Search results for " technology and society"
showing 10 items of 38 documents
Efficient wide band gap double cation – double halide perovskite solar cells
2017
In this work we study the band gap variation and properties of the perovskite compound Cs0.15FA0.85Pb(BrxI1−x)3 as a function of the halide composition, with the aim of developing an efficient complementary absorber for MAPbI3 in all-perovskite tandem devices. We have found the perovskite stoichiometry Cs0.15FA0.85Pb(Br0.7I0.3)3 to be a promising candidate, thanks to its band gap of approximately 2 eV. Single junction devices using this perovskite absorber lead to a maximum PCE of 11.5%, among the highest reported for solar cells using perovskites with a band gap wider than 1.8 eV.
Magnetic and magneto-optical properties of nickel hexacyanoferrate/chromate thin films
2017
One of the most important challenges of modern science and technology is the quest for novel and tuneable materials, the properties of which can be widely controlled by chemical modifications or external stimuli. Simultaneously, an interest in the development of magnetic thin films also gains significant attention. In the current paper we bring together both these challenges and present a study of a new type of low-dimensional nickel hexacyanoferrate/chromate system. Thin films were obtained by the "layer by layer" deposition technique, where the ratio of Fe/Cr was controlled by the dipping sequence. The scope of this work is a comprehensive analysis of structural, spectroscopic and magneti…
Surface Functionalization of Metal–Organic Framework Crystals with Catechol Coatings for Enhanced Moisture Tolerance
2021
Robust catechol coatings for enhanced moisture tolerance were produced in one step by direct reaction of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) with synthetic catechols. We ascribe the rapid formation of homogeneous coatings around the metal–organic framework particles to the biomimetic catalytic activity of Cu(II) dimers in the external surface of the crystals. Use of fluorinated catechols results in hydrophobic, permeable coatings that protect HKUST from water degradation while retaining close to 100% of its original sorption capacity.
Elastic Superhydrophobic and Photocatalytic Active Films Used as Blood Repellent Dressing.
2020
Durable and biocompatible superhydrophobic surfaces are of significant potential use in biomedical applications. Here, a nonfluorinated, elastic, superhydrophobic film that can be used for medical wound dressings to enhance their hemostasis function is introduced. The film is formed by titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which are chemically crosslinked in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix. The PDMS crosslinks result in large strain elasticity of the film, so that it conforms to deformations of the substrate. The photocatalytic activity of the titanium dioxide provides surfaces with both self-cleaning and antibacterial properties. Facile coating of conventional wound dressings is demonstra…
Switchable surface structured hydrogel coatings
2017
Switchable surface structures based on hydrogels are an emerging field in material science, microfluidics, soft robotics and anti-fouling. Here, we describe a novel method that uses a photo-cross-linkable terpolymer to create a hydrogel coating with a switchable surface structure. The terpolymer is based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) and it is shown that simple coating technologies like slit die coating can be used under ambient conditions. It is also shown that the swelling ratio of the coating is controlled by the energy dose of ultraviolet (UV) light. Simple and complex surface structures were created using respectively single or multiple UV illumination steps through masks and…
The design of magneto-plasmonic nanostructures formed by magnetic Prussian Blue-type nanocrystals decorated with Au nanoparticles.
2021
Abstract: We have developed a general protocol for the preparation of hybrid nanostructures formed by nanoparticles (NPs) of molecule-based magnets based on Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs) decorated with plasmonic Au NPs of different shapes. By adjusting the pH, Au NPs can be attached preferentially along the edges of the PBA or randomly on the surface. The protocol allows tuning the plasmonic properties of the hybrids in the whole visible spectrum.
Vacuum Deposited Triple-Cation Mixed-Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
2018
Hybrid lead halide perovskites are promising materials for future photovoltaics applications. Their spectral response can be readily tuned by controlling the halide composition, while their stability is strongly dependent on the film morphology and on the type of organic cation used. Mixed cation and mixed halide systems have led to the most efficient and stable perovskite solar cells reported, so far they are prepared exclusively by solution-processing. This might be due to the technical difficulties associated with the vacuum deposition from multiple thermal sources, requiring a high level of control over the deposition rate of each precursor during the film formation. In this report, the…
How far will Silicon nanocrystals push the scaling limits of NVMs technologies?
2004
For the first time, memory devices with optimized high density (2E12#/cm/sup 2/) LPCVD Si nanocrystals have been reproducibly achieved and studied on an extensive statistical basis (from single cell up to 1 Mb test-array) under different programming conditions. An original experimental and theoretical analysis of the threshold voltage shift distribution shows that Si nanocrystals have serious potential to push the scaling of NOR and NAND flash at least to the 35 nm and 65 nm nodes, respectively.
Diindeno-fusion of an anthracene as a design strategy for stable organic biradicals
2016
The consequence of unpaired electrons in organic molecules has fascinated and confounded chemists for over a century. The study of open-shell molecules has been rekindled in recent years as new synthetic methods, improved spectroscopic techniques and powerful computational tools have been brought to bear on this field. Nonetheless, it is the intrinsic instability of the biradical species that limits the practicality of this research. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of a molecule based on the diindeno[b,i]anthracene framework that exhibits pronounced open-shell character yet possesses remarkable stability. The synthetic route is rapid, efficient and possible on the gram sca…
Self-Assembly of block copolymers into internally ordered microparticles
2020
Abstract Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly is one of the most versatile concepts for the bottom-up design of functional nanostructures in materials science, nanomedicine and nanotechnology. While BCPs have been extensively studied regarding their microphase separation in bulk and the self-assembly in solution, only recently BCPs were investigated for their ability to form internally ordered microparticles. In this review, we discuss two emerging concepts: (i) the microphase separation of BCPs in the spherical confinement of evaporating emulsion droplets and (ii) the self-assembly of highly asymmetric BCPs under concentrated conditions. While the first concept yields solid and compact mult…