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Vibrationally-resolved resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (VR-RIXS) at the O K-edge is emerging as a powerful tool for identifying embedded molecules in lithium-ion battery cathodes. Here, we investigate two known oxygen redox-active cathode materials: the commercial LixNi0.90Co0.05Al0.05O2 (NCA) used in electric vehicles and the high-capacity cathode material Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 (LRNMC) for next-generation Li-ion batteries. We report the detection of a novel vibrational RIXS signature for Li-ion battery cathodes appearing in the O K pre-peak above 533 eV that we attribute to OH-groups. We discuss likely locations and pathways for OH-group formation and accumulation throughout the active cathode material. Initial-cycle behaviour for LRNMC shows that OH-signal strength correlates with the cathodes state of charge, though reversibility is incomplete. The OH-group RIXS signal strength in long-term cycled NCA is retained. Thus, VR-RIXS offers a path for gaining new insights to oxygen reactions in battery materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We applied photon-only X-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering to study the bulk properties of Li-rich disordered rock salt oxyfluoride cathodes Li2VO2F, Li2V0.5Ti0.5O2F and Li2V0.5Fe0.5O2F. We have systematically investigated V 3d- and O 2p-states, both of which are crucial for charge compensation during battery cycling. A combined analysis of both spectroscopies reveals that the vanadium ions deviate from the expected V3+/V5+ redox couple for all systems. Moreover, our results suggest that the oxygen ions partake in charge compensation to a considerable degree. Large O 2p-band width changes as a function of doping material are observed. While the diverging trend makes it less plausible that these states have a significant influence on degradation, we find evidence that the presence of O 2p–V 3d hybridized states may constitute a common factor for the previously found improvement in long term cycling of the Ti/Fe-substituted materials. This study demonstrates the power of using a combined spectroscopy approach to understand the tuning properties of Li2VO2F to find ways of designing better cathode materials based on this parent compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising demand for high-performance lithium-ion batteries, pivotal to electric transportation, hinges on key materials like the Ni-rich layered oxide LiNixCoyAlzO2 (NCA) used in cathodes. The present study investigates the redox mechanisms, with particular focus on the role of oxygen in commercial NCA electrodes, both fresh and aged under various conditions (aged cells have performed >900 cycles until a cathode capacity retention of ∼80%). Our findings reveal that oxygen participates in charge compensation during NCA delithiation, both through changes in transition metal (TM)–O bond hybridization and formation of partially reversible O2, the latter occurs already below 3.8 V vs. Li/Li+. Aged NCA material undergoes more significant changes in TM–O bond hybridization when cycling above 50% SoC, while reversible O2 formation is maintained. Nickel is found to be redox active throughout the entire delithiation and shows a more classical oxidation state change during cycling with smaller changes in the Ni–O hybridization. By contrast, Co redox activity relies on a stronger change in Co–O hybridization, with only smaller Co oxidation state changes. The Ni–O bond displays an almost twice as large change in its bond length on cycling as the Co–O bond. The Ni–O6 octahedra are similar in size to the Co–O6 octahedra in the delithiated state, but are larger in the lithiated state, a size difference that increases with battery ageing. These contrasting redox activities are reflected directly in structural changes. The NCA material exhibits the formation of nanopores upon ageing, and a possible connection to oxygen redox activity is discussed. The difference in interaction of Ni and Co with oxygen provides a key understanding of the mechanism and the electrochemical instability of Ni-rich layered transition metal oxide electrodes. Our research specifically highlights the significance of the role of oxygen in the electrochemical performance of electric-vehicle-grade NCA electrodes, offering important insights for the creation of next-generation long-lived lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multiple applications of lead halide perovskite materials and the extensive use of X-ray based techniques to characterize them highlight a need to understand their stability under X-ray irradiation. Here, we present a study where the X-ray stability of five different lead halide perovskite compositions (MAPbI3, MAPbCl3, MAPbBr3, FAPbBr3, CsPbBr3) was investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy. To exclude effects of thin film formation on the observed degradation behaviors, we studied clean surfaces of single crystals. Different X-ray resistance and degradation mechanisms were observed depending on the crystal composition. Overall, perovskites based on the MA+ cation were found to be less stable than those based on FA+ or Cs+. Metallic lead formed most easily in the chloride perovskite, followed by bromide, and only very little metallic lead formation was observed for MAPbI3. MAPbI3 showed one main degradation process, which was the radiolysis of MAI. Multiple simultaneous degradation processes were identified for the bromide compositions. These processes include ion migration towards the perovskite surface and the formation of volatile and solid products in addition to metallic lead. Lastly, CsBr formed as a solid degradation product on the surface of CsPbBr3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial use of lead halide perovskites requires improved thermal stability and therefore a better understanding of their degradation mechanisms. The thermal degradation of three clean perovskite single crystal surfaces (MAPbI3, MAPbBr3, FAPbBr3) was investigated using synchrotron-based photoelectron spectroscopy. Central findings are that the halide has a large impact on thermal stability and that the degradation of formamidnium results in the formation of a new organic species at the FAPbBr3 crystal surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead halide perovskites have become a leading material in the field of emerging photovoltaics and optoelectronics. Significant progress has been achieved in improving the intrinsic properties and environmental stability of these materials. However, the stability of lead halide perovskites to ionising radiation has not been widely investigated. In this study, we investigated the radiolysis of lead halide perovskites with organic and inorganic cations under X-ray irradiation using synchrotron based hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We found that fully inorganic perovskites are significantly more stable than those containing organic cations. In general, the degradation occurs through two different, but not mutually exclusive, pathways/mechanisms. One pathway is induced by radiolysis of the lead halide cage into halide salts, halogen gas and metallic lead and appears to be catalysed by defects in the perovskite. The other pathway is induced by the radiolysis of the organic cation which leads to formation of organic degradation products and the collapse of the perovskite structure. In the case of Cs0.17FA0.83PbI3, these reactions result in products with a lead to halide ratio of 1 : 2 and no formation of metallic lead. The radiolysis of the organic cation was shown to be a first order reaction with regards to the FA+ concentration and proportional to the X-ray flux density with a radiolysis rate constant of 1.6 × 10−18 cm2 per photon at 3 keV or 3.3 cm2 mJ−1. These results provide valuable insight for the use of lead halide perovskite based devices in high radiation environments, such as in space environments and X-ray detectors, as well as for investigations of lead halide perovskites using X-ray based techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemistry and intermixing at buried interfaces in sputter deposited ZnO/Ti/ZnO thin layers were studied by hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The long mean free path of the photoelectrons allowed for detailed studies of the oxidation state, band bending effects, and intrinsic doping of the buried interfaces. Oxidation of the Ti layer was observed when ZnO was deposited on top. When Ti is deposited onto ZnO, Zn Auger peaks acquire a metallic character indicating a strong reduction of ZnO at the interface. Annealing of the stack at 200 °C results in further reduction of ZnO and oxidation of Ti. Above 300 °C, oxygen transport from the bulk of the ZnO layer takes place, leading to re-oxidation of ZnO at the interface and further oxidation of Ti layer. Heating above 500 °C leads to an intermixing of the layers and the formation of a Znx TiOy compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy can give insights into carrier dynamics and offers the possibility of element and site-specific information through the measurements of core levels. In this paper, we demonstrate that this method can access electrons dynamics in PbS quantum dots over a wide time window spanning from pico- to microseconds in a single experiment carried out at the synchrotron facility BESSY II. The method is sensitive to small changes in core level positions. Fast measurements at low pump fluences are enabled by the use of a pump laser at a lower repetition frequency than the repetition frequency of the X-ray pulses used to probe the core level electrons: Through the use of a time-resolved spectrometer, time-dependent analysis of data from all synchrotron pulses is possible. Furthermore, by picosecond control of the pump laser arrival at the sample relative to the X-ray pulses, a time-resolution limited only by the length of the X-ray pulses is achieved. Using this method, we studied the charge dynamics in thin film samples of PbS quantum dots on n-type MgZnO substrates through time-resolved measurements of the Pb 5d core level. We found a time-resolved core level shift, which we could assign to electron injection and charge accumulation at the MgZnO/PbS quantum dots interface. This assignment was confirmed through the measurement of PbS films with different thicknesses. Our results therefore give insight into the magnitude of the photovoltage generated specifically at the MgZnO/PbS interface and into the timescale of charge transport and electron injection, as well as into the timescale of charge recombination at this interface. It is a unique feature of our method that the timescale of both these processes can be accessed in a single experiment and investigated for a specific interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halide perovskites have attracted substantial interest for their potential as disruptive display and lighting technologies. However, perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are still hindered by poor operational stability. A fundamental understanding of the degradation processes is lacking but will be key to mitigating these pathways. Here, a combination of in operando and ex situ measurements to monitor the performance degradation of (Cs0.06FA0.79MA0.15)Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 PeLEDs over time is used. Through device, nanoscale cross‐sectional chemical mapping, and optical spectroscopy measurements, it is revealed that the degraded performance arises from an irreversible accumulation of bromide content at one interface, which leads to barriers to injection of charge carriers and thus increased nonradiative recombination. This ionic segregation is impeded by passivating the perovskite films with potassium halides, which immobilizes the excess halide species. The passivated PeLEDs show enhanced external quantum efficiency (EQE) from 0.5% to 4.5% and, importantly, show significantly enhanced stability, with minimal performance roll‐off even at high current densities (>200 mA cm−2). The decay half‐life for the devices under continuous operation at peak EQE increases from <1 to ≈15 h through passivation, and ≈200 h under pulsed operation. The results provide generalized insight into degradation pathways in PeLEDs and highlight routes to overcome these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface treatments of Cu2ZnSnS4 have shown a beneficial effect on the solar cells performance due to a reduction in the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficit. Several reasons have been suggested for the VOC deficit, including an unfavorable band alignment at the buffer/Cu2ZnSnS4 interface. Herein, the influence of Cu2ZnSnS4 surface treatment (air exposure and air anneal) on the electronic and chemical properties of Cu2ZnSnS4 and CdS/Cu2ZnSnS4 interfaces is investigated. Using hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it is shown that the band alignment at the CdS/Cu2ZnSnS4 interface is not significantly altered by the applied surface treatment. The device enhancement is instead connected to interface passivation for the surface‐treated Cu2ZnSnS4 samples due to the formation of SnOx, which is shown to not be fully removed upon KCN etching prior to the buffer layer deposition. In addition, a surface treatment of the Cu2ZnSnS4 absorber prior to buffer layer deposition influences the growth of CdS buffer, as a thicker CdS‐overlayer is observed to grow on a surface‐treated Cu2ZnSnS4 sample as compared with a nontreated sample. This suggests that a reoptimization of the CdS thickness for a given Cu2ZnSnS4 surface treatment is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic properties of TiO[sub 2] and electrochemically Li-inserted TiO[sub 2] have been studied using synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in conjunction with resonant photoelectron spectroscopy. Core level (Ti 2p) and valence level spectra show the presence of Ti[sup 3+] states in Li[sub x]TiO[sub 2]. The x values determined from core level peak intensities were found to be directly correlated to the inserted amount of Li[sup +] determined electrochemically. The x-dependent width of the Ti 2p peaks is consistent with a two-phase regime at intermediate x values. Resonant photoelectron spectroscopy at the Ti 2p edge was performed for TiO[sub 2] and Li[sub 0.5]TiO[sub 2] to delineate the Ti[sup 4+] and Ti[sup 3+] contributions to the XAS spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on properties of BaTiO3 thin films where the bandgap is tuned via aliovalent doping of Mn and Nb ions co-doped at the Ti site. The doped films show single-phase tetragonal structure, growing epitaxially with a smooth interface to the substrate. Using piezoforce microscopy, we find that both doped and undoped films exhibit good ferroelectric response. The piezoelectric domain switching in the films was confirmed by measuring local hysteresis of the polarization at several different areas across the thin films, demonstrating a switchable ferroelectric state. The doping of the BaTiO3 also reduces the bandgap of the material from 3.2 eV for BaTiO3 to nearly 2.7 eV for the 7.5% doped sample, suggesting the viability of the films for effective light harvesting in the visible spectrum. The results demonstrate co-doping as an effective strategy for bandgap engineering and a guide for the realization of visible-light applications using its ferroelectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead halide perovskite solar cells with multi-cation/mixed halide materials now give power conversion efficiencies of more than 20%. The stability of these mixed materials has been significantly improved through the addition of Cs+ compared to the original methylammonium lead iodide. However, it remains one of the most significant challenges for commercialisation. In this study, we use photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) in combination with visible laser illumination to study the photo-stability of perovskite films with different compositions. These include Br : I ratios of 50 : 50 and 17 : 83 and compositions with and without Cs+. For the samples without Cs and the 50 : 50 samples, we found that the surface was enriched in Br and depleted in I during illumination and that some of the perovskite decomposed into Pb0, organic halide salts, and iodine. After illumination, both of these reactions were partially reversible. Furthermore, the surfaces of the films were enriched in organic halide salts indicating that the cations were not degraded into volatile products. With the addition of Cs+ to the samples, photo-induced changes were significantly suppressed for a 50 : 50 bromide to iodide ratio and completely suppressed for perovskites with a 17 : 83 ratio at light intensities exceeding 1 sun equivalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth halide compounds as a non-toxic alternative are increasingly investigated because of their potential in optoelectronic devices and their rich structural chemistry. Hard X-ray spectroscopy was applied to the ternary bismuth halide Cs3Bi2I9 and its related precursors BiI3 and CsI to understand its electronic structure at an atomic level. We specifically investigated the core levels and valence band using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (PES), high-resolution X-ray absorption (HERFD-XAS), and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) to get insight into the chemistry and the band edge properties of the two bismuth compounds. Using these element specific X-ray techniques, our experimental electronic structures show that the primary differences between the two bismuth samples are the position of the iodine states in the valence and conduction bands and the degree of hybridization with bismuth lone pair (6s2) states. The crystal structure of the two layered quasi-perovskite compounds plays a minor role in modifying the overall electronic structure, with variations in bismuth lone pair states and iodine band edge states. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations are used to compare with experimental data. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of hard X-ray spectroscopies to identify element specific bulk electronic structures and their use in optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal halide perovskites are of great interest for various high-performance optoelectronic applications. The ability to tune the perovskite bandgap continuously by modifying the chemical composition opens up applications for perovskites as coloured emitters, in building-integrated photovoltaics, and as components of tandem photovoltaics to increase the power conversion efficiency. Nevertheless, performance is limited by non-radiative losses, with luminescence yields in state-of-the-art perovskite solar cells still far from 100 per cent under standard solar illumination conditions. Furthermore, in mixed halide perovskite systems designed for continuous bandgap tunability (bandgaps of approximately 1.7 to 1.9 electronvolts), photoinduced ion segregation leads to bandgap instabilities. Here we demonstrate substantial mitigation of both non-radiative losses and photoinduced ion migration in perovskite films and interfaces by decorating the surfaces and grain boundaries with passivating potassium halide layers. We demonstrate external photoluminescence quantum yields of 66 per cent, which translate to internal yields that exceed 95 per cent. The high luminescence yields are achieved while maintaining high mobilities of more than 40 square centimetres per volt per second, providing the elusive combination of both high luminescence and excellent charge transport. When interfaced with electrodes in a solar cell device stack, the external luminescence yield-a quantity that must be maximized to obtain high efficiency-remains as high as 15 per cent, indicating very clean interfaces. We also demonstrate the inhibition of transient photoinduced ion-migration processes across a wide range of mixed halide perovskite bandgaps in materials that exhibit bandgap instabilities when unpassivated. We validate these results in fully operating solar cells. Our work represents an important advance in the construction of tunable metal halide perovskite films and interfaces that can approach the efficiency limits in tandem solar cells, coloured-light-emitting diodes and other optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Solution‐processed colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells harvesting the infrared part of the solar spectrum are especially interesting for future use in semitransparent windows or multilayer solar cells. To improve the device power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of the solar cells, surface passivation of the quantum dots is vital in the research of CQD solar cells. Herein, inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite (CsPbI3‐P) coating on PbS CQDs with a low‐temperature, solution‐processed approach is reported. The PbS CQD solar cell with CsPbI3‐P coating gives a high PCE of 10.5% and exhibits remarkable stability both under long‐term constant illumination and storage under ambient conditions. Detailed characterization and analysis reveal improved passivation of the PbS CQDs with the CsPbI3‐P coating, and the results suggest that the lattice coherence between CsPbI3‐P and PbS results in epitaxial induced growth of the CsPbI3‐P coating. The improved passivation significantly diminishes the sub‐bandgap trap‐state assisted recombination, leading to improved charge collection and therefore higher photovoltaic performance. This work therefore provides important insight to improve the CQD passivation by coating with an inorganic perovskite ligand for photovoltaics or other optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the significant role of synthetic routes and the importance of solvents in the synthesis of organic–inorganic lead iodide materials. Through one route, the intercalation of dimethylformamide in the crystal structure was observed leading to a one--dimensional (1D) [NH3(CH2)4NH3]Pb2I6 structure of the product. This product was compared with the two-dimensional (2D) [NH3(CH2)4NH3]PbI4 recovered from aqueous solvent based synthesis with the same precursors. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy showed a red-shift of 0.1 eV for the band gap of the 1D network in relation to the 2D system. This shift primarily originates from a shift in the valence band edge as determined from photoelectron- and X-ray spectroscopy results. These findings also suggest the iodide 5p orbital as the principal component in the density of states in the valence band edge. Single crystal data show a change in the local coordination around iodide, while in both materials, lead atoms are surrounded by iodide atoms in octahedral units. The conductivity of the one-dimensional material ([NH3(CH2)4NH3]Pb2I6) was 50% of the two-dimensional material ([NH3(CH2)4NH3]PbI4). The fabricated solar cells reflect these changes in the chemical and electronic structure of both materials, although the total light conversion efficiencies of solar cells based on both products were similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A covalently linked organic dye-cobaloxime catalyst system based on mesoporous NiO is synthesized by a facile click reaction for mechanistic studies and application in a dye-sensitized solar fuel device. The system is systematically investigated by photoelectrochemical measurements, density functional theory, time-resolved fluorescence, transient absorption spectroscopy, and photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that irradiation of the dye-catalyst on NiO leads to ultrafast hole injection into NiO from the excited dye, followed by a fast electron transfer process to reduce the catalyst. Moreover, the dye adopts different structures with different excited state energies, and excitation energy transfer occurs between neighboring molecules on the semiconductor surface. The photoelectrochemical experiments also show hydrogen production by this system. The axial chloride ligands of the catalyst are released during photocatalysis to create the active sites for proton reduction. A working mechanism of the dye-catalyst system on the photocathode is proposed on the basis of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Means to measure the temporal evolution following a photo-excitation in conjugated polymers are a key for the understanding and optimization of their function in applications such as organic solar cells. In this paper we study the electronic structure dynamics by direct pump–probe measurements of the excited electrons in such materials. Specifically, we carried out a time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (TRPES) study of the polymer PCPDTBT by combining an extreme ultraviolet (XUV) high harmonic generation source with a time-of-flight spectrometer. After excitation to either the 1st excited state or to a higher excited state, we follow how the electronic structure develops and relaxes on the electron binding energy scale. Specifically, we follow a less than 50 fs relaxation of the higher exited state and a 10 times slower relaxation of the 1st excited state. We corroborate the results using DFT calculations. Our study demonstrates the power of TRPES for studying photo-excited electron energetics and dynamics of solar cell materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni‐nanocarbon‐based hybrid materials are prepared by a two‐step simple synthetic route and investigated as an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst, exhibiting low overpotential, small Tafel slope 32 mV dec–1 and a high turnover frequency ≈16 s−1 based on the Ni metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degradation of the materials in dye-sensitized solar cells at elevated temperatures is critical for use in real applications. Both during fabrication of the solar cell and under real working conditions the solar cells will be exposed to heat. In this work, mesoporous TiO2 electrodes sensitized with the dyes D35 and K77 were subject to heat-treatment and the effects of this were thereafter investigated by photoelectron spectroscopy. For D35 it was found that heat-treatment changes the binding configuration inducing an increased interaction between the sulfur of the linker unit and the TiO2 surface. The interaction resulting from the change in binding configuration also affects the position of the HOMO level, where a shift of +0.2 eV is observed when heated to 200 °C. For K77, parts of the thiocyanate units are detached and the nitrogen atom leaves the electrode whereas sulfur remains on the surface in various forms of sulfurous oxides. The total dye coverage of K77 gets reduced by heat-treatment. The HOMO level gets progressively less pronounced due to a loss of HOMO level electrons as a consequence of the lower dye coverage when heat-treated, which leads to a lower excitation rate and lower efficiency. The results are discussed in the context of performance for dye-sensitized solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye-sensitized interfaces in photocatalytic and solar cells systems are significantly affected by the choice of electrolyte solvent. In the present work, the interface between the hydrophobic Ru-complex Z907, a commonly used dye in molecular solar cells, and TiO was investigated with ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-PES) to study the effect of water atmosphere on the chemical and electronic structure of the dye/TiO interface. Both laboratory-based Al Κα as well as synchrotron-based ambient pressure measurements using hard X-ray (AP-HAXPES) were used. AP-HAXPES data were collected at pressures of up to 25 mbar (i.e., the vapor pressure of water at room temperature) showing the presence of an adsorbed water overlayer on the sample surface. Adopting a quantitative AP-HAXPES analysis methodology indicates a stable stoichiometry in the presence of the water atmosphere. However, solvation effects due to the presence of water were observed both in the valence band region and for the S 1s core level and the results were compared with DFT calculations of the dye-water complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solvation of the ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine) ion ([Ru(bpy)3]2+) is investigated with molecular dynamics simulations of lithium halide solutions in polar solvents. The anion distribution around the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complex exhibits a strong solvent dependence. In aqueous solution, the iodide ion forms a solvent shared complex with [Ru(bpy)3]2+, but not in the other solvents. Between Cl- and [Ru(bpy)3]2+, the strong hydration of the chloride ion results in a solvent separated complex where more than one solvent molecule separates the anion from the metal center. Hence, tailored solvation properties in electrolytes is a route to influence ion-ion interactions and related electron transfer processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) from its precursors is probably the most significant step in the control of the quality of this semiconductor perovskite material, which is highly promising for photovoltaic applications. Here we investigated the transformation of spin coated PbI2 films to MAPbI3 using a reaction with MAI in vapor phase, referred to as vapor assisted solution process (VASP). The presence of a mesoporous TiO2 scaffold on the substrate was found to speed up reaction and led to complete conversion of PbI2, while reaction on glass substrates was slower, with some PbI2 remaining even after prolonged reaction time. Based on data from UV-visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the formation of an X-ray amorphous intermediate phase is proposed, which is identified by an increasing absorption from 650 to 500 nm in the absorption spectrum. This feature disappears upon long reaction times for films on planar substrates, but persists for films on mesoporous TiO2. Poor solar cell performance of planar VASP prepared devices was ascribed to PbI2 remaining in the film, forming a barrier between the perovskite layer and the compact TiO2/FTO contact. Good performance, with efficiencies up to 13.3%, was obtained for VASP prepared devices on mesoporous TiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of alkoxy chain length in triarylamine based donor–acceptor organic dyes are investigated with respect to the electronic and molecular surface structures on the performance of solar cells and the electron lifetime. The dyes were investigated when adsorbed on TiO2 in a configuration that can be used for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Specifically, the two dyes D35 and D45 were compared using photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The differences in solar cell characteristics when longer alkoxy chains are introduced in the dye donor unit are attributed to geometrical changes in dye packing while only minor differences were observed in the electronic structure. A higher dye load was observed for D45 on TiO2. However, D35 based solar cells result in higher photocurrent although the dye load is lower. This is explained by different geometrical structures of the dyes on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cathode material P2-Na xCo2/3Mn2/9Ni1/9O2, which could be used in Na-ion batteries, was investigated through synchrotron-based hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). Nondestructive analysis was made through the electrode/electrolyte interface of the first electrochemical cycle to ensure access to information not only on the active material, but also on the passivation layer formed at the electrode surface and referred to as the solid permeable interface (SPI). This investigation clearly shows the role of the SPI and the complexity of the redox reactions. Cobalt, nickel, and manganese are all electrochemically active upon cycling between 4.5 and 2.0 V; all are in the 4+ state at the end of charging. Reduction to Co3+, Ni3+, and Mn3+ occurs upon discharging and, at low potential, there is partial reversible reduction to Co2+ and Ni2+. A thin layer of Na2CO3 and NaF covers the pristine electrode and reversible dissolution/reformation of these compounds is observed during the first cycle. The salt degradation products in the SPI show a dependence on potential. Phosphates mainly form at the end of the charging cycle (4.5 V), whereas fluorophosphates are produced at the end of discharging (2.0 V). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid (organic–inorganic) lead trihalide perovskites have attracted much attention in recent years due to their exceptionally promising potential for application in solar cells. Here a controlled one-step method is presented where PbCl2 is combined with three equivalents methylammonium halide (MAX, with X = I and/or Br) in polar solvents to form MAPb(I1−xBrx)3 perovskite films upon annealing in air at 145 °C. The procedure allows for a linear increment of the semiconductor bandgap from 1.60 eV to 2.33 eV by increasing the Br content. A transition from a tetragonal to a cubic structure is found when the Br fraction is larger than 0.3. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations shows that the increase of Br content is accompanied by a shift of the valence band edge to lower energy. Simultaneously, the conduction band moves to higher energy, but this shift is less pronounced. Time-resolved single-photon counting experiments of the perovskite materials on mesoporous TiO2 show faster decay kinetics for Br containing perovskites, indicative of improved electron injection into TiO2. Interestingly, kinetics of MAPbI2.7Br0.3Cly on TiO2 scaffold became faster after prolonged excitation during the measurement. In solar cell devices, MAPbI2.7Br0.3Cly yielded best performance, giving more than 14% power conversion efficiency when used in combination with an n-type contact consisting of fluorine-doped tinoxide glass coated with dense TiO2 and a mesoporous Al2O3 scaffold, and a p-type contact, spiro-MeOTAD/Ag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple strategy to immobilize highly efficient ruthenium based molecular water-oxidation catalysts on the basal-plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (BPG) by polymerization has been demonstrated. The electrode 1@BPG has obtained a high initial turnover frequency (TOF) of 10.47 s−1 at ∼700 mV overpotential, and a high turnover number (TON) up to 31600 in 1 h electrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a methodology for a direct investigation of the solid/liquid interface using high pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HPXPS). The technique was demonstrated with an electrochemical system represented by a Li-ion battery using a silicon electrode and a liquid electrolyte of LiClO4 in propylene carbonate (PC) cycled versus metallic lithium. For the first time the presence of a liquid electrolyte was realized using a transfer procedure where the sample was introduced into a 2 mbar N2 environment in the analysis chamber without an intermediate ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) step in the load lock. The procedure was characterized in detail concerning lateral drop gradients as well as stability of measurement conditions over time. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements demonstrate that the solid substrate and the liquid electrolyte can be observed simultaneously. The results show that the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) composition for the wet electrode is stable within the probing time and generally agrees well with traditional UHV studies. Since the methodology can easily be adjusted to various high pressure photoelectron spectroscopy systems, extending the approach towards operando solid/liquid interface studies using liquid electrolytes seems now feasible [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipicolinic acid was investigated as a new anchoring group for DSSCs. A pilot dye (PD2) bearing this new anchoring group was found to adsorb significantly stronger to TiO2 than its cyanoacrylic acid analogue. The electrolyte composition was found to have a strong effect on the photoelectrochemical properties of the adsorbed dye in the device, allowing the dye LUMO energy to be tuned by 0.5 eV. Using a pyridine-free electrolyte, panchromatic absorption of the dye on TiO2 extending to 900 nm has been achieved. Solar cells using PD2 and a Co(bpy)3 based electrolyte showed unique stability under simulated sunlight and elevated temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the solvation of LiI3 in four different solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, and acetonitrile) are employed to investigate the molecular and electronic structure of the I3- ion in relation to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Simulations show that hydrogen-bond rearrangement in the solvation shell is coupled to intramolecular bond-length asymmetry in the I3- ion. By a combination of charge analysis and I 4d core-level XPS measurements, the mechanism of the solvent- induced distortions has been studied, and it has been concluded that charge localization mediates intermolecular interactions and intramolecular distortion. The approach involving a synergistic combination of theory and experiment probes the solvent-dependent structure of the I3- ion, and the geometric structure has been correlated with the electronic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor sensitized solar cell interfaces have been studied with photoelectron spectroscopy to understand the interfacial electronic structures. In particular, the experimental energy level alignment has been determined for complete TiO2/metal sulfide/polymer interfaces. For the metal sulfides CdS, Sb2S3 and Bi2S3 deposited from single source metal xanthate precursors, it was shown that both driving forces for electron injection into TiO2 and hole transfer to the polymer decrease for narrower bandgaps. The energy level alignment results were used in the discussion of the function of solar cells with the same metal sulfides as light absorbers. For example Sb2S3 showed the most favourable energy level alignment with 0.3 eV driving force for electron injection and 0.4 eV driving force for hole transfer and also the most efficient solar cells due to high photocurrent generation. The energy level alignment of the TiO2/Bi2S3 interface on the other hand showed no driving force for electron injection to TiO2, and the performance of the corresponding solar cell was very low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-pressure photoelectron spectroscopy is a rapidly developing technique with applications in a wide range of fields ranging from fundamental surface science and catalysis to energy materials, environmental science, and biology. At present the majority of the high-pressure photoelectron spectrometers are situated at synchrotron end stations, but recently a small number of laboratory-based setups have also emerged. In this paper we discuss the design and performance of a new laboratory based high pressure photoelectron spectrometer equipped with an Al Kα X-ray anode and a hemispherical electron energy analyzer combined with a differentially pumped electrostatic lens. The instrument is demonstrated to be capable of measuring core level spectra at pressures up to 30 mbar. Moreover, valence band spectra of a silver sample as well as a carbon-coated surface (graphene) recorded under a 2 mbar nitrogen atmosphere are presented, demonstrating the versatility of this laboratory-based spectrometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supramolecular interactions based on porphyrin and fullerene derivatives were successfully adopted to improve the photovoltaic performance of p-type dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) measurements suggest a change in binding configuration of ZnTCPP after co-sensitization with C60PPy, which could be ascribed to supramolecular interaction between ZnTCPP and C60PPy. The performance of the ZnTCPP/C60PPy-based p-type DSC has been increased by a factor of 4 in comparison with the DSC with the ZnTCPP alone. At 560 nm, the IPCE value of DSCs based on ZnTCPP/ C60PPy was a factor of 10 greater than that generated by ZnTCPP-based DSCs. The influence of different electrolytes on charge extraction and electron lifetime was investigated and showed that the enhanced Voc from the Co2+/3+(dtbp)3-based device is due to the positive EF shift of NiO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular and electronic structures of aqueous I3− and I− ions have been investigated through ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and photoelectron (PE) spectroscopy of the iodine 4d core levels. Against the background of the theoretical simulations, data from our I4d PE measurements are shown to contain evidence of coupled solute–solvent dynamics. The MD simulations reveal large amplitude fluctuations in the I–I distances, which couple to the collective rearrangement of the hydrogen bonding network around the I3− ion. Due to the high polarizability of the I3− ion, the asymmetric I–I vibration reaches partially dissociated configurations, for which the electronic structure resembles that of I2 + I−. The charge localization in the I3− ion is found to be moderated by hydrogen-bonding. As seen in the PE spectrum, these soft molecular vibrations are important for the electronic properties of the I3− ion in solution and may play an important role in its electrochemical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strukturierte Absorber: Mesoporöse Filme aus hoch kristallinem Sb2S3 werden durch das Aufstreichen und Tempern einer Vorläufer ‐ Paste erhalten. Hierbei kann die Porengröße durch die Wahl der Temperatur gesteuert werden. Eine große Oberfläche ermöglicht wiederum einen effizienten Ladungstransfer zu einem polymeren Lochakzeptor, weshalb solche Filme die Basis neuer organisch ‐ anorganischer Hybrid ‐ Photovoltaiksysteme bilden könnten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structured absorbers: Mesoporous films of highly crystalline Sb2S3 are prepared from a doctor‐bladed precursor paste that is thermally annealed. This facile and versatile processing route allows for control of the pore size through variation of the annealing temperature. The resulting high surface area allows for efficient charge transfer to a polymeric hole acceptor; hence, such films could form the basis of a novel hybrid organic–inorganic photovoltaic device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel light chopper system for fast timing experiments in the vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) and x-ray spectral region has been developed. It can be phase-locked and synchronized with a synchrotron radiation storage ring, accommodating repetition rates in the range of ∼8 to ∼120 kHz by choosing different sets of apertures and subharmonics of the ring frequency (MHz range). Also the opening time of the system can be varied from some nanoseconds to several microseconds to meet the needs of a broad range of applications. Adjusting these parameters, the device can be used either for the generation of single light pulses or pulse packages from a microwave driven, continuous He gas discharge lamp or from storage rings which are otherwise often considered as quasi-continuous light sources. This chopper can be utilized for many different kinds of experiments enabling, for example, unambiguous time-of-flight (TOF) multi-electron coincidence studies of atoms and molecules excited by a single light pulse as well as time-resolved visible laser pump x-ray probe electron spectroscopy of condensed matter in the valence and core level region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy loss in dye-sensitized solar cells calculated from the energy difference between the lowest electronic transition of the dye and the obtained open-circuit voltage is often 1 eV or even more. To minimize this loss, it is important to accurately determine the energy alignment at the TiO2/dye/redox-mediator interface. In this study, we compared the results from electrochemistry and photoelectron spectroscopy for determining the energy alignment of three rylene dyes, two of which absorb relatively far in the red. The trends observed with the methods were different, as in the former, the energy alignment is measured relative to an external reference and includes contributions from solvent reorganization energies, while in the latter, it is measured relative to the energetics of the TiO2and is lacking such contributions. The influence of the dyes' dipole moments on the energetics of the TiO2was also measured and explained some of the differences in trends. Finally, we compared the injection efficiencies of the two red-absorbing dyes and found that the differences in injection efficiencies can be better explained using the energy alignment determined from photoelectron spectroscopy. This shows that the method for measuring the energetics of a DSC should be chosen according to what process one intends to study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]