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[Display omitted] • CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite degradation was observed for three days interval until film gets fully degradation. • The Copper iodide (CuI) was employed as hole transport layer for device study. • Phase change, element exclusion, surface changes electrical changes was observed during the degradation. • Degradation based impedance changes observed and discussed. • Degradation behaves differently with device and single layer. Methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI 3) has attracted more attention due to its promising features appropriate for photovoltaic application, although the material still struggles with instability towards environmental factors. Understanding the degradation mechanism in this material is of immense importance in increasing material stability. This work investigated the degradation process of MAPbI 3 perovskite in an ambient atmosphere with controlled humidity for twelve days at three days interval. The crystallographic structural changes were observed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and analyzed with the support of the Rietveld refinement method. The result shows transition from MAPbI 3 Tetragonal to PbI 2 trigonal by removal of CH 3 NH 3 I, which is evident in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) elemental analysis. UV–Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence show changes in the band-gap. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observes morphological changes and impedance spectroscopy studies electrical behavior. Our study explains the MAPbI 3 structural, optical, morphological, thermal, and electrical behavior changes during degradation in different studies; it is beneficial for a deeper understanding of the degradation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper iodide hybrid clusters have attracted lots of interest in solution-processed light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for solid-state lighting and display in recent years, benefiting from their simple synthesis, structural diversity, high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), and non-toxicity. However, most efficient copper iodide cluster LEDs are made by host-guest doped emitters and thus suffer from cumbersome synthesis and increased costs from the expensive hosts. Here, we report a non-doped cluster LED based on a novel copper iodine hybrid [35DPPy] 4 Cu 2 I 2 (35DPPy: 3,5-diphenylpyridine) with high PLQY and decent charge transport characteristic. The non-doped [35DPPy] 4 Cu 2 I 2 film synthesized by a one-step spin-coating approach possess the flat and compact morphology, high PLQY of 59.6%, and excellent heat/ultraviolet (UV) light/moisture/oxygen stability. The efficient green PL of [35DPPy] 4 Cu 2 I 2 is proved to originate from the synergistic contribution from thermally activated delayed fluorescence and phosphorescence. A non-doped green LED based on [35DPPy] 4 Cu 2 I 2 emitters is fabricated, achieving a peak external quantum efficiency of 4.8% and a maximum luminance of 3895 cd/m2. More importantly, large-area LEDs with an emitting area of 4.00 cm2 are realized with homogeneous and bright electroluminescence, showing their attractive potentials as novel electroluminescent emitters in the application of non-doped cluster LEDs. • A novel copper iodide cluster [35DPPy] 4 Cu 2 I 2 was synthesized for the first time. • The PL of [35DPPy] 4 Cu 2 I 2 is the combined contribution of TADF and phosphorescence. • The [35DPPy] 4 Cu 2 I 2 film exhibits a uniform morphology and high PLQY of 59.6%. • The [35DPPy] 4 Cu 2 I 2 film demonstrates a good heat/UV light/moisture/oxygen stability. • Non-doped [35DPPy] 4 Cu 2 I 2 LEDs shows a high external quantum efficiency of 4.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The first application of a transparent conductive material, copper iodide, to VO 2 -based smart windows is proposed. • Simultaneous realization of enhanced solar modulation, good environmental durability and room temperature phase transition. • Dynamic modulation of the infrared band at room temperature using Joule heat generated by electric field. • Simple structure, low cost, facile manufacture. Vanadium dioxide (VO 2) has been widely investigated as a smart window material due to its excellent thermochromic properties. However, with the increasing abundance of studies on VO 2 -based structures, its low solar modulation capability, environmental durability and high phase transition temperature have limited its commercial applications. Finding a simple way to solve the above problems simultaneously remains challenging. Here, we propose a bilayer structure combining VO 2 and a transparent conductive material, copper iodide (CuI), for functional integration of thermochromic smart windows. The CuI layer is used as an anti-reflective layer and a protective layer to ensure high solar modulation capability (Δ T sol =15.41 %) and good expected service life (ESL=27 years), while realizing the dynamic modulation of infrared spectra at room temperature by Joule heating. This facile structure with overall performance offers a new possibility for the commercialization of VO 2 -based smart windows and room temperature dynamic modulation of infrared devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new one-dimensional (1D) CuI-based inorganic-organic hybrid semiconductors have been designed and synthesized, namely, 1D-(dmpi) 3 Cu 6 I 9 (1), 1D-(5asn) 2 Cu 4 I 6 (2), 1D-(Nhex) 2 Cu 4 I 6 (3) and 1D-(Npipz) 2 Cu 2 I 6 (4) (dmpi = N,N-dimethylpiperidinium, 5asn = 5-azaspiro[4.4]nonan-5-ium, Nhex = cyclohexanaminium, Npipz = 1-methylpiperazine-1,4-diium). All structures are composed of ionically bonded aliphatic cations and various 1D CuI anionic copper iodide chains. Due to their wide bandgaps, all materials display ultraviolet (UV) emission between 340 and 390 nm, with internal quantum yields (IQYs) up to 6.4 %. All compounds are solution-processable due to their ionic bonding nature and have excellent thermal stability with their decomposition temperature (T d) up to 260 °C, as well as impressive air stability over long time periods. Due to the use of aliphatic cations as structure directing agents, the photophysical properties of these materials are dominated by their inorganic components, as confirmed by electronic structure calculations employing density functional theory (DFT). Additionally, their non-toxicity and facile synthesis suggest that this type of material is promising for practical use. These findings provide helpful insight into the future development of high-performance wide bandgap semiconductors that may be potentially useful in various UV-emitting or other optoelectronic applications. [Display omitted] • Cu(I) iodide hybrids with aliphatic SDAs and inorganic 1D chains are designed, synthesized and characterized. • Within 1D chains the types of CuI 4 tetrahedra sharing dictate the Cu–Cu distance. • All compounds display photoluminescence in the UV region (λ em = 330–390 nm). • All compounds exhibit excellent thermal, chemical and photostability over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Zn doping of CuI films is achieved by a simple solution-process. • Zn doping concentration plays a key role on the quality of CuI films. • Photoresponse properties of CuI/Si self-powered photodetectors can be tuned through Zn doping concentration. • The optimized CuI/Si photodetector shows a high responsivity of 0.561 A/W at 0 V bias. • The photodetector demonstrates superior reliability and stability during 100-cycle tests. Zn doping engineering was achieved in copper iodide (CuI) films for CuI/Si heterojunction ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors (PDs) by employing a facile solution approach. The morphology, grain sizes and optical properties of CuI films with various Zn2+ doping concentrations are systematically investigated. Our results indicate that an appropriate Zn doping concentration can significantly improve the quality of CuI thin films, leading to an improved photodetection performance, while an excessive amount of Zn dopant can cause poor interface and quality of CuI films. The optimized Zn-doped CuI/Si UV PD exhibited remarkable photodetection performance with a high responsivity of 0.561 A/W at 0 V bias, surpassing all reported CuI-based photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Click synthesis is a class of biocompatible small molecule reactions commonly used in bioconjugation. This research presents a recyclable environmentally-friendly catalyst for 1,2,3-triazoles. To this end, we immobilized poly sulfonamide-thiazole (PST), a new group of sulfonamides, on the surface of layered double hydroxides/chitosan (LDH@CS). Afterward, it was decorated using copper iodide nanoparticles (CuI NPs). LDH@CS@PST/Cu was characterized various techniques, including HNMR, 13CNMR, FE-SEM, FT-IR, XRD, EDX, ICP-OES, and TGA/DTA. Overall, the results revealed that LDH@CS@PST/Cu is a promising green efficient for the domino reaction of phenacyl bromides with phenylacetylene and sodium azide. [Display omitted] • A novel nanocatalyst, containing Cu NPs, chitosan, LDH and polysulfonamide-thiazole was prepared. • Polysulfonamide-thiazole is a promising candidate for the synthesis heterogeneous catalyst. • Click synthesis of triazoles was investigated in the presence of prepared catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Reactions of BiI 3 , copper or silver iodide and 4-(dimethyl-amino)-1-methylpyridinium iodide [(Me-DMAP)I] result in formation of heterometallic complexes (MeDMAP) 2 {[Bi 2 Cu 2 I 10 ]} and (MeDMAP) 2 {[Bi 2 Ag 2 I 10 ]}. Their crystal structures, thermal stability and optical properties have been studied. Optical band gaps calculated from diffuse reflectance spectroscopy data are 1.81 and 2.06 eV for copper- and silver-containing complexes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have demonstrated tremendous applicability in optoelectronic research owing to their fascinating properties and extensive range of crystal structures. Among the MHPs, cesium copper iodide (Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5) and cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr 3) have been utilized in numerous applications like photovoltaics, photodetectors, and scintillation detectors. In this report, we present a cost-effective approach to developing an indirect conversion X-ray sensor based on Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 and CsPbBr 3 , utilizing a commercial photodiode (BPW 34). The MHPs were synthesized by solid-state exchange reaction, dissolved in dimethyl formamide (DMF), and recrystallized within a polymer matrix. The MHP polymer matrix was then coated onto the top surface of the photodiodes as thick films. The photocurrent characteristics of Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 and CsPbBr 3 indirect X-ray sensors, upon exposure to X-rays at 70 kVp energy under various X-ray exposures and zero bias conditions, were recorded. Both MHPs exhibited a significant response to the incident X-rays. These outcomes highlight the potential of Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 and CsPbBr 3 scintillators for fabricating X-ray imagers based on commercial photodiode arrays. [Display omitted] • Indirect conversion X-ray sensors were developed using Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 and CsPbBr 3 thick films on BPW-34 photodiode. • Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 based device exhibits sensitivity 15 μCmGy−1cm−3 where as CsPbBr 3 is 13μCmGy−1cm−3 at 7.97 mGy dose. • Superior nature of Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 arises because of its high PLQY than CsPbBr 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A model was developed to simulate the impact of the tracks length and their number on the γ CuI unitracks module's performances. • The optimal tracks length and their number was determined. • Thermoelectric modules of p type gamma CuI were elaborated and evaluated. • Simulations reproduced the performances of the elaborated module. • Contact resistances contribution was extracted from the simulation. • The contribution of the contact resistance is large. • Module reached 61 nW with a hot temperature of 190 °C. In this article, we investigate the performance of 950 nm thick p-type γ-CuI uni-track thin film thermoelectric modules. A model was first developed to optimize a module's geometry, focusing on the length and the number of the γ-CuI tracks. Based on the maximum power achieved and the open circuit voltage (above 225 mV), the simulation optimized module consists of three tracks of γ-CuI, each with a length of 13 mm. Using these simulation results, modules were elaborated through solid iodination process of Cu thin tracks. These γ-CuI tracks were then connected with Pt electrodes. After characterizing the structure and electrical properties of the γ-CuI material, the module's performance was measured at various applied temperatures in a free gradient mode. The results were in agreement with the simulation. Experimental and simulated performances highlight the significant impact of contact resistance as the temperature increases limiting module performances. A maximum power of 61nW was achieved at an applied temperature of 190 °C. This suggests that higher values could be attained through optimized contacts, with the goal of enabling some commercial applications for easily manufactured modules. Due to the optoelectrical properties of γ-CuI, this even paves the way for the development of new transparent thermoelectric generators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Device modeling of WS 2 -based solar cell with CuI HTL has been performed by SCAPS-1D. • Comparison of PV performances between FTO/CdS/WS 2 and FTO/CdS/WS 2 /CuI is provided. • Performance enhancement of WS 2 cell with HTL is obtained by reducing recombination. • Improved efficiency of 29.87% for proposed solar cell with CuI HTL is achieved. In the present work, device modeling of tungsten disulfide-based thin-film solar cell with copper iodide as hole transport layer has been performed using the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator in One Dimension software program (SCAPS-1D). The SCAPS-1D simulator is also utilized to investigate the photovoltaic performances of tungsten disulfide (WS 2)-based solar cells. This numerical study provides a comparison of the performances between the reference WS 2 -based solar cell structure without hole transport layer (HTL) consisting of Al/FTO/CdS/WS 2 /Ni and the proposed configuration of Al/FTO/CdS/WS 2 /CuI/Ni. The influences of thickness, doping density, bulk defect density, defect density at buffer/absorber and absorber/HTL interfaces, operating temperature, series and shunt resistances, and back surface recombination velocity on the solar cell output parameters have also been analyzed. It is revealed that the carrier recombination at the back side has notable effects on the overall photovoltaic performances of the WS 2 heterojunction solar cell without HTL. The carrier recombination loss at the back surface can be reduced by incorporation of an ultra-thin 0.1 μm copper iodide (CuI) HTL into the reference WS 2 -based solar cell and thus improves the overall performances of the proposed photovoltaic device. The conversion efficiency of 22.09% has been found for the reference WS 2 solar cell without HTL. On the other hand, the efficiency of the proposed solar cell with CuI HTL has been obtained to be 29.87% at the optimized device structure. Therefore, these findings may contribute insightful approach to fabricate viable, inexpensive, and highly efficient heterojunction thin-film solar cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Solar energy converted into biomass of plants to obtain nanocellulose (NC) films. • Acid hydrolysis and TEMPO oxidation of cellulose used to prepare NC suspensions. • Nanocellulose films have stable monoclinic structure and high crystallinity. • Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction method to deposit CuI film on NC. • Transparent for visible light CuI/NC films block solar ultraviolet radiation. • Transparent CuI/NC films protect against high-energy visible light. In this work we present utilization of solar energy for a creation of biocompatible, biodegradable, and renewable thin film transparent materials that can protect against overabundant ultraviolet (UV) radiation and high energy visible (HEV) light of solar spectrum. From biomass of herbaceous plants Miscanthus × giganteus and Phragmites australis we obtained nanocellulose suspensions NC m through acid hydrolysis and NC p through TEMPO oxidation, respectively. These suspensions transformed into corresponding transparent flexible NC m and NC p nanocellulose films and used as substrates for 0.17 – 0.23 µm thick nanostructured layers of wide band gap semiconductor CuI deposited via wet chemical method Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) to obtain promising visibly transparent UV- and HEV-shielding materials CuI/NC m and CuI/NC p. Under this investigation, we compare UV- and HEV-shielding properties of transparent NC m , CuI/NC m , NC p , and CuI/NC p flexible samples depending on structure, surface morphology, chemical composition, optical properties, and thickness. It is shown that the best CuI/NC p sample with 0.23 µm thick CuI film and 8 µm thick NC p substrate has optical transmittance up to 82% for visible light at wavelengths above 500 nm, blocks 65% of high-energy visible radiation, and has excellent sun protection factor (SPF = 112). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effect of CuI & BiI 3 partial incorporation into the perovskite solution was studied. • Active layer morphological, structural & optoelectronic properties were examined. • Reference, CuI & BiI 3 doped PSCs were fabricated, and their performance was analyzed. • TPV & preliminary aging tests were carried out to understand the doping mechanisms. Last few years, mixed cation/mixed halide FA 0.85 Cs 0.15 Pb (I 0.85 Br 0.15 ) 3 perovskite planar solar cells have shown remarkable performance with power conversion efficiencies over 21%, making them suitable reference systems among highly efficient and potentially low-cost photovoltaic technologies. Many strategies have been proposed to further improve the electronic quality of the perovskite active layers, such as defect passivation or doping, to demonstrate more robust and stable devices. Doping is indeed a relevant strategy for lead substitution, which is also the main concern towards their commercialization. Here, we systematically investigated the effect of cuprous iodide (CuI) and triiodobismuthane (BiI 3) partial incorporation into the reference FA 0.85 Cs 0.15 Pb (I 0.85 Br 0.15 ) 3 double cation and mixed halide perovskite, from a simple single-step deposition procedure from solution. We especially evaluate the influence of our doping strategy on device performance as a function of the atomic fraction (x) of Cu or Bi with regard to Pb , using structural, morphological, and optical characterization techniques. Doped perovskite solar cells, either with Cu or Bi , exhibit reduced performance compared to the undoped reference, which is correlated with the evolution of active layer morphology and structure, along with faster recombination kinetics probed by transient photovoltage measurements. This work further demonstrates to achieve better-performing devices using such doping strategies requires a fine control of the defect states, which are inevitably introduced, and that doping by the trivalent metallic cation (Bi) largely perturbs the perovskite structure compared to the substitution of monovalent metal (Cu). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new metal–organic framework (MOF) with the formula [Eu 2 Cu 2 I 2 (IN) 6 (DMF) 4 ]·4DMF (1) (HIN = isonicotinic acid, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) based on lanthanide ions and copper iodide clusters (Cu 2 I 2) have been successfully constructed and characterized. Structural analysis indicates that the [Cu 2 I 2 ] cluster-based lanthanide MOF 1 displays a two-dimensional plane with sql topology. Catalytic study indicates that MOF 1 can efficiently catalyze the propargylic alcohols or aziridines with CO 2 under mild conditions. What's more, 1 as a heterogeneous catalyst can be recycled at least five times without obvious loss of catalytic performance. To our best knowledge, it is a rare example of a [Cu 2 I 2 ] cluster-based lanthanide MOF catalyst that can catalyze both aziridines and propargylic amines with CO 2 simultaneously under mild conditions. [Display omitted] • A novel MOF 1 has been constructed and characterized. • MOF 1 can catalyze aziridines/propargylic amines with CO 2 under mild conditions. • MOF 1 can be recycled at least five times without obvious loss of catalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative disorders are one of the significant challenges to the aging society, as per the United Nations, where 1 in 6 people globally over 65 years of age are expected to suffer by 2050. The exact pathophysiological root of these disorders is although not known adequately, but reduced dopamine (most significant neurotransmitters) levels have been reported in people affected by Parkinson's disease. Sensitive detection and effective monitoring of dopamine can help to diagnose these neurodegenerative disorders at a very early stage, which will help to properly treat these disorders and slow down their progression. Therefore, it is crucial to detect physiological and clinically acceptable amounts of dopamine with high sensitivity and selectivity in basic pathophysiology research, medication, and illness diagnosis. Here in this present investigation, nano-bio-engineered stable chitosan stabilized copper iodide nanoparticles (CS@CuI NPs) were synthesized to engineer the active biosensing platform for developing dopamine biosensors. Initially, the as-synthesized nano-bio-engineered CS@CuI NPs were subjected to its drop-casting onto an Indium tin oxide (ITO) conducting glass substrate. This substrate platform was then utilized to immobilize tyrosinase (Tyr) enzyme by drop-casting to fabricate Tyr/CS@CuI NPs/ITO bioelectrode for the ultrasensitive determination of dopamine. Several techniques were used to characterize the structural, optical, and morphological properties of the synthesized CS@CuI NPs and Tyr/CS@CuI NPs/ITO bioelectrode. Further, the as-prepared bioelectrode was evaluated for its suitability and electrocatalytic behaviour towards dopamine by cyclic voltammetry. A perusal of the electroanalytic results of the fabricated biosensor revealed that under the optimized experimental conditions, Tyr/CS@CuI NPs/ITO bioelectrode exhibits a very high electrochemical sensitivity of 11.64 μA μM−1 cm−2 towards dopamine with the low limit of detection and quantification of 0.02 and 0.386 μM, respectively. In addition, the fabricated bioelectrode was stable up to 46 days with only 4.82 % current loss, reusable till 20 scans, and it also performed effectively while real sample analysis. Therefore, the nano-bio-engineered biosensor platform being reported can determine deficient dopamine levels in a very selective and sensitive manner, which can help adequately manage neurodegenerative disorders, further slowing down the disease progression. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent cuprous iodide (CuI)-based coordination polymers (CuI-CPs) were widely used in the sensor field for high selectivity and sensitivity. Here, a new CuI-CP fluorescent probe was fabricated for the detection of spermine, spermidine and cysteine with dual-mode, which was capable of both convenient colorimetric analysis and ratiometric fluorescent detection. The fluorescence of CuI-CP solution was quenched and the solution changed from white to purple upon addition of spermine or spermidine, while the solution changed from white to yellow for cysteine. This probe exhibited selective, sensitive, rapid and linear response to spermine, spermidine and cysteine with a limit of detection of 0.57, 1.06 and 1.18 μM, respectively. Furthermore, cellulose acetate was used as the matrix to fabricate intelligent fluorescent film for real-time and visual monitoring the freshness of pork samples based on distinct fluorescence changes under UV light. This work realized a rapid, efficient, and profitable method for visually evaluating food quality. This work developed a real-time and visual detection of the freshness of food. [Display omitted] • A novel dual-mode probe was designed for detection spermine, spermidine and cysteine. • The probe exhibits high sensitivity with LOD of 0.57, 0.98 and 1.18 μM, respectively. • The probe was used as colorimetric analysis and ratiometric fluorescent detection. • An intelligent fluorescent film for real-time, visual monitoring freshness of pork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Catalyzed by cuprous iodide, the condensation of amides or nitriles with diarylketones were efficiently achieved in the presence of samarium metal under mild conditions. The particular direct deoxygenation of the condensation reaction was also investigated. Promoted by samarium metal, the novel condensation reaction of low activity α-H and benzophones was realized under the catalysis of cuprous iodide under the mild conditions. The carbonyls of diarylketones could be coupled with a variety of nitriles or amides, which could be converted to condensation products with good yields at room temperature, while the deoxygenation products could be obtained smoothly at 80 °C. Only 5 mol % CuI was sufficient to catalyze the reaction and the use of iodine as additive could increase the reaction efficiency obviously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu cations improved the electrical and chemical performance by interfacial substitution. The photochemical stability and switching efficiency of the β′-Ag 0.7 Cu 0.3 I thin layer were enhanced compared with those of pristine AgI. We compared the electrical characteristics of the β-AgI- and β′-Ag 0.7 Cu 0.3 I-based ReRAM devices depending on the applied potential. When the currents of the devices at the high-voltage from −3 to 1 V of the sweep range were collected, both devices showed a similar I–V curve, exhibiting the characteristic of a negative differential resistance effect. Significantly, at the ± 0.1 V of the sweep range, the β-AgI-based device showed ohmic behavior. In contrast, the β′-Ag 0.7 Cu 0.3 I-based device showed excellent RS behavior with high ON/OFF ratio because its electrical property was improved via interfacial chemical modification with Cu+ cations. [Display omitted] • A silver copper iodide (β′-Ag 0.7 Cu 0.3 I) thin film was successfully prepared by incorporating Cu cations into the AgI lattice at the Cu/AgI interface. • The β′-Ag 0.7 Cu 0.3 I-based device demonstrated excellent resistive switching characteristics at low operating voltages, exhibiting an ON/OFF ratio of ∼ 104. • Cu substitution at the Cu–AgI heterojunction interface is a novel way to modulate the chemical composition and improve the resistive switching uniformity. Resistive random-access memory (ReRAM), an alternative to conventional charge storage memory, employs the switching of a resistive material between high-resistance and low-resistance states, which can be generated by the formation/dissolution of metal filaments bridging the two electrodes in the cell. Silver iodide (AgI) is a promising solid electrolyte for ReRAM cells, but its application is hindered by poor photostability and low electrical conductivity. Herein, a Cu-substituted β-AgI system, β′-Ag 0.7 Cu 0.3 I, was successfully prepared via sequential deposition of a Cu metal layer onto a AgI thin film by a galvanic reaction, which induced the spontaneous incorporation of Cu+ cations into the AgI lattice. Cu substitution at the Cu–AgI heterojunction interface is a novel way to modulate the chemical composition and improve the resistive switching properties of intrinsic polycrystalline AgI thin films. We compared the resistive switching properties of a ReRAM thin film devices based on β′-Ag 0.7 Cu 0.3 I with those based on pristine β-AgI. This device exhibited enhanced performance with high ON/OFF ratio (∼104) and low working voltage compared with the β-AgI-based device. These results strongly suggest that binary metal halide materials can serve as simple model systems for the efficient formation of metal filaments and have potential low-cost, low-power memory applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper halides present a wide range of luminescence properties which are relevant for developing sustainable light-emitting materials. A copper iodide complex displaying an unexpected phase transition characterized by a great change of its photoluminescence properties is reported here. Results from different optical and structural characterizations indicate that this contrasted effect involves local defects in the crystalline structure at which the molecular structure is modified. Even minor, these intramolecular changes impact the energetic layout of the complex leading to modifications of the photophysical properties. This study highlights the structural flexibility of the copper halide compounds and the rich panel of stimuli-responsive properties that can result. Raquel Utrera-Melero, Marie Cordier, Florian Massuyeau, Jean-Yves Mevellec, Camille Latouche, Charlotte Martineau-Corcos and Sandrine Perruchas An unexpected phase transition of a copper iodide complex is characterized by a great change of the photoluminescence properties resulting from minor intramolecular structural modifications. [Display omitted] • Copper halides are relevant for developing sustainable light-emitting materials • An unexpected phase transition induces great changes of the photoluminescence properties of a copper iodide cluster • Structural local defects are responsible for the change of the photophysical properties • Minor intramolecular changes can impact the energetic layout of the complex • The structural flexibility of the copper halides is highlighted [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper lead iodide (CuPbI 3) perovskite thin films were spin-coated on p-type silicon (p-Si) substrates to manufacture CuPbI 3 /p-Si heterojunctions. A Co-60 gamma source has been used to examine the influence of gamma exposure doses of 0–100 kGy on the nanostructural, electrical, morphological, and optical, properties of the CuPbI 3 /p-Si heterostructure. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) consequences showed an enhancement in crystalline naturre and confirmed the hexagonal structure of the prepared thin films. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images revealed that the average grain size decreased (92–56 nm) up to 50 kGy, and the small particles agglomerated with a further increase in the gamma dose. The photoluminescence (PL) results of the deposited sample revealed only one broad bandgap peak. However, the PL spectra of the gamma ray-exposed samples exhibited induced defect emission near the valence band edge. The I–V properties revealed the charge transportation mechanism in the heterojunction, and the impacts of different gamma exposure doses on the electrical characteristics of the fabricated CuPbI 3 /p-Si heterojunction were investigated. Electrical parameters, such as the barrier potential, saturation current, series resistance, and ideality factor (IF) of the CuPbI 3 /p-Si heterostructure changed with the gamma irradiation dose owing to interfacial inhomogeneities, induced defect concentration, charge accumulation at the interface, and barrier thickness. • Fabrication of novel CuPbI 3 /p-Si Heterojunction using spin coating technique. • Investigation the gamma induced effects CuPbI3/p-Si Heterojunction. • PL spectra of the gamma ray-exposed samples exhibited induced defect emission. • The I–V properties revealed the impacts of gamma irradiation on the electronic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Simple, low-cost, and industrially scalable three-step reaction to synthesize CuI. • (1) Chemical bath deposition of Cu x S y , (2) annealing, and (3) gas–solid iodination. • Annealing temperature of synthesized Cu x S y defines resistivity of produced CuI. • Selection of resistivities in the range from 10–3 to 102 Ω‧cm is possible. A versatile three-step sequential reaction route is presented to synthesize transparent copper iodide thin films with resistivities that can be selected in the 10–3 to 102 Ω‧cm range. The reaction process consists of (1) the chemical solution deposition of copper(I) disulfide films, (2) the synthesized copper(I) disulfide annealing at different temperatures ranging from 30 °C to 150 °C depending on the desired copper iodide resistivity, and (3) the iodination of the resulting copper(I,II) sulfides films by a gas–solid reaction with iodine vapor. The novelty of the procedure is the incorporation of versatile techniques and the consideration of the temperature-dependent formation of different types of copper sulfides, which produce copper iodide films with different electrical properties after iodination. All the films resulted quite transparent, homogeneous, and showed good adhesion to the glass substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room temperature (RT) thermoelectric (TE) materials are of great importance for harvesting energy from solar heat or other hot environments. The nontoxic, earth-abundant copper iodide (CuI) has a high Seebeck coefficient at RT; however, its electrical conductivity needs to be further enhanced for better TE performance. In this work, pure and doped CuI single nanocrystals were synthesized by the precipitation method in ethanol medium. The formed CuI nanoparticles (NPs) have high crystallinity in the gamma phase. Among several metallic dopants, Tb and Fe were found to be effective for enhancing the TE performance of CuI NPs. The Tb-doped sample was found to have the highest TE power factor. The concentration of this dopant was optimized for maximum TE performance. The TE power factor and Figure of merit values at RT were enhanced from approximately 30 μW/m K2 and 0.01 for the pure CuI NPs to approximately 210 μW/m K2 and 0.08 for the 0.05 mol% Tb-doped sample, respectively. This enhancement is correlated with the incorporation of this dopant in mixed chemical states. The pure and Tb-doped CuI NPs were characterized by several techniques, including XDR, XPS, TEM, SEM, and UV–visible spectroscopy. The Tb-doped sample might be suitable for RT TE devices and generators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Solar energy converted into biomass to produce thermoelectric (TE) material. • Nanocellulose (NC) with stable monoclinic structure and high crystallinity index. • Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction method used to deposit CuI films. • Non-toxic water-repellent thermoelectric material CuI/NC obtained. • CuI/NC with high electrical conductivity and record thermoelectric power factor. • Output thermoelectric parameters of single thermoelectric leg CuI/NC presented. Here we applied solar energy converted into biomass to produce efficient biodegradable flexible hydrophobic thermoelectric (TE) material with nanocellulose (NC) film as environmentally friendly functional substrate. We used fast-growing perennial herb Miscanthus × giganteus to manufacture flexible 12 µm thick NC film with stable monoclinic cellulose structure (I β), high crystallinity index (CI = 78%) and average crystallite size 3 – 4 nm. Through the low-temperature cheap and scalable method Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) we deposited copper iodide (CuI) films on NC substrates and thus obtained non-toxic TE materials CuI/NC, which can be water-repellent, as their contact angles reach 140°. In the most efficient TE sample CuI/NC, the obtained via SILAR 0.39 µm thick nanostructured CuI film consists of cubic (1 1 1)-oriented γ-CuI crystals with faceted surfaces of ~200–300 nm. The high electrical conductivity (σ) and shape of the σ vs. temperature (T) curve of this CuI/NC sample is realized through suppression of grain boundary scattering due to tunneling currents in CuI. The CuI/NC material has large thermoelectric power factor (PF) that grows with increasing temperature and reaches value 140 μW·m−1·K−2 at T = 333 K. This PF is the record for biodegradable flexible thermoelectric materials. At Δ T = 40 K the CuI/NC-based single p -CuI thermoelectric leg generates open circuit voltage 3.5 mV, short circuit current 4 µA , and power 3.8 nW, and these output parameters can be further improved through a thickening the CuI film in CuI/NC by increasing the number of SILAR cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration of environmentally friendly hypergolic combinations of ionic liquid fuels and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer offers opportunities to replace commonly used conventional toxic, corrosive and carcinogenic hydrazine-based liquid hypergolic combinations. Various research opportunities await regarding the detailed investigations of green hypergolic ionic liquids (HILs) with rocket grade hydrogen peroxide (RGHP, >85% H 2 O 2). In this work, the combustion of HILs 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium cyanoborohydride ([EMIM][BH 3 CN]) and 1-allyl-3-ethyl imidazolium cyanoborohydride ([AEIM][BH 3 CN]), and HIL-additive mixtures with 95% H 2 O 2 has been investigated. A new additive, 1,3-dimethyl imidazolium copper iodide ([diMIM] n [Cu 2 I 3 ] n) was synthesized successfully; a structural investigation was performed through the use of single-crystal x-ray diffraction analysis through which a crystal density of 3.22 g/cm3 was revealed. The physicochemical properties (density, viscosity, and decomposition temperature) as well as performance parameters (ignition delay and specific impulse) of 2 to 15 wt% of [diMIM] n [Cu 2 I 3 ] n in [EMIM][BH 3 CN] were determined. A 15 wt% of [diMIM] n [Cu 2 I 3 ] n exhibited ignition delay time (IDT) values of 13 and 29 ms under fuel-rich and oxidizer-rich conditions, respectively; these IDT values are 100 times lower than those for [EMIM][BH 3 CN]. Interestingly, [diMIM] n [Cu 2 I 3 ] n -[EMIM][BH 3 CN] combinations revealed high density (>0.98 g/cm3), good thermal (>200 °C) and chemical stability, and 5.6–6.0% higher density specific impulse than those found for unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine. The additive-promoted hypergolic combustion of HIL with RGHP opens a new avenue to the replacement of conventional toxic hypergolic combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new method for arsenic direct removal through the synergy of iodide and copper powder was proposed. • Almost 100% As was removed from waste acid containing high-acidity and arsenic. • The kinetics of arsenic direct removal was well characterized by the chemical reaction controlled model. • The double covering-layers structure was formed on the surface of copper particles. Large amounts of waste acids with high acidity and arsenic levels are produced during pyrometallurgy of nonferrous metal sulfide ores, in which the treatment of arsenic remains a problem. In this study, copper powder was used as a reducing agent and synergized with iodine ions to effectively remove arsenic from waste acids. The influences of stirring speed, copper powder particle size, sodium iodide/copper powder dosages, and reaction temperature on the removal efficiency of arsenic were investigated. The results showed almost complete removal of arsenic under the optimal conditions: 600 rpm stirring speed, copper powder particle size <15 μm, molar ratio I:As = 5, molar ratio Cu:As = 8, reaction temperature 40 °C, and reaction time 90 min. The kinetics studies indicated that arsenic removal was controlled by chemical reaction with apparent activation energy of 42.39 kJ·mol−1. The morphological and structural characterizations of dearsenization residues showed surface of copper particles with double covering-layers. The interior covering-layer constituted the formation region of As(0), the phases of which were As and As-Cu intermetallic compounds, while the main product formed in exterior covering-layer was identified as CuI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents crystal structure, composition, optical, electrical and thermoelectric properties of semi-transparent CuI films produced in different modes of the cost-effective and large scalable method Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) on flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrates. The obtained data together with the analysis of output thermoelectric characteristics of p -type thermolegs based on these CuI films are used to select the SILAR mode to create semi-transparent p -type thermolegs for a new flexible wearable thin film thermoelectric generator (TEG). The best obtained flexible p -CuI thin film single thermoleg demonstrates output power 17.1 μW/m2 at the temperature gradient ∆ T = 35 K at near-room temperatures. Therefore, CuI films produced in such mode of the SILAR method on the flexible PET substrates can be used as a part of a new lightweight low cost flexible wearable thin film TEG for a production of electrical energy for low-power devices due to absorption of low-potential heat. • P-type copper iodide (CuI) thin films grown on flexible substrates. • Surface morphology, crystal structure, composition and optical properties studied. • Thermoelectric properties of p-type thermolegs based on CuI films presented. • Output thermoelectric parameters of flexible thin film thermolegs analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper iodide hybrid materials (CIHMs) are receiving great attention as promising luminescent materials. Their structural diversity can be enriched by design and selection of organic ligands, associated with corresponding photophysical properties. However, the role of ligands in modulating sensing performance of CIHMs stays rarely revealed. Here, we demonstrate the O 2 sensing capability of four tetranuclear CIHMs and reveal the impact of ligands on their different triplet quenching process. Oxygen sensing films were prepared using the selected CIHMs. The study results reveal their oxygen sensing behaviors with wide linear photoluminescence (PL) responses in the range from 0% to 100% for gaseous oxygen, and the corresponding PL quenching ratios of 12.14, 11.30, 2.90 and 2.26 (0–100% O 2), respectively. In addition, all the CIHMs showed rapid and reversible response to oxygen within 10 s. Through investigating the time-resolved luminescence spectra, 1H NMR and corresponding crystal structures of the CIHMs in N 2 and O 2 environments, we highlight that specific crystal stacking patterns caused by different ligands play a major role in their distinct oxygen sensing behaviors. It indicates that the sensing performance of the CIHMs can be regulated through functionalization of the ligands which inspires new insights into their more extensive application. • The O 2 sensing capability of four tetranuclear copper iodide hybrid materials is demonstrated. • Short response time, full range linearity and excellent reversibility were observed for the four materials. • The impact of different ligands on triplet quenching process of corresponding materials is shown. • Specific crystal stacking patterns caused by different ligands play a major role in distinct sensing behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Graphdiyne (GDY) lamelliform was successfully prepared by cross-coupling strategy under the catalysis of cuprous iodide. • The GDY has large specific surface area (SBET is 553 m2 g − 1) and suitable pore size structure. • The GDY exhibits high energy storage capacity with energy density of 6.11 wh kg−1 under 5500w kg−1. • The GDY exhibits long cycle persistence of no attenuation for 11,000 cycles in three-electrode system. Porous carbon is an ingredient for energy transformation and collection systems in terms of electrochemistry. As a new member, graphdiyne (GDY) gradually began to be concerned because of its especially compositional and structural properties. Herein, a lamelliform GDY was successfully prepared by cross-coupling strategy under the catalysis of cuprous iodide. Thanks to the sp and sp2 hybrid carbon networks, the obtained GDY nano-lamellas promote excellent performance in the electrode of supercapacitors with a gravimetric capacitance of 137.8 F g − 1 at a mass-specific current of 1 A g − 1, and a relatively good rate performance of 81.28% when the mass-specific current reach to 20 A g − 1. In addition, the capacitance of the GDY electrode barely decays during the 11,000 cycles of repeated testing. This enables the assembled symmetric supercapacitor provides a acceptable energy density of 6.11Wh kg−1 under a power density of 5500W kg−1, and with an average decay of 0.5% per cycle at the end of 5000 cycles. The relatively good electrochemical stability of this GDY nano-lamellas material will open the further promotion of graphdiyne-based electrodes in the domain of supercapacitors. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • GO–CuI nanocomposite as an antibacterial and antiviral agent synthetized. • The antibacterial test results show that GO–CuI nanocomposite enjoy extraordinary antibacterial propertise. • The CPE assay as an antiviral test revealed the excellent antiviral activity of the proposed nanocomposite. • The result of in- vitro wound healing assay showed excelent wound healing when nanocomposite was applied. • Go-CuI nanocomposite can be applied on any substrate to provide them with anti- microbial properties. According to the increase in microbe resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents and antibiotics, nanobiotechnology has opened up a new pathway in the production of a new generation of antimicrobial agents using nanomaterials. In this paper, the potential of copper iodide-decorated graphene oxide as an antibacterial and antiviral agent without cytotoxicity for mammalian cells has been studied. The physicochemical features of synthesized GO–CuI were assessed with FE-SEM, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy. Also, the purity and uniform distribution of CuI nanoparticles on the surface of graphene oxide sheets was proved by the EDAX test and atom mapping. The average charge of the nanocomposite was −45.4 mV at pH 7.4 as obtained by zeta potential measurement. The antibacterial test results showed that GO–CuI can kill both gram-negative (E.coli) and gram-positive (S.aureus) bacteria. This function can be due to ROS generation, sharp-edge mediated insertion of GO, and wrapping of membranes, which finding the exact mechanism of effect was out of our research. Also, the CPE assay as an antiviral test revealed the great antiviral activity of the proposed nanocomposite. Contrary to CuI nanoparticles, the result of different cytotoxicity assays confirmed that GO–CuI nanocomposite is non-toxic for mammalian cells endorsing the capability of this nanocomposite for possible applications in different branches including fabrication of masks, hospital cloths, gloves, protective films, active food packaging, wound dressing, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electrical properties of CuI thin film were modulated by trimethylsilyl iodide treatment. • Trimethylsilyl iodide did not change the optical transmittance and surface morphology of CuI. • Performances of p -CuI/ n -ZnO diodes were enhanced by the trimethylsilyl iodide treatment. This paper reports a facile method to modulate the electrical properties of copper iodide (CuI) thin films, which have attracted considerable attention as a promising transparent conducting p -type semiconductor. Trimethylsilyl iodide (TMSI) was used as an agent for the fast iodination treatment of p -CuI, even at a low processing temperature of 60 °C. A TMSI treatment of less than 30 µL was effective in improving the surface morphology of CuI thin films. The optimal TMSI treatment with 20 µL enhanced the electrical properties of p -CuI by increasing the hole concentration without degrading the optical transmittance. As the TMSI content increased from 0 to 20 µL, the hole concentration of the CuI thin films increased from 4.06 × 1019 to 8.82 × 1019 cm−3. The TMSI treatment eliminated I-vacancies while forming Cu-vacancies that acted as an acceptor dopant. Therefore, the hole concentration in CuI thin films increased with the TMSI treatment. The performance of p -CuI/ n -ZnO diodes, such as on/off ratio, turn-on voltage, and ideality factor, was enhanced by the facile TMSI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Copper iodide mediated telescoped synthesis of 3-cyanoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines performed from methyl ketones, amino pyridines, and ethyl(ethoxymethylene)cyanoacetate. • Ethyl(ethoxymethylene)cyanoacetate generate cyanide anion by C(sp2)-CN bond cleavage which resulted C3 cyanation of imidazopyridines. • Light emitting properties of synthesised compounds were studies. The absorption and emission spectra of the compounds were experimentally and computationally analysed. An efficient copper iodide-mediated synthesis of 3-cyanoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines (4a-4m) from readily available methyl ketones, amino pyridines, and ethyl(ethoxymethylene)cyanoacetate is described. Copper(I)-catalyzed annulation between different aminopyridines and various methyl ketones resulted in the formation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines (IPs). The resulting IPs undergo C3 cyanation by cyanide anion generated from C(sp2)-CN bond cleavage of ethyl(ethoxymethylene)cyanoacetate. Mechanistic studies indicate that the cyanation of IP derivatives proceeds through a two-step sequence: initial iodination and then cyanation. The one-pot reaction has a wide substrate scope and high functional group tolerance and can be safely conducted on a gram scale. Further, we have studied the light-emitting properties of synthesized compounds. The absorption and emission spectra of compounds 4a and 4f were experimentally and computationally analyzed. Also, HOMO/LUMO distributions of compounds 4a and 4f were elucidated theoretically. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] We demonstrate that a widely used inorganic holetransporting material, copper iodide (CuI), gets dissolved if halide perovskites are deposited atop from solutions which compromises the fabrication of CuI/perovskite heterojunctions using these methods. On the contrary, solvent-free approaches allow for the retaining of the CuI layer under the halide perovskite film thus making this approach beneficial for the development of perovskite photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A CuI buffer layer not only assists hole transport but also acts as an electron reflector at back contact. • The band alignment at the CuI/CdTe interface demonstrates that CuI has a well-matched band alignment with CdTe. • The performance of the CdTe cells with a CuI buffer layer are improved. • The application of a CuI buffer layer in the back contact improves CdTe solar cell device stability. In this study, CuI was employed as a back contact buffer layer which not only assisted hole transport, but also acted as an electron reflector at back contact. Quantitative analysis of the band alignment at the CdTe/CuI interface was carried out by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the valence band offset and conduction band offset between CuI and CdTe were 0.08 and 1.63 eV, respectively. By optimizing the thickness of the CuI layer, a CdS/CdTe solar cell with a maximum efficiency of 14.5% has been fabricated. Capacitance–voltage (C–V) and impedance spectroscopy measurements were carried out and the results demonstrated that the CuI buffer layer between CdTe and metal electrode eliminated contact barrier and reduced carrier recombination at the back contact. The current–voltage (J–V) characteristics measured under different spectrum illumination conditions provided convincing evidences that CuI buffer layer acted as an electron reflector and increased the open-circuit voltage (V OC) of the CdTe solar cells. Long time device stressing test results demonstrated that CdTe solar cells with a CuI buffer layer have much better device stability compared to the cells with a Cu/Au bi-layer metal contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We incorporated Cu(I) ions into a mesoporous metal–organic framework (MOF) through facile method involving CuCl 2 loading, followed by reduction using Na 2 SO 3 as reducing agent. The successful incorporation of Cu(I) ions was supported by various methods such as TEM-EDS, XPS and ICP-AES. Remarkably, the Cu(I) incorporation resulted in 4.2 times higher C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 selectivity compared with the parent MOF as well as large C 3 H 6 working capacity (1.3 mmol/g) at 10–100 kPa. Moreover, the Cu(I)-loaded MOF showed efficient separation of C 3 H 6 from C 3 H 8 under dynamic mixture flow conditions, easy regeneration under mild conditions, and good stability under atmospheric conditions. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Cu(I) was loaded into a mesoporous MOF at low temperatures without acid or base. • Cu(I)-loaded MOF has a large C 3 H 6 working capacity and high C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 selectivity. • Cu(I)-loaded MOF shows efficient separation under dynamic mixture flow conditions. • Cu(I)-loaded MOF is easy to regenerate under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Density functional theory (DFT) calculations using full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method as implemented in the Wien2k code have been performed to investigate the structural, electronic and optical properties of copper iodide (γ- CuI) in zinc blende phase. Optical properties have been studied theoretically and various optical constants such as complex dielectric constant, refractive index, reflectance, transmittance, absorption co-efficient, optical conductivity and electron energy loss are discussed with respect to the photon energy. We have also discussed the progresses of the overall results of Tran–Blaha modified Becke–Johnson (TB-mBJ) potential and have been compared to the standard generalized gradient approximation (GGA) method. Exciton binding energy is also calculated and the value is found to be 60 meV. As the absorption coefficient is maximum in the ultra-violet (UV) region for CuI, it is a very good material active in UV region and hence it can be used in optoelectronic device applications. Highlights • First time investigation on optical properties of CuI by Tran–Blaha modified Becke–Johnson (TB-mBJ) potential. • Ductile behavior of CuI is observed from the elastic parameters. • Capacitive optical behavior of CuI observed up to 6 eV. • High absorption co-efficient and corresponding optical conductivity is obtained in ultra – violet region. • Exciton binding energy is calculated and the value is 80 meV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract High-quality, transparent, conducting, p-type γ-CuI thin films are prepared via an innovative layer-by-layer procedure based on the traditional simple iodination of Cu films (referred to as the LBL-I method) at room temperature (RT). The structure, morphology, and optoelectronic properties of the γ-CuI are investigated as functions of the per layer thickness. The final thicknesses of LBL-I γ-CuI films are consistent with that in the film prepared by the traditional one-step method (TOS). X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that all the films are polycrystalline with the most dominant (111) direction of the zinc blende structure, indicating the facile and successful fabrication of γ-CuI. Compared with the TOS film, the LBL-I films display enhanced transmittance and mobility. The higher transmittance of >80% in the visible region of LBL-I films was attained due to the smaller root-mean-square roughness values of 23–28 nm. The 50 nm/ l LBL-I CuI films have mobility values of 6.9–9.4 cm2 V−1 s−1, and lower resistivity of 0.039–0.05 Ω cm, which assist studies on applications of γ-CuI thin films in transparent electronics. Highlights • High-quality electrooptical properties p-type γ-CuI thin films are prepared. • Innovative layer-by-layer approach based on Cu films iodination (LBL-I) is used. • LBL-I films show better transmittance and mobility than films prepared in one step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The addition of impurities as dopants to any material affects the properties of the material where the dopant modulates the optical and structural properties of the material. Copper (1) iodide films which were successfully doped with Al, Pband Zn (as metallic dopants) were synthesized by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique while the morphological, structural, optical and electrochemical properties were investigated using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectrophotometer and potentiostat respectively. The SEM image revealed a nanopod-like structure for the deposited CuI films while the XRD results confirmed the crystalline nature of the films with a face centered cubic structure. The optical results showed a progressive decrease of the absorbance values at increasing wavelengths while the optical bandgap energy of the undoped CuI film reduced from 2.47eV to 1.90eV, 1.75eV and 1.8eV for the Al-doped, Pb-doped and Zn-doped CuI films respectively. The undopedCuI film also showed a higher extinction coefficient value than the metallic-doped CuI films. The Zn-doped film had the maximum specific capacitance of 116 F g−1at 2 mV/s. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Undoped and metallic-doped CuI films deposited using SILAR technique. • SEM images showed the nanopod-like structure. • XRD technique reveals the crystalline structure of the deposited films. • Band gap energies of the films range from 1.75eV to 2.5eV. • Zn-doped CuI film showed good specific capacitance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To resolve the worldwide water scarcity crises, there is an urgent need to develop highly efficient adsorbent for water purification. For the first time, Copper Iodide (CuI), homogeneously coating on carbon cloth (CuI@CC), is fabricated and investigated as a highly efficient, self-cleaning and easy-recycling adsorbent toward cationic organic dyes with good repeatability. Using the carbon cloth as a substrate, CuI is fabricated successfully via electroplating deposition followed by iodination procedure at ambient temperature. By combining the flexibility from the carbon fiber with the splendid adsorptive ability of the CuI coating, the CuI@CC is not only free-standing and flexible but also a highly efficient adsorbent. Notably, the CuI coating is also self-cleaning to decompose adsorbed organics through photocatalysis, which guarantees its great repeatability to a great extent. By installing the CuI@CC on the designed filtration device, the procedure of recycling and application is convenient and can avoid secondary pollution of water as well. This newly developed CuI coating is expected to be a novel adsorbent as a promising solution to the water crisis. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Novel CuI coating on carbon fiber was designed and successfully fabricated for the first time. • It exhibited a highly absorptive efficiency toward cationic dyes. • It possesses a splendid self-cleaning characteristic under UV light. • CuI@CC is free-standing and flexible with excellent recyclability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) research is substantially increasing because of the fast improvement in their power conversion efficiency (PCE), cheapness, possibility to tune the bandgap, low recombination rate, high open circuit voltage, excellent ambipolar charge carrier transport and strong and broad optical absorption. In this paper, different electron transport materials (ETMs) have been analyzed with a new Copper Iodide (CuI) Hole Transport Material (HTM) to replace the conventional hole and electron transport materials for PSCs, such as TiO 2 and Spiro-OMeTAD which have been known to be susceptible to light induced degradation. Moreover, the influence of the ETL, HTL and the perovskite layer thicknesses on the overall cell performance, is studied. The design of the proposed PSC is performed utilizing SCAPS-1D simulator (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator-one dimension). Because of its high electron affinity and tunable bandgap, ZnOS is found to be the best replacement for TiO 2. The results show that lead-based PSC with CuI as HTM is an efficient arrangement and better than the easily degradable and expensive Spiro-OMeTAD. According to the presented simulation and optimization of various layers thicknesses, the highest designed efficiency is 26.11%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A protective triazole film is assembled on copper surface via the click chemistry reaction. • The addition of CuCl or NaCl during assembling improves the protection of the assembled films. • The attack of chloride to the copper surface produces the activated cuprous ions. • The activated cuprous ions have the catalytic role to the click-assembling. Abstract The click chemistry reaction between 2, 2-dimethylethynyl carbinol (MBY) and tosyl azide (TA) was used to form triazole films on copper surface. The effect of cuprous ions on the assembled films was investigated by the electrochemical measurements. The assembled films have the best protection efficiency of 93.8%. The attack of chloride ions gives out cuprous ions to catalyze the formation of compact triazole films. It shows that the assembled films have an anodic passivation role, and suppress the anodic corrosion reactions evidently. The role of cuprous ions on the films formation during the assembling process is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A novel Cu(I)-cluster based coordination compound formulated as {(Cu 2 I 2) 2 [Cu 6 (dmpymt) 6 ]} n (Hdmpymt = 4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2-thione) was synthesized under solvo-thermal condition and characterized by single-crystal X ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is an infinite 3D structure composed of Cu 2 I 2 and Cu 6 S 6 binary Cu(I) clusters with 66 topology, and displays high thermal stability and good solvent stability. Fluorescence experiments illustrate that compound 1 displays apparently red luminescence emission and selectively turn-off fluorescence response for CrO 4 2− and Cr 2 O 7 2− in water, showing potential luminescent probes for detecting Cr(VI) ions. Graphical abstract A novel binary Cu 2 I 2 and Cu 6 S 6 cluster-based fluorescent compound with red emission displays selectively turn-off fluorescence response for CrO 4 2− and Cr 2 O 7 2− in water. Unlabelled Image Highlights • A novel binary Cu 2 I 2 and Cu 6 S 6 cluster-based compound was obtained. • Compound 1 displays high thermal stability and good solvent stability. • Compound 1 displays apparently red luminescence emission. • Compound 1 displays selectively turn-off fluorescence response for Cr(VI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract The dependence of the solid state blue photoluminescence intensity in 1 upon its poly- or single-crystallinity. Dimer 1 in polycrystalline form is a stronger blue light emitter under 254 nm light irradiation than in 365 nm. Abstract In order to investigate photophysical properties and crystallization medium effects, three Cu complexes, [CuI(PCy 3)] 2 (1), [Cu(I)(PPh 2 Me)] 4 (2), and [Cu 4 (I) 4 (PPh 2 py) 2 ] (3) were prepared and characterized using single crystal X-ray crystallography, solid state NMR, UV–Vis, and IR spectroscopy. In 1 , as previously reported, Cu 2 I 2 core is a square dimer with alternating copper and iodides positioned in the corners. Each copper atom is surrounded by two bridging iodides and a terminal tricyclohexylphosphine ligand. The cluster 2 adopts a cubane-like Cu 4 I 4 core, while in cluster 3 (as thf solvate) a Cu 4 I 2 distorted octahedral core is decorated with two bridging iodides and two chelating P^N ligands. The solid state 31P NMR analysis showed the presence in the powder of several polymorphs, the most abundant of which being, in the case of 2 , the cubane-like structure resolved by XRD methods, and in the case of 3 , a butterfly structure, different from that found for 3 ·thf. The solid state blue photoluminescence intensity in 1 is dependent upon its poly- or single-crystallinity. While dimer 1 in polycrystalline form is a stronger blue light emitter under 254 nm light irradiation than in 365 nm, in single crystalline phase it shows a similar higher intensity blue luminescence under lower energy light (365 nm) irradiation. On the other hand, clusters 2 and 3 do not show phase-dependent luminescence intensity variation. Time-dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) showed that the emission in 1 and 3 is assigned to a mixed metal to ligand and halide to ligand charge transfer, (X + M)LCT. In 2 , a dual emission band at low temperature was observed which was attributed to 3CC (LE band) and 3XLCT (HE band). Thermochromism and mechanochromism of complexes 1 – 3 were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I-III-VI group “green” quantum dots (QDs) are receiving increasing attention in photoelectronic conversion applications. In this work, a facile one-pot route directly dissolving copper iodide, gallium acetylacetonate and selenium powder as precursors into a mixed solution of dodecanethiol, oleylamine (OLA) and octadecene was developed to synthesize Cu-Ga-Se/ZnSe (CGSe/ZnSe) core/shell QDs. The resulting CGSe/ZnSe QDs with a relatively high photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) of 77.73% can be obtained and the particle size control from 4.20 to 5.73 nm can be realized via the variation of OLA dosage. The tunable emission from 485 to 630 nm can be acquired by introducing sulfur ion into CGSe host materials (anionic alloying) and varying the Cu/Ga precursor molar ratio. Furthermore, the PL recombination process in CGSe/ZnSe QDs is discussed using the PL decay curve. The proposed one-pot synthesis route for highly efficient color-tunable CGSe/ZnSe QDs is facile, rapid and environmentally-friendly. The as-prepared QDs are promising candidates for the exploration of novel and efficient light-emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two copper(I) iodide compounds with formula of {[Cu 2 I 2 (2-mna)]·DMA} ( 1 ) and {[CuI(6-mna)]·DMSO} ( 2 ) (2-mna = 2‑mercaptonanicotinic acid; 6-mna = 6‑mercaptonanicotinic acid; DMA = dimethylacetamide; DMSO = dimethyl sulfoxide) have been prepared by reaction and evaporation between CuI and 2-mna/6-mna at room temperature. Four Cu atoms in 1 are linked by I − ions and 2-mna ligands into [Cu 4 I 4 (2-mna) 2 ] units which are further linked into a 1D inorganic-organic chain by sharing Cu I bonds. In 2 , thiolate sulfur of 6-mna adopts μ 2 -coordination modes to bridge two Cu atoms, forming [Cu 2 (6-mna) 2 ] building units, which are further connected by I − ions into 1D chain structure. It is worth mentioning that the Cu⋯Cu distances in 1 and 2 are shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii of copper(I) (2.80 Å), implying the metal-metal bonding interactions. Interestingly, compounds 1 and 2 display blue and red fluorescence emission bands in the solid state, respectively. In particular, compound 2 exhibits the capability to selectively detect Fe 3+ ion as a fluorescence “turn-off” sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hole-selective contacts have been extensively studied in recent years due to their low-cost by low temperature processing (<250 °C). The γ-copper (I) iodide (CuI) behaves as a p-type semiconductor with a zinc blende structure (cubic) and it has previously been studied as a hole-selective layer in organic solar cells, solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells. In this paper, CuI thin films with wide band gaps and large work functions were fabricated on n-type silicon substrates via a thermal evaporation technique. Changes to the structural, morphological and optical properties of CuI thin films based on different thicknesses (11 to 58 nm) were analyzed. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that poly crystalline CuI thin films a have γ-phase with preferential growth in the (111) direction. Increases in the peak intensity for the (111) diffraction plane were observed in the thicker films. Generally, deposited CuI films exhibit triangular shapes with azimuthal orientation but these shapes disappeared as the film thickness was increased. Excellent electrical and optical properties were obtained at a CuI film thickness of 11 nm; measured values were 642 mV implied voltage, ~3.00 eV band gap energy, 5.68 eV work function value and 97.5% transmittance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diabetes mellitus was reported as one of the leading reasons for death around the world. Consequently, most of the researches were ardent to the detection of blood sugar level. Therefore, the morphology, as well as the sensing properties of renowned materials, should have optimized and engineered for higher sensitivity towards glucose. For the first time, an extensively utilized active component of a glucose sensor, cuprous oxide (Cu 2 O) is synthesized and dealt with various annealing temperatures at 400, 600, and 800 °C. The impacts of annealing temperatures on morphology, electro-active surface area, and the glucose sensing properties of cuprous oxides are investigated and spotted that, 600 °C is an effective annealing temperature. Then, we developed an electrochemical biosensor through the economic SPCE modification method. As a result, the modified electrode showed exceptional electrocatalytic ability towards glucose and the anodic peak current is correlated with the concentrations of glucose. It obtained more extensive working range between 31 nM and 1423 μM and with very low detection limit and appreciable sensitivity. This method is successfully applied to the recognition of glucose level in the samples of human blood serum and whole blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AgⅠ was added to the cluster of copper iodide Cu 4 I 4 (Gly) 3 to generate Cu 3 I 4 (Gly) 3 /Ag in order to introduce impurity energy levels, increase the light absorption efficiency, and simultaneously construct constrained bound excisions to enhance the luminous efficiency. This addition, however, led to an increase in crystal surface flaws and decreased stability. Cu 3 I 4 (Gly) 3 /Ag/x·MXene(x=0～1.0 wt%) is form when MXene is added to Cu 3 I 4 (Gly) 3 /Ag to reduce surface imperfections and build heterojunctions, therefore improving the separation effect of photogenerated electrons and holes. [Display omitted] • The introduction of impurity level AgⅠ reduces the band gap and improves the light absorption efficiency. The formation of bound excitons in the system improves the luminous efficiency. • MXene reduces surface imperfections and produces heterojunctions, hence enhancing the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. • The combination of MXene and organic–inorganic hybrid fluorescent materials creates new opportunities for high-performance LED luminescent materials. In this paper, AgⅠ was added to the cluster of copper iodide Cu 4 I 4 (Gly) 3 to generate Cu 3 I 4 (Gly) 3 /Ag in order to introduce impurity energy levels, increase the light absorption efficiency, and simultaneously construct constrained bound excisions to enhance the luminous efficiency. This addition, however, leading to an excessive increase in crystal surface defects, affecting the luminous efficiency of fluorescent materials. Cu 3 I 4 (Gly) 3 /Ag/x·MXene (x=0∼1.0 wt%) is form when MXene is added to Cu 3 I 4 (Gly) 3 /Ag to reduce surface imperfections and build heterojunctions, therefore improving the separation effect of photogenerated electrons and holes. Cu 3 I 4 (Gly) 3 /Ag/0.6·MXene emits orange-red light at 654 nm, expands the UV–vis absorption range, reduces the fluorescence lifetime by 24%, and increases the quantum efficiency by 136%. This work demonstrates that Cu 3 I 4 (Gly) 3 /Ag/x·MXene may be attractive alternatives to toxic lead halide perovskites and unstable copper(I) halides for optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new heterostructures nanoplatform CuI-PdI 2 (CPIs) was fabricated. • CPIs achieved a better photothermal performance and thus improve OH yield. • The CPIs can be used as POD-like nanoenzyme and accelerate the depletion of GSH. • CPIs can structurally collapse and thus degrade and excrete. Integrating multifunctional nanostructures and effectively modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a need for precision nanotherapy. In this work, cuprous iodide-palladium iodides (CPIs) nanoenzymes were designed for infrared thermal (IR) and computed tomography (CT) imaging-guided synergistic chemodynamic-photothermal therapy (CDT and PTT) of tumor. CPIs act as peroxidase (POD)-like enzymes to catalyze the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH) from endogenous H 2 O 2 , and also reduce the excess glutathione (GSH) in the TME to relieve tumor antioxidant ability, which enhance the effect of CDT. More importantly, due to the promoted non-radiative recombination of carries, the CPIs shift the light absorption range to the near-infrared region and confer higher photothermal conversion efficiency (47.72%), which improves the photothermal therapeutic effect and accelerate the generation rate of OH. Furthermore, the CT images exhibited by CPIs can help guide synergistic CDT/PTT treatment due to the high X-ray attenuation coefficient of the I-element. Finally, based on the dual oxidation of Cu(Ⅰ) and I(Ⅰ), the CPIs can be degraded to avoid long-term toxicity after inhibiting tumor growth. All in all, this nanotherapeutic platform constructed by iodides provide a possibility to simultaneously meet the biodegradability and imaging-guided synergistic chemodynamic-photothermal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mild reaction conditions (room temperature & 12 h). • Oxygen in air is used as the oxidant. • Gram-scale synthesis (1.97 g). • Broad substrate scope, 38 examples (e.g. alcohols, phenols, thiols, thiophenols). The copper-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling of P(O)−H compounds with O-/S-nucleophiles to construct P−O bonds and P−S bonds for the synthesis of phosphinates and phosphinothioates was developed. A broad range of O- and S-nucleophiles are well tolerated in this transformation, affording the target products with good to excellent yields. This protocol is effective and convenient, which not only employed inexpensive copper iodide as the catalyst, but also avoided the use of hazadous and toxic reagents. Through the step-by-step control experiments and competitive experiments, we proposed a plausible reaction mechanism, and further confirmed that the reaction may follow a radical process. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel HAAP gel electrolyte with high ionic conductivity was synthesized. • The fabricated device is codenamed CHP. • CHP photo-responsive electrochemical capacitor (EC) was fabricated. • CHP photo-responsive EC was characterized under dark and illuminated conditions. • A capacitance augmentation of 460.67% was achieved for the CHP photo-responsive EC, under illuminated condition. • The CHP photo-responsive EC exhibited excellent cyclic charge–discharge stability, retaining 93.0% of its initial capacitance, after 10,000 cycles. Herein, we report the fabrication and characterization of a copper-halide perovskite-based (CHP) photo-responsive electrochemical capacitor (EC). A chemically stable and optically viable lead-free inorganic copper antimony iodide (Cu 3 SbI 6) rudorffite is used as the active bi-functional symmetric electrodes. Non-aqueous HAAP gel electrolyte is sandwiched between the Cu 3 SbI 6 electrodes to obtain the CHP photo-responsive EC. The HAAP gel electrolyte is characterized by FTIR, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). SEM is used to study the Cu 3 SbI 6 electrodes. The CHP photo-responsive EC electrochemical energy storage performance is investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and EIS, under dark and illuminated conditions. A capacitance augmentation of 462 % is achieved for the CHP photo-responsive EC, under illuminated condition, Maximum energy density and power density of 9.98 μWh/cm2, and 3.18 mW/cm2, respectively, are attained under illumination. The CHP photo-responsive EC exhibits excellent cyclic charge–discharge stability by retaining 93 % of its initial capacitance, after 10,000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional Cu(I)-organic framework, [Cu 3 I 3 (ppt)·DMSO] n , (ppt = 3-(pyrazin-2-yl)-5-[4-(pyrid-4-yl)phenyl]-1,2,4-triazole, DMSO = dimethyl sulfoxide) was successfully synthesized under solvothermal condition by the reaction of CuI and a multidentate N-containing organic molecule. Two different secondary building units (SBUs), discrete Cu 2 I 2 moiety and infinite [CuI] n chain, were constructed in the title compound. Through the linkage of these subunits with the π-conjugated ligand, a non-interpenetrated network was finally constructed. The synthesis, structural characterization, photoluminescence and photocatalytic property of the compound have been investigated in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]