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Lead-free Cs3Cu2I5 metal halides have garnered significant attention recently due to their non-toxic properties and deep-blue emission. However, their relatively low photoluminescence quantum efficiency and poor stability have limited their applications. In this work, sodium iodide (NaI) is used to facilitate the synthesis of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals (NCs), demonstrating improved photoluminescence intensity, photoluminescence quantum yield, and stability. Systematic optoelectronic characterizations confirm that Na+ is successfully incorporated into the Cs3Cu2I5 lattice without altering its crystal structure. The improved Photoluminescence Quantum Yield (PLQY) and stability are attributed to the strengthened chemical bonding, which effectively suppresses vacancy defects in the lattice. Additionally, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on 10% NaI-doped Cs3Cu2I5 NCs were assembled, emitting vibrant blue light with a maximum radiant intensity of 82 lux and Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates of (0.15, 0.1). This work opens new possibilities for commercial lighting display applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protein-protein interaction between menin and mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) plays a critical role in acute leukemias with translocations of the MLL1 gene or with mutations in the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene. As a step toward clinical translation of menin-MLL1 inhibitors, we report development of MI-3454, a highly potent and orally bioavailable inhibitor of the menin-MLL1 interaction. MI-3454 profoundly inhibited proliferation and induced differentiation in acute leukemia cells and primary patient samples with MLL1 translocations or NPM1 mutations. When applied as a single agent, MI-3454 induced complete remission or regression of leukemia in mouse models of MLLI-rearranged or NPMI-mutated leukemia, including patient-derived xenograft models, through downregulation of key genes involved in leukemogenesis. We also identified MEIS1 as a potential pharmacodynamic biomarker of treatment response with MI-3454 in leukemia, and demonstrated that this compound is well tolerated and did not impair normal hematopoiesis in mice. Overall, this study demonstrates, for the first time to our knowledge, profound activity of the menin-MLL1 inhibitor as a single agent in clinically relevant PDX models of leukemia. These data provide a strong rationale for clinical translation of MI-3454 or its analogs for leukemia patients with MLL1 rearrangements or NPM1 mutations., Introduction The development of acute leukemia is associated with heterogeneous genetic and epigenetic alterations (1, 2), making it difficult to identify new effective therapies for leukemia patients. Despite these challenges, [...]

Trap-assisted non-radiative recombination is one of the main energy loss pathways in metal halide perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). Here in this work, oxygen-doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4-O) is introduced into the commonly used SnO2 electron transport layer (ETL) as an additive to engineer the traps at the ETL/perovskite interface. The interaction between g-C3N4-O and SnO2 could effectively and simultaneously mitigate the uncoordinated Sn dangling bonds and the –OH groups, which are the two dominant deep-traps at the ETL/perovskite interface. Trap-engineered PVSCs show optimized electrical properties with matched energy band alignment, improved electron transport and extended carrier lifetime. As a result, binary PVSCs modified with g-C3N4-O achieve a champion power conversion efficiency of over 21% and demonstrate high environmental stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The goal of this study was to develop an imaging probe—IRDye-680RD-OX40 mAb—that can be used for noninvasive imaging and optical imaging of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OX40/OX40 ligand (OX40L) interactions have been shown to exert potent costimulatory effects on T cell activation. Detectable change in T cell activation profiles was observed in early RA. Methods: OX40 expression pattern was analyzed by flow cytometry. N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters are used to label proteins selectively on free amino groups of OX40 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Characterization of IRDye-680RD-OX40 mAb was measured and a fluorescence spectrum gathered. Cell binding assay was also performed between activated and naïve murine T cells. Longitudinal near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging of the probe was performed on day 8, day 9, day 10, and day 11 of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) mouse model. Paw thickness and body weight were compared between the OX40 mAb and IgG injection groups. Results: NIRF imaging with IRDye-680RD-OX40 mAb revealed strong OX40-positive responses with high specificity. Flow analysis showed that OX40 was specifically expressed on the surface of T cells in RP and spleen of AIA model. The AIA group was significantly differentiated from the control group at all time points with imaging monitoring. The region of interest (ROI) was in line with ex vivo imaging and biodistribution study. This study highlights the potential utility of the OX40 NIRF imaging as a new strategy for RA prediction and T cell monitoring. Conclusion: The results provide evidence that IRDye-680RD-OX40 mAb detects organized T cells activation in early RA. The optical probe was capable of detection of RA pathogenesis. It identified transcriptional responses to RA that mediate its immune functions. Thus, it may be an ideal probe for RA imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dots have received much attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and diverse applications in bioimaging, optoelectronic devices, catalysis, and agriculture. Here, in this work, we report a simple hydrothermal synthesis of nitrogen and phosphorus−doped carbon dots (N, P−CDs). The optical and physical properties of the synthesized N, P−CDs are analyzed using systematical spectroscopy and electrical characterization. The synthesized N, P−CDs show strong photoluminescence at 626 nm and demonstrate high stability under UV light and other conditions. Moreover, we incorporate the synthesized N, P−CDs into water spinach by root spraying and leaf spraying. It is found that N, P−CDs could effectively promote the growth of water spinach by accelerating the photosynthetic rate, and increasing the content of total phenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids in water spinach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead halide perovskite has become a promising candidate for high-performance photodetectors (PDs) due to its attractive optical and electrical properties, such as high optical absorption coefficient, high carrier mobility, and long carrier diffusion length. However, the presence of highly toxic lead in these devices has limited their practical applications and even hindered their progress toward commercialization. Therefore, the scientific community has been committed to searching for low-toxic and stable perovskite-type alternative materials. Lead-free double perovskite, which is still in the preliminary stage of exploration, has achieved inspiring results in recent years. In this review, we mainly focus on two types of lead-free double perovskite based on different Pb substitution strategies, including A2M(I)M(III)X6 and A2M(IV)X6. We review the research progress and prospects of lead-free double perovskite photodetectors in the past three years. More importantly, from the perspective of optimizing the inherent defects in materials and improving device performance, we propose some feasible pathways and make an encouraging perspective for the future development of lead-free double perovskite photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truck-wash facilities have become popularized globally on construction sites, and the wastewater was frequently treated by three-stage sedimentation basins. The wastewater and bacterial characteristics in three-stage sedimentation basins need to be studied, which might affect the treatment cost and reuse security. In this study, the wastewater characteristics, bacterial communities, and pathogenic bacteria distribution of three-stage sedimentation basins on four construction sites were investigated. Results indicated that truck-wash wastewater contained a high concentration of suspended solids (29–211 mg/L) and bacteria (4.2×103 to 2.7×104 colony forming units/mL). Proteobacteria (mean at 72.3%), Firmicutes (mean at 11.3%), and Bacteroidetes (mean at 10.6%) were the predominant bacterial phyla and Acinetobacter (mean at 18.4%), Chryseomicrobium (mean at 6.3%), and Paracoccus (mean at 6.1%) were the predominant bacterial genera. Truck-wash wastewater contained pathogenic bacteria, identified by the Illumina sequencing method. Acinetobacter, Shigella, or Escherichia (about 0.2%) and Legionella (about 0.2%) were the main pathogenic bacteria and Legionella should be a concern due to the wastewater reuse method. Traditional three-stage sedimentation basins should be simplified and further improved because of the lower suspended solids or pathogenic bacteria removal effect. The practical technology for suspended solids and pathogenic bacteria control in truck-wash wastewater should be further studied, and disinfection facilities should be applied to protect construction workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cs2AgBiBr6, as a benchmark lead‐free double perovskite, has emerged as a promising alternative to lead‐based perovskites because of its high stability, non‐toxicity, exceptional optoelectronic properties, and multifunctionality. To encourage further research on Cs2AgBiBr6 and its broad applications, in this review, its fundamental properties including the structure‐property relation, synthesis, stability, origin of absorption and photoluminescence, electron‐phonon coupling, role of defects, charge carrier dynamics, and bandgap modulation are comprehensively emphasized. The recent progress on the wide applications including solar cells, light/X‐ray detectors, and ferroelectric/magnetic devices are highlighted. Moreover, the challenges of Cs2AgBiBr6 materials and related applications are discussed and perspectives are provided for guiding the future development of this research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a widespread autoimmune disorder of the joints. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to participate in the pathogenesis of RA by serving as competitive endogenous RNAs. LncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) is involved in the development of various diseases. Here, we found that high expression of SNHG14 in RA was closely related to the disease activity. Functional assays indicated that SNHG14 knockdown obviously hampered phorbol myristate acetate‐activated THP‐1 (pTHP‐1) cell proliferation and proinflammatory cytokines production. In mechanism, SNHG14 served as a sponge of microRNA‐17‐5p (miR‐17‐5p), and misshapen like kinase 1 (MINK1) was a target of miR‐17‐5p. SNHG14 depletion‐induced inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and inflammatory response were reversed by MINK1 overexpression in macrophages. Moreover, SNHG14 promoted the jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling via the miR‐17‐5p/MINK1 axis. Overall, SNHG14 boosted the process of RA by MINK1 activating the JNK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel oxide (NiOx) is desirable hole selective material (HSMs) for perovskite photovoltaics because of the characteristic in stability and low cost. However, they deliver limited open‐circuit voltage (VOC) compared to some organic HSMs. As it is known, the performance of perovskite solar cells is predominantly limited by trap‐assisted non‐radiative recombination at the perovskite/hole‐selective layer interfaces. A typical lithium‐doping strategy leads to the valence‐band maximum shift and the electronic levels of NiOx can be tuned robustly to match perovskite active layer in perovskite solar cells. More critically, carrier dynamics studies demonstrate another critical PN4N interlayer strategy reduced interfacial density of defect sites and trap‐assisted recombination. These merits contribute coordinately to lower energy loss across the perovskite/NiOx interface and facilitate charge transport process through the relevant interface, yielding VOC values increase to 1.14 V and power conversion efficiencies over 20%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin (Sn) is a potential replacement for lead in organic–inorganic perovskite solar cell (PVSC) technology due to the attractive optoelectronic properties of Sn-perovskites. However, the poor stability of Sn2+ ions is still the main hindrance for achieving highly stable and efficient Sn-based PVSCs. In this work, anilinium hypophosphite (AHP) is introduced as a co-additive into a Sn-absorber perovskite precursor containing the tin fluoride (SnF2) additive. The incorporation of the AHP additive not only prohibits the phase separation of SnF2 but also passivates the perovskite films and finally results in absorbers with superior structural and optoelectronic properties. The underlying reason is related to the formation of a double-salt complex (Sn(H2PO2)2·SnF2) through the interaction between AHP and SnF2. The high quality of the absorber film induced by AHP delivers an improved device power conversion efficiency (PCE) with a higher open-circuit voltage than those without the AHP additive. More importantly, the device with the AHP additive can retain up to 97% of its PCE after 30 days of storage in a glovebox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ITIC-type non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) have attracted substantial attention in organic photovoltaics due to their advantages over fullerene derivative molecules. Briefly, the strengthened absorption coefficient, broadened spectral photoresponse, efficient exciton dissociation as well as tunable energy levels of ITIC-NFAs make them competitive components for organic optoelectronics. Here, a high-performance organic phototransistor is displayed using a simple bi-layer heterojunction of pentacene and ITIC. As a high performing semiconductor, pentacene serves as the p-type channel to transport the photo-generated carriers. Meanwhile, the representative NFA molecule, ITIC, is first applied in the organic heterojunction phototransistors (OHPTs) to improve the light detection range by extending the absorption into NIR and to enhance the light detection limit (0.3 μW cm−2). The maximum values of photoresponsivity (R), Iphoto/Idark ratio and external quantum efficiency (EQE) are up to 1.0 × 105 A W−1, 4.7 × 105 and 2.0 × 105%, respectively. The overall performances of our device are among the highest values in all-organic thin-film heterojunction phototransistors. These results demonstrate that ITIC-type NFAs could be highly efficient alternative acceptors for high-performance OHPTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) mostly arises from progressive accumulation of somatic mutations within cells. Most commonly mutated genes like TP53, APC and KRAS can promote survival and proliferation of cancer cells. Although the molecular alterations and landscape of some specific mutations in CRC are well known, the presence of a somatic mutation signature related to genomic regions and epigenetic markers remain unclear. To find the signatures from a random distribution of somatic mutations in CRCs, we carried out enrichment analysis in different genomic regions and identified peaks of epigenetic markers. We validated that the mutation frequency in miRNA is dramatically higher than in flanking genomic regions. Moreover, we observed that somatic mutations in CRC and colon cancer cell lines are significantly enriched in CTCF binding sites. We also found these mutations are enriched for H3K27me3 in both normal sigmoid colon and colon cancer cell lines. Taken together, our findings suggest that there are some common somatic mutations signatures which provide new directions to study CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin oxide (SnO2) offers its advantages in widespread applications that require efficient carrier transport. However, the usages of SnO2 in organic solar cells are hindered because of dangling bonds on the surface of SnO2. Herein, PFN‐Br as an interfacial layer to tailor the work function of SnO2 is adopted, making it an ideal candidate for interfacial material in organic electronics. Meanwhile, such an efficient SnO2/PFN‐Br electron transport layer (ETL) can also be applied to perovskite devices and achieve competitive efficiency. To eliminate current–voltage hysteresis and improve poor thermodynamic stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), 5 mol% of guanidinium iodide (GAI) into the (MA)x(FA)1 − xPbI3 precursor solution is incorporated, enabling the formation of triple‐cation perovskite films with excellent optoelectronic quality and stability. The combination of an SnO2/PFN‐Br ETL and GAI doping strategy finally delivers power conversion efficiencies over 21% and negligible current–voltage hysteresis in planar PSCs. These improvements arise from the strong hydrogen bonding caused by the incorporation of GA+. It can stiffen the inorganic Pb–I lattice of the unit cell and restrain the formation of iodine vacancies defects. Moreover, the strong hydrogen bonding can immobilize iodide ion and thus enhance the thermal stability of the corresponding device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is important to patient management. Blood biochemical indexes are commonly assessed but are both time demanding and traumatizing. In this study, a noninvasive and real‐time spatial‐spectral data tool was used to monitor SLE patients through rash spectral data. To build the relationship between the rash spectrum changes and changes in the patients' status, a snapshot hyperspectral Fourier transform imaging spectrometer was built to monitor the rash reflectance changes of hospitalized SLE patients. A simple rash activity index (RAI) which was normally distributed with the doctor's visual rating of rash severity was calculated from hyperspectral images. The sensitivity of the change in RAI is higher than complement 3/4 levels. RAI and anti‐dsDNA antibodies both decreased as the patients recovered. Anti‐dsDNA and complement 3/4 were important indicators of SLE activity suggesting that the RAI directly correlated with patient status. The snapshot spectrometer therefore provides an auxiliary method to monitor SLE disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel oxide (NiOx) as a hole-transporting layer (HTL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been studied extensively in recent years. However, unlike the solution-processed NiOx films, magnetron sputtered NiOx exhibits relatively low conductivity and imperfect band alignment with perovskites, severely limiting the device performance of PSCs. In this study, a synergistically combined strategy consisting of triple interface treatments – including post-annealing, O2-plasma, and potassium chloride treatments – is employed to modulate the optoelectronic properties of the sputtered NiOx films. Through this approach, we successfully obtained NiOx films with increased carrier density and conductivity, better energy level alignment with the perovskite absorber layer, reduced interface trap density, and improved interfacial charge extraction. PSCs using this modified sputtered NiOx as the HTL deliver a highest stabilized efficiency of 18.7%. Our result offers an alternative method to manipulate sputtered NiOx thin film properties and thereby sheds light on a manufacturing pathway to perovskite solar cells featuring sputtered NiOx HTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sb2S3 solar cells are lagging behind conventional thin-film solar cells such as silicon solar cells and cadmium telluride solar cells in the power conversion efficiency (PCE). One of the most prominent problems is that the carrier concentration of Sb2S3 is relatively low. In order to increase the carrier concentration, elemental Cu was doped into Sb2S3 film by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. We proved that Cu was doped into Sb2S3 films and mainly anchored with sulfur in the form of copper chalcogenide species at the surface and grain boundaries of Sb2S3. The doping of Cu essentially affects the physical and electrical properties of RF-sputtered Sb2S3 films such as the optical band gap, crystallinity, chemical composition, morphology, and carrier concentration. Specially, the electronic carrier concentration is remarkably increased from 6.28 × 109 to 6.06 × 1010 cm−3 and the Fermi level is also significantly uplifted after prudent doping with Cu. Planar solar cells based on RF-sputtered Cu-doped Sb2S3 absorber deliver an increased PCE of 1.13% and show good stability. This research proves that doping of Cu is an alternative and effective way to improve the electronic property of Sb2S3 films and enhance the performance of Sb2S3 solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is one of the foremost threats to female health nowadays. Tamoxifen, an antagonist of estrogen receptor-α (ERα), is the first choice for endocrine-dependent breast cancer (ERα-positive breast cancer) treatment. However, ERα has an important function in the normal physical regulation of estrogen, and current oral administration of tamoxifen has potential side effects on normal endocrine secretion. In the present work, we aim to develop novel approaches to increase the antitumor effect of tamoxifen on breast cancer cells and decrease the potential side effects in the human body during treatment. Methods: A temperature-sensitive phase-change hydrogel for tamoxifen (Tam-Gel) was generated. After establishing subcutaneous tumors formed by MCF-7, an ERα-positive breast cancer cell line, in nude mice, an intratumoral injection of Tam-Gel was performed to examine whether Tam-Gel facilitated the slow-release or antitumor effect of tamoxifen. A metastatic breast cancer model was established using the intrahepatic growth of MCF-7 cells in immunodeficient rats. Results: Tam-Gel can transform from liquid to hydrogel at room temperature. An intratumoral injection of Tam-Gel facilitated the slow-release or antitumor effect of tamoxifen. Once Tam-Gel, but not Tam-Sol, was administered by intratumoral injection, it significantly decreased the uptake of radionuclide probes (18F-fluoroestradiol or 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose) by cells in rats' livers and the intrahepatic growth of MCF-7 cells in rats' livers. Conclusion: A novel slow-release system was successfully prepared to facilitate the long-term release of tamoxifen in breast cancer tissues, and achieved an antitumor effect in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic condition of the joint disease. Chondrocyte is the sole cell type in joint tissues. Senescence of chondrocytes is known to contribute to the causation of osteoarthritis. Local inflammatory cytokines- caused chondrocytes senescence is proposed to be one of the molecular mechanisms of osteoarthritis. In this study, we show that the bile acid receptor GPBAR1 (TGR5), a G protein couples bile acid receptor, plays important roles in protecting chondrocytes from interleukin 1β (IL-1β)- caused senescence. TGR5 is fairly expressed in cultured chondrocytes. Its expression is reduced in isolated chondrocytes from osteoarthritis patients, and IL-1β treatment suppresses TGR5 expression. Activation of TGR5 by its synthetic agonist, INT-777, dramatically reduces senescence associated β galactosidase activity by IL-1β. Mechanistically, the action of INT-777 ameliorates IL-1β- induced chondrocytes entry of G0/G1 arrest phase and exit of S and G2/M phases. INT-777 inhibits IL-1β- induced expression of p21, PAI-1, and K382 acetylation of p53 as well as reduction of Sirt1. The knockdown of TRG5 abolished the protective role of INT-777 on these molecules. Collectively, our data indicates that activation of TGR5 is necessary for protection of IL-1β- induced chondrocytes senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single epitope of Leishmania analog of the receptors for activated C kinase (LACK) from Leishmania major, the polypeptide LACK156–173, is recognized by Vβ4+/Vα8+ T cells, and activate these cells that drives the subsequent T helper (Th)2 response. This study was undertaken to investigate the therapeutic potential of the LACK156–173 epitope in murine autoimmune arthritis models. To explore the influence of the LACK156–173 epitope on murine collagen antibody-induced arthritis, as well as its immunological mechanism, we vaccinated or treated mice with a LACK156–173 epitope expression plasmid or polypeptide. The effect of LACK156–173 epitope was then evaluated by clinical scores, histopathology, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Using flow cytometry, we measured the subsets and maturity of CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs), as well as T cell polarization, in co-culture experiments. We also measured cytokine gene expression and production. The murine macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7 was used to identify the receptor for the epitope. Vaccination or treatment of the mice with the LACK156–173 epitope expression plasmid or polypeptide ameliorated the severity of arthritis. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the LACK156–173 epitope improved the balance of effector T cells in synovial tissue compared to that in untreated arthritis controls. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 expression was diminished by LACK156–173. The epitope also influenced T cell polarization by regulating the differentiation, maturation, and functions of CD11c+ DCs and upregulating Jagged1 ligand expression. Blocking the mannose receptor (MR) significantly attenuated LACK156–173 epitope-induced macrophage activation. Our data indicate that vaccination or treatment with a single microorganism epitope, LACK156–173, is a highly efficient therapy for murine autoimmune arthritis. The therapeutic effects are mediated by the regulation of the differentiation, maturation, and functions of DCs via MR, resulting in the upregulation of Jagged1 expression and Th2 cell polarization. Our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of the LACK156–173 epitope in rheumatoid arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The defects at the surfaces and grain boundaries of organic–inorganic halide perovskite films are detrimental to both the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. Here, we introduce an in situ method with a new nonfullerene small molecule (IT-4F) that can effectively passivate ionic defects of hybrid perovskites with their positively charged components, under-coordinated Pb2+, during the anti-solvent process of perovskite film formation. This efficient defect passivation reduces the charge trap density and increases the carrier recombination lifetime. Furthermore, it reduces the open-circuit-voltage deficit of the p–i–n-structured device, and boosts the efficiency to a value of 18.3%. Moreover, the defect healing also significantly enhances the stability of films under ambient conditions. Our findings provide an avenue for defect passivation to further improve both the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certified power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have increased to an impressive value of 22.1%. The most efficient perovskite solar cells have the n–i–p device architecture and use 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N′-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD) as the hole transport material (HTM). However, there exists microscopic inhomogeneity that is detrimental to the long-term performance of the solar cells, primarily as a result of the hygroscopicity of the lithium bis((trifluomethyl)sulfonyl)amide (LiTFSI) dopant. Here, we report a strategy for reducing heterogeneity by using an organic–inorganic integrated hole transport layer (HTL) composed of the solution-processable conjugated polymer FBT-Th4 and copper oxide (CuxO). The optimized PSCs show significant performance enhancement with power conversion efficiency up to 18.85% from a reverse voltage scan and a stabilized champion efficiency of 18.24% with negligible hysteresis. Moreover, we observe a significant enhancement of the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells under a high humidity of 70–80% in air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the energy loss and retarding the carrier recombination at the interface are crucial to improve the performance of the perovskite solar cell (PSCs). However, little is known about the recombination mechanism at the interface of anode and SnO2 electron transfer layer (ETL). In this work, an ultrathin wide bandgap dielectric MgO nanolayer is incorporated between SnO2:F (FTO) electrode and SnO2 ETL of planar PSCs, realizing enhanced electron transporting and hole blocking properties. With the use of this electrode modifier, a power conversion efficiency of 18.23% is demonstrated, an 11% increment compared with that without MgO modifier. These improvements are attributed to the better properties of MgO‐modified FTO/SnO2 as compared to FTO/SnO2, such as smoother surface, less FTO surface defects due to MgO passivation, and suppressed electron–hole recombinations. Also, MgO nanolayer with lower valance band minimum level played a better role in hole blocking. When FTO is replaced with Sn‐doped In2O3 (ITO), a higher power conversion efficiency of 18.82% is demonstrated. As a result, the device with the MgO hole‐blocking layer exhibits a remarkable improvement of all J–V parameters. This work presents a new direction to improve the performance of the PSCs based on SnO2 ETL by transparent conductive electrode surface modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An organic–inorganic integrated hole transport layer (HTL) composed of a semicrystalline 5,6-difluorobenzothiadiazole based conjugated polymer FBT-TH4 and cuprous oxide (Cu2O) is successfully incorporated into conventional structured organic solar cells (OSCs). The optimized OSCs show a high power conversion efficiency of up to 9.56% and good stability under ambient conditions. The results highlight the potential application of this organic–inorganic integrated HTL in OSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic hole transport materials (HTMs) are being extensively studied as they are promising for efficient and stable organic solar cells (OSCs) and organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells. High mobility, earth-abundant, environmentally stable and nontoxic HTMs are the focus of research. This work demonstrates that highly transparent, high mobility and phase pure Cu2O nano-crystal films are promising HTMs for efficient OSC applications. The Cu2O films are synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering at room temperature. The highest power conversion efficiency of OSCs based on the classical PTB7:PC71BM active layer reaches 8.61% with the Cu2O HTM, which is 15% higher than that of the OSCs with the standard PEDOT:PSS HTM layer. Our study shows that the device based on the Cu2O HTM exhibited better energy level alignment, reduced series resistance and therefore improved charge extraction compared with those based on CuO and PEDOT:PSS HTM layers. The improved photovoltaic performance suggests that Cu2O is a promising HTM for future low temperature roll to roll organic solar cell and even perovskite solar cell fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]