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Planar vacuum deposited p–i–n methyl ammonium lead tri-iodide perovskite solar cells are prepared with different electron and hole transporting layers, either doped or undoped. The effect of these layers on the solar cells performance (efficiency and stability) is studied. The main benefit of using doped layers lies in the formation of barrier free charge extraction contacts to the electrodes. However, this comes at the cost of increased residual absorption (reducing the current density and efficiency of the cells) and a decreased stability. A generic solar cell structure using undoped charge extraction layers is presented, containing a thin layer of a strong electron acceptor in between the transparent electrode and the hole transport layer, that leads to efficiencies of 18% and a significant (>5 times) improvement of the stability.

Fully inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite thin films were prepared by an easy, fast and dry process based on single-source vacuum deposition. We investigated the structural and optical characteristics of the so-formed films as a function of chemical composition (chloride, bromide and iodide films were formed), post-deposition thermal annealing, as well as previous mechanosynthesis of perovskite powders. We found out that the CsPbX3 perovskite was preferentially formed for the smaller halides and favored by previous ball-milling of CsX and PbX2 precursors. When bigger halides were used and/or CsX and PbX2 precursors were simply mixed without previous mechanosynthesis, PbX2-rich compounds such as CsPb2X5 were preferentially formed in the thin films.

A novel preparation of lead halide, CH3NH3PbBr3, perovskite nanoparticle solid films from colloidal “naked” nanoparticles, that is, dispersible nanoparticles without any surfactant, is reported. The colloids are obtained by simply adding potassium ions, whose counterions are both more lipophilic and less coordinating than bromide ions, to the perovskite precursor solutions (CH3NH3Br/PbBr2 in dimethylformamide) following the reprecipitation strategy. The naked nanoparticles exhibit a low tendency to aggregate in solution, and they effectively self-assembled on a substrate by centrifugation of the colloid, leading to homogeneous nanoparticle solid films with arbitrary thickness. These results are expected to spur further the interest in lead halide perovskites due to the new opportunities offered by these films.

Organic–inorganic perovskites have emerged as one of the most promising materials for future optoelectronics applications, most notably photovoltaics. The achievement of high-efficiency solar cells has been possible mainly through the understanding of the perovskite formation during the solution deposition of thin films. Vacuum deposition methods have also been developed and have intrinsic advantages over solution-based processing, including control over the film thickness and composition, low-temperature processing, and the possibility of preparing multilayer structures. This article summarizes the latest advances in the vacuum deposition of hybrid perovskites, with an emphasis on the application to photovoltaics. Methods for the deposition of perovskite thin films and the performances of the correspondent solar cells are reviewed.

A low temperature approach for the fabrication of p-i-n perovskite solar cells is presented. Using lead acetate-based precursors, flat and homogeneous CH3NH3PbI3 films, compatible with the use of thin organic charge transport layers, can be obtained. The corresponding solar cells showed power conversion efficiency up to 12.5%, with remarkable reproducibility and very low hysteresis.

Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) consists of a thin film of an ionic organic semiconductor sandwiched between two electrodes. Because of the large density of ions, LECs are often reported to perform independently on the electrodes work function. Here we use metal oxides as charge injection layers and demonstrate that, although electroluminescence is observed independently of the electrodes used, the device performances are strongly dependent on the choice of the interface materials. Relying on metal oxide charge injection layers, such hybrid devices are of interest for real lighting applications and could pave the way for new efficient, stable, low-cost lighting sources.

International audience; Methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr 3) perovskites have been widely studied in applications such as lasers and light-emitting diodes, thanks to their favorable bandgap, efficient charge transport, and the possibility of processing by simple solution methods. The film morphology has a large impact on the optical and electronic properties of the material; hence the deposition methods and the type of precursors used are crucial in the preparation of efficient optoelectronic devices. Here we studied the effect of the precursor´s stoichiometry of solution processed MAPbBr 3 thin films on their optical and electronic properties. We found a drastic effect of the stoichiometry on the resulting thin film morphology, and suggest the use of excess MA cations to enhance the photo-and electroluminescence of hybrid perovskites.

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are increasingly studied as transducers in sensing applications. While much emphasis has been placed on analyzing and maximizing the OECT signal, noise has been mostly ignored, although it determines the resolution of the sensor. The major contribution to the noise in sensing devices is the 1/f noise, dominant at low frequency. In this work, we demonstrate that the 1/f noise in OECTs follows a charge-noise model, which reveals that the noise is due to charge fuctuations in proximity or within the bulk of the channel material. We present the noise scaling behavior with gate voltage, channel dimensions and polymer thickness. Our results suggest the use of large area channels in order to maximize the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) for biochemical and electrostatic sensing applications. Comparison with literature shows that the magnitude of the noise in OECTs is similar to that observed in graphene transistors, and only slightly higher compared to Carbon nanotubes and Silicon nanowire devices. In a model ion-sensing experiment with OECTs, we estimate crucial parameters such as the characteristic SNR and corresponding limit of detection.

Thin-film solar cells suffer from various types of recombination, of which leakage current usually dominates at lower voltages. Herein, we demonstrate first a three-order reduction of the shunt loss mechanism in planar methylammonium lead iodide perovskite solar cells by replacing the commonly used hole transport layer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with a better hole-selective polyarylamine. As a result, these cells exhibit superior operation under reduced light conditions, which we demonstrate for the extreme case of moonlight irradiance, at which open-circuit voltages of 530 mV can still be obtained. By the shunt removal we also observe the VOC to drop to zero after as long as 2 h after the light has been switched off. Second, at higher illumination intensities the dominant losses in the PEDOT:PSS-based cell are ascribed to surface recombination and are also proven to be substantially minimized by instead employing the polyarylamine. We attribute the reduced shunt and surface recombination to the far better suited semiconductor character of the polyarylamine, compared to that of PEDOT:PSS, efficiently blocking electrons from recombining at this electrode.

Ion-selective organic electrochemical transistors with sensitivity to potassium approaching 50 μA dec(-1) are demonstrated. The remarkable sensitivity arises from the use of high transconductance devices, where the conducting polymer is in direct contact with a reference gel electrolyte and integrated with an ion-selective membrane.

Electrolyte-gated transistors (EGTs) based on ZnO thin films, obtained by solution processing of suspensions of nanoparticles, have a low turn-on voltage (

Organic-inorganic (hybrid) lead halide perovskites are taking the lead among the emerging photovoltaics technologies, thanks to the demonstration of power conversion efficiencies exceeding 20 %. Hybrid perovskites have a wide spectrum of desirable properties; they are direct bandgap semiconductors with very high absorption coefficients, high and balanced hole and electron mobility, and large diffusion length. A unique feature of these materials is their versatility in terms of bandgap energy, which can be tuned by simple exchange of their components. In this paper we present vacuum and hybrid deposition routes for the preparation of different organic-inorganic lead perovskite thin films, and their incorporation into efficient solar cells. The influence of the type of organic semiconductors used as hole/electron transport layer in p-i-n solar cells will be presented. We also discuss their electroluminescence properties, either for applications in light-emitting diodes or as a diagnostic tool of the optical and electronic quality of perovskite thin films. Finally, the effect of additives and dopants in the perovskite absorber as well as in the charge selective layers will be described.

Ultrathin, flexible and lightweight perovskite solar cells with improved stability in air can now power model airplanes for several hours.

A simple vacuum deposition method for the preparation of high quality hybrid organic-inorganic methylammonium lead iodide perovskite thin films is reported. When sandwiched in between organic charge transporting layers, such films lead to solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 12.2%.

Sensory information processing is a fundamental operation in the brain that is based on dynamic interactions between different neuronal populations. Astrocytes, a type of glial cells, have been proposed to represent active elements of brain microcircuits that, through dynamic interactions with neurons, provide a modulatory control of neuronal network activity. Specifically, astrocytes in different brain regions have been described to respond to neuronal signals with intracellular Ca2+ elevations that represent a key step in the functional recruitment of astrocytes to specific brain circuits. Accumulating evidence shows that Ca2+ elevations regulate the release of gliotransmitters that, in turn, modulate synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. Recent studies also provided new insights into the spatial and temporal features of astrocytic Ca2+ elevations revealing a surprising complexity of Ca2+ signal dynamics in astrocytes. Here we discuss how recently developed experimental tools such as the genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECI), optogenetics and chemogenetics can be applied to the study of astrocytic Ca2+ signals in the living brain.

Electrolyte-gated organic transistors offer low bias operation facilitated by direct contact of the transistor channel with an electrolyte. Their operation mode is generally defined by the dimensionality of charge transport, where a field-effect transistor allows for electrostatic charge accumulation at the electrolyte/semiconductor interface, whereas an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) facilitates penetration of ions into the bulk of the channel, considered a slow process, leading to volumetric doping and electronic transport. Conducting polymer OECTs allow for fast switching and high currents through incorporation of excess, hygroscopic ionic phases, but operate in depletion mode. Here, we show that the use of glycolated side chains on a thiophene backbone can result in accumulation mode OECTs with high currents, transconductance, and sharp subthreshold switching, while maintaining fast switching speeds. Compared with alkylated analogs of the same backbone, the triethylene glycol side chains shift the mode of operation of aqueous electrolyte-gated transistors from interfacial to bulk doping/transport and show complete and reversible electrochromism and high volumetric capacitance at low operating biases. We propose that the glycol side chains facilitate hydration and ion penetration, without compromising electronic mobility, and suggest that this synthetic approach can be used to guide the design of organic mixed conductors.

The addition of Sr2+ in CH3 NH3 PbI3 perovskite films enhances the charge carrier collection efficiency of solar cells leading to very high fill factors, up to 85%. The charge carrier lifetime of Sr2+ -containing perovskites is in excess of 40 μs, longer than those reported for perovskite single crystals.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate), PEDOT:PSS, has been utilized for over two decades as a stable, solution-processable hole conductor. While its hole transport properties have been the subject of intense investigation, recent work has turned to PEDOT:PSS as a mixed ionic/electronic conductor in applications including bioelectronics, energy storage and management, and soft robotics. Conducting polymers can efficiently transport both holes and ions when sufficiently hydrated, however, little is known about the role of morphology on mixed conduction. Here, we show that bulk ionic and electronic mobilities are simultaneously affected by processing-induced changes in nano- and meso-scale structure in PEDOT:PSS films. We quantify domain composition, and find that domain purification on addition of dispersion co-solvents limits ion mobility, even while electronic conductivity improves. We show that an optimal morphology allows for the balanced ionic and electronic transport that is critical for prototypical mixed conductor devices. These findings may pave the way for the rational design of polymeric materials and processing routes to enhance devices reliant on mixed conduction., Conducting polymers are promising materials for applications including bioelectronics and soft robotics, but little is known about how morphology affects mixed conduction. Here, the authors show how bulk ionic/electronic transport is affected by changes in nano- and meso-scale structure in PEDOT:PSS films.

Vacuum deposition techniques are used to prepare mixed iodide–bromide methylammonium lead perovskite diodes via an intermediate double layer of the pure iodide and bromide perovskites. The diodes lead to bright electroluminescence, whose emission spectra maxima shift from the infrared toward the visible with increasing bromide content. When illuminated with AM1.5 simulated sunlight the devices function as efficient solar cells with power conversion efficiencies as high as 12.9%.

In this communication we report on the preparation of CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite/Al2O3 nanoparticle composites in a thin film configuration and demonstrate their high photoluminescence quantum yield. The composite material is solution-processed at low temperature, using stable alumina nanoparticle dispersions. There is a large influence of the alumina nanoparticle concentration on the perovskite morphology and on its photoluminescence.

We have developed hybrid organic−inorganic light-emitting diodes (HyLEDs) featuring a buffer layer of a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) sandwiched between a light emitting polymer (LEP) film and a ZnO electron injection layer. Efficacies exceeding 5 cd/A and the possibility of employing various LEPs are demonstrated. These improvements, compared to HyLEDs without any interlayer, are attributed to the redistribution of ions in the CPE film, causing hole accumulation at the CPE/LEP interfaces and enhanced electron injection from the ZnO into the electroluminescent polymer. The intrinsic air-stability of the electrodes used in HyLEDs, together with the solution processability of the ZnO/CPE/LEP system, make them interesting as potentially encapsulation-free, low-cost, light-emitting devices.

Capacitance analysis of P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction solar cells, in dark and under illumination, shows a linear Mott-Schottky characteristic at moderate reverse bias, indicating p-doping of the organic blend. The flatband potential under illumination is displaced negatively about 0.6 V with respect to dark conditions. A basic photovoltaic model is developed to explain this, in terms of electron transfer via surface states at the metal/organic interface. Surface states with a slow exchange kinetics, become charged under illumination, unpinning the band and decreasing the depletion layer at the electron extraction contact. This becomes a major factor limiting the performance of bulk heterojunction solar cells. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Light-emitting electrochemical cells with lifetimes surpassing 3000 hours at an average luminance of 200 cd m(-2) are obtained with an ionic iridium(III) complex conveniently designed to form a supramolecularly caged structure.

The present study, focused on the sol-gel synthesis of rare-earth-doped zinc oxide, highlights the crucial points involved in the design and development of ZnO/Eu nanosystems. with peculiar and easily tunable photophysical. properties. ZnO nanopowders containing different europium amounts were prepared starting from zinc and europium acetate salts as the sol precursors. The densification process and the evolution of the structural-optical properties were studied as a function of annealing performed in air between 100 and 1000 degrees C. The microstructure and composition of the samples and their dependence on the synthesis procedure were investigated by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, whereas the emission properties were studied by photoluminescence spectroscopy in the energy and time domains as a function of the structural evolution. Crystalline ZnO powders in the wurtzite structure were formed after heat treatment at 400 degrees C, with an average nanocrystal size of ca. 20 nm. Stronger annealing conditions allowed a more extended densification of the oxide-based network and the removal of most -OH groups but also promoted the crystallization of EU2O3 at 800 degrees C. The most intense emission bands around 600 nm due to Eu3+ transitions were clearly observed in the annealed samples (T >= 600 degrees C). Interestingly, the observed overlap of the typical Eu3+ red emission with the characteristic green luminescence of the nanostructured ZnO matrix can be synergistically exploited for single or multicolor emission through the proper choice of the excitation wavelength.

A new type of bottom-emission electroluminescent device is described in which a metal oxide is used as the electron-injecting contact. The preparation of such a device is simple. It consists of the deposition of a thin layer of a metal oxide on top of an indium tin oxide covered glass substrate, followed by the solution processing of the light-emitting layer and subsequently the deposition of a high-workfunction (air-stable) metal anode. This architecture allows for a low-cost electroluminescent device because no rigorous encapsulation is required. Electroluminescence with a high brightness reaching 5700 cd m–2 is observed at voltages as low as 8 V, demonstrating the potential of this new approach to organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices. Unfortunately the device efficiency is rather low because of the high current density flowing through the device. We show that the device only operates after the insertion of an additional hole-injection layer in between the light-emitting polymer (LEP) and the metal anode. A simple model that explains the experimental results and provides avenues for further optimization of these devices is described. It is based on the idea that the barrier for electron injection is lowered by the formation of a space–charge field over the metal-oxide–LEP interface due to the build up of holes in the LEP layer close to this interface

This work has been supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MAT2014-55200). Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) based on fluorescent host-guest small molecules system are reported. The LECs show electroluminescence coming solely from the guest, with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 2.0%, which is very close to the theoretical maximum EQE (2.2%) for this particular system. This work demonstrates the possibility to obtain high efficiency devices employing low-cost materials, making host-guest systems a real alternative to more traditional semiconducting polymer or transition metal compounds. Postprint

Studies over the last decade provided evidence that in a dynamic interaction with neurons glial cell astrocytes contribut to fundamental phenomena in the brain. Most of the knowledge on this derives, however, from studies monitoring the astrocyte Ca2+ response to glutamate. Whether astrocytes can similarly respond to other neurotransmitters, including the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, is relatively unexplored. By using confocal and two photon laser‐scanning microscopy the astrocyte response to GABA in the mouse somatosensory and temporal cortex was studied. In slices from developing (P15‐20) and adult (P30‐60) mice, it was found that in a subpopulation of astrocytes GABA evoked somatic Ca2+ oscillations. This response was mediated by GABAB receptors and involved both Gi/o protein and inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) signalling pathways. In vivo experiments from young adult mice, revealed that also cortical astrocytes in the living brain exibit GABAB receptor‐mediated Ca2+ elevations. At all astrocytic processes tested, local GABA or Baclofen brief applications induced long‐lasting Ca2+ oscillations, suggesting that all astrocytes have the potential to respond to GABA. Finally, in patch‐clamp recordings it was found that Ca2+ oscillations induced by Baclofen evoked astrocytic glutamate release and slow inward currents (SICs) in pyramidal cells from wild type but not IP3R2−/− mice, in which astrocytic GABAB receptor‐mediated Ca2+ elevations are impaired. These data suggest that cortical astrocytes in the mouse brain can sense the activity of GABAergic interneurons and through their specific recruitment contribut to the distinct role played on the cortical network by the different subsets of GABAergic interneurons. GLIA 2016;64:363–373

Introduction The field of electrophysiology explores the mechanisms of electrical signal generation and propagation in living tissues. Contemporary electrophysiology has tended to focus on electrically excitable cells, for example observing action potentials propagating along a neuronal membrane. However, the birth of electrophysiology was concerned with a more global approach, looking at “bioelectricity” in the whole organism. Galvani, the father of “bioelectricity”, hooked up lightning rods to cut nerves in a frog’s leg and observed twitching of the leg muscles during a lightning storm. Matteucci, in 1831, was the first to measure the so-called “injury potentials” using a galvanometer in a cut nerve ending and demonstrated the existence of action potentials in nerves and muscles. His work was extended by Du Bois-Reymond, who in 1843 was able to directly measure the propagation of action potentials and also the injury potentials from cuts in his own finger. While rapid changes in membrane conductance of individual cells may be viewed as a somewhat “obvious” target that has been intensely studied, other, slower bioelectric phenomena such as those seen in wound healing have been somewhat neglected. The field of “bioelectricity” has seen a re-emergence in the past decade, thanks in part to new techniques in molecular physiology. In addition, the ensemble of electric phenomena in biology is rarely considered. Instead of solely focusing on action potentials in individual cells, it can be instructive to consider electrical characteristics in groups or arrays of cells. In this chapter we focus on the electrical measurement of arrays of cells or tissue layers. We attempt to widen the traditional definition of electrophysiology in a more general sense, as the electrical measurement of ion flow in biological systems. We review a subset of literature on methods for measuring ion flow in tissues in vitro in both electrically active and non-electrically active cells. We will particularly highlight dynamic methods for monitoring cell cultures, and the new trend of using transistors rather than simple electrodes with a special emphasis on the use of conducting polymers to do so.

Transistors with tunable transconductance allow high-quality recordings of human brain rhythms., Despite recent interest in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), sparked by their straightforward fabrication and high performance, the fundamental mechanism behind their operation remains largely unexplored. OECTs use an electrolyte in direct contact with a polymer channel as part of their device structure. Hence, they offer facile integration with biological milieux and are currently used as amplifying transducers for bioelectronics. Ion exchange between electrolyte and channel is believed to take place in OECTs, although the extent of this process and its impact on device characteristics are still unknown. We show that the uptake of ions from an electrolyte into a film of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) leads to a purely volumetric capacitance of 39 F/cm3. This results in a dependence of the transconductance on channel thickness, a new degree of freedom that we exploit to demonstrate high-quality recordings of human brain rhythms. Our results bring to the forefront a transistor class in which performance can be tuned independently of device footprint and provide guidelines for the design of materials that will lead to state-of-the-art transistor performance.

Parvalbumin (Pv)-positive inhibitory interneurons effectively control network excitability, and their optogenetic activation has been reported to block epileptic seizures. An intense activity in GABAergic interneurons, including Pv interneurons, before seizures has been described in different experimental models of epilepsy, raising the hypothesis that an increased GABAergic inhibitory signal may, under certain conditions, initiate seizures. It is therefore unclear whether the activity of Pv interneurons enhances or opposes epileptiform activities. Here we use a mouse cortical slice model of focal epilepsy in which the epileptogenic focus can be identified and the role of Pv interneurons in the generation and propagation of seizure-like ictal events is accurately analyzed by a combination of optogenetic, electrophysiological, and imaging techniques. We found that a selective activation of Pv interneurons at the focus failed to block ictal generation and induced postinhibitory rebound spiking in pyramidal neurons, enhancing neuronal synchrony and promoting ictal generation. In contrast, a selective activation of Pv interneurons distant from the focus blocked ictal propagation and shortened ictal duration at the focus. We revealed that the reduced ictal duration was a direct consequence of the ictal propagation block, probably by preventing newly generated afterdischarges to travel backwards to the original focus of ictal initiation. Similar results were obtained upon individual Pv interneuron activation by intracellular depolarizing current pulses. The functional dichotomy of Pv interneurons here described opens new perspectives to our understanding of how local inhibitory circuits govern generation and spread of focal epileptiform activities.

Planar diode structures employing hybrid organic–inorganic methylammonium lead iodide perovskites lead to multifunctional devices exhibiting both a high photovoltaic efficiency and good electroluminescence. The electroluminescence strongly improves at higher current density applied using a pulsed driving method.

Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) containing [Cu(POP)(N^N)][PF6] (POP = bis(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)ether, N^N = 6-methyl- or 6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) exhibit luminance and efficiency surpassing previous copper(i)-containing LECs.

The synthesis and characterization of a new cationic bis-cyclometallated iridium(III) complex and its use in solid-state light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) are described. The complex [Ir(ppy)2(Naphbpy)][PF6], where Hppy = 2-phenylpyridine and Naphbpy = 6-(2-naphthyl)-2,2′-bipyridine, incorporates a pendant 2-naphthyl unit that π-stacks face-to-face with the adjacent ppy− ligand and acts as a peripheral bulky group. The complex presents a structureless emission centred around 595–600 nm both in solution and in thin film with relatively low photoluminescence quantum yields compared with analogous systems. Density functional theory calculations support the charge transfer character of the emitting triplet state and rationalize the low quantum yields in terms of a ligand-centred triplet localized on the 2-naphthyl unit that lies close in energy to the emitting state. LECs incorporating the [Ir(ppy)2(Naphbpy)][PF6] complex as the electroluminescent material are driven using a pulsed current operation mode and show high luminance, exceeding 300 cd m−2, and exceptional stabilities.

The development of transistors with high gain is essential for applications ranging from switching elements and drivers to transducers for chemical and biological sensing. Organic transistors have become well-established based on their distinct advantages, including ease of fabrication, synthetic freedom for chemical functionalization, and the ability to take on unique form factors. These devices, however, are largely viewed as belonging to the low-end of the performance spectrum. Here we present organic electrochemical transistors with a transconductance in the mS range, outperforming transistors from both traditional and emerging semiconductors. The transconductance of these devices remains fairly constant from DC up to a frequency of the order of 1 kHz, a value determined by the process of ion transport between the electrolyte and the channel. These devices, which continue to work even after being crumpled, are predicted to be highly relevant as transducers in biosensing applications., Although organic transistors have many advantages, they are not typically known for their high performance. Khodagholy et al. report the fabrication of organic electrochemical transistors that combine high transconductance with mechanical flexibility, and are attractive for biosensor applications.

By varying device geometry we have engineered organic electrochemical transistors that exhibit their maximum transconductance at zero gate bias. This enables the design of a simplified amplifying transducer, allowing for improved integration with biomedical systems where prolonged gate bias can be detrimental. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Bilayer white light-emitting devices are prepared from solution, using an ionic orange phosphorescent organometallic complex and a neutral fluorescent conjugated polymer. Because of the very different polarity of the two components, they dissolve in orthogonal solvents, allowing for the direct deposition of the blue emitter on top of the orange emitter without the need of cross-linking or special coating methodology. Fine tuning of the layer thickness of both light-emitting layers allows for the color tuning of different types of white light.

A simple and versatile fabrication process is used to define conducting polymer microelectrode arrays (MEAs), patterning at the same time the recording electrodes as well as the insulating layer. Thanks to the low impedance of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) electrodes, these MEAs allow in vitro recording of action potentials from rat hippocampus slices.

Just six years after their discovery, organolead halide perovskite solar cells have taken the lead among emergent photovoltaic (PV) technologies, thanks to the demonstration of power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to 20% ( 1 , 2 ). The perovskite precursor compounds are abundant and inexpensive and can easily be converted into thin films. Perovskite photovoltaics can therefore, in principle, generate electricity at a very low cost. However, high efficiencies have been limited to very small devices. On page 944 of this issue, Chen et al. ( 3 ) report perovskite solar cells of 1 cm2 with a certified efficiency of 15%.

The demonstration of colour tunability and high efficiency has brought organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) into the displays and lighting market. However, high production costs due to expensive deposition techniques and the use of reactive materials still limit their market entry, highlighting the need for novel concepts. This has driven the research towards the integration of both organic and inorganic materials into devices that benefit from their respective peculiar properties. The most representative example of this tendency is the application of metal oxides in organic optoelectronics. Metal oxides combine properties such as high transparency, good electrical conductivities, tuneable morphology, and the possibility of deposition on large areas with low-cost techniques. The use of metal oxides as charge injection interfaces in OLEDs has also been investigated. Hybrid organic-inorganic light-emitting diodes (HyLEDs) are inverted OLEDs that employ air-stable metal oxides as the charge injection contacts. They are emerging as a potential competitor to standard OLEDs, thanks to their intrinsic air stable electrodes and solution processability, which could result in low-cost, large area, light-emitting devices. This article reviews the short history of this class of devices from its first solid state example published in 2006 to the present achievements. The data presented shed light on the electronic mechanism behind the functioning of HyLEDs and give guidelines for their further optimization.

The demonstration of colour tunability and high efficiency has brought organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) into the displays and lighting market. However, high production costs due to expensive deposition techniques and the use of reactive materials still limit their market entry, highlighting the need for novel concepts. This has driven the research towards the integration of both organic and inorganic materials into devices that benefit from their respective peculiar properties. The most representative example of this tendency is the application of metal oxides in organic optoelectronics. Metal oxides combine properties such as high transparency, good electrical conductivities, tuneable morphology, and the possibility of deposition on large areas with low-cost techniques. The use of metal oxides as charge injection interfaces in OLEDs has also been investigated. Hybrid organic-inorganic light-emitting diodes (HyLEDs) are inverted OLEDs that employ air-stable metal oxides as the charge injection contacts. They are emerging as a potential competitor to standard OLEDs, thanks to their intrinsic air stable electrodes and solution processability, which could result in low-cost, large area, light-emitting devices. This article reviews the short history of this class of devices from its first solid state example published in 2006 to the present achievements. The data presented shed light on the electronic mechanism behind the functioning of HyLEDs and give guidelines for their further optimization.

The response of PEDOT:PSS planar electrochemical transistors to H2O2 can be tuned by varying the ratio between the areas of the channel and the gate electrode. Devices with small gates show lower background signal and higher sensitivity. The detection range, on the other hand, is found to be rather independent of the gate/channel area ratio.

We report new insights into recombination kinetics in poly(3-hexylthiophene):methanofullerene (P3HT:PCBM) bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells, based on simultaneous determination of the density of states (DOS), internal recombination resistance, and carrier lifetime, at different steady states, by impedance spectroscopy. A set of measurements at open circuit under illumination was performed aiming to better understand the limitations to the photovoltage, which in this class of solar cells remains far below the theoretical limit which is the difference between the LUMO level of PCBM and the HOMO of P3HT (∼1.1 eV). Recombination kinetics follows a bimolecular law, being the recombination time (lifetime) inversely proportional to the density of photogenerated charges and the recombination coefficient γ=6×10-13 cm3 s-1. We find that the open-circuit photovoltage is governed by the carrier ability of occupying the DOS, which results in Gaussian shape and spreads in energy σ≈125-140 meV. The energy position of the Gaussian DOS center (EL=0.75-0.80 eV), which corresponds to half occupation of the electron DOS, approximates LUMO(PCBM)-HOMO(P3HT) difference. But the recombination rate is strongly enhanced at high illumination levels, what produces the photogenerated charge to remain in the tail of the DOS. Consequently, the electron and hole Fermi levels are unable to reach the center of the DOS, then substantially limiting the photovoltage. Detailed theoretical analysis of the lifetime dependence on photovoltage is provided. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An efficient white light emitting hybrid organic−inorganic device utilizing air-stable metal oxides as anode and cathode and a polyfluorene mixed with a phosphorescent iridium complex as the emitting material is presented.

Poly(phenylenevinylene)‐based organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are fabricated using air‐stable metal oxides as electrodes, producing very efficient and bright electroluminescent devices. Efficiencies of 8 cd A−1 and luminances above 20000 cd m−2 are obtained, comparable to the values reported for classic OLED structures using reactive metals as cathodes.

We present the first evidence of charge injection improvement in an organic electroluminescent device provided by a single ionic molecular layer. A hole-dominated, hybrid organic-inorganic light-emitting device is used as a probe to verify the effectiveness of the ionic compound monolayer on modifying the metal oxide cathode. The rearrangement of ions under an applied bias induces a strong field at the electrode-organic interface resulting in an enhancement of the electron injection into the organic semiconductor. A strong decrease in turn-on voltage for electroluminescence is observed for the device containing the ionic molecular monolayer.