Halogen-containing semiconductors: From artificial photosynthesis to unconventional computing

Machine-Learning-Assisted Discovery of Mechanosynthesized Lead-Free Metal Halide Perovskites for the Oxidative Photocatalytic Cleavage of Alkenes

Lead-free metal halide perovskites can potentially be air- and water-stable photocatalysts for organic synthesis, but there are limited studies on them for this application. Separately, machine learning (ML), a critical subfield of artificial intelligence, has played a pivotal role in identifying correlations and formulating predictions based on extensive datasets. Herein, an iterative workflow by incorporating high-throughput experimental data with ML to discover new lead-free metal halide perovskite photocatalysts for the aerobic oxidation of styrene is described. Through six rounds of ML optimization guided by SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis, BA2CsAg0.95Na0.05BiBr7 as a photocatalyst that afforded an 80% yield of benzoic acid under the standard conditions is identified, which is a 13-fold improvement compared to the 6% with when using Cs2AgBiBr6 as the initial photocatalyst benchmark that is started. BA2CsAg0.95Na0.05BiBr7 can tolerate various functional groups with 22 styrene derivatives, highlighting the generality of the photocatalytic properties demonstrated. Radical scavenging studies and density functional theory calculations revealed that the formation of the reactive oxygen species superoxide and singlet oxygen in the presence of BA2CsAg0.95Na0.05BiBr7 are critical for photocatalysis.

Comprehensive Exploration of Optics and Magnetism in a Hydrothermally Synthesized Nickel(II) Complex

The hydrothermal reaction of 2-MeIm (2-MeIm: 2-methylimidazole) with nickel sulfate hexahydrate in methanol afforded a mononuclear complex formulated as [Ni(SO4)(2-MeIm)2(H2O)3]·CH3OH (1). The title compound was described by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, thermal assessment, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The crystal structure of 1 is composed of segregated [Ni(SO4)(2-MeIm)2(H2O)3] neutral entities and a solvent methanol molecule. Two (2-MeIm) ligands, a sulfate group, and a water molecule reside in the equatorial positions of the vertices in this 6-fold coordination. Two aqua ligands lay in the apical positions, resulting in a subtly distorted octahedral framework, as was supported by spectroscopic analysis. The complex's self-assembly is firmly governed by robust O-H···O/N-H···O interactions. Further details on these bonds have been furnished via Hirshfeld surface scrutiny and 2D fingerprint plots. As proven by TGA/DSC analysis, raising the temperature of 1 above 60 °C instigates progressive decomposition stages, which culminates in the production of metal oxide as the ultimate product at 700 °C. The optical analysis suggests the dielectric nature of the material with large direct and indirect gap energies of 5.25 and 4.96 eV, respectively. The results of magnetic studies suggest that 1 undergoes a transition to a magnetically ordered state below 6 K.

Influence of crystal structure and composition on optical and electronic properties of pyridinium-based bismuth iodide complexes

This study investigates the impacts of structure and composition on the optical and electronic properties of a series of pyridinium-based bismuth iodide complexes. Organic substrates with various functional groups, such as 4-aminopyridine (4-Ampy), 4-methylpyridine (4-Mepy), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (4-Dmapy), and 4-pyridinecarbonitrile (4-CNpy) with different electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups at the para position of the pyridine ring were employed. Crystallographic analysis reveals various bismuth iodide structures, including 1D chains and discrete 0D motifs. The optical band gap of these materials, identified via diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and verified with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, is influenced by the crystal packing and stabilising interactions. Through a comprehensive analysis, including Hirshfeld surface (HS) and void assessment, the study underscores the influence of noncovalent intermolecular interactions on crystal packing. Spectroscopic evaluations provide insights into electronic interactions, elucidating the role of electron donor and acceptor substituents within the lattice. Thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) indicates structural stability up to 250 °C. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) reveals significant conductivity in the range of 10-20 mS per pixel at 298.15 K. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the Bi L3 edge indicates a similar oxidation state and electronic environment across all samples, underscoring the role of bismuth centres surrounded by iodides.

Crystal Chemistry, Optic and Magnetic Characterizations of a New Copper Based Material Templated by Hexahydrodiazepine

Crystals of the new organic-inorganic material (DAP-H2)[CuBr₄] (1); (DAP = hexahydrodiazepine (C₅H₁₄N₂)) were successfully synthesized by slow evaporation and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. X-ray investigation demonstrates that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c. The supramolecular crystal structure of 1 is guided by several types of hydrogen bonding which connect anions and cations together into a three-dimensional network. The optical band gap was determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to be 1.78 eV for a direct allowed transition, implying that it is suitable for light harvesting in solar cells. The vibrational properties of this compound were studied by infrared spectroscopy, while its thermal stability was established by simultaneous TGA-DTA from ambient temperature to 600 °C. The study of the photoresponse behavior of an optoelectronic device, based on (C₅H₁₄N₂)[CuBr₄], has shown a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.0017%, with J _sc = 0.0208 mA/cm², V _oc = 313.7 mV, and FF = 25.46. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range 1.8-310 K reveal weak antiferromagnetic interactions via the two-halide superexchange pathway [2J/k _B = -8.4(3) K].

Lead-Free Metal Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals: From Fundamentals to Applications

Lead (Pb) halide perovskite nanocrystals, with the general formula APbX₃ , where A=CH₃ NH³⁺ , CH(NH₂ )²⁺ , or Cs⁺ and X=Cl^- , Br^- , or I^- , have emerged as a class of materials with promising properties due to their remarkable optical properties and solar cell performance. However, important issues still need to be addressed to enable practical applications of these materials, such as instability, mass production, and Pb toxicity. Recent studies have carried out the replacement of Pb by various less-toxic cations as Sn, Ge, Sb, and Bi. This variety of chemical compositions provide Pb-free perovskite and metal halide nanostructures with a wide spectral range, in addition to being considered less toxic, therefore having greater practical applicability. Highlighting the necessity to address and solve the toxicity problems related to Pb-containing perovskite, this review considers the prospects of the Pb-free perovskite, involving synthesis methods, and properties of them, including advantages, disadvantages, and applications.

Unraveling the Effect of the Water Content in the Electrolyte on the Resistive Switching Properties of Self-Assembled One-Dimensional Anodized TiO2 Nanotubes

The applied potential, time, and water content are crucial factors in the electrochemical anodization process because the growth of one-dimensional nanotubes can be accelerated by enhancing the corrosive effect. We investigated the effect of the water content on the resistive switching (RS) properties of Ti foils by anodizing the foils and varying the water content in an electrolyte (1-10 vol %). By increasing the water content, we facilitated a slow transition from nanopores to nanotubes and realized an increase in the tube wall diameter and tube length. All of the fabricated memristive devices exhibited a reliable and reproducible bipolar resistive switching effect. The optimized device exhibited bipolar RS properties with good dc endurance (10⁴ cycles) and data retention capability (10⁵ s). Our results suggest that as the water content increases to 5 vol %, the RS process improves; further increases in the water content impair the RS process.

Organically tuned white-light emission from two zero-dimensional Cd-based hybrids

In this work, we report two zero-dimensional Cd-based hybrid compounds, denoted CdACP and CdODA, where the Cd atoms adopt tetrahedral geometry. The optical analysis reveals that these materials are classified as wide-gap semi-conductors which makes them suitable for optoelectronic applications. The photoluminescence analysis proves the wavelength dependent white-light emission behavior of the investigated materials. The structural-optical property studies show that, thanks to the heavy halide effect, the CdACP exhibits both fluorescence and room temperature phosphorescence through harvesting triplet states. Meanwhile, in contrast to CdACP, the white light emission from CdODA is purely fluorescence in nature. In fact, within CdODA, both C-H⋯π and N-H⋯N interactions facilitate the intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) between the different cations which leads to ultra-fast fluorescence through excited state ESIPT. Under sub-gap excitations, the inorganic sub-lattice is responsible for the blue-green emission through the STE mechanism, while the organic cations contribute by an intense red emission.

Developing sustainable, high-performance perovskites in photocatalysis: design strategies and applications

Solar energy is attractive because it is free, renewable, abundant and sustainable. Photocatalysis is one of the feasible routes to utilize solar energy for the degradation of pollutants and the production of fuel. Perovskites and their derivatives have received substantial attention in both photocatalytic wastewater treatment and energy production because of their highly tailorable structural and physicochemical properties. This review illustrates the basic principles of photocatalytic reactions and the application of these principles to the design of robust and sustainable perovskite photocatalysts. It details the structures of the perovskites and the physics and chemistry behind photocatalytic reactions and describes the advantages and limitations of popular strategies for the design of photoactive perovskites. This is followed by examples of how these strategies are applied to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of oxide, halide and oxyhalide perovskites, with a focus on materials with potential for practical application, that is, not containing scarce or toxic elements. It is expected that this overview of the development of photocatalysts and deeper understanding of photocatalytic principles will accelerate the exploitation of efficient perovskite photocatalysts and bring about effective solutions to the energy and environmental crisis.

Lead-Free Metal Halide Perovskites for Hydrogen Evolution from Aqueous Solutions

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) exploitation represents the next big frontier in photovoltaic technologies. However, the extraordinary optoelectronic properties of these materials also call for alternative utilizations, such as in solar-driven photocatalysis, to better address the big challenges ahead for eco-sustainable human activities. In this contest the recent reports on MHPs structures, especially those stable in aqueous solutions, suggest the exciting possibility for efficient solar-driven perovskite-based hydrogen (H₂) production. In this minireview such works are critically analyzed and classified according to their mechanism and working conditions. We focus on lead-free materials, because of the environmental issue represented by lead containing material, especially if exploited in aqueous medium, thus it is important to avoid its presence from the technology take-off. Particular emphasis is dedicated to the materials composition/structure impacting on this catalytic process. The rationalization of the distinctive traits characterizing MHPs-based H₂ production could assist the future expansion of the field, supporting the path towards a new class of light-driven catalysts working in aqueous environments.

Tunable broad-band white-light emission in two-dimensional (110)-oriented lead bromide perovskite (C3H8N6)[PbBr4]: optical, electronic and luminescence properties

The 2D-perovskite (C3H8N6)[PbBr4] shows white-light emission with room-temperature phosphorescence based on the strategy of heavy-atom-participated anion–π+ interactions.

Recent Progress in Engineering Metal Halide Perovskites for Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalysis

Artificial photosynthesis has attracted increasing attention due to recent environmental and energy concerns. Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) demonstrating excellent optoelectronic properties have currently emerged as novel and efficient photocatalytic materials. Herein, the structural features of MHPs that are responsible for the photoinduced charge separation and charge migration properties are briefly introduced, and then important and necessary photophysical and photochemical aspects of MHPs related to photoredox catalysis are summarized. Subsequently, the applications of MHPs for solar energy harvesting and photocatalytic conversion, including H₂ evolution, CO₂ reduction, degradation of organic pollutants, and photoredox organic synthesis, are extensively demonstrated, with a focus on strategies for improving the performance (e.g., selectivity, activity, stability, recyclability, and environmental compatibility) of these MHP-based photocatalytic systems. To conclude, existing challenges and prospects on the future development of MHP-based materials towards photoredox catalysis applications are detailed.