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In this study, we investigated the optoelectronic properties of cubic (Pm3m) and orthorhombic (Pnma) CsPbX3 (X = I, Br, and Cl). We utilized the full potential linear augmented plane wave method, which is implemented in the WIEN2k code, to facilitate the investigation. Different exchange potentials were used to analyze the optoelectronic behavior using the available density functional theory methods. Our findings revealed that CsPbX3 perovskites display direct band gaps at the R and Г points for cubic (Pm3m) and orthorhombic (Pnma) structures, respectively. Among the exchange potentials, the mBJ-GGA method provided the most accurate results. These outcomes concurred with the experimental results. In both Pm3m and Pnma structures, interesting changes were observed when iodide (I) was replaced with bromine (Br) and then chlorine (Cl). The direct band gap at the R and Г points shifted to higher energy levels. Similarly, when I was replaced with Br and Cl, there was a noticeable decrease in the absorption coefficient, dielectric constants, refractive index, and reflectivity, in addition to a band gap shift to higher energy levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classical light interactions of nanosilicon, which is a dielectric material, are exceedingly weak for radius r ≪ λ (wavelength), scaling as r6. It exhibits geometrical anisotropy-based depolarization, which is the basis for the very weak response in isotropic structures (nanosphere). Recently, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in DNA decorated with ultrasmall Si nanoparticles has been demonstrated, affording an effective alternative to plasmon–metal particles. In this paper, we execute fundamental quantum atomistic computation of 1 nm hydrogenated Si particles, with different surface reconstruction and termination, including Si–H, H–Si–Si–H (dimer molecules), or oxygenated dimer bridges (H–Si–O–Si–H). We obtain the mechanical vibrational modes of the particles. Our results show that by changing the surface configuration one can control the symmetry and normal vibration modes, and enhance the polarizability, polarity, and light interactions (scattering, absorption, and depolarization/memory). The low frequency polarizability (Raman scattering) shifts spatially from the interior to the surface, while the infrared polarity remains on the surface, but its bandwidth narrows spectrally. The results support previous infrared absorption and light scattering and depolarization measurements, as well recent SERS, which enable Si nanoparticles to be an effective alternative to plasmonic metal particles. Molecular surface reconstruction in terms of Si dimers and bridges were suggested as the source of the novel nonlinear and anisotropic luminescence and photonic properties of Si nanoparticles. Such control affords potential for optimizing the design and operation of a wide range of opto-electronic advanced scattering and luminescence devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite-type lead halides exhibit promising performances in optoelectronic applications, for which lasers are one of the most promising applications. Although the bulk structure has some advantages, perovskite has additional advantages at the nanoscale owing to its high crystallinity given by a lower trap density. Although the nanoscale can produce efficient light emission, its comparatively poor chemical and colloidal stability limits further development of devices based on this material. Nevertheless, bulk perovskites are promising as optical amplifiers. There has been some developmental progress in the study of optical response and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) as a benchmark for perovskite bulk phase laser applications. Therefore, to achieve high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and large optical gains, material development is essential. One of the aspects in which these goals can be achieved is the incorporation of a bulk structure of high-quality crystallization films based on inorganic perovskite, such as cesium lead halide (CsPb(Br/Cl)3), in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer and encapsulation with the optimal thickness of the polymer to achieve complete surface coverage, prevent degradation, surface states, and surface defects, and suppress emission at depth. Sequential evaporation of the perovskite precursors using a single-source thermal evaporation technique (TET) effectively deposited two layers. The PL and ASEs of the bare and modified films with a thickness of 400 nm PMMA were demonstrated. The encapsulation layer maintained the quantum yield of the perovskite layer in the air for more than two years while providing added optical gain compared to the bare film. Under a picosecond pulse laser, the PL wavelength of single excitons and ASE wavelength associated with the stimulated decay of bi-excitons were achieved. The two ASE bands were highly correlated and competed with each other; they were classified as exciton and bi-exciton recombination, respectively. According to the ASE results, bi-exciton emission could be observed in an ultrastable CsPb(Br/Cl)3 film modified by PMMA with a very low excitation energy density of 110 µJ/cm2. Compared with the bare film, the ASE threshold was lowered by approximately 5%. A bi-exciton has a binding energy (26.78 meV) smaller than the binding energy of the exciton (70.20 meV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of nanocrystals (NCs) from metal oxide-based substrates with exposed high-energy facets is of particular importance for many important applications, such as solar cells as photoanodes due to the high reactivity of these facets. The hydrothermal method remains a current trend for the synthesis of metal oxide nanostructures in general and titanium dioxide (TiO2) in particular since the calcination of the resulting powder after the completion of the hydrothermal method no longer requires a high temperature. This work aims to use a rapid hydrothermal method to synthesize numerous TiO2-NCs, namely, TiO2 nanosheets (TiO2-NSs), TiO2 nanorods (TiO2-NRs), and nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs). In these ideas, a simple non-aqueous one-pot solvothermal method was employed to prepare TiO2-NSs using tetrabutyl titanate Ti(OBu)4 as a precursor and hydrofluoric acid (HF) as a morphology control agent. Ti(OBu)4 alone was subjected to alcoholysis in ethanol, yielding only pure nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs). Subsequently, in this work, the hazardous chemical HF was replaced by sodium fluoride (NaF) as a means of controlling morphology to produce TiO2-NRs. The latter method was required for the growth of high purity brookite TiO2 NRs structure, the most difficult TiO2 polymorph to synthesize. The fabricated components are then morphologically evaluated using equipment, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron diffraction (SAED), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the results, the TEM image of the developed NCs shows the presence of TiO2-NSs with an average side length of about 20–30 nm and a thickness of 5–7 nm. In addition, the image TEM shows TiO2-NRs with diameters between 10 and 20 nm and lengths between 80 and 100 nm, together with crystals of smaller size. The phase of the crystals is good, confirmed by XRD. The anatase structure, typical of TiO2-NS and TiO2-NPs, and the high-purity brookite-TiO2-NRs structure, were evident in the produced nanocrystals, according to XRD. SAED patterns confirm that the synthesis of high quality single crystalline TiO2-NSs and TiO2-NRs with the exposed {001} facets are the exposed facets, which have the upper and lower dominant facets, high reactivity, high surface energy, and high surface area. TiO2-NSs and TiO2-NRs could be grown, corresponding to about 80% and 85% of the {001} outer surface area in the nanocrystal, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite halide has many advantages that attracted the attention of researchers in the last years, but many challenges prevent the use of halide perovskites in different applications. One of these challenges is the low thermal stability resulting in phase transitions with temperatures. Here, the photoluminescence (PL) characteristics and related phase transitions of different CH3NH3Pb(BrxI1−x)3 (MA(BrxI1−x)3)3 perovskites structures have been investigated under a wide temperature range. The work that has been conducted demonstrates that under temperature, the exciton behavior of the halide anions, I and Br, has a considerable impact on structural phases and the fluorescence process. The obtained results for the temperature dependence of PL for MAPb(BrxI1−x)3 showed a wide range of emission wavelengths, between 500–800 nm with a decrease in PL intensity with increasing temperature. In addition, the ratio of both bromine and iodine in MAPb(BrxI1−x)3 affects the range of phase transition temperatures, where at x = 0.00, 0.25, and 0.50 the first transition occurs below room temperature (orthorhombic to tetragonal) phase and the other occurs above room temperature (tetragonal to cubic) phase. Furthermore, increasing the proportion of bromine causes all the transitions to occur below room temperature. The presented findings suggest a suitable halide component under a temperature-controlled phase transformation to benefit these materials in photonics devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the crystallinity, homogeneity, and surface morphology is an efficient method of enhancing the perovskite layer. These improvements contribute toward the optimization of perovskite film morphology for its use in high-performance photovoltaic applications. Here, different solvents will be used in order to process the perovskite precursor, to improve the interfacial contacts through generating a smooth film and uniform crystal domains with large grains. The effect that the solvent has on the optical and structural properties of spin-coated methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite thin films prepared using a single-step method was systematically investigated. The spin-coating parameters and precursor concentrations of MAI and PbI2 were optimized to produce uniform thin films using the different solvents N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and γ-butyrolactone (GBL). The effect that the solvent has on the morphology of the MAPbI3 films was examined to determine how the materials can be structurally altered to make them highly efficient for use in perovskite hybrid photovoltaic applications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) results show that the synthesized MAPbI3 films prepared using DMSO, DMF, and GBL exhibit the best crystallinity and optical characteristics (photoluminescence (PL)), respectively, of the prepared films. The optical properties resulting from the noticeable improvement PL of the films can be clearly correlated with their crystallinity, depending on the solvents used in their preparation. The film prepared in DMSO shows the highest transmittance and the highest bandgap energy of the prepared films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[NiCl2(C14H12N2)(H2O)] complex has been synthesized from nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl2·6H2O) and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmphen) as N,N-bidentate ligand. The synthesized complex was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and differential thermal/thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA). The complex was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) as triclinic with space group P-1. The desired complex, subjected to thermal decomposition at low temperature of 400 °C in an open atmosphere, revealed a novel and facile synthesis of pure NiO nanoparticles with uniform spherical particle; the structure of the NiO nanoparticles product was elucidated on the basis of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-vis spectroscopy, TG/DTA, XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high crystal quality of formamidium lead bromide perovskite (CH(NH2)2PbBr3 = FAPbBr3) was infiltrated in a mesoporous TiO2 network. Then, high-quality FAPbBr3 films were evaluated as active lasing media, and were irradiated with a picosecond pulsed laser to demonstrate amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), which is a better benchmark of its intrinsic suitability for gain applications. The behavior was investigated using two excitation wavelengths of 440 nm and 500 nm. Due to the wavelength-dependent absorbance spectrum and the presence of a surface adsorption layer that could be reduced using the shorter 440 nm wavelength, the ASE power dependence was strongly reliant on the excitation wavelength. The ASE state was achieved with a threshold energy density of ~200 µJ/cm2 under 440 nm excitation. Excitation at 500 nm, on the other hand, needed a higher threshold energy density of ~255 µJ/cm2. The ASE threshold carrier density, on the other hand, was expected to be ~4.5 × 1018 cm−3 for both excitations. A redshift of the ASE peak was detected as bandgap renormalization (BGR), and a BGR constant of ~5–7 × 10−9 eV cm was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent mesoporous Tb(OH)3@SiO2 core-shell nanospheres were synthesized through W/O microemulsion process at ambient temperature. The negatively charged silica favors a coating of the positively charged Tb3+ composite. Thus, silicon layer was adsorbed on the surface of Tb(OH)3 groups to form Tb-O-Si through electrostatic interaction. X-ray diffraction, field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared, UV/Visible, and photoluminescence spectroscopies were applied to examine the phase purity, crystallinity, surface morphology, and optical properties of the core-shell nanospheres. The FE-TEM results have revealed typically ordered mesoporous characteristics of the material with monodisperse spherical morphology in a narrow size distribution. The luminescent mesoporous core-shell nanospheres exposed remarkable splitting with broadening in the emission transition 5D4 → 7F5 (543 nm). In addition, the luminescent mesoporous core-shell nanospheres emit strong green fluorescence (from Tb3+) in the middle of the visible region under 325 nm (3.8) excitation. The luminescent mesoporous Tb(OH)3@SiO2 core-shell nanospheres can therefore be exploited as fluorescent probes in biomarkers or biolabeling, optical sensing, and drug delivery system. Further, these nanospheres could have potential use as scattering layers in dye-sensitized solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured materials are promising compounds that offer new opportunities as sensing platforms for the detection of biomolecules. Having micrometer-scale length and nanometer-scale diameters, nanomaterials can be manipulated with current nanofabrication methods, as well as self-assembly techniques, to fabricate nanoscale bio-sensing devices. Nanostructured materials possess extraordinary physical, mechanical, electrical, thermal and multifunctional properties. Such unique properties advocate their use as biomimetic membranes to immobilize and modify biomolecules on the surface of nanoparticles. Alignment, uniform dispersion, selective growth and diameter control are general parameters which play critical roles in the successful integration of nanostructures for the fabrication of bioelectronic sensing devices. In this review, we focus on different types and aspects of nanomaterials, including their synthesis, properties, conjugation with biomolecules and their application in the construction of immunosensing devices. Some key results from each cited article are summarized by relating the concept and mechanism behind each sensor, experimental conditions and the behavior of the sensor under different conditions, etc. The variety of nanomaterial-based bioelectronic devices exhibiting novel functions proves the unique properties of nanomaterials in such sensing devices, which will surely continue to expand in the future. Such nanomaterial based devices are expected to have a major impact in clinical immunodiagnostics, environmental monitoring, security surveillance and for ensuring food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic devices based on perovskite materials are considered promising alternatives for a wide range of these devices in the future because of their broad bandgaps and ability to contribute to light amplification. The current study investigates the possibility of improving the light amplification characteristics of CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dot (PQD) films using the surface encapsulation technique. To further amplify emission within a perovskite layer, CsPbBr3 PQD films were sandwiched between two transparent layers of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to create a highly flexible PMMA/PQD/PMMA waveguide film configuration. The prepared perovskite film, primed with a polymer layer coating, shows a marked improvement in both emission efficiency and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE)/laser threshold compared with bare perovskite films on glass substrates. Additionally, significantly improved photoluminescence (PL) and long decay lifetime were observed. Consequently, under pulse pumping in a picosecond duration, ASE with a reduction in ASE threshold of ~1.2 and 1.4 times the optical pumping threshold was observed for PQDs of films whose upper face was encapsulated and embedded within a cavity comprising two PMMA reflectors, respectively. Moreover, the exposure stability under laser pumping was greatly improved after adding the polymer coating to the top face of the perovskite film. Finally, this process improved the emission and PL in addition to enhancements in exposure stability. These results were ascribed in part to the passivation of defects in the perovskite top surface, accounting for the higher PL intensity, the slower PL relaxation, and for about 14 % of the ASE threshold decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work examines the effects of cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) on the structural and optical properties of conjugated polymer blends of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH–PPV) and poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO). MEH–PPV/PFO composite thin-films containing PQDs with weight ratios between 0.5 wt.% and 10 wt.% were prepared via a solution-blending method prior to spin-coating on glass substrates. The MEH–PPV/PFO composites' crystallinity was improved, and the roughness was dramatically increased with higher PQDs content, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Conversely, a higher PQDs content resulted in a gradual reduction of the Urbach tail and an increase in the steepness parameter, thereby reducing the localized density of the electronic states within the forbidden bandgap of the hybrids. Moreover, a slight reduction in the direct and indirect bandgaps was found in PQDs/(MEH–PPV/PFO) composite films containing a higher PQDs content and provided evidence of the low concentration of the localized states. The incorporation of the PQDs resulted in enhanced non-radiative energy transfer processes in the MEH–PPV/PFO hybrids, which are very important for the development of optimized optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite CsPb(Br0.5Cl0.5)3 thin films were successfully achieved through evaporation of the precursors and deposition sequentially by a single-source thermal evaporation system. The different melting points of the precursors were enabled us to evaporate precursors one by one in one trip. The resulting films through its fabrication were smooth and pinhole-free. Furthermore, this technique enabled complete surface coverage by high-quality perovskite crystallization and more moisture stability oppositely of that produce by solution-processed. Then the perovskite films were encapsulated by evaporated a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer as a specialized surface passivation approach with various thicknesses. The blue emission, high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), stable, and low threshold of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) properties of CsPb(Br0.5Cl0.5)3 films in the bulk structure at room temperature were achieved. The effects of the surface-passivation layer and its thickness on the optical response were examined. Detailed analysis of the dependence of ASE properties on the surface passivation layer thickness was performed, and it was determined this achieves performance optimization. The ASE characteristics of bare perovskite thin film were influenced by the incorporation of the PMMA with various thicknesses. The improvement to the surface layer of perovskite thin films compared to that of the bare perovskite thin film was attributed to the combination of thermal evaporation deposition and surface encapsulation. The best results were achieved when using a low PMMA thickness up to 100 nm and reducing the ASE threshold by ~11 μJ/cm2 when compared with free-encapsulation and by ~13 μJ/cm2 when encapsulation occurs at 200 nm or thicker. Compared to the bare CsPb(Br0.5Cl0.5)3, ASE reduced 1.1 times when the PMMA thickness was 100 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic–inorganic halide organometal perovskites have demonstrated very promising performance in optoelectronic applications, but their relatively poor chemical and colloidal stability hampers the further improvement of devices based on these materials. Perovskite material engineering is crucial for achieving high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and long stability. Herein, these goals are attained by incorporating bulk-structure CsPbBr3, which prevents colloidal degradation, into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer in thin-disk form. This technology can potentially realize future disk lasers with no optical and structural contributions from the polymer. The polycrystalline CsPbBr3 perovskite particles were simply obtained by using a mechanical processing technique. The CsPbBr3 was then incorporated into the PMMA polymer using a solution blending method. The polymer enhanced the PLQYs by removing the surface trap states and increasing the water resistance and stability under ambient conditions. In our experimental investigation, the CsPbBr3/PMMA composites were extraordinarily stable and remained strongly luminescent after water immersion for three months and air exposure for over one year, maintaining 80% of their initial photoluminescence intensity. The CsPbBr3/PMMA thin disk produced amplified spontaneous emission for a long time in air and for more than two weeks in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of halide composition on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of CsPb(Br1−xClx)3 perovskite was investigated in this study. When the chloride (Cl) content of x was increased, the unit cell volume decreased with a linear function. Theoretical X-ray diffraction analyses showed that the peak (at 2θ = 30.4°) shifts to a larger angle (at 2θ = 31.9°) when the average fraction of the incorporated Cl increased. The energy bandgap (Eg) was observed to increase with the increase in Cl concentration. For x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.33, 0.50, 0.66, 0.75, and 1.00, the Eg values calculated using the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof potential were between 1.53 and 1.93 eV, while those calculated using the modified Becke−Johnson generalized gradient approximation (mBJ–GGA) potential were between 2.23 and 2.90 eV. The Eg calculated using the mBJ–GGA method best matched the experimental values reported. The effective masses decreased with a concentration increase of Cl to 0.33 and then increased with a further increase in the concentration of Cl. Calculated photoabsorption coefficients show a blue shift of absorption at higher Cl content. The calculations indicate that CsPb(Br1−xClx)3 perovskite could be used in optical and optoelectronic devices by partly replacing bromide with chloride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triplet energy transfer mechanism of novel poly(9,9-di-n-octylflourenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO)/poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV)/CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dot (PQD) hybrid thin films was comprehensively investigated. The concentrations of PFO and MEH-PPV in all the specimens were fixed, while the PQD content was varied with various weight ratios and premixed by a solution blending method before it was spin-coated onto glass substrates. The triplet non-radiative Förster resonance energy transfers (FRETs) in the PFO/MEH-PPV/PQDs ternary blend, the dual FRET from PFO to both PQDs and MEH-PPV, and the secondary FRET from PQDs to MEH-PPV were observed. The values of the Förster radius (Ro) of FRET from PFO to MEH-PPV in the presence of various PQD contents (Case I) increased from 92.3 to 104.7 Å, and they decreased gradually from 68.0 to 39.5 Å for FRET from PFO to PQDs in the presence of MEH-PPV (Case II). These Ro values in both cases confirmed the dominance of FRET in ternary hybrid thin films. Upon increasing the PQD content, the distance between the donor and acceptor molecules (RDA) and the conjugation length (Aπ) in both cases gradually decreased. The small values of Ro, RDA, and Aπ with a decrease in the energy transfer lifetime (τET) due to an increase in the PQD contents in both Cases I and II confirmed the efficient FRET in the hybrid. To prevent intermolecular transfer in PFO, the concentrations of MEH-PPV (Case I) and PQDs (Case II) should be decreased to a range of 0.57–0.39 mM and increased in the range of 1.42–7.25 mM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) threshold in CsPbBr 3 quantum dot films is systematically reduced by introducing high quality TiO 2 compact layer grown by atomic-layer deposition. Uniform and pinhole-free TiO 2 films of thickness 10, 20 and 50 nm are used as a substrates for CsPbBr 3 quantum dot films to enhance amplified spontaneous emission performance. The reduction is attributed indirectly to the improved morphology of TiO 2 compact layer and subsequently CsPbBr 3 active layer as grown on better quality substrates. This is quantified by the reduced roughness of the obtained films to less than 5 nm with 50 nm TiO 2 substrate. Considering the used growth method for the quantum dot film, the improved substrate morphology maintains better the structure of the used quantum dots in the precursor solution. This results in better absorption and hence lower threshold of ASE. Besides that, the improved film quality results further in reducing light scattering and hence additional slight optical enhancement. The work demonstrates a potential venue to reduce the amplified spontaneous emission threshold of quantum dot films and therefore enhanced their optical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, electronic, and optical properties of inorganic CsPb(I1−xBrx)3 compounds were investigated using the full-potential linear augmented-plane wave (FP-LAPW) scheme with a generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation (PBE-GGA) and modified Becke–Johnson GGA (mBJ-GGA) potentials were used to study the electronic and optical properties. The band gaps calculated using the mBJ-GGA method gave the best agreement with experimentally reported values. CsPb(I1−xBrx)3 compounds were wide and direct band gap semiconductors, with a band gap located at the M point. The spectral weight (SW) approach was used to unfold the band structure. By substituting iodide with bromide, an increase in the band gap energy (Eg) values of 0.30 and 0.55 eV, using PBE-GGA and mBJ-GGA potentials, respectively, was observed, whereas the optical property parameters, which were also investigated, demonstrated the reverse effect. The high absorption spectra in the ultraviolet−visible energy range demonstrated that CsPb(I1−xBrx)3 perovskite could be used in optical and optoelectronic devices by partly replacing iodide with bromide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite materials with different concentration ratios of a hybrid of zero-dimensional (0-D) Cs4PbBr6 perovskite, which acts as a donor (D), and poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV), which acts as an acceptor (A), were successfully prepared via a solution blending method prior to being deposited onto glass substrates by a spin-coating technique. The influence of acceptor content on the structural, optical, and energy transfer properties of the donor was investigated. The perovskite nanocrystals formed thin films without any chemical interactions within a matrix of MEH-PPV in the blend. The possibility of dipole–dipole (non-radiative) energy transfer from the 0-D Cs4PbBr6 to the MEH-PPV was proven. The energy transfer parameters such as Ro (critical distance of the energy transfer), kapp (apparent quenching constant), ∅ D A (quantum yield of D in the presence of A), τ D A (lifetime of D in the presence of A), PDA (probability of energy transfer), η (efficiency of energy transfer), RDA (energy transfer radius), kET (energy transfer rate constant), TDR (total decay rate), Ao (critical concentration of A), and Aπ (conjugation length) were calculated based on the absorption and emission measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Microgel particles based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) were prepared by emulsion polymerization in the presence of N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide. The microwave technique was adopted for the preparation of highly stable and monodisperse silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using these microgels as a template via in situ reduction of silver nitrate in the presence of glucose as a reducing agent. The prepared NPs were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform IR, and X-ray diffraction. The formation of Ag NPs was confirmed by the appearance of a surface plasmon absorption maximum at 429nm. TEM showed that the spherical particles had an average diameter of 8.5nm. The as-prepared Ag NPs were stable for more than 8 months at room temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High-quality inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite quantum dot (CsPbBr 3 PQD) thin films were successfully deposited directly from a powdered source and used as an active laser medium following the examination of their distinctive surface and structural properties. To determine the suitability of the CsPbBr 3 PQDs as an active laser medium, amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and optical gain properties were investigated under picosecond pulse excitation using the variable stripe length (VSL) method. The thin film of CsPbBr 3 PQDs has exhibited a sufficient value of the optical absorption coefficient of ∼0.86 × 10 5 cm -1 near the band edge and a direct band gap energy E g ∼2.38 eV. The samples showed enhanced emission, and ASE was successfully recorded at a low threshold. The light emitted from the edge was observed near 2.40 and 2.33 eV for the stimulated emission (SE) and ASE regimes, respectively. The nonradiative decay contributes excitons dominant over biexcitons in the sample edge emission above the ASE threshold, making it practical for CsPbBr 3 PQDs to be used as optical gain media without undergoing repeated SE processes above the threshold over long periods. A high value of the optical gain coefficient was recorded at 346 cm -1 ., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2021 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

High-quality thin films were obtained directly by spin-coating glass substrates with suspensions of powdered cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr 3 ) perovskite quantum dots (PQDs). The structural properties of the films were characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The crystal structure of the CsPbBr 3 PQDs was unique. The optical behavior of the CsPbBr 3 PQDs, including absorption and emission, was then investigated to determine the absorption coefficient and band gap of the material. The CsPbBr 3 PQDs were evaluated as active lasing media and irradiated with a pulsed laser under ambient conditions. The PQDs were laser-active when subjected to optical pumping for pulse durations of 70-80 ps at 15 Hz. Amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) by the CsPbBr 3 PQD thin films was observed, and a narrow ASE band (∼5 nm) was generated at a low threshold energy of 22.25 μJ cm -2 . The estimated ASE threshold carrier density ( n th ) was ∼7.06 × 10 18 cm -3 . Band-gap renormalization (BGR) was indicated by an ASE red shift and a BGR constant of ∼27.10 × 10 -8 eV. A large optical absorption coefficient, photoluminescence (PL), and a substantial optical gain indicated that the CsPbBr 3 PQD thin films could be embedded in a wide variety of cavity resonators to fabricate unique on-chip coherent light sources., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2020 American Chemical Society.)

The effect of halide composition on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of CsPb(Br 1-x Cl x ) 3 perovskite was investigated in this study. When the chloride (Cl) content of x was increased, the unit cell volume decreased with a linear function. Theoretical X-ray diffraction analyses showed that the peak (at 2θ = 30.4°) shifts to a larger angle (at 2θ = 31.9°) when the average fraction of the incorporated Cl increased. The energy bandgap (E g ) was observed to increase with the increase in Cl concentration. For x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.33, 0.50, 0.66, 0.75, and 1.00, the E g values calculated using the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof potential were between 1.53 and 1.93 eV, while those calculated using the modified Becke-Johnson generalized gradient approximation (mBJ-GGA) potential were between 2.23 and 2.90 eV. The E g calculated using the mBJ-GGA method best matched the experimental values reported. The effective masses decreased with a concentration increase of Cl to 0.33 and then increased with a further increase in the concentration of Cl. Calculated photoabsorption coefficients show a blue shift of absorption at higher Cl content. The calculations indicate that CsPb(Br 1-x Cl x ) 3 perovskite could be used in optical and optoelectronic devices by partly replacing bromide with chloride., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) threshold in CsPbBr3 quantum dot films is systematically reduced by introducing high quality TiO2 compact layer grown by atomic-layer deposition. Uniform and pinhole-free TiO2 films of thickness 10, 20 and 50 nm are used as a substrates for CsPbBr3 quantum dot films to enhance amplified spontaneous emission performance. The reduction is attributed indirectly to the improved morphology of TiO2 compact layer and subsequently CsPbBr3 active layer as grown on better quality substrates. This is quantified by the reduced roughness of the obtained films to less than 5 nm with 50 nm TiO2 substrate. Considering the used growth method for the quantum dot film, the improved substrate morphology maintains better the structure of the used quantum dots in the precursor solution. This results in better absorption and hence lower threshold of ASE. Besides that, the improved film quality results further in reducing light scattering and hence additional slight optical enhancement. The work demonstrates a potential venue to reduce the amplified spontaneous emission threshold of quantum dot films and therefore enhanced their optical performance.

Cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr 3 ) perovskite has recently gained significance owing to its rapidly increasing performance when used for light-emitting devices. In this study, we used density functional theory to determine the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the cubic, tetragonal, and orthorhombic temperature-dependent phases of CsPbBr 3 perovskite using the full-potential linear augmented plane wave method. The electronic properties of CsPbBr 3 perovskite have been investigated by evaluating their changes upon exerting spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The following exchange potentials were used: the local density approximation (LDA), Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation (PBE-GGA), Engel-Vosko GGA (EV-GGA), Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof GGA revised for solids (PBEsol-GGA), modified Becke-Johnson GGA (mBJ-GGA), new modified Becke-Johnson GGA (nmBJ-GGA), and unmodified Becke-Johnson GGA (umBJ-GGA). Our band structure results indicated that the cubic, tetragonal, and orthorhombic phases have direct energy bandgaps. By including the SOC effect in the calculations, the bandgaps computed with mBJ-GGA and nmBJ-GGA were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Additionally, despite the large variations in their lattice constants, the three CsPbBr 3 phases possessed similar optical properties. These results demonstrate a wide temperature range of operation for CsPbBr 3 ., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2020 American Chemical Society.)

[NiCl2(C14H12N2)(H2O)] complex has been synthesized from nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl2·6H2O) and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmphen) as N,N-bidentate ligand. The synthesized complex was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and differential thermal/thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA). The complex was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) as triclinic with space group P-1. The desired complex, subjected to thermal decomposition at low temperature of 400 °C in an open atmosphere, revealed a novel and facile synthesis of pure NiO nanoparticles with uniform spherical particle; the structure of the NiO nanoparticles product was elucidated on the basis of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-vis spectroscopy, TG/DTA, XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

In the current study, the fluorescence emission spectra (FES) and Stokes shift spectra (SSS) of blood and urine samples of cervical cancer patients were obtained and compared to those of normal controls. Both spectra showed that the relative intensity of biomolecules such as porphyrin, collagen, Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and flavin were quite out of proportion in cervical cancer patients. The biochemical mechanism for the elevation of these fluorophores is not yet definitive; nevertheless, these biomolecules could serve as tumor markers for diagnosis, screening, and follow-up of cervical cancers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on FES and SSS of blood and urine of cervical cancer patients to give a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 78%.

In the title compound, [PdCl(2)(C(26)H(24)P(2))]·C(2)H(6)OS, the Pd(II) atom adopts a distorted cis-PdCl(2)P(2) square-planar coordination geometry. The five-membered chelate ring adopts an envelope conformation with a methyl-ene C atom in the flap position. The S and C atoms of the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent mol-ecule are disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.8976 (18):0.1024 (18) ratio. The DMSO O atom accepts three C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds from an adjacent complex mol-ecule.