtet, dass die Zusammenf hrung verschiedener Nanomaterialien, die ihrerseits spezifische optische, magnetische oder elektronische Eigenschaften aufweisen, zu Kompositen aus mehreren dieser Komponenten, deren individuelle Eigenschaften ver ndern oder sogar verbessern k nnen. Durch gezielte Optimierung der Struktur und der Grenzfl chenwechselwirkung innerhalb der Nanokomposite k nnte eine breite Basis f r zuk nftige Technologien geschaffen werden, beispielweise f r die synchrone Biomarkierung, Proteintre…

Quantification of Myocardial Blood Flow Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Different accelerated Pulse Sequences

The aim of this study was to compare SRTurboFLASH, SR-TrueFISP, and SR-segEPI pulse sequences using a twofold TSENSE-acceleration with regard to their use in quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF). Six healthy volunteers were examined at 1.5T by first pass myocardial perfusion MRI at rest using all three TSENSE-accelerated pulse sequences. For absolute quantifi-cation of MBF XSIM software with the MMID4 model has been used. MBF analyses revealed significant MBF differences between SRTurboFLASH and SR-segEPI compared to SR-TrueFISP (p<0.005 and p<0.001, respectively). Differences between SRTurboFLASH and SR-segEPI were not statistically significant. The median MBF values for SR-TurboF…

How the formation of interfacial charge causes hysteresis in perovskite solar cells

In this study, we discuss the underlying mechanism of the current-voltage hysteresis in a hybrid lead-halide perovskite solar cell. We have developed a method based on Kelvin probe force microscopy that enables mapping charge redistribution in an operating device upon a voltage- or light pulse with sub-millisecond resolution. We observed the formation of a localized interfacial charge at the anode interface, which screened most of the electric field in the cell. The formation of this charge happened within 10 ms after applying a forward voltage to the device. After switching off the forward voltage, however, these interfacial charges were stable for over 500 ms and created a reverse electri…

Quantitative contrast-enhanced myocardial perfusion magnetic resonance imaging: Simulation of bolus dispersion in constricted vessels

Quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF) by means of T 1 -weighted first-pass magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) requires knowledge of the arterial input function (AIF), which is usually estimated from the left ventricle (LV). Dispersion of the contrast agent bolus may occur between the LV and the tissue of interest, which leads to systematic underestimation of the MBF. The aim of this study was to simulate the dispersion along a simplified coronary artery with different stenoses. To analyze the dispersion in vessels with typical dimensions of coronary arteries, simulations were performed using the computational fluid dynamics approach. Simulations were accomplished on straight vessels wi…

On the Shape-Selected, Ligand-Free Preparation of Hybrid Perovskite (CH3NH3PbBr3) Microcrystals and Their Suitability as Model-System for Single-Crystal Studies of Optoelectronic Properties

Hybrid perovskite materials are one of the most promising candidates for optoelectronic applications, e.g., solar cells and LEDs, which can be produced at low cost compared to established materials. Although this field of research has seen a huge upsurge in the past decade, there is a major lack in understanding the underlying processes, such as shape-property relationships and the role of defects. Our aerosol-assisted synthesis pathway offers the possibility to obtain methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3 ) microcrystals from a liquid single source precursor. The differently shaped particles are aligned on several substrates, without using a directing agent or other additives. The obtained …

Electrodeposition of ZnO nanorods on opaline replica as hierarchically structured systems

We present a new method to prepare hierarchical structures by using ZnO replica and ZnO-coated PMMA opals as electrodes in an electrodeposition process of ZnO nanorods. Depending on the approach the nanorods can be either grown exclusively on top of the replica or inside the replica structures. Therefore two types of systems are accessible: 3D photonic crystals with a hierarchically structured surface consisting of nanorods and macroporous ZnO structures with an increased surface area.

Phase separated Cu@Fe3O4 heterodimer nanoparticles from organometallic reactants

Cu@Fe3O4 heteroparticles with distinct morphologies were synthesized from organometallic reactants. The shape of the magnetic domains could be controlled by the solvent and reaction conditions. They display magnetic and optical properties that are useful for simultaneous magnetic and optical detection. After functionalization, the Cu@Fe3O4 heterodimers become water soluble. The morphology, structure, magnetic and optical properties of the as-synthesized heterodimer nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mossbauer spectroscopy, superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry, and dark field imaging. A special a…

Au@MnO nanoflowers: hybrid nanocomposites for selective dual functionalization and imaging.

Recently, the development of hybrid nanostructures consisting of various materials has attracted considerable interest. The assembly of different nanomaterials with specific optical, magnetic, or electronic properties to multicomponent composites can change and even enhance the properties of the individual constituents. Specifically tuning the structure and interface interactions within the nanocomposites has resulted in novel platforms of materials that may lead the way to various future technologies, such as synchronous biolabeling, protein separation and detection, heterogeneous catalysis, and multimodal imaging in biomedicine. Of the various kinds of nanomaterials, gold nanorods show an…

Mapping of local conductivity variations on fragile nanopillar arrays by scanning conductive torsion mode microscopy.

A gentle method that combines torsion mode topography imaging with conductive scanning force microscopy is presented. By applying an electrical bias voltage between tip and sample surface, changes in the local sample conductivity can be mapped. The topography and local conductivity variations on fragile free-standing nanopillar arrays were investigated. These samples were fabricated by an anodized aluminum oxide template process using a thermally cross-linked triphenylamine-derivate semicondcutor. The nanoscale characterization method is shown to be nondestructive. Individual nanopillars were clearly resolved in topography and current images that were recorded simultaneously. Local current−…

Humidity-Induced Grain Boundaries in MAPbI3 Perovskite Films

Methylammonium lead halide perovskites (MAPbI3) are very sensitive to humid environments. We performed in situ scanning force microscopy and in situ X-ray diffraction measurements on MAPbI3 films to track changes in the film morphology and crystal structure upon repeated exposure to a high relative humidity environment (80%). We found that the appearance of monohydrate (MAPbI3·H2O) Bragg reflections coincided with the appearance of additional grain boundaries. Prolonging the exposure time to humidity induced more grain boundaries and steps in the MAPbI3 films, and the peak intensities of the monohydrate MAPbI3·H2O increased. The monohydrate was not stable under dry atmosphere and could be r…

Controlling phase formation in solids: rational synthesis of phase separated Co@Fe2O3 heteroparticles and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

A wet chemical approach from organometallic reactants allowed the targeted synthesis of Co@Fe(2)O(3) heterodimer and CoFe(2)O(4) ferrite nanoparticles. They display magnetic properties that are useful for magnetic MRI detection.

Noninvasive assessment of pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension by high temporal resolution phase-contrast MRI: correlation with simultaneous invasive pressure recordings.

Background— Right heart catheterization is the gold standard for assessment of pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. To date, MRI has not been able to produce precise measurements of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP). The purpose of the study was to create a model for estimating mPAP and pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension by high temporal resolution phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) and to correlate the results with simultaneously acquired, invasive catheter-based measurements (simultaneously measured mPAP) and with right heart catheterization measurements. Methods and Results— A tota…

Local Time-Dependent Charging in a Perovskite Solar Cell

Efficient charge extraction within solar cells explicitly depends on the optimization of the internal interfaces. Potential barriers, unbalanced charge extraction, and interfacial trap states can prevent cells from reaching high power conversion efficiencies. In the case of perovskite solar cells, slow processes happening on time scales of seconds cause hysteresis in the current-voltage characteristics. In this work, we localized and investigated these slow processes using frequency-modulation Kelvin probe force microscopy (FM-KPFM) on cross sections of planar methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) perovskite solar cells. FM-KPFM can map the charge density distribution and its dynamics at intern…

Pathogen-Mimicking MnO Nanoparticles for Selective Activation of the TLR9 Pathway and Imaging of Cancer Cells

Here, design of the first pathogen-mimicking metal oxide nanoparticles with the ability to enter cancer cells and to selectively target and activate the TLR9 pathway, and with optical and MR imaging capabilities, is reported. The immobilization of ssDNA (CpG ODN 2006) on MnO nanoparticles is performed via the phosphoramidite route using a multifunctional polymer. The multifunctional polymer used for the nanoparticle surface modification not only affords a protective organic biocompatible shell but also provides an efficient and convenient means for loading immunostimulatory oligonucleotides. Since fluorescent molecules are amenable to photodetection, a chromophore (Rhodamine) is introduced …

Increased basic fibroblast growth factor release and proliferation in xenotransplanted squamous cell carcinoma after combined irradiation/anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment.

Novel strategies of cancer therapy combine irradiation and anti-angiogenic active compounds. However, little is known concerning the undesired cellular and molecular effects caused by this novel treatment concept. We used a mouse squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) xenotransplantation model to evaluate the potential undesired effects which compromise the success of this therapeutic combination. SCCs were subcutanously implanted in nude mice. Animals were treated with a fractionated irradiation scheme (5x4 Gy) alone or in combination with daily injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies. Controls remained untreated. Before and after treatment, resonance imaging (MRI), …

A Direct Approach to Robot Soccer Agents: Description for the Team Mainz Rolling rains Simulation League of RoboCup ’98

In the team described in this paper we realize a direct approach to soccer agents for the simulation league of the RoboCup '98- tournament. Its backbone is formed by a detailed world model. Based on information which is reconstructed on the world model level, the rule-based decision levels chose a relevant action. The architecture for the goalie is different from the regular players, introducing heterogeneousness into the team, which combines the advantages of the different control strategies.

Mg2+-binding shifts the IM30 activity from membrane protection to membrane destabilization

ABSTRACTThe inner membrane-associated protein of 30 kDa (IM30) is essential in chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. The spatio-temporal cellular localization of the protein appears to be highly dynamic and triggered by internal as well as external stimuli, mainly light intensity. A soluble fraction of the protein is localized in the cyanobacterial cytoplasm or the chloroplast stroma, respectively. Additionally, the protein attaches to the thylakoid membrane as well as to the chloroplast inner envelope or the cyanobacterial cytoplasmic membrane, respectively, especially under conditions of membrane stress. IM30 is involved in thylakoid membrane biogenesis and/or maintenance, where it either stabi…

Ferroelastic Fingerprints in Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite

Methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite shows an outstanding performance in photovoltaic devices. However, certain material properties, especially the possible ferroic behavior, remain unclear. We observed distinct nanoscale periodic domains in the piezoresponse of MAPbI3(Cl) grains. The structure and the orientation of these striped domains indicate ferroelasticity as their origin. By correlating vertical and lateral piezoresponse force microscopy experiments performed at different sample orientations with X-ray diffraction, the preferred domain orientation is suggested to be the a1–a2-phase. The observation of these ferroelastic fingerprints appears to strongly depend on the film t…

Highly soluble multifunctional MnO nanoparticles for simultaneous optical and MRI imaging and cancer treatment using photodynamic therapy

Superparamagnetic MnO nanoparticles were functionalized using a hydrophilic ligand containing protoporphyrin IX as photosensitizer. By virtue of their magnetic properties these nanoparticles may serve as contrast enhancing agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while the fluorescent target ligand protoporphyrin IX allows simultaneous tumor detection and treatment by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Caki-1 cells were incubated with these nanoparticles. Subsequent exposure to UV light lead to cell apoptosis due to photoactivation of the photosensitizer conjugated to the nanoparticles. This method offers great diagnostic potential for highly proliferative tissues, including tumors. In additio…

How do different surface modification strategies affect the properties of MnO nanoparticles for biomedical applications? Comparison of PEGylated and SiO2-coated MnO nanoparticles

ABSTRACTMnO nanoparticles (NPs) were surface functionalized by two different approaches, (1) using a dopamine-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (DA-PEG) ligand and (2) by encapsulation within a thin silica shell applying a novel approach. Both MnO@DA-PEG and MnO@SiO2 NPs exhibited excellent long-term stability in physiological solutions. In addition, the cytotoxic potential of both materials was comparatively low. Furthermore, owing to the magnetic properties of MnO NPs, both MnO@DA-PEG and MnO@SiO2 lead to a shortening of the longitudinal relaxation time T1 in MRI. In comparison to the PEGylated MnO NPs, the presence of a thin silica shell led to a greater stability of the MnO core itself by pre…

IM30 IDPs form a membrane protective carpet upon super-complex disassembly

AbstractMembers of thephage shock protein A(PspA) family, including theinner membrane-associated protein of 30 kDa(IM30), are suggested to stabilize stressed cellular membranes. Furthermore, IM30 is essential in thylakoid membrane-containing chloroplasts and cyanobacteria, where it is involved in membrane biogenesis and/or remodeling. While it is well known that PspA and IM30 bind to membranes, the mechanism of membrane stabilization is still enigmatic. Here we report that ring-shaped IM30 super-complexes disassemble on membranes, resulting in formation of a membrane-protecting protein carpet. Upon ring dissociation, the C-terminal domain of IM30 unfolds, and the protomers self-assemble on …

Two birds with one stone: dual grain-boundary and interface passivation enables >22% efficient inverted methylammonium-free perovskite solar cells

Advancing inverted (p���i���n) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is key to further enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of flexible and perovskite-based tandem photovoltaics. Yet, the presence of defects at grain boundaries and in particular interfacial recombination at the perovskite/electron transporting layer interface induce severe non-radiative recombination losses, limiting the open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) of PSCs in this architecture. In this work, we introduce a dual passivation strategy using the long chain alkylammonium salt phenethylammonium chloride (PEACl) both as an additive and for surface treatment to simultaneously passivate the grain b…