Interface passivation strategy improves the efficiency and stability of organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskite solar cells

Zhaoyi Wan

The author reviews mechanisms for interface passivation of defects in the interfaces of organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskites (O-IHMHP) with electron transport and the hole-transport layers. The effects of additives on these interface defects are analyzed, and the stability and properties of O-IHMHP solar cells are compared. https://doi.org/10.1557/jmr.2020.202

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Manufacturing strategies for wafer-scale two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide heterolayers

Mengjing Wang, Hao Li, Tae-Jun Ko, Mashiyat Sumaiya Shawkat, Emmanuel Okogbue, Changhyeon Yoo, Sang Sub Han, Md Ashraful Islam, Kyu Hwan Oh, Yeonwoong Jung

The authors review recent manufacturing strategies and the underlying scientific working principles for producing high-quality, wafer-scale two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductor heterolayers for device applications. Material and manufacturing challenges for improved 2D TMD heterolayers are presented. https://doi.org/10.1557/jmr.2020.27

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Van der Waals epitaxy and composition control of layered SnSxSe2–x alloy thin films

Joshua J. Fox, Xiaotian Zhang, Zakaria Y. Al Balushi, Mikhail Chubarov, Azimkhan Kozhakhmetov, Joan M. Redwing

The authors explore powder vapor transport growth of SnSxSe2−x on epitaxial graphene (EG)/6H–SiC substrates. Large-area, planar coalesced SnSxSe2−x films grow epitaxially on (EG)/6H–SiC with low surface roughness, indicative of a van der Waals growth mode. High-resolution x-ray diffraction θ–2θ scans and pole figure analysis confirm SnSxSe2−x epitaxial film growth. https://doi.org/10.1557/jmr.2020.19

Metal–organic frameworks for carbon dioxide capture

Claudio Pettinari, Alessia Tombesi

CO2 capture and sequestration continue to be the main strategy to reduce emissions of CO2 in the atmosphere. The authors focus on the promising field of metal–organic framework-based carbon capture and storage, and discuss the main features applicable for CO2 capture and separation, the linker functionalization role, and CO2-binding sites as the most efficient and significant technologies. https://doi.org/10.1557/mre.2020.30

Building better dual-ion batteries

Kostiantyn V. Kravchyk, Maksym V. Kovalenko

Secondary dual-ion batteries (DIBs) are stationary energy-storage systems actively being explored because of their low cost, high energy efficiency, power density, and long cycling life. But a critical assessment of the literature points to inaccuracies and inconsistencies in reported performance, primarily caused by the exclusion of the capacity of used electrolytes and the use of non-charge-balanced batteries. The authors highlight issues in the interpretation and reporting of the electrochemical performance of DIBs. https://doi.org/10.1557/mre.2020.38

Engineering mesoporous silica for superior optical and thermal properties

Danielle M. Butts, Patricia E. McNeil, Michal Marszewski, Esther Lan, Tiphaine Galy, Man Li, Joon Sang Kang, David Ashby, Sophia King, Sarah H. Tolbert, Yongjie Hu, Laurent Pilon, Bruce S. Dunn

The lack of transparent, thermally insulating windows leads to substantial heat loss in commercial and residential buildings, accounting for ~ 4.2% of primary US energy consumption annually. The authors report a significant advance in thermally insulating transparent materials: silica-based monoliths with controlled porosity, which exhibit the transparency of windows in combination with a thermal conductivity comparable to aerogels. https://doi.org/10.1557/mre.2020.40