Advances in Nanomaterials for Optoelectronics: Second Edition

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2025 | Viewed by 9303

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Institute for Advanced Energy Materials/School of Materials Science & Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
2. Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China
Interests: perovskite; solar cells
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Physics, College of Science, UAE University, Al Ain PO Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
Interests: nanomaterials; solar cells; photonic and optoelectronic devices
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a continuation of the previous successful Special Issue, entitled “Advances in Nanomaterials for Optoelectronics” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/nanomaterials/special_issues/Nano_Advan_Optoele), hosted by the same editors.

This Special Issue will include interdisciplinary topics at the frontiers of nanomaterials and devices, covering a wide range of applications in optoelectronics, including solar cells, photodetectors, lasers, transistors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), sensors, etc. Publications will be devoted to research on nanomaterials and nanocomposites (perovskites, 2D-layered materials, 3D-structured nanomaterials, etc.), device fabrications, advanced nanomaterials, optoelectronic properties, and the investigation (and modeling) of theoretical structure–property relationships. Other topics not mentioned in the list of specified topics are also welcome if they are related to the theme of the Special Issue.

The main goal of this research topic is to provide a specialized platform for researchers working in this field, where they can share new results, challenges, and perspectives of the new advances in nanomaterials and their optoelectronic applications and present a roadmap of this field.

Prof. Dr. Shengzhong Liu
Dr. Adel Najar
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanomaterial
  • perovskite
  • 2D
  • solar cell
  • photodetector
  • laser
  • transistor
  • LED
  • sensor

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 3025 KiB  
Article
Simultaneously Enhancing the Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells by Using P3HT/PEDOT:PSS as a Double Hole Transport Layer
by Xiude Yang, Minghao Luo, Qianqian Zhang, Haishen Huang, Yanqing Yao, Yuanlin Yang, Ying Li, Wan Cheng and Ping Li
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181476 - 11 Sep 2024
Viewed by 748
Abstract
The stability issue of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has long been of concern to researchers. Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is commonly used as a hole transport layer (HTL) in the inverted PSCs to achieve efficient and stable performance. However, PEDOT:PSS can corrode [...] Read more.
The stability issue of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has long been of concern to researchers. Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is commonly used as a hole transport layer (HTL) in the inverted PSCs to achieve efficient and stable performance. However, PEDOT:PSS can corrode ITO, affecting device efficiency. Moreover, the hydrophilic nature of PEDOT:PSS compromises device stability. In this work, Poly (3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), known for its good hydrophobicity, was used to modify the surface of PEDOT:PSS, reducing its water absorption and thereby enhancing the efficiency and stability of PSCs. The results reveal that incorporating P3HT effectively enhances the hydrophobicity of PEDOT:PSS. Furthermore, it fosters the development of large-grain perovskite film on the PEDOT:PSS/P3HT bilayer. This enhancement leads to a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.78% for PSCs, with an increase by 16% than that of reference cells (17.04% of PCE). Following a duration of 1000 h, the PCE for the device modified with P3HT remains above 90%, while the PCE of the reference device is below 70%. These findings suggest that using P3HT in conjunction with PEDOT:PSS as a bilayer HTL can concurrently and proficiently improve the efficiency and stability of PSCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Optoelectronics: Second Edition)
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12 pages, 8740 KiB  
Article
VO2-Based Spacecraft Smart Radiator with High Emissivity Tunability and Protective Layer
by Qingjie Xu, Haining Ji, Yang Ren, Yangyong Ou, Bin Liu, Yi Wang, Yongxing Chen, Peng Long, Cong Deng and Jingting Wang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161348 - 15 Aug 2024
Viewed by 852
Abstract
In the extreme space environment, spacecraft endure dramatic temperature variations that can impair their functionality. A VO2-based smart radiator device (SRD) offers an effective solution by adaptively adjusting its radiative properties. However, current research on VO2-based thermochromic films mainly [...] Read more.
In the extreme space environment, spacecraft endure dramatic temperature variations that can impair their functionality. A VO2-based smart radiator device (SRD) offers an effective solution by adaptively adjusting its radiative properties. However, current research on VO2-based thermochromic films mainly focuses on optimizing the emissivity tunability (Δε) of single-cycle sandwich structures. Although multi-cycle structures have shown increased Δε compared to single-cycle sandwich structures, there have been few systematic studies to find the optimal cycle structure. This paper theoretically discusses the influence of material properties and cyclic structure on SRD performance using Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) software, which is a rigorous and powerful tool for modeling nano-scale optical devices. An optimal structural model with maximum emissivity tunability is proposed. The BaF2 obtained through optimization is used as the dielectric material to further optimize the cyclic resonator. The results indicate that the tunability of emissivity can reach as high as 0.7917 when the BaF2/VO2 structure is arranged in three periods. Furthermore, to ensure a longer lifespan for SRD under harsh space conditions, the effects of HfO2 and TiO2 protective layers on the optical performance of composite films are investigated. The results show that when TiO2 is used as the protective layer with a thickness of 0.1 µm, the maximum emissivity tunability reaches 0.7932. Finally, electric field analysis is conducted to prove that the physical mechanism of the smart radiator device is the combination of stacked Fabry–Perot resonance and multiple solar reflections. This work not only validates the effectiveness of the proposed structure in enhancing spacecraft thermal control performance but also provides theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of SRDs for space applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Optoelectronics: Second Edition)
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11 pages, 6302 KiB  
Article
Full-Color Imaging System Based on the Joint Integration of a Metalens and Neural Network
by Shuling Hu, Ruixue Shi, Bin Wang, Yuan Wei, Binzhi Qi and Peng Zhou
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(8), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14080715 - 19 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1104
Abstract
Lenses have been a cornerstone of optical systems for centuries; however, they are inherently limited by the laws of physics, particularly in terms of size and weight. Because of their characteristic light weight, small size, and subwavelength modulation, metalenses have the potential to [...] Read more.
Lenses have been a cornerstone of optical systems for centuries; however, they are inherently limited by the laws of physics, particularly in terms of size and weight. Because of their characteristic light weight, small size, and subwavelength modulation, metalenses have the potential to miniaturize and integrate imaging systems. However, metalenses still face the problem that chromatic aberration affects the clarity and accuracy of images. A high-quality image system based on the end-to-end joint optimization of a neural network and an achromatic metalens is demonstrated in this paper. In the multi-scale encoder–decoder network, both the phase characteristics of the metalens and the hyperparameters of the neural network are optimized to obtain high-resolution images. The average peak-signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and average structure similarity (SSIM) of the recovered images reach 28.53 and 0.83. This method enables full-color and high-performance imaging in the visible band. Our approach holds promise for a wide range of applications, including medical imaging, remote sensing, and consumer electronics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Optoelectronics: Second Edition)
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13 pages, 9344 KiB  
Article
Towards High Performance: Solution-Processed Perovskite Solar Cells with Cu-Doped CH3NH3PbI3
by Abdul Kareem Kalathil Soopy, Bhaskar Parida, S. Assa Aravindh, Asma O. Al Ghaithi, Naser Qamhieh, Noureddine Amrane, Maamar Benkraouda, Shengzhong (Frank) Liu and Adel Najar
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(2), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14020172 - 12 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1502
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated remarkable photovoltaic performance, positioning themselves as promising devices in the field. Theoretical calculations suggest that copper (Cu) can serve as an effective dopant, potentially occupying interstitial sites in the perovskite structure, thereby reducing the energy barrier and [...] Read more.
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated remarkable photovoltaic performance, positioning themselves as promising devices in the field. Theoretical calculations suggest that copper (Cu) can serve as an effective dopant, potentially occupying interstitial sites in the perovskite structure, thereby reducing the energy barrier and enhancing carrier extraction. Subsequent experimental investigations confirm that adding CuI as an additive to MAPbI3-based perovskite cells improves optoelectronic properties and overall device performance. Optimizing the amount of Cu (0.01 M) has been found to significantly enhance crystalline quality and grain size, leading to improved light absorption and suppressed carrier recombination. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Cu-doped PSCs increased from 16.3% to 18.2%. However, excessive Cu doping (0.1 M) negatively impacts morphology, resulting in inferior optical properties and diminished device performance. Furthermore, Cu-doped PSCs exhibit higher stabilized power output (SPO) compared to pristine cells. This study underscores the substantial benefits of Cu doping for advancing the development of highly efficient PSCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Optoelectronics: Second Edition)
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12 pages, 3298 KiB  
Article
Ag Nanocluster Production through DC Magnetron Sputtering and Inert Gas Condensation: A Study of Structural, Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy, and Optical Properties
by Ishaq Musa, Naser Qamhieh and Saleh T. Mahmoud
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(20), 2758; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13202758 - 13 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1183
Abstract
Silver nanoclusters are valuable for a variety of applications. A combination of direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering and inert gas condensation methods, employed within an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) system, was used to generate Ag nanoclusters with an average size of 4 nm. Various [...] Read more.
Silver nanoclusters are valuable for a variety of applications. A combination of direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering and inert gas condensation methods, employed within an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) system, was used to generate Ag nanoclusters with an average size of 4 nm. Various analytical techniques, including Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), UV-visible absorption, and Photoluminescence, were employed to characterize the produced Ag nanoclusters. AFM topographic imaging revealed spherical nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 3 to 6 nm, corroborating data from a quadrupole mass filter (QMF). The XRD analysis verified the simple cubic structure of the Ag nanoclusters. The surface potential was assessed using KPFM, from which the work function was calculated with a reference highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). The UV-visible absorption spectra displayed peaks within the 350–750 nm wavelength range, with a strong absorption feature at 475 nm. Additionally, lower excitation wavelengths resulted in a sharp peak emission at 370 nm, which became weaker and broader when higher excitation wavelengths were used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Optoelectronics: Second Edition)
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12 pages, 6356 KiB  
Article
Improving the Luminescence Performance of Monolayer MoS2 by Doping Multiple Metal Elements with CVT Method
by Bojin Zhao, Zongju Huo, Lujie Li, Hongjun Liu, Zhanggui Hu, Yicheng Wu and Hailong Qiu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(18), 2520; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13182520 - 8 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1494
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) draw much attention as critical semiconductor materials for 2D, optoelectronic, and spin electronic devices. Although controlled doping of 2D semiconductors can also be used to tune their bandgap and type of carrier and further change their electronic, [...] Read more.
Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) draw much attention as critical semiconductor materials for 2D, optoelectronic, and spin electronic devices. Although controlled doping of 2D semiconductors can also be used to tune their bandgap and type of carrier and further change their electronic, optical, and catalytic properties, this remains an ongoing challenge. Here, we successfully doped a series of metal elements (including Hf, Zr, Gd, and Dy) into the monolayer MoS2 through a single-step chemical vapor transport (CVT), and the atomic embedded structure is confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) with a probe corrector measurement. In addition, the host crystal is well preserved, and no random atomic aggregation is observed. More importantly, adjusting the band structure of MoS2 enhanced the fluorescence and the carrier effect. This work provides a growth method for doping non-like elements into 2D MoS2 and potentially many other 2D materials to modify their properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Optoelectronics: Second Edition)
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Review

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28 pages, 2454 KiB  
Review
The Scale Effects of Organometal Halide Perovskites
by Yibo Zhang, Zhenze Zhao, Zhe Liu and Aiwei Tang
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(22), 2935; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13222935 - 13 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1893
Abstract
Organometal halide perovskites have achieved great success in solution-processed photovoltaics. The explorations quickly expanded into other optoelectronic applications, including light-emitting diodes, lasers, and photodetectors. An in-depth analysis of the special scale effects is essential to understand the working mechanisms of devices and optimize [...] Read more.
Organometal halide perovskites have achieved great success in solution-processed photovoltaics. The explorations quickly expanded into other optoelectronic applications, including light-emitting diodes, lasers, and photodetectors. An in-depth analysis of the special scale effects is essential to understand the working mechanisms of devices and optimize the materials towards an enhanced performance. Generally speaking, organometal halide perovskites can be classified in two ways. By controlling the morphological dimensionality, 2D perovskite nanoplatelets, 1D perovskite nanowires, and 0D perovskite quantum dots have been studied. Using appropriate organic and inorganic components, low-dimensional organic–inorganic metal halide hybrids with 2D, quasi-2D, 1D, and 0D structures at the molecular level have been developed and studied. This provides opportunities to investigate the scale-dependent properties. Here, we present the progress on the characteristics of scale effects in organometal halide perovskites in these two classifications, with a focus on carrier diffusion, excitonic features, and defect properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Optoelectronics: Second Edition)
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