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Chanerika R, Shozi M, Prato M, Friedrich HB. The effect of coating Pd/Al2O3 and PdAg/Al2O3 catalysts with [BMIM][DCA] for the selective hydrogenation of 1‐octyne in 1‐octene. ChemCatChem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202201043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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De Franco M, Zhu D, Asaithambi A, Prato M, Charalampous E, Christodoulou S, Kriegel I, De Trizio L, Manna L, Bahmani Jalali H, Di Stasio F. Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Diodes Based on RoHS-Compliant InAs/ZnSe Colloidal Quantum Dots. ACS ENERGY LETTERS 2022; 7:3788-3790. [PMID: 36398094 PMCID: PMC9664446 DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.2c02070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate efficient, stable, and fully RoHS-compliant near-infrared (NIR) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on InAs/ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) synthesized by employing a commercially available amino-As precursor. They have a record external quantum efficiency of 5.5% at 947 nm and an operational lifetime of ∼32 h before reaching 50% of their initial luminance. Our findings offer a new solution for developing RoHS-compliant light-emitting technologies based on Pb-free colloidal QDs.
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Liu Z, Zito J, Ghini M, Goldoni L, Prato M, Bahmani Jalali H, Infante I, De Trizio L, Manna L. Alloying Bi-Doped Cs 2Ag 1-xNa xInCl 6 Nanocrystals with K + Cations Modulates Surface Ligands Density and Photoluminescence Efficiency. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:8567-8573. [PMID: 36288498 PMCID: PMC9650775 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We show how, in the synthesis of yellow-emissive Bi-doped Cs2Ag1-xNaxInCl6 double perovskite nanocrystals (NCs), preventing the transient formation of Ag0 particles increases the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of the NCs from ∼30% to ∼60%. Calculations indicate that the presence of even a single Ag0 species on the surface of a NC introduces deep trap states. The PL efficiency of these NCs is further increased to ∼70% by partial replacement of Na+ with K+ ions, up to a 7% K content, due to a lattice expansion that promotes a more favorable ligands packing on the NC surface, hence better surface passivation. A further increase in K+ lowers the PLQY, due to both the activation of nonradiative quenching channels and a lower oscillator strength of the BiCl6→AgCl6 transition (through which PL emission occurs). The work indicates how a deeper understanding of parameters influencing carrier trapping/relaxation can boost the PLQY of double perovskites NCs.
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Pippia G, Van Hamme D, Martín-García B, Prato M, Moreels I. A colloidal route to semiconducting tungsten disulfide nanosheets with monolayer thickness. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:15859-15868. [PMID: 36259965 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr04307f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a class of materials that have been extensively studied in the last decade, with molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) being the main protagonist. Typically, the interesting TMD properties, e.g. a direct band gap transition, or broken inversion symmetry, are only present in monolayer thick TMDs, and in the absence of strong lateral confinement, we require different materials or alloys thereof when we want to obtain TMDs with varying (direct) band gap energies. With this in mind, tungsten disulfide (WS2) is emerging as a direct competitor of MoS2 due to its similar properties but larger band gap energy. While several colloidal strategies have been reported for the synthesis of WS2, the synthesis of monolayer WS2 and detailed studies on the effect of synthesis parameters on the synthesis outcome have remained elusive. In this work we therefore focused on a colloidal synthesis method for monolayer WS2 using a design of experiment (DOE) approach. After optimization, we obtained nanosheets with a band gap transition consistent with the expected value for a monolayer. The thickness was further confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. While we could identify two temperature ranges where we could obtain a monolayer, sample characterization by XPS spectroscopy revealed the presence of different ratios of the metallic phase, with the sample synthesized at lower temperature displaying a lower concentration of the metallic phase.
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Poli I, Ambrosio F, Treglia A, Berger FJ, Prato M, Albaqami MD, De Angelis F, Petrozza A. Photoluminescence Intensity Enhancement in Tin Halide Perovskites. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202795. [PMID: 36109174 PMCID: PMC9661860 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of background hole doping in tin halide perovskites usually dominates their recombination dynamics. The addition of excess Sn halide source to the precursor solution is the most frequently used approach to reduce the hole doping and reveals photo-carrier dynamics related to defects activity. This study presents an experimental and theoretical investigation on defects under light irradiation in tin halide perovskites by combining measurements of photoluminescence with first principles computational modeling. It finds that tin perovskite thin films prepared with an excess of Sn halide sources exhibit an enhancement of the photoluminescence intensity over time under continuous excitation in inert atmosphere. The authors propose a model in which light irradiation promotes the annihilation of VSn 2- /Sni 2+ Frenkel pairs, reducing the deep carrier trapping centers associated with such defect and increasing the radiative recombination. Importantly, these observations can be traced in the open-circuit voltage dynamics of tin-based halide perovskite solar cells, implying the relevance of controlling the Sn photochemistry to stabilize tin perovskite devices.
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Pena B, Knight W, Cavasin M, Ferrari I, Abdel-Hafiz M, Vagnozzi R, Bosi S, Park D, Shandas R, Song K, McKinsey T, Sbaizero O, Taylor M, Prato M, Mestroni L. Injectable carbon nanotube-functionalized hydrogel as a tool for cardiac tissue engineering. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.3016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background/Introduction
Heart failure (HF) is an expensive major public health problem in the United States and around the world (1). The current treatments for HF are aimed at reducing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and reducing mortality and not aimed at repairing heart muscle or restoring function. Furthermore, even with these treatments, approximately half of patients with HF will die within 5 years of diagnosis (2). Cardiac transplantation remains the only definitive treatment for those affected with end-stage HF, but availability of donor hearts remains a major limitation (3).
Purpose
The ability of the adult heart to regenerate cardiomyocytes (CMs) lost after injury is limited, generating interest in developing tissue engineering therapies to avoid progression towards HF. Rigid carbon nanotubes (CNTs) scaffolds have been used to improve CMs viability, proliferation, and maturation (4), but require undesirable invasive surgeries for implantation. To overcome this limitation, we engineered an injectable reverse thermal gel (RTG) functionalized with CNTs (RTG-CNT) that transitions from a liquid-solution to a gel-based matrix shortly after reaching body temperature allowing for a liquid-based delivery rapidly followed by a stable-gel localization (5).
Methods and results
Here we show experimental evidences the RTG-CNT hydrogel, used as a three-dimensional (3D) niche to culture human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-CMs, promotes hiPSC-CMs alignment and elongation with increased Cx43 localization and improved contraction function when compared with traditional two-dimensional (2D) fibronectin controls and plain 3D RTG system without CNTs. Moreover, the short-term (4-week) biocompatibility of the RTG-CNT hydrogel was also assessed in a mouse model (intracardial injection). The results confirmed that the RTG-CNT hydrogel is well tolerated by the cardiac tissue.
Conclusion
Our results indicated that the injectable RTG-CNT hydrogel has the potential to be used as a minimally invasive tool for cardiac tissue engineering efforts.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD (NHLBI) INSTITUTE
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Caorsi G, Carniel FC, Flahaut E, Vázquez E, Prato M, Tretiach M. P21-28 Applicability of OECD test guideline 201 to graphene-related materials (GRMs): new insights into GRMs dispersions stability and possible modifications of the standard protocol. Toxicol Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.07.708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Zhu D, Bellato F, Bahmani Jalali H, Di Stasio F, Prato M, Ivanov YP, Divitini G, Infante I, De Trizio L, Manna L. ZnCl 2 Mediated Synthesis of InAs Nanocrystals with Aminoarsine. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:10515-10523. [PMID: 35648676 PMCID: PMC9204758 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The most developed
approaches for the synthesis of InAs nanocrystals
(NCs) rely on pyrophoric, toxic, and not readily available tris-trimethylsilyl
(or tris-trimethylgermil) arsine precursors. Less toxic and commercially
available chemicals, such as tris(dimethylamino)arsine, have recently
emerged as alternative As precursors. Nevertheless, InAs NCs made
with such compounds need to be further optimized in terms of size
distribution and optical properties in order to meet the standard
reached with tris-trimethylsilyl arsine. To this aim, in this work
we investigated the role of ZnCl2 used as an additive in
the synthesis of InAs NCs with tris(dimethylamino)arsine and alane N,N-dimethylethylamine as the reducing
agent. We discovered that ZnCl2 helps not only to improve
the size distribution of InAs NCs but also to passivate their surface
acting as a Z-type ligand. The presence of ZnCl2 on the
surface of the NCs and the excess of Zn precursor used in the synthesis
enable the subsequent in situ growth of a ZnSe shell,
which is realized by simply adding the Se precursor to the crude reaction
mixture. The resulting InAs@ZnSe core@shell NCs exhibit photoluminescence
emission at ∼860 nm with a quantum yield as high as 42±4%, which is a record for such heterostructures,
given the relatively high mismatch (6%) between InAs and ZnSe. Such
bright emission was ascribed to the formation, under our peculiar
reaction conditions, of an In–Zn–Se intermediate layer
between the core and the shell, as indicated by X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy and elemental analyses, which helps to release the strain
between the two materials.
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Chanerika R, Shozi ML, Prato M, Friedrich HB. The effect of organic modifiers on Ag/Al2O3 catalysts for the sequential hydrogenation of 1-octyne vs 1-octene. MOLECULAR CATALYSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2022.112344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Quarta D, Toso S, Giannuzzi R, Caliandro R, Moliterni A, Saleh G, Capodilupo A, Debellis D, Prato M, Nobile C, Maiorano V, Infante I, Gigli G, Giannini C, Manna L, Giansante C. Colloidal Bismuth Chalcohalide Nanocrystals. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202201747. [PMID: 35226780 PMCID: PMC9311208 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202201747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Here we present a colloidal approach to synthesize bismuth chalcohalide nanocrystals (BiEX NCs, in which E=S, Se and X=Cl, Br, I). Our method yields orthorhombic elongated BiEX NCs, with BiSCl crystallizing in a previously unknown polymorph. The BiEX NCs display a composition‐dependent band gap spanning the visible spectral range and absorption coefficients exceeding 105 cm−1. The BiEX NCs show chemical stability at standard laboratory conditions and form colloidal inks in different solvents. These features enable the solution processing of the NCs into robust solid films yielding stable photoelectrochemical current densities under solar‐simulated irradiation. Overall, our versatile synthetic protocol may prove valuable in accessing colloidal metal chalcohalide nanomaterials at large and contributes to establish metal chalcohalides as a promising complement to metal chalcogenides and halides for applied nanotechnology.
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Quarta D, Toso S, Giannuzzi R, Caliandro R, Moliterni A, Saleh G, Capodilupo A, Debellis D, Prato M, Nobile C, Maiorano V, Infante I, Gigli G, Giannini C, Manna L, Giansante C. Colloidal Bismuth Chalcohalide Nanocrystals. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202201747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Ray A, Martín-García B, Moliterni A, Casati N, Boopathi KM, Spirito D, Goldoni L, Prato M, Giacobbe C, Giannini C, Di Stasio F, Krahne R, Manna L, Abdelhady AL. Mixed Dimethylammonium/Methylammonium Lead Halide Perovskite Crystals for Improved Structural Stability and Enhanced Photodetection. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2106160. [PMID: 34856033 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202106160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The solvent acidolysis crystallization technique is utilized to grow mixed dimethylammonium/methylammonium lead tribromide (DMA/MAPbBr3 ) crystals reaching the highest dimethylammonium incorporation of 44% while maintaining the 3D cubic perovskite phase. These mixed perovskite crystals show suppression of the orthorhombic phase and a lower tetragonal-to-cubic phase-transition temperature compared to MAPbBr3 . A distinct behavior is observed in the temperature-dependent photoluminescence properties of MAPbBr3 and mixed DMA/MAPbBr3 crystals due to the different organic cation dynamics governing the phase transition(s). Furthermore, lateral photodetectors based on these crystals show that, at room temperature, the mixed crystals possess higher detectivity compared to MAPbBr3 crystals caused by structural compression and reduced surface trap density. Remarkably, the mixed-crystal devices exhibit large enhancement in their detectivity below the phase-transition temperature (at 200 K), while for the MAPbBr3 devices only insignificant changes are observed. The high detectivity of the mixed crystals makes them attractive for visible-light communication and for space applications. The results highlight the importance of the synthetic technique for compositional engineering of halide perovskites that governs their structural and optoelectronic properties.
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Ferretti A, Sinha S, Sagresti L, Araya-Hermosilla E, Prato M, Mattoli V, Pucci A, Brancato G. One-step functionalization of mildly and strongly reduced graphene oxide with maleimide: an experimental and theoretical investigation of the Diels-Alder [4+2] cycloaddition reaction. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:2491-2503. [PMID: 35023509 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp04121e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
For large-scale graphene applications, such as the production of polymer-graphene nanocomposites, exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) and its reduced form (rGO) are presently considered to be very suitable starting materials, showing enhanced chemical reactivity with respect to pristine graphene, in addition to suitable electronic properties (i.e., tunable band gap). Among other chemical processes, a suitable way to obtain surface decoration of graphene is through a direct one-step Diels-Alder (DA) reaction, e.g. through the use of dienophile or diene moieties. However, the feasibility and extent of decoration largely depends on the specific graphene microstructure that in the case of rGO sheets is not easy to control and generally presents a high degree of inhomogeneity owing to various on-plane functionalization (e.g., epoxide and hydroxyl groups) or in-plane lattice defects. In an effort to gain some insights into the covalent functionalization of variably reduced GO samples, we present a combined experimental and theoretical study on the DA cycloaddition reaction of maleimide, a dienophile functional unit well-suited for chemical conjugation of polymers and macromolecules. In particular, we considered both mildly and strongly reduced GOs. Using thermogravimetry, Raman and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and elemental analysis we show evidence of variable chemical reactivity of rGO as a function of the residual oxygen content. Moreover, from quantum mechanical calculations carried out at the DFT level on different graphene reaction sites, we provide a more detailed molecular view to interpret experimental findings and to assess the reactivity series of different graphene modifications.
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Salvetti A, Degl'Innocenti A, Gambino G, van Loon JJ, Ippolito C, Ghelardoni S, Ghigo E, Leoncino L, Prato M, Rossi L, Ciofani G. Artificially altered gravity elicits cell homeostasis imbalance in planarian worms, and cerium oxide nanoparticles counteract this effect. J Biomed Mater Res A 2021; 109:2322-2333. [PMID: 33960131 PMCID: PMC8518838 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Gravity alterations elicit complex and mostly detrimental effects on biological systems. Among these, a prominent role is occupied by oxidative stress, with consequences for tissue homeostasis and development. Studies in altered gravity are relevant for both Earth and space biomedicine, but their implementation using whole organisms is often troublesome. Here we utilize planarians, simple worm model for stem cell and regeneration biology, to characterize the pathogenic mechanisms brought by artificial gravity alterations. In particular, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of molecular responses in intact and regenerating specimens, and demonstrate a protective action from the space-apt for nanotechnological antioxidant cerium oxide nanoparticles.
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Salvetti A, Degl'Innocenti A, Gambino G, Loon JJ, Ippolito C, Ghelardoni S, Ghigo E, Leoncino L, Prato M, Rossi L, Ciofani G. Cover Image. J Biomed Mater Res A 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Genchi GG, Degl’Innocenti A, Martinelli C, Battaglini M, De Pasquale D, Prato M, Marras S, Pugliese G, Drago F, Mariani A, Balsamo M, Zolesi V, Ciofani G. Cerium Oxide Nanoparticle Administration to Skeletal Muscle Cells under Different Gravity and Radiation Conditions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:40200-40213. [PMID: 34410709 PMCID: PMC8414486 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c14176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
For their remarkable biomimetic properties implying strong modulation of the intracellular and extracellular redox state, cerium oxide nanoparticles (also termed "nanoceria") were hypothesized to exert a protective role against oxidative stress associated with the harsh environmental conditions of spaceflight, characterized by microgravity and highly energetic radiations. Nanoparticles were supplied to proliferating C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells under different gravity and radiation levels. Biological responses were thus investigated at a transcriptional level by RNA next-generation sequencing. Lists of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were generated and intersected by taking into consideration relevant comparisons, which led to the observation of prevailing effects of the space environment over those induced by nanoceria. In space, upregulation of transcription was slightly preponderant over downregulation, implying involvement of intracellular compartments, with the majority of DEGs consistently over- or under-expressed whenever present. Cosmic radiations regulated a higher number of DEGs than microgravity and seemed to promote increased cellular catabolism. By taking into consideration space physical stressors alone, microgravity and cosmic radiations appeared to have opposite effects at transcriptional levels despite partial sharing of molecular pathways. Interestingly, gene ontology denoted some enrichment in terms related to vision, when only effects of radiations were assessed. The transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 in space-relevant samples suggests perturbation of the intracellular redox homeostasis, and leaves open opportunities for antioxidant treatment for oxidative stress reduction in harsh environments.
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Romano V, Najafi L, Sutanto AA, Schileo G, Queloz V, Bellani S, Prato M, Marras S, Nazeeruddin MK, D'Angelo G, Bonaccorso F, Grancini G. Front Cover: Two‐Step Thermal Annealing: An Effective Route for 15 % Efficient Quasi‐2D Perovskite Solar Cells (ChemPlusChem 8/2021). Chempluschem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Romano V, Najafi L, Sutanto AA, Schileo G, Queloz V, Bellani S, Prato M, Marras S, Nazeeruddin MK, D'Angelo G, Bonaccorso F, Grancini G. Two-Step Thermal Annealing: An Effective Route for 15 % Efficient Quasi-2D Perovskite Solar Cells. Chempluschem 2021; 86:1040-1041. [PMID: 34128360 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Invited for this month's cover are collaborators from University of Pavia, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, University of Messina and Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia. The cover picture shows the crystal structure of a Ruddlesden-Popper quasi-2D perovskite with chemical formula (PEA)2 MA39 Pb40 I121 (with PEA: phenylethylammonium and MA: methylammonium). The subscript 40 indicates the number of PbI6 octahedra separated by a double layer of PEA cations. Such quasi-2D perovskites exhibit efficient photovoltaic performances and higher stability with respect to the pure 3D counterpart (MAPbI3 ). This article is part of the Special Collection on "Perovskite Materials and Devices". Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.202000777.
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Zappia M, Bianca G, Bellani S, Curreli N, Sofer Z, Serri M, Najafi L, Piccinni M, Oropesa-Nuñez R, Marvan P, Pellegrini V, Kriegel I, Prato M, Cupolillo A, Bonaccorso F. Two-Dimensional Gallium Sulfide Nanoflakes for UV-Selective Photoelectrochemical-type Photodetectors. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. C, NANOMATERIALS AND INTERFACES 2021; 125:11857-11866. [PMID: 34276861 PMCID: PMC8279705 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c03597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal monochalcogenides have been recently predicted to be potential photo(electro)catalysts for water splitting and photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactions. Differently from the most established InSe, GaSe, GeSe, and many other monochalcogenides, bulk GaS has a large band gap of ∼2.5 eV, which increases up to more than 3.0 eV with decreasing its thickness due to quantum confinement effects. Therefore, 2D GaS fills the void between 2D small-band-gap semiconductors and insulators, resulting of interest for the realization of van der Waals type-I heterojunctions in photocatalysis, as well as the development of UV light-emitting diodes, quantum wells, and other optoelectronic devices. Based on theoretical calculations of the electronic structure of GaS as a function of layer number reported in the literature, we experimentally demonstrate, for the first time, the PEC properties of liquid-phase exfoliated GaS nanoflakes. Our results indicate that solution-processed 2D GaS-based PEC-type photodetectors outperform the corresponding solid-state photodetectors. In fact, the 2D morphology of the GaS flakes intrinsically minimizes the distance between the photogenerated charges and the surface area at which the redox reactions occur, limiting electron-hole recombination losses. The latter are instead deleterious for standard solid-state configurations. Consequently, PEC-type 2D GaS photodetectors display a relevant UV-selective photoresponse. In particular, they attain responsivities of 1.8 mA W-1 in 1 M H2SO4 [at 0.8 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)], 4.6 mA W-1 in 1 M Na2SO4 (at 0.9 V vs RHE), and 6.8 mA W-1 in 1 M KOH (at 1.1. V vs RHE) under 275 nm illumination wavelength with an intensity of 1.3 mW cm-2. Beyond the photodetector application, 2D GaS-based PEC-type devices may find application in tandem solar PEC cells in combination with other visible-sensitive low-band-gap materials, including transition-metal monochalcogenides recently established for PEC solar energy conversion applications.
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Bellani S, Najafi L, Prato M, Oropesa-Nuñez R, Martín-García B, Gagliani L, Mantero E, Marasco L, Bianca G, Zappia MI, Demirci C, Olivotto S, Mariucci G, Pellegrini V, Schiavetti M, Bonaccorso F. Graphene-Based Electrodes in a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Produced by Rapid Low-Pressure Combined Gas Plasma Treatments. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2021; 33:4106-4121. [PMID: 34267420 PMCID: PMC8274967 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.1c00763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The development of high-power density vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) with high energy efficiencies (EEs) is crucial for the widespread dissemination of this energy storage technology. In this work, we report the production of novel hierarchical carbonaceous nanomaterials for VRFB electrodes with high catalytic activity toward the vanadium redox reactions (VO2+/VO2 + and V2+/V3+). The electrode materials are produced through a rapid (minute timescale) low-pressure combined gas plasma treatment of graphite felts (GFs) in an inductively coupled radio frequency reactor. By systematically studying the effects of either pure gases (O2 and N2) or their combination at different gas plasma pressures, the electrodes are optimized to reduce their kinetic polarization for the VRFB redox reactions. To further enhance the catalytic surface area of the electrodes, single-/few-layer graphene, produced by highly scalable wet-jet milling exfoliation of graphite, is incorporated into the GFs through an infiltration method in the presence of a polymeric binder. Depending on the thickness of the proton-exchange membrane (Nafion 115 or Nafion XL), our optimized VRFB configurations can efficiently operate within a wide range of charge/discharge current densities, exhibiting energy efficiencies up to 93.9%, 90.8%, 88.3%, 85.6%, 77.6%, and 69.5% at 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, and 300 mA cm-2, respectively. Our technology is cost-competitive when compared to commercial ones (additional electrode costs < 100 € m-2) and shows EEs rivalling the record-high values reported for efficient systems to date. Our work remarks on the importance to study modified plasma conditions or plasma methods alternative to those reported previously (e.g., atmospheric plasmas) to improve further the electrode performances of the current VRFB systems.
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Chatzimanolis K, Rogdakis K, Tsikritzis D, Tzoganakis N, Tountas M, Krassas M, Bellani S, Najafi L, Martín-García B, Oropesa-Nuñez R, Prato M, Bianca G, Plutnarova I, Sofer Z, Bonaccorso F, Kymakis E. Inverted perovskite solar cells with enhanced lifetime and thermal stability enabled by a metallic tantalum disulfide buffer layer. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:3124-3135. [PMID: 36133666 PMCID: PMC9419768 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00172h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have proved their potential for delivering high power conversion efficiencies (PCE) alongside low fabrication cost and high versatility. The stability and the PCE of PSCs can readily be improved by implementing engineering approaches that entail the incorporation of two-dimensional (2D) materials across the device's layered configuration. In this work, two-dimensional (2D) 6R-TaS2 flakes were exfoliated and incorporated as a buffer layer in inverted PSCs, enhancing the device's PCE, lifetime and thermal stability. A thin buffer layer of 6R-TaS2 flakes was formed on top of the electron transport layer to facilitate electron extraction, thus improving the overall device performance. The optimized devices reach a PCE of 18.45%, representing a 12% improvement compared to the reference cell. The lifetime stability measurements of the devices under ISOS-L2, ISOS-D1, ISOS-D1I and ISOS-D2I protocols revealed that the TaS2 buffer layer retards the intrinsic, thermally activated degradation processes of the PSCs. Notably, the devices retain more than the 80% of their initial PCE over 330 h under continuous 1 Sun illumination at 65 °C.
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Dhanabalan B, Biffi G, Moliterni A, Olieric V, Giannini C, Saleh G, Ponet L, Prato M, Imran M, Manna L, Krahne R, Artyukhin S, Arciniegas MP. Engineering the Optical Emission and Robustness of Metal-Halide Layered Perovskites through Ligand Accommodation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2008004. [PMID: 33644923 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202008004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The unique combination of organic and inorganic layers in 2D layered perovskites offers promise for the design of a variety of materials for mechatronics, flexoelectrics, energy conversion, and lighting. However, the potential tailoring of their properties through the organic building blocks is not yet well understood. Here, different classes of organoammonium molecules are exploited to engineer the optical emission and robustness of a new set of Ruddlesden-Popper metal-halide layered perovskites. It is shown that the type of molecule regulates the number of hydrogen bonds that it forms with the edge-sharing [PbBr6 ]4- octahedra layers, leading to strong differences in the material emission and tunability of the color coordinates, from deep-blue to pure-white. Also, the emission intensity strongly depends on the length of the molecules, thereby providing an additional parameter to optimize their emission efficiency. The combined experimental and computational study provides a detailed understanding of the impact of lattice distortions, compositional defects, and the anisotropic crystal structure on the emission of such layered materials. It is foreseen that this rational design can be extended to other types of organic linkers, providing a yet unexplored path to tailor the optical and mechanical properties of these materials and to unlock new functionalities.
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Romano V, Najafi L, Sutanto AA, Schileo G, Queloz V, Bellani S, Prato M, Marras S, Nazeeruddin MK, D'Angelo G, Bonaccorso F, Grancini G. Two-Step Thermal Annealing: An Effective Route for 15 % Efficient Quasi-2D Perovskite Solar Cells. Chempluschem 2021; 86:1044-1048. [PMID: 33665981 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202000777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Low-dimensional perovskites (LDP) are nowadays recognized as promising materials for the realization of highly performing photovoltaic cells. However, issues related to film morphology, composition, crystal quality and material homogeneity limit the device performances and reproducibility. In this work, we implement a robust method for the deposition of a LDP mixing methylammonium (MA) and phenylethylammonium (PEA) cations to create the mixed system (PEA)2 MA39 Pb40 I121 by using a two-step thermal annealing treatment (at 60 and 100 °C). Our approach results in LDP films with high crystal quality and enhanced carrier lifetime, which double the power conversion efficiency of reference devices, reaching up to 15 %.
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Guglielmelli A, Rosa P, Contardi M, Prato M, Mangino G, Miglietta S, Petrozza V, Pani R, Calogero A, Athanassiou A, Perotto G, De Sio L. Biomimetic keratin gold nanoparticle-mediated in vitro photothermal therapy on glioblastoma multiforme. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:121-138. [PMID: 33426900 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To realize and characterize a new generation of keratin-coated gold nanoparticles (Ker-AuNPs) as highly efficient photosensitive nanosized therapeutics for plasmonic photothermal (PPT) therapy. Materials & methods: The chemical, physical, morphological and photothermal properties of Ker-AuNPs are investigated using dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential, UV-Visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution thermography. In vitro experiments are performed on a human glioblastoma cell line (i.e., U87-MG), using viability assays, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, cytometric analyses and PPT experiments. Results: Experiments confirm the excellent biocompatibility of Ker-AuNPs, their efficient cellular uptake and localized photothermal heating capabilities. Conclusion: The reported structural and functional properties pointed out these Ker-AuNPs as a promising new tool in the field of biocompatible photothermal agents for PPT treatments against cancer-related diseases.
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Maserati L, Prato M, Pecorario S, Passarella B, Perinot A, Thomas AA, Melloni F, Natali D, Caironi M. Photo-electrical properties of 2D quantum confined metal-organic chalcogenide nanocrystal films. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:233-241. [PMID: 33331389 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr07409h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid quantum wells are electronic structures where charge carriers are confined along stacked inorganic planes, separated by insulating organic moieties. 2D quantum-confined hybrid materials are of great interest from a solid-state physics standpoint because of the rich many-body phenomena they host, their tunability and easy synthesis, allowing the creation of material libraries. In addition, from a technological point of view, 2D hybrids are promising candidates for efficient, tunable, low-cost materials impacting a broad range of optoelectronic devices. Different approaches and materials have, therefore, been investigated, with the notable example of 2D metal halide hybrid perovskites. Despite the remarkable properties of such materials, the presence of toxic elements like lead is not desirable in applications and their ionic lattices may represent a limiting factor for stability under operating conditions. Therefore, non-ionic 2D materials made with non-toxic elements are preferable. In order to expand the library of possible hybrid quantum well materials, herein, we consider an alternative platform based on non-toxic, self-assembled, metal-organic chalcogenides. While the optical properties have been recently explored and some unique excitonic characters highlighted, photo-generation of carriers and their transport in these lamellar inorganic/organic nanostructures and critical optoelectronic aspects remain totally unexplored. We hereby report the first investigation on the electrical properties of the air-stable [AgSePh]∞ 2D coordination polymer in the form of nanocrystal (NC) films readily synthesized in situ and at low temperature, compatible with flexible plastic substrates. The wavelength-dependent photo-response of the NC films suggests the possible use of this material as a near-UV photodetector. We therefore built a lateral photo-detector, achieving a sensitivity of 0.8 A W-1 at 370 nm, thanks to a photoconduction mechanism, and a cut-off frequency of ∼400 Hz, and validated its reliability as an air-stable UV detector on flexible substrates.
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