Ex-situ doping of CdTe using Solution Based Processes
Ex-situ Group V Doping of CdTe using Solution based Processes
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Ex-situ Group V Doping of CdTe using Solution based Processes
A system and method for forming at least one of graphene and graphene oxide on a substrate and an opposed wear member. The system includes graphene and graphene oxide formed by an exfoliation process or solution processing method to dispose graphene and/or graphene oxide onto a substrate. The system further includes an opposing wear member disposed on another substrate and a gas atmosphere of an inert gas like N2, ambient, a humid atmosphere and a water solution.
A system and method for forming at least one of graphene and graphene oxide on a substrate and an opposed wear member. The system includes graphene and graphene oxide formed by an exfoliation process or solution processing method to dispose graphene and/or graphene oxide onto a substrate. The system further includes an opposing wear member disposed on another substrate and a gas atmosphere of an inert gas like N2, ambient, a humid atmosphere and a water solution.
Organic semiconductors (OSCs) have shown great promise in a variety of applications. Although solution processing of OSCs has resulted in high-quality films, exquisite control of structural development to minimize defect formation during large-scale fabrication remains formidable. Compounding this challenge is the use of halogenated organic solvents, which poses significant health and environmental hazards. However, the solvent-free techniques introduced thus far impose additional limitations on solidification kinetics; the resulting OSC thin films are often more defective than those processed from solution. Here, a solvent-free technique is reported to prepare OSC membranes with centimetric crystalline domains. Leveraging the tendency for liquid crystalline materials to preferentially orient, OSCs are “prealigned” by depositing them from the melt over a metal frame to form a freely suspended membrane. Additionally, crystallization from this prealigned phase affords membranes with unprecedented structural order across macroscopic distances. Field-effect transistors comprising membranes of dioctyl[1]-benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8BTBT) and didodecyl[1]-benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C12BTBT) having centimeter-sized domains as active layers exhibit a hole mobility of ≈8.6 cm2 V -1 s -1 , superseding the mobility of any transistors whose active layers are deposited from melt. This technique is scalable to yield membranes with large crystalline domains over wafer dimensions, making it amenable for broad applications in large-area organic electronics.
Collaboration will occur between NREL and KIMM in the area of semiconductor nanocrystals for use in advanced solar photon energy conversion strategies. The project takes advantage of the unique capabilities and expertise regarding the incorporation of quantum dots (QD) into solar energy technologies that are available at NREL within the BES-funded programs. KIMM has unique expertise in the synthesis of new types of nanocrystals as well as advanced processes for solution processing.
A fiber-optic visible–near-infrared absorption spectroscopy system in a glove box was demonstrated for remote quantification of Am(III) (0–500 µM) and HNO 3 (0.1–9 M) using partial least squares regression (PLSR) models. The sensor platform, featuring a simple plug-and-play spectrophotometer, can enable noninvasive, real-time monitoring of actinide process solutions. To establish a flexible PLSR model calibration strategy, a D-optimal design developed using Nd(III) in previous studies was successfully extended to an actinide system with Am(III) to effectively minimize sample set size while maintaining robust prediction performance. The results suggest strong spectral similarities between Nd(III) and Am(III) and validate Nd(III) as an effective optical surrogate for trivalent actinide species. This work also supports the generalizability of a D-optimal training set selection approach for two-factor systems. The PLS1 models for Am(III) and HNO 3 outperformed a PLS2 model and maintained reasonable performance in the presence of interfering U(VI). The resulting sensor system and multivariate approach provides a flexible and scalable solution for process monitoring, control, and safety in diverse nuclear applications.
Single-layer blue phosphorescence organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) with either small-molecule or polymer hosts are fabricated using solution process and the performances of devices with different hosts are investigated. The small-molecule device exhibits luminous efficiency of 14.7 cd/A and maximum power efficiency of 8.39 lm/W, which is the highest among blue phosphorescence OLEDs with single-layer solution process and small molecular hosts. Using the same solution process for all devices, comparison of light out-coupling enhancement, with brightness enhancement film (BEF), between small-molecule and polymer based OLEDs is realized. Due to different dipole orientation and anisotropic refractive index, polymer-based OLEDs would trap less light than small molecule-based OLEDs internally, about 37% better based simulation results. In spite of better electrical and spectroscopic characteristics, including ambipolar characteristics, higher carrier mobility, higher photoluminescence quantum yield, and larger triplet state energy, the overall light out-coupling efficiency of small molecule-based devices is worse than that of polymer-based devices without BEF. However, with BEF for light out-coupling enhancement, the improved ratio in luminous flux and luminous efficiency for small molecule based device is 1.64 and 1.57, respectively, which are significantly better than those of PVK (poly-9-vinylcarbazole) devices. In addition to the theoretical optical simulation, the experimental data also confirm the origins of differential light-outcoupling enhancement. The maximum luminous efficiency and power efficiency are enhanced from 14.7 cd/A and 8.39 lm/W to 23 cd/A and 13.2 lm/W, respectively, with laminated BEF, which are both the highest so far for single-layer solution-process blue phosphorescence OLEDs with small molecule hosts.
Solution processing of flexible perovskite solar cells (f-PSCs) provides an avenue for scalable, high-throughput printing of lightweight, scalable, and cost-effective flexible solar cells. However, the deposition of fully solution-processed metal oxide charge transport layers on perovskites has been limited by solvent incompatibilities and high processing temperatures for metal oxide nanoparticles. In this study, we present high-performance, inverted f-PSCs from the direct deposition of yttrium doped SnO 2 nanoparticles functionalized with acetate on top of perovskite as an ink in anhydrous ethanol via blade coating. Yttrium doping improved device performance by improving the charge extraction leading with a decreased series resistance leading to improvements in the open-circuit voltage and fill factor. Furthermore, the champion power conversion efficiency for 0.1 cm 2 devices increased from 14.3% for undoped SnO 2 to 18.2% with 2% Y:SnO 2 doping, which is unprecedented for f-PSCs on ITO-PET substrate employing SnO 2 as an ETL.
The past two decades have seen a sustained increase in the use of high fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in basic research, aircraft design, and the analysis of post-design issues. As the fidelity of a CFD method increases, the number of cases that can be readily and affordably computed greatly diminishes. However, computer speeds now exceed 2 GHz, hundreds of processors are currently available and more affordable, and advances in parallel CFD algorithms scale more readily with large numbers of processors. All of these factors make it feasible to compute thousands of high fidelity cases. However, there still remains the overwhelming task of monitoring the solution process. This paper presents an approach to automate the CFD solution process. A new software tool, AeroDB, is used to compute thousands of Euler and Navier-Stokes solutions for a 2nd generation glide-back booster in one week. The solution process exploits a common job-submission grid environment, the NASA Information Power Grid (IPG), using 13 computers located at 4 different geographical sites. Process automation and web-based access to a MySql database greatly reduces the user workload, removing much of the tedium and tendency for user input errors. The AeroDB framework is shown. The user submits/deletes jobs, monitors AeroDB's progress, and retrieves data and plots via a web portal. Once a job is in the database, a job launcher uses an IPG resource broker to decide which computers are best suited to run the job. Job/code requirements, the number of CPUs free on a remote system, and queue lengths are some of the parameters the broker takes into account. The Globus software provides secure services for user authentication, remote shell execution, and secure file transfers over an open network. AeroDB automatically decides when a job is completed. Currently, the Cart3D unstructured flow solver is used for the Euler equations, and the Overflow structured overset flow solver is used for the Navier-Stokes equations. Other codes can be readily included into the AeroDB framework.
Air-stable and soluble tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) is demonstrated as an efficient n-type dopant for the conjugated polymer ClBDPPV. Electron transfer from F - anions to the π-electron-deficient ClBDPPV through anion–π electronic interactions is strongly corroborated by the combined results of electron spin resonance, UV–vis–NIR, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Doping of ClBDPPV with 25 mol% TBAF boosts electrical conductivity to up to 0.62 S cm -1 , among the highest conductivities that have been reported for solution-processed n-type conjugated polymers, with a thermoelectric power factor of 0.63 µW m -1 K -2 in air. Importantly, the Seebeck coefficient agrees with recently published correlations to conductivity. Moreover, the F - -doped ClBDPPV shows significant air stability, maintaining the conductivity of over 0.1 S cm -1 in a thick film after exposure to air for one week, to the best of our knowledge the first report of an air-stable solution-processable n-doped conductive polymer with this level of conductivity. The result shows that using solution-processable small-anion salts such as TBAF as an n-dopant of organic conjugated polymers possessing lower LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital), less than -4.2 eV) can open new opportunities toward high-performance air-stable solution-processable n-type thermoelectric (TE) conjugated polymers.
We have proposed, for the tetragonal form of chicken egg lysozyme, that solution phase assembly processes are needed to form the growth units for crystal nucleation and growth. The starting point for the self-association process is the monomeric protein, and the final crystallographic symmetry is defined by the initial dimerization interactions of the monomers and subsequent n-mers formed, which in turn are a function of the crystallization conditions. It has been suggested that multimeric proteins generally incorporate the underlying multimers symmetry into the final crystallographic symmetry. We posed the question of what happens to a protein that is known to grow as an n-mer when it is placed in solution conditions where it is monomeric. The trypsin-treated, or cut, form of the protein canavalin (CCAN) has been shown to nucleate and grow crystals as a trimer from neutral to slightly acidic solutions. Under these conditions the solution is composed almost wholly of trimers. The insoluble protein can be readily dissolved by weakly basic solution, which results in a solution that is monomeric. There are three possible outcomes to an attempt at crystallization of the protein under monomeric (high pH) conditions: 1) we will obtain the same crystals as under trimer conditions, but at different protein concentrations governed by the self association equilibria; 2) we will obtain crystals having a different symmetry, based upon a monomeric growth unit; 3) we will not obtain crystals. Obtaining the first result would be indicative that the solution-phase self-association process is critical to the crystal nucleation and growth process. The second result would be less clear, as it may also reflect a pH-dependent shift in the trimer-trimer molecular interactions. The third result, particularly for experiments in the transition pH's between trimeric and monomeric CCAN, would indicate that the monomer does not crystallize, and that solution phase self association is not part of the crystal nucleation and growth path. Results are presented for crystallization experiments of CCAN over the pH 6.8 to 9.6 range.
This paper gives an overview of the development and status of an improved numerical process for the solution of solid mechanics problems. The proposed process uses a mixed formulation with the fundamental unknowns consisting of both stress and displacement parameters. The problem is formulated either by means of first-order partial differential equations or in a variational form by using a Hellinger-Reissner-type mixed variational principle. For presentation purposes, the components of a numerical process are characterized and the criteria for an ideal process are outlined. Commonly used finite-difference and finite-element procedures are examined in the light of these criteria and it is shown that they fall short in a number of ways. The proposed numerical process, on the other hand, satisfies most of the optimality criteria and appears to be particularly suited for use with the forthcoming generation computers.
Abstract Land use within a watershed impacts stream channel morphology and hydrology and, therefore, in‐stream solute transport processes and associated transient storage mechanisms. This study evaluated transport processes in two contrasting stream sites where channel morphology was influenced by the surrounding land use, land cover, climate and geologic controls: Como Creek, CO, a relatively undisturbed, high gradient, forested stream with a gravel bed and complex channel morphology, and Clear Creek, IA, an incised, low‐gradient stream with low‐permeability substrate draining an agricultural landscape. We performed conservative stream tracer injections at these sites to address the following questions: (1) How does solute transport vary between streams with differing morphologies? and (2) How does solute transport at each stream site change as a function of discharge? We analysed in‐stream tracer time series data and compared results quantifying solute attenuation in surface and subsurface transient storage zones. Significant trends were observed in these metrics with varying discharge conditions at the forested site but not at the agricultural site. There was a broad range of transport mechanisms and evidence of substantial exchange with both surface and hyporheic transient storage in the relatively undisturbed, forested stream. Changing discharge conditions activated or deactivated different solute transport mechanisms in the forested site and greatly impacted advective travel time. Conversely in the simplified agricultural stream, there was a narrow range of solute transport behaviour across flows and predominantly surface transient storage at all measured discharge conditions. These results demonstrate how channel simplification inhibits available solute transport mechanisms across varying discharge conditions.
The objective of this effort is to conduct fundamental research in reduced gravity on transport processes occurring during solution crystal growth. Experimental techniques will be developed to monitor and control key parameters at the interface between a growing crystal and the solution from which it grows. Techniques developed will lead to an in-space experiment in the Shuttle. The focus will be on non-incursive ground-based laboratory measurements of model systems and the definition of requirements for space experimentation. Initially, aqueous solutions will be used for easier control and instrumentation. Model systems with imposed steady flows and simplified boundary conditions will be studied for characterization. Various nonincursive measurement techniques are being investigated for proper applications in a newly built laboratory capable of flow visualization, laser Doppler velocimetry, Schlieren photography, specklegram, holographic interferometry, and Raman spectroscopy.
The aim of the project is to qualify an integrated material set and processing solution for selected metallic components of an advanced integrated stack block. As the integrated stack block is the “engine” of the solid oxide fuel cell power system, the project will also support significant cost reductions, increased reliability, and improved performance of the LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc. (“LGFCS”) cell and stack technology to be included in the initial commercial product offering. In the proposed work an integrated material set, and processing solution will be developed using powder metals processing which has been proven to be an enabling technology capable of delivering net or near net shape components, as well as for creating compositions, microstructures, and properties that are otherwise unattainable. Several advanced manufacturing processes will be screened to select one or more that are most advantageous for the selected metallic components when produced at commercial volumes. This work will be accomplished through the integration of metallurgists and processing engineers from Carpenter Technology, with the product design and cost engineers from LGFCS. The expected outcome of the proposed work is an optimized material set and processing solution that will reduce the current cost.
Abstract Solutes and their concentrations influence many natural and anthropogenic solution processes. Electrolyte and solution models are used to quantify and predict such behavior. Here we present a mechanistic solution model based on mass action equilibria. Solvation and ion pairing are used to model speciated solute and solvent concentrations such that they correlate to a solution’s vapor pressure (solvent activity) according to Raoult’s law from dilute conditions to saturation. This model introduces a hydration equilibrium constant ( K ha ) that is used with either an ion dissociation constant ( K id ) or a hydration modifier ( m ) with an experimentally determined ion dissociation constant, as adjustable parameters to fit vapor–liquid equilibrium data. The modeled solvation equilibria are accompanied by molecular dynamics (MD) studies that support a decline in the observed degree of solvation with increased concentration. MD calculations indicate this finding is a combination of a solvent that solvates multiple solutes, and changes in a solute’s solvation sphere, with the dominant factor changing with concentration. This speciation-based solution model is lateral to established electrostatics-based electrolyte theories. With its basis in mass action, the model can directly relate experimental data to the modeled solute and solvent speciated concentrations and structures.
The field of organic electronics thrives on the hope of enabling low-cost, solution-processed electronic devices with mechanical, optoelectronic, and chemical properties not available from inorganic semiconductors. A key to the success of these aspirations is the ability to controllably dope organic semiconductors with high spatial resolution. In this work, recent progress in molecular doping of organic semiconductors is summarized, with an emphasis on solution-processed p-type doped polymeric semiconductors. Highlighted topics include how solution-processing techniques can control the distribution, diffusion, and density of dopants within the organic semiconductor, and, in turn, affect the electronic properties of the material. Research in these areas has recently intensified, thanks to advances in chemical synthesis, improved understanding of charged states in organic materials, and a focus on relating fabrication techniques to morphology. Significant disorder in these systems, along with complex interactions between doping and film morphology, is often responsible for charge trapping and low doping efficiency. However, the strong coupling between doping, solubility, and morphology can be harnessed to control crystallinity, create doping gradients, and pattern polymers. These breakthroughs suggest a role for molecular doping not only in device function but also in fabrication—applications beyond those directly analogous to inorganic doping.
Permeable base transistors (PBTs) fabricated by vacuum deposition or solution process have the advantages of easy fabrication and low power operation and are a promising device structure for flexible electronics. Intrinsic delay of PBT, which characterizes the speed of the transistor, is investigated by solving the three-dimensional Poisson equation and drift-diffusion equation self-consistently using finite element method. Decreasing the emitter thickness lowers the intrinsic delay by improving on-current, and a thinner base is also preferred for low intrinsic delay because of fewer carriers in the base region at off-state. The intrinsic delay exponentially decreases as the emitter contact Schottky barrier height decreases, and it linearly depends on the carrier mobility. With an optimized emitter contact barrier height and device geometry, a sub-nano-second intrinsic delay can be achieved with a carrier mobility of ∼10 cm{sup 2}/V/s obtainable in solution processed indium gallium zinc oxide, which indicates the potential of solution processed PBTs for GHz operations.