Name: development of efficient oleds from solution deposition
Uploaded: 2022-11-04T12:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Development of Efficient OLEDs from Solution Deposition at JoVE.com

The authors would like to acknowledge the &#8220;EXCILIGHT&#8221; Project from the European Union&#8217;s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 674990. This work was also developed within the scope of the project i3N, UIDB/50025/2020 &#38; UIDP/50025/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT/MEC.

CAUTION: The following steps involve the use of different solvents and organic materials, so proper care must be taken when handling. Use the fume hood and protective equipment such as lab glasses, face masks, gloves, and lab coats. Weighing of the materials should be done precisely using a high precision scale machine. To ensure cleanliness of the substrates, solution deposition of thin films, and evaporation, it is recommended that all the procedures be performed in a controlled environment or glovebox. Before the use ...

The protocol used here to fabricate an efficient OLED in a simple device structure is relatively simple. The electrical mobility is not only modulated by the material composition of a device layer but also critically depends on film morphology. Preparation of the solutions and a suitable choice of solvent and concentration are important. No material aggregation can occur, implying complete solubility at the nanometric scale. It is also important to observe the viscosity of the solution. A high viscosity leads to a high c...

The increase in organic electronics used in daily life has become an unsurpassed reality. Among several organic electronic applications, OLEDs are perhaps the most attractive. Their image quality, resolution, and color purity have made OLEDs a primary choice for displays. Moreover, the possibility to achieve large area emission in extremely thin, flexible, lightweight, and easy color-tunable OLEDs has applications in lighting. However, some technological issues associated with the fabrication process in large area emitters have postponed further application.
With the first OLED working at low applied voltages1, new paradigms for solid-state lighting have been designed, though with low external quantum efficiency (EQE). The OLED EQE is obtained by the ratio of emitted photons (light) to injected electrical carriers (electrical current). A simple theoretical estimate for the maximum expected EQE is equal to &#951;out&#160;x &#951;int&#160;2. The internal efficiency (&#951;int) can be approximated by &#951;int&#160;= &#947; x <img alt="Equation 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/61071/61071eq01.jpg" style="margin: auto;" /> x &#934;PL, where &#947; corresponds to the charge balance factor, &#934;PL&#160;is the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), and <img alt="Equation 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/61071/61071eq01.jpg" style="margin: auto;" /> is the efficiency of emissive exciton (electron hole pair) generation. Finally, &#951;out is the outcoupling efficiency2. If outcoupling is not considered, attention is focused on three topics: (1) how efficient the material is in creating excitons that radiatively recombine, (2) how efficient the emissive layers are, and (3) how efficient the device structure is in promoting a well-balanced electrical system3.
A purely fluorescent organic emitter has only 25% internal quantum efficiency (IQE). According to spin rules, the radiative transition from a triplet to a singlet (T&#8594;S) is forbidden4. Therefore, 75% of excited electrical carriers do not contribute to the emission of photons5. This issue was first overcome using transition metals in organic emitter phosphorescence OLEDs6,7,8,9,10, where the IQE was reportedly close to 100%11,12,13,14,15,16. This is due to the spin-orbit coupling between the organic compound and heavy transition metal. The disadvantage in such emitters is their high cost and poor stability. Recently, reports on the chemical synthesis of a pure organic compound with low energy separation between the excited triplet and singlet states (&#8710;EST) by Adachi17,18 have given rise to a new framework. Although not new19, the successful employment of the TADF process in OLEDs have made it possible to obtain high efficiencies without using transition metal complexes.
In such metal-free organic emitters, there is a high probability for the excited carriers in a triplet state to populate to the singlet state; therefore, the IQE can achieve a theoretical limit of 100%5,20,21,22. These TADF materials provide excitons that can radiatively recombine. However, these emitters require dispersion in a matrix host to avoid emission quenching3,20,21,23,24 in a host-guest concept. Additionally, its efficiency depends on how the host (organic matrix) is appropriated to the guest (TADF) material25. Also, it is necessary to idealize the device structure (i.e., thin layers, materials, and thickness) to achieve an electrically balanced device (equilibrium between holes and electrons to avoid loss)26. Achieving the best host-guest system for an electrically balanced device is fundamental to increase the EQE. In TADF-based systems, this is not simple, due to the changes in the electrical carrier mobilities in EML that are not easily tuned.
With TADF emitters, EQE values greater than 20% are easy to obtain26,27,28,29. However, the device structure is typically comprised of three to five organic layers (hole transport/blocking and electron transport/blocking layers, HTL/HBL and ETL/EBL, respectively). Additionally, it is fabricated using a thermal evaporation process that is high in cost, technologically complex, and almost only for display applications. Depending on the HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) and LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) levels, electrical mobility of carriers, and thickness, each layer can inject, transport, and block electrical carriers and guarantee recombination in the emissive layer (EML).
Reducing the device complexity (e.g., a simple, two layer structure) usually results in a noticeable decrease of EQE, sometimes to less than 5%. This happens due to the different electron and hole mobility in the EML, and the device becomes electrically unbalanced. Thus, instead of the high efficiency of exciton creation, the efficiency of emission in the EML becomes low. Moreover, a noticeable roll-off occurs with a strong decrease of the EQE as the brightness increases, due to the high concentration of excitons at a high applied voltage and long excited lifetimes24,30,31. Overcoming such issues requires a strong capability to manipulate electrical properties of the emissive layer. For a simple OLED architecture using solution-deposited methods, electrical properties of the EML can be tuned by the solution preparation and deposition parameters32.
Solution deposition methods for organic-based devices have been previously used31. OLED fabrication, compared to the thermal evaporation process, is of great interest due to their simplified structure, low cost, and large area production. With high success in transition metal complexes OLEDs, the main goal is to increase the emitting area but keep device structure as simple as possible33. Methods such as roll-to-roll (R2R)34,35,36, inkjet printing37,38,39 and slot-die40 have been successfully applied in multilayer fabrication of OLEDs, which is a possible industrial approach.
Despite solution deposition methods for organic layers serving as a good choice for device architecture simplification, not all desired materials can be easily deposited. Two types of materials are used: small molecules and polymers. In solution deposition methods, small molecules have some drawbacks, such as poor thin film uniformity, crystallization, and stability. Thus, polymers are mostly used due to the ability to form uniform thin films with low surface roughness and on large, flexible substrates. Moreover, the materials should have good solubility in the appropriate solvent (mainly organic ones like chloroform, chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, etc.), water, or alcohol derivatives.
Besides the problem of solubility, it is necessary to guarantee that a solvent used in one layer should not act as one for the preceding layer. This allows a multi-layer structure deposited by the wet process; however, there are limitations41. The most typical device structure uses some solution-deposited layers (i.e., the emissive one) and one thermally evaporated layer (ETL). Additionally, thin film homogeneity and morphology strongly depend on the deposition methods and parameters. Electrical charge transport through these layers is completely governed by such morphology. Nevertheless, a tradeoff between the desired final device and compatibilities of the fabrication process should be judiciously established. Adjusting the deposition parameters is a key to success, despite being time-consuming work. For instance, the spin coating is not a straightforward technique. Although it seems simple, there are several aspects of thin film formation from a solution on top of a spinning substrate that require attention.
Besides film thickness optimization, manipulation of spinning velocity, and time (thickness is an exponential decay of both parameters), the experimenter&#8217;s actions must also be adjusted to obtain good results. Correct parameters also depend on the solution viscosity, deposition area, and wettability/contact angle of solution on the substrate. There are no unique sets of parameters. Only basic assumptions with specific adjustments to the solution/substrate yield the desired results. Moreover, the electrical properties that depend on the layer molecular conformation and morphology can be optimized for desired results, following the protocol described here. Once completed, the process is simple and feasible.
Nevertheless, decreasing the device structure complexity leads to a maximum EQE decrease; although, a compromise can be achieved in terms of efficiency vs. brightness. As such a compromise allows practical applications, the surplus of a simple, large area compatible, and low cost process can become a reality. This article describes these requirements and how to develop a recipe to handle the required issues.
The protocol focuses on a green TADF emitter 2PXZ-OXD [2,5-bis(4-(10H-phenoxazin-10-yl)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole]42 as a guest in a host matrix composed by PVK [poly(N-vinylcarbazole)] and OXD-7 [1,3-Bis[2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-5-yl]benzene], which corresponds to the EML. An electron transport layer (ETL) of TmPyPb [1,3,5-Tri(m-pyridin-3-ylphenyl)benzene] is used. Both the anode&#8217;s and cathode&#8217;s work functions are optimized. The anode is comprised of ITO (indium tin oxide) with a high conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS [poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate)], and the cathode is comprised of a double layer of aluminum and LiF (lithium fluoride).
Finally, both the PEDOT:PSS and EML (PVK: OXD-7: 2PXZ-OXD) are deposited by spin coating, whereas TmPyPb, LiF, and Al are thermally evaporated. Considering the conductive metal-like nature of PEDOT:PSS, the device is a typical &#8220;two organic layer&#8221; in the simplest structure possible. In the EML, TADF guest (10% wt.) is dispersed in the host (90% wt.) composed of PVK0.6+OXD-70.4.

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	<tbody>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:507px;">2PXZ-OXD (2,5-bis(4-(10H-phenoxazin-10-yl)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole)</td>
			<td style="width:207px;">Lumtec ltd</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">1447998-13-1</td>
			<td style="width:167px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:507px;">Aluminum (99.999%)</td>
			<td style="width:207px;">Alfa Aesar</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">7429-90-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:507px;">Acetone (99.9%)</td>
			<td style="width:207px;">Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">67-64-1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:507px;">Hellmanex</td>
			<td style="width:207px;">Ossila</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">7778-53-2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:507px;">Isopropyl alcohol</td>
			<td style="width:207px;">Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">67-63-0</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:507px;">ITO patterned substrates</td>
			<td style="width:207px;">Ossila</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">65997-17-3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:507px;">Lithium Fluoride (99.99%)</td>
			<td style="width:207px;">Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">7789-24-4</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:507px;">OXD-7 (1,3-Bis[2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-5-yl]benzene)</td>
			<td style="width:207px;">Ossila</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">138372-67-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">PEDOT: PSS (Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate)</td>
			<td style="width:207px;">Ossila</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">155090-83-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:507px;">PVK (Polyvinlycarbazole) (average Mn 25,000-50,000)</td>
			<td style="width:207px;">Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">25067-59-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:507px;">TmPyPb (1,3,5-Tri(m-pyridin-3-ylphenyl)benzene)</td>
			<td style="width:207px;">Ossila</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">138372-67-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
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development of efficient oleds from solution deposition

The use of highly efficient organic emitters based on the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) concept is interesting due to their 100% internal quantum efficiency. Presented here is a solution deposition method for the fabrication of efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on a TADF emitter in a simple device structure. This fast, low-cost, and efficient process can be used for all OLED emissive layers that follow the host-guest concept. The fundamental steps are described along with necessary information for further reproduction. The goal to establish a general protocol that can be easily adapted for principal organic emitters currently under study and development.

Figure 5 shows the main results for the fabricated device. The turn-on voltage was extremely low (~3 V), which is an interesting result for a two organic layer device. The maximum brightness was around 8,000 cd/m2 without using an integrating sphere. The maximum values for &#951;c, &#951;p, and EQE were around 16 cd/A, 10 lm/W, and 8%, respectively. Although the results are not the best figures of merits for this TADF emitter, they were the best found in such...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Development of Efficient OLEDs from Solution Deposition at JoVE.com

Development of Efficient OLEDs from Solution Deposition

Presented here is a protocol for the fabrication of efficient, simple, solution-deposited organic light-emitting diodes with low roll-off.

The use of highly efficient organic emitters based on the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) concept is interesting due to their 100% ...

Focus in an efficient way, the new important field in print electronics, specifically for OS, opening possibilities for really The process is optimized for the bolt machine concept. The simplicity of OS lubrication in a good trade off between simple device architecture and useful efficiencies that is, and now, a huge technological problem. The main issues besides the correct choice of host grasp metrics, composition, concentration, solvent, and so on, can be focused into three aspects, spin coding the position, solvent preparation, and the electrical balance of the electrical charge.lubrication, via solution persistent process, seems to be simple, because it's high in device fibers of merit. Some critical aspects during fabrication need to be 35. Begin by preparing the host matrix.Add 15 milligrams of OXD7 to a small vial. Then add five milligrams of PVK. Then add 10 milligrams 2PXZOXDTADF emitter to another small vial.Add two milliliters of chlorobenzene to the vial with the host matrix and one milliliter to the vial with the TADF material. The final concentration of chlorobenzene in both vials should be 10 milligrams per milliliter. Stir the solutions with small cleaned magnetic stir bars for at least three hours until complete dissolution of the materials.Ensure that the vials are safely covered with respective caps and tightly sealed with organic chemical-safe film to avoid any evaporation of solvents. Sequentially clean pre patterned Indian tin oxide or ITO substrates in an ultrasonic bath containing 1%hellmanex solution in water at 95 degrees Celsius, then acetone at room temperature, and then to propanol at room temperature for 15 minutes per bath. Handle the substrates with tweezers only touching them at the corner.Try the substrate with nitrogen flux to remove any cleaning solvent residue. Then expose the substrates to UV ozone treatment for five minutes with the ITO film facing upwards. Filter the PEDOT:PSS with a 0.45 micrometer polyvinylidene fluoride filter and fill a micro pipette with 100 microliters of the solution.Carefully place the substrate on the spin coder truck and activate the vacuum system to fix it. Rotate the ITO face up and center the substrate area as much as possible. Set the parameters for the spin coating to 3, 000 RPM for 30 seconds.Set an initial step of two to three seconds at low rotation. Keeping the micro pipette perpendicular to the substrate, drop the PEDOT:PSS in the middle of the substrate and start the spin coder. After the spin coding is complete, turn off the vacuum and remove the substrate with a tweezer.Use the small cotton swab soaked in water to remove the excess deposited film around the cathode and corner areas of the substrate keeping the central pixeled area untouched. Incubate the substrate in an oven or on a hot plate at 120 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes to remove the PEDOT:PSS solvent, then transfer it to a glove box and leave it to cool at room temperature. To prepare the solution for the immersive layer, combine 1.8 milliliters of the host solution and 0.2 milliliters of TADF solution in a clean vial.Filter the solution with a 0.1 micrometer PTFE filter, then leave it to stir for 15 minutes at room temperature. Follow the previously described procedure to deposit the second solution with the spin coder spinning at 2, 000 RPM for 60 seconds. Use a cotton swab soaked in chlorobenzene to remove any excess of the second film.Leave the substrate on a hot plate inside the glove box at 70 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes to completely remove the excess chlorobenzene. Then leave it to cool at room temperature. Insert the substrate into the sample holder with the desired evaporation mask making sure that the films are facing down.Include the necessary crucibles and fill them with the appropriate materials. Place the substrate holder with the samples in the evaporator sample holder. Close the chamber and pump it down making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific evaporator system.Evaporate a 40 nanometer film of TNPYPB, then a two nanometer film of lithium fluoride and finally, a 100 nanometer film of aluminum. Characteristics of the fabricated LEDs are shown here. The turn-on voltage was extremely low, around 3 volts, an interesting result for a two-organic layer device.The maximum brightness was around 8, 000 candelas per square meter without using an integrating sphere. The maximum values for current efficiency, power efficiency and external quantum efficiency were around 16 candelas per ampere, 10 lumens per watt and 8%respectively. The good trade off between device structure simplicity and reliability efficient should be asserted the best information possible without defects in all Particularly important, the metals concept can be extended to different kind of parameters, for instance, organic and inorganic materials.Although we particular specificities, the main idea is

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Engineering

Fabrication of Nano-engineered Transparent Conducting Oxides by Pulsed Laser Deposition

Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) in the presence of a background gas allows the deposition of metal oxides with tunable morphology, structure, density and stoichiometry by a proper control of the plasma plume expansion dynamics. Such versatility can be exploited to produce nanostructured films from compact and dense to nanoporous characterized by a hierarchical assembly of nano-sized clusters. In particular we describe the detailed methodology to fabricate two types of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films as transparent electrodes in photovoltaic devices: 1) at low O2 pressure, compact films with electrical conductivity and optical transparency close to the state of the art transparent conducting oxides (TCO) can be deposited at room temperature, to be compatible with thermally sensitive materials such as polymers used in organic photovoltaics (OPVs); 2) highly light scattering hierarchical structures resembling a forest of nano-trees are produced at higher pressures. Such structures show high Haze factor (&gt;80%) and may be exploited to enhance the light trapping capability. The method here described for AZO films can be applied to other metal oxides relevant for technological applications such as TiO2, Al2O3, WO3 and Ag4O4.

We describe the experimental method to deposit nanostructured oxide thin films by nanosecond Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) in the presence of a background gas. By using this method Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films, from compact to hierarchically structured as nano-tree forests, can be deposited.

Nanosecond Pulsed  Laser Deposition (PLD) in the presence of a background gas allows the deposition  of metal oxides with tunable morphology, structure, ...

Development of a 3D Graphene Electrode Dielectrophoretic Device

The design and fabrication of a novel 3D electrode microdevice using 50 &#181;m thick graphene paper and 100 &#181;m double sided tape is described. The protocol details the procedures to construct a versatile, reusable, multiple layer, laminated dielectrophoresis chamber. Specifically, six layers of 50 &#181;m x&#160;0.7 cm x&#160;2 cm graphene paper and five layers of double sided tape were alternately stacked together, then clamped to a glass slide. Then a 700 &#956;m diameter micro-well was drilled through the laminated structure using a computer-controlled micro drilling machine. Insulating properties of the tape layer between adjacent graphene layers were assured by resistance tests. Silver conductive epoxy connected alternate layers of graphene paper and formed stable connections between the graphene paper and external copper wire electrodes. The finished device was then clamped and sealed to a glass slide. The electric field gradient was modeled within the multi-layer device. Dielectrophoretic behaviors of 6 &#956;m polystyrene beads were demonstrated in the 1 mm deep micro-well, with medium conductivities ranging from 0.0001 S/m to 1.3 S/m, and applied signal frequencies from 100 Hz to 10 MHz. Negative dielectrophoretic responses were observed in three dimensions over most of the conductivity-frequency space and cross-over frequency values are consistent with previously reported literature values. The device did not prevent AC electroosmosis and electrothermal flows, which occurred in the low and high frequency regions, respectively. The graphene paper utilized in this device is versatile and could subsequently function as a biosensor after dielectrophoretic characterizations are complete.

A microdevice with high throughput potential is used to demonstrate three-dimensional (3D) dielectrophoresis (DEP) with novel materials. Graphene nanoplatelet paper and double sided tape were alternately stacked; a 700 &#956;m micro-well was drilled transverse to the layers. DEP behavior of polystyrene beads was demonstrated in the micro-well.

The design and fabrication of a novel 3D electrode microdevice using 50 &#181;m thick graphene paper and 100 &#181;m double sided tape is described. The ...

Mechanical Expansion of Steel Tubing as a Solution to Leaky Wellbores

Wellbore cement, a procedural component of wellbore completion operations, primarily provides zonal isolation and mechanical support of the metal pipe (casing), and protects metal components from corrosive fluids. These are essential for uncompromised wellbore integrity. Cements can undergo multiple forms of failure, such as debonding at the cement/rock and cement/metal interfaces, fracturing, and defects within the cement matrix. Failures and defects within the cement will ultimately lead to fluid migration, resulting in inter-zonal fluid migration and premature well abandonment. Currently, there are over 1.8 million operating wells worldwide and over one third of these wells have leak related problems defined as Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP)1. 
The focus of this research was to develop an experimental setup at bench-scale to explore the effect of mechanical manipulation of wellbore casing-cement composite samples as a potential technology for the remediation of gas leaks. 
The experimental methodology utilized in this study enabled formation of an impermeable seal at the pipe/cement interface in a simulated wellbore system. Successful nitrogen gas flow-through measurements demonstrated that an existing microannulus was sealed at laboratory experimental conditions and fluid flow prevented by mechanical manipulation of the metal/cement composite sample. Furthermore, this methodology can be applied not only for the remediation of leaky wellbores, but also in plugging and abandonment procedures as well as wellbore completions technology, and potentially preventing negative impacts of wellbores on subsurface and surface environments.

This article reports on a laboratory scale investigation of an existing field procedure and its adaptation for sealing of leaky wellbores. It consists of mechanical expansion of metal pipe, which results in an improved metal/cement bond, ultimate sealing of hydraulic pathways and prevention of gas leaks caused by the presence of a microannular channel.

Wellbore cement, a procedural component of wellbore completion operations, primarily provides zonal isolation and mechanical support of the metal pipe ...

Making Record-efficiency SnS Solar Cells by Thermal Evaporation and Atomic Layer Deposition

Tin sulfide (SnS) is a candidate absorber material for Earth-abundant, non-toxic solar cells. SnS offers easy phase control and rapid growth by congruent thermal evaporation, and it absorbs visible light strongly. However, for a long time the record power conversion efficiency of SnS solar cells remained below 2%. Recently we demonstrated new certified record efficiencies of 4.36% using SnS deposited by atomic layer deposition, and 3.88% using thermal evaporation. Here the fabrication procedure for these record solar cells is described, and the statistical distribution of the fabrication process is reported. The standard deviation of efficiency measured on a single substrate is typically over 0.5%. All steps including substrate selection and cleaning, Mo sputtering for the rear contact (cathode), SnS deposition, annealing, surface passivation, Zn(O,S) buffer layer selection and deposition, transparent conductor (anode) deposition, and metallization are described. On each substrate we fabricate 11 individual devices, each with active area 0.25 cm2. Further, a system for high throughput measurements of current-voltage curves under simulated solar light, and external quantum efficiency measurement with variable light bias is described. With this system we are able to measure full data sets on all 11 devices in an automated manner and in minimal time. These results illustrate the value of studying large sample sets, rather than focusing narrowly on the highest performing devices. Large data sets help us to distinguish and remedy individual loss mechanisms affecting our devices.

Tin sulfide (SnS) is a candidate material for Earth-abundant, non-toxic solar cells. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication procedure of the SnS solar cells employing atomic layer deposition, which yields 4.36% certified power conversion efficiency, and thermal evaporation which yields 3.88%.

Tin sulfide (SnS) is a candidate absorber material for Earth-abundant, non-toxic solar cells. SnS offers easy phase control and rapid growth by congruent ...

Formation of Thick Dense Yttrium Iron Garnet Films Using Aerosol Deposition

Aerosol deposition (AD) is a thick-film deposition process that can produce layers up to several hundred micrometers thick with densities greater than 95% of the bulk. The primary advantage of AD is that the deposition takes place entirely at ambient temperature; thereby enabling film growth in material systems with disparate melting temperatures. This report describes in detail the processing steps for preparing the powder and for performing AD using the custom-built system. Representative characterization results are presented from scanning electron microscopy, profilometry, and ferromagnetic resonance for films grown in this system. As a representative overview of the capabilities of the system, focus is given to a sample produced following the described protocol and system setup. Results indicate that this system can successfully deposit 11 &#181;m thick yttrium iron garnet films that are &#160;&#62; 90% of the bulk density during a single 5 min deposition run. A discussion of methods to afford better control of the aerosol and particle selection for improved thickness and roughness variations in the film is provided.

This report describes the use of a custom-built system to perform aerosol deposition of thick films of yttrium iron garnet onto sapphire substrates at RT. The deposited films are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, profilometry, and ferromagnetic resonance to give a representative overview of the capabilities of the technique.

Aerosol deposition (AD) is a thick-film deposition process that can produce layers up to several hundred micrometers thick with densities greater than 95% ...

Research and Development of High-performance Explosives

Developmental testing of high explosives for military applications involves small-scale formulation, safety testing, and finally detonation performance tests to verify theoretical calculations. For newly developed formulations, the process begins with small-scale mixes, thermal testing, and impact and friction sensitivity. Only then do subsequent larger scale formulations proceed to detonation testing, which will be covered in this paper. Recent advances in characterization techniques have led to unparalleled precision in the characterization of early-time evolution of detonations. The new technique of Photonic Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) for the measurement of detonation pressure will be shared and compared with traditional fiber-optic detonation velocity and plate-dent calculation of detonation pressure. In particular, the role of aluminum in explosive formulations will be discussed. Recent developments led to the development of explosive formulations that result in reaction of aluminum very early in the detonation product expansion. This enhanced reaction leads to changes in the detonation velocity and pressure due to reaction of the aluminum with oxygen in the expanding gas products.

Developmental testing of high explosives for military applications involves small-scale formulation, safety testing, and finally detonation performance tests to verify theoretical calculations. This paper will share typical development tests associated with the measurement of detonation velocity and detonation pressure.

Developmental testing of high explosives for military applications involves small-scale formulation, safety testing, and finally detonation performance ...

Multifunctional Hybrid Fe2O3-Au Nanoparticles for Efficient Plasmonic Heating

One of the most widely used methods for manufacturing colloidal gold nanospherical particles involves the reduction of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) to neutral gold Au(0) by reducing agents, such as sodium citrate or sodium borohydride. The extension of this method to decorate iron oxide or similar nanoparticles with gold nanoparticles to create multifunctional hybrid Fe2O3-Au nanoparticles is straightforward. This approach yields fairly good control over Au nanoparticle dimensions and loading onto Fe2O3. Additionally, the Au metal size, shape, and loading can easily be tuned by changing experimental parameters (e.g., reactant concentrations, reducing agents, surfactants, etc.). An advantage of this procedure is that the reaction can be done in air or water, and, in principle, is amenable to scaling up. The use of such optically tunable Fe2O3-Au nanoparticles for hyperthermia studies is an attractive option as it capitalizes on plasmonic heating of gold nanoparticles tuned to absorb light strongly in the VIS-NIR region. In addition to its plasmonic effects, nanoscale Au provides a unique surface for interesting chemistries and catalysis. The Fe2O3 material provides additional functionality due to its magnetic property. For example, an external magnetic field could be used to collect and recycle the hybrid Fe2O3-Au nanoparticles after a catalytic experiment, or alternatively, the magnetic Fe2O3 can be used for hyperthermia studies through magnetic heat induction. The photothermal experiment described in this report measures bulk temperature change and nanoparticle solution mass loss as functions of time using infrared thermocouples and a balance, respectively. The ease of sample preparation and the use of readily available equipment are distinct advantages of this technique. A caveat is that these photothermal measurements assess the bulk solution temperature and not the surface of the nanoparticle where the heat is transduced and the temperature is likely to be higher.

Multifunctional Hybrid Fe2O3-Au Nanoparticles for Efficient Plasmonic Heating

We describe the synthesis and properties of multifunctional Fe2O3-Au nanoparticles produced by a wet chemical approach and investigate their photothermal properties using laser irradiation. The composite Fe2O3-Au nanoparticles retain the properties of both materials, creating a multifunctional structure with excellent magnetic and plasmonic properties.

One of the most widely used methods for manufacturing colloidal gold nanospherical particles involves the reduction of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) to ...

Fabrication of Fully Solution Processed Inorganic Nanocrystal Photovoltaic Devices

We demonstrate a method for the preparation of fully solution processed inorganic solar cells from a spin and spray coating deposition of nanocrystal inks. For the photoactive absorber layer, colloidal CdTe and CdSe nanocrystals (3-5 nm) are synthesized using an inert hot injection technique and cleaned with precipitations to remove excess starting reagents. Similarly, gold nanocrystals (3-5 nm) are synthesized under ambient conditions and dissolved in organic solvents. In addition, precursor solutions for transparent conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) films are prepared from solutions of indium and tin salts paired with a reactive oxidizer. Layer-by-layer, these solutions are deposited onto a glass substrate following annealing (200-400 &#176;C) to build the nanocrystal solar cell (glass/ITO/CdSe/CdTe/Au). Pre-annealing ligand exchange is required for CdSe and CdTe nanocrystals where films are dipped in NH4Cl:methanol to replace long-chain native ligands with small inorganic Cl- anions. NH4Cl(s) was found to act as a catalyst for the sintering reaction (as a non-toxic alternative to the conventional CdCl2(s) treatment) leading to grain growth (136&#177;39 nm) during heating. The thickness and roughness of the prepared films are characterized with SEM and optical profilometry. FTIR is used to determine the degree of ligand exchange prior to sintering, and XRD is used to verify the crystallinity and phase of each material. UV/Vis spectra show high visible light transmission through the ITO layer and a red shift in the absorbance of the cadmium chalcogenide nanocrystals after thermal annealing. Current-voltage curves of completed devices are measured under simulated one sun illumination. Small differences in deposition techniques and reagents employed during ligand exchange have been shown to have a profound influence on the device properties. Here, we examine the effects of chemical (sintering and ligand exchange agents) and physical treatments (solution concentration, spray-pressure, annealing time and annealing temperature) on photovoltaic device performance.

This protocol describes the synthesis and solution deposition of inorganic nanocrystals layer by layer to produce thin film electronics on non-conductive surfaces. Solvent-stabilized inks can produce complete photovoltaic devices on glass substrates via spin and spray coating following post-deposition ligand exchange and sintering.

We demonstrate a method for the preparation of fully solution processed inorganic solar cells from a spin and spray coating deposition of nanocrystal ...

Electrospray Deposition of Uniform Thickness Ge23Sb7S70 and As40S60 Chalcogenide Glass Films

Solution-based electrospray film deposition, which is compatible with continuous, roll-to-roll processing, is applied to chalcogenide glasses. Two chalcogenide compositions are demonstrated: Ge23Sb7S70 and As40S60, which have both been studied extensively for planar mid-infrared (mid-IR) microphotonic devices. In this approach, uniform thickness films are fabricated through the use of computer numerical controlled (CNC) motion. Chalcogenide glass (ChG) is written over the substrate by a single nozzle along a serpentine path. Films were subjected to a series of heat treatments between 100 &#176;C and 200 &#176;C under vacuum to drive off residual solvent and densify the films. Based on transmission Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and surface roughness measurements, both compositions were found to be suitable for the fabrication of planar devices operating in the mid-IR region. Residual solvent removal was found to be much quicker for the As40S60 film as compared to Ge23Sb7S70. Based on the advantages of electrospray, direct printing of a gradient refractive index (GRIN) mid-IR transparent coating is envisioned, given the difference in refractive index of the two compositions in this study.

Electrospray Deposition of Uniform Thickness Ge23Sb7S70 and As40S60 Chalcogenide Glass Films

A method of uniform thickness solution-derived chalcogenide glass film deposition is demonstrated using computer numerical controlled motion of a single-nozzle electrospray.

Solution-based electrospray film deposition, which is compatible with continuous, roll-to-roll processing, is applied to chalcogenide glasses. Two ...

Monovalent Cation Doping of CH3NH3PbI3 for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

Here, we demonstrate the incorporation of monovalent cation additives into CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite in order to adjust the optical, excitonic, and electrical properties. The possibility of doping was investigated by adding monovalent cation halides with similar ionic radii to Pb2+, including Cu+, Na+, and Ag+. A shift in the Fermi level and a remarkable decrease of sub-bandgap optical absorption, along with a lower energetic disorder in the perovskite, was achieved. An order-of-magnitude enhancement in the bulk hole mobility and a significant reduction of transport activation energy within an additive-based perovskite device was attained. The confluence of the aforementioned improved properties in the presence of these cations led to an enhancement in the photovoltaic parameters of the perovskite solar cell. An increase of 70 mV in open circuit voltage for AgI and a 2 mA/cm2 improvement in photocurrent density for NaI- and CuBr-based solar cells were achieved compared to the pristine device. Our work paves the way for further improvements in the optoelectronic quality of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite and subsequent devices. It highlights a new avenue for investigations on the role of dopant impurities in crystallization and controls the electronic defect density in perovskite structures.

Monovalent Cation Doping of CH3NH3PbI3 for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

Here, we present a protocol to adjust the properties of solution-processed CH3NH3PbI3 through the incorporation of monovalent cation additives in order to achieve highly efficient perovskite solar cells.

Here, we demonstrate the incorporation of monovalent cation additives into CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite in order to adjust the optical, excitonic, and electrical ...