PBI/Nafion/SiO2 hybrid membrane for high-temperature low-humidity fuel cell applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Liang; Advani, Suresh G.; Prasad, Ajay K.

2013-01-01

A novel composite membrane for fuel cell applications was prepared by incorporating SiO 2 in PBI/Nafion resin by the sol–gel method. Polybenzimidazole (PBI) was blended with Nafion to improve the membrane stability. The presence of PBI also improves the dimensional stability of the composite membrane over a wide range of hydration conditions. Being highly hygroscopic, SiO 2 enhances water absorption and retention in the membrane which improves fuel cell performance under low relative humidity conditions. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the PBI and Nafion polymers can be blended uniformly. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of SiO 2 in the composite membrane. Thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the improved thermal stability of the SiO 2 /PBI/Nafion membrane. Tensile strength, water uptake and swelling of the composite membrane were also measured at 60 °C and compared with Nafion. The fuel cell performance of the novel SiO 2 /PBI/Nafion composite membrane at 120 °C and 35% relative humidity significantly improved over a pure Nafion membrane of the same thickness

Optical monitoring of CH3NH3PbI3 thin films upon atmospheric exposure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ghimire, Kiran; Zhao, Dewei; Cimaroli, Alex; Ke, Weijun; Yan, Yanfa; Podraza, Nikolas J

2016-01-01

CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite films of interest for photovoltaic (PV) devices have been prepared by (i) vapor deposition and (ii) solution processing. Complex dielectric function ( ε   =   ε 1   +  i ε 2 ) spectra and structural parameters of the films have been extracted using near infrared to ultraviolet spectroscopic ellipsometry. In situ real time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) over a 48 h period has been performed on vapor deposited CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 after the deposition in normal atmospheric laboratory ambient conditions. Analysis of RTSE data for vapor deposited CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 film prepared under un-optimized conditions identifies phase segregated PbI 2 and CH 3 NH 3 I at the substrate/film interface and unreacted PbI 2 and CH 3 NH 3 I on the film surface. This analysis also provides the time dependence of the effective thicknesses of perovskite film, unreacted components, and phase segregated layers to track CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 decomposition. (paper)

Effect of PbI2 deposition rate on two-step PVD/CVD all-vacuum prepared perovskite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ioakeimidis, Apostolos; Christodoulou, Christos; Lux-Steiner, Martha; Fostiropoulos, Konstantinos

2016-01-01

In this work we fabricate all-vacuum processed methyl ammonium lead halide perovskite by a sequence of physical vapour deposition of PbI 2 and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of CH 3 NH 3 I under a static atmosphere. We demonstrate that for higher deposition rate the (001) planes of PbI 2 film show a higher degree of alignment parallel to the sample's surface. From X-ray diffraction data of the resulted perovskite film we derive that the intercalation rate of CH 3 NH 3 I is fostered for PbI 2 films with higher degree of (001) planes alignment. The stoichiometry of the produced perovskite film is also studied by Hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Complete all-vacuum perovskite solar cells were fabricated on glass/ITO substrates coated by an ultra-thin (5 nm) Zn-phthalocyanine film as hole selective layer. A dependence of residual PbI 2 on the solar cells performance is displayed, while photovoltaic devices with efficiency up to η=11.6% were achieved. - Graphical abstract: A two-step PVD/CVD processed perovskite film with the CVD intercalation rate of CH 3 NCH 3 molecules been fostered by increasing the PVD rate of PbI 2 and prolonging the CVD time. - Highlights: • A simple PVD/CVD process for perovskite film production. • Increased PVD rate yields better alignment of the PbI 2 (001) crystallite planes. • CH 3 NH 3 I intercalation process fostered by increased PbI 2 PVD rate. • Stoichiometric CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 suitable as absorber in photovoltaic applications • Reduced PbI 2 residue at the bottom of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 improves device performance.

Luminescence and photosensitivity of PbI2 crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Novosad, S.S.; Novosad, I.S.; Matviishin, I.M.

2002-01-01

One studied effect of temperature treatment and storage conditions on spectra features of PbI 2 crystals grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method from salt additionally purified by directed crystallization. Spectra of X-ray luminescence, photoluminescence and thermostimulated luminescence were investigated within 85-295 K temperature range under stationary X-ray excitation and emission of N 2 -laser. One studied photoelectret properties of those crystals under 85 K. Luminescence of PbI 2 crystals with maximum within 595 nm region observed following their thermal annealing under 475-495 K temperature and typical for near-the-surface section of specimens may be caused by oxygen-containing centres [ru

Growing large columnar grains of CH3NH3PbI3 using the solid-state reaction method enhanced by less-crystallized nanoporous PbI2 films

Science.gov (United States)

Zheng, Huifeng; Wang, Weiqi; Liu, Yangqiao; Sun, Jing

2017-03-01

Compact, pinhole-free and PbI2-free perovskite films, are desirable for high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs), especially if large columnar grains are obtained in which the adverse effects of grain boundaries will be minimized. However, the conventional solid-state reaction methods, originated from the two-step method, failed to grow columnar grains of CH3NH3PbI3 in a facile way. Here, we demonstrate a strategy for growing large columnar grains of CH3NH3PbI3, by less-crystallized nanoporous PbI2 (ln-PbI2) film enhanced solid-state reaction method. We demonstrated columnar grains were obtainable only when ln-PbI2 films were applied. Therefore, the replacement of compact PbI2 by ln-PbI2 in the solid-sate reaction, leads to higher power conversion efficiency, better reproducibility, better stability and less hysteresis. Furthermore, by systematically investigating the effects of annealing temperature and duration, we found that an annealing temperature ≥120 °C was also critical for growing columnar grains. With the optimal process, a champion efficiency of 16.4% was obtained and the average efficiency reached 14.2%. Finally, the mechanism of growing columnar grains was investigated, in which a VPb″ -assisted hooping model was proposed. This work reveals the origins of grain growth in the solid-state reaction method, which will contribute to preparing high quality perovskite films with much larger columnar grains.

Prediction on electronic structure of CH3NH3PbI3/Fe3O4 interfaces

Science.gov (United States)

Hou, Xueyao; Wang, Xiaocha; Mi, Wenbo; Du, Zunfeng

2018-01-01

The interfacial electronic structures of CH3NH3PbI3(MAPbI3)/Fe3O4 heterostructures are predicted by density functional theory. Four models (MAI/FeBO, PbI2/FeBO, MAI/FeA and PbI2/FeA) are included. Especially, a half-metal to semiconductor transition of Fe3O4 appears in PbI2/FeA model. A series of electric field is added to PbI2/FeA model, and a direct-indirect bandgap transition of Fe3O4 appears at a 500-kV/cm field. The electric field can control the bandgap of Fe3O4 in PbI2/FeA model by modulating the hybridization. The prediction of spin-related bandgap characteristic in MAPbI3/Fe3O4 is meaningful for further study.

Fabrication of CH3NH3PbI3/PVP Composite Fibers via Electrospinning and Deposition

Science.gov (United States)

Chao, Li-Min; Tai, Ting-Yu; Chen, Yueh-Ying; Lin, Pei-Ying; Fu, Yaw-Shyan

2015-01-01

In our study, one-dimensional PbI2/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composition fibers have been prepared by using PbI2 and PVP as precursors dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide via a electrospinning process. Dipping the fibers into CH3NH3I solution changed its color, indicating the formation of CH3NH3PbI3, to obtain CH3NH3PbI3/PVP composite fibers. The structure, morphology and composition of the all as-prepared fibers were characterized by using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. PMID:28793517

Fabrication of CH3NH3PbI3/PVP Composite Fibers via Electrospinning and Deposition

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Li-Min Chao

2015-08-01

Full Text Available In our study, one-dimensional PbI2/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP composition fibers have been prepared by using PbI2 and PVP as precursors dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide via a electrospinning process. Dipping the fibers into CH3NH3I solution changed its color, indicating the formation of CH3NH3PbI3, to obtain CH3NH3PbI3/PVP composite fibers. The structure, morphology and composition of the all as-prepared fibers were characterized by using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.

Preparation of porous carbon nanofibers derived from PBI/PLLA for supercapacitor electrodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Jung, Kyung-Hye; Ferraris, John P

2016-10-21

Porous carbon nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning blend solutions of polybenzimidazole/poly-L-lactic acid (PBI/PLLA) and carbonization. During thermal treatment, PLLA was decomposed, resulting in the creation of pores in the carbon nanofibers. From SEM images, it is shown that carbon nanofibers had diameters in the range of 100-200 nm. The conversion of PBI to carbon was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, and the surface area and pore volume of carbon nanofibers were determined using nitrogen adsorption/desorption analyses. To investigate electrochemical performances, coin-type cells were assembled using free-standing carbon nanofiber electrodes and ionic liquid electrolyte. cyclic voltammetry studies show that the PBI/PLLA-derived porous carbon nanofiber electrodes have higher capacitance due to lower electrochemical impedance compared to carbon nanofiber electrode from PBI only. These porous carbon nanofibers were activated using ammonia for further porosity improvement and annealed to remove the surface functional groups to better match the polarity of electrode and electrolyte. Ragone plots, correlating energy density with power density calculated from galvanostatic charge-discharge curves, reveal that activation/annealing further improves energy and power densities.

Degradation mechanism of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite materials upon exposure to humid air

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shirayama, Masaki; Kato, Masato; Fujiseki, Takemasa; Hara, Shota; Kadowaki, Hideyuki; Murata, Daisuke; Fujiwara, Hiroyuki; Miyadera, Tetsuhiko; Sugita, Takeshi; Chikamatsu, Masayuki

2016-01-01

Low stability of organic-inorganic perovskite (CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 ) solar cells in humid air environments is a serious drawback which could limit practical application of this material severely. In this study, from real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry characterization, the degradation mechanism of ultra-smooth CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 layers prepared by a laser evaporation technique is studied. We present evidence that the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 degradation in humid air proceeds by two competing reactions of (i) the PbI 2 formation by the desorption of CH 3 NH 3 I species and (ii) the generation of a CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 hydrate phase by H 2 O incorporation. In particular, rapid phase change occurs in the near-surface region and the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 layer thickness reduces rapidly in the initial 1 h air exposure even at a low relative humidity of 40%. After the prolonged air exposure, the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 layer is converted completely to hexagonal platelet PbI 2 /hydrate crystals that have a distinct atomic-scale multilayer structure with a period of 0.65 ± 0.05 nm. We find that conventional x-ray diffraction and optical characterization in the visible region, used commonly in earlier works, are quite insensitive to the surface phase change. Based on results obtained in this work, we discuss the degradation mechanism of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 in humid air.

Roll-to-roll coated PBI membranes for high temperature PEM fuel cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Steenberg, Thomas; Hjuler, Hans Aage; Terkelsen, Carina

2012-01-01

We employed roll-to-roll coating in the preparation of 40 μm thick poly[2,2′(m-phenylene)-5,5′bibenzimidazole] (PBI) films for fuel cells using both knife-coating (KC) and slot-die (SD) coating. The films were coated directly from a 9% (w/w) solution of PBI in dimethylacetamide onto a sacrificial...

Phosphoric acid doped AB-PBI membranes and its applications in high temperature PEMFC

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

He, Ronghuan; Qingfeng, Li; Bjerrum, Niels

2005-01-01

Poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ab-PBI) was prepared from 3，4-diaminobenzoic acid via a polymerisation reaction. The obtained polymer exhibits excellent thermal stability in a temperature range ….. The membrane of ab-PBI when doped with phosphoric acid at room temperaturepresents high proton conductivity...

Electronic and optical properties of bilayer PbI2: a first-principles study

Science.gov (United States)

Shen, Chenhai; Wang, Guangtao

2018-01-01

By employing first-principles methods, we investigate the effects of stacking patterns and interlayer coupling on the electronic structures and optical properties of bilayer (BL) PbI2. For optical properties, excitonic effects are considered. The results show that crystal-type BL PbI2 stacking pattern is the most stable bilayer structures with the equilibrium interlayer distance of 3.27 Å and a direct band structure. Moreover, for all considered patterns, the interlayer coupling can induce the band structures to transform from indirect to direct and also the band gap values to vary from 2.56 eV to 2.62 eV. In addition, our calculations show that the exciton binding energy of the most stable pattern is 0.81 eV, and excitonic effects have obvious influences on optical responses of BL PbI2. These results may be useful to future experimental studies on optoelectronic properties of two-dimensional BL PbI2 nanosheets.

Improved perovskite morphology and crystallinity using porous PbI2 layers for efficient planar heterojunction solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Jia, Xianyu; Hu, Ziyang; Xu, Jie; Huang, Like; Zhang, Jing; Zhang, Jianjun; Zhu, Yuejin

2017-12-01

We demonstrate the flexible and facile use of porous PbI2 layers to fabricate high quality perovskite films with a dense surface and without residual PbI2. PbI2 precursor solutions by adding polystyrene pore-forming agents are first spin-coated to fabricate the wet film. A porous PbI2 layer is formed by washing off polystyrene using organic solvents. The porous PbI2 layer not only serves as a channel for transporting the CH3NH3I solution but also offers extremely enlarged contact areas, facilitating interfacial reaction with CH3NH3I. Shiny smooth perovskite films with excellent electronic quality and solar cells with an efficiency up to 17% are obtained.

Training Bilingual Educators at a PBI

Science.gov (United States)

Montes, Amanda Lira Gordenstein; Valenciano, Cynthia Kay; Fernandez, Miguel

2018-01-01

While Bilingual Education has traditionally been associated with linguistic diversity, the rise of the number of African-American teacher candidates in a Bilingual Education program at a mid-west Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) is causing the authors to reevaluate the input of this program's curriculum and the output of the candidates'…

CH3NH3PbI3 based solar cell: Modified by antisolvent treatment

Science.gov (United States)

Nandi, Pronoy; Giri, Chandan; Bansode, Umesh; Topwal, D.

2017-05-01

Solar cells based on new class of organic inorganic hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 were prepared by Ethyl acetate (EA); antisolvent treatment for the first time. This treatment results in new morphology for CH3NH3PbI3 thin film. FESEM image shows microrod type structures of CH3NH3PbI3 after EA antisolvent treatment. Energy band diagram was constructed using photoluminescence and photoemission studies. A better power conversion efficiency was achieved in EA treated film compare to without EA treated film.

Patient benefit index (PBI) in the treatment of psoriasis--results of the National Care Study "PsoHealth".

Science.gov (United States)

Radtke, Marc Alexander; Schäfer, Ines; Blome, Christine; Augustin, Matthias

2013-04-01

Psoriasis vulgaris is a common disease that follows a chronic course. So far, few studies have addressed outcome methods which evaluate the benefits of drugs and medical devices by measuring patient preferences. Assessment of patients' outcomes using the "Patient benefit index" (PBI), a validated goal attainment scaling tool, in the treatment of psoriasis. Data were obtained within an epidemiological study in 2,009 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and/or psoriatic arthritis. Cross-sectional study in 133 nationwide German dermatological practices and hospital departments. The following were recorded a) in the doctors' questionnaire--previous treatments and diseases, clinical characteristics and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), b) in the patients' questionnaire--quality of life (LQ), patient-relevant therapeutic benefits and satisfaction with care. On average, patients achieved a total PBI of 2.5±1.1. 86.7% of patients showed a more than minimum benefit (PBI>1). Patients treated with biologicals had a higher benefit (mean PBI 3.0) than patients in other groups (e.g. PBI 2.6 in systemics). PBI values indicate that systemic agents and biologics are of high therapeutic benefit to the vast majority of patients. The development of the PBI has enabled a decisive step to be taken in the area of scientifically-based outcome assessments.

On the growth of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx single crystal and characterization

Science.gov (United States)

Su, J.; Wang, W. F.; Lei, Y.; Zhang, L.; Xu, L. H.; Wang, D.; Lu, D.; Bai, Y.

2018-05-01

In this paper, CH3NH3PbI3-xClx crystal was grown by solution cooling method with CH3NH3I and PbCl2 as raw materials. Lead compounds and CH3NH3PbI3-xClx crystal with size about 6 mm × 4 mm × 2 mm were obtained. The chemical reactions with different CH3NH3I/PbCl2 ratios were analyzed. XPS shows the content of chlorine in CH3NH3PbI3-xClx is about 0.91%. PXRD, FT-IR, Raman and absorbance spectra were used to study the structure and optical properties of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx by comparing with CH3NH3PbI3 crystal. The CH3NH3PbI3-xClx crystal grown is of tetragonal structure with the lattice constants a = b = 8.8165 Å, c = 12.7920 Å and the bandgap value of 1.57 eV.

The energy level alignment at the CH_3NH_3PbI_3/pentacene interface

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ji, Gengwu; Zhao, Bin; Song, Fei; Zheng, Guanhaojie; Zhang, Xiaonan; Shen, Kongchao; Yang, Yingguo; Chen, Shi; Gao, Xingyu

2017-01-01

Highlights: • The Energy Level Alignment at the CH_3NH_3PbI_3/Pentacene Interface was resolved experimentally. • The downward band bending and the dipole found at the pentacene side would favorably drive holes away from the interface into pentacene. • A ∼0.7 eV offset between pentacene HOMO and CH_3NH_3PbI_3 VBM would be in favor of hole transfer whereas a ∼1.35 eV offset between pentacene LUMO and CH_3NH_3PbI_3 CBM should efficiently block the unwanted electron transfer from perovskite to pentacene. • Pentacene could be a viable hole transfer material candidate on perovskite to be explored in perovskite devices. - Abstract: Pentacene thin film on CH_3NH_3PbI_3 was studied by in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy to determine their interfacial energy level alignment. A 0.2 eV downward band bending together with a 0.1 eV interfacial dipole was found at the pentacene side, whereas there was no band bending found at the CH_3NH_3PbI_3 side. The offset between CH_3NH_3PbI_3 Valance Band Maximum (VBM) and pentacene Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and that between CH_3NH_3PbI_3 Conduction Band Minimum (CBM) and pentacene Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) was determined to be 0.7 and 1.35 eV, respectively. The band alignment at this interface is favor of efficient hole transfer, which suggests pentacene as a viable HTL candidate to be explored in perovskite solar cells.

Ultralow denier polybenzimidazole (PBI) yarns

Science.gov (United States)

Tan, M.; Leal, J. R.

1977-01-01

A study to determine the feasibility of preparing ultralow denier polybenzimidazole (PBI) yarns was undertaken. Conditions that presently yield multifilament yarns with bundle deniers ranging from 75 to 15,000 were used as a baseline. From this starting point, process parameters were identified that give five filament yarns with yarn densiers as low as 0.80. Physical properties from such ultralow denier yarns were at levels that would permit subsequent fabrication into fabrics.

Probing interfacial electronic properties of graphene/CH3NH3PbI3 heterojunctions: A theoretical study

Science.gov (United States)

Hu, Jisong; Ji, Gepeng; Ma, Xinguo; He, Hua; Huang, Chuyun

2018-05-01

Interfacial interactions and electronic properties of graphene/CH3NH3PbI3 heterojunctions were investigated by first-principles calculations incorporating semiempirical dispersion-correction scheme to describe van der Waals interactions. Two lattice match configurations between graphene and CH3NH3PbI3(0 0 1) slab were constructed in parallel contact and both of them were verified to form remarkable van der Waals heterojunctions with similar work functions. Our calculated energy band structures show that the Dirac-cone of graphene and the direct band gap of CH3NH3PbI3 are still preserved in the heterojunctions, thus graphene can be a promising candidate either as a capping or supporting layer for encapsulating CH3NH3PbI3 layer. It is identified that the Schottky barrier of graphene/CH3NH3PbI3 heterojunctions can be controlled by the interlayer distance and affected by the stacking pattern of graphene and CH3NH3PbI3. The 3D charge density differences present the build-in internal electric field from graphene to CH3NH3PbI3 after interface equilibrium and thus, a low n-type Schottky barrier is needed for high efficient charge transferring in the interface. The possible mechanism of the band edge modulations in the heterojunctions and corresponding photoinduced charge transfer processes are also described.

Control of PbI2 nucleation and crystallization: towards efficient perovskite solar cells based on vapor-assisted solution process

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Chongqiu; Peng, Yanke; Simon, Terrence; Cui, Tianhong

2018-04-01

Perovskite solar cells (PSC) have outstanding potential to be low-cost, high-efficiency photovoltaic devices. The PSC can be fabricated by numerous techniques; however, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) for the two-step-processed PSC falls behind that of the one-step method. In this work, we investigate the effects of relative humidity (RH) and dry air flow on the lead iodide (PbI2) solution deposition process. We conclude that the quality of the PbI2 film is critical to the development of the perovskite film and the performance of the PSC device. Low RH and dry air flow used during the PbI2 spin coating procedure can increase supersaturation concentration to form denser PbI2 nuclei and a more suitable PbI2 film. Moreover, airflow-assisted PbI2 drying and thermal annealing steps can smooth transformation from the nucleation stage to the crystallization stage.

Using Low Temperature Photoluminescence Spectroscopy to Investigate CH3NH3PbI3 Hybrid Perovskite Degradation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Khaoula Jemli

2016-07-01

Full Text Available Investigating the stability and evaluating the quality of the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite structures is quite critical both to the design and fabrication of high-performance perovskite devices and to fundamental studies of the photophysics of the excitons. In particular, it is known that, under ambient conditions, CH3NH3PbI3 degrades producing some PbI2. We show here that low temperature Photoluminescence (PL spectroscopy is a powerful tool to detect PbI2 traces in hybrid perovskite layers and single crystals. Because PL spectroscopy is a signal detection method on a black background, small PbI2 traces can be detected, when other methods currently used at room temperature fail. Our study highlights the extremely high stability of the single crystals compared to the thin layers and defects and grain boundaries are thought to play an important role in the degradation mechanism.

Exceptional durability enhancement of PA/PBI based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells for high temperature operation at 200°C

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Aili, David; Zhang, Jin; Jakobsen, Mark Tonny Dalsgaard

2016-01-01

The incorporation of phosphotungstic acid functionalized mesoporous silica in phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PA/PBI) substantially enhances the durability of PA/PBI based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells for high temperature operation at 200°C.......The incorporation of phosphotungstic acid functionalized mesoporous silica in phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PA/PBI) substantially enhances the durability of PA/PBI based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells for high temperature operation at 200°C....

Mesoscopic CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 /TiO 2 Heterojunction Solar Cells

KAUST Repository

Etgar, Lioz

2012-10-24

We report for the first time on a hole conductor-free mesoscopic methylammonium lead iodide (CH 3NH 3PbI 3) perovskite/TiO 2 heterojunction solar cell, produced by deposition of perovskite nanoparticles from a solution of CH 3NH 3I and PbI 2 in γ-butyrolactone on a 400 nm thick film of TiO 2 (anatase) nanosheets exposing (001) facets. A gold film was evaporated on top of the CH 3NH 3PbI 3 as a back contact. Importantly, the CH 3NH 3PbI 3 nanoparticles assume here simultaneously the roles of both light harvester and hole conductor, rendering superfluous the use of an additional hole transporting material. The simple mesoscopic CH 3NH 3PbI 3/TiO 2 heterojunction solar cell shows impressive photovoltaic performance, with short-circuit photocurrent J sc= 16.1 mA/cm 2, open-circuit photovoltage V oc = 0.631 V, and a fill factor FF = 0.57, corresponding to a light to electric power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.5% under standard AM 1.5 solar light of 1000 W/m 2 intensity. At a lower light intensity of 100W/m 2, a PCE of 7.3% was measured. The advent of such simple solution-processed mesoscopic heterojunction solar cells paves the way to realize low-cost, high-efficiency solar cells. © 2012 American Chemical Society.

Study of the influence of the amount of PBI-H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} in the catalytic layer of a high temperature PEMFC

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lobato, Justo; Canizares, Pablo; Rodrigo, Manuel A.; Linares, Jose J.; Pinar, F. Javier [Chemical Engineering Department, Enrique Costa Building, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Av. Camilo Jose Cela, n 12, 13071, Ciudad Real (Spain)

2010-02-15

The influence of the amount of polybenzimidazole (PBI)-H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} (normalized with respect to the PBI loading, which expressed as C/PBI weight ratio) content in both the anode and cathode has been studied for a PBI-based high temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The electrodes prepared with different amounts of PBI have been characterized physically, by measuring the pore size distribution, and visualizing the surface microstructure. Afterwards, the electrochemical behaviour of the electrodes has been evaluated. The catalytic electrochemical activity has been measured by voltamperometry for each electrode prepared with a different PBI content, and the cell performance results have been studied, supported by the impedance spectra, in order to determine the influence of the PBI loading in each electrode. The best results have been achieved with a C/PBI weight ratio of 20, for both the anode and the cathode. A lower C/PBI weight ratio (larger amount of PBI in the catalytic layer) reduced the electrocatalytic activity, and impaired the mass transport processes, due to the large amount of polymer covering the catalyst particle, lowering the cell performance. A higher C/PBI weight ratio (lower amount of PBI in the catalytic layer) reduced the electrocatalytic activity, and slightly increased the ohmic resistance. The low amount of the polymeric ionic carrier PBI-H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} limited the proton mobility, despite of the presence of large amounts of ''free'' H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} in the catalytic layer. (author)

CH3NH3PbI3 grain growth and interfacial properties in meso-structured perovskite solar cells fabricated by two-step deposition

Science.gov (United States)

Yao, Zhibo; Wang, Wenli; Shen, Heping; Zhang, Ye; Luo, Qiang; Yin, Xuewen; Dai, Xuezeng; Li, Jianbao; Lin, Hong

2017-12-01

Although the two-step deposition (TSD) method is widely adopted for the high performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite crystal growth mechanism during the TSD process and the photo-generated charge recombination dynamics in the mesoporous-TiO2 (mp-TiO2)/CH3NH3PbI3/hole transporting material (HTM) system remains unexploited. Herein, we modified the concentration of PbI2 (C(PbI2)) solution to control the perovskite crystal properties, and observed an abnormal CH3NH3PbI3 grain growth phenomenon atop mesoporous TiO2 film. To illustrate this abnormal grain growth mechanism, we propose that a grain ripening process is taking place during the transformation from PbI2 to CH3NH3PbI3, and discuss the PbI2 nuclei morphology, perovskite grain growing stage, as well as Pb:I atomic ratio difference among CH3NH3PbI3 grains with different morphology. These C(PbI2)-dependent perovskite morphologies resulted in varied charge carrier transfer properties throughout the mp-TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/HTM hybrid, as illustrated by photoluminescence measurement. Furthermore, the effect of CH3NH3PbI3 morphology on light absorption and interfacial properties is investigated and correlated with the photovoltaic performance of PSCs.

Adverse Effects of Excess Residual PbI2 on Photovoltaic Performance, Charge Separation, and Trap-State Properties in Mesoporous Structured Perovskite Solar Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Hao-Yi; Hao, Ming-Yang; Han, Jun; Yu, Man; Qin, Yujun; Zhang, Pu; Guo, Zhi-Xin; Ai, Xi-Cheng; Zhang, Jian-Ping

2017-03-17

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells have rapidly come to prominence in the photovoltaic field. In this context, CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 , as the most widely adopted active layer, has been attracting great attention. Generally, in a CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 layer, unreacted PbI 2 inevitably coexists with the perovskite crystals, especially following a two-step fabrication process. There appears to be a consensus that an appropriate amount of unreacted PbI 2 is beneficial to the overall photovoltaic performance of a device, the only disadvantageous aspect of excess residual PbI 2 being viewed as its insulating nature. However, the further development of such perovskite-based devices requires a deeper understanding of the role of residual PbI 2 . In this work, PbI 2 -enriched and PbI 2 -controlled perovskite films, as two extreme cases, have been prepared by modulating the crystallinity of a pre-deposited PbI 2 film. The effects of excess residual PbI 2 have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and optoelectronic studies. The initial charge separation, the trap-state density, and the trap-state distribution have all been found to be adversely affected in PbI 2 -enriched devices, to the detriment of photovoltaic performance. This leads to a biphasic recombination process and accelerates the charge carrier recombination dynamics. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[Partial breast irradiation (PBI): the therapy of the future?].

Science.gov (United States)

Koning, Caro C E; Bijker, Nina; van Tienhoven, Geertjan

2010-01-01

Breast-conserving therapy with radiation therapy of 50 Gy over 5 weeks to the entire breast plus a tumour bed boost is the standard treatment for patients with early stage breast cancer. Several attempts have been made to lower the treatment burden, such as omitting either all radiotherapy or the tumour bed boost, without success. Phase III trials are now being carried out to evaluate the treatment of the primary tumour area only (PBI). Various methods for selection of patient groups and of delivering the radiation dose have been employed. Vaidya et al. report the same favourable local recurrence rates following PBI with single dose intraoperative radiotherapy as with whole-breast irradiation. As the follow-up period so far has been short, long-time results should be awaited.

Controlling Photoconductivity in PBI Films by Supramolecular Assembly.

Science.gov (United States)

Draper, Emily R; Archibald, Lewis J; Nolan, Michael C; Schweins, Ralf; Zwijnenburg, Martijn A; Sproules, Stephen; Adams, Dave J

2018-03-15

Perylene bisimides (PBIs) self-assemble in solution. The solubility of the PBIs is commonly changed through the choice of substituents at the imide positions. It is generally assumed this substitution does not affect the electronic properties of the PBI, and that the properties of the self-assembled aggregate are essentially that of the isolated molecule. However, substituents do affect the self-assembly, resulting in potentially different packing in the formed aggregates. Here, we show that the photoconductivity of films formed from a library of substituted PBIs varies strongly with the substituent and demonstrate that this is due to the different ways in which they pack. Our results open the possibility for tuning the optoelectronic properties of self-assembled PBIs by controlling the aggregate structure through careful choice of substituent, as demonstrated by us here optimising the photoconductivity of PBI films in this way. © 2018 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Evolution of Chemical Composition, Morphology, and Photovoltaic Efficiency of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 Perovskite under Ambient Conditions

KAUST Repository

Huang, Weixin; Manser, Joseph S.; Kamat, Prashant V.; Ptasinska, Sylwia

2016-01-01

© 2015 American Chemical Society. The surface composition and morphology of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films stored for several days under ambient conditions were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Chemical analysis revealed the loss of CH3NH3 + and I- species from CH3NH3PbI3 and its subsequent decomposition into lead carbonate, lead hydroxide, and lead oxide. After long-term storage under ambient conditions, morphological analysis revealed the transformation of randomly distributed defects and cracks, initially present in the densely packed crystalline structure, into relatively small grains. In contrast to PbI2 powder, CH3NH3PbI3 exhibited a different degradation trend under ambient conditions. Therefore, we propose a plausible CH3NH3PbI3 decomposition pathway that explains the changes in the chemical composition of CH3NH3PbI3 under ambient conditions. In addition, films stored under such conditions were incorporated into photovoltaic cells, and their performances were examined. The chemical changes in the decomposed films were found to cause a significant decrease in the photovoltaic efficiency of CH3NH3PbI3.

Evolution of Chemical Composition, Morphology, and Photovoltaic Efficiency of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 Perovskite under Ambient Conditions

KAUST Repository

Huang, Weixin

2016-01-12

© 2015 American Chemical Society. The surface composition and morphology of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films stored for several days under ambient conditions were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Chemical analysis revealed the loss of CH3NH3 + and I- species from CH3NH3PbI3 and its subsequent decomposition into lead carbonate, lead hydroxide, and lead oxide. After long-term storage under ambient conditions, morphological analysis revealed the transformation of randomly distributed defects and cracks, initially present in the densely packed crystalline structure, into relatively small grains. In contrast to PbI2 powder, CH3NH3PbI3 exhibited a different degradation trend under ambient conditions. Therefore, we propose a plausible CH3NH3PbI3 decomposition pathway that explains the changes in the chemical composition of CH3NH3PbI3 under ambient conditions. In addition, films stored under such conditions were incorporated into photovoltaic cells, and their performances were examined. The chemical changes in the decomposed films were found to cause a significant decrease in the photovoltaic efficiency of CH3NH3PbI3.

Remnant PbI2, an unforeseen necessity in high-efficiency hybrid perovskite-based solar cells?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Duyen H. Cao

2014-09-01

Full Text Available Perovskite-containing solar cells were fabricated in a two-step procedure in which PbI2 is deposited via spin-coating and subsequently converted to the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite by dipping in a solution of CH3NH3I. By varying the dipping time from 5 s to 2 h, we observe that the device performance shows an unexpectedly remarkable trend. At dipping times below 15 min the current density and voltage of the device are enhanced from 10.1 mA/cm2 and 933 mV (5 s to 15.1 mA/cm2 and 1036 mV (15 min. However, upon further conversion, the current density decreases to 9.7 mA/cm2 and 846 mV after 2 h. Based on X-ray diffraction data, we determined that remnant PbI2 is always present in these devices. Work function and dark current measurements showed that the remnant PbI2 has a beneficial effect and acts as a blocking layer between the TiO2 semiconductor and the perovskite itself reducing the probability of back electron transfer (charge recombination. Furthermore, we find that increased dipping time leads to an increase in the size of perovskite crystals at the perovskite-hole-transporting material interface. Overall, approximately 15 min dipping time (∼2% unconverted PbI2 is necessary for achieving optimal device efficiency.

Crystal growth and properties of PbI2 doped with Fe and Ni

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rybak, O.V.; Lun', Yu.O.; Bordun, I.M.; Omelyan, M.F.

2005-01-01

A procedure is described for doping PbI 2 monocrystals with Fe and Ni during vapor-phase growth in a closed system in the presence of excess iodine. The rate of mass transfer in the system and the doping level of the crystals are shown to be governed by the dopant content in the source material and the source temperature. The effect of Fe and Ni doping on the low-temperature (5 K) exciton photoluminescence spectrum of PbI 2 is discussed [ru

The effects of synthesis parameters on the formation of PbI2 particles under DTAB-assisted hydrothermal process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu Gangqiang; Hojamberdiev, Mirabbos; Liu Peng; Peng Jianhong; Zhou Jianping; Bian Xiaobin; Huang Xijin

2011-01-01

Highlights: ► Submicron- and micron-sized PbI 2 particles were hydrothermally synthesized. ► Structural transformation form belt-like to rod- and microtube-like was observed. ► Phase-pure PbI 2 particles could be hydrothermally obtained at pH 2 particles. ► The optical band gap energy of PbI 2 was slightly affected by morphology. - Abstract: Submicron- and micron-sized lead iodide (PbI 2 ) particles with well-controlled morphologies were successfully fabricated via a low-temperature hydrothermal process assisted by dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) as cationic surfactant. The as-synthesized powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The effects of synthesis parameters (temperature, time, pH, and surfactant amount) were systematically investigated. The obtained results showed that the submicron structure was belt-like at 100–120 °C, transformed to rod-like by increasing temperature to 140 °C and it became a microtube-like at 160–200 °C. By changing the pH of the synthesizing solution, it was found that a pure PbI 2 phase could be obtained below 7. With the addition of increasing amount of surfactant, microparticles were converted to microrods → submicron belts → microtubes. The time-dependent experimental results revealed that the dissolution–recrystallization and dissolution–recrystallization–self-oriented-attachment were considered to be the possible mechanisms for the formation of the belt- and tube-like PbI 2 submicron- and micron-sized particles, respectively. The optical properties of the PbI 2 particles synthesized at 100–200 °C for 8 h under hydrothermal conditions were also studied.

Synergic solventing-out crystallization with subsequent time-delay thermal annealing of PbI2 precursor in mesostructured perovskite solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Jia, Fujin; Guo, Yanqun; Che, Lijia; Liu, Zhiyong; Zeng, Zhigang; Cai, Chuanbing

2018-06-01

Although the two-step sequential deposition method provides an efficient route to fabricate high performance perovskite solar cells (PSSCs) with increasing reproducibility, the inefficient and incomplete conversion of PbI2 to perovskite is still quite a challenge. Following pioneering works, we found that the conversion process from PbI2 to perovskite mainly involves diffusion, infiltration, contact and reaction. In order to facilitate the conversion from PbI2 to perovskite, we demonstrate an effective method to regulate supersaturation level (the driving force to crystallization) of PbI2 by solventing-out crystallization combining with subsequent time-delay thermal annealing of PbI2 wet film. Enough voids and spaces in resulting porous PbI2 layer will be in favor of efficient diffusion, infiltration of CH3NH3I solution, and further enhance the contact and reaction between PbI2 and CH3NH3I in the whole film, leading to rapid, efficient and complete perovskite conversion with a conversion level of about 99.9%. Enhancement of light harvesting ranging from visible to near-IR region was achieved for the resultant high-quality perovskite. Upon this combined method, the fabricated mesostructured solar cells show tremendous power conversion efficiency (PCE) improvement from 3.2% to about 12.3% with less hysteresis owing to the simultaneous enhancement of short-circuit photocurrent density (J sc), open-circuit voltage (V oc) and fill factor (FF).

Hybrid perovskite solar cells: In situ investigation of solution-processed PbI2 reveals metastable precursors and a pathway to producing porous thin films

KAUST Repository

Barrit, Dounya

2017-04-17

The successful and widely used two-step process of producing the hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite CH3NH3PbI3, consists of converting a solution deposited PbI2 film by reacting it with CH3NH3I. Here, we investigate the solidification of PbI2 films from a DMF solution by performing in situ grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) measurements. The measurements reveal an elaborate sol–gel process involving three PbI2⋅DMF solvate complexes—including disordered and ordered ones—prior to PbI2 formation. The ordered solvates appear to be metastable as they transform into the PbI2 phase in air within minutes without annealing. Morphological analysis of air-dried and annealed films reveals that the air-dried PbI2 is substantially more porous when the coating process produces one of the intermediate solvates, making this more suitable for subsequent conversion into the perovskite phase. The observation of metastable solvates on the pathway to PbI2 formation open up new opportunities for influencing the two-step conversion of metal halides into efficient light harvesting or emitting perovskite semiconductors.

ANALISIS SIKAP PEKERJA INFORMAL NON PBI YANG BELUM TERDAFTAR PROGRAM JAMINAN KESEHATAN NASIONAL (JKN 2014 DI KABUPATEN BREBES

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Septiana Ika Purwandari

2015-04-01

Full Text Available Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui sikap pekerja informal non PBI terhadap program JKN di Kabupaten Brebes.Jenis Penelitian ini deskriptif dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Populasi semua pekerja informal non PBI yang belum terdaftar JKN di Kabupaten Brebes. Sampel berjumalah 347 responden menggunakan teknik accidental sampling. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kuesioner.Dari 347 responden didapatkan hasil dengan 56,5% pekerja informal non PBI di Kabupaten Brebes mendukung terhadap program JKNdan 43,5% tidak mendukung, 83,3%mendukung menjadi peserta PBI, 25,4% mendukung dengan adanya denda, rata rata 86,76% mendukung semua pelayanan dalam JKN, rata rata 78,4% mendukung terhadap pengelolaan dana oleh BPJS kesehatan, dan 92,5% mendukung fasilitasnya.Saran bagi BPJS kesehatan untuk menginformasikan secara jelas dan lengkap tentang jaminan kesehatan nasional, bagi kelurahan untuk memilih warganya dengan adil dan bijaksana dan bagi peneliti selanjutnya untuk lebih mengembangkan penelitian mengenai BPJS kesehatan dan JKN. The purpose of this research was to know the attitude of informal workers non PBI(not supporting fund receiver that has not been registered in national health insurance at the district of Brebes. This research was descriptive quantitative. The population in this research were all informal workers non PBI(not supporting fund receiver that has not been registered national health insurance at the district of Brebes. Thesample were 347 respondents which obtained by accidental sampling technique. An instrument used in this research was the questionnaire.Based on the research of 347 respondents were obtained the result with 56,5% of informalworkersnon PBI(not supporting fund receiver at the district of Brebes was support the national health care program and 43,5% were not support, 83,3% support to become participants PBI (supporting fund receiver, 25,4% support with the fines, average 86,76% supported of all regarding

Ultrafine polybenzimidazole (PBI) fibers. [separators for alkaline batteries and dfuel cells

Science.gov (United States)

Chenevey, E. C.

1979-01-01

Mats were made from ultrafine polybenzimidazole (PBI) fibers to provide an alternate to the use of asbestos as separators in fuel cells and alkaline batteries. To minimize distortion during mat drying, a process to provide a dry fibrid was developed. Two fibrid types were developed: one coarse, making mats for battery separators; the other fine, making low permeability matrices for fuel cells. Eventually, it was demonstrated that suitable mat fabrication techniques yielded fuel cell separators from the coarser alkaline battery fibrids. The stability of PBI mats to 45% KOH at 123 C can be increased by heat treatment at high temperatures. Weight loss data to 1000 hours exposure show the alkali resistance of the mats to be superior to that of asbestos.

Fabrication and Scale-up of Polybenzimidazole (PBI) Membrane Based System for Precombustion-Based Capture of Carbon Dioxide

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Krishnan, Gopala; Jayaweera, Indira; Sanjrujo, Angel; O' Brien, Kevin; Callahan, Richard; Berchtold, Kathryn; Roberts, Daryl-Lynn; Johnson, Will

2012-03-31

The primary objectives of this project are to (1) demonstrate the performance and fabrication of a technically and economically viable pre-combustion-based CO{sub 2} capture system based on the high temperature stability and permeance of PBI membranes, (2) optimize a plan for integration of PBI capture system into an IGCC plant and (3) develop a commercialization plan that addresses technical issues and business issues to outline a clear path for technology transfer of the PBI membrane technology. This report describes research conducted from April 1, 2007 to March 30, 2012 and focused on achieving the above objectives. PBI-based hollow fibers have been fabricated at kilometer lengths and bundled as modules at a bench-scale level for the separation of CO{sub 2} from H{sub 2} at high temperatures and pressures. Long term stability of these fibers has been demonstrated with a relatively high H{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} selectivity (35 to 50) and H{sub 2} permeance (80 GPU) at temperatures exceeding 225°C. Membrane performance simulations and systems analysis of an IGCC system incorporating a PBI hollow fiber membrane modules have demonstrated that the cost of electricity for CO{sub 2} capture (<10%) using such a high temperature separator. When the cost of transporting, storing, and monitoring the CO{sub 2} is accounted for, the increase in the COE is only 14.4%.

Crystal Structure Formation of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx Perovskite

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shiqiang Luo

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Inorganic-organic hydride perovskites bring the hope for fabricating low-cost and large-scale solar cells. At the beginning of the research, two open questions were raised: the hysteresis effect and the role of chloride. The presence of chloride significantly improves the crystallization and charge transfer property of the perovskite. However, though the long held debate over of the existence of chloride in the perovskite seems to have now come to a conclusion, no prior work has been carried out focusing on the role of chloride on the electronic performance and the crystallization of the perovskite. Furthermore, current reports on the crystal structure of the perovskite are rather confusing. This article analyzes the role of chloride in CH3NH3PbI3-xClx on the crystal orientation and provides a new explanation about the (110-oriented growth of CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3PbI3-xClx.

Chemopreventive effects of PBI-Se, a selenium-containing analog of PBIT, on AOM-induced aberrant crypt foci in F344 rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Janakiram, Naveena B; Mohammed, Altaf; Ravillah, Durgadevi; Choi, Chang In; Zhang, Yuting; Desai, Dhimant; Amin, Shantu; Rao, Chinthalapally V

2013-08-01

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a potential target for the treatment of inflammation and cancer. Previously, we showed that the selective iNOS inhibitor S,S'-1,4-phenylenebis(1,2-ethanediyl)bis-isothiourea (PBIT) caused significant inhibition of colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane (AOM), although it did not completely abrogate NO production due to the exogenous bioavailability of NO and NO generation by eNOS in tumor tissues. To create an iNOS-targeting molecule that may have additional benefits, a novel isosteric analog of PBIT, PBI-Se, was developed, in which sulfur was replaced with selenium. Chemopreventive efficacy of PBI-Se was evaluated in an AOM-induced rat colon carcinogenesis model using aberrant crypt foci (ACF) as the endpoint. At 7 weeks of age, rats (12/group) were fed the control diet (AIN 76A) and then colonic ACF were induced with two AOM treatments. Three days later, rats were fed diets containing PBI-Se (0-20 ppm) for 8 weeks, and then ACF were evaluated histopathologically. Dietary administration of 10 or 20 ppm of PBI-Se significantly suppressed AOM-induced total colonic ACF formation (32 or 41%, pPBI-Se was dose-dependent and was half the dose of PBIT for inhibiting total ACF in rats. Both PBIT and PBI-Se induced dose-dependent apoptosis in CaCo2 cells and caused a significant decrease in the cell cycle proteins cyclin D1 (70%, pPBI-Se (2 and 4  µM) significantly decreased the LPS-induced cytokine interleukin-6 level. Incorporation of selenium into the structure of PBIT provided the agent with additional novel cytotoxic and immunologic properties. Results from the in vitro and in vivo bioassays suggest that PBI-Se could be developed further for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.

Structural study on cubic-tetragonal transition of CH3NH3PbI3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawamura, Yukihiko; Mashiyama, Hiroyuki; Hasebe, Katsuhiko

2002-01-01

The cubic-tetragonal phase transition of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 was investigated by single crystal X-ray diffractometry. The crystal structure was refined at five temperatures in the tetragonal phase. The PbI 6 octahedron rotates around the c-axis alternatively to construct the SrTiO 3 -type tetragonal structure. A methylammonium ion is partially ordered; 24 disordered states in the cubic phase are reduced to 8. With decreasing temperature, the rotation angle of the octahedron increases monotonically, which indicates it is an order parameter of the cubic-tetragonal transition. (author)

Investigation and thermodynamic calculation of phase diagram of CdI2-PbI2-NaI system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Storonkin, A.V.; Vasil'kova, I.V.; Korobkov, S.V.

1976-01-01

Using the thermographic and X-ray phase analyses binary CdI 2 -PbI 2 , PI 2 -NaI, CdI 2 -NaI systems and a triple CdI 2 -PbI 2 -NaI system are investigated and their melting diagrams are plotted. A method of thermodynamic calculation has been proposed and tested of the shape of the eutectic lines for the system CdI 2 -PbI 2 -NaI, taking into account the non-ideality of the liquid phase. The method uses data obtained for the binary systems. The liquidus surface of the triple system has been constructed on the basis of the calculation. The results of the calculation of the triple eutectics are in good agreement with the experimental data

Hexamethylenetetramine-mediated growth of grain-boundary-passivation CH3NH3PbI3 for highly reproducible and stable perovskite solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Zheng, Yan-Zhen; Li, Xi-Tao; Zhao, Er-Fei; Lv, Xin-Ding; Meng, Fan-Li; Peng, Chao; Lai, Xue-Sen; Huang, Meilan; Cao, Guozhong; Tao, Xia; Chen, Jian-Feng

2018-02-01

Simultaneously achieving the long-term device stability and reproducibility has proven challenging in perovskite solar cells because solution-processing produced perovskite film with grain boundary is sensitive to moisture. Herein, we develop a hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA)-mediated one-step solution-processing deposition strategy that leads to the formation of high-purity and grain-boundary-passivation CH3NH3PbI3 film and thereby advances cell optoelectronic performance. Through morphological and structural characterizations and theoretical calculations, we demonstrate that HMTA fully occupies the moisture-exposed surface to build a bridge across grain boundary and coordinates with Pb ions to inhibit the formation of detrimental PbI2. Such HMTA-mediated grown CH3NH3PbI3 films achieves a decent augmentation of power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 12.70% to 17.87%. A full coverage of PbI2-free CH3NH3PbI3 surface on ZnO also boosts the device's stability and reproducibility.

Third-order nonlinear optical properties of GeSe2-Ga2Se3-PbI2 glasses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tang Gao; Liu Cunming; Luo Lan; Chen Wei

2010-01-01

The third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of new selenium-based GeSe 2 -Ga 2 Se 3 -PbI 2 glasses have been measured using the optical Kerr effect (OKE) technique, with picosecond and femtosecond laser pulses. The 0.70GeSe 2 -0.15Ga 2 Se 3 -0.15PbI 2 glass has the largest third-order optical nonlinear susceptibility in GeSe 2 -Ga 2 Se 3 -PbI 2 glass system with χ (3) of 5.28x10 12 esu. In addition, the response time of glasses is sub-picosecond, which is predominantly associated with electron cloud. Local structure of the glasses has been identified by using Raman studies, while the origins of the observed nonlinear optical response are discussed. The [Ge(Ga)Se 4 ] tetrahedral and lone-pair electrons from highly polarizable Pb atom in glasses play an important role in enhanced NLO response. These results as well as their good chemical stability indicate that GeSe 2 -Ga 2 Se 3 -PbI 2 glasses are promising materials for photonic applications of third-order nonlinear optical signal processing.

Shape-Evolution Control of hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 crystals via solvothermal synthesis

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Baohua; Guo, Fuqiang; Yang, Lianhong; Jia, Xiuling; Liu, Bin; Xie, Zili; Chen, Dunjun; Lu, Hai; Zhang, Rong; Zheng, Youdou

2017-02-01

We systematically synthesized CH3NH3PbI3 crystals using solvothermal process, and the reaction conditions such as concentration of the precursor, temperature, time, and lead source have been comprehensively investigated to obtain shape-controlled CH3NH3PbI3 crystals. The results showed that the CH3NH3PbI3 crystals exhibit tetragonal phase and the crystals change from nanoparticles to hopper-faced cuboids. Photoluminescence spectra of the crystals obtained with different lead sources show a blue shift due to the presence of defects in the crystals, and the peak intensity is very sensitive to the lead sources. Moreover, impurities (undesirable byproducts and excess components like HI or CH3NH2) presented during crystal growth can result in hopper growth.

Effects of GeI2 or ZnI2 addition to perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 photovoltaic devices

Science.gov (United States)

Tanaka, Hiroki; Ohishi, Yuya; Oku, Takeo

2018-01-01

CH3NH3PbI3 added with GeI2 or ZnI2 perovskite photovoltaic devices were fabricated characterized. The surface coverages of the perovskite layers were improved by the addition of GeI2 or ZnI2. Formation of PbI2 observed for the pristine CH3NH3PbI3 was suppressed by the GeI2 or ZnI2 addition, which resulted in the improvement of the conversion efficiencies of the perovskite photovoltaic devices.

A numerical study on the effects of temperature and mass transfer in high temperature PEM fuel cells with ab-PBI membrane

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sun, Hong; Xie, Chen; Chen, Hao; Almheiri, Saif

2015-01-01

Highlights: • A two-dimensional model is developed to study the HT-PEMFC with ab-PBI membrane. • The temperature distribution in the ab-PBI membrane is uneven. • With the increase of temperature, the resistance in ab-PBI membrane decreases. • Porosity has the most significant effect on the performance of HT-PEMFC. - Abstract: A two-dimensional, single-phase model is developed to study high temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell with poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ab-PBI) membrane. In this model, simulation region not only includes the cathode and anode, but also includes ab-PBI membrane; the continuity boundary condition at the interface between the catalyst layer (CL) and the gas diffusion layer (GDL) at each side of the cell is omitted by including the catalyst layers in the respective unified domains for the cathode and the anode. The flows, species, energy, current density are all coupled in the model. Experiments have been conducted to validate the proposed numerical simulations, and it is found that there is a good agreement between the modeling results and those obtained experimentally. By this simulation, not only the oxygen and water fraction distribution in the cathode, but also the temperature distribution and resistance distribution in the ab-PBI membrane are obtained, and the effects of the cell temperature, the porosity in the diffusion layer and its thickness on the current density are analyzed. The innovative researching results are that the temperature distribution is uneven in the ab-PBI membrane and its resistance is greatly affected by the operating temperature. Other results show that the increase of the cell temperature and the porosity in the diffusion layer, and the decrease of the diffusion layer thickness all improve the performance of HT-PEM fuel cells by promoting its internal mass transfer.

Rietveld refinement of the crystal structure of perovskite solar cells using CH3NH3PbI3 and other compounds

Science.gov (United States)

Ando, Yuji; Ohishi, Yuya; Suzuki, Kohei; Suzuki, Atsushi; Oku, Takeo

2018-01-01

The crystal structures of perovskite thin films including CH3NH3PbI3, CH3NH3Pb1-xSbxI3, and CH3NH3PbI3-yCly in the solar cell configuration were studied by using Rietveld refinement. For the CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3Pb1-xSbxI3 samples, satisfactory agreement with the measured profiles was obtained with a weighted profile R-factor (Rwp) of as low as 3%. It was shown that the site occupancy of methylammonium (MA) was decreased in the antimonized cell due to the compensation effect of an increased positive charge brought about by replacing Pb2+ with Sb3+. Photovoltaic measurements showed that the power conversion efficiency was enhanced by adding a small amount of Sb to the CH3NH3PbI3 cell, but it was monotonically decreased as the mole fraction of Sb exceeded 0.03. This variation of the conversion efficiency was considered as a result of suppressed crystallization of PbI2 and carrier recombination via MA vacancies in the antimonized cells. In the case of CH3NH3PbI2.88Cl0.12 sample, the agreement with the measured profile with an Rwp of as high as 7% suggested the co-existence of cubic and tetragonal phases in the chlorinated cell.

PBI-05204, a supercritical CO₂ extract of Nerium oleander, inhibits growth of human pancreatic cancer via targeting the PI3K/mTOR pathway.

Science.gov (United States)

Pan, Yong; Rhea, Patrea; Tan, Lin; Cartwright, Carrie; Lee, Ho-Jeong; Ravoori, Murali K; Addington, Crandell; Gagea, Mihai; Kundra, Vikas; Kim, Sun-Jin; Newman, Robert A; Yang, Peiying

2015-04-01

Introduction Oleandrin, a cardiac glycoside, exerts strong anti-proliferative activity against various human malignancies in in vitro cells. Here, we report the antitumor efficacy of PBI-05204, a supercritical C0₂ extract of Nerium oleander containing oleandrin, in a human pancreatic cancer Panc-1 orthotopic model. Results While all the control mice exhibited tumors by the end of treatment, only 2 of 8 mice (25%) treated for 6 weeks with PBI-05204 (40 mg/kg) showed dissectible tumor at the end of the treatment period. The average tumor weight (222.9 ± 116.9 mg) in mice treated with PBI-05204 (20 mg/kg) was significantly reduced from that in controls (920.0 ± 430.0 mg) (p PBI-05204 (40 mg/kg) treated group showed that the pancreatic tissues of 5/6 mice were normal while the remaining mouse had a tumor the largest diameter of which was less than 2.3 mm. In contrast, while gemcitabine alone did not significantly reduce tumor growth, PBI-05204 markedly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of gemcitabine in this particular model. Ki-67 staining was reduced in pancreatic tumors from mice treated with PBI-05204 (20 mg/kg) compared to that of control, suggesting that PBI-05204 inhibited the proliferation of the Panc-1 tumor cells. PBI-05204 suppressed expression of pAkt, pS6, and p4EPB1 in a concentration-dependent manner in both Panc-1 tumor tissues and human pancreatic cancer cell lines, implying that this novel botanical drug exerts its potent antitumor activity, at least in part, through down-regulation of PI3k/Akt and mTOR pathways.

The post-growth treatment of PbI2 thick films as an attempt to suppress the films surface effect

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dmitriev, Yuri; Bennett, Paul R.; Cirignano, Leonard J.; Klugerman, Mikhail; Shah, Kanai S.

2008-01-01

PbI 2 thick films were coated with different materials (Parylene C, HumiSeal and PbBr 2 ) in order to improve the films' surface properties. It was shown that Parylene C and HumiSeal coating decreased the dark current of PbI 2 films and changed the shape of the I-V and I-t curves. X-ray-irradiated films demonstrated a significant increase in signal-to-noise ratio due to a decrease in the dark current, a slightly increased rise time, and a decreased decay time compared to non-coated PbI 2 films. In addition, Pd atoms from the electrical contact easily penetrated the Parylene C protective layer over a period of 1-2 h. The Pd diffusion coefficient and Parylene C dark resistivity estimated from these experiments were D Pd =(3.6±2.1)x10 -13 cm 2 /s and ρ ParyleneC =(130±70) T Ω cm, respectively. Only the PbBr 2 coating led to decreased rise and decay times compared to non-coated PbI 2 films

Preparation of planar CH3NH3PbI3 thin films with controlled size using 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone as solvent

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hao, Qiuyan; Chu, Yixia; Zheng, Xuerong; Liu, Zhenya; Liang, Liming; Qi, Jiakun; Zhang, Xin; Liu, Gang; Liu, Hui; Chen, Hongjian; Liu, Caichi

2016-01-01

Recently, planar perovskite solar cells based on CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 have attracted many researcher's interest due to their unique advantages such as simple cell architecture, easy fabrication and potential multijunction construction comparing to the initial mesoporous structure. However, the preparation of planar perovskite films with high quality is still in challenge. In this paper, we developed a vapor-assisted solution process using a novel and green solvent of 1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP) instead of the traditional N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) to construct a high-quality perovskite CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 thin film with pure phase, high compactness, small surface roughness and controlled size. The phase evolution and growth mechanism of the perovskite films are also discussed. Utilizing the NEP of low volatility and moderate boiling point as solvent, we dried the PbI 2 -NEP precursor films at different temperature under vacuum and then obtained PbI 2 thin films with different crystalline degree from amorphous to highly crystalline. The perovskite films with crystal size ranged from hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers can be prepared by reacting the PbI 2 films of different crystalline degree with CH 3 NH 3 I vapor. Moreover, planar-structured solar cells combining the perovskite film with TiO 2 and spiro-OMeTAD as the electron and holes transporting layer achieves a power conversion efficiency of 10.2%. - Highlights: • A novel and green solvent of 1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP) was used to construct high-quality perovskite CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 thin film. • The CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 grain with different sizes ranged from hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers can be obtained. • Planar-structured perovskite CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 solar cells using NEP as solvent achieves a power conversion efficiency of 10.2%.

Growth of semiconductor alloy InGaPBi on InP by molecular beam epitaxy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, K; Wang, P; Pan, W W; Wu, X Y; Yue, L; Gong, Q; Wang, S M

2015-01-01

We report the first successful growth of InGaPBi single crystals on InP substrate with Bi concentration far beyond the doping level by gas source molecular beam epitaxy. The InGaPBi thin films reveal excellent surface and structural qualities, making it a promising new III–V compound family member for heterostructures. The strain can be tuned between tensile and compressive by adjusting Ga and Bi compositions. The maximum achieved Bi concentration is 2.2 ± 0.4% confirmed by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. Room temperature photoluminescence shows strong and broad light emission at energy levels much smaller than the InP bandgap. (paper)

T-x-y diagrams for reciprocal systems PbX + CdI2 = CdX + PbI2 (X=S, Se, Te)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Odin, I.N.

2001-01-01

The present research is undertaken in search of the new complex phases with interesting physical properties. The synthesized samples was analyzed by differential thermal, X-ray diffraction and microstructural methods. The diagonal cross-section CdTe - PbI 2 of the mutual PbTe + CdI 2 = CdTe + PbI 2 system is stable. The T-x phase diagram of the CdTe - PbI 2 system possess eutectic type, the coordinates of eutectic point is 657 ± 2 K, 15 ± 1 mol. % of CdTe. The lead iodide based solid solutions with the mixed structure and the CdTe based solid solutions take place in the equilibria. Solid CdTe dissolves 0.2 mol. % PbI 2 . The fields of the primary crystallization of the CdTe, Pb 1-x Cd x I 2 , PbTe based solid solutions are on the liquidus surface [ru

Symmetric and asymmetric zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs)/polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanocomposite membranes for hydrogen purification at high temperatures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Tingxu; Shi, Gui Min; Chung, Tai-Shung [Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore (Singapore)

2012-11-15

High-performance zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs)/polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanocomposites are molecularly designed for hydrogen separation at high temperatures, and demonstrate it in a useful configuration as dual-layer hollow fibers for the first time. By incorporating as-synthesized nanoporous ZIF-8 nanoparticles into the high thermal stability but extremely low permeability polybenzimidazole (PBI), the resultant mixed matrix membranes show an impressive enhancement in H{sub 2} permeability as high as a hundred times without any significant deduction in H{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} selectivity. The 30/70 ZIF-8/PBI dense membrane has a H{sub 2} permeability of 105.4 Barrer and a H{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} selectivity of 12.3. This performance is far superior to ZIF-7/PBI membranes and is the best ever reported data for H{sub 2}-selective polymeric materials in the literature. Meanwhile, defect-free ZIF-8-PBI/Matrimid dual-layer hollow fibers are successfully fabricated, without post-annealing and coating, by optimizing ZIF-8 nanoparticle loadings, spinning conditions, and solvent-exchange procedures. Two types of hollow fibers targeted at either high H{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} selectivity or high H{sub 2} permeance are developed: i) PZM10-I B fibers with a medium H{sub 2} permeance of 64.5 GPU (2.16 x 10{sup -8} mol m{sup -2} s{sup -1} Pa{sup -1}) at 180 C and a high H{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} selectivity of 12.3, and, ii) PZM33-I B fibers with a high H{sub 2} permeance of 202 GPU (6.77 x 10{sup -8} mol m{sup -2} s{sup -1} Pa{sup -1}) at 180 C and a medium H{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} selectivity of 7.7. This work not only molecularly designs novel nanocomposite materials for harsh industrial applications, such as syngas and hydrogen production, but also, for the first time, synergistically combines the strengths of both ZIF-8 and PBI for energy-related applications. (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Stable and metastable equilibria in PbSe + SnI2=SnSe + PbI2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Odin, I.N.; Grin'ko, V.V.; Kozlovskij, V.F.; Demidova, E.D.

2003-01-01

T-x-y phase diagrams of the PbSe + SnI 2 =SnSe + PbI 2 mutual system (stable states) are plotted for the first time. It is shown that melt, solid solutions on the base of components of the mutual system and phase on the base of Sn 2 SeI 4 take part in phase equilibria. Transformations in the PbSe + SnI 2 =SnSe + PbI 2 mutual system leading to crystallization of metastable polytype modifications of lead iodides and metastable ternary compound forming in PbSe-PbI 2 system are investigated for the first time [ru

Comparative study of PBI Cross Linked Utilizing Agents of Varying Steric Configurations

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kirkebcek, Andreas; Aili, David; Li, Qingfeng

2016-01-01

ionic or covalent cross linking. When considering such, little attention is devoted to explore the effect of the sterical configuration of the cross linking agent. In this contribution three different cross linking agents are utilized to evaluate how these affects final membrane properties.......The high thermal and chemical stability of poly[2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5' bibenzimidazole] (PBI) accounts for its wise spread use in high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT- PEMFC). By doping the membrane with phosphoric acid (PA) ionic conductivity is obtained. Thus conductivity...... is dependent on the amount of PA present within the membrane. However mechanical properties are reduced are significantly reduced due to the plasticizing effect shown by PA [1]. This effect is due to PBI chain displacement. This effect can be lessened by use of cross linking [2-4]. This can be obtained using...

Dual activities of the anti-cancer drug candidate PBI-05204 provide neuroprotection in brain slice models for neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.

Science.gov (United States)

Van Kanegan, Michael J; Dunn, Denise E; Kaltenbach, Linda S; Shah, Bijal; He, Dong Ning; McCoy, Daniel D; Yang, Peiying; Peng, Jiangnan; Shen, Li; Du, Lin; Cichewicz, Robert H; Newman, Robert A; Lo, Donald C

2016-05-12

We previously reported neuroprotective activity of the botanical anti-cancer drug candidate PBI-05204, a supercritical CO2 extract of Nerium oleander, in brain slice and in vivo models of ischemic stroke. We showed that one component of this neuroprotective activity is mediated through its principal cardiac glycoside constituent, oleandrin, via induction of the potent neurotrophic factor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, we also noted that the concentration-relation for PBI-05204 in the brain slice oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model is considerably broader than that for oleandrin as a single agent. We thus surmised that PBI-05204 contains an additional neuroprotective component(s), distinct from oleandrin. We report here that neuroprotective activity is also provided by the triterpenoid constituents of PBI-05204, notably oleanolic acid. We demonstrate that a sub-fraction of PBI-05204 (Fraction 0-4) containing oleanolic and other triterpenoids, but without cardiac glycosides, induces the expression of cellular antioxidant gene transcription programs regulated through antioxidant transcriptional response elements (AREs). Finally, we show that Fraction 0-4 provides broad neuroprotection in organotypic brain slice models for neurodegeneration driven by amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau implicated in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementias, respectively, in addition to ischemic injury modeled by OGD.

Stable and metastable phases in reciprocal systems PbSe + Ag2I2 Ag2Se + PbI2 and PbSe + CdI2 = CdSe + PbI2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Odin, I.N.; Grin'ko, V.V.; Kozlovskij, V.F.; Safronov, E.V.

2005-01-01

Mutual system PbSe + Ag 2 I 2 = Ag 2 Se + PbI 2 is investigated. It is shown that diagonal Ag 2 Se-PbI 2 is stable. Liquidus surface and isothermal section at 633 K of phase diagram of PbSe-Ag 2 Se-PbI 2 system are built. Transformations directing to crystallization metastable ternary compound forming in PbSe-PbI 2 system and metastable polytype modifications of lead iodide in PbSe-Ag 2 Se-PbI 2 system at 620-685 K are studied. By hardening from molten state (1150-1220 K) new interstitial metastable phases crystallizing in CdCl 2 structural type are obtained in PbSe-Ag 2 Se-PbI 2 and PbSe + CdI 2 = CdSe + PbI 2 systems [ru

Photovoltaic performance and the energy landscape of CH3NH3PbI3.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Yecheng; Huang, Fuzhi; Cheng, Yi-Bing; Gray-Weale, Angus

2015-09-21

Photovoltaic cells with absorbing layers of certain perovskites have power conversion efficiencies up to 20%. Among these materials, CH3NH3PbI3 is widely used. Here we use density-functional theory to calculate the energies and rotational energy barriers of a methylammonium ion in the α or β phase of CH3NH3PbI3 with differently oriented neighbouring methylammonium ions. Our results suggest the methylammonium ions in CH3NH3PbI3 prefer to rotate collectively, and to be parallel to their neighbours. Changes in polarization on rotation of methylammonium ions are two to three times larger than those on relaxation of the lead ion from the centre of its coordination shell. The preferences for parallel configuration and concerted rotation, with the polarisation changes, are consistent with ferroelectricity in the material, and indicate that this polarisation is governed by methylammonium orientational correlations. We show that the field due to this polarisation is strong enough to screen the field hindering charge transport, and find this screening field in agreement with experiment. We examine two possible mechanisms for the effect of methylammonium ion rotation on photovoltaic performance. One is that rearrangement of methylammoniums promotes the creation and transport of charge carriers. Some effective masses change greatly, but changes in band structure with methylammonium rotation are not large enough to explain current-voltage hysteresis behaviour. The second possible mechanism is that polarization screens the hindering electric field, which arises from charge accumulation in the transport layers. Polarization changes on methylammonium rotation favour this second mechanism, suggesting that collective reorientation of methylammonium ions in the bulk crystal are in significant part responsible for the hysteresis and power conversion characteristics of CH3NH3PbI3 photovoltaic cells.

Interfacial Charge-Carrier Trapping in CH3NH3PbI3-Based Heterolayered Structures Revealed by Time-Resolved Photoluminescence Spectroscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Yamada, Yasuhiro; Yamada, Takumi; Shimazaki, Ai; Wakamiya, Atsushi; Kanemitsu, Yoshihiko

2016-06-02

The fast-decaying component of photoluminescence (PL) under very weak pulse photoexcitation is dominated by the rapid relaxation of the photoexcited carriers into a small number of carrier-trapping defect states. Here, we report the subnanosecond decay of the PL under excitation weaker than 1 nJ/cm(2) both in CH3NH3PbI3-based heterostructures and bare thin films. The trap-site density at the interface was evaluated on the basis of the fluence-dependent PL decay profiles. It was found that high-density defects determining the PL decay dynamics are formed near the interface between CH3NH3PbI3 and the hole-transporting Spiro-OMeTAD but not at the CH3NH3PbI3/TiO2 interface and the interior regions of CH3NH3PbI3 films. This finding can aid the fabrication of high-quality heterointerfaces, which are required improving the photoconversion efficiency of perovskite-based solar cells.

Double functions of porous TiO2 electrodes on CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells: Enhancement of perovskite crystal transformation and prohibition of short circuiting

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Govindhasamy Murugadoss

2014-08-01

Full Text Available In order to analyze the crystal transformation from hexagonal PbI2 to CH3NH3PbI3 by the sequential (two-step deposition process, perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 layers were deposited on flat and/or porous TiO2 layers. Although the narrower pores using small nanoparticles prohibited the effective transformation, the porous-TiO2 matrix was able to help the crystal transformation of PbI2 to CH3NH3PbI3 by sequential two-step deposition. The resulting PbI2 crystals in porous TiO2 electrodes did not deteriorate the photovoltaic effects. Moreover, it is confirmed that the porous TiO2 electrode had served the function of prohibiting short circuits between working and counter electrodes in perovskite solar cells.

Role of organic cations on hybrid halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 surfaces

Science.gov (United States)

Teng, Qiang; Shi, Ting-Ting; Tian, Ren-Yu; Yang, Xiao-Bao; Zhao, Yu-Jun

2018-02-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) has received rapid progress in power conversion efficiency as promising photovoltaic materials, yet the surface structures and the role of MA cations are not well understood. In this work, we investigated the structural stability and electronic properties of (001) surface of cubic, (001) and (110) surfaces of tetragonal and orthorhombic phases of MAPbI3 with considering the orientation of MA cations, by density functional theory calculations. We demonstrate that the orientation of MA cations has profound consequences on the structural stability and the electronic properties of the surfaces, in contrast to the bulk phases. Compared with the MA-I terminated surfaces, the Pb-I2 terminated ones generally have smaller band gaps and the advantage to enable the photo-excited holes to transfer to the hole-transport materials in both tetragonal and orthorhombic phases. Overall, we suggest that the films with Pb-I2 terminated surfaces would prevail in high performance solar energy absorbers.

Electroluminescence of organic light-emitting diodes consisting of an undoped (pbi)2Ir(acac) phosphorescent layer

Science.gov (United States)

Lei, Xia; Yu, Junsheng; Zhao, Juan; Jiang, Yadong

2011-11-01

The electroluminescence (EL) characteristics of phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with an undoped bis(1,2-dipheny1-1H-benzoimidazole) iridium (acetylacetonate) [(pbi)2Ir(acac)] emissive layer (EML) of various film thicknesses were studied. The results showed that the intensity of green light emission decreased rapidly with the increasing thickness of (pbi)2Ir(acac), which was relevant to the triplet excimer emission. It suggested that the concentration quenching of monomer emission in the undoped (pbi)2Ir(acac) film was mainly due to the formation of triplet excimer and partly due to the triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) and triplet-polaron annihilation (TPA). A green OLED with a maximum luminance of 26,531 cd/m2, a current efficiency of 36.2 cd/A, and a power efficiency of 32.4 lm/W was obtained, when the triplet excimer emission was eliminated. Moreover, the white OLED with low efficiency roll-off was realized due to the broadened recombination zone and reduced quenching effects in the EML when no electron blocking layer was employed.

Investigation of Structural and Electronic Properties of CH3NH3PbI3 Stabilized by Varying Concentrations of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Celline Awino

2017-08-01

Full Text Available Studies have shown that perovskites have a high potential of outdoing silicon based solar cells in terms of solar energy conversion, but their rate of degradation is also high. This study reports on improvement on the stability of CH3NH3PbI3 by passivating it with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA. Structural and electronic properties of CH3NH3PbI3 stabilized by polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA were investigated by varying concentrations of PMMA in the polymer solutions. Stability tests were performed over a period of time using modulated surface photovoltage (SPV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD, and photoluminescence (PL measurements. The XRD patterns confirm the tetragonal structure of the deposited CH3NH3PbI3 for every concentration of PMMA. Furthermore, CH3NH3PbI3 coated with 40 mg/mL of PMMA did not show any impurity phase even after storage in air for 43 days. The Tauc gap (ETauc determined on the basis of the in-phase SPV spectra was found in the range from 1.585 to 1.62 eV for the samples stored during initial days, but shifted towards lower energies as the storage time increased. This can be proposed to be due to different chemical reactions between CH3NH3PbI3/PMMA interfaces and air. PL intensity increased with increasing concentration of PMMA except for the perovskite coated with 40 mg/mL of PMMA. PL quenching in the perovskite coated with 40 mg/mL of PMMA can be interpreted as fast electron transfer towards the substrate in the sample. This study shows that, with an optimum concentration of PMMA coating on CH3NH3PbI3, the lifetime and hence stability on electrical and structural behavior of CH3NH3PbI3 is improved.

Observation of the long-lived triplet excited state of perylenebisimide (PBI) in C^N cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes and application in photocatalytic oxidation.

Science.gov (United States)

Sun, Jifu; Zhong, Fangfang; Zhao, Jianzhang

2013-07-14

Perylenebisimide (PBI) was used to prepare C^N cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes that show strong absorption of visible light and it is the first time the long-lived triplet excited state of PBI chromophore was observed in a transition metal complex (τT = 22.3 μs). Previously, the lifetime of the triplet state of PBI in transition metal complexes was usually shorter than 1.0 μs. Long-lived triplet excited states are useful for applications in photocatalysis or other photophysical processes concerning triplet-triplet-energy-transfer. PBI and amino-PBI were used for preparation of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes (Ir-2 and Ir-3), in which the PBI chromophore was connected to the coordination center via C≡C π-conjugation bond. The new complexes show strong absorption in visible region (ε = 34,200 M(-1) cm(-1) at 541 nm for Ir-2, and ε = 19,000 at 669 nm for Ir-3), compared to the model complex Ir(ppy)(bpy)[PF6] Ir-1 (ε PBI-localized long-lived (3)IL states were populated for Ir-2 and Ir-3 upon photoexcitation. The complexes were used as triplet photosensitizers for (1)O2-mediated photooxidation of 1,5-dihydronaphthalene to produce juglone, an important intermediate for preparation of anti-cancer compounds. (1)O2 quantum yields (Φ(Δ)) up to 91% were observed for the new Ir(III) complexes and the overall photosensitizing ability is much higher than the conventional Ir(III) complex Ir-1, which shows the typical weak visible light absorption in visible region. Our results are useful for preparation of transition metal complexes that show strong absorption of visible light and long-lived triplet excited state and for the application of these complexes in photocatalysis.

Role of hydrogen-bonding and its interplay with octahedral tilting in CH3NH3PbI3

OpenAIRE

Lee, Paul David; Bristowe, Nicholas C; Bristowe, Paul D; Cheetham, Anthony Kevin

2015-01-01

First principles calculations on the hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 predict strong hydrogen-bonding which influences the structure and dynamics of the methylammonium cation and reveal its interaction with the tilting of the PbI6 octahedra. The calculated atomic coordinates are in excellent agreement with neutron diffraction results. [Image - see article] Funding from the Winton Programme for the Physics of Sustainability at the University of Cambridge is gratefully acknowledged. NCB acknowle...

Improvement of CH3NH3PbI3 thin film using the additive 1,8-diiodooctane for planar heterojunction perovskite cells

Science.gov (United States)

Abdulrahman, Solh; Wang, Chunhua; Cao, Chenghao; Zhang, Chujun; Yang, Junliang; Jiang, Li

2017-10-01

The thin-film quality is critical for obtaining high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The additive 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) was used to control the morphology and structure of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite thin films, and planar heterojunction (PHJ) PSCs with an architecture of ITO/PEDOT: PSS/CH3NH3PbI3/PCBM/Al was fabricated. It was found that the DIO played an important role on CH3NH3PbI3 thin-film quality and the performance of PHJ-PSCs. With the optimal volume ratio of 2%, the compact and uniform high-quality CH3NH3PbI3 thin films with enhanced crystallinity and less roughness were achieved, resulting in the great improvement of power conversion efficiency (PCE) from about 4.5% to over 9.0%. The research results indicate that the additive DIO is a simple and effective method to produce high-quality perovskite thin film and accordingly develop high-performance PHJ-PSCs.

Effect of the Ultrasonic Substrate Vibration on Nucleation and Crystallization of PbI2 Crystals and Thin Films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fatemeh Zabihi

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Preparation of defect-free and well-controlled solution-processed crystalline thin films is highly desirable for emerging technologies, such as perovskite solar cells. In this work, using PbI2 as a model solution with a vast variety of applications, we demonstrate that the excitation of a liquid thin film by imposed ultrasonic vibration on the film substrate significantly affects the nucleation and crystallization kinetics of PbI2 and the morphology of the resulting solid thin film. It is found that by applying ultrasonic vibration to PbI2 solution spun onto an ITO substrate with a moderate power and excitation duration (5 W and 1 min for the 40 kHz transducer used in this study, the nucleation rate increases and the crystals transform from 2D or planar to epitaxial 3D columnar structures, resulting in the suppression of crystallization dewetting. The effects of various induced physical phenomena as a result of the excitation by ultrasonic vibration are discussed, including microstreaming and micromixing, increased heat transfer and local temperature, a change in the thermodynamic state of the solution, and a decrease in the supersaturation point. It is shown that the ultrasonic-assisted solution deposition of the PbI2 thin films is controllable and reproducible, a process which is low-cost and in line with the large-scale fabrication of such solution-processed thin films.

Facile hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of cesium-doped PbI2 nanostructures for optoelectronic, radiation detection and photocatalytic applications

Science.gov (United States)

Shkir, Mohd; AlFaify, S.; Yahia, I. S.; Hamdy, Mohamed S.; Ganesh, V.; Algarni, H.

2017-10-01

Low-temperature hydrothermal-assisted synthesis of pure and cesium (Cs) (1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 wt%) doped lead iodide (PbI2) nanorods and nanosheets have been achieved successfully for the first time. The structural and vibrational studies confirm the formation of a 2H-polytypic PbI2 predominantly. Scanning electron microscope analysis confirms the formation of well-aligned nanorods of average size 100 nm at low concentration and nanosheets of average thicknesses in the range of 20-40 nm at higher concentrations of Cs doping. The presence of Cs doping was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray study. Ultra-violet-visible absorbance spectra were recorded, and energy gap was calculated in the range of 3.33 to 3.45 eV for pure and Cs-doped PbI2 nanostructures which is higher than the bulk value (i.e., 2.27 eV) due to quantum confinement effect. Dielectric constant, loss, and AC conductivity studies have been done. Enhancement in Gamma linear absorption coefficient due to Cs doping confirms the suitability of prepared nanostructures for radiation detection applications. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance of the synthesized nanostructures was evaluated in the decolorization of methyl green (MG) and methyl orange (MO) under the illumination of visible light (λ > 420 nm). The observed photocatalytic activity for 5 and 7 wt% Cs-doped PbI2 was observed to be more than pure PbI2 and also > 10 times higher than the commercially available photocatalysts. The results suggest that the prepared nanostructures are highly applicable in optoelectronic, radiation detection and many other applications. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Effects of CsBr addition on the performance of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx-based solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Ueoka, Naoki; Oku, Takeo; Ohishi, Yuya; Tanaka, Hiroki; Suzuki, Atsushi; Sakamoto, Hiroki; Yamada, Masahiro; Minami, Satoshi; Tsukada, Shinichiro

2018-01-01

Perovskite-type photovoltaic devices were prepared by a spin-coating method using a precursor solution of CH3NH3I and lead(II) chloride in N,N-dimethylformamide. Effects of cesium bromide (CsBr) addition on the photovoltaic properties and microstructures of the perovskite phase were investigated. The fill factor was increased by adding the CsBr to the CH3NH3PbI3-xClx precursor solution, which resulted in increase of the conversion efficiency. The crystallinity of the CH3NH3PbI3-xClx perovskite phase was also improved by adding the CsBr to the H3NH3PbI3-xClx precursor solution.

Can Parental Bonding Be Assessed in Children? Factor Structure and Factorial Invariance of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) between Adults and Children

Science.gov (United States)

Tsaousis, Ioannis; Mascha, Katerina; Giovazolias, Theodoros

2012-01-01

This study examined the factorial structure of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) in the Greek population. Using confirmatory factor analysis different proposed models of the basic dimensions of PBI were evaluated. The results indicated that Kendler's three-factor (i.e. care, protectiveness and authoritarianism) solution was found to be more…

Preclinical Biodistribution and Safety Evaluation of a pbi-shRNA STMN1 Lipoplex after Subcutaneous Delivery.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Zhaohui; Jay, Christopher M; Evans, Courtney; Kumar, Padmasini; Phalon, Connor; Rao, Donald D; Senzer, Neil; Nemunaitis, John

2017-02-01

Stathmin-1 (STMN1) is a microtubule-destabilizing protein which is overexpressed in cancer. Its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and also serves as a predictive marker to taxane therapy. We have developed a proprietary bi-functional shRNA (bi-shRNA) platform to execute RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing and a liposome-carrier complex to systemically deliver the pbi-shRNA plasmids. In vitro and in vivo testing demonstrated efficacy and specificity of pbi-shRNA plasmid in targeting STMN1 (Phadke, A. P., Jay, C. M., Wang, Z., Chen, S., Liu, S., Haddock, C., Kumar, P., Pappen, B. O., Rao, D. D., Templeton, N. S., et al. (2011). In vivo safety and antitumor efficacy of bifunctional small hairpin RNAs specific for the human Stathmin 1 oncoprotein. DNA Cell Biol. 30, 715-726.). Biodistribution and toxicology studies in bio-relevant Sprague Dawley rats with pbi-shRNA STMN1 lipoplex revealed that the plasmid DNA was delivered to a broad distribution of organs after a single subcutaneous injection. Specifically, plasmid was detected within the first week using QPCR (threshold 50 copies plasmid/1 µg genomic DNA) at the injection site, lung, spleen, blood, skin, ovary (limited), lymph nodes, and liver. It was not detected in the heart, testis or bone marrow. No plasmid was detected from any organ 30 days after injection. Treatment was well tolerated. Minimal inflammation/erythema was observed at the injection site. Circulating cytokine response was also examined by ELISA. The IL-6 levels were induced within 6 h then declined to the vehicle control level 72 h after the injection. TNFα induction was transiently observed 4 days after the DNA lipoplex treatment. In summary, the pbi-shRNA STMN1 lipoplex was well tolerated and displayed broad distribution after a single subcutaneous injection. The pre-clinical data has been filed to FDA and the pbi-shRNA STMN1 lipoplex is being investigated in a phase I clinical study. © The Author 2016. Published

Improvement of photovoltaic performance of the inverted planar perovskite solar cells by using CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx films with solvent annealing

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Shan; Zhang, Weijia; Ma, Denghao; Jiang, Zhaoyi; Fan, Zhiqiang; Ma, Qiang; Xi, Yilian

2018-01-01

In this paper, the CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx films with various Br-doping contents were successfully prepared by solution processed deposition and followed by annealing process. This method simultaneously modified the morphology and composition of the CH3NH3PbI3 film. The effects of annealing treatment of CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx films under N2 and DMSO conditions on the microstructure of films and photoelectric properties of the solar cells were systematically investigated. The relationship of the component ratio of RBr/I= CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx/CH3NH3PbI3 in the resulting perovskite versus CH3NH3Br concentration also was explored. The results revealed that the CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx films annealed under DMSO exhibited increased grain sizes, enhanced crystallinity, enlarged bandgap and reduced defect density compared with that of the N2 annealing. It also was found that the RBr/I linearly increased in the resulting perovskite with the increased of CH3NH3Br concentration in the methylammonium halide mixture solutions. Furthermore, the photovoltaic performances of devices fabricated using DMSO precursor solvent were worse than that of DMF under N2 annealing atmosphere. When CH3NH3Br concentration was 7.5 mg ml-1, the planar perovskite solar cell based on CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx annealed under DMSO showed the best efficiency of 13.7%.

Trace impurities analysis determined by neutron activation in the PbI 2 crystal semiconductor

Science.gov (United States)

Hamada, M. M.; Oliveira, I. B.; Armelin, M. J.; Mesquita, C. H.

2003-06-01

In this work, a methodology for impurity analysis of PbI 2 was studied to investigate the effectiveness of the purification. Commercial salts were purified by the multi passes zone refining and grown by the Bridgman method. To evaluate the purification efficiency, samples from the bottom, middle and upper sections of the ZR ingot were analyzed after 200, 300 and 500 purification passes, by measurements of the impurity concentrations, using the neutron activation analysis (NAA) technique. There was a significant reduction of the impurities according to the purification numbers. The reduction efficiency was different for each element, namely: Au>Mn>Co˜Ag>K˜Br. The impurity concentration of the crystals grown after 200, 300 and 500 passes and the PbI 2 starting material were analyzed by NAA and plasma optical emission spectroscopy.

Recent advances in radiotherapy: Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI) in breast cancer patients after breast conserving surgery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Niwinska, A.

2003-01-01

The interest in accelerated partial breast irradiation (PBI) after conservative surgery has increased over the past decade as a result of many factors, including clinical and pathological data questioning the efficacy of whole breast irradiation in highly selected patients, as well as factors related to patient's convenience. High dose rate and low dose rate brachytherapy, brachytherapy MammoSite, Electron Intraoperative Therapy - ELIOT and Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy - TARGIT are the subject of investigation. The tolerability and efficacy of the treatment are of special interest. In this review article, methods of accelerated PBI, eligibility criteria, techniques of radiotherapy, early results and side effects are reviewed. (author)

Effects of current stressing on the p-Bi2Te3/Sn interfacial reactions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chan, Hsing-Ting; Lin, Chih-Fan; Yen, Yee-Wen; Chen, Chih-Ming

2016-01-01

The Sn/p-Bi 2 Te 3 /Sn sandwich-type sample was current stressed with a density of 150 A/cm 2 to investigate the effects of current stressing on the p-Bi 2 Te 3 /Sn interfacial reactions. Asymmetrical heating phenomenon was observed at the anodic Sn/p-Bi 2 Te 3 (50 °C) and cathodic p-Bi 2 Te 3 /Sn (120 °C) interfaces due to the Peltier effect. Besides the Peltier effect, the electromigration effect also influenced the growth of the SnTe phase and therefore polarity growth behavior was observed at the two interfaces. The growth of the SnTe phase at the cathodic p-Bi 2 Te 3 /Sn interface was accelerated because Peltier and electromigration effects drove more Sn atoms (dominant diffusion species) for the phase growth. By measuring the electromigration-induced atomic flux of Sn, the product of diffusivity and effective charge number (D × z*) was calculated to be 6.3 × 10 −9 cm 2 s −1 at 120 °C. - Highlights: • Sn/p-Bi 2 Te 3 /Sn sandwich-type sample is current stressed with a density of 150 A/cm 2 . • Passage of an electric current induces Peltier and electromigration effects. • Peltier effect causes asymmetrical heating at the anode and cathode interfaces. • Both effects accelerate the SnTe growth at the cathode interface. • Sn is the dominant diffusion species identified by a marker experiment.

Low-temperature (75 °C) solid-state reaction enhanced by less-crystallized nanoporous PbI2 films for efficient CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zheng, Huifeng; Liu, Yangqiao; Sun, Jing

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Efficient perovskite solar cells were prepared with solid-state reaction at 75 °C. • Ln-PbI 2 is superior to c-PbI 2 when applied in low-temperature solid-state reaction. • A higher champion PCE was obtained at 75 °C (13.8%) than that of 140 °C (11.8%). • Non-radiative defects increase significantly when annealed at high temperature. - Abstract: Organohalide perovskite films are usually prepared with the solid-state reaction at a high temperature ≥100 °C, which causes the increase of non-radiative defects and decomposition of perovskite films. Here, we demonstrate it’s feasible to prepare high-quality perovskite films with the solid-state reaction method even at a temperature of 75 °C, when enhanced by less-crystallized nanoporous PbI 2 (ln-PbI 2 ) films. The replacement of compact PbI 2 (c-PbI 2 ) by ln-PbI 2 , results in a significant improvement of crystallinity of perovskite films, besides the elimination of remnant PbI 2 . As a result, ln-PbI 2 based perovskite solar cells display much higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) and better stability. Moreover, annealing duration was found to be critical for high PCE and was optimized as 60 min. Finally, with the optimal process, the champion device displayed a PCE of 13.8% and the average PCE reached 10.1% with a satisfactory deviation. Furthermore, we found annealing at high temperature (140 °C) led to a lower PCE compared with that annealed at 75 °C, because non-radiative defects increased significantly during high-temperature annealing. This work may open up a promising avenue for preparing high-quality perovskite films with the low-temperature solid-state reaction method, which is desirable for real application.

Evaluating complex health financing interventions: using mixed methods to inform further implementation of a novel PBI intervention in rural Malawi.

Science.gov (United States)

McMahon, Shannon A; Brenner, Stephan; Lohmann, Julia; Makwero, Christopher; Torbica, Aleksandra; Mathanga, Don P; Muula, Adamson S; De Allegri, Manuela

2016-08-19

Gaps remain in understanding how performance-based incentive (PBI) programs affect quality of care and service quantity, whether programs are cost effective and how programs could be tailored to meet client and provider needs while remaining operationally viable. In 2014, Malawi's Ministry of Health launched the Service Delivery Integration-PBI (SSDI-PBI) program. The program is unique in that no portion of performance bonuses are paid to individual health workers, and it shifts responsibility for infrastructure and equipment procurement from facility staff to implementing partners. This protocol outlines an approach that analyzes processes and outcomes, considers expected and unexpected consequences of the program and frames the program's outputs relative to its costs. Findings from this evaluation will inform the intended future scale-up of PBI in Malawi. This study employs a prospective controlled before-and-after triangulation design to assess effects of the PBI program by analyzing quantitative and qualitative data from intervention and control facilities. Guided by a theoretical framework, the evaluation consists of four main components: service provision, health worker motivation, implementation processes and costing. Quality and access outcomes are assessed along four dimensions: (1) structural elements (related to equipment, drugs, staff); (2) process elements (providers' compliance with standards); (3) outputs (service utilization); (4) experiential elements (experiences of service delivery). The costing component includes costs related to start-up, ongoing management, and the cost of incentives themselves. The cost analysis considers costs incurred within the Ministry of Health, funders, and the implementing agency. The evaluation relies on primary data (including interviews and surveys) and secondary data (including costing and health management information system data). Through the lens of a PBI program, we illustrate how complex interventions can be

Time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of electronic cooling and localization in CH3NH3PbI3 crystals

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Zhesheng; Lee, Min-i.; Zhang, Zailan; Diab, Hiba; Garrot, Damien; Lédée, Ferdinand; Fertey, Pierre; Papalazarou, Evangelos; Marsi, Marino; Ponseca, Carlito; Deleporte, Emmanuelle; Tejeda, Antonio; Perfetti, Luca

2017-09-01

We measure the surface of CH3NH3PbI3 single crystals by making use of two-photon photoemission spectroscopy. Our method monitors the electronic distribution of photoexcited electrons, explicitly discriminating the initial thermalization from slower dynamical processes. The reported results disclose the fast-dissipation channels of hot carriers (0.25 ps), set an upper bound to the surface-induced recombination velocity (PbI3 samples is consistent with the progressive reduction of photoconversion efficiency in operating devices. Minimizing the density of shallow traps and solving the aging problem may boost the macroscopic efficiency of solar cells to the theoretical limit.

Laser-induced surface recrystallization of polycrystalline PbI2 thick films for X-ray detector application

Science.gov (United States)

Sun, Hui; Zhao, Beijun; Zhu, Xinghua; Zhu, Shifu; Yang, Dingyu; Wangyang, Peihua; Gao, Xiuyin

2018-01-01

In this work, laser-induced surface recrystallization process was developed to improve the surface properties and device performance of the polycrystalline PbI2 thick films prepared by using close space vapor deposition method. A continuous polycrystalline PbI2 recrystallized layer with a better mechanical strength and reflectivity improved from 2% to 4%-6% was obtained by this recrystallization process for the films with mechanical pretreatment. Other polytypes is absent in the recrystallized layer with the 2H-polytype remaining before and after treatment and obtaining improved electrical and X-ray photoelectric response performance. The pretreatment such as mechanical cutting/polishing and hydrogenation is necessary to lower the non-wetting crystallization behavior during the recrystallization process due to the rough surface state and oxygen contamination.

Partially fluorinated aarylene polyethers and their ternary blends with PBI and H3PO4

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Li, Qingfeng; Jensen, Jens Oluf; Pan, Chao

2008-01-01

Ternary blend membranes based on sulphonated partially fluorinated arylene polyether, polybenzimidazole (PBI) and phosphoric acid were prepared and characterised as electrolyte for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Partially fluorinated arylene polyether was first prepared from...

Convergent validity of the dimensions underlying the parental bonding instrument (PBI) and the EMBU

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Arrindell, W.A.; Gerlsma, C.; Vandereycken, W.; Hageman, W.J J M; Daeseleire, T

It has been suggested that the major dimensions of perceived parental rearing behaviour that underlie the EMBU (Emotional Warmth, Rejection and Protection) and the PBI (Care and Protection) may be considered parallel tests of the same constructs. Empirical findings however to back up this allegation

Interfacial electronic structures revealed at the rubrene/CH3NH3PbI3 interface.

Science.gov (United States)

Ji, Gengwu; Zheng, Guanhaojie; Zhao, Bin; Song, Fei; Zhang, Xiaonan; Shen, Kongchao; Yang, Yingguo; Xiong, Yimin; Gao, Xingyu; Cao, Liang; Qi, Dong-Chen

2017-03-01

The electronic structures of rubrene films deposited on CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite have been investigated using in situ ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that rubrene molecules interacted weakly with the perovskite substrate. Due to charge redistribution at their interface, a downward 'band bending'-like energy shift of ∼0.3 eV and an upward band bending of ∼0.1 eV were identified at the upper rubrene side and the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 substrate side, respectively. After the energy level alignment was established at the rubrene/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 interface, its highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-valence band maximum (VBM) offset was found to be as low as ∼0.1 eV favoring the hole extraction with its lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO)-conduction band minimum (CBM) offset as large as ∼1.4 eV effectively blocking the undesired electron transfer from perovskite to rubrene. As a demonstration, simple inverted planar solar cell devices incorporating rubrene and rubrene/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole transport layers (HTLs) were fabricated in this work and yielded a champion power conversion efficiency of 8.76% and 13.52%, respectively. Thus, the present work suggests that a rubrene thin film could serve as a promising hole transport layer for efficient perovskite-based solar cells.

Homogeneous Emission Line Broadening in the Organo Lead Halide Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3-xClx.

Science.gov (United States)

Wehrenfennig, Christian; Liu, Mingzhen; Snaith, Henry J; Johnston, Michael B; Herz, Laura M

2014-04-17

The organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) and the partially chlorine-substituted mixed halide CH3NH3PbI3-xClx emit strong and broad photoluminescence (PL) around their band gap energy of ∼1.6 eV. However, the nature of the radiative decay channels behind the observed emission and, in particular, the spectral broadening mechanisms are still unclear. Here we investigate these processes for high-quality vapor-deposited films of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx using time- and excitation-energy dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy. We show that the PL spectrum is homogenously broadened with a line width of 103 meV most likely as a consequence of phonon coupling effects. Further analysis reveals that defects or trap states play a minor role in radiative decay channels. In terms of possible lasing applications, the emission spectrum of the perovskite is sufficiently broad to have potential for amplification of light pulses below 100 fs pulse duration.

Relationship between microstructure and optical properties of a novel perovskite C12PbI4 embedded in matrix of porous alumina

Science.gov (United States)

Zaghdoudi, W.; Bardaoui, A.; Khalifa, N.; Chtourou, R.

2013-01-01

In this study, organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite multiple quantum wells (PbI QWs) embedded in porous anodic alumina (PAA) thin films on glass and aluminum substrates are investigated in detail. The pore height and diameter of the nanoscale structure of porous anodic alumina (PAA) film produced by the anodization technique are controllable. The synthesized films are characterized morphologically using the atomic force microscopy (AFM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study showed granular surface. The structural and optical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) and UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The effect of the two different substrates on the impregnation of the PbI QW in the PAA is presented. Both PL and AFM studies show a better penetration of the PbI QW in the case of the Al substrate providing a wider pore diameter. Remarkable enhancement of quantum confinement is demonstrated.

Novel composite membranes based on PBI and dicationic ionic liquids for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hooshyari, Khadijeh; Javanbakht, Mehran; Adibi, Mina

2016-01-01

Two types of innovative composite membranes based on polybenzimidazole (PBI) containing dicationic ionic liquid 1,3-di(3-methylimidazolium) propane bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (PDC 3 ) and monocationic ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (PMC 6 ) are prepared as electrolyte for high temperature fuel cells applications under anhydrous conditions. The analyses of results display promising characteristics such as high proton conductivity and thermal stability. Moreover the fuel cell performance of PA doped PDC 3 composite membranes is enhanced in comparison with PA doped PMC 6 and PA doped PBI membranes at high temperatures. Dicationic ionic liquid with high number of charge carriers provides well-developed ionic channels which form facile pathways and considerably develop the anhydrous proton conductivity. The highest proton conductivity of 81 mS/cm is achieved for PA doped PDC 3 composite membranes with PBI/IL mole ratio: 4 at 180 °C. A power density of 0.44 W/cm 2 is obtained at 0.5 V and 180 °C for PA doped PDC 3 composite membranes, which proves that these developed composite membranes can be considered as most promising candidates for high temperature fuel cell applications with enhanced proton conductivity.

Electrochemical promotion of catalytic reactions with Pt/C (or Pt/Ru/C)//PBI catalysts

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Petrushina, Irina; Bjerrum, Niels; Bandur, Viktor

2007-01-01

The paper is an overview of the results of the investigation on electrochemical promotion of three catalytic reactions: methane oxidation with oxygen, NO reduction with hydrogen at 135 degrees C and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) at 170 degrees C in the [CH4/O-2(or NO/H-2 or CO/H-2)/Ar//Pt(or Pt....../Ru)//PBI(H3PO4)/H-2, Ar] fuel cell. It has been shown that the partial methane oxidation to C2H2 and the C-2 selectivity were electrochemically promoted by the negative catalyst polarization. This was also the case in NO reduction with hydrogen for low NO and H-2 partial pressures. In both cases the catalytic...... reactions have been promoted by the electrochemically produced hydrogen. It has been found that the NO reduction with hydrogen on the Pt/PBI strongly depends on NO and hydrogen partial pressures in the working gas mixture. At higher NO and H-2 partial pressures the catalysis is promoted...

Automated Transportation Management System (ATMS) V2.0 logistics module PBI acceptance criteria

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Weidert, R.S.

1995-01-01

This document defines the acceptance criteria for the Automated Transportation Management System V2.0 Logistics Module Performance Based Incentive (PBI). This acceptance criteria will be the primary basis for the generation of acceptance test procedures. The purpose of this document is to define the minimum criteria that must be fulfilled to guarantee acceptance of the Logistics Module

Effects of CuBr addition to CH3NH3PbI3(Cl) perovskite photovoltaic devices

Science.gov (United States)

Oku, Takeo; Ohishi, Yuya; Tanaka, Hiroki

2018-01-01

Effects of CuBr addition to perovskite CH3NH3PbI3(Cl) precursor solutions on photovoltaic properties were investigated. The CH3NH3Pb(Cu)I3(Cl,Br)-based photovoltaic devices were fabricated by a spin-coating technique, and the microstructures of the devices were investigated by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Current density-voltage characteristics were improved by a small amount of CuBr addition, which resulted in improvement of the conversion efficiencies of the devices. The structure analysis showed decrease of unit cell volume and increase of Cu/Br composition by the CuBr addition, which would indicate the Cu/Br substitution at the Pb/I sites in the perovskite crystal, respectively.

Structural phase transition causing anomalous photoluminescence behavior in perovskite (C6H11NH3)2[PbI4

Science.gov (United States)

Yangui, A.; Pillet, S.; Mlayah, A.; Lusson, A.; Bouchez, G.; Triki, S.; Abid, Y.; Boukheddaden, K.

2015-12-01

Optical and structural properties of the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite-type (C6H11NH3)2[PbI4] (abbreviated as C6PbI4) were investigated using optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and x-ray diffraction measurements. Room temperature, optical absorption measurements, performed on spin-coated films of C6PbI4, revealed two absorption bands at 2.44 and 3.21 eV. Upon 325 nm (3.815 eV) laser irradiation, strong green PL emission peaks were observed at 2.41 eV (P1) and 2.24 eV (P2) and assigned to free and localized excitons, respectively. The exciton binding energy was estimated at 356 meV. At low temperature, two additional emission bands were detected at 2.366 eV (P3) and a large band (LB) at 1.97 eV. The former appeared only below 40 K and the latter emerged below 130 K. The thermal dependence of the PL spectra revealed an abnormal behavior accompanied by singularities in the peak positions and intensities at 40 and 130 K. X-ray diffraction studies performed on powder and single crystals as a function of temperature evidenced significant changes of the interlayer spacing at 50 K and ˜138 K. Around 138 K, a commensurate to incommensurate structural phase transition occurred on cooling. It involves a symmetry breaking leading to a distortion of the PbI6 octahedron. The resulting incommensurate spatial modulation of the Pb-I distances (and Pb-I-Pb angles) causes a spatial modulation of the band gap, which is at the origin of the emergence of the LB below ˜130 K and the anomalous behavior of the position of P1 below 130 K. The change of the interlayer spacing in the 40-50 K range may in turn be related to the significant decrease of the intensity of P2 and the maximum emission of the LB. These results underline the intricate character of the structural and the PL properties of the hybrid perovskites; understanding such properties should benefit to the design of optoelectronic devices with targeted properties.

Room temperature atomic layer deposited Al2O3 on CH3NH3PbI3 characterized by synchrotron-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Kot, Małgorzata; Das, Chittaranjan; Henkel, Karsten; Wojciechowski, Konrad; Snaith, Henry J.; Schmeisser, Dieter

2017-11-01

An ultrathin Al2O3 film deposited on methylammonium lead triiodide (CH3NH3PbI3) perovskite has the capability to suppress the carrier recombination process and improve the perovskite solar cells efficiency and stability. However, annealing at temperatures higher than 85 °C degrades the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite film. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study performed in this work indicates that it is possible to grow Al2O3 by atomic layer deposition on the perovskite at room temperature, however, besides pure Al2O3 some OH groups are found and the creation of lead and iodine oxides at the Al2O3/CH3NH3PbI3 interface takes place.

Room temperature solution processed low dimensional CH3NH3PbI3 NIR detector

Science.gov (United States)

Besra, N.; Paul, T.; Sarkar, P. K.; Thakur, S.; Sarkar, S.; Das, A.; Chanda, K.; Sardar, K.; Chattopadhyay, K. K.

2018-05-01

Metal halide perovskites have recently drawn immense research interests among the worldwide scientific community due to their excellent light harvesting capabilities and above all, cost effectiveness. These new class of materials have already been used as efficient optoelectronic devices e.g. solar cells, photo detectors, etc. Here in this work, room temperature NIR (near infra red) response of organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 (Methylammonium lead tri iodide) nanorods has been studied. A very simple solution process technique has been adopted to synthesize CH3NH3PbI3 nanostructures at room temperature. The NIR exposure upon the sample resulted in a considerable hike in its dark current with very good responsivity (0.37 mA/W). Along with that, a good on-off ratio (41.8) was also obtained when the sample was treated under a pulsed NIR exposure with operating voltage of 2 V. The specific detectivity of the device came in the order of 1010 Jone.

Increasing the electrical anisotropy of solution-grown PbI2 thin films by addition of CdI2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ponpon, J.P.; Amann, M.

2010-01-01

In the present study up to 20% CdI 2 has been added to a lead iodide-water solution, which is used to grow PbI 2 polycrystalline thin films. As a result, a significant increase in the anisotropy of the lead iodide film's electrical properties has been observed: the resistivity in the direction parallel to the c-axis reached 10 15 Ω cm but did not change significantly in the orthogonal direction. This behavior can be explained by the modification of the transport properties related to the crystallographic structure of the films along the c-axis. As suggested by thermally stimulated current measurements, only a small number of the Cd atoms incorporated into the PbI 2 lattice could behave as dopants.

Quantum well effect in bulk PbI(2) crystals revealed by the anisotropy of photoluminescence and Raman spectra.

Science.gov (United States)

Baltog, I; Baibarac, M; Lefrant, S

2009-01-14

On subjecting a bulk 2H-PbI(2) crystal to vacuum annealing at 500 K followed by a sudden cooling at liquid nitrogen temperature stacking faults are generated that separate distinct layers of nanometric thickness in which different numbers of I-Pb-I atomic layers are bundled together. Such structures, containing two, three, four, five etc I-Pb-I atomic layers, behave as quantum wells of different widths. The signature of such a transformation is given by a shift towards higher energies of the fundamental absorption edge, which is experimentally revealed by specific anisotropies in the photoluminescence and Raman spectra. The quantum confining effect is made visible by specific variations of a wide extra-excitonic band (G) at 2.06 eV that originates in the radiative recombination of carriers (electrons and holes), trapped on the surface defects. The excitation spectrum of the G band, with p polarized exciting light, reveals a fine structure comprised of narrow bands at 2.75, 2.64, 2.59 and 2.56 eV, which are associated with the PbI(2) quantum wells formed from two, three, four and five I-Pb-I atomic layers of 0.7 nm thickness. Regardless of the polarization state of the laser exciting light of 514.5 nm (2.41 eV), which is close to the band gap energy of PbI(2) (2.52 eV), the Raman scattering on bulk as-grown PbI(2) crystals has the character of a resonant process. For p polarized exciting light, the Raman scattering process on vacuum annealed PbI(2) becomes non-resonant. This originates from the quantum well structures generated inside the crystal, whose band gap energies are higher than the energy of the exciting light.

Donor-acceptor random copolyesters containing perylenebisimide (PBI) and oligo(p-phenylene vinylene) (OPV) by melt condensation polymerization: energy transfer studies.

Science.gov (United States)

Nisha, S Kumari; Asha, S K

2013-10-31

Novel copolyesters consisting of oligo(p-phenylene vinylene) (OPV) as donor (D) and perylenebisimide (PBI) as acceptor (A) were synthesized by melt polycondensation. Photoinduced energy transfer and photoinduced charge separation in these polyesters were studied in solution as well as in the solid state. Selective excitation of OPV moiety resulted in the energy transfer with >90% efficiency from OPV to PBI chromophore in the solution state. The direct excitation of PBI in the D-A copolyester resulted in reduced fluorescence emission of acceptor, indicating electron transfer between the D and A moieties. The effect of distance between donor and acceptor on the energy transfer efficiency from donor to acceptor was studied. Compared to a physical mixture of D and A polyesters alone, the energy transfer was 4 times more efficient in the D-A copolyester, highlighting the influence of covalently linking D and A in a single polymer chain. A strong fluorescence quenching (∼ 100%) of both chromophores in solid state indicated an efficient photoinduced charge transfer after photoexcitation of either D or A. Thus, OPV-PBI main chain copolyester is an excellent system for the study of energy- and electron-transfer processes in organic semiconductor. Reactive blend of D/A copolyester was also prepared by the transesterification reaction between D and A alone copolyesters. The energy transfer efficiency from D to A moiety upon selective excitation of D chromophore in the D/A copolyester blend was ∼4 times higher compared to a physical mixture of D and A alone copolyesters, which gave direct proof for the transesterification reaction in polyester/polyester reactive blending.

Impact of CH3NH3PbI3-PCBM bulk heterojunction active layer on the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Chaudhary, Dhirendra K.; Kumar, Pankaj; Kumar, Lokendra

2017-10-01

We report here the impact of CH3NH3PbI3-PCBM bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layer on the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells. The solar cells were prepared in normal architecture on FTO coated glass substrates with compact TiO2 (c-TiO2) layer on FTO as electron transport layer (ETL) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as hole transport layer (HTL). For comparison, a few solar cells were also prepared in planar heterojunction structure using CH3NH3PbI3 only as the active layer. The bulk heterojunction CH3NH3PbI3-PCBM active layer exhibited very large crystalline grains of 2-3 μm compared to ∼150 nm only in CH3NH3PbI3 active layer. Larger grains in bulk-heterojunction solar cells resulted in enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) through enhancement in all the photovoltaic parameters compared to planar heterojunction solar cells. The bulk-heterojunction solar cells exhibited ∼9.25% PCE with short circuit current density (Jsc) of ∼18.649 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.894 V and Fill Factor (FF) of 0.554. There was ∼36.9% enhancement in the PCE of bulk-heterojunction solar cells compared to that of planar heterojunction solar cells. The larger grains are formed as a result of incorporation on PCBM in the active layer.

Incorporating C60 as Nucleation Sites Optimizing PbI2 Films To Achieve Perovskite Solar Cells Showing Excellent Efficiency and Stability via Vapor-Assisted Deposition Method.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Hai-Bin; Ding, Xi-Hong; Pan, Xu; Hayat, Tasawar; Alsaedi, Ahmed; Ding, Yong; Dai, Song-Yuan

2018-01-24

To achieve high-quality perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the morphology and carrier transportation of perovskite films need to be optimized. Herein, C 60 is employed as nucleation sites in PbI 2 precursor solution to optimize the morphology of perovskite films via vapor-assisted deposition process. Accompanying the homogeneous nucleation of PbI 2 , the incorporation of C 60 as heterogeneous nucleation sites can lower the nucleation free energy of PbI 2 , which facilitates the diffusion and reaction between PbI 2 and organic source. Meanwhile, C 60 could enhance carrier transportation and reduce charge recombination in the perovskite layer due to its high electron mobility and conductivity. In addition, the grain sizes of perovskite get larger with C 60 optimizing, which can reduce the grain boundaries and voids in perovskite and prevent the corrosion because of moisture. As a result, we obtain PSCs with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.33% and excellent stability. The PCEs of unsealed devices drop less than 10% in a dehumidification cabinet after 100 days and remain at 75% of the initial PCE during exposure to ambient air (humidity > 60% RH, temperature > 30 °C) for 30 days.

Influence of PbCl2 content in PbI2 solution of DMF on the absorption, crystal phase, morphology of lead halide thin films and photovoltaic performance in planar perovskite solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Mao; Shi, Chengwu; Zhang, Jincheng; Wu, Ni; Ying, Chao

2015-01-01

In this paper, the influence of PbCl 2 content in PbI 2 solution of DMF on the absorption, crystal phase and morphology of lead halide thin films was systematically investigated and the photovoltaic performance of the corresponding planar perovskite solar cells was evaluated. The result revealed that the various thickness lead halide thin film with the small sheet-like, porous morphology and low crystallinity can be produced by adding PbCl 2 powder into PbI 2 solution of DMF as a precursor solution. The planar perovskite solar cell based on the 300-nm-thick CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3−x Cl x thin film by the precursor solution with the mixture of 0.80 M PbI 2 and 0.20 M PbCl 2 exhibited the optimum photoelectric conversion efficiency of 10.12% along with an open-circuit voltage of 0.93 V, a short-circuit photocurrent density of 15.70 mA cm −2 and a fill factor of 0.69. - Graphical abstract: The figure showed the surface and cross-sectional SEM images of lead halide thin films using the precursor solutions: (a) 0.80 M PbI 2 , (b) 0.80 M PbI 2 +0.20 M PbCl 2 , (c) 0.80 M PbI 2 +0.40 M PbCl 2 , and (d) 0.80 M PbI 2 +0.60 M PbCl 2 . With the increase of the PbCl 2 content in precursor solution, the size of the lead halide nanosheet decreased and the corresponding thin films gradually turned to be porous with low crystallinity. - Highlights: • Influence of PbCl 2 content on absorption, crystal phase and morphology of thin film. • Influence of perovskite film thickness on photovoltaic performance of solar cell. • Lead halide thin film with small sheet-like, porous morphology and low crystallinity. • Planar solar cell with 300 nm-thick perovskite thin film achieved PCE of 10.12%.

Organoelemental intercalation compounds in the system PbI2-ethan olamine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gurina, G.I.; Evtushenko, V.D.; Muraeva, O.A.; Ignatyuk, V.P.; Koshkin, V.M.

1985-01-01

Two intercalation phases with different stoichiometry in system PbI 2 -ethanolamine are identified, using the methods of IR spectroscopy, spectroscopy of diffusion reflection, X-ray phase and thermogravimetric analyses. Formation kinetics of intercalation compounds in the system, having two phases, differing in the content of intercalant in the matrix layers, is studied. In conformity with thermodynamic theory of intercalation, it is shown experimentally, that the value of a charge, transferred from intercalant molecules to the matrix layer, decreases with the increase in intercalant content in interlayer spaces

The pure rotational spectra of the open-shell diatomic molecules PbI and SnI.

Science.gov (United States)

Evans, Corey J; Needham, Lisa-Maria E; Walker, Nicholas R; Köckert, Hansjochen; Zaleski, Daniel P; Stephens, Susanna L

2015-12-28

Pure rotational spectra of the ground electronic states of lead monoiodide and tin monoiodide have been measured using a chirped pulsed Fourier transform microwave spectrometer over the 7-18.5 GHz region for the first time. Each of PbI and SnI has a X (2)Π1/2 ground electronic state and may have a hyperfine structure that aids the determination of the electron electric dipole moment. For each species, pure rotational transitions of a number of different isotopologues and their excited vibrational states have been assigned and fitted. A multi-isotopologue Dunham-type analysis was carried out on both species producing values for Y01, Y02, Y11, and Y21, along with Λ-doubling constants, magnetic hyperfine constants and nuclear quadrupole coupling constants. The Born-Oppenheimer breakdown parameters for Pb have been evaluated and the parameter rationalized in terms of finite nuclear field effects. Analysis of the bond lengths and hyperfine interaction indicates that the bonding in both PbI and SnI is ionic in nature. Equilibrium bond lengths have been evaluated for both species.

Morphology-photovoltaic property correlation in perovskite solar cells: One-step versus two-step deposition of CH3NH3PbI3

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jeong-Hyeok Im

2014-08-01

Full Text Available Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 light absorber is deposited on the mesoporous TiO2 layer via one-step and two-step coating methods and their photovoltaic performances are compared. One-step coating using a solution containing CH3NH3I and PbI2 shows average power conversion efficiency (PCE of 7.5%, while higher average PCE of 13.9% is obtained from two-step coating method, mainly due to higher voltage and fill factor. The coverage, pore-filling, and morphology of the deposited perovskite are found to be critical in photovoltaic performance of the mesoporous TiO2 based perovskite solar cells.

Enhanced forward osmosis from chemically modified polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanofiltration hollow fiber membranes with a thin wall

KAUST Repository

Wang, Kai Yu; Yang, Qian; Chung, Tai-Shung; Rajagopalan, Raj

2009-01-01

To develop high-flux and high-rejection forward osmosis (FO) membranes for water reuses and seawater desalination, we have fabricated polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanofiltration (NF) hollow fiber membranes with a thin wall and a desired pore size via non-solvent induced phase inversion and chemically cross-linking modification. The cross-linking by p-xylylene dichloride can finely tune the mean pore size and enhance the salt selectivity. High water permeation flux and improved salt selectivity for water reuses were achieved by using the 2-h modified PBI NF membrane which has a narrow pore size distribution. Cross-linking at a longer time produces even a lower salt permeation flux potentially suitable for desalination but at the expense of permeation flux due to tightened pore sizes. It is found that draw solution concentration and membrane orientations are main factors determining the water permeation flux. In addition, effects of membrane morphology and operation conditions on water and salt transport through membrane have been investigated. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced forward osmosis from chemically modified polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanofiltration hollow fiber membranes with a thin wall

KAUST Repository

Wang, Kai Yu

2009-04-01

To develop high-flux and high-rejection forward osmosis (FO) membranes for water reuses and seawater desalination, we have fabricated polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanofiltration (NF) hollow fiber membranes with a thin wall and a desired pore size via non-solvent induced phase inversion and chemically cross-linking modification. The cross-linking by p-xylylene dichloride can finely tune the mean pore size and enhance the salt selectivity. High water permeation flux and improved salt selectivity for water reuses were achieved by using the 2-h modified PBI NF membrane which has a narrow pore size distribution. Cross-linking at a longer time produces even a lower salt permeation flux potentially suitable for desalination but at the expense of permeation flux due to tightened pore sizes. It is found that draw solution concentration and membrane orientations are main factors determining the water permeation flux. In addition, effects of membrane morphology and operation conditions on water and salt transport through membrane have been investigated. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficiency enhancement of perovskite solar cells using structural and morphological improvement of CH3NH3PbI3 absorber layers

Science.gov (United States)

Alidaei, Maryam; Izadifard, Morteza; Ghazi, Mohammad E.; Ahmadi, Vahid

2018-01-01

Perovskite solar cells have been heavily investigated due to their unique properties such as high power conversion efficiency (PCE), low-cost fabrication by solution processes, high diffusion length, large absorption coefficient, and direct and tunable band gap. PCE of perovskite devices is strongly dependent on the absorber layer properties such as morphology, crystallinity, and compactness, which are required to be optimized. In this work, the CH3NH3PbI3 (170-480 nm) absorber layers with various methylammonium iodine (MAI) concentrations (7, 10, 20 and 40 mg ml-1) and perovskite solar cells with the fluorine-doped tin oxide (400 nm)/C-TiO2 (30 nm)/Meso-TiO2 (400 nm)/CH3NH3PbI3 (170-480 nm)/P3HT (30 nm)/Au (100 nm) structure were fabricated. A two-step solution process was used for deposition of the CH3NH3PbI3 absorber layers. The morphology, crystal structure, and optical properties of the perovskite layer grown on glass and also the photovoltaic properties of the fabricated solar cells were studied. The results obtained showed that by controlling the deposition conditions, due to the reduction in charge recombination, PCE enhancement of the perovskite solar cell (up to 11.6%) was accessible.

The pure rotational spectra of the open-shell diatomic molecules PbI and SnI

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Evans, Corey J., E-mail: cje8@le.ac.uk, E-mail: nick.walker@newcastle.ac.uk; Needham, Lisa-Maria E. [Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH (United Kingdom); Walker, Nicholas R., E-mail: cje8@le.ac.uk, E-mail: nick.walker@newcastle.ac.uk; Köckert, Hansjochen; Zaleski, Daniel P.; Stephens, Susanna L. [School of Chemistry, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU (United Kingdom)

2015-12-28

Pure rotational spectra of the ground electronic states of lead monoiodide and tin monoiodide have been measured using a chirped pulsed Fourier transform microwave spectrometer over the 7-18.5 GHz region for the first time. Each of PbI and SnI has a X {sup 2}Π{sub 1/2} ground electronic state and may have a hyperfine structure that aids the determination of the electron electric dipole moment. For each species, pure rotational transitions of a number of different isotopologues and their excited vibrational states have been assigned and fitted. A multi-isotopologue Dunham-type analysis was carried out on both species producing values for Y{sub 01}, Y{sub 02}, Y{sub 11}, and Y{sub 21}, along with Λ-doubling constants, magnetic hyperfine constants and nuclear quadrupole coupling constants. The Born-Oppenheimer breakdown parameters for Pb have been evaluated and the parameter rationalized in terms of finite nuclear field effects. Analysis of the bond lengths and hyperfine interaction indicates that the bonding in both PbI and SnI is ionic in nature. Equilibrium bond lengths have been evaluated for both species.

The Effect of Solvents on the Performance of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pao-Hsun Huang

2017-04-01

Full Text Available The properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs fabricated using various solvents was studied. The devices had an indium tin oxide (ITO/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene: poly(styrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS/CH3NH3PbI3 (fabricated by using various solvents/fullerene (C60/bathocuproine (BCP/silver (Ag structure. The solvents used were dimethylformamide (DMF, γ-butyrolactone (GBL, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, a mixture of DMSO and DMF (1:1 v/v, and a mixture of DMSO and GBL (DMSO: GBL, 1:1 v/v, respectively. The power conversion efficiency (PCE of the device fabricated using DMF is zero, which is attributed to the poor coverage of CH3NH3PbI3 film on the substrate. In addition, the PCE of the device made using GBL is only 1.74% due to the low solubility of PbI2 and CH3NH3I. In contrast, the PCE of the device fabricated using the solvents containing DMSO showed better performance. This is ascribed to the high solubilization properties and strong coordination of DMSO. As a result, a PCE of 9.77% was obtained using a mixed DMSO:GBL solvent due to the smooth surface, uniform film coverage on the substrate and the high crystallization of the perovskite structure. Finally, a mixed DMSO: DMF:GBL (5:2:3 v/v/v solvent that combined the advantages of each solvent was used to fabricate a device, leading to a further improvement of the PCE of the resulting PSC to 10.84%.

Structural phase transition causing anomalous photoluminescence behavior in perovskite (C6H11NH3)2[PbI4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yangui, A.; Pillet, S.; Mlayah, A.; Lusson, A.; Bouchez, G.; Boukheddaden, K.; Triki, S.; Abid, Y.

2015-01-01

Optical and structural properties of the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite-type (C 6 H 11 NH 3 ) 2 [PbI 4 ] (abbreviated as C 6 PbI 4 ) were investigated using optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and x-ray diffraction measurements. Room temperature, optical absorption measurements, performed on spin-coated films of C 6 PbI 4 , revealed two absorption bands at 2.44 and 3.21 eV. Upon 325 nm (3.815 eV) laser irradiation, strong green PL emission peaks were observed at 2.41 eV (P1) and 2.24 eV (P2) and assigned to free and localized excitons, respectively. The exciton binding energy was estimated at 356 meV. At low temperature, two additional emission bands were detected at 2.366 eV (P3) and a large band (LB) at 1.97 eV. The former appeared only below 40 K and the latter emerged below 130 K. The thermal dependence of the PL spectra revealed an abnormal behavior accompanied by singularities in the peak positions and intensities at 40 and 130 K. X-ray diffraction studies performed on powder and single crystals as a function of temperature evidenced significant changes of the interlayer spacing at 50 K and ∼138 K. Around 138 K, a commensurate to incommensurate structural phase transition occurred on cooling. It involves a symmetry breaking leading to a distortion of the PbI 6 octahedron. The resulting incommensurate spatial modulation of the Pb–I distances (and Pb–I–Pb angles) causes a spatial modulation of the band gap, which is at the origin of the emergence of the LB below ∼130 K and the anomalous behavior of the position of P1 below 130 K. The change of the interlayer spacing in the 40-50 K range may in turn be related to the significant decrease of the intensity of P2 and the maximum emission of the LB. These results underline the intricate character of the structural and the PL properties of the hybrid perovskites; understanding such properties should benefit to the design of optoelectronic devices with targeted properties

Transparent and flexible photodetectors based on CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Jeon, Young Pyo; Woo, Sung Jun; Kim, Tae Whan

2018-03-01

Transparent and flexible photodetectors (PDs) based on CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated by using co-evaporation of methyl ammonium iodide and lead iodide. X-ray diffraction patterns and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images demonstrated the formation of perovskite NPs. The optical transmittance of the perovskite NPs/glass was above 80% over the entire range of visible wavelengths, indicative of high transparency. The PDs based on CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite NPs were sensitive to a broad range of visible light from 450 to 650 nm. The currents in the PDs under exposure to red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes were enhanced to 5, 10, and 20 times that of the PD in the dark, respectively. The rise and the decay times of the PDs were 50 and 120 μs. The current in the perovskite NP PD on a polyethylene terephthalate substrate was enhanced by approximately 69% when the NP PD was exposed to a blue LED emitting at a wavelength of 459 nm. Despite multiple bending, the transparent and flexible PDs based on methyl ammonium iodide and lead iodide NPs showed reproducibility and high stability in performance.

Definitive hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells manifest distinct differentiation output in the zebrafish VDA and PBI.

Science.gov (United States)

Jin, Hao; Sood, Raman; Xu, Jin; Zhen, Fenghua; English, Milton A; Liu, P Paul; Wen, Zilong

2009-02-01

One unique feature of vertebrate definitive hematopoiesis is the ontogenic switching of hematopoietic stem cells from one anatomical compartment or niche to another. In mice, hematopoietic stem cells are believed to originate in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM), subsequently migrate to the fetal liver (FL) and finally colonize the bone marrow (BM). Yet, the differentiation potential of hematopoietic stem cells within early niches such as the AGM and FL remains incompletely defined. Here, we present in vivo analysis to delineate the differentiation potential of definitive hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the zebrafish AGM and FL analogies, namely the ventral wall of dorsal aorta (VDA) and the posterior blood island (PBI), respectively. Cell fate mapping and analysis of zebrafish runx1(w84x) and vlad tepes (vlt(m651)) mutants revealed that HSPCs in the PBI gave rise to both erythroid and myeloid lineages. However, we surprisingly found that HSPCs in the VDA were not quiescent but were uniquely adapted to generate myeloid but not erythroid lineage cells. We further showed that such distinct differentiation output of HSPCs was, at least in part, ascribed to the different micro-environments present in these two niches. Our results highlight the importance of niche in shaping the differentiation output of developing HSPCs.

Relativistic GW calculations on CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3SnI3 perovskites for solar cell applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Umari, Paolo; Mosconi, Edoardo; De Angelis, Filippo

2014-03-26

Hybrid AMX3 perovskites (A = Cs, CH3NH3; M = Sn, Pb; X = halide) have revolutionized the scenario of emerging photovoltaic technologies, with very recent results demonstrating 15% efficient solar cells. The CH3NH3PbI3/MAPb(I(1-x)Cl(x))3 perovskites have dominated the field, while the similar CH3NH3SnI3 has not been exploited for photovoltaic applications. Replacement of Pb by Sn would facilitate the large uptake of perovskite-based photovoltaics. Despite the extremely fast progress, the materials electronic properties which are key to the photovoltaic performance are relatively little understood. Density Functional Theory electronic structure methods have so far delivered an unbalanced description of Pb- and Sn-based perovskites. Here we develop an effective GW method incorporating spin-orbit coupling which allows us to accurately model the electronic, optical and transport properties of CH3NH3SnI3 and CH3NH3PbI3, opening the way to new materials design. The different CH3NH3SnI3 and CH3NH3PbI3 electronic properties are discussed in light of their exploitation for solar cells, and found to be dominantly due to relativistic effects. These effects stabilize the CH3NH3PbI3 material towards oxidation, by inducing a deeper valence band edge. Relativistic effects, however, also increase the material band-gap compared to CH3NH3SnI3, due to the valence band energy downshift (~0.7 eV) being only partly compensated by the conduction band downshift (~0.2 eV).

Evolution of Photoluminescence, Raman, and Structure of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Microwires Under Humidity Exposure

Science.gov (United States)

Segovia, Rubén; Qu, Geyang; Peng, Miao; Sun, Xiudong; Shi, Hongyan; Gao, Bo

2018-03-01

Self-assembled organic-inorganic CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite microwires (MWs) upon humidity exposure along several weeks were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). We show that, in addition to the common perovskite decomposition into PbI2 and the formation of a hydrated phase, humidity induced a gradual PL redshift at the initial weeks that is stabilized for longer exposure ( 21 nm over the degradation process) and an intensity enhancement. Original perovskite Raman band and XRD reflections slightly shifted upon humidity, indicating defects formation and structure distortion of the MWs crystal lattice. By correlating the PL, Raman, and XRD results, it is believed that the redshift of the MWs PL emission was originated from the structural disorder caused by the incorporation of H2O molecules in the crystal lattice and radiative recombination through moisture-induced subgap trap states. Our study provides insights into the optical and structural response of organic-inorganic perovskite materials upon humidity exposure.

Formation Dynamics of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Following Two-Step Layer Deposition.

Science.gov (United States)

Patel, Jay B; Milot, Rebecca L; Wright, Adam D; Herz, Laura M; Johnston, Michael B

2016-01-07

Hybrid metal-halide perovskites have emerged as a leading class of semiconductors for optoelectronic devices because of their desirable material properties and versatile fabrication methods. However, little is known about the chemical transformations that occur in the initial stages of perovskite crystal formation. Here we follow the real-time formation dynamics of MAPbI3 from a bilayer of lead iodide (PbI2) and methylammonium iodide (MAI) deposited through a two-step thermal evaporation process. By lowering the substrate temperature during deposition, we are able to initially inhibit intermixing of the two layers. We subsequently use infrared and visible light transmission, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence lifetime measurements to reveal the room-temperature transformations that occur in vacuum and ambient air, as MAI diffuses into the PbI2 lattice to form MAPbI3. In vacuum, the transformation to MAPbI3 is incomplete as unreacted MAI is retained in the film. However, exposure to moist air allows for conversion of the unreacted MAI to MAPbI3, demonstrating that moisture is essential in making MAI more mobile and thus aiding perovskite crystallization. These dynamic processes are reflected in the observed charge-carrier lifetimes, which strongly fluctuate during periods of large ion migration but steadily increase with improving crystallinity.

Chlorine Incorporation in the CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite: Small Concentration, Big Effect.

Science.gov (United States)

Quarti, Claudio; Mosconi, Edoardo; Umari, Paolo; De Angelis, Filippo

2017-01-03

The role of chlorine doping in CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 represents an important open issue in the use of hybrid perovskites for photovoltaic applications. In particular, even if a positive role of chlorine doping on perovskite film formation and on material morphology has been demonstrated, an inherent positive effect on the electronic and photovoltaic properties cannot be excluded. Here we carried out periodic density functional theory and Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations, going down to ∼1% doping, to investigate the effect of chlorine on CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 . We found that such a small doping has important effects on the dynamics of the crystalline structure, both with respect to the inorganic framework and with respect to the cation libration motion. Together, we observe a dynamic spatial localization of the valence and conduction states in separated spatial material regions, which takes place in the 10 -1 ps time scale and which could be the key to ease of exciton dissociation and, likely, to small charge recombination in hybrid perovskites. Moreover, such localization is enhanced by chlorine doping, demonstrating an inherent positive role of chlorine doping on the electronic properties of this class of materials.

Evidence and detailed study of a second-order phase transition in the (C6H11NH3)2[PbI4] organic-inorganic hybrid material

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yangui, A.; Pillet, S.; Garrot, D.; Boukheddaden, K.; Triki, S.; Abid, Y.

2015-01-01

The thermal properties of the organic-inorganic hybrid material (C 6 H 11 NH 3 ) 2 [PbI 4 ] are investigated using diffuse reflectivity, spectroscopic ellipsometry, differential scanning calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The diffuse reflectivity, performed in heating mode, clearly evidences the presence of a singularity at 336 K. This is confirmed by the temperature dependence of the spectroscopic ellipsometry spectra, which points out a second-order phase transition at 336 K with a critical exponent ∼0.5. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements on a polycrystalline powder of (C 6 H 11 NH 3 ) 2 [PbI 4 ] show a reversible phase transition detected at T C  = 336 K without hysteresis. Raman spectroscopy data suggest that this transition arises from a change in the interactions between inorganic sheets (([PbI 4 ] 2− ) ∞ ) and organic protonated molecules ([C 6 H 11 NH 3 ] + ). The structural analysis from power X-ray diffraction reveals an incomplete order-disorder transition of the cyclohexylammonium cation, causing a subtle contraction of the inter-plane distance. The transition results from repulsive close contacts between the organic molecules in the interlayer spacing

DFT analysis and FDTD simulation of CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x mixed halide perovskite solar cells: role of halide mixing and light trapping technique

Science.gov (United States)

Saffari, Mohaddeseh; Mohebpour, Mohammad Ali; Rahimpour Soleimani, H.; Bagheri Tagani, Meysam

2017-10-01

Since perovskite solar cells have attracted a great deal of attention over the past few years, the enhancement of their optical absorption and current density are among the basic upcoming challenges. For this reason, first, we have studied the structural and optical properties of organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 and the compounds doped by chlorine halogen CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x in the cubic phase by using a density functional theory (DFT). Then, we model a single-junction perovskite solar cell based on a full solution to Maxwell’s equations, using a finite difference time domain (FDTD) technique, which helps us to investigate the light absorption efficiency and optical current density of the cell with CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x (x  =  0, 1, 2, 3) as the active layer. The results suggest that increasing the amount of chlorine in CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x compound leads to an increase in the bandgap energy, as well as a decrease in the lattice constants and optical properties, like the refractive index and extinction coefficient of the structure. Also, the results obtained by the simulation express that by taking advantage of the light trapping techniques of SiO2, a remarkable increase of light absorption will be achieved to the magnitude of 83.13%, which is noticeable.

New Polymer Electrolyte Membranes Based on Acid Doped PBI For Fuel Cells Operating above 100°C

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Li, Qingfeng

2003-01-01

The technical achievement and challenges for the PEMFC technology based on perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer membranes (e.g. Nafion®) are briefly discussed. The newest development for alternative polymer electrolytes for operation above 100°C. As one of the successful approaches to high...... operational temperatures, the development and evaluation of acid doped PBI membranes are reviewed, covering polymer synthesis, membrane casting, acid doping, physiochemical characterization and fuel cell tests....

Mechanical response of CH3NH3PbI3 nanowires

Science.gov (United States)

Ćirić, L.; Ashby, K.; Abadie, T.; Spina, M.; Duchamp, M.; Náfrádi, B.; Kollár, M.; Forró, L.; Horváth, E.

2018-03-01

We report a systematic study of the mechanical response of methylammonium lead triiodide CH3NH3PbI3 nanowires by employing bending measurements using atomic force microscope on suspended wires over photo-lithographically patterned channels. Force-deflection curves measured at room temperature give a Young's modulus between 2 and 14 GPa. This broad range of values is attributed to the variations in the microcrystalline texture of halide perovskite nanowires. The mechanical response of a highly crystalline nanowire is linear with force and has a brittle character. The braking modulus of 48 ± 20 MPa corresponds to 100 μm of radius of curvature of the nanowires, rendering them much better structures for flexible devices than spin coated films. The measured moduli decrease rapidly if the NW is exposed to water vapor.

A comprehensive review of PBI-based high temperature PEM fuel cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Simon Araya, Samuel; Zhou, Fan; Liso, Vincenzo

2016-01-01

of their design and characterization techniques at single cell, stack and system levels is given. The state-of-the-art concepts of different degradation mechanisms and methods of their mitigation are also discussed. Moreover, accelerated stress testing (AST) procedures for HT-PEMFCs available in literature...... fuel cell faults for targeted interventions based on the observed conditions to prevent sudden failures and to prolong the fuel cell's lifetime. However, the technology is still under development and robust on-line diagnostics tools are hardly available. Currently, mitigation is mainly done based......The current status on the understanding of the various operational aspects of high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) has been summarized. The paper focuses on phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI)-based HT-PEMFCs and an overview of the common practices...

Preclinical Justification of pbi-shRNA EWS/FLI1 Lipoplex (LPX) Treatment for Ewing's Sarcoma.

Science.gov (United States)

Rao, Donald D; Jay, Christopher; Wang, Zhaohui; Luo, Xiuquan; Kumar, Padmasini; Eysenbach, Hilary; Ghisoli, Maurizio; Senzer, Neil; Nemunaitis, John

2016-08-01

The EWS/FLI1 fusion gene is well characterized as a driver of Ewing's sarcoma. Bi-shRNA EWS/FLI1 is a functional plasmid DNA construct that transcribes both siRNA and miRNA-like effectors each of which targets the identical type 1 translocation junction region of the EWS/FLI1 transcribed mRNA sequence. Previous preclinical and clinical studies confirm the safety of this RNA interference platform technology and consistently demonstrate designated mRNA and protein target knockdown at greater than 90% efficiency. We initiated development of pbi-shRNA EWS/FLI1 lipoplex (LPX) for the treatment of type 1 Ewing's sarcoma. Clinical-grade plasmid was manufactured and both sequence and activity verified. Target protein and RNA knockdown of 85-92% was demonstrated in vitro in type 1 human Ewing's sarcoma tumor cell lines with the optimal bi-shRNA EWS/FLI1 plasmid. This functional plasmid was placed in a clinically tested, liposomal (LP) delivery vehicle followed by in vivo verification of activity. Type 1 Ewing's sarcoma xenograft modeling confirmed dose related safety and tumor response to pbi-shRNA EWS/FLI1 LPX. Toxicology studies in mini-pigs with doses comparable to the demonstrated in vivo efficacy dose resulted in transient fever, occasional limited hypertension at low- and high-dose assessment and transient liver enzyme elevation at high dose. These results provide the justification to initiate clinical testing.

Species Boundaries and Interrelationships of Solanum Sect. Petota (Wild and Cultivated Potatoes) are Drastically Altered as a Result of PBI-Funded Research

Science.gov (United States)

In 1990, the latest comprehensive taxonomic monograph of Solanum section Petota Dumort recognized 232 species partitioned into 21 series. PBI-sponsored research has drastically altered knowledge of their species boundaries and interrelationships. The series contains diploids (2n = 2x = 24), tetraplo...

Larger spontaneous polarization ferroelectric inorganic-organic hybrids: [PbI3](infinity) chains directed organic cations aggregation to Kagomé-shaped tubular architecture.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Hai-Rong; Li, Dong-Ping; Ren, Xiao-Ming; Song, You; Jin, Wan-Qin

2010-01-13

Four isostructural inorganic-organic hybrid ferroelectric compounds, assembled from achiral 3-R-benzylidene-1-aminopyridiniums (R = NO(2), Br, Cl, or F for 1-4, respectively) and [PbI(3)](-) anions with the chiral Kagomé-shaped tubular aggregating architecture, show larger spontaneous polarizations.

Carrier injection and recombination processes in perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells studied by electroluminescence spectroscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Handa, Taketo; Okano, Makoto; Tex, David M.; Shimazaki, Ai; Aharen, Tomoko; Wakamiya, Atsushi; Kanemitsu, Yoshihiko

2016-02-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials, CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I and Br), are considered as promising candidates for emerging thin-film photovoltaics. For practical implementation, the degradation mechanism and the carrier dynamics during operation have to be clarified. We investigated the degradation mechanism and the carrier injection and recombination processes in perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells using photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) imaging spectroscopies. By applying forward bias-voltage, an inhomogeneous distribution of the EL intensity was clearly observed from the CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells. By comparing the PL- and EL-images, we revealed that the spatial inhomogeneity of the EL intensity is a result of the inhomogeneous luminescence efficiency in the perovskite layer. An application of bias-voltage for several tens of minutes in air caused a decrease in the EL intensity and the conversion efficiency of the perovskite solar cells. The degradation mechanism of perovskite solar cells under bias-voltage in air is discussed.

Hybrid perovskite solar cells: In situ investigation of solution-processed PbI2 reveals metastable precursors and a pathway to producing porous thin films

KAUST Repository

Barrit, Dounya; Sheikh, Arif D.; Munir, Rahim; Barbe, Jeremy; Li, Ruipeng; Smilgies, Detlef-M.; Amassian, Aram

2017-01-01

from a DMF solution by performing in situ grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) measurements. The measurements reveal an elaborate sol–gel process involving three PbI2⋅DMF solvate complexes—including disordered and ordered ones

Multiple-Stage Structure Transformation of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Qiong; Liu, Henan; Kim, Hui-Seon; Liu, Yucheng; Yang, Mengjin; Yue, Naili; Ren, Gang; Zhu, Kai; Liu, Shengzhong; Park, Nam-Gyu; Zhang, Yong

2016-07-01

By performing spatially resolved Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy with varying excitation wavelength, density, and data acquisition parameters, we achieve a unified understanding towards the spectroscopy signatures of the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite, transforming from the pristine state (CH3NH3PbI3 ) to the fully degraded state (i.e., PbI2 ) for samples with varying crystalline domain size from mesoscopic scale (approximately 100 nm) to macroscopic size (centimeters), synthesized by three different techniques. We show that the hybrid perovskite exhibits multiple stages of structure transformation occurring either spontaneously or under light illumination, with exceptionally high sensitivity to the illumination conditions (e.g., power, illumination time, and interruption pattern). We highlight four transformation stages (stages I-IV, with stage I being the pristine state) along either the spontaneous or photoinduced degradation path exhibiting distinctly different Raman spectroscopy features at each stage, and point out that previously reported Raman spectra in the literature reflect highly degraded structures of either stage III or stage IV. Additional characteristic optical features of partially degraded materials under the joint action of spontaneous and photodegradation are also given. This study offers reliable benchmark results for understanding the intrinsic material properties and structure transformation of this unique category of hybrid materials, and the findings are pertinently important to a wide range of potential applications where the hybrid material is expected to function in greatly different environment and light-matter interaction conditions.

Photovoltaic properties of Cu-doped CH3NH3PbI3 with perovskite structure

Science.gov (United States)

Shirahata, Yasuhiro; Oku, Takeo

2017-01-01

Photovoltaic properties of copper (Cu)-doped perovskite (CH3NH3PbCuxI3+x) photovoltaic devices with different Cu content were investigated. The CH3NH3PbCuxI3+x films were polycrystalline with a tetragonal system, and their lattice constants and crystallite size varied with Cu doping. Compared to conversion efficiencies of non-doped CH3NH3PbI3 photovoltaic device, those of CH3NH3PbCuxI3+x photovoltaic devises increased. The improvement of photovoltaic properties was attributed to partial substitution of Cu at the Pb sites.

Effects of hot airflow during spin-coating process on CH3NH3PbI3-xClx perovskite solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Tanaka, Hiroki; Ohishi, Yuya; Oku, Takeo

2018-01-01

CH3NH3PbI3-xClx photovoltaic devices were fabricated, and the effects of hot airflow during spin-coating were investigated. Cubic perovskite crystals that is a high temperature phase were obtained by the hot airflow method. The conversion efficiencies of the devices prepared by the hot airflow were remained even after 56 days.

Transport Properties Of PbI2 Doped Silver Oxysalt Based Amorphous Solid Electrolytes

Science.gov (United States)

Shrisanjaykumar Jayswal, Manishkumar

with that a detailed review on fast ion conducting glasses is included. At the end of the chapter, the aim of the present work has been given. Chapter 2: A discussion about various theoretical models to explain fast ion conduction mechanism in superionic conductors in general and superionic conducting glasses in particular is given. In addition to that, impedance spectroscopy and its various formalisms are discussed. Chapter 3: This chapter describes the method of preparation of the glass samples and various characterizations and techniques to study their various properties. Chapter 4: Physical properties of the prepared glass samples are studied and discussed in this chapter. The glass samples are found to be fully amorphous as exhibited by x-ray diffraction studies. The density of the prepared samples is increasing consistently with increasing PbI 2 content in the glass. For glass series (a), the molar volume also increases with PbI2 content. However, for glass series (b) and (c), molar volume is reducing with increasing PbI2 content, showing that glass is getting compacted with increasing PbI2 content. Chapter 5: Transport properties of the prepared glass samples have been investigated using impedance spectroscopy and its various formalisms. The chapter discusses DC conductivity, AC conductivity, dielectric permittivity and modulus analysis of the obtained impedance spectra. The sigma' spectra were scaled using Summerfield scaling law using sigmaDCT as the scaling factor for frequency axis and a well defined Time-Temperature Superposition (TTS) is observed as a function of temperature. The dielectric spectra show the presence of a dielectric relaxation in all glass samples. The dielectric permittivity, epsilon', spectra were scaled using the scaling law given by Sidebottom. The modulus spectra exhibit non-Debye relaxation of Ag+ ions and could be explained using KWW (Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts) decay function. Scaling analysis of the modulus spectra as a function of

CH3NH3PbI3 and CsPbI3 Supramolecular Clusters in 1D: Do They Evolve with the Same Principle of Cooperative Binding?

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Varadwaj, Arpita; Varadwaj, Pradeep R.; Yamashita, Koichi

Development of novel semiconductor-based photo-catalytic and -voltaic systems is a major area of research in nanoscience and technologies, and engineering. The process can be either direct or indirect in converting the light energy into electricity. Some of the photovoltaics include the organic, dye-sensitized, and halide perovskite solar cells, among others. Methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) inorganic-organic hybrid perovskite is one among the many highly valued semiconductors reported till date, comparable with the inorganic cesium lead iodide (CsPbI3) perovskite. These are competitive candidates in the solar energy race. Nevertheless, this study was concentrated on the fundamental understanding of the rational designs of the CH3NH3PbI3 and CsPbI3 supramolecular materials using first-principles calculations, emerged though the self-assembly of the respective building blocks. It therefore addresses the question whether the (CH3NH3PbI3)n and (CsPbI3)n (n =1-10) supramolecular clusters are the consequences of additivity, or non-additive cooperative binding? For addressing this question, the supramolecular properties such as the polarizability, the intermolecular charge transfer, and the binding energy, etc., all w.r.t the cluster size n, are exploited. CREST-JST, 7 Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 102-0076.

First-in-human study of pbi-05204, an oleander-derived inhibitor of akt, fgf-2, nf-κΒ and p70s6k, in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Science.gov (United States)

Hong, D S; Henary, H; Falchook, G S; Naing, A; Fu, S; Moulder, S; Wheler, J J; Tsimberidou, A; Durand, J B; Khan, R; Yang, P; Johansen, M; Newman, R A; Kurzrock, R

2014-12-01

PBI-05204, a Nerium oleander extract (NOE) containing the cardiac glycoside oleandrin, inhibits the α-3 subunit of Na-K ATPase, as well as FGF-2 export, Akt and p70S6K, hence attenuating mTOR activity. This first-in-human study determined the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of PBI-05204 in patients with advanced cancer. Methods Forty-six patients received PBI-05204 by mouth for 21 of 28 days (3 + 3 trial design). Dose was escalated 100% using an accelerated titration design until grade 2 toxicity was observed. Plasma PK and mTOR effector (p70S6K and pS6) protein expressions were evaluated. Results Dose-limiting toxicities (grade 3 proteinuria, fatigue) were observed at dose level 8 (0.3383 mg/kg/day). Common possible drug-related adverse were fatigue (26 patients, 56.5%), nausea (19 patients, 41.3%) and diarrhea (15 patients, 32.6 %). Electrocardiogram monitoring revealed grade 1 atrioventricular block (N = 10 patients) and grade 2 supraventricular tachycardia (N = 1). The MTD was DL7 (0.2255 mg/kg) where no toxicity of grade ≥ 3 was observed in seven patients treated. Seven patients (15%) had stable disease > 4 months. Mean peak oleandrin concentrations up to 2 ng/mL were achieved, with area under the curves 6.6 to 25.5 μg/L*hr and a half-life range of 5-13 h. There was an average 10% and 35% reduction in the phosphorylation of Akt and pS6 in PBMC samples in 36 and 32 patients, respectively, tested between predose and 21 days of treatment. Conclusions PBI-05204 was well tolerated in heavily pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors. The recommended Phase II dose is 0.2255 mg/kg/day.

Role of bromine doping on the photovoltaic properties and microstructures of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suzuki, Atsushi; Okada, Hiroshi; Oku, Takeo

2016-01-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid heterojunction solar cells containing CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite compound were fabricated using mesoporous TiO 2 as the electronic transporting layer and spirobifluorence as the hole-transporting layer. The purpose of the present study is to investigate role of bromine (Br) doping on the photovoltaic properties and microstructure of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite solar cells. Photovoltaic, optical properties and microstructures of perovskite-based solar cells were investigated. The X-ray diffraction identified crystal structure of the perovskite layer doped with Br in the solar cell. Scanning electron microscopy observation showed a different behavior of surface morphology and the perovskite crystal structure on the TiO 2 mesoporous structure depending on extent amount of hydrogen doping of Br. The role of bromide halogen doping on the perovskite crystal structure and photovoltaic properties was due to improvement of carrier mobility, optimization of electron structure, band gap related with the photovoltaic parameters of V oc , J sc and η. Energy diagram and photovoltaic mechanism of the perovskite solar cells varied with halogen doping was discussed by experimental results

Nickel oxide electrode interlayer in CH3 NH3 PbI3 perovskite/PCBM planar-heterojunction hybrid solar cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Jeng, Jun-Yuan; Chen, Kuo-Cheng; Chiang, Tsung-Yu; Lin, Pei-Ying; Tsai, Tzung-Da; Chang, Yun-Chorng; Guo, Tzung-Fang; Chen, Peter; Wen, Ten-Chin; Hsu, Yao-Jane

2014-06-25

This study successfully demonstrates the application of inorganic p-type nickel oxide (NiOx ) as electrode interlayer for the fabrication of NiOx /CH3 NH3 PbI3 perovskite/PCBM PHJ hybrid solar cells with a respectable solar-to-electrical PCE of 7.8%. The better energy level alignment and improved wetting of the NiOx electrode interlayer significantly enhance the overall photovoltaic performance. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Enhanced Crystalline Phase Purity of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx Film for High-Efficiency Hysteresis-Free Perovskite Solar Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Yingguo; Feng, Shanglei; Xu, Weidong; Li, Meng; Li, Li; Zhang, Xingmin; Ji, Gengwu; Zhang, Xiaonan; Wang, Zhaokui; Xiong, Yimin; Cao, Liang; Sun, Baoquan; Gao, Xingyu

2017-07-12

Despite rapid successful developments toward promising perovskite solar cells (PSCs) efficiency, they often suffer significant hysteresis effects. Using synchrotron-based grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) with different probing depths by varying the incident angle, we found that the perovskite films consist of dual phases with a parent phase dominant in the interior and a child phase with a smaller (110) interplanar space (d (110) ) after rapid thermal annealing (RTA), which is a widely used post treatment to improve the crystallization of solution-processed perovskite films for high-performance planar PSCs. In particular, the child phase composition gradually increases with decreasing depth till it becomes the majority on the surface, which might be one of the key factors related to hysteresis in fabricated PSCs. We further improve the crystalline phase purity of the solution-processed CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3-x Cl x perovskite film (referred as g-perovskite) by using a facile gradient thermal annealing (GTA), which shows a uniformly distributed phase structure in pinhole-free morphology with less undercoordinated Pb and I ions determined by synchrotron-based GIXRD, grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Regardless of device structures (conventional and inverted types), the planar heterojunction PSCs employing CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3-x Cl x g-perovskite films exhibit negligible hysteresis with a champion power conversion efficiency of 17.04% for TiO 2 -based conventional planar PSCs and 14.83% for poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)-based inverted planar PSCs. Our results indicate that the crystalline phase purity in CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3-x Cl x perovskite film, especially in the surface region, plays a crucial role in determining the hysteresis effect and device performance.

Nanoscale charge localization induced by random orientations of organic molecules in hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Jie; Wang, Lin-Wang

2015-03-01

Perovskite-based solar cells have achieved high solar-energy conversion efficiencies and attracted wide attentions nowadays. Despite the rapid progress in solar-cell devices, many fundamental issues of the hybrid perovskites have not been fully understood. Experimentally, it is well known that in CH3NH3PbI3, the organic molecules CH3NH3 are randomly orientated at the room temperature, but the impact of the random molecular orientation has not been investigated. Using linear-scaling ab-initiomethods, we have calculated the electronic structures of the tetragonal phase of CH3NH3PbI3 with randomly orientated organic molecules in large supercells up to ~20,000 atoms. Due to the dipole moment of the organic molecule, the random orientation creates a novel system with long-range potential fluctuations unlike alloys or other conventional disordered systems. We find that the charge densities of the conduction-band minimum and the valence-band maximum are localized separately in nanoscales due to the potential fluctuations. The charge localization causes electron-hole separation and reduces carrier recombination rates, which may contribute to the long carrier lifetime observed in experiments. We have also proposed a model to explain the charge localization.

Sequence and annotation of the 314-kb MT325 and the 321-kb FR483 viruses that infect Chlorella Pbi.

Science.gov (United States)

Fitzgerald, Lisa A; Graves, Michael V; Li, Xiao; Feldblyum, Tamara; Hartigan, James; Van Etten, James L

2007-02-20

Viruses MT325 and FR483, members of the family Phycodnaviridae, genus Chlorovirus, infect the fresh water, unicellular, eukaryotic, chlorella-like green alga, Chlorella Pbi. The 314,335-bp genome of MT325 and the 321,240-bp genome of FR483 are the first viruses that infect Chlorella Pbi to have their genomes sequenced and annotated. Furthermore, these genomes are the two smallest chlorella virus genomes sequenced to date, MT325 has 331 putative protein-encoding and 10 tRNA-encoding genes and FR483 has 335 putative protein-encoding and 9 tRNA-encoding genes. The protein-encoding genes are almost evenly distributed on both strands, and intergenic space is minimal. Approximately 40% of the viral gene products resemble entries in public databases, including some that are the first of their kind to be detected in a virus. For example, these unique gene products include an aquaglyceroporin in MT325, a potassium ion transporter protein and an alkyl sulfatase in FR483, and a dTDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase in both viruses. Comparison of MT325 and FR483 protein-encoding genes with the prototype chlorella virus PBCV-1 indicates that approximately 82% of the genes are present in all three viruses.

Fabrication and Characterization of CH3NH3PbI3−x−yBrxCly Perovskite Solar Cells

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Atsushi Suzuki

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Fabrication and characterization of CH3NH3PbI3−x−yBrxCly perovskite solar cells using mesoporous TiO2 as electron transporting layer and 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis-(N,N-di-4-methoxyphenylamino-9,9′-spirobifluorene as a hole-transporting layer (HTL were performed. The purpose of the present study is to investigate role of halogen doping using iodine (I, bromine (Br and chlorine (Cl compounds as dopant on the photovoltaic performance and microstructures of CH3NH3PbI3−x−yBrxCly perovskite solar cells. The X-ray diffraction identified a slight decrease of crystal spacing in the perovskite crystal structure doped with a small amount of I, Br, and Cl in the perovskite compounds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX showed the perovskite crystal behavior depended on molar ratio of halogen of Pb, I, Br and Cl. Incorporation of the halogen doping into the perovskite crystal structure improved photo generation, carrier diffusion without carrier recombination in the perovskite layer and optimization of electronic structure related with the photovoltaic parameters of open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density and conversion efficiency. The energy diagram and photovoltaic mechanisms of the perovskite solar cells were discussed in the context of the experimental results.

Comparison of orthogonal kilovolt X-ray images and cone-beam CT matching results in setup error assessment and correction for EB-PBI during free breathing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Wei; Li Jianbin; Hu Hongguang; Ma Zhifang; Xu Min; Fan Tingyong; Shao Qian; Ding Yun

2014-01-01

Objective: To compare the differences in setup error (SE) assessment and correction between the orthogonal kilovolt X-ray images and CBCT in EB-PBI patients during free breathing. Methods: Nineteen patients after breast conserving surgery EB-PBI were recruited. Interfraction SE was acquired using orthogonal kilovolt X-ray setup images and CBCT, after on-line setup correction,calculate the residual error and compare the SE, residual error and setup margin (SM) quantified for orthogonal kilovolt X-ray images and CBCT. Wilcoxon sign-rank test was used to evaluate the differences. Results: The CBCT based SE (systematic error, ∑) was smaller than the orthogonal kilovolt X-ray images based ∑ in AP direction (-1.2 mm vs 2.00 mm; P=0.005), and there was no statistically significant differences for three dimensional directions in random error (σ) (P=0.948, 0.376, 0.314). After on-line setup correction,CBCT decreases setup residual error than the orthogonal kilovolt X-ray images in AP direction (Σ: -0.20 mm vs 0.50 mm, P=0.008; σ: 0.45 mm vs 1.34 mm, P=0.002). And also the CBCT based SM was smaller than orthogonal kilovolt X-ray images based SM in AP direction (Σ: -1.39 mm vs 5.57 mm, P=0.003; σ: 0.00 mm vs 3.2 mm, P=0.003). Conclusions: Compared with kilovolt X-ray images, CBCT underestimate the setup error in the AP direction, but decreases setup residual error significantly.An image-guided radiotherapy and setup error assessment using kilovolt X-ray images for EB-PBI plans was feasible. (authors)

Viscosity, surface tension, density and contact angle of selected PbI2, PbCl2 and methylammonium lead halide perovskite solutions used in perovskite solar cells

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Mohammad-Reza Ahmadian-Yazdi

2018-02-01

Full Text Available Perovskite solar cells (PSCs are currently under vigorous research and development, owing to their compelling power conversion efficiencies. PSCs are solution-processed and, therefore, are fabricated using casting and printing methods, such as spin, spray and blade coating. The coating characteristics significantly depend on the physical and rheological properties of the solutions. Thus, due to the scarcity of such properties, in this work, we report the surface tension, viscosity, density, and contact angle of selected methylammonium lead halide perovskite solutions, in order to gain insight into the behavior of the perovskite solutions and the range of such physical properties. The contact angles were measured on PEDOT:PSS and compact TiO2 (c-TiO2 substrates, commonly used as the underneath layers of the perovskite film. In total, 12 solutions of CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3PbI3-xClx dissolved in common solvents, as well as solutions of PbI2, PbCl2, and CH3NH3I were tested. Among the results, it is shown that the tested perovskite solutions are Newtonian, the apparent contact angles on the mesoporous TiO2 (m-TiO2 are close to zero, on the PEDOT:PSS are around 10°, and on the c-TiO2 are around 30°. Also, contact angle hysteresis is observed in the case of the c-TiO2 substrates. Representative impact dynamics and spreading of perovskite solution droplets are also studied, to demonstrate the importance of the solution properties and process parameters on the coating process.

Viscosity, surface tension, density and contact angle of selected PbI2, PbCl2 and methylammonium lead halide perovskite solutions used in perovskite solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Ahmadian-Yazdi, Mohammad-Reza; Rahimzadeh, Amin; Chouqi, Zineb; Miao, Yihe; Eslamian, Morteza

2018-02-01

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are currently under vigorous research and development, owing to their compelling power conversion efficiencies. PSCs are solution-processed and, therefore, are fabricated using casting and printing methods, such as spin, spray and blade coating. The coating characteristics significantly depend on the physical and rheological properties of the solutions. Thus, due to the scarcity of such properties, in this work, we report the surface tension, viscosity, density, and contact angle of selected methylammonium lead halide perovskite solutions, in order to gain insight into the behavior of the perovskite solutions and the range of such physical properties. The contact angles were measured on PEDOT:PSS and compact TiO2 (c-TiO2) substrates, commonly used as the underneath layers of the perovskite film. In total, 12 solutions of CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3PbI3-xClx dissolved in common solvents, as well as solutions of PbI2, PbCl2, and CH3NH3I were tested. Among the results, it is shown that the tested perovskite solutions are Newtonian, the apparent contact angles on the mesoporous TiO2 (m-TiO2) are close to zero, on the PEDOT:PSS are around 10°, and on the c-TiO2 are around 30°. Also, contact angle hysteresis is observed in the case of the c-TiO2 substrates. Representative impact dynamics and spreading of perovskite solution droplets are also studied, to demonstrate the importance of the solution properties and process parameters on the coating process.

Antiferroelectric Nature of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx Perovskite and Its Implication for Charge Separation in Perovskite Solar Cells

Science.gov (United States)

Sewvandi, Galhenage A.; Kodera, Kei; Ma, Hao; Nakanishi, Shunsuke; Feng, Qi

2016-07-01

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been attracted scientific interest due to high performance. Some researchers have suggested anomalous behavior of PSCs to the polarizations due to the ion migration or ferroelectric behavior. Experimental results and theoretical calculations have suggested the possibility of ferroelectricity in organic-inorganic perovskite. However, still no studies have been concretely discarded the ferroelectric nature of perovskite absorbers in PSCs. Hysteresis of P-E (polarization-electric field) loops is an important evidence to confirm the ferroelectricity. In this study, P-E loop measurements, in-depth structural study, analyses of dielectric behavior and the phase transitions of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx perovskite were carried out and investigated. The results suggest that CH3NH3PbI3-xClx perovskite is in an antiferroelectric phase at room temperature. The antiferroelectric phase can be switched to ferroelectric phase by the poling treatment and exhibits ferroelectric-like hysteresis P-E loops and dielectric behavior around room temperature; namely, the perovskite can generate a ferroelectric polarization under PSCs operating conditions. Furthermore, we also discuss the implications of ferroelectric polarization on PSCs charge separation.

Investigating the effects of methanol-water vapor mixture on a PBI-based high temperature PEM fuel cell

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Araya, Samuel Simon; Andreasen, Søren Juhl; Nielsen, Heidi Venstrup

2012-01-01

This paper investigates the effects of methanol and water vapor on the performance of a high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). A H3PO4-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane electrode assembly (MEA), Celtec P2100 of 45 cm2 of active surface area from BASF was employed....... A long-term durability test of around 1250 h was performed, in which the concentrations of methanol-water vapor mixture in the anode feed gas were varied. The fuel cell showed a continuous performance decay in the presence of vapor mixtures of methanol and water of 5% and 8% by volume in anode feed...

Scintillation properties of (C sub 6 H sub 1 sub 3 NH sub 3) sub 2 PbI sub 4 Exciton luminescence of an organic/inorganic multiple quantum well structure compound induced by 2.0 MeV protons

CERN Document Server

Shibuya, K; Takeoka, Y; Asai, K

2002-01-01

We report a new type of scintillator especially suitable for pulse-radiation detection. Thin films of organic/inorganic perovskite compound (n-C sub 6 H sub 1 sub 3 NH sub 3) sub 2 PbI sub 4 , which is characterized by a multiple quantum well structure, were bombarded by 2.0 MeV protons, and their radiation-induced emission spectra were obtained. A single and sharp emission peak due to an exciton was observed at the wavelength of 524 nm. This emission was clearly detected even at room temperature, and its quantum efficiency was very high. The line shape of this emission did not change, retaining its sharpness, and no other emissions appeared throughout the irradiation. The optical response of (n-C sub 6 H sub 1 sub 3 NH sub 3) sub 2 PbI sub 4 is very fast. (n-C sub 6 H sub 1 sub 3 NH sub 3) sub 2 PbI sub 4 is a promising scintillator material, meeting requirements not satisfied by conventional scintillators.

Interfacial Interactions in Monolayer and Few-Layer SnS/CH3 NH3 PbI3 Perovskite van der Waals Heterostructures and Their Effects on Electronic and Optical Properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Jian-Cai; Wei, Zeng-Xi; Huang, Wei-Qing; Ma, Li-Li; Hu, Wangyu; Peng, Ping; Huang, Gui-Fang

2018-02-05

A high light-absorption coefficient and long-range hot-carrier transport of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites give huge potential to their composites in solar energy conversion and environmental protection. Understanding interfacial interactions and their effects are paramount for designing perovskite-based heterostructures with desirable properties. Herein, we systematically investigated the interfacial interactions in monolayer and few-layer SnS/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 heterostructures and their effects on the electronic and optical properties of these structures by density functional theory. It was found that the interfacial interactions in SnS/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 heterostructures were van der Waals (vdW) interactions, and they were found to be insensitive to the layer number of 2D SnS sheets. Interestingly, although their band gap decreased upon increasing the layer number of SnS, the near-gap electronic states and optical absorption spectra of these heterostructures were found to be strikingly similar. This feature was determined to be critical for the design of 2D layered SnS-based heterostructures. Strong absorption in the ultraviolet and visible-light regions, type II staggered band alignment at the interface, and few-layer SnS as an active co-catalyst make 2D SnS/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 heterostructures promising candidates for photocatalysis, photodetectors, and solar energy harvesting and conversion. These results provide first insight into the nature of interfacial interactions and are useful for designing hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite-based devices with novel properties. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Optical characterization of voltage-accelerated degradation in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Handa, Taketo; Tex, David M; Shimazaki, Ai; Aharen, Tomoko; Wakamiya, Atsushi; Kanemitsu, Yoshihiko

2016-05-16

We investigate the performance degradation mechanism of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells under bias voltage in air and nitrogen atmospheres using photoluminescence and electroluminescence techniques. When applying forward bias, the power conversion efficiency of the solar cells decreased significantly in air, but showed no degradation in nitrogen atmosphere. Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements on these devices revealed that the application of forward bias in air accelerates the generation of non-radiative recombination centers in the perovskite layer buried in the device. We found a negative correlation between the electroluminescence intensity and the injected current intensity in air. The irreversible change of the perovskite grain surface in air initiates the degradation of the perovskite solar cells.

Electronic structure calculations and optical properties of a new organic-inorganic luminescent perovskite: (C9H19NH3)2PbI2Br2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abid, H.; Samet, A.; Dammak, T.; Mlayah, A.; Hlil, E.K.; Abid, Y.

2011-01-01

(C 9 H 19 NH 3 ) 2 PbI 2 Br 2 compound is a new crystal belonging to the large hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites compounds family. Optical properties are investigated by optical absorption UV-visible and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. Bands to band absorption peak at 2.44 eV as well as an extremely strong yellow-green photoluminescence emission at 2.17 eV is observed at room temperature. First principle calculations based on the DFT and FLAPW methods combined with LDA approximation are performed as well. Density of state close to the gap is presented and discussed in terms of optical absorption and photoluminescence experimental results. The perfect agreement between experimental data and electronic structure calculations is highlighted. - Highlights: → (C 9 H 19 NH 3 ) 2 PbI 2 Br 2 compound is a new crystal with strong yellow-green PL emission at 2.17 eV. → Calculations based on DFT and FLAPW method combined with LDA approximation are performed. → Gap, optical transitions and exciton presence were predicted from density of states. → Agreement between experimental data and electronic structure calculations.

High performance photodetector based on 2D CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite nanosheets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Pengfei; Shivananju, B N; Li, Shaojuan; Bao, Qiaoliang; Zhang, Yupeng

2017-01-01

In this work, a high performance vertical-type photodetector based on two-dimensional (2D) CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite nanosheets was fabricated. The low trap density of the perovskite nanosheets and their short carrier diffusion distance result in a significant performance enhancement of the perovskite-based photodetector. The photoresponsivity of this vertical-type photodetector is as high as 36 mA W −1 at visible wavelength, which is much better than traditional perovskite photodetectors (0.34 mA W −1 ). Compared with traditional planar-type perovskite-based photodetectors, this vertical-type photodetector also shows the advantages of low-voltage operation and large responsivity. These results may pave the way for exploiting high performance perovskite-based photodetectors with an ingenious device design. (paper)

Effect of Annealing Process on CH3NH3PbI3-XClX Film Morphology of Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells with Optimal Compact TiO2 Layer

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Dan Chen

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The morphology of compact TiO2 film used as an electron-selective layer and perovskite film used as a light absorption layer in planar perovskite solar cells has a significant influence on the photovoltaic performance of the devices. In this paper, the spin coating speed of the compact TiO2 is investigated in order to get a high-quality film and the compact TiO2 film exhibits pinhole- and crack-free films treated by 2000 rpm for 60 s. Furthermore, the effect of annealing process, including annealing temperature and annealing program, on CH3NH3PbI3-XClX film morphology is studied. At the optimal annealing temperature of 100°C, the CH3NH3PbI3-XClX morphology fabricated by multistep slow annealing method has smaller grain boundaries and holes than that prepared by one-step direct annealing method, which results in the reduction of grain boundary recombination and the increase of Voc. With all optimal procedures, a planar fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO substrate/compact TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3-XClX/Spiro-MeOTAD/Au cell is prepared for an active area of 0.1 cm2. It has achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE of 14.64%, which is 80.3% higher than the reference cell (8.12% PCE without optimal perovskite layer. We anticipate that the annealing process with optimal compact TiO2 layer would possibly become a promising method for future industrialization of planar perovskite solar cells.

The efficiency limit of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sha, Wei E. I.; Ren, Xingang; Chen, Luzhou; Choy, Wallace C. H.

2015-01-01

With the consideration of photon recycling effect, the efficiency limit of methylammonium lead iodide (CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 ) perovskite solar cells is predicted by a detailed balance model. To obtain convincing predictions, both AM 1.5 spectrum of Sun and experimentally measured complex refractive index of perovskite material are employed in the detailed balance model. The roles of light trapping and angular restriction in improving the maximal output power of thin-film perovskite solar cells are also clarified. The efficiency limit of perovskite cells (without the angular restriction) is about 31%, which approaches to Shockley-Queisser limit (33%) achievable by gallium arsenide (GaAs) cells. Moreover, the Shockley-Queisser limit could be reached with a 200 nm-thick perovskite solar cell, through integrating a wavelength-dependent angular-restriction design with a textured light-trapping structure. Additionally, the influence of the trap-assisted nonradiative recombination on the device efficiency is investigated. The work is fundamentally important to high-performance perovskite photovoltaics

High-Performance CH3NH3PbI3-Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with Fill Factor Over 83% via Excess Organic/Inorganic Halide.

Science.gov (United States)

Jahandar, Muhammad; Khan, Nasir; Lee, Hang Ken; Lee, Sang Kyu; Shin, Won Suk; Lee, Jong-Cheol; Song, Chang Eun; Moon, Sang-Jin

2017-10-18

The reduction of charge carrier recombination and intrinsic defect density in organic-inorganic halide perovskite absorber materials is a prerequisite to achieving high-performance perovskite solar cells with good efficiency and stability. Here, we fabricated inverted planar perovskite solar cells by incorporation of a small amount of excess organic/inorganic halide (methylammonium iodide (CH 3 NH 3 I; MAI), formamidinium iodide (CH(NH 2 ) 2 I; FAI), and cesium iodide (CsI)) in CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite film. Larger crystalline grains and enhanced crystallinity in CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite films with excess organic/inorganic halide reduce the charge carrier recombination and defect density, leading to enhanced device efficiency (MAI+: 14.49 ± 0.30%, FAI+: 16.22 ± 0.38% and CsI+: 17.52 ± 0.56%) compared to the efficiency of a control MAPbI 3 device (MAI: 12.63 ± 0.64%) and device stability. Especially, the incorporation of a small amount of excess CsI in MAPbI 3 perovskite film leads to a highly reproducible fill factor of over 83%, increased open-circuit voltage (from 0.946 to 1.042 V), and short-circuit current density (from 18.43 to 20.89 mA/cm 2 ).

Optical spectroscopy of two-dimensional layered (C(6)H(5)C(2)H(4)-NH(3))(2)-PbI(4) perovskite.

Science.gov (United States)

Gauthron, K; Lauret, J-S; Doyennette, L; Lanty, G; Al Choueiry, A; Zhang, S J; Brehier, A; Largeau, L; Mauguin, O; Bloch, J; Deleporte, E

2010-03-15

We report on optical spectroscopy (photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation) on two-dimensional self-organized layers of (C(6)H(5)C(2)H(4)-NH(3))(2)-PbI(4) perovskite. Temperature and excitation power dependance of the optical spectra gives a new insight into the excitonic and the phononic properties of this hybrid organic/inorganic semiconductor. In particular, exciton-phonon interaction is found to be more than one order of magnitude higher than in GaAs QWs. As a result, photoluminescence emission lines have to be interpreted in the framework of a polaron model.

Perspective: Understanding of ripening growth model for minimum residual PbI2 and its limitation in the planar perovskite solar cells

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Se-Yun Kim

2016-10-01

Full Text Available The power conversion efficiency of lead halide perovskite solar cells recently surpassed 22.1%. In this study, we suggest the perovskite absorber growth mechanism of the two-step process could be explained by an Ostwald ripening growth model for planar-structure perovskite solar cells. We attempt to find out the source of two main problems such as unreacted PbI2 and non-uniformed morphology by the proposed ripening growth mechanism and experimental results. This growth mechanism opens the way toward understanding a key aspect of the photovoltaic operation of high-efficiency, two-step perovskite solar cells.

Performance Degradation Tests of Phosphoric Acid Doped PBI Membrane Based High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Zhou, Fan; Araya, Samuel Simon; Grigoras, Ionela

2014-01-01

Degradation tests of two phosphoric acid (PA) doped PBI membrane based HT-PEM fuel cells were reported in this paper to investigate the effects of start/stop and the presence of methanol in the fuel to the performance degradation. Continuous tests with H2 and simulated reformate which was composed...... of H2, water steam and methanol as the fuel were performed on both single cells. 12-h-startup/12-h-shutdown dynamic tests were performed on the first single cell with pure dry H2 as the fuel and on the second single cell with simulated reformate as the fuel. Along with the tests electrochemical...... techniques such as polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to study the degradation mechanisms of the fuel cells. Both single cells showed an increase in the performance in the H2 continuous tests, because of a decrease in the ORR kinetic resistance probably due...

Antisolvent-assisted powder engineering for controlled growth of hybrid CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite thin films

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Yong Chan Choi

2017-02-01

Full Text Available We develop antisolvent-assisted powder engineering for the controlled growth of hybrid inorganic-organic CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3 perovskite thin films. The powders, which are used as the precursors for solution processing, are synthesized by pouring a MAPbI3 precursor solution into various antisolvents, such as dichloromethane, chloroform, diethyl ether, and toluene. Two types of powders having different colors are obtained, depending on the antisolvent used. The choice of the antisolvent used for synthesizing the powders strongly influences not only the phases of the powders but also the morphology and structure of the thin films subsequently fabricated by solution processing. This, in turn, affects the photovoltaic performance.

Break-in and Performance Issues on a single cell PBI-based PEM Fuel Cell

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kær, Søren Knudsen; Jespersen, Jesper Lebæk

of the fuel cell, even though break-in of a fuel cell implemented in a commercial application would most likely not be feasible. In the present work a commercially available PBI-based high temperature MEA is subject to a break-in procedure, as specified by the manufacturer. The cell was operated at 160 °C...... during the break-in procedure at a current density of 0.2 A/cm2. The performance of the cell was measured over the 100 hour break-in period and a polarization curve was recorded after completion of break-in. The performance change was minimal during the break-in cycle. However, in the first hour of op......-eration a significant performance decrease of 30 mV was observed. Hereafter a performance in-crease started and the overall performance change during the break-in procedure was a voltage in-crease of 35 mV corresponding to a rate of 240 μV/hr. The performance increase was however fast-est in the first 50 hours...

CH(3)NH(3)PbI(3) perovskite / silicon tandem solar cells: characterization based optical simulations.

Science.gov (United States)

Filipič, Miha; Löper, Philipp; Niesen, Bjoern; De Wolf, Stefaan; Krč, Janez; Ballif, Christophe; Topič, Marko

2015-04-06

In this study we analyze and discuss the optical properties of various tandem architectures: mechanically stacked (four-terminal) and monolithically integrated (two-terminal) tandem devices, consisting of a methyl ammonium lead triiodide (CH(3)NH(3)PbI(3)) perovskite top solar cell and a crystalline silicon bottom solar cell. We provide layer thickness optimization guidelines and give estimates of the maximum tandem efficiencies based on state-of-the-art sub cells. We use experimental complex refractive index spectra for all involved materials as input data for an in-house developed optical simulator CROWM. Our characterization based simulations forecast that with optimized layer thicknesses the four-terminal configuration enables efficiencies over 30%, well above the current single-junction crystalline silicon cell record of 25.6%. Efficiencies over 30% can also be achieved with a two-terminal monolithic integration of the sub-cells, combined with proper selection of layer thicknesses.

A mindfulness training program based on brief practices (M-PBI) to reduce stress in the workplace: a randomised controlled pilot study.

Science.gov (United States)

Arredondo, M; Sabaté, M; Valveny, N; Langa, M; Dosantos, R; Moreno, J; Botella, L

2017-01-01

Work stress is a major contributor to absenteeism and reduced work productivity. A randomised and controlled study in employee-volunteers (with Perceived Stress Scale [PSS-14]>22) was performed to assess a mindfulness program based on brief integrated mindfulness practices (M-PBI) with the aim of reducing stress in the workplace. The PSS-14 of the employees before and after 8-weeks M-PBI program, as well as after a 20-week follow-up, was assessed (primary endpoint). The employees also carried the following questionnaires (secondary endpoints): Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Experiences Questionnaire-Decentering (EQ-D), and Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS). Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was measured during each session in a subgroup of employees (n = 10) of the interventional group randomly selected. A total of 40 employees (77.5% female median [SD] age of 36.6 [5.6] years) took part in this study: 21 and 19 in the intervention and control group, respectively. No differences in baseline characteristics were encountered between the groups. Results show a significant decrease in stress and increase in mindfulness over time in the intervention group (PSS-14 and FFMQ; p < 0.05 both). Additionally, an improvement in decentering (EQ-D), self-compassion (SCS) and burnout (MBI-GS) were also observed compared to the control group (p < 0.05 in all). HRV measurement also showed an improvement. In conclusion, a brief practices, 8-weeks M-BIP program is an effective tool to quickly reduce stress and improve well-being in a workplace.

Efficient and stable CH3NH3PbI3-x(SCN)x planar perovskite solar cells fabricated in ambient air with low-temperature process

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Zongbao; Zhou, Yang; Cai, Yangyang; Liu, Hui; Qin, Qiqi; Lu, Xubing; Gao, Xingsen; Shui, Lingling; Wu, Sujuan; Liu, Jun-Ming

2018-02-01

Planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on CH3NH3PbI3-x(SCN)x (SCN: thiocyanate) active layer and low-temperature processed TiO2 films are fabricated by a sequential two-step method in ambient air. Here, alkali thiocyanates (NaSCN, KSCN) are added into Pb(SCN)2 precursor to improve the microstructure of CH3NH3PbI3-x(SCN)x perovskite layers and performance of the as-prepared PSCs. At the optimum concentrations of alkali thiocyanates as additives, the as-prepared NaSCN-modified and KSCN-modified PSCs demonstrate the efficiencies of 16.59% and 15.63% respectively, being much higher than 12.73% of the reference PSCs without additives. This improvement is primarily ascribed to the enhanced electron transport, reduced recombination rates and much improved microstructures with large grain size and low defect density at grain boundaries. Importantly, it is revealed that the modified PSCs at the optimized concentrations of alkali thiocyanates additives exhibit remarkably improved stability than the reference PSCs against humid circumstance, and a continuous exposure to humid air without encapsulation over 45 days only records about 5% degradation of the efficiency. These findings provide a facile approach to fabricate efficient and stable PSCs by low processing temperature in ambient air, both of which are highly preferred for future practical applications of PSCs.

Creation and annealing of metastable defect states in CH3NH3PbI3 at low temperatures

Science.gov (United States)

Lang, F.; Shargaieva, O.; Brus, V. V.; Rappich, J.; Nickel, N. H.

2018-02-01

Methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3), an organic-inorganic perovskite widely used for optoelectronic applications, is known to dissociate under illumination with light at photon energies around 2.7 eV and higher. Here, we show that photo-induced dissociation is not limited to ambient temperatures but can be observed even at 5 K. The photo-induced dissociation of N-H bonds results in the formation of metastable states. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements reveal the formation of defect states that are located 100 meV within the bandgap. This is accompanied by a quenching of the band-to-band PL by one order of magnitude. Defect generation is reversible and annealing at 30 K recovers the band-to-band PL, while the light-induced defect states disappear concurrently.

REBUILDING THE PROFESSIONAL TEACHING CAPACITY OF UNDERGRADUATE ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDENTS OF UIN ALAUDDIN MAKASSAR (A Case Study on Student-Teachers of PBI Students of Tarbiyah Faculty

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mardiana Nurdin

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi kapasitas pengajaran yang profe­sional mahasiswa PPL PBI UIN Alauddin Makassar yang melibatkan 4 guru pamong dan 30 mahasiswa PPL. Data dikumpulkan melalui survei online, lembar pengamatan dan dokumentasi yang dianalisis dengan menggunakan metode campuran qualitatif dan kuantitatif. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa: 1 mahasiswa PPL berpendapat bahwa seorang guru bahasa Inggris seharusnya mampu melakukan tanggung jawabnya sebagai seorang guru yang memiliki kompetensi paedagogik, profesional, sosial, dan kepribadian, 2 mahasiswa PPL cenderung menerima pebelajar mandiri, kerja berpasangan dan kerja kelompok, mengadaptasi pengajaran untuk memenuhi kebutuhan siswa sebelum praktik pembelajaran, tetapi cenderung menguranginya selama proses pembelajaran; mahasiswa PPL juga cenderung menerima pengajaran grammar secara eksplisit, koreksi kesalahan, dan pengucapan seperti penutur asli, pengetahuan teknikal, dan keterampilan interpersonal sebelum praktik mengajar dan meningkatkan proporsinya selama proses mengajar, 3 Guru pamong berpendapat bahwa maha­siswa PPL PBI UIN alauddin harus meningkatkan kemampuan bahasa Inggris, penggunaan metode pengajaran yang inovatif, penilaian autentik, dan penggu­naan media yang bervariasi. Abstract: This research aims to explore the professional teaching capacity of undergraduate English education students of UIN Alauddin Makassar. It involves 4 supervising-teachers and 30 student-teachers. The data were collected through online survey questionnaires, feedback observation sheets and documentation; analyzed quanti­tatively and qualitatively. The research finds that: 1 the student-teachers perceive an EFL teacher should be able to do their responsibilities which involves peda­gogic, professional, social, and personal competences; 2 the student-teachers have a tendency to accept learner autonomy, pair/group work, adapting teaching to cater for learner needs before

Temperature-Dependent Electric Field Poling Effects in CH3NH3PbI3 Optoelectronic Devices.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Chuang; Sun, Dali; Liu, Xiaojie; Sheng, Chuan-Xiang; Vardeny, Zeev Valy

2017-04-06

Organo-lead halide perovskites show excellent optoelectronic properties; however, the unexpected inconsistency in forward-backward I-V characteristics remains a problem for fabricating solar panels. Here we have investigated the reasons behind this "hysteresis" by following the changes in photocurrent and photoluminescence under electric field poling in transverse CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 -based devices from 300 to 10 K. We found that the hysteresis disappears at cryogenic temperatures, indicating the "freeze-out" of the ionic diffusion contribution. When the same device is cooled under continuous poling, the built-in electric field from ion accumulation brings significant photovoltaic effect even at 10 K. From the change of photoluminescence upon polling, we found a second dipole-related mechanism which enhances radiative recombination upon the alignment of the organic cations. The ionic origin of hysteresis was also verified by applying a magnetic field to affect the ion diffusion. These findings reveal the coexistence of ionic and dipole-related mechanisms for the hysteresis in hybrid perovskites.

First-principles study on the initial decomposition process of CH3NH3PbI3

Science.gov (United States)

Xue, Yuanbin; Shan, Yueyue; Xu, Hu

2017-09-01

Hybrid perovskites are promising materials for high-performance photovoltaics. Unfortunately, hybrid perovskites readily decompose in particular under humid conditions, and the mechanisms of this phenomenon have not yet been fully understood. In this work, we systematically studied the possible mechanisms and the structural properties during the initial decomposition process of MAPbI3 (MA = CH3NH3+) using first-principles calculations. The theoretical results show that it is energetically favorable for PbI2 to nucleate and crystalize from the MAPbI3 matrix ahead of other decomposition products. Additionally, the structural instability is an intrinsic property of MAPbI3, regardless of whether the system is exposed to humidity. We find that H2O could facilitate the desorption of gaseous components, acting as a catalyst to transfer the H+ ion. These results provide insight into the cause of the instability of MAPbI3 and may improve our understanding of the properties of hybrid perovskites.

Memories of early attachment: the use of PBI as a predictor of outcome in Pesso-Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP) group therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Group Therapy (CBGT), Individual Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Individual Treatment As Usual (TAU) with adult out-patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Ryum, Truls; Vogel, Patrick A; Hagen, Roger; Stiles, Tore C

2008-01-01

To examine the predictive validity of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) for outcome in individual and group psychotherapy. Data from four different clinical trials were combined, yielding a total of 105 patients. After controlling for gender, age and initial symptomatic distress, the predictive validity of the PBI subscales was investigated using the symptom checklist-90-revised (SCL-90-R) and inventory of interpersonal problems-64 (IIP-64) at termination as dependent measures in each treatment condition using separate hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Using the SCL-90-R at termination as dependent measure, reports of higher paternal and maternal care were related to a worse outcome in the Pesso-Boyden System Psychomotor condition, whereas reports of higher paternal care were related to a better outcome in the Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy condition. Also, higher maternal protection was related to a better outcome in the Cognitive-Behavioral Group condition. Using the IIP-64 at termination as dependent measure, reports of higher paternal protection were related to a better outcome in the Treatment As Usual condition. The study shows that the PBI may function as a clinical predictor for treatment response, although the results were somewhat contrary to previous reportings. Future studies should contrast and investigate possible differences between individual and group treatments further, as well as more clearly defined diagnostic groups. Clinical implications are presented. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Phase diagrams of high-order critical phenomene and high-temperature equilibria in the H2O-HgI2-PbI2 system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valyashko, V.M.; Urusova, M.A.

1996-01-01

The paper studies the principal schemes of complete state diagram of volatile component-two non-volatile components three-component system with tricritical point and sequence of phase transformations at variation of temperature, pressure and composition of mixture. H 2 O-HgI 2 -PbI 2 system, solid phase dissolving process, stratification of solutions and critical phenomena under 200-400 deg C are studied experimentally. General nature of the system phase diagram and parameters of three-phase equilibrium critical point (tricritical point), that is, gas-liquid 1 -liquid 2 are determined. 17 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs

Effect of Different CH3NH3PbI3 Morphologies on Photovoltaic Properties of Perovskite Solar Cells

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Lung-Chien; Lee, Kuan-Lin; Wu, Wen-Ti; Hsu, Chien-Feng; Tseng, Zong-Liang; Sun, Xiao Hong; Kao, Yu-Ting

2018-05-01

In this study, the perovskite layers were prepared by two-step wet process with different CH3NH3I (MAI) concentrations. The cell structure was glass/FTO/TiO2-mesoporous/CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3)/spiro-OMeTAD/Ag. The MAPbI3 perovskite films were prepared using high and low MAI concentrations in a two-step process. The perovskite films were optimized at different spin coating speed and different annealing temperatures to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells. The PCE of the resulting device based on the different perovskite morphologies was discussed. The PCE of the best cell was up to 17.42%, open circuit voltage of 0.97 V, short current density of 24.06 mA/cm2, and fill factor of 0.747.

Piezoelectric scattering limited mobility of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites CH3NH3PbI3

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Ying-Bo; Kong, Xianghua; Chen, Xiaobin; Cooke, David G.; Guo, Hong

2017-01-01

Carrier mobility is one of the most important parameters for semiconducting materials and their use in optoelectronic devices. Here we report a systematic first principles analysis of the acoustic phonon scattering mechanism that limits the mobility of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) perovskites. Due to the unique hybrid organic-inorganic structure, the mechanical, electronic and transport properties are dominated by the same factor, i.e. the weak interatomic bond and the easy rotation of methylammonium (MA) molecules under strain. Both factors make MAPbI3 soft. Rotation of MA molecule induces a transverse shift between Pb and I atoms, resulting in a very low deformation potential and a strong piezoelectricity in MAPbI3. Hence the carrier mobility of pristine MAPbI3 is limited by the piezoelectric scattering, which is consistent to the form of its temperature dependence. Our calculations suggest that in the pristine limit, a high mobility of about several thousand cm2 V−1 S−1 is expected for MAPbI3. PMID:28150743

Polarization tunable photogenerated carrier transfer of CH3NH3PbI3/polyvinylidene fluoride heterostructure

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Kang; Deng, Zun-Yi; Feng, Hong-Jian

2017-10-01

The integration of ferroelectrics and organic-inorganic halide perovskites could be a promising way to facilitate the separation of electron-hole pairs and charge extraction for the application of solar cells. To explore the effect of the external ferroelectric layer on the CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) side, we perform first-principles calculations to study the charge transfer properties of the MAPbI3/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) heterostructure. Our calculations demonstrate that the ferroelectric polarization pointing to the PVDF side can clearly facilitate the separation of photo-induced carriers and enhance charge extraction from MAPbI3, while opposite polarization direction hinders the charge extraction and collection. Notably, the carrier behavior at the interface is strongly tuned by the electric field associated with the ferroelectric polarization. In addition, excited state simulation confirms the tunable charge transfer of the MAPbI3/PVDF heterojunction. Therefore, the polarization-driven charge transfer mechanism provides a route for fabricating the ferroelectrics-based high-efficiency photovoltaics and switchable diode devices.

Influence of hydration water on CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films prepared through one-step procedure.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Ziyi; Yuan, Sijian; Li, Dahai; Jin, Feng; Zhang, Rongjun; Zhan, Yiqiang; Lu, Ming; Wang, Songyou; Zheng, Yuxiang; Guo, Junpeng; Fan, Zhiyong; Chen, Liangyao

2016-10-31

Organic-inorganic perovskites were fabricated through a one-step procedure with different levels of hydration water in precursor solutions. The optical properties of CH3NH3PbI3 films were investigated through spectroscopic ellipsometry and photoluminescence measurements. With the measured optical constants, the efficiency limit of perovskite solar cells is predicted with a detailed balance model. By comparing the optical measurement to that of planar heterojunction solar cells, we conclude that the radiative efficiency and porosity of the perovskite film significantly influence the performance of perovskite solar cells. An optimized hydration-water concentration is obtained for the 3CH3NH3I:1PbAc2•xH2O precursor solution. The results can provide guidance for further optimization of the device performance of perovskite solar cells by utilizing hydration water.

Formation of stable and metastable phases in reciprocal systems PbSe + MI2 = MSe + PbI2 (M = Hg, Mn, Sn)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Odin, I.N.; Grin'ko, V.V.; Kozlovskij, V.F.; Safronov, E.V.; Gapanovich, M.V.

2004-01-01

Using data of differential thermal, X-ray phase and microstructural analyses, phase diagrams of reciprocal systems PbSe + MI 2 = MSe + PbI 2 (M=Hg (1), Mn (2), Sn (3)) were constructed. It was ascertained that the HgSe-PbI 2 diagonal in system 1 is stable. Transformations leading to crystallization of metastable ternary compound formed in the system PbSe-PbI 2 and metastable polytypes of lead iodide in systems 1 and 2 in the range of temperatures from 620 to 685 K were studied. New intermediate metastable phases in systems 1, 2 and 3 were prepared by melt quenching. Crystal lattice parameters of the phases crystallizing in the CdCl 2 structural type were defined [ru

Analysis of HgI2 and PbI2 crystals and detectors by particle-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) and ion backscattering spectroscopy (IBS)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bench, G.S.; Heikkinen, D.W.; Antolak, A.J.; Morse, D.H.; Pontau, A.E.; James, R.B.; David, D.C.; Burger, A.; Van Den Berg, L.

1993-03-01

The Ion Micro-Analysis Group (IMAG) in Livermore conducts quantitative trace elemental analysis with PIXE and depth profiling with IBS using an MeV ion microbeam. The system has the capability to produce two-dimensional trace element and IBS images. PIXE analyses have been conducted on HgI 2 and PbI 2 crystals and detector materials in order to identify and quantify near surface trace contaminants. IBS measurements have been conducted to investigate elemental depth distributions in various materials. The results of measurements on several different samples are reported and a discussion of factors affecting quantitative in vacuo microanalysis of these materials is presented

In-situ X-ray diffraction reveals the degradation of crystalline CH3NH3PbI3 by water-molecule collisions at room temperature

Science.gov (United States)

Hada, Masaki; Hasegawa, Yoichi; Nagaoka, Ryota; Miyake, Tomoya; Abdullaev, Ulugbek; Ota, Hiromi; Nishikawa, Takeshi; Yamashita, Yoshifumi; Hayashi, Yasuhiko

2018-02-01

We have developed a vacuum-compatible chamber for in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies and have used it to characterize the changing crystal structure of an inorganic-organic hybrid perovskite material, CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3), during interactions with water vapor at room temperature. In the XRD spectra, we have observed the degradation of MAPbI3 and the creation of MAPbI3 hydrates, which follow simple rate equations. The time constant for the degradation of MAPbI3 during accelerated aging suggests that multiple collisions of water molecules with the MAPbI3 crystal trigger the degradation of the crystal.

Small angle, quasielastic and inelastic neutron scattering from 0.85AgPO3-0.15PbI2 glass

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Malugani, J.P.; Tachez, M.; Mercier, R.

1987-01-01

A small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiment and a quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) experiment were performed on the fast ionic conductor 0.85AgPO 3 -0.15PbI 2 , which is a vitreous electrolyte. The SANS data show that the scattering obeys Guinier's law for Q -2 A; dispersed heterogeneities are present in the glass with a mean radius of gyration of 20 A. The QENS spectra show a quasielastic broadening of the elastic peak and a long tail up to 40 meV which is due to an inelastic distribution. The results seem to confirm the hypothesis on the structure of this glass: small 'clusters' of AgI with tetrahedral coordination are dispersed in the AgPO 3 host glass. In order to build these clusters, an exchange between Ag + and Pb 2+ is proposed. 18 refs.; 6 figs.; 2 tabs

Temperature dependence of the effective mass of the hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites CH3NH3PbI3

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Ying-Bo; Yang, Haozhi; Cong, Wei-Yan; Zhang, Peng; Guo, Hong

2017-12-01

The material of methylammonium lead iodide, CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3), has shown significant promise in solar cell applications. A way to infer the microscopic scattering mechanism(s) in MAPbI3 is through the measured temperature dependence of carrier mobility. To this end, how does the carrier effective mass depend on temperature, m* = m*(T), is a useful information since the mobility is a function of m*. By atomistic first principles, we report the calculated m*(T) due to the thermal expansion of MAPbI3 materials, in the experimentally relevant range of 130 K to room temperature. The calculated results suggest m* = m*(T) to be linear in T. The increase of m* versus temperature is predominantly due to the expansion of the longitudinal atomic spacing that weakens the s/p hybridization between the I/Pb atoms.

Electron energy transfer effect in Au NS/CH3NH3PbI3-xClx heterostructures via localized surface plasmon resonance coupling.

Science.gov (United States)

Cai, Chunfeng; Zhai, Jizhi; Bi, Gang; Wu, Huizhen

2016-09-15

Localized surface plasmon resonance coupling effects (LSPR) have attracted much attention due to their interesting properties. This Letter demonstrates significant photoluminescence (PL) enhancement in the Au NS/CH3NH3PbI3-xClx heterostructures via the LSPR coupling. The observed PL emission enhancement is mainly attributed to the hot electron energy transfer effect related to the LSPR coupling. For the energy transfer effect, photo-generated electrons will be directly extracted into Au SPs, rather than relaxed into exciton states. This energy transfer process is much faster than the diffusion and relaxation time of free electrons, and may provide new ideas on the design of high-efficiency solar cells and ultrafast response photodetectors.

One-Step Cationic Grafting of 4-Hydroxy-TEMPO and its Application in a Hybrid Redox Flow Battery with a Crosslinked PBI Membrane.

Science.gov (United States)

Chang, Zhenjun; Henkensmeier, Dirk; Chen, Ruiyong

2017-08-24

By using a one-step epoxide ring-opening reaction between 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (4-hydroxy-TEMPO) and glycidyltrimethylammonium cation (GTMA + ), we synthesized a cation-grafted TEMPO (g + -TEMPO) and studied its electrochemical performance against a Zn 2+ /Zn anode in a hybrid redox flow battery. To conduct Cl - counter anions, a crosslinked methylated polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane was prepared and placed between the catholyte and anolyte. Compared to 4-hydroxy-TEMPO, the positively charged g + - TEMPO exhibits enhanced reaction kinetics. Moreover, flow battery tests with g + -TEMPO show improved Coulombic, voltage, and energy efficiencies and cycling stability over 140 cycles. Crossover of active species through the membrane was not detected. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Trapping charges at grain boundaries and degradation of CH3NH3Pb(I1-x Br x )3 perovskite solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Phuong Nguyen, Bich; Kim, Gee Yeong; Jo, William; Kim, Byeong Jo; Jung, Hyun Suk

2017-08-01

The electrical properties of CH3NH3Pb(I1-x Br x )3 (x = 0.13) perovskite materials were investigated under ambient conditions. The local work function and the local current were measured using Kelvin probe force microscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy, respectively. The degradation of the perovskite layers depends on their grain size. As the material degrades, an additional peak in the surface potential appears simultaneously with a sudden increase and subsequent relaxation of the local current. The potential bending at the grain boundaries and the intragrains is the most likely reason for the change of the local current surface of the perovskite layers. The improved understanding of the degradation mechanism garnered from this study helps pave the way toward an improved photo-conversion efficiency in perovskite solar cells.

Metastable phases freezing from melts of reciprocal systems PbX + CdI2=CdX + PbI2 (X=S, Se, Te)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Odin, I.N.; Chukichev, M.V.

2001-01-01

The transformations in the mutual PbX + CdI 2 =CdX + PbI 2 (X=S, Se, Te) systems leading to the crystallization of metastable polytypical modifications of lead iodide in metastable ternary compounds are studied for the first time. Microstructural and X-ray diffraction analyses were conducted. Their phase diagrams were constructed. The luminescence properties of the stable and metastable modifications of the lead iodide and the metastable compound Pb 4 SeI 6 were investigated. The lines 504 and 512 nm are noted in the 2H-PbI 2 cathodoluminescence spectra. The close lines - 508 and 516 nm provide for the 6R-PbI 2 modification. The metastable compound Pb 4 SeI 6 is characterized by the 769 and 868 nm lines [ru

Performance Improvement of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cell by CH3SH Doping

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hong Li

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Organometal halide perovskites have recently emerged as an appealing candidate in photovoltaic devices due to their excellent properties. Therefore, intense efforts have been devoted to find the ideal organics for perovskite solar cells. In response, we investigate the doping effect of CH3SH organic on the structure and related performance of a CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cell, via in situ synchrotron- based grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD, together with scanning electron microscopy (SEM. In situ GIXRD investigations clearly illustrated the transformation and modification of the perovskite structure induced by the organic dopant, which subsequently led to the enhance‐ ment of the power conversion efficiency of fabricated solar cells. Notably, nanoporous morphology and nanocrystal‐ line structures were discovered in the perovskite film by SEM; they were also confirmed by the increase in broad‐ ening peaks/features in the GIXRD measurements. Overall, our study may ultimately result in an attractive strategy for the fabrication of high performance perovskite solar cells.

NÍVEIS SÉRICOS DE PBI EM BOVINOS MESTIÇOS HOLANDÊS-ZEBU DO ESTADO DE GOIÁS PBI SERUM LEVELS IN CROSSBRED HOLSTEIN-ZEBU BOVINES IN THE GOIÁS STATE

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Suzete Silveira Fichtner

2007-09-01

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Foram analisados 71 hemossoros de bovinos mestiços holandês-zebu, procedentes de cinco municípios da micro-região Mato-Grosso de Goiás. Os autores observaram que os valores obtidos para o gado mestiço holandês-zebu não diferem dos parâmetros fisiológicos estabelecidos pelos investigadores consultados, que trabalharam com gado de origem européia. As diferenças ocorridas poderão ser atribuídas a condições diversas, como por exemplo, as em que se desenvolveram o presente trabalho. Concluímos que, nas condições em que se realizou o presente trabalho, com animais em regime de campo, o gado mestiço holandês-zebu apresenta a importante característica de não aumentar a atividade de sua tireóide, em comparação com o gado de origem européia, apesar de habitar uma região onde as necessidades de dissipação do calor e de circulação sangüínea são mais intensas.

It was analyzed 71 blood serum of crossbreed zebu from 5 counties of e specific region in the State of Goiás, Brazil. PBI serum levels were (in mg/100 ml of serum: calves 3.6 +/- 0.88; bullock 3.4 +/- 1.04 and cows 3.3 +/- 1.35.

Graphene assisted effective hole-extraction on In2O3:H/CH3NH3PbI3 interface: Studied by modulated surface spectroscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Vinoth Kumar, Sri Hari Bharath; Muydinov, Ruslan; Kol'tsova, Tat‘yana; Erfurt, Darja; Steigert, Alexander; Tolochko, Oleg; Szyszka, Bernd

2018-01-01

Charge separation in CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) films deposited on a hydrogen doped indium oxide (In2O3:H) photoelectrode was investigated by modulated surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy in a fixed capacitor arrangement. It was found that In2O3:H reproducibly extracts photogenerated-holes from MAPbI3 films. The oxygen-plasma treatment of the In2O3:H surface is suggested to be a reason for this phenomenon. Introducing graphene interlayer increased charge separation nearly 6 times as compared to that on the In2O3:H/MAPbI3 interface. Furthermore, it is confirmed by SPV spectroscopy that the defects of the MAPbI3 interface are passivated by graphene.

CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 /GeSe bilayer heterojunction solar cell with high performance

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Hou, Guo-Jiao; Wang, Dong-Lin; Ali, Roshan; Zhou, Yu-Rong; Zhu, Zhen-Gang; Su, Gang

2018-01-01

Perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) solar cells have made significant advances recently. In this paper, we propose a bilayer heterojunction solar cell comprised of a perovskite layer combining with a IV-VI group semiconductor layer, which can give a conversion efficiency even higher than the conventional perovskite solar cell. Such a scheme uses a property that the semiconductor layer with a direct band gap can be better in absorption of long wavelength light and is complementary to the perovskite layer. We studied the semiconducting layers such as GeSe, SnSe, GeS, and SnS, respectively, and found that GeSe is the best, where the optical absorption efficiency in the perovskite/GeSe solar cell is dramatically increased. It turns out that the short circuit current density is enhanced 100% and the power conversion efficiency is promoted 42.7% (to a high value of 23.77%) larger than that in a solar cell with only single perovskite layer. The power conversion efficiency can be further promoted so long as the fill factor and open-circuit voltage are improved. This strategy opens a new way on developing the solar cells with high performance and practical applications.

Assessment of intravenous pbi-shRNA PDX1 nanoparticle (OFHIRNA-PDX1) in yucatan swine.

Science.gov (United States)

Jay, C M; Ruoff, C; Kumar, P; Maass, H; Spanhel, B; Miller, M; Arrington, A; Montalvo, N; Gresham, V; Rao, D D; Evans, C; Wang, Z; Brunicardi, F C; Liu, S-H; Zhou, G; Senzer, N; Nemunaitis, J; King, L; Weeks, B; Clubb, F J; Fossum, T W; Maples, P B

2013-12-01

PDX1 (pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1) is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer, and its reduction results in tumor regression. Bi-functional pbi-shRNA PDX1 nanoparticle (OFHIRNA-PDX1) utilizes the endogenous micro-RNA biogenesis pathway to effect cleavage- and non-cleavage-dependent degradation of PDX1 mRNA. We have shown that OFHIRNA-PDX1 reduces pancreatic tumor volume in xenograft models. Thus, we are now exploring biorelevant large animal safety of OFHIRNA-PDX1. Mini pigs were chosen as the biorelevant species based on the similarity of human and pig PDX1 target sequence. In the initial study, animals developed fever, lethargy, hyporexia and cutaneous hyperemia following administration of OFHIRNA-PDX1. Twenty-one days later, the same animals demonstrated less toxicity with a second OFHIRNA-PDX1 infusion in conjunction with a prophylactic regimen involving dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, Indocin and ranitidine. In a new group of animals, PDX1 protein (31 kDa) expression in the pancreas was significantly repressed at 48 and 72 h (85%, P=0.018 and 88%, P=0.013; respectively) following a single infusion of OFHIRNA-PDX1 but recovered to normal state within 7 days. In conclusion, a single intravenous infusion of OFHIRNA-PDX1 in conjunction with premedication in pigs was well tolerated and demonstrated significant PDX1 knockdown.

Perylene bisimide hydrogels and lyotropic liquid crystals with temperature-responsive color change† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed procedures and results for all reported experiments, along with synthetic details for PBI 1. See DOI: 10.1039/c6sc02249a Click here for additional data file.

Science.gov (United States)

Görl, Daniel; Soberats, Bartolome; Herbst, Stefanie; Stepanenko, Vladimir

2016-01-01

The self-assembly of perylene bisimide (PBI) dyes bearing oligo ethylene glycol (OEG) units in water affords responsive functional nanostructures characterized by their lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Tuning of the LCST is realized by a supramolecular approach that relies on two structurally closely related PBI–OEG molecules. The two PBIs socially co-assemble in water and the resulting nanostructures exhibit a single LCST in between the transition temperatures of the aggregates formed by single components. This permits to precisely tune the transition from a hydrogel to a lyotropic liquid crystal state at temperatures between 26 and 51 °C by adjusting the molar fraction of the two PBIs. Owing to concomitant changes in PBI–PBI interactions this phase transition affords a pronounced color change with “fluorescence-on” response that can be utilized as a smart temperature sensory system. PMID:28451124

Near-band-edge optical responses of solution-processed organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 on mesoporous TiO2 electrodes

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Yamada, Yasuhiro; Nakamura, Toru; Endo, Masaru; Wakamiya, Atsushi; Kanemitsu, Yoshihiko

2014-03-01

We studied the near-band-edge optical responses of solution-processed CH3NH3PbI3 on mesoporous TiO2 electrodes, which is utilized in mesoscopic heterojunction solar cells. Photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation spectra peaks appear at 1.60 and 1.64 eV, respectively. The transient absorption spectrum shows a negative peak at 1.61 eV owing to photobleaching at the band-gap energy, indicating a direct band-gap semiconductor. On the basis of the temperature-dependent PL and diffuse reflectance spectra, we clarified that the absorption tail at room temperature is explained in terms of an Urbach tail and consistently determined the band-gap energy to be ˜1.61 eV at room temperature.

Influence of the Grain Size on the Properties of CH3NH3PbI3 Thin Films.

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Shargaieva, Oleksandra; Lang, Felix; Rappich, Jörg; Dittrich, Thomas; Klaus, Manuela; Meixner, Matthias; Genzel, Christoph; Nickel, Norbert H

2017-11-08

Hybrid perovskites have already shown a huge success as an absorber in solar cells, resulting in the skyrocketing rise in the power conversion efficiency to more than η = 22%. Recently, it has been established that the crystal quality is one of the most important parameters to obtain devices with high efficiencies. However, the influence of the crystal quality on the material properties is not fully understood. Here, the influence of the morphology on electronic properties of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 thin films is investigated. Postannealing was used to vary the average grain size continuously from ≈150 to ≈1000 nm. Secondary grain growth is thermally activated with an activation energy of E a = 0.16 eV. The increase in the grain size leads to an enhancement of the photoluminescence, indicating an improvement in the material quality. According to surface photovoltage measurements, the charge-carrier transport length exhibits a linear increase with increasing grain size. The charge-carrier diffusion length is limited by grain boundaries. Moreover, an improved morphology leads to a drastic increase in power conversion efficiency of the devices.

Efficient CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite/fullerene planar heterojunction hybrid solar cells with oxidized Ni/Au/Cu transparent electrode

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Lai, Wei-Chih; Lin, Kun-Wei; Guo, Tzung-Fang; Chen, Peter; Liao, Yuan-Yu

2018-02-01

We demonstrated the performance of inverted CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite-based solar cells (SCs) with a thermally oxidized nickel/gold/copper (Ni/Au/Cu) trilayer transparent electrode. Oxidized Ni/Au/Cu is a high transparent layer and has less resistance than the oxidized Ni/Au layer. Like the oxidized Ni/Au layer, oxidized Ni and Cu in oxidized Ni/Au/Cu could perform as a hole transport layer of the perovskite-based SCs. It leads to improved perovskite SC performance on an open circuit voltage of 1.01 V, a short circuit current density of 14.36 mA/cm2, a fill factor of 76.7%, and a power conversion efficiency (η%) of 11.1%. The η% of perovskite SCs with oxidized Ni (10 nm)/Au (6 nm)/Cu (1 nm) improved by approximately 10% compared with that of perovskite SCs with oxidized Ni/Au.

Novel EDTA-ligands containing an integral perylene bisimide (PBI) core as an optical reporter unit.

Science.gov (United States)

Marcia, Mario; Singh, Prabhpreet; Hauke, Frank; Maggini, Michele; Hirsch, Andreas

2014-09-28

The synthesis, characterization and metal complexation of a new class of perylene bisimides (PBIs) as an integral part of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) are reported. The simplest representative, namely derivative 1a, was synthesized both by a convergent as well as a direct approach while the elongated derivatives, 1b and 1c, were obtained only via a convergent synthetic pathway. All these new prototypes of water-soluble perylenes are bolaamphiphiles and were fully characterized by (1)H- and (13)C-NMR spectroscopy, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy. In order to acquaint ourselves with the behaviour in solution of our PBIs bearing dendritic wedges, the simplest derivative, 1a, was chosen and tested by means of UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as by zeta-potential measurements. A photoexcitation induced intramolecular photo-electron transfer (PET) can be observed in these molecules. Therefore their potential applications as sensors can be imagined. Model compound 1a efficiently coordinates trivalent metal cations both in water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Significantly, the effects of the complexation strongly depend on the aggregation state of the PBI molecules in solution. As a matter of fact, in water, the presence of M(3+) ions triggers the formation of light emitting supramolecular aggregates (excimers). On the other hand, in DMSO-rich solutions metal complexation leads to the suppression of the PET and leads to a strong fluorescence enhancement.

Unraveling current hysteresis effects in regular-type C60-CH3NH3PbI3 heterojunction solar cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Lung-Chien; Lin, Yu-Shiang; Tang, Po-Wen; Tai, Chao-Yi; Tseng, Zong-Liang; Lin, Ja-Hon; Chen, Sheng-Hui; Kuo, Hao-Chung

2017-11-23

Comprehensive studies were carried out to understand the origin of the current hysteresis effects in highly efficient C 60 -CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 (MAPbI 3 ) heterojunction solar cells, using atomic-force microscopy, transmittance spectra, photoluminescence spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns and a femtosecond time-resolved pump-probe technique. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of C 60 -MAPbI 3 solar cells can be increased to 18.23% by eliminating the point (lattice) defects in the MAPbI 3 thin film which is fabricated by using the one-step spin-coating method with toluene washing treatment. The experimental results show that the point defects and surface defects of the MAPbI 3 thin films can be minimized by varying the dropping time of the washing solvent. The point defects (surface defects) can be reduced with an (a) increase (decrease) in the dropping time, resulting in an optimized dropping time for obtaining the defect-minimized MAPbI 3 thin film deposited on top of the C 60 thin film. Consequently, the formation of the defect-minimized MAPbI 3 thin film allows for high-efficiency MAPbI 3 solar cells.

Fouling behaviors of polybenzimidazole (PBI)-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) hollow fiber membranes for engineering osmosis processes

KAUST Repository

Chen, Sicong; Fu, Xiuzhu; Chung, Neal Tai-Shung

2014-01-01

This paper investigated the individual effects of reverse salt flux and permeate flux on fouling behaviors of as-spun and annealed polybenzimidazole (PBI)-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) hollow fiber membranes under forward osmosis (FO) and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) processes. Two types of membrane fouling had been studied; namely, inorganic fouling (CaSO4·2H2O gypsum scaling) during FO operations and organic fouling (sodium alginate fouling) during PRO operations. It is found that gypsum scaling on the membrane surface may be inhibited and even eliminated with an increase in reverse MgCl2 flux due to competitive formations of MgSO4° and CaSO4·2H2O. In contrast, the increase of reverse NaCl flux exhibits a slight enhancement on alginate fouling in both FO and PRO processes. Comparing to the reverse salt flux, the permeate flux always plays a dominant role in fouling. Therefore, lesser fouling has been observed on the membrane surface under the pressurized PRO process than FO process because the reduced initial flux mitigates the fouling phenomena more significantly than the enhancement caused by an increase in reverse NaCl flux. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Fouling behaviors of polybenzimidazole (PBI)-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) hollow fiber membranes for engineering osmosis processes

KAUST Repository

Chen, Sicong

2014-02-01

This paper investigated the individual effects of reverse salt flux and permeate flux on fouling behaviors of as-spun and annealed polybenzimidazole (PBI)-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) hollow fiber membranes under forward osmosis (FO) and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) processes. Two types of membrane fouling had been studied; namely, inorganic fouling (CaSO4·2H2O gypsum scaling) during FO operations and organic fouling (sodium alginate fouling) during PRO operations. It is found that gypsum scaling on the membrane surface may be inhibited and even eliminated with an increase in reverse MgCl2 flux due to competitive formations of MgSO4° and CaSO4·2H2O. In contrast, the increase of reverse NaCl flux exhibits a slight enhancement on alginate fouling in both FO and PRO processes. Comparing to the reverse salt flux, the permeate flux always plays a dominant role in fouling. Therefore, lesser fouling has been observed on the membrane surface under the pressurized PRO process than FO process because the reduced initial flux mitigates the fouling phenomena more significantly than the enhancement caused by an increase in reverse NaCl flux. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Shallow trapping vs. deep polarons in a hybrid lead halide perovskite, CH3NH3PbI3.

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Kang, Byungkyun; Biswas, Koushik

2017-10-18

There has been considerable speculation over the nature of charge carriers in organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites, i.e., whether they are free and band-like, or they are prone to self-trapping via short range deformation potentials. Unusually long minority-carrier diffusion lengths and moderate-to-low mobilities, together with relatively few deep defects add to their intrigue. Here we implement density functional methods to investigate the room-temperature, tetragonal phase of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 . We compare charge localization behavior at shallow levels and associated lattice relaxation versus those at deep polaronic states. The shallow level originates from screened Coulomb interaction between the perturbed host and an excited electron or hole. The host lattice has a tendency towards forming these shallow traps where the electron or hole is localized not too far from the band edge. In contrast, there is a considerable potential barrier that must be overcome in order to initiate polaronic hole trapping. The formation of a hole polaron (I 2 - center) involves strong lattice relaxation, including large off-center displacement of the organic cation, CH 3 NH 3 + . This type of deep polaron is energetically unfavorable, and active shallow traps are expected to shape the carrier dynamics in this material.

Electrical Stress Influences the Efficiency of CH3 NH3 PbI3 Perovskite Light Emitting Devices.

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Zhao, Lianfeng; Gao, Jia; Lin, YunHui L; Yeh, Yao-Wen; Lee, Kyung Min; Yao, Nan; Loo, Yueh-Lin; Rand, Barry P

2017-06-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials are emerging as semiconductors with potential application in optoelectronic devices. In particular, perovskites are very promising for light-emitting devices (LEDs) due to their high color purity, low nonradiative recombination rates, and tunable bandgap. Here, using pure CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite LEDs with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 5.9% as a platform, it is shown that electrical stress can influence device performance significantly, increasing the EQE from an initial 5.9% to as high as 7.4%. Consistent with the enhanced device performance, both the steady-state photoluminescence (PL) intensity and the time-resolved PL decay lifetime increase after electrical stress, indicating a reduction in nonradiative recombination in the perovskite film. By investigating the temperature-dependent characteristics of the perovskite LEDs and the cross-sectional elemental depth profile, it is proposed that trap reduction and resulting device-performance enhancement is due to local ionic motion of excess ions, likely excess mobile iodide, in the perovskite film that fills vacancies and reduces interstitial defects. On the other hand, it is found that overstressed LEDs show irreversibly degraded device performance, possibly because ions initially on the perovskite lattice are displaced during extended electrical stress and create defects such as vacancies. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Crosslinked Hexafluoropropylidene Polybenzimidazole Membranes with Chloromethyl Polysulfone for Fuel Cell Applications

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Yang, Jingshuai; Li, Qingfeng; Cleemann, Lars Nilausen

2013-01-01

Hexafluoropropylidene polybenzimidazole (F6PBI) was synthesized with excellent chemical stability and improved solubility. When doped with phosphoric acid, however, the F6PBI membranes showed plastic deformation at elevated temperatures. Further efforts were made to covalently crosslink F6PBI...... membranes with chloromethyl polysulfone as a polymeric crosslinker. Comparing with linear F6PBI and mPBI membranes, the polymer crosslinked F6PBI membranes exhibited little organo solubility, excellent stability towards the radical oxidation, high resistance to swelling in concentrated phosphoric acid...... with the linear F6PBI and mPBI membranes....

High throughput two-step ultrasonic spray deposited CH3NH3PbI3 thin film layer for solar cell application

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Lan, Ding-Hung; Hong, Shao-Huan; Chou, Li-Hui; Wang, Xiao-Feng; Liu, Cheng-Liang

2018-06-01

Organometal halide perovskite materials have demonstrated tremendous advances in the photovoltaic field recently because of their advantageous features of simple fabrication and high power conversion efficiency. To meet the high demand for high throughput and cost-effective, we present a wet process method that enables the probing of the parameters for perovskite layer deposition through two-step sequential ultrasonic spray-coating. This paper describes a detailed investigation on the effects of modification of spray precursor solution (PbI2 and CH3NH3I precursor concentration and solvents used) and post-annealing condition (temperature and time), which can be performed to create optimal film quality as well as improve device efficiency. Through the systematic optimization, the inverted planar perovskite solar cells show the reproducible photovoltaic properties with best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.40% and average PCE of 9.70 ± 0.40%. A continuous spray-coating technique for rapid fabrication of total 16 pieces of perovskite films was demonstrated for providing a viable alternative for the high throughput production of the perovskite solar cells.

Stability and carrier mobility of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 in two-dimensional limit

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Kui; Lai, Kang; Yan, Chang-Lin; Zhang, Wei-Bing

2017-10-01

Recently, atomically thin organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have been synthesized experimentally, which opens up new opportunities for exploring their novel properties in the 2D limit. Based on the comparative density functional theory calculation with and without spin-orbit coupling effects, the stability, electronic structure, and carrier mobility of the two-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites MAPbI3 (MA = CH3NH3) have been investigated systemically. Two single-unit-cell-thick 2D MAPbI3 terminated by PbI2 and CH3NH3I are constructed, and their thermodynamic stabilities are also evaluated using the first-principles constrained thermodynamics method. Our results indicate that both 2D MAPbI3 with different terminations can be stable under certain conditions and have a suitable direct bandgap. Moreover, they are also found to have termination-dependent band edge and carrier mobility. The acoustic-phonon-limited carrier mobilities estimated using the deformation theory and effective mass approximation are on the order of thousands of square centimeters per volt per second and also highly anisotropic. These results indicate that 2D MAPbI3 are competitive candidates for low-dimensional photovoltaic applications.

Optical absorption enhancement in NH2CH=NH2PbI3 lead halide perovskite solar cells with nanotextures

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Xie, Ziang; Sun, Shuren; Xie, Xixi; Hou, Ruixiang; Xu, Wanjin; Li, Yanping; Qin, G. G.

2018-01-01

This article reports, for the first time to our knowledge, that the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of planar NH2CH=NH2PbI3 (FAPbI3) lead halide perovskite solar cells (SCs) can be largely improved by fabricating nanotextures on the SC surface. Four kinds of nanotextures are investigated and compared with each other: column hollow (CLH) nanoarrays, cone hollow (CNH) nanoarrays, square prism hollow (SPH) nanoarrays, and pyramid hollow (PYH) nanoarrays. Compared with the PCEs of the planar SCs with the same layer depth d, it is found that when d is in the range of 125-500 nm and when the array period, as well as the filling fraction of the nanotexture, are optimized, the ultimate efficiency increased 29%-50% for the CLH and SPH textured FAPbI3 SCs relative to the planar ones, and 20%-41% for the CNH and PYH textured FAPbI3 SCs relative to the planar ones. When d < 250 nm, the optimized ultimate efficiencies of the CLH and SPH textured FAPbI3 SCs with optimized nanotextures are higher than those of the CNH and PYH ones, and vice versa. The reasons why fabricating nanotextures on SC surfaces can largely improve the PCE of the FAPbI3 SCs are discussed.

Oxygen influencing the photocarriers lifetime of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx film grown by two-step interdiffusion method and its photovoltaic performance

Science.gov (United States)

Yuan, Shuai; Qiu, Zhiwen; Zhang, Hailiang; Gong, Haibo; Hao, Yufeng; Cao, Bingqiang

2016-01-01

During the growth of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx (MAPbI3-xClx) perovskite films by the two-step inter-diffusion method, the presence of a trace amount of oxygen gas is critical to their physical properties and photovoltaic performance. As the oxygen concentration increases, poor film morphologies and incomplete surface coverage are observed. Moreover, by XRD, Raman scattering, and photoluminescence measurements, we find that MAPbI3-xClx grains become more distorted and the electron-hole recombination rate dramatically increases. Higher oxygen concentration triggers a sharp decrease in the current density and the fill factor of corresponding solar cells, which degrades device performance, on average, from 14.3% to 4.4%. This work proves the importance of controlling the oxygen atmosphere in the fabrication of high-performance perovskite solar cells.

Electron Transfer from Triplet State of TIPS-Pentacene Generated by Singlet Fission Processes to CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Sangsu; Hwang, Daesub; Jung, Seok Il; Kim, Dongho

2017-02-16

To reveal the applicability of singlet fission processes in perovskite solar cell, we investigated electron transfer from TIPS-pentacene to CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 (MAPbI 3 ) perovskite in film phase. Through the observation of the shorter fluorescence lifetime in TIPS-pentacene/MAPbI 3 perovskite bilayer film (5 ns) compared with pristine MAPbI 3 perovskite film (20 ns), we verified electron-transfer processes between TIPS-pentacene and MAPbI 3 perovskite. Furthermore, the observation of singlet fission processes, a faster decay rate, TIPS-pentacene cations, and the analysis of kinetic profiles of the intensity ratio between 500 and 525 nm in the TA spectra of the TIPS-pentacene/MAPbI 3 perovskite bilayer film indicate that electron transfer occurs from triplet state of TIPS-pentacene generated by singlet fission processes to MAPbI 3 perovskite conduction band. We believe that our results can provide useful information on the design of solar cells sensitized by singlet fission processes and pave the way for new types of perovskite solar cells.

Light-Induced Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of a Sunscreen Agent, 2-Phenylbenzimidazole in Salmonella typhimurium TA 102 and HaCaT Keratinocytes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hongtao Yu

2007-06-01

Full Text Available 2-Phenylbenzimidazole (PBI is an ingredient found in sunscreen agents. PBI can absorb the UV portion of the solar light and undergo a series of light-induced reactions to cause adverse effects in humans. Therefore, chemical and photochemical toxicity of PBI were investigated in the bacteria Salmonella typhimurium TA 102 and human skin keratinocyte cells. There is no appreciable bacteria death due to the exposure to PBI alone, indicating that PBI is not chemically toxic to the bacteria at a dose as high as 625μM. However, exposure to PBI and a solar simulator light (300-W Xe/Hg lamp, 30 min, 18.6 J/cm2, equivalent to 30 min outdoor sunlight causes significant bacteria death: 35% at 25μM and 55% at 625μM PBI. Exposure of the bacteria to light and PBI at doses 5-25μM causes the bacteria to revert, an indication of mutation. In the presence of PBI but without light irradiation, the number of revertant bacteria colonies is around 200 due to spontaneous mutation. Combination of light irradiation and PBI causes the number of revertant TA 102 colonies to increase in a dose dependent manner, reaching a maximum of around 1700 revertant colonies at 25 μM PBI. At higher PBI concentrations, the number of revertant colonies remains constant. This result clearly indicates that PBI is photomutagenic in TA 102. Exposure of the human skin HaCaT keratinocytes in aqueous solution in the presence of PBI causes the cell to lose its viability with or without light irradiation. There is no significant difference in cell viability for the light irradiated or non-irradiated groups, indication PBI is not photocytotoxic. However, exposure of the cells to both PBI and light irradiation causes cellular DNA damage, while exposure to PBI alone does not cause DNA damage.

Inorganic alkali lead iodide semiconducting APbI3 (A = Li, Na, K, Cs and NH4PbI3 films prepared from solution: Structure, morphology, and electronic structure

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Eric Mankel

2016-06-01

Full Text Available APbI3 alkali lead iodides were prepared from aqueous (A= Na, Cs, ammonium NH4+, and methyl­ammonium CH3NH3+ and acetone (A= Li, K solutions by a self-organization low temperature process. Diffraction analysis revealed that the methylammonium-containing system (MAPbI3 crystallizes into a tetragonal perovskite structure, whereas the alkali and NH4+ systems adopt orthorhombic structures. Morphological inspection confirmed the influence of the cation on the growth mechanism: for A = Cs and NH4+, needle-like crystallites with lengths up to 3–4 mm; for A = K, thin stripes with lengths up to 5–6 mm; and for A = MA+, dodecahedral crystallites were observed. For A = Li and Na, the APbI3 systems typically resulted in polycrystalline aggregates. Optical absorption measurements demonstrated large energy band gaps for the alkali and ammonium systems with values between 2.19 and 2.40 eV. For electronic and chemical characterization by photoelectron spectroscopy, the as-prepared powders were dissolved in di-methylformamide and re-crystallized as thin films on F:SnO2 substrates by spin-coating. The binding energy differences between Pb4f and I3d core levels are highly similar in the investigated systems and close to the value measured for PbI2, indicating similar relative partial charges and formal oxidation states. The binding energies of the alkali ions are in accordance with oxidation state +1. The X-ray excited valence band spectra of the investigated APbI3 systems exhibited similar line shapes in the region between the valence band maximum and 4.5 eV higher binding energy due to common PbI6 octahedra which dominate the electronic structure. While the ionization energy values are quite similar (6.15 ± 0.25 eV, the Fermi-level positions of the unintentionally doped materials vary for different cations and different batches of the same material, which indicates that the position of the Fermi level can be influenced by changing the process parameters.

Effect of Thermal and Structural Disorder on the Electronic Structure of Hybrid Perovskite Semiconductor CH3NH3PbI3.

Science.gov (United States)

Singh, Shivam; Li, Cheng; Panzer, Fabian; Narasimhan, K L; Graeser, Anna; Gujar, Tanaji P; Köhler, Anna; Thelakkat, Mukundan; Huettner, Sven; Kabra, Dinesh

2016-08-04

In this Letter, we investigate the temperature dependence of the optical properties of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3 = CH3NH3PbI3) from room temperature to 6 K. In both the tetragonal (T > 163 K) and the orthorhombic (T photoluminescence (PL) measurements) decreases with decrease in temperature, in contrast to what is normally seen for many inorganic semiconductors, such as Si, GaAs, GaN, etc. We show that in the perovskites reported here, the temperature coefficient of thermal expansion is large and accounts for the positive temperature coefficient of the band gap. A detailed analysis of the exciton line width allows us to distinguish between static and dynamic disorder. The low-energy tail of the exciton absorption is reminiscent of Urbach absorption. The Urbach energy is a measure of the disorder, which is modeled using thermal and static disorder for both the phases separately. The static disorder component, manifested in the exciton line width at low temperature, is small. Above 60 K, thermal disorder increases the line width. Both these features are a measure of the high crystal quality and low disorder of the perovskite films even though they are produced from solution.

Credible evidence for the passivation effect of remnant PbI₂ in CH₃NHCH₃PbICH₃ films in improving the performance of perovskite solar cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Shimao; Dong, Weiwei; Fang, Xiaodong; Zhang, Qingli; Zhou, Shu; Deng, Zanhong; Tao, Ruhua; Shao, Jingzhen; Xia, Rui; Song, Chao; Hu, Linhua; Zhu, Jun

2016-03-28

The role of remnant PbI2 in CH3NH3PbI3 films is still controversial, some investigations have revealed that the remnant PbI2 plays a passivation role, reduces the charge recombination in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and improves the performance of PSCs, but the opposing views state that remnant PbI2 has no passivation effect and it would deteriorate the stability of the devices. In our investigation, the CH3NH3PbI3 films have been prepared by a two-step spin-coating method and the content of the remnant PbI2 in CH3NH3PbI3 films has been tuned by varying the preparation temperature. It has been found that increasing the heating temperature could increase the coverage of spin-coated PbI2 films, which has led to high coverage CH3NH3PbI3 films and more remnant PbI2 in CH3NH3PbI3 films, and as a result, the performance of PSCs was enhanced obviously and the maximum power conversion efficiency of 14.32 ± 0.28% was achieved by the PSCs prepared at 130/120 °C (PbI2 films were heated at 130 °C and CH3NH3PbI3 films were heated at 120 °C). Furthermore, the dark current, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and time-resolved fluorescence emission decay measurements revealed that the charge recombination in PSCs has been gradually suppressed and the fluorescence emission lifetime has gradually increased with the content of remnant PbI2 increasing. Thus, the passivation effects of the unreacted and decomposed PbI2 in improving the performance of PSCs have been confirmed unquestionably.

Oxygen influencing the photocarriers lifetime of CH3NH3PbI3−xClx film grown by two-step interdiffusion method and its photovoltaic performance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yuan, Shuai; Qiu, Zhiwen; Zhang, Hailiang; Gong, Haibo; Cao, Bingqiang; Hao, Yufeng

2016-01-01

During the growth of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3−x Cl x (MAPbI 3−x Cl x ) perovskite films by the two-step inter-diffusion method, the presence of a trace amount of oxygen gas is critical to their physical properties and photovoltaic performance. As the oxygen concentration increases, poor film morphologies and incomplete surface coverage are observed. Moreover, by XRD, Raman scattering, and photoluminescence measurements, we find that MAPbI 3−x Cl x grains become more distorted and the electron-hole recombination rate dramatically increases. Higher oxygen concentration triggers a sharp decrease in the current density and the fill factor of corresponding solar cells, which degrades device performance, on average, from 14.3% to 4.4%. This work proves the importance of controlling the oxygen atmosphere in the fabrication of high-performance perovskite solar cells

Electron-Rotor Interaction in Organic-Inorganic Lead Iodide Perovskites Discovered by Isotope Effects.

Science.gov (United States)

Gong, Jue; Yang, Mengjin; Ma, Xiangchao; Schaller, Richard D; Liu, Gang; Kong, Lingping; Yang, Ye; Beard, Matthew C; Lesslie, Michael; Dai, Ying; Huang, Baibiao; Zhu, Kai; Xu, Tao

2016-08-04

We report on the carrier-rotor coupling effect in perovskite organic-inorganic hybrid lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) compounds discovered by isotope effects. Deuterated organic-inorganic perovskite compounds including CH3ND3PbI3, CD3NH3PbI3, and CD3ND3PbI3 were synthesized. Devices made from regular CH3NH3PbI3 and deuterated CH3ND3PbI3 exhibit comparable performance in band gap, current-voltage, carrier mobility, and power conversion efficiency. However, a time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) study reveals that CH3NH3PbI3 exhibits notably longer carrier lifetime than that of CH3ND3PbI3, in both thin-film and single-crystal formats. Furthermore, the comparison in carrier lifetime between CD3NH3PbI3 and CH3ND3PbI3 single crystals suggests that vibrational modes in methylammonium (MA(+)) have little impact on carrier lifetime. In contrast, the fully deuterated compound CD3ND3PbI3 reconfirmed the trend of decreasing carrier lifetime upon the increasing moment of inertia of cationic MA(+). Polaron model elucidates the electron-rotor interaction.

Experimental Characterization of the Poisoning Effects of Methanol-Based Reformate Impurities on a PBI-Based High Temperature PEM Fuel Cell

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Samuel Simon Araya

2012-10-01

Full Text Available In this work the effects of reformate gas impurities on a H3PO4-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI membrane-based high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC are studied. A unit cell assembly with a BASF Celtec®-P2100 high temperature membrane electrode assembly (MEA of 45 cm2 active surface area is investigated by means of impedance spectroscopy. The concentrations in the anode feed gas of all impurities, unconverted methanol-water vapor mixture, CO and CO2 were varied along with current density according to a multilevel factorial design of experiments. Results show that all the impurities degrade the performance, with CO being the most degrading agent and CO2 the least. The factorial analysis shows that there is interdependence among the effects of the different factors considered. This interdependence suggests, for example, that tolerances to concentrations of CO above 2% may be compromised by the presence in the anode feed of CO2. Methanol has a poisoning effect on the fuel cell at all the tested feed ratios, and the performance drop is found to be proportional to the amount of methanol in feed gas. The effects are more pronounced when other impurities are also present in the feed gas, especially at higher methanol concentrations.

PENGGUNAAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN PROBLEM BASED INSTRUCTION (PBI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEAKTIFAN DAN HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS 9B SEMESTER GASAL TAHUN PELAJARAN 2014/2015 SMP NEGERI 2 TUNTANG - SEMARANG

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tri Muah

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Penelitian tindakan kelas ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keaktifan dan hasil belajar matematika siswa pada materi peluang dengan penerapan model pembelajaran PBI bagi kelas 9B Semester Gasal SMP Negeri 2 Tuntang Kabupaten Semarang. Hasil penelitian kondisi awal menggunakan wawancara, observasi dan analisis butir soal, siswa kelas 9B ini memiliki keaktifan belajar yang kurang, kemudian berdampak pada hasil belajar siswa rendah juga. Berdasarkan kondisi awal tersebut, perlu dilakukan penelitian tindakan kelas untuk meningkatkan keaktifan belajar dan hasil belajar matematika siswa. Penelitian ini merupakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK dengan mengetahui model prosedur penelitian yang dikembangkan oleh Kemmis dan Mc Taggart berupa model penelitian yang spiral yang pada umumnya direncanakan terdiri dari dua siklus. Setiap siklus terdiri dari empat tahap yaitu: 1 tahap pelaksanaan tindakan (planning, 2 tahap pelaksanaan tindakan (acting, 3 tahap pengamatan (observing, dan 4 tahap refleksi (reflecting. Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas 9B SMP Negeri 2 Tuntang yang terdiri dari 32 orang siswa. Data diperoleh melalui tes kognitif dan lembar observasi siswa. Dari hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa model pembelajaran PBI dapat meningkatkan keaktifan belajar dan hasil belajar matematika siswa. Hal ini ditunjukan dengan hasil wawancara dan observasi yang dilakukan sebelum penelitian ini dilakukan dimana keaktifan belajar siswa secara individu 14% dan keaktifan belajar siswa secara kelompok 50% dan hasil belajar matematika siswa pada materi sebelumnya juga menunjukkan hasil belajar yang rendah dimana dari 32 siswa 6.25% siswa mendapatkan nilai tuntas dengan rata-rata 34,3. Setelah dilakukan tindakan pada siklus I, terjadi peningkatan terhadap keaktifan belajar dan hasil belajar matematika. Lembar observasi pada siklus I menunjukkan keaktifan siswa secara individu meningkat menjadi 27.4% dan keaktifan belajar siswa secara kelompok 65% dan

Construction of proton exchange membranes under ultrasonic irradiation based on novel fluorine functionalizing sulfonated polybenzimidazole/cellulose/silica bionanocomposite.

Science.gov (United States)

Esmaielzadeh, Sheida; Ahmadizadegan, Hashem

2018-03-01

Novel sulfonated polybenzimidazole (s-PBI)/cellulose/silica bionanocomposite membranes were prepared from fluorine-containing s-PBI copolymer with a cellulose/silica precursor and a bonding agent. The introduction of the bonding agent results in the reinforcing interfacial interaction between s-PBI chains and the cellulose/silica nanoparticles. Commercially available silica nanoparticles were modified with biodegradable nanocellolose through ultrasonic irradiation technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses showed that the cellulose/silica composites were well dispersed in the s-PBI matrix on a nanometer scale. The mechanical properties and the methanol barrier ability of the s-PBI films were improved by the addition of cellulose/silica. The modulus of the s-PBI/10 wt% cellulose/silica nanocomposite membranes had a 45% increase compared to the pure s-PBI films, and the methanol permeability decreased by 62% with respect to the pure s-PBI membranes. The conductivities of the s-PBI/cellulose/silica nanocomposites were slightly lower than the pure s-PBI. The antibacterial activity of (s-PBI)/cellulose/silica was investigated against Gram-positive bacteria, ie, Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus and Gram-negative bacteria, ie, Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the disc diffusion method using Mueller Hinton agar at different sizes of cellulose/silica. All of the synthesized (s-PBI)/cellulose/silica were found to have high antibacterial activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bloating in (Pb0.95Sn0.05Te)0.92(PbS)0.08-0.055%PbI2 Thermoelectric Specimens as a Result of Processing Conditions

Science.gov (United States)

Ni, Jennifer E.; Case, Eldon D.; Stewart, Ryan; Wu, Chun-I.; Hogan, Timothy P.; Kanatzidis, Mercouri G.

2012-06-01

Lead chalcogenides such as (Pb0.95Sn0.05Te)0.92(PbS)0.08-0.055%PbI2 have received attention due to their encouraging thermoelectric properties. For the hot pressing (HP) and pulsed electric current sintering (PECS) techniques used in this study, decomposition reactions can generate porosity (bloating). Porosity in turn can degrade electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. In this study, microstructural observations (scanning electron microscopy) and room-temperature elasticity measurements (resonant ultrasound spectroscopy) were used to characterize bloating generated during post-densification anneals. Although every HP specimen bloated during post-densification annealing, no bloating was observed for the PECS specimens processed from dry milled only powders. The lack of bloating for the annealed PECS specimens may be related to the electrical discharge intrinsic in the PECS process, which reportedly cleans the powder particle surfaces during densification.

Efficiency enhancement of perovskite solar cells by fabricating as-prepared film before sequential spin-coating procedure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jiang, Jiajia; Tao, Hai jun; Chen, Shanlong; Tan, Bin; Zhou, Ning; Zhu, Lumin; Zhao, Yuan; Wang, Yuqiao; Tao, Jie

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: Schematic illustration of modified two-step spin-coating procedure for MAPbI 3 perovskite thin films. - Highlights: • An as-prepared CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 and PbI 2 film was introduced before the traditional two-step process. • Smooth morphology and trace amount of remaining PbI 2 benefit the performance of solar cell. • The optimal as-prepared film introduced improves the efficiency of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 solar cells from 9.11% to 11.16%. - Abstract: Sequential spin-coating procedure is a widely adopted strategy to prepare CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 on mesostructured TiO 2 electrode for organolead halide perovskite-based solar cells. However, this method suffers from the rough surface and excessively residual PbI 2 in the resulting perovskite film, deteriorating the device performance seriously. Herein, a facial modified sequential solution deposition method, by introducing an as-prepared CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 and PbI 2 film before the traditional two-step process, was proposed to fabricate the perovskite-based solar cell with smooth morphology and trace amount of remaining PbI 2 . The optimal as-prepared film introduced improves the efficiency of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 solar cells from 9.11% to 11.16%. The enhancement of device performance can be attributed to the increased light absorption ability and decreased recombination rate of carriers in CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 absorber.

Synthesis and properties of poly(aryl sulfone benzimidazole) and its copolymers for high temperature membrane electrolytes for fuel cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Yang, Jingshuai; Li, Qingfeng; Cleemann, Lars Nilausen

2012-01-01

Poly(aryl sulfone benzimidazole) (SO2PBI) and its copolymers with poly[2,2′-p-(phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole] (pPBI), termed as Co-SO2PBI, were synthesized with varied feeding ratios of 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoic acid (SDBA) to terephthalic acid (TPA). Incorporation of the stiff para-phenylene and ......Poly(aryl sulfone benzimidazole) (SO2PBI) and its copolymers with poly[2,2′-p-(phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole] (pPBI), termed as Co-SO2PBI, were synthesized with varied feeding ratios of 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoic acid (SDBA) to terephthalic acid (TPA). Incorporation of the stiff para...

Optical characterization and bandgap engineering of flat and wrinkle-textured FA0.83Cs0.17Pb(I1-xBrx)3 perovskite thin films

Science.gov (United States)

Tejada, A.; Braunger, S.; Korte, L.; Albrecht, S.; Rech, B.; Guerra, J. A.

2018-05-01

The complex refractive indices of formamidinium cesium lead mixed-halide [FA0.83Cs0.17Pb(I1- xBrx)3] perovskite thin films of compositions ranging from x = 0 to 0.4, with both flat and wrinkle-textured surface topographies, are reported. The films are characterized using a combination of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and spectral transmittance in the wavelength range of 190 nm to 850 nm. Optical constants, film thicknesses and roughness layers are obtained point-by-point by minimizing a global error function, without using optical dispersion models, and including topographical information supplied by a laser confocal microscope. To evaluate the bandgap engineering potential of the material, the optical bandgaps and Urbach energies are then accurately determined by applying a band fluctuation model for direct semiconductors, which considers both the Urbach tail and the fundamental band-to-band absorption region in a single equation. With this information, the composition yielding the optimum bandgap of 1.75 eV for a Si-perovskite tandem solar cell is determined.

Partial-Breast Irradiation Versus Whole-Breast Irradiation for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sher, David J.; Wittenberg, Eve; Suh, W. Warren; Taghian, Alphonse G.; Punglia, Rinaa S.

2009-01-01

Purpose: Accelerated partial-breast irradiation (PBI) is a new treatment paradigm for patients with early-stage breast cancer. Although PBI may lead to greater local recurrence rates, it may be cost-effective because of better tolerability and lower cost. We aim to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness of PBI compared with whole-breast radiation therapy (WBRT) for estrogen receptor-positive postmenopausal women treated for early-stage breast cancer. Methods and Materials: We developed a Markov model to describe health states in the 15 years after radiotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. External beam (EB) and MammoSite (MS) PBI were considered and assumed to be equally effective, but carried different costs. Patients received tamoxifen, but not chemotherapy. Utilities, recurrence risks, and costs were adapted from the literature; the baseline utility for no disease after radiotherapy was set at 0.92. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to model uncertainty in the PBI hazard ratio, recurrence pattern, and patient utilities. Costs (in 2004 US dollars) and quality-adjusted life-years were discounted at 3%/y. Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for WBRT compared with EB-PBI was $630,000/quality-adjusted life-year; WBRT strongly dominated MS-PBI. One-way sensitivity analysis found that results were sensitive to PBI hazard ratio, recurrence pattern, baseline recurrence risk, and no evidence of disease PBI utility values. Probabilistic sensitivity showed that EB-PBI was the most cost-effective technique over a wide range of assumptions and societal willingness-to-pay values. Conclusions: EB-PBI was the most cost-effective strategy for postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer. Unless the quality of life after MS-PBI proves to be superior, it is unlikely to be cost-effective.

A new anhydrous proton conductor based on polybenzimidazole and tridecyl phosphate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jiang Fengjing; Pu Hongting; Meyer, Wolfgang H.; Guan Yisi; Wan Decheng

2008-01-01

Most of the anhydrous proton conducting membranes are based on inorganic or partially inorganic materials, like SrCeO 3 membranes or polybenzimidazole (PBI)/H 3 PO 4 composite membranes. In present work, a new kind of anhydrous proton conducting membrane based on fully organic components of PBI and tridecyl phosphate (TP) was prepared. The interaction between PBI and TP is discussed. The temperature dependence of the proton conductivity of the composite membranes can be modeled by an Arrhenius relation. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) illustrates that these composite membranes are chemically stable up to 145 deg. C. The weight loss appearing at 145 deg. C is attributed to the selfcondensation of phosphate, which results in the proton conductivity drop of the membranes occurring at the same temperature. The DC conductivity of the composite membranes can reach ∼10 -4 S/cm for PBI/1.8TP at 140 deg. C and increases with increasing TP content. The proton conductivity of PBI/TP and PBI/H 3 PO 4 composite membranes is compared. The former have higher proton conductivity, however, the proton conductivity of the PBI/H 3 PO 4 membranes increases with temperature more significantly. Compared with PBI/H 3 PO 4 membranes, the migration stability of TP in PBI/TP membranes is improved significantly

Accelerated partial breast irradiation utilizing balloon brachytherapy techniques

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Strauss, Jonathan B.; Dickler, Adam

2009-01-01

To overcome the barriers to BCT, methods of PBI in the setting of breast conservation have been explored. The method of PBI with the longest published follow-up is multi-catheter interstitial brachytherapy. Balloon-based brachytherapy with the MammoSite brachytherapy applicator was designed to simplify the brachytherapy procedure for PBI, enhance the reproducibility of the dosimetry, and improve patient comfort. The rates of local recurrence following PBI with the MammoSite applicator have been low, but there are few published reports and follow-up has been relatively short. The cosmetic outcomes and toxicity of MammoSite PBI are comparable to those seen after multicatheter-based PBI. Additional methods of balloon brachytherapy, including Xoft and SenoRx Contura have been developed. Finally, long-term follow-up after PBI is important for the welfare of individual patients and in order to establish the efficacy, late toxicity and cosmetic outcomes of this technique.

Dependence of Acetate-Based Antisolvents for High Humidity Fabrication of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Devices in Ambient Atmosphere.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Fu; Kapil, Gaurav; Zhang, Putao; Hu, Zhaosheng; Kamarudin, Muhammad Akmal; Ma, Tingli; Hayase, Shuzi

2018-05-16

High-efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs) need to be fabricated in the nitrogen-filled glovebox by the atmosphere-controlled crystallization process. However, the use of the glovebox process is of great concern for mass level production of PSCs. In this work, notable efficient CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 solar cells can be obtained in high humidity ambient atmosphere (60-70% relative humidity) by using acetate as the antisolvent, in which dependence of methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl acetate on the crystal growth mechanism is discussed. It is explored that acetate screens the sensitive perovskite intermediate phases from water molecules during perovskite film formation and annealing. It is revealed that relatively high vapor pressure and high water solubility of methyl acetate (MA) leads to the formation of highly dense and pinhole free perovskite films guiding to the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.3% with a reduced hysteresis. The devices prepared using MA showed remarkable shelf life stability of more than 80% for 360 h in ambient air condition, when compared to the devices fabricated using other antisolvents with low vapor pressure and low water solubility. Moreover, the PCE was still kept at 15.6% even though 2 vol % deionized water was added in the MA for preparing the perovskite layer.

Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries Using meta-Polybenzimidazole-Based Membranes of Different Thicknesses.

Science.gov (United States)

Noh, Chanho; Jung, Mina; Henkensmeier, Dirk; Nam, Suk Woo; Kwon, Yongchai

2017-10-25

15, 25, and 35 μm thick meta-polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes are doped with H 2 SO 4 and tested in a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). Their performances are compared with those of Nafion membranes. Immersed in 2 M H 2 SO 4 , PBI absorbs about 2 mol of H 2 SO 4 per mole of repeat unit. This results in low conductivity and low voltage efficiency (VE). In ex-situ tests, meta-PBI shows a negligible crossover of V 3+ and V 4+ ions, much lower than that of Nafion. This is due to electrostatic repulsive forces between vanadium cations and positively charged protonated PBI backbones, and the molecular sieving effect of PBI's nanosized pores. It turns out that charge efficiency (CE) of VRFBs using meta-PBI-based membranes is unaffected by or slightly increases with decreasing membrane thickness. Thick meta-PBI membranes require about 100 mV larger potentials to achieve the same charging current as thin meta-PBI membranes. This additional potential may increase side reactions or enable more vanadium ions to overcome the electrostatic energy barrier and to enter the membrane. On this basis, H 2 SO 4 -doped meta-PBI membranes should be thin to achieve high VE and CE. The energy efficiency of 15 μm thick PBI reaches 92%, exceeding that of Nafion 212 and 117 (N212 and N117) at 40 mA cm -2 .

Patient Preferences and Physician Practice Patterns Regarding Breast Radiotherapy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hoopes, David J.; Kaziska, David; Chapin, Patrick; Weed, Daniel; Smith, Benjamin D.; Hale, E. Ronald; Johnstone, Peter A.

2012-01-01

Purpose: There are multiple current strategies for breast radiotherapy (RT). The alignment of physician practice patterns with best evidence and patient preferences will enhance patient autonomy and improve cancer care. However, there is little information describing patient preferences for breast RT and physician practice patterns. Methods and Materials: Using a reliable and valid instrument, we assessed the preferences of 5,000 randomly selected women (with or without cancer) undergoing mammography. To assess practice patterns, 2,150 randomly selected physician-members of American Society for Radiation Oncology were surveyed. Results: A total of 1,807 women (36%) and 363 physicians (17%) provided usable responses. The 95% confidence interval is < ±2.3% for patients and < ±5.3% for physicians. Patient preferences were hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (HF-WBI) 62%, partial breast irradiation (PBI) 28%, and conventionally fractionated whole breast irradiation (CF-WBI) 10%. By comparison, 82% of physicians use CF-WBI for more than 2/3 of women and 56% never use HF-WBI. With respect to PBI, 62% of women preferred three-dimensional (3D)-PBI and 38% favor brachytherapy-PBI, whereas 36% of physicians offer 3D-PBI and 66% offer brachytherapy-PBI. 70% of women prefer once-daily RT over 10 days vs. twice-daily RT over 5 days. 55% of physicians who use PBI do not offer PBI on clinical trial. Conclusions: HF-WBI, while preferred by patients and supported by evidence, falls behind the unproven and less preferred strategy of PBI in clinical practice. There is a discrepancy between women’s preferences for PBI modality and type of PBI offered by physicians. Further alignment is needed between practice patterns, patient preferences, and clinical evidence.

Partial Breast Irradiation Versus Whole Breast Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Decision Analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sher, David J.; Wittenberg, Eve; Taghian, Alphonse G.; Bellon, Jennifer R.; Punglia, Rinaa S.

2008-01-01

Purpose: To compare the quality-adjusted life expectancy between women treated with partial breast irradiation (PBI) vs. whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT) for estrogen receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer. Methods and Materials: We developed a Markov model to describe health states in the 15 years after radiotherapy for estrogen receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer. Breast cancer recurrences were separated into local recurrences and elsewhere failures. Ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) risk was extracted from the Oxford overview, and rates and utilities were adapted from the literature. We studied two cohorts of women (aged 40 and 55 years), both of whom received adjuvant tamoxifen. Results: Assuming a no evidence of disease (NED)-PBI utility of 0.93, quality-adusted life expectancy after PBI (and WBRT) was 12.61 (12.57) and 12.10 (12.06) years for 40-year-old and 55-year-old women, respectively. The NED-PBI utility thresholds for preferring PBI over WBRT were 0.923 and 0.921 for 40-year-old and 55-year-old women, respectively, both slightly greater than the NED-WBRT utility. Outcomes were sensitive to the utility of NED-PBI, the PBI hazard ratio for local recurrence, the baseline IBTR risk, and the percentage of IBTRs that were local. Overall the degree of superiority of PBI over WBRT was greater for 55-year-old women than for 40-year-old women. Conclusions: For most utility values of the NED-PBI health state, PBI was the preferred treatment modality. This result was highly sensitive to patient preferences and was also dependent on patient age, PBI efficacy, IBTR risk, and the fraction of IBTRs that were local

Patient Preferences and Physician Practice Patterns Regarding Breast Radiotherapy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hoopes, David J., E-mail: david.hoopes@wpafb.af.mil [Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, WPAFB, OH (United States); Kaziska, David; Chapin, Patrick [Air Force Institute of Technology, WPAFB, OH (United States); Weed, Daniel [Clarian Healthcare, Methodist Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, Indianapolis, IN (United States); Smith, Benjamin D. [M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston, TX (United States); Hale, E. Ronald [Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, WPAFB, OH (United States); Johnstone, Peter A. [Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Indianapolis, IN (United States)

2012-02-01

Purpose: There are multiple current strategies for breast radiotherapy (RT). The alignment of physician practice patterns with best evidence and patient preferences will enhance patient autonomy and improve cancer care. However, there is little information describing patient preferences for breast RT and physician practice patterns. Methods and Materials: Using a reliable and valid instrument, we assessed the preferences of 5,000 randomly selected women (with or without cancer) undergoing mammography. To assess practice patterns, 2,150 randomly selected physician-members of American Society for Radiation Oncology were surveyed. Results: A total of 1,807 women (36%) and 363 physicians (17%) provided usable responses. The 95% confidence interval is < {+-}2.3% for patients and < {+-}5.3% for physicians. Patient preferences were hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (HF-WBI) 62%, partial breast irradiation (PBI) 28%, and conventionally fractionated whole breast irradiation (CF-WBI) 10%. By comparison, 82% of physicians use CF-WBI for more than 2/3 of women and 56% never use HF-WBI. With respect to PBI, 62% of women preferred three-dimensional (3D)-PBI and 38% favor brachytherapy-PBI, whereas 36% of physicians offer 3D-PBI and 66% offer brachytherapy-PBI. 70% of women prefer once-daily RT over 10 days vs. twice-daily RT over 5 days. 55% of physicians who use PBI do not offer PBI on clinical trial. Conclusions: HF-WBI, while preferred by patients and supported by evidence, falls behind the unproven and less preferred strategy of PBI in clinical practice. There is a discrepancy between women's preferences for PBI modality and type of PBI offered by physicians. Further alignment is needed between practice patterns, patient preferences, and clinical evidence.

Hybrid perovskite resulting from the solid-state reaction between the organic cations and perovskite layers of alpha1-(Br-(CH(2))(2)-NH(3))(2)PbI(4).

Science.gov (United States)

Sourisseau, Sebastien; Louvain, Nicolas; Bi, Wenhua; Mercier, Nicolas; Rondeau, David; Buzaré, Jean-Yves; Legein, Christophe

2007-07-23

The alpha1-(Br-(CH(2))(2)-NH(3))(2)PbI(4) hybrid perovskite undergoes a solid-state transformation, that is, the reaction between the organic cations and the perovskite layers to give the new hybrid perovskite (Br-(CH(2))(2)-NH(3))(2-x)(I-(CH(2))(2)-NH(3))(x)PbBr(x)I(4-x), based on mixed halide inorganic layers. This transformation has been followed by a conventional powder X-ray diffraction system equipped with a super speed detector, and both solid-state (13)C NMR and ESI/MS measurements have been adopted in the estimation of the rate of halide substitution. The first reaction step leads to the special composition of x approximately 1 (A phase), while the complete substitution is not achieved even at elevated temperature (x(max) approximately 1.85 (B phase)). This unprecedented solid-state reaction between organic and inorganic components of a hybrid perovskite can be considered as a completely new strategy to achieve interesting hybrid perovskites.

Nanostructured TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3 heterojunction solar cells employing spiro-OMeTAD/Co-complex as hole-transporting material

KAUST Repository

Noh, Jun Hong

2013-01-01

For using 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N′-di-p- methoxyphenylamine)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD) as a hole conductor in solar cells, it is necessary to improve its charge-transport properties through electrochemical doping. With the aim of fabricating efficient mesoscopic TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3 heterojunction solar cells, we used tris[2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-4-tert- butylpyridine)cobalt(iii) tris(bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide)] (FK209) as a p-dopant for spiro-OMeTAD. The mixture of spiro-OMeTAD, FK209, lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Li-TFSI), and 4-tert-butylpyridine (TBP) exhibited significantly higher performance than mixtures of pristine spiro-OMeTAD, spiro-OMeTAD, and FK209, and spiro-OMeTAD, Li-TFSI, and TBP. Such a synergistic effect between the Co-complex and Li-TFSI in conjunction with spiro-OMeTAD effectively improved the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the fabricated solar cells. As a result, we achieved PCE of 10.4%, measured under standard solar conditions (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm-2). © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Revisiting Biomarkers of Total-Body and Partial-Body Exposure in a Baboon Model of Irradiation.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marco Valente

Full Text Available In case of a mass casualty radiation event, there is a need to distinguish total-body irradiation (TBI and partial-body irradiation (PBI to concentrate overwhelmed medical resources to the individuals that would develop an acute radiation syndrome (ARS and need hematologic support (i.e., mostly TBI victims. To improve the identification and medical care of TBI versus PBI individuals, reliable biomarkers of exposure could be very useful. To investigate this issue, pairs of baboons (n = 18 were exposed to different situations of TBI and PBI corresponding to an equivalent of either 5 Gy 60Co gamma irradiation (5 Gy TBI; 7.5 Gy left hemibody/2.5 right hemibody TBI; 5.55 Gy 90% PBI; 6.25 Gy 80% PBI; 10 Gy 50% PBI, 15 Gy 30% PBI or 2.5 Gy (2.5 Gy TBI; 5 Gy 50% PBI. More than fifty parameters were evaluated before and after irradiation at several time points up to 200 days. A partial least square discriminant analysis showed a good distinction of TBI from PBI situations that were equivalent to 5 Gy. Furthermore, all the animals were pooled in two groups, TBI (n = 6 and PBI (n = 12, for comparison using a logistic regression and a non parametric statistical test. Nine plasmatic biochemical markers and most of hematological parameters turned out to discriminate between TBI and PBI animals during the prodromal phase and the manifest illness phase. The most significant biomarkers were aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactico dehydrogenase, urea, Flt3-ligand, iron, C-reactive protein, absolute neutrophil count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for the early period, and Flt3-ligand, iron, platelet count, hemoglobin, monocyte count, absolute neutrophil count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for the ARS phase. These results suggest that heterogeneity could be distinguished within a range of 2.5 to 5 Gy TBI.

Cross-linked polybenzimidazole membranes for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells with dichloromethyl phosphinic acid as a cross-linker

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Noye, Pernille; Li, Qingfeng; Pan, Chao

2008-01-01

Phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes have been covalently cross-linked with dichloromethyl phosphinic acid (DCMP). FT-IR measurements showed new bands originating from bonds between the hydrogen bearing nitrogen in the imidazole group of PBI and the CH2 group in DCMP. The produ......Phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes have been covalently cross-linked with dichloromethyl phosphinic acid (DCMP). FT-IR measurements showed new bands originating from bonds between the hydrogen bearing nitrogen in the imidazole group of PBI and the CH2 group in DCMP.......e. within the temperature range of operation of PBI-based fuel cells....

Synthesis, structural, thermal and optical studies of inorganic-organic hybrid semiconductors, R-PbI4

Science.gov (United States)

Pradeesh, K.; Nageswara Rao, K.; Vijaya Prakash, G.

2013-02-01

Wide varieties of naturally self-assembled two-dimensional inorganic-organic (IO) hybrid semiconductors, (4-ClC6H4NH3)2PbI4, (C6H9C2H4NH3)2PbI4, (CnH2n+1NH3)2PbI4 (where n = 12, 16, 18), (CnH2n-1NH3)2PbI4 (where n = 3, 4, 5), (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4, NH3(CH2)12NH3PbI4, and (C4H3SC2H4NH3)2PbI4, were fabricated by intercalating structurally diverse organic guest moieties into lead iodide perovskite structure. The crystal packing of all these fabricated IO-hybrids comprises of well-ordered organic and inorganic layers, stacked-up alternately along c-axis. Almost all these hybrids are thermally stable upto 200 °C and show strong room-temperature exciton absorption and photoluminescence features. These strongly confined optical excitons are highly influenced by structural deformation of PbI matrix due to the conformation of organic moiety. A systematic correlation of optical exciton behavior of IO-hybrids with the organic/inorganic layer thicknesses, intercalating organic moieties, and various structural disorders were discussed. This systematic study clearly suggests that the PbI layer crumpling is directly responsible for the tunability of optical exciton energy.

SKPM study on organic-inorganic perovskite materials

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Song, Kena; Wu, Yinghui; Chen, Xi; He, Yi; Liu, Liyu; Chen, Guo; Liu, Ruchuan

2018-03-01

We report Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Kelvin Probe Microscopy (SKPM) studies on the surface morphology and surface potential properties of CH3NH3PbI3, CH3NH3PbI3-xClx, CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx and CH3NH3PbBr3-xClx, respectively. For CH3NH3PbI3 rod structure, its surface potential is independent of the precursor concentration, suggesting a robust electronic feature. Surface potential studies of CH3NH3PbI3 particle reveal that the Fermi level within CH3NH3PbI3 is strongly influenced by the substrate. In the case of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx, its surface potential depends on precursor concentrations and we suspect that chlorine concentrated solutions might lead to more chlorine incorporation in the final products, thus lowering its Fermi level. Also, we studied the surface potentials of CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx and CH3NH3PbBr3-xClxwith specified halide ratios. The surface potential differences between different samples are related to their work function variations. These results are helpful to the understanding of the structural and electronic properties of perovskite materials.

Organic/inorganic composite membranes based on polybenzimidazole and nano-SiO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pu Hongting; Liu Lu; Chang Zhihong; Yuan Junjie

2009-01-01

Organic/inorganic composite membranes based on polybenzimidazole (PBI) and nano-SiO 2 were prepared in this work. However, the preparation of PBI/SiO 2 composite membrane is not easy since PBI is insoluble in water, while nano-SiO 2 is hydrophilic due to the hydrophilicity of nano-SiO 2 and water-insolubility of PBI. Thus, a solvent-exchange method was employed to prepare the composite membrane. The morphology of the composite membranes was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was revealed that inorganic particles were dispersed homogenously in the PBI matrix. The thermal stability of the composite membrane is higher than that of pure PBI, both for doped and undoped membranes. PBI/SiO 2 composite membranes with up to 15 wt% SiO 2 exhibited improved mechanical properties compared with PBI membranes. The proton conductivity of the composite membranes containing phosphoric acid was studied. The nano-SiO 2 in the composite membranes enhanced the ability to trap phosphoric acid, which improved the proton conductivity of the composite membranes. The membrane with 15 wt% of inorganic material is oxidatively stable and has a proton conductivity of 3.9 x 10 -3 S/cm at 180 deg. C.

Interface electronic properties of co-evaporated MAPbI3 on ZnO(0001): In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhou, Xianzhong; Li, Xiaoli; Huang, Feng; Zhong, Dingyong; Liu, Yuan

2016-01-01

In this work, the interface electronic properties of ZnO(0001)/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 were investigated by both X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. The CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 thin films were grown on single crystalline ZnO(0001) substrate in situ by co-evaporation of PbI 2 and CH 3 NH 3 I at room temperature with various thickness from 1.5 nm to 190 nm. It was found that the conduction band minimum of ZnO lies 0.3 eV below that of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 , while the valence band maximum of ZnO lies 2.1 eV below that of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 , implying that the electrons can be effectively transported from CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 to ZnO, and the holes can be blocked in the same time. A PbI 2 rich layer was initially formed at the interface of ZnO(0001)/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 during the growth. As a consequence, an interface barrier was built up which may prevent the electron transport at the interface.

Exciton versus Free Carrier Photogeneration in Organometal Trihalide Perovskites Probed by Broadband Ultrafast Polarization Memory Dynamics

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Sheng, ChuanXiang; Zhang, Chuang; Zhai, Yaxin; Mielczarek, Kamil; Wang, Weiwei; Ma, Wanli; Zakhidov, Anvar; Vardeny, Z. Valy

2015-03-01

We studied the ultrafast transient response of photoexcitations in two hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite films used for high efficiency photovoltaic cells, namely, CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3PbI1.1Br1.9 using polarized broadband pump-probe spectroscopy in the spectral range of 0.3-2.7 eV with 300 fs time resolution. For CH3NH3PbI3 with above-gap excitation we found both photogenerated carriers and excitons, but only carriers are photogenerated with below-gap excitation. In contrast, mainly excitons are photogenerated in CH3NH3PbI1.1Br1.9 . Surprisingly, we also discovered in CH3NH3PbI3 , but not in CH3NH3PbI1.1Br1.9 , transient photoinduced polarization memory for both excitons and photocarriers, which is also reflected in the steady state photoluminescence. From the polarization memory dynamics we obtained the excitons diffusion constant in CH3NH3PbI3 , D ≈0.01 cm2 s-1 .

Tailoring Mixed-Halide, Wide-Gap Perovskites via Multistep Conversion Process

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bae, Dowon; Palmstrom, Axel; Roelofs, Katherine

2016-01-01

Wide-band-gap mixed-halide CH3NH3PbI3–XBrX-based solar cells have been prepared by means of a sequential spin-coating process. The spin-rate for PbI2 as well as its repetitive deposition are important in determining the cross-sectional shape and surface morphology of perovskite, and, consequently......, J–V performance. A perovskite solar cell converted from PbI2 with a dense bottom layer and porous top layer achieved higher device performance than those of analogue cells with a dense PbI2 top layer. This work demonstrates a facile way to control PbI2 film configuration and morphology simply...

Polybenzimidazole block copolymers for fuel cell: synthesis and studies of block length effects on nanophase separation, mechanical properties, and proton conductivity of PEM.

Science.gov (United States)

Maity, Sudhangshu; Jana, Tushar

2014-05-14

A series of meta-polybenzimidazole-block-para-polybenzimidazole (m-PBI-b-p-PBI), segmented block copolymers of PBI, were synthesized with various structural motifs and block lengths by condensing the diamine terminated meta-PBI (m-PBI-Am) and acid terminated para-PBI (p-PBI-Ac) oligomers. NMR studies and existence of two distinct glass transition temperatures (Tg), obtained from dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) results, unequivocally confirmed the formation of block copolymer structure through the current polymerization methodology. Appropriate and careful selection of oligomers chain length enabled us to tailor the block length of block copolymers and also to make varieties of structural motifs. Increasingly distinct Tg peaks with higher block length of segmented block structure attributed the decrease in phase mixing between the meta-PBI and para-PBI blocks, which in turn resulted into nanophase segregated domains. The proton conductivities of proton exchange membrane (PEM) developed from phosphoric acid (PA) doped block copolymer membranes were found to be increasing substantially with increasing block length of copolymers even though PA loading of these membranes did not alter appreciably with varying block length. For example when molecular weight (Mn) of blocks were increased from 1000 to 5500 then the proton conductivities at 160 °C of resulting copolymers increased from 0.05 to 0.11 S/cm. Higher block length induced nanophase separation between the blocks by creating less morphological barrier within the block which facilitated the movement of the proton in the block and hence resulting higher proton conductivity of the PEM. The structural varieties also influenced the phase separation and proton conductivity. In comparison to meta-para random copolymers reported earlier, the current meta-para segmented block copolymers were found to be more suitable for PBI-based PEM.

A Feasible and Effective Post-Treatment Method for High-Quality CH3NH3PbI3 Films and High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yaxiao Jiang

2018-01-01

Full Text Available The morphology control of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3 thin-film is crucial for the high-efficiency perovskite solar cells, especially for their planar structure devices. Here, a feasible and effective post-treatment method is presented to improve the quality of MAPbI3 films by using methylamine (CH3NH2 vapor. This post-treatment process is studied thoroughly, and the perovskite films with smooth surface, high preferential growth orientation and large crystals are obtained after 10 s treatment in MA atmosphere. It enhances the light absorption, and increases the recombination lifetime. Ultimately, the power conversion efficiency (PCE of 15.3% for the FTO/TiO2/MAPbI3/spiro-OMeTAD/Ag planar architecture solar cells is achieved in combination with this post-treatment method. It represents a 40% improvement in PCE compared to the best control cell. Moreover, the whole post-treatment process is simple and cheap, which only requires some CH3NH2 solution in absolute ethanol. It is beneficial to control the reaction rate by changing the volume of the solution. Therefore, we are convinced that the post-treatment method is a valid and essential approach for the fabrication of high-efficiency perovskite solar cells.

Electrochemical gate-controlled electron transport of redox-active single perylene bisimide molecular junctions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, C; Mishchenko, A; Li, Z; Pobelov, I; Wandlowski, Th; Li, X Q; Wuerthner, F; Bagrets, A; Evers, F

2008-01-01

We report a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiment in an electrochemical environment which studies a prototype molecular switch. The target molecules were perylene tetracarboxylic acid bisimides modified with pyridine (P-PBI) and methylthiol (T-PBI) linker groups and with bulky tert-butyl-phenoxy substituents in the bay area. At a fixed bias voltage, we can control the transport current through a symmetric molecular wire Au|P-PBI(T-PBI)|Au by variation of the electrochemical 'gate' potential. The current increases by up to two orders of magnitude. The conductances of the P-PBI junctions are typically a factor 3 larger than those of T-PBI. A theoretical analysis explains this effect as a consequence of shifting the lowest unoccupied perylene level (LUMO) in or out of the bias window when tuning the electrochemical gate potential VG. The difference in on/off ratios reflects the variation of hybridization of the LUMO with the electrode states with the anchor groups. I T -E S(T) curves of asymmetric molecular junctions formed between a bare Au STM tip and a T-PBI (P-PBI) modified Au(111) electrode in an aqueous electrolyte exhibit a pronounced maximum in the tunneling current at -0.740, which is close to the formal potential of the surface-confined molecules. The experimental data were explained by a sequential two-step electron transfer process

Post-boosting of classification boundary for imbalanced data using geometric mean.

Science.gov (United States)

Du, Jie; Vong, Chi-Man; Pun, Chi-Man; Wong, Pak-Kin; Ip, Weng-Fai

2017-12-01

In this paper, a novel imbalance learning method for binary classes is proposed, named as Post-Boosting of classification boundary for Imbalanced data (PBI), which can significantly improve the performance of any trained neural networks (NN) classification boundary. The procedure of PBI simply consists of two steps: an (imbalanced) NN learning method is first applied to produce a classification boundary, which is then adjusted by PBI under the geometric mean (G-mean). For data imbalance, the geometric mean of the accuracies of both minority and majority classes is considered, that is statistically more suitable than the common metric accuracy. PBI also has the following advantages over traditional imbalance methods: (i) PBI can significantly improve the classification accuracy on minority class while improving or keeping that on majority class as well; (ii) PBI is suitable for large data even with high imbalance ratio (up to 0.001). For evaluation of (i), a new metric called Majority loss/Minority advance ratio (MMR) is proposed that evaluates the loss ratio of majority class to minority class. Experiments have been conducted for PBI and several imbalance learning methods over benchmark datasets of different sizes, different imbalance ratios, and different dimensionalities. By analyzing the experimental results, PBI is shown to outperform other imbalance learning methods on almost all datasets. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epoxides cross-linked hexafluoropropylidene polybenzimidazole membranes for application as high temperature proton exchange membranes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Jingshuai; Xu, Yixin; Liu, Peipei; Gao, Liping; Che, Quantong; He, Ronghuan

2015-01-01

Covalently cross-linked hexafluoropropylidene polybenzimidazole (F 6 PBI) was prepared and used to fabricate high temperature proton exchange membranes with enhanced mechanical strength against thermoplastic distortion. Three different epoxides, i.e. bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (R 1 ), bisphenol A propoxylate diglycidyl ether (R 2 ) and poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (R 3 ), were chosen as the cross-linkers to investigate the influence of their structures on the properties of the cross-linked F 6 PBI membranes. All the cross-linked F 6 PBI membranes displayed excellent stability towards the radical oxidation. Comparing with the pure F 6 PBI membrane, the cross-linked F 6 PBI membranes showed high acid doping level but less swelling after doping phosphoric acid at elevated temperatures. The mechanical strength at 130 °C was improved from 0.4 MPa for F 6 PBI membrane to a range of 0.8–2.0 MPa for the cross-linked F 6 PBI membranes with an acid doping level as high as around 14, especially for that crosslinking with the epoxide (R 3 ), which has a long linear structure of alkyl ether. The proton conductivity of the cross-linked membranes was increased accordingly due to the high acid doping levels. Fuel cell tests demonstrated the technical feasibility of the acid doped cross-linked F 6 PBI membranes for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Fluorescent labelling of DNA on superparamagnetic nanoparticles by a perylene bisimide derivative for cell imaging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maltas, Esra, E-mail: maltasesra@gmail.com [Selcuk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 42075 Konya (Turkey); Malkondu, Sait [Selcuk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 42075 Konya (Turkey); Uyar, Pembegul [Selcuk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, 42075 Konya (Turkey); Selcuk University, Advanced Technology Research and Application Center, Konya (Turkey); Ozmen, Mustafa [Selcuk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 42075 Konya (Turkey)

2015-03-01

N,N′-Bis[tris-(2-aminoethyl) amine]-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PBI-TRIS), nonfluorescent dye was used to fluorescent labelling of DNA. For this aim, (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTS) modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesized to provide a suitable surface for binding of DNA. Amine functionalized nanoparticles showed a high immobilization capacity (82.70%) at 25 mg of nanoparticle concentration for Calf thymus DNA. Binding capacity of PBI-TRIS to DNA-SPION was also found as 1.93 μM on 25 mg of nanoparticles by using UV–vis spectroscopy. Binding of PBI-TRIS to DNA onto nanoparticles was also characterized by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The confocal images of PBI-TRIS labelled DNA-SPION and breast cells were taken at 488 and 561.7 nm of excitation wavelengths. Cell image was also compared with a commercial dye, DAPI at 403.7 nm of excitation wavelength. Results showed that PBI-TRIS can be used for cell staining. - Highlights: • Functionalized SPIONs were synthesized and treated with DNA. • The binding of PBI-TRIS with DNA was studied. • The image of PBI-TRIS labelled DNA-SPION was detected by a confocal microscope.

Fluorescent labelling of DNA on superparamagnetic nanoparticles by a perylene bisimide derivative for cell imaging

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maltas, Esra; Malkondu, Sait; Uyar, Pembegul; Ozmen, Mustafa

2015-01-01

N,N′-Bis[tris-(2-aminoethyl) amine]-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PBI-TRIS), nonfluorescent dye was used to fluorescent labelling of DNA. For this aim, (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTS) modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesized to provide a suitable surface for binding of DNA. Amine functionalized nanoparticles showed a high immobilization capacity (82.70%) at 25 mg of nanoparticle concentration for Calf thymus DNA. Binding capacity of PBI-TRIS to DNA-SPION was also found as 1.93 μM on 25 mg of nanoparticles by using UV–vis spectroscopy. Binding of PBI-TRIS to DNA onto nanoparticles was also characterized by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The confocal images of PBI-TRIS labelled DNA-SPION and breast cells were taken at 488 and 561.7 nm of excitation wavelengths. Cell image was also compared with a commercial dye, DAPI at 403.7 nm of excitation wavelength. Results showed that PBI-TRIS can be used for cell staining. - Highlights: • Functionalized SPIONs were synthesized and treated with DNA. • The binding of PBI-TRIS with DNA was studied. • The image of PBI-TRIS labelled DNA-SPION was detected by a confocal microscope

Ba2+ Doped CH3NH3PbI3 to Tune the Energy State and Improve the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Hanbing; Shang, Ming-hui; Zheng, Xiaoying; Zeng, Zhaobing; Chen, Renjie; Zhang, Ying; Zhang, Jing; Zhu, Yuejin

2017-01-01

Highlights: •Ba doping enlarges the energy band gap of MAPb 1-x Ba x I 3 . •Voc and Jsc are enhanced in perovskite solar cells. •DFT calculation proves the experiment results. -- Abstract: Elements substitution and doping in perovskite CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 exhibit versatile tunability of energy band structure and opto-electric properties. Ba 2+ is chosen to substitute Pb 2+ for its similar valence state and ionic radius with Pb 2+ . Ba 2+ doping in perovskite (mol% <5) slightly enlarges the optic energy gap by conduction band minimum(CBM) upshifting to vacuum energy level, which is due to the smaller electronegativity of Ba than Pb. The enlarged band gap is also verified by density function theory calculations. In n-i-p structure perovskite solar cells (PSCs), because of the higher CBM of doped perovskite, the Fermi energy difference between n and p side is enlarged and the electron injection from the perovskite to TiO 2 is improved. Thus, both the photovoltage and photocurrent are improved by small amount Ba 2+ doping, resulting optimized 17.4% efficiency under AM1.5. This work reveals the relationship between the doping element property and the energy band structure of the perovskite, and highlights the doping method to improve the performance of PSCs.

Validation of the Malay Version of the Parental Bonding Instrument among Malaysian Youths Using Exploratory Factor Analysis

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MUHAMMAD, Noor Azimah; SHAMSUDDIN, Khadijah; OMAR, Khairani; SHAH, Shamsul Azhar; MOHD AMIN, Rahmah

2014-01-01

Background: Parenting behaviour is culturally sensitive. The aims of this study were (1) to translate the Parental Bonding Instrument into Malay (PBI-M) and (2) to determine its factorial structure and validity among the Malaysian population. Methods: The PBI-M was generated from a standard translation process and comprehension testing. The validation study of the PBI-M was administered to 248 college students aged 18 to 22 years. Results: Participants in the comprehension testing had difficulty understanding negative items. Five translated double negative items were replaced with five positive items with similar meanings. Exploratory factor analysis showed a three-factor model for the PBI-M with acceptable reliability. Four negative items (items 3, 4, 8, and 16) and item 19 were omitted from the final PBI-M list because of incorrect placement or low factor loading (overprotection factor. All the items loaded positively on their respective factors. Conclusion: The Malaysian population favoured positive items in answering questions. The PBI-M confirmed the three-factor model that consisted of care, autonomy and overprotection. The PBI-M is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the Malaysian parenting style. Confirmatory factor analysis may further support this finding. Keywords: Malaysia, parenting, questionnaire, validity PMID:25977634

Bonding and expressed emotion: two interlinked concepts?

Science.gov (United States)

Duclos, Jeanne; Maria, Anne-Solène; Dorard, Géraldine; Curt, Florence; Apfel, Alexandre; Vibert, Sarah; Rein, Zoé; Perdereau, Fabienne; Godart, Nathalie

2013-01-01

Bonding and expressed emotion (EE) are two concepts modeling family relationships. Two studies, with contradictory results, have explored whether these concepts and their corresponding instruments [the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) and the Camberwell Family Interview] do indeed measure the same aspects of family relationships. Our first objective was to compare the adolescents' perceptions of family relationships using the PBI, and the parental viewpoint using the Five-Minute Speech Sample (FMSS-EE). Secondly, we compared the PBI scores and EE levels of the parents. Sixty adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa completed the PBI. The FMSS and a modified version of the PBI were administered to parents separately. No significant link was identified between adolescent PBI scores and parental EE levels. However, a link between maternal 'modified' PBI scores and maternal EE was observed: when mothers registered a high Final EE, they were more likely to deny their daughter's psychological autonomy compared to mothers with lower EE. Our empirical results do not support the hypothesis of an overlap between the two concepts. Indeed bonding and EE measure the same object, i.e. the quality of family relationships, but time scales differ and so do the perspectives (patient vs. parental viewpoint). Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

A Prospective Study of the Utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Determining Candidacy for Partial Breast Irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dorn, Paige L.; Al-Hallaq, Hania A.; Haq, Farah; Goldberg, Mira [Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (United States); Abe, Hiroyuki [Department of Radiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (United States); Hasan, Yasmin [Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (United States); Chmura, Steven J., E-mail: schmura@radonc.uchicago.edu [Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (United States)

2013-03-01

Purpose: Retrospective data have demonstrated that breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may change a patient's eligibility for partial breast irradiation (PBI) by identifying multicentric, multifocal, or contralateral disease. The objective of the current study was to prospectively determine the frequency with which MRI identifies occult disease and to establish clinical factors associated with a higher likelihood of MRI prompting changes in PBI eligibility. Methods and Materials: At The University of Chicago, women with breast cancer uniformly undergo MRI in addition to mammography and ultrasonography. From June 2009 through May 2011, all patients were screened prospectively in a multidisciplinary conference for PBI eligibility based on standard imaging, and the impact of MRI on PBI eligibility according to National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project protocol B-39/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group protocol 0413 entry criteria was recorded. Univariable analysis was performed using clinical characteristics in both the prospective cohort and in a separate cohort of retrospectively identified patients. Pooled analysis was used to derive a scoring index predictive of the risk that MRI would identify additional disease. Results: A total of 521 patients were screened for PBI eligibility, and 124 (23.8%) patients were deemed eligible for PBI based on standard imaging. MRI findings changed PBI eligibility in 12.9% of patients. In the pooled univariable analysis, tumor size ≥2 cm on mammography or ultrasonography (P=.02), age <50 years (P=.01), invasive lobular histology (P=.01), and HER-2/neu amplification (P=.01) were associated with a higher likelihood of MRI changing PBI eligibility. A predictive score was generated by summing the number of significant risk factors. Patients with a score of 0, 1, 2, and 3 had changes to eligibility based on MRI findings in 2.8%, 13.2%, 38.1%, and 100%, respectively (P<.0001). Conclusions: MRI identified additional

Systematic characterization of HT PEMFCs containing PBI/H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} systems. Thermodynamic analysis and experimental investigations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bandlamudi, George Chakravarthy

2011-07-01

High temperature PEMFCs (HT PEMFCs), operating at 120 C - 200 C are rather new and offer tremendous advantages. For instance fuel cells operating at > 100 C reduce issues related to water management substantially. Circulating excess heat energy from such fuel cells into other system processes where heat is needed would be much more practical (due to higher {delta}T) compared to the standard LT PEMFCs where the produced heat has less than 90 C (lower {delta}T). Higher tolerance to fuel impurities such as CO, by these HT PEMFCs has made them very practical for many applications. Although PBI/H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} based membranes have been explored for use in PEMFCs from the early 1990s, only recently PEMEAS (currently BASF) has marketed them as commercially available MEAs. Besides, some companies such as Sartorius (currently Elcomax) and Fuma Tech of Germany, Danish Power Systems of Denmark are offering HT-MEAs on a commercial basis. Although some issues remain, such as development of durable and low cost catalyst and catalyst support materials, acid management, the rapid development of membranes and MEAs has been motivated by a huge demand from many a market. Recently, DLR in Germany has tested its pilot airplane (Antares) fully operated with a HT PEMFC stack (with on-board H{sub 2} bottle). ClearEdge Power in Portland, USA has been developing systems based on HT PEMFC technology to be deployed in the US as well as in South Korean households. Many more companies are increasingly interested in this technology due to the many fold advantages it has to offer. This work is aimed at elucidating this HT PEMFC technology, in terms of giving an in-depth view of what it means to operate a HT PEMFC. (orig.)

Development and validation of the Patient Benefit Index for peripheral arterial disease.

Science.gov (United States)

Zander, Nicole; Demirel, Ebru-Berrin; Augustin, Matthias; Sommer, Rachel; Debus, Eike Sebastian; Breuer, Peter; Blome, Christine

2018-01-25

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a specific Patient Benefit Index (PBI) version for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A non-interventional longitudinal development study was conducted. The first phase comprised a qualitative pre-study with n = 50 patients, in which the PBI was adapted for peripheral arterial disease. The resulting Patient Benefit Index for peripheral arterial disease (PBI-PAD) was validated in the second phase at two points of measurement. The total PBI-PAD score was calculated by weighting item-wise the achievement of treatment goals with the initially assessed needs. Feasibility, internal consistency, and construct validity were analysed and the generic three level version of the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) and the disease-specific instrument Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire (VascuQoL) were used for convergent validation. In the pre-study, the PBI-PAD, consisting of 12 items, was developed. N = 103 patients participated in the main study. At T2, data were available for n = 57 patients. Mean age was 71.0 years ± 9.1 and 66.7 % of the participants were male. The amount of missing values of the PBI-PAD score was low (PBI (needs at T1 and benefits at T2) were internally consistent with Cronbach's alpha > 0.7. PBI-PAD total score correlated significantly with the T2-T1-differences of the EuroQol-visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) (r = 0.4, p = 0.007) and the Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire (r = 0.5, p PBI-PAD is a feasible, internally consistent, and valid instrument to assess patient-relevant benefits in PAD patients receiving minimally invasive treatment or surgical procedures. It can be recommended for use in routine care as well as in clinical studies.

Proton conductivity of phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole and its composites with inorganic proton conductors

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

He, Ronghuan; Qingfeng, Li; Gang, Xiao

2003-01-01

Phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) and PBI composite membranes have been prepared in the present work. The PBI composites contain inorganic proton conductors including zirconium phosphate (ZrP), (Zr(HPO4)2·nH2O), phosphotungstic acid (PWA), (H3PW12O40·nH2O) and silicotungstic acid (Si...

A Persian version of the parental bonding instrument: factor structure and psychometric properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Behzadi, Behnaz; Parker, Gordon

2015-02-28

The Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) is a widely used self-report measure for quantifying key parenting styles as perceived by the child during its first 16 years. While its development study identified two key parental dimensions, subsequent studies have variably confirmed those two or argued for one or more additional parental constructs. We developed a Persian translation of the PBI and administered it to a sample of 340 high school students. The construct validity of the Persian PBI was examined by Exploratory Factor Analysis while Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to identify the most adequate model. Analyses of the Persian PBI favored a four-factor model for both parental forms. The Persian PBI has a factorial structure consistent with constructs identified in western cultures, as well as high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Multivariate analyses indicated significant differences between boys and girls across some factors. The PBI appears an acceptable and appropriate measure for quantifying parent-child bonding in Iranian samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of ligand basicity and stereochemistry in the extraction of plutonium(IV) isoxazolonates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mohapatra, P.K.; Manchanda, V.K.

2003-01-01

The extraction behaviour of plutonium (IV) was investigated from nitric acid and perchloric acid using 3-phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolone (HPBI) as well as a mixture of HPBI and tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) in xylene. Studies on the binary extraction system Pu(IV)-HPBI indicated extraction of species of the type Pu(PBI) 4 . In the presence of TOPO, while species of the type Pu(PBI) 3 (ClO 4 ).(TOPO) and Pu(PBI) 4 .TOPO were co-extracted from perchloric acid medium, a mixture of Pu(PBI) 2 (NO 3 ) 2 .2TOPO, Pu(PBI) 3 (NO 3 ).(TOPO) and Pu(PBI) 4 .TOPO were co-extracted from nitric acid medium. In addition to the electronic factors, steric factors were found to play a significant role during the formation of binary/ternary/quaternary complexes. The steric hindrance due to the unusual conformation of the isoxazolone led to lowering of the equilibrium constants for both the binary and ternary extraction systems. Possible steric factor influences are explained with the help of molecular modelling. (orig.)

Novel polybenzimidazole derivatives for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications

Science.gov (United States)

Xiao, Lixiang

Recent advances have made polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) a leading alternative to internal combustion engines for both stationary and transportation applications. In particular, high temperature polymer electrolyte membranes operational above 120°C without humidification offer many advantages including fast electrode kinetics, high tolerance to fuel impurities and simple thermal and water management systems. A series of polybenzimidazole (PBI) derivatives including pyridine-based PBI (PPBI) and sulfonated PBI (SPBI) homopolymers and copolymers have been synthesized using polyphosphoric acid (PPA) as both solvent and polycondensation agent. High molecular weight PBI derivative polymers were obtained with well controlled backbone structures in terms of pyridine ring content, polymer backbone rigidity and degree of sulfonation. A novel process, termed the PPA process, has been developed to prepare phosphoric acid (PA) doped PBI membranes by direct-casting of the PPA polymerization solution without isolation or re-dissolution of the polymers. The subsequent hydrolysis of PPA to PA by moisture absorbed from the atmosphere usually induced a transition from the solution-like state to a gel-like state and produced PA doped PBI membranes with a desirable suite of physiochemical properties characterized by the PA doping levels, mechanical properties and proton conductivities. The effects of the polymer backbone structure on the polymer characteristics and membrane properties, i.e., the structure-property relationships of the PBI derivative polymers have been studied. The incorporation of additional basic nitrogen containing pyridine rings and sulfonic acid groups enhanced the polymer solubility in acid and dipolar solvents while retaining the inherently high thermal stability of the PBI heteroaromatic backbone. In particular, the degradation of the SPBI polymers with reasonable high molecular weights commenced above 450°C, notably higher than other

Benchtop evaluation of pressure barrier insufflator and standard insufflator systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Nepple, Kenneth G; Kallogjeri, Dorina; Bhayani, Sam B

2013-01-01

Previous experimental research has reported minimal differences in pressure maintenance between different versions of standard insufflators (SI). However, a recent report identified potential clinical benefits with a valveless pressure barrier insufflator (PBI). We sought to perform a benchtop objective evaluation of SI and PBI systems. A rigid box system with continuous pressure manometry was used to evaluate a PBI (Surgiquest Airseal) and two SIs (SI1 = Stryker PneumoSure High Flow Insufflator and SI2 = Storz SCB Thermoflator). Pressure maintenance of 15 mmHg was evaluated during experimental conditions of leakage from a 5 mm port site, leakage from a 12 mm port site, and continuous suction. With leakage from the 5 mm port site, the PBI maintained pressure of >13 mmHg whereas the pressures dropped moderately with the SI1 (7-13 mmHg) and SI2 insufflators (3-7 mmHg) and did not regain goal pressure until leakage was stopped. With leakage from 12 mm port site, the PBI pressure decreased to 9-11 mmHg, whereas the SI1 and SI2 lost insufflation pressures completely. The PBI maintained pressure of >11 mmHg during continuous suction while the SI1 and SI2 lost pressure entirely, and actually showed negative pressure from air suction into the rigid box system. When evaluated statistically with the mixed model repeated measures ANOVA, the SI1 and SI2 performed similarly while the PBI maintained increased pressure. In the experimental rigid box system, the PBI more successfully maintained pressure in response to leakage and suction than SIs.

Photocurrent Spectroscopy of Perovskite Layers and Solar Cells: A Sensitive Probe of Material Degradation

KAUST Repository

Holovský , Jakub; De Wolf, Stefaan; Werner, Jé ré mie; Remeš, Zdeněk; Mü ller, Martin; Neykova, Neda; Ledinský , Martin; Černá , Ladislava; Hrzina, Pavel; Lö per, Philipp; Niesen, Bjoern; Ballif, Christophe

2017-01-01

Optical absorptance spectroscopy of polycrystalline CHNHPbI films usually indicates the presence of a PbI phase, either as a preparation residue or due to film degradation, but gives no insight on how this may affect electrical properties. Here, we apply photocurrent spectroscopy to both perovskite solar cells and coplanar-contacted layers at various stages of degradation. In both cases, we find that the presence of a PbI phase restricts charge-carrier transport, suggesting that PbI encapsulates CHNHPbI grains. We also find that PbI injects holes into the CHNHPbI grains, increasing the apparent photosensitivity of PbI. This phenomenon, known as modulation doping, is absent in the photocurrent spectra of solar cells, where holes and electrons have to be collected in pairs. This interpretation provides insights into the photogeneration and carrier transport in dual-phase perovskites.

Photocurrent Spectroscopy of Perovskite Layers and Solar Cells: A Sensitive Probe of Material Degradation

KAUST Repository

Holovský, Jakub

2017-01-25

Optical absorptance spectroscopy of polycrystalline CHNHPbI films usually indicates the presence of a PbI phase, either as a preparation residue or due to film degradation, but gives no insight on how this may affect electrical properties. Here, we apply photocurrent spectroscopy to both perovskite solar cells and coplanar-contacted layers at various stages of degradation. In both cases, we find that the presence of a PbI phase restricts charge-carrier transport, suggesting that PbI encapsulates CHNHPbI grains. We also find that PbI injects holes into the CHNHPbI grains, increasing the apparent photosensitivity of PbI. This phenomenon, known as modulation doping, is absent in the photocurrent spectra of solar cells, where holes and electrons have to be collected in pairs. This interpretation provides insights into the photogeneration and carrier transport in dual-phase perovskites.

Does Three-Dimensional External Beam Partial Breast Irradiation Spare Lung Tissue Compared With Standard Whole Breast Irradiation?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jain, Anudh K.; Vallow, Laura A.; Gale, Ashley A.; Buskirk, Steven J.

2009-01-01

Purpose: To determine whether three-dimensional conformal partial breast irradiation (3D-PBI) spares lung tissue compared with whole breast irradiation (WBI) and to include the biologically equivalent dose (BED) to account for differences in fractionation. Methods and Materials: Radiotherapy treatment plans were devised for WBI and 3D-PBI for 25 consecutive patients randomized on the NSABP B-39/RTOG 0413 protocol at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. WBI plans were for 50 Gy in 25 fractions, and 3D-PBI plans were for 38.5 Gy in 10 fractions. Volume of ipsilateral lung receiving 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 Gy was recorded for each plan. The linear quadratic equation was used to calculate the corresponding dose delivered in 10 fractions and volume of ipsilateral lung receiving these doses was recorded for PBI plans. Ipsilateral mean lung dose was recorded for each plan and converted to BED. Results: There was a significant decrease in volume of lung receiving 20 Gy with PBI (median, 4.4% vs. 7.5%; p 3 vs 4.85 Gy 3 , p = 0.07). PBI plans exposed more lung to 2.5 and 5 Gy. Conclusions: 3D-PBI exposes greater volumes of lung tissue to low doses of radiation and spares the amount of lung receiving higher doses when compared with WBI.

Growth and characterisation of lead iodide single crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tonn, Justus

2012-01-01

The work in hand deals with the growth and characterisation of lead iodide (PbI 2 ) single crystals. PbI 2 is regarded as a promising candidate for low-noise X- and gamma ray detection at room temperature. Its benefits if compared to conventional materials like HgI 2 , CdTe, Si, or GaAs lie in a band gap energy of 2.32 eV, an excellent ability to absorb radiation, and a high electrical resistivity. For an application of PbI 2 as detector material the growth and characterisation of crystals with high chemical and structural quality is extremely challenging. In light of this, the effectiveness of zone purification of the PbI 2 used for crystal growth was confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. Furthermore, technological aspects during processing of purified PbI 2 were investigated. With the help of thermal analysis, a correlation was found between the degree of exposing the source material to oxygen from the air and the structural quality of the resulting crystals. A hydrogen treatment was applied to PbI 2 as an effective method for the removal of oxidic pollutions, which resulted in a significant reduction of structural defects like polytypic growth and stress-induced cracking. The growth of PbI 2 single crystals was, among others, carried out by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. In this context, much effort was put on the investigation of influences resulting from the design and preparation of ampoules. For the first time, crystal growth of PbI 2 was also carried out by the Czochralski method. If compared to the Bridgman-Stockbarger method, the Czochralski technique allowed a significantly faster growth of nearly crack-free crystals with a reproducible predetermination of crystallographic orientation. By an optimised sample preparation of PbI 2 , surface orientations perpendicular to the usually cleaved (0001) plane were realised. It is now possible to determine the material properties along directions which were so far not accessible. Thus, for example, the ratio of

Quantitative Assessment of Degenerative Cartilage and Subchondral Bony Lesions in a Preserved Cadaveric Knee: Propagation-Based Phase-Contrast CT Versus Conventional MRI and CT.

Science.gov (United States)

Geith, Tobias; Brun, Emmanuel; Mittone, Alberto; Gasilov, Sergei; Weber, Loriane; Adam-Neumair, Silvia; Bravin, Alberto; Reiser, Maximilian; Coan, Paola; Horng, Annie

2018-04-09

The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone conditions in a fully preserved cadaveric human knee joint using high-resolution x-ray propagation-based phase-contrast imaging (PBI) CT and to compare the performance of the new technique with conventional CT and MRI. A cadaveric human knee was examined using an x-ray beam of 60 keV, a detector with a 90-mm 2 FOV, and a pixel size of 46 × 46 μm 2 . PBI CT images were reconstructed with both the filtered back projection algorithm and the equally sloped tomography method. Conventional 3-T MRI and CT were also performed. Measurements of cartilage thickness, cartilage lesions, International Cartilage Repair Society scoring, and detection of subchondral bone changes were evaluated. Visual inspection of the specimen akin to arthroscopy was conducted and served as a standard of reference for lesion detection. Loss of cartilage height was visible on PBI CT and MRI. Quantification of cartilage thickness showed a strong correlation between the two modalities. Cartilage lesions appeared darker than the adjacent cartilage on PBI CT. PBI CT showed similar agreement to MRI for depicting cartilage substance defects or lesions compared with the visual inspection. The assessment of subchondral bone cysts showed moderate to strong agreement between PBI CT and CT. In contrast to the standard clinical methods of MRI and CT, PBI CT is able to simultaneously depict cartilage and bony changes at high resolution. Though still an experimental technique, PBI CT is a promising high-resolution imaging method to evaluate comprehensive changes of osteoarthritic disease in a clinical setting.

In Situ Formed Phosphoric Acid/Phosphosilicate Nanoclusters in the Exceptional Enhancement of Durability of Polybenzimidazole Membrane Fuel Cells at Elevated High Temperatures

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Zhang, Jin; Aili, David; Bradley, John

2017-01-01

-meso-silica. The results indicate that the optimum limit of PWA-meso-silica loading in the PA/PBI membranes is 15 wt%. Detaled analysis indicates that the mesoporous structure of the PWA-meso-silica framework disintegrates, forming phosphosilicate phases within the PBI polymeric matrix during fuel cell operation at 200°C......Most recently, we developed a phosphotungstic acid impregnated mesoporous silica (PWA-meso-silica) and phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PA/PBI) composite membrane for use in high temperature fuel cells and achieved exceptional durability under a constant current load of 200 mA cm−2 at 200°C...... for over 2700 h. In this work, the fundamental role of PWA-meso-silica in enhancing the stability of the PA/PBI membrane has been investigated. The microstructure, the PA uptake, swelling ratio, mechanical property and conductivity of PA/PBI/PWA-meso-silica composite membranes depend on the loading of PWA...

Case Report and Dosimetric Analysis of an Axillary Recurrence After Partial Breast Irradiation with Mammosite Catheter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shah, Anand P.; Dickler, Adam; Kirk, Michael C.; Chen, Sea S.; Strauss, Jonathan B.; Coon, Alan B.; Turian, Julius V.; Siziopikou, Kalliopi; Dowlat, Kambiz; Griem, Katherine L.

2008-01-01

Partial breast irradiation (PBI) was designed in part to decrease overall treatment times associated with whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT). WBRT treats the entire breast and usually portions of the axilla. The goal of PBI is to treat a smaller volume of breast tissue in less time, focusing the dose around the lumpectomy cavity. The following is a case of a 64-year-old woman with early-stage breast cancer treated with PBI who failed regionally in the ipsilateral axilla. With our dosimetric analysis, we found that the entire area of this axillary failure would have likely received at least 45 Gy if WBRT had been used, enough to sterilize microscopic disease. With PBI, this area received a mean dose of only 2.8 Gy, which raises the possibility that this regional failure may have been prevented had WBRT been used instead of PBI

Synergistic extraction of trivalent lanthanoids with 3-phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolone and various sulphoxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sahu, S.K.; Chakravortty, V.; Reddy, M.L.P.; Ramamohan, T.R.

1999-01-01

Synergistic extraction of trivalent lanthanoids Nd, Tb and Tm with mixtures of 3-phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolone (HPBI) and dioctyl sulphoxide (DOSO), bis-2-ethylhexyl sulphoxide (B2EHSO) or diphenyl sulphoxide (DPhSO) in xylene from perchlorate solution was investigated. Lanthanoids were found to be extracted as Ln(PBI) 3 with HPBI alone. In the presence of sulphoxides, Nd(III) was found to be extracted as Nd(PBI) 3 . S and Nd(PBI) 3 . 2 S (where S = sulphoxide). On the other hand, Tb(III) and Tm(III) were extracted as Tb(PBI) 3 . S and Tm(PBI) 3 . S respectively. The equilibrium constants of the synergistic species were found to increase monotonically with decreasing ionic radii of these metal ions. The addition of a sulphoxide to the metal chelate system not only enhances the extraction efficiency but also improves the selectivities among these trivalent lanthanoids. (orig.)

Validation of the Malay Version of the Parental Bonding Instrument among Malaysian Youths Using Exploratory Factor Analysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Muhammad, Noor Azimah; Shamsuddin, Khadijah; Omar, Khairani; Shah, Shamsul Azhar; Mohd Amin, Rahmah

2014-01-01

Parenting behaviour is culturally sensitive. The aims of this study were (1) to translate the Parental Bonding Instrument into Malay (PBI-M) and (2) to determine its factorial structure and validity among the Malaysian population. The PBI-M was generated from a standard translation process and comprehension testing. The validation study of the PBI-M was administered to 248 college students aged 18 to 22 years. Participants in the comprehension testing had difficulty understanding negative items. Five translated double negative items were replaced with five positive items with similar meanings. Exploratory factor analysis showed a three-factor model for the PBI-M with acceptable reliability. Four negative items (items 3, 4, 8, and 16) and item 19 were omitted from the final PBI-M list because of incorrect placement or low factor loading (parenting style. Confirmatory factor analysis may further support this finding. Malaysia, parenting, questionnaire, validity.

Polybenzimidazole Membranes Containing Benzimidazole Side Groups for High Temprature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Yang, Jingshuai; Li, Xueyuan; Xu, Yizin

2013-01-01

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) with a high molecular weight of 69,000 was first synthesized. It was afterwards grafted with benzimidazole pendant groups on the backbones. The acid doped benzimidaozle grafted PBI membranes were investigated and characterized including fuel cell tests at elevated temperat......Polybenzimidazole (PBI) with a high molecular weight of 69,000 was first synthesized. It was afterwards grafted with benzimidazole pendant groups on the backbones. The acid doped benzimidaozle grafted PBI membranes were investigated and characterized including fuel cell tests at elevated...... temperatures without humidification. At an acid doping level of 13.1 mol H3PO4 per average molar repeat unit, the PBI membranes with a benzimidazole grafting degree of 10.6% demonstrated a conductivity of 0.15 S cm-1 and a H2-air fuel cell peak power density of 378 mW cm-2 at 180 oC at ambient pressure without...

[Agrobacterium-mediated sunflower transformation (Helianthus annuus L.) in vitro and in Planta using strain of LBA4404 harboring binary vector pBi2E with dsRNA-suppressor proline dehydrogenase gene].

Science.gov (United States)

Tishchenko, E N; Komisarenko, A G; Mikhal'skaia, S I; Sergeeva, L E; Adamenko, N I; Morgun, B V; Kochetov, A V

2014-01-01

To estimate the efficiency of proline dehydrogenase gene suppression towards increasing of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) tolerance level to water deficit and salinity, we employed strain LBA4404 harboring pBi2E with double-stranded RNA-suppressor, which were prepared on basis arabidopsis ProDH1 gene. The techniques of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in vitro and in planta during fertilization sunflower have been proposed. There was shown the genotype-depended integration of T-DNA in sunflower genome. PCR-analysis showed that ProDH1 presents in genome of inbred lines transformed in planta, as well as in T1- and T2-generations. In trans-genic regenerants the essential accumulation of free L-proline during early stages of in vitro cultivation under normal conditions was shown. There was established the essential accumulation of free proline in transgenic regenerants during cultivation under lethal stress pressure (0.4 M mannitol and 2.0% sea water salts) and its decline upon the recovery period. These data are declared about effectiveness of suppression of sunflower ProDH and gene participation in processes connected with osmotolerance.

Enhancing the Durability and Carrier Selectivity of Perovskite Solar Cells Using a Blend Interlayer.

Science.gov (United States)

Sin, Dong Hun; Jo, Sae Byeok; Lee, Seung Goo; Ko, Hyomin; Kim, Min; Lee, Hansol; Cho, Kilwon

2017-05-31

A mechanically and thermally stable and electron-selective ZnO/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 interface is created via hybridization of a polar insulating polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), into ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). PEG successfully passivates the oxygen defects on ZnO and prevents direct contact between CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 and defects on ZnO. A uniform CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 film is formed on a soft ZnO:PEG layer after dispersion of the residual stress from the volume expansion during CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 conversion. PEG also increases the work of adhesion of the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 film on the ZnO:PEG layer and holds the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 film with hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, PEG tailors the interfacial electronic structure of ZnO, reducing the electron affinity of ZnO. As a result, a selective electron-collection cathode is formed with a reduced electron affinity and a deep-lying valence band of ZnO, which significantly enhances the carrier lifetime (473 μs) and photovoltaic performance (15.5%). The mechanically and electrically durable ZnO:PEG/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 interface maintains the sustainable performance of the solar cells over 1 year. A soft and durable cathodic interface via PEG hybridization in a ZnO layer is an effective strategy toward flexible electronics and commercialization of the perovskite solar cells.

Sythesis and investigation of m-carborane-containing polybenzimidazoles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Korshak, V.V.; Vagin, V.V.; Izyneev, A.A.; Bekasova, N.I.

1975-01-01

New m-carborane-containing polybenzimidazoles (PBI) have been obtained by chemical cyclization of m-carborane-containing polyaminoamides (PAA) with the N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone-sulphuric anhydride complex or polyphosphoric acid esters being used as the cyclodehydrating reagents. The obtained m-carborane-containing PAA and PBI have been tested for solubility, heat resistance and chemical stability. The structure of m-carborane-containing PBI has been determined by abalysis of their infrared spectra

Sythesis and investigation of m-carborane-containing polybenzimidazoles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Korshak, V V; Vagin, V V; Izyneev, A A; Bekasova, N I [AN SSSR, Moscow. Inst. Ehlementoorganicheskikh Soedinenij

1975-09-01

New m-carborane-containing polybenzimidazoles (PBI) have been obtained by chemical cyclization of m-carborane-containing polyaminoamides (PAA) with the N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone-sulphuric anhydride complex or polyphosphoric acid esters being used as the cyclodehydrating reagents. The obtained m-carborane-containing PAA and PBI have been tested for solubility, heat resistance and chemical stability. The structure of m-carborane-containing PBI has been determined by abalysis of their infrared spectra.

Classification System for Identifying Women at Risk for Altered Partial Breast Irradiation Recommendations After Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kowalchik, Kristin V.; Vallow, Laura A.; McDonough, Michelle; Thomas, Colleen S.; Heckman, Michael G.; Peterson, Jennifer L.; Adkisson, Cameron D.; Serago, Christopher; McLaughlin, Sarah A.

2013-01-01

Purpose: To study the utility of preoperative breast MRI for partial breast irradiation (PBI) patient selection, using multivariable analysis of significant risk factors to create a classification rule. Methods and Materials: Between 2002 and 2009, 712 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer underwent preoperative bilateral breast MRI at Mayo Clinic Florida. Of this cohort, 566 were retrospectively deemed eligible for PBI according to the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocol B-39 inclusion criteria using physical examination, mammogram, and/or ultrasound. Magnetic resonance images were then reviewed to determine their impact on patient eligibility. The patient and tumor characteristics were evaluated to determine risk factors for altered PBI eligibility after MRI and to create a classification rule. Results: Of the 566 patients initially eligible for PBI, 141 (25%) were found ineligible because of pathologically proven MRI findings. Magnetic resonance imaging detected additional ipsilateral breast cancer in 118 (21%). Of these, 62 (11%) had more extensive disease than originally noted before MRI, and 64 (11%) had multicentric disease. Contralateral breast cancer was detected in 28 (5%). Four characteristics were found to be significantly associated with PBI ineligibility after MRI on multivariable analysis: premenopausal status (P=.021), detection by palpation (P<.001), first-degree relative with a history of breast cancer (P=.033), and lobular histology (P=.002). Risk factors were assigned a score of 0-2. The risk of altered PBI eligibility from MRI based on number of risk factors was 0:18%; 1:22%; 2:42%; 3:65%. Conclusions: Preoperative bilateral breast MRI altered the PBI recommendations for 25% of women. Women who may undergo PBI should be considered for breast MRI, especially those with lobular histology or with 2 or more of the following risk factors: premenopausal, detection by palpation, and first-degree relative with a history of

Isolation of the endosperm-specific LPAAT gene promoter from coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and its functional analysis in transgenic rice plants.

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Li; Ye, Rongjian; Zheng, Yusheng; Wang, Zhekui; Zhou, Peng; Lin, Yongjun; Li, Dongdong

2010-09-01

As one of the key tropical crops, coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a member of the monocotyledonous family Aracaceae (Palmaceae). In this study, we amplified the upstream region of an endosperm-specific expression gene, Lysophosphatidyl acyltransferase (LPAAT), from the coconut genomic DNA by chromosome walking. In this sequence, we found several types of promoter-related elements including TATA-box, CAAT-box and Skn1-motif. In order to further examine its function, three different 5'-deletion fragments were inserted into pBI101.3, a plant expression vector harboring the LPAAT upstream sequence, leading to pBI101.3-L1, pBI101.3-L2 and pBI101.3-L3, respectively. We obtained transgenic plants of rice by Agrobacterium-mediated callus transformation and plant regeneration and detected the expression of gus gene by histochemical staining and fluorometric determination. We found that gus gene driven by the three deletion fragments was specifically expressed in the endosperm of rice seeds, but not in the empty vector of pBI101.3 and other tissues. The highest expression level of GUS was at 15 DAF in pBI101.3-L3 and pBI101.3-L2 transgenic lines, while the same level was detected at 10 DAF in pBI101.3-L1. The expression driven by the whole fragment was up to 1.76- and 2.8-fold higher than those driven by the -817 bp and -453 bp upstream fragments, and 10.7-fold higher than that driven by the vector without the promoter. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that these promoter fragments from coconut have a significant potential in genetically improving endosperm in main crops.

Nanostructured polyurethane perylene bisimide ester assemblies with tuneable morphology and enhanced stability

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xiaoxiao; Gong, Tingyuan; Chi, Hong; Li, Tianduo

2018-03-01

Size control has been successfully achieved in inorganic materials, but it remains a challenge in polymer nanomaterials due to their polydispersity. Here, we report a facile approach to tailor the diameters of polyurethane (PU) nanoparticles (490 nm, 820 nm and 2.1 µm) via perylene bisimide (PBI) assisted self-assembly. The formed morphologies such as spindle, spherical and core-shell structures depend on the ratio of PBI and polymer concentrations. It is shown that the formation of PU nanoparticles is directed by π-π stacking of PBI and the morphology transition is not only affected by the amount of PBI incorporated, but also influenced by solvent, which controls the initial evaporation balance. Furthermore, the prepared PUs exhibit retained optical stability and enhanced thermal stability. The PUs, designed to have conjugated PBI segments in backbones, were synthesized via ring-opening and condensation reactions. Compared with the neat PU, gel permeation chromatography shows narrower molecular weight distribution. Fluorescence spectra and ultraviolet-visible spectra indicate retained maximum emission wavelength of PBI at 574 nm and 5.2% quantum yields. Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry reveal 79°C higher decomposition temperature and 22°C higher glass transition temperature. This study provides a new way to fabricate well-defined nanostructures of functionalized PUs.

Biologic comparison of partial breast irradiation protocols

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rosenstein, Barry S.; Lymberis, Stella C.; Formenti, Silvia C.

2004-01-01

Purpose: To analyze the dose/fractionation schedules currently used in ongoing clinical trials of partial breast irradiation (PBI) by comparing their biologically effective dose (BED) values to those of three standard whole breast protocols commonly used after segmental mastectomy in the treatment of breast cancer. Methods and materials: The BED equation derived from the linear-quadratic model for radiation-induced cell killing was used to calculate the BEDs for three commonly used whole breast radiotherapy regimens, in addition to a variety of external beam radiotherapy, as well as high-dose-rate and low-dose-rate brachytherapy, PBI protocols. Results: The BED values of most PBI protocols resulted in tumor control BEDs roughly equivalent to a 50-Gy standard treatment, but consistently lower than the BEDs for regimens in which the tumor bed receives a total dose of either 60 Gy or 66 Gy. The BED values calculated for the acute radiation responses of erythema and desquamation were nearly all lower for the PBI schedules, and the late-response BEDs for most PBI regimens were in a similar range to the BEDs for the standard treatments. Conclusion: Biologically effective dose modeling raises the concern that inadequate doses might be delivered by PBI to ensure optimal in-field tumor control

CD64 on monocytes and granulocytes in severe acute bronchiolitis: Pilot study on its usefulness as a bacterial infection biomarker.

Science.gov (United States)

García-Salido, Alberto; Serrano-González, Ana; Casado-Flores, Juan; Sierra-Colomina, Montserrat; de Azagra-Garde, Amelia Martínez; García-Teresa, María Ángeles; Melen, Gustavo J; Ramírez-Orellana, Manuel

2018-02-27

The CD64 receptor has been described as a biomarker of bacterial infection. We speculated that CD64 surface expression on monocytes and granulocytes of children with severe acute bronchiolitis (SAB) could be altered in cases of probable bacterial infection (PBI) determined using classical biomarkers (procalcitonin and C-reactive protein, leukocyte count, and radiographic findings). A prospective observational pilot study was conducted from October 2015 to February 2016 in children admitted for pediatric critical care. A blood sample was taken in the first 24 hours of admission, and CD64 was measured by flow cytometry. The values obtained were analyzed and correlated with traditional biomarkers of PBI. Thirty-two children were included; a correlation was found between CD64 expression and the PBI criteria. CD64 surface expression was higher in children with PBI (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.73; P = 0.042) and the percentage of CD64 + granulocytes was higher in children with PBI. This is the first study to describe CD64 surface expression on monocytes and granulocytes in SAB, finding CD64 values to be higher in children with PBI. Larger clinical studies are needed to elucidate the real accuracy of CD64 as a biomarker of bacterial infection. ©2018 Society for Leukocyte Biology.

Porous polybenzimidazole membranes doped with phosphoric acid: Preparation and application in high-temperature proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Jin; Li, Xiaojin; Yu, Shuchun; Hao, Jinkai; Lu, Wangting; Shao, Zhigang; Yi, Baolian

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Porous polybenzimidazole membrane was prepared with glucose as porogen. • Phosphoric acid content was as high as 15.7 mol H 3 PO 4 per PBI repeat unit. • 200 h Constant current density test was carried out at 150 °C. • Degradation was due to the gap between membrane and catalyst layer. - Abstract: In this paper, the preparation and characterization of porous polybenzimidazole membranes doped with phosphoric acid were reported. For the preparation of porous polybenzimidazole membranes, glucose and saccharose were selected as porogen and added into PBI resin solution before solvent casting. The prepared porous PBI membranes had high proton conductivity and high content of acid doping at room temperature with 15.7 mol H 3 PO 4 per PBI repeat unit, much higher than pure PBI membrane at the same condition. Further, the performance and stability of the porous PBI membrane in high-temperature proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells was tested. It was found that the cell performance remained stable during 200 h stability test under a constant current discharge of 0.5 A cm −2 except for the last fifty hours. The decay in the last fifty hours was ascribed to the delamination between the catalyst layer and membrane increasing the charge-transfer resistance

Variable sources for Cretaceous to recent HIMU and HIMU-like intraplate magmatism in New Zealand

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

van der Meer, Quinten; Waight, Tod Earle; Scott, James

2017-01-01

–100Ma) calc-alkaline lamprophyres are compositionally similar to the preceding arc-magmatism (206Pb/204Pb(i)=18.6, 207Pb/204Pb(i)=15.62, 208Pb/204Pb(i)=38.6, 87Sr/86Sr(i)=0.7063–0.7074, εNd(i)=−2.1 −+0.1 and εHf(i)=−0.2 −+2.3) and are interpreted as melts originating from subduction-modified lithosphere....... Alkaline dikes erupted on the inboard Gondwana margin shortly after cessation of subduction (92–84Ma) have heterogeneous isotopic properties: 206Pb/204Pb(i)=18.7 to 19.4, 207Pb/204Pb(i)=15.60 to 15.65, 208Pb/204Pb(i)=38.6 to 39.4, 87Sr/86Sr(i)=0.7031 to 0.7068, εNd(i)=+4.5 to +8.0 and εHf(i)=+5.1 to +8...... from the complex local subduction history. A coeval episode of alkaline magmatism (mainly 98–82Ma) occurred outboard of Gondwana’s former active margin and on the Hikurangi oceanic plateau (accreted to Zealandia in the Early Cretaceous) with compositions closer to true HIMU (206Pb/204Pb(i)≈20.5, 207Pb...

Structural, optical and morphological studies of Cd2+ doping in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite semiconductor at Pb2+ site for photovoltaic applications

Science.gov (United States)

Parrey, Khursheed; Warish, Mohd.; Devi, Nisha; Niazi, A.; Aziz, A.; Ansari, S. G.

2018-05-01

Doping of semiconductors in a controlled mannner have paramount technological importance as far as the optical and electronic properties of the devices are concerned. Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOPs) as intrinsic semiconductors have sensational properties required for both the solar photovoltaics and perovskite light emitting diodes. However, undoped and complexity in the dpoing process of HOPs have limited their exploitation in the field of elcronics. In this papper we present the synthesis of HOP semiconductor (CH3NH3PbI3) doped in Pb2+ position by Cd2+. We studied the effect of the incorporation of Cd2+ into the crystalline structure and analysed the changes in the properties like crystal structure, optical absorption and the surface morphology. The structure of HOPs confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis is tetragonal perovskite type. It can be found that the crystallinity of the samples was enhanced with the doping concentration as the intensity of diffraction peaks were observed to increase with doping. The absorption spectra as obtained from UV-Visible spectrophotometry and Tauc plot analysis indicated that the band gap observed (1.73 eV) is direct type and gets reduced to 1.67 eV with the doping concentration. The red shift may be due to the increase in the size of nanocrystalline material with doping.

Fast self-diffusion of ions in CH ₃ NH ₃ PbI ₃ : the interstiticaly mechanism versus vacancy-assisted mechanism

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Ji-Hui; Yin, Wan-Jian; Park, Ji-Sang; Wei, Su-Huai

2016-01-01

The stability of organic-inorganic halide perovskites is a major challenge for their applications and has been extensively studied. Among the possible underlying reasons, ion self-diffusion has been inferred to play important roles. While theoretical studies congruously support that iodine is more mobile, experimental studies only observe the direct diffusion of the MA ion and possible diffusion of iodine. The discrepancy may result from the incomplete understanding of ion diffusion mechanisms. With the help of first-principles calculations, we studied ion diffusion in CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) through not only the vacancy-assisted mechanisms presumed in previous theoretical studies, but also the neglected interstiticaly mechanisms. We found that compared to the diffusion through the vacancy-assisted mechanism, MA ion diffusion through the interstiticaly mechanism has a much smaller barrier which could explain experimental observations. For iodine diffusion, both mechanisms can yield relatively small barriers. Depending on the growth conditions, defect densities of vacancies and interstitials can vary and so do the diffusion species as well as diffusion mechanisms. Our work thus supports that both MA and iodine ion diffusion could contribute to the performance instability of MAPbI3. While being congruous with experimental results, our work fills the research gap by providing a full understanding of ion diffusion in halide perovskites.

Rapid sonochemical preparation of shape-selective lead iodide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang, Baojun; He, Qin; Fa, Wenjun; Li, Pinjiang; Zhang, Yange; Zheng, Zhi

2012-01-01

Graphical abstract: SEM morphologies of various PbI2 products obtained with the iodine concentration of 6.7 g/L and irradiation time of 1 minute at the reaction temperatures of 35 °C (a), 25 °C (b), and 15 °C (c). Highlights: ► PbI 2 with various morphologies were rapidly formed at room temperature. ► We could well control the morphologies of PbI 2 by changing reaction conditions. ► The PbI 2 films could better resist rolling in a liquid media. -- Abstract: Lead iodide (PbI 2 ) films/crystals with various nano/micro morphologies (e.g., Nanoflake, block and microrod) were rapidly synthesized by taking advantage of a simple sonochemical method. The PbI 2 crystals with uniform nanoflake structures could be fabricated directly on lead foils with the irradiation time as short as 36 s via interfacial reaction between lead foils and elemental iodine in ethanol at ambient temperature. It was found experimentally that the morphologies of the resulting thin films/crystals could be well controlled by the adjustment of several parameters including irradiation time, reaction solvents, iodine concentration, ultrasonic power, and reaction temperature. Most importantly, the resultant PbI 2 films are stable enough to resist rolling under the drastic ultrasound irradiation in a liquid media. This method is believed to be the fastest way for in situ fabrication of morphology-controlled semiconductor films on various metal substrates for subsequent applications related to the other metal iodide or metal sulfide semiconductor films.

Patients' perspectives on urethral bulk injection therapy and mid-urethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence.

Science.gov (United States)

Casteleijn, Fenne M; Zwolsman, Sandra E; Kowalik, Claudia R; Roovers, Jan-Paul P W R

2018-04-19

The aim of this study was to identify all treatment decision factors that determined the preference for peri-urethral bulk injection therapy (PBI) or mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgery in patients with primary stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Second, we explored what patients expect from treatment for SUI and whether patients would consider PBI as a primary treatment option. In a qualitative design, 20 semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted in women with primary SUI. Exclusion criteria were: previous PBI or MUS surgery; predominating urgency. Interviews were guided by three open-ended questions and a topic list. PBI treatment and MUS surgery were described in detail, and the efficacy was stated as 70% and 90%, respectively. Data saturation was reached when no new treatment decision factors were identified in three consecutive interviews. Interviews were audiotaped and fully transcribed. Thematic analysis by a coding process was done independently by two researchers. Sixteen procedural, personal, professional, social and external treatment decision factors were identified. Regarding expectations about treatment for SUI, women believed 'becoming dry' was wishful thinking. The majority of patients accepted a small degree of persistent urinary incontinence after treatment. Regardless of their treatment preference, patients indicated that women should be informed about PBI as a primary treatment option. Patients with primary SUI are open to PBI as an alternative treatment option even with lower cure rates compared with MUS surgery performed under general or spinal anesthesia. Patients indicated that women with primary SUI seeking treatment should be informed about PBI as a treatment option.

Neuroimaging in adult penetrating brain injury: a guide for radiographers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Temple, Nikki; Donald, Cortny; Skora, Amanda; Reed, Warren

2015-01-01

Penetrating brain injuries (PBI) are a medical emergency, often resulting in complex damage and high mortality rates. Neuroimaging is essential to evaluate the location and extent of injuries, and to manage them accordingly. Currently, a myriad of imaging modalities are included in the diagnostic workup for adult PBI, including skull radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography, with each modality providing their own particular benefits. This literature review explores the current modalities available for investigating PBI and aims to assist in decision making for the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging when presented with an adult PBI. Based on the current literature, the authors have developed an imaging pathway for adult penetrating brain injury that functions as both a learning tool and reference guide for radiographers and other health professionals. Currently, CT is recommended as the imaging modality of choice for the initial assessment of PBI patients, while MRI is important in the sub-acute setting where it aids prognosis prediction and rehabilitation planning, Additional follow-up imaging, such as angiography, should be dependent upon clinical findings

Psychometric Validation of the Parental Bonding Instrument in a U.K. Population-Based Sample: Role of Gender and Association With Mental Health in Mid-Late Life.

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Man K; Morin, Alexandre J S; Marsh, Herbert W; Richards, Marcus; Jones, Peter B

2016-08-01

The factorial structure of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) has been frequently studied in diverse samples but no study has examined its psychometric properties from large, population-based samples. In particular, important questions have not been addressed such as the measurement invariance properties across parental and offspring gender. We evaluated the PBI based on responses from a large, representative population-based sample, using an exploratory structural equation modeling method appropriate for categorical data. Analysis revealed a three-factor structure representing "care," "overprotection," and "autonomy" parenting styles. In terms of psychometric measurement validity, our results supported the complete invariance of the PBI ratings across sons and daughters for their mothers and fathers. The PBI ratings were also robust in relation to personality and mental health status. In terms of predictive value, paternal care showed a protective effect on mental health at age 43 in sons. The PBI is a sound instrument for capturing perceived parenting styles, and is predictive of mental health in middle adulthood. © The Author(s) 2016.

Parental bonding and vulnerability to adolescent suicide.

Science.gov (United States)

Martin, G; Waite, S

1994-04-01

Part of a series of studies into early detection in adolescent suicide, this study investigated relationships between parenting style and suicidal thoughts, acts and depression. Students (mean age 15 years) from 4 randomly chosen high schools completed self-report questionnaires containing the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) and the Youth Self Report, which provided information about suicide ideation, deliberate self-harm and depression. Significant differences for mean scores on the PBI subscales were noted between cases and noncases of depression, suicidal thoughts and deliberate self-harm. Assignment by adolescents of their parents to the "affectionless control" quadrant of the PBI doubles the relative risk for suicidal thoughts, increases the relative risk for deliberate self-harm 3-fold and increases the relative risk for depression 5-fold. It seems that the PBI may play a role in identification of vulnerable adolescents; further, it both elucidates aspects of adolescent-parent interaction and points toward areas for intervention with at-risk adolescents. We recommend the use of the PBI in early detection studies of adolescent suicide.

Neuroimaging in adult penetrating brain injury: a guide for radiographers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Temple, Nikki; Donald, Cortny; Skora, Amanda [Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales (Australia); Reed, Warren, E-mail: warren.reed@sydney.edu.au [Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group, Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales (Australia)

2015-06-15

Penetrating brain injuries (PBI) are a medical emergency, often resulting in complex damage and high mortality rates. Neuroimaging is essential to evaluate the location and extent of injuries, and to manage them accordingly. Currently, a myriad of imaging modalities are included in the diagnostic workup for adult PBI, including skull radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography, with each modality providing their own particular benefits. This literature review explores the current modalities available for investigating PBI and aims to assist in decision making for the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging when presented with an adult PBI. Based on the current literature, the authors have developed an imaging pathway for adult penetrating brain injury that functions as both a learning tool and reference guide for radiographers and other health professionals. Currently, CT is recommended as the imaging modality of choice for the initial assessment of PBI patients, while MRI is important in the sub-acute setting where it aids prognosis prediction and rehabilitation planning, Additional follow-up imaging, such as angiography, should be dependent upon clinical findings.

Thermal stability and molecular ordering of organic semiconductor monolayers: effect of an anchor group.

Science.gov (United States)

Jones, Andrew O F; Knauer, Philipp; Resel, Roland; Ringk, Andreas; Strohriegl, Peter; Werzer, Oliver; Sferrazza, Michele

2015-06-08

The thermal stability and molecular order in monolayers of two organic semiconductors, PBI-PA and PBI-alkyl, based on perylene derivatives with an identical molecular structure except for an anchor group for attachment to the substrate in PBI-PA, are reported. In situ X-ray reflectivity measurements are used to follow the stability of these monolayers in terms of order and thickness as temperature is increased. Films have thicknesses corresponding approximately to the length of one molecule; molecules stand upright on the substrate with a defined structure. PBI-PA monolayers have a high degree of order at room temperature and a stable film exists up to 250 °C, but decomposes rapidly above 300 °C. In contrast, stable physisorbed PBI-alkyl monolayers only exist up to 100 °C. Above the bulk melting point at 200 °C no more order exists. The results encourage using anchor groups in monolayers for various applications as it allows enhanced stability at the interface with the substrate. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Thermodynamic origin of instability in hybrid halide perovskites

Science.gov (United States)

Tenuta, E.; Zheng, C.; Rubel, O.

2016-11-01

Degradation of hybrid halide perovskites under the influence of environmental factors impairs future prospects of using these materials as absorbers in solar cells. First principle calculations can be used as a guideline in search of new materials, provided we can rely on their predictive capabilities. We show that the instability of perovskites can be captured using ab initio total energy calculations for reactants and products augmented with additional thermodynamic data to account for finite temperature effects. Calculations suggest that the instability of CH3NH3PbI3 in moist environment is linked to the aqueous solubility of the CH3NH3I salt, thus making other perovskite materials with soluble decomposition products prone to degradation. Properties of NH3OHPbI3, NH3NH2PbI3, PH4PbI3, SbH4PbI3, CsPbBr3, and a new hypothetical SF3PbI3 perovskite are studied in the search for alternative solar cell absorber materials with enhanced chemical stability.

Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) Scaling on Polybenzimidazole and Cellulose Acetate Hollow Fiber Membranes under Forward Osmosis

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Si Cong; Su, Jincai; Fu, Feng-Jiang; Mi, Baoxia; Chung, Tai-Shung

2013-01-01

We have examined the gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) scaling phenomena on membranes with different physicochemical properties in forward osmosis (FO) processes. Three hollow fiber membranes made of (1) cellulose acetate (CA), (2) polybenzimidazole (PBI)/polyethersulfone (PES) and (3) PBI-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were studied. For the first time in FO processes, we have found that surface ionic interactions dominate gypsum scaling on the membrane surface. A 70% flux reduction was observed on negatively charged CA and PBI membrane surfaces, due to strong attractive forces. The PBI membrane surface also showed a slightly positive charge at a low pH value of 3 and exhibited a 30% flux reduction. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) force measurements confirmed a strong repulsive force between gypsum and PBI at a pH value of 3. The newly developed PBI-POSS/PAN membrane had ridge morphology and a contact angle of 51.42° ± 14.85° after the addition of hydrophilic POSS nanoparticles and 3 min thermal treatment at 95 °C. Minimal scaling and an only 1.3% flux reduction were observed at a pH value of 3. Such a ridge structure may reduce scaling by not providing a locally flat surface to the crystallite at a pH value of 3; thus, gypsum would be easily washed away from the surface. PMID:24957062

Nanostructured polyurethane perylene bisimide ester assemblies with tuneable morphology and enhanced stability.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xiaoxiao; Gong, Tingyuan; Chi, Hong; Li, Tianduo

2018-03-01

Size control has been successfully achieved in inorganic materials, but it remains a challenge in polymer nanomaterials due to their polydispersity. Here, we report a facile approach to tailor the diameters of polyurethane (PU) nanoparticles (490 nm, 820 nm and 2.1 µm) via perylene bisimide (PBI) assisted self-assembly. The formed morphologies such as spindle, spherical and core-shell structures depend on the ratio of PBI and polymer concentrations. It is shown that the formation of PU nanoparticles is directed by π-π stacking of PBI and the morphology transition is not only affected by the amount of PBI incorporated, but also influenced by solvent, which controls the initial evaporation balance. Furthermore, the prepared PUs exhibit retained optical stability and enhanced thermal stability. The PUs, designed to have conjugated PBI segments in backbones, were synthesized via ring-opening and condensation reactions. Compared with the neat PU, gel permeation chromatography shows narrower molecular weight distribution. Fluorescence spectra and ultraviolet-visible spectra indicate retained maximum emission wavelength of PBI at 574 nm and 5.2% quantum yields. Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry reveal 79°C higher decomposition temperature and 22°C higher glass transition temperature. This study provides a new way to fabricate well-defined nanostructures of functionalized PUs.

Gypsum (CaSO42H2O) scaling on polybenzimidazole and cellulose acetate hollow fiber membranes under forward osmosis

KAUST Repository

Chen, Si Cong

2013-11-08

We have examined the gypsum (CaSO42H2O) scaling phenomena on membranes with different physicochemical properties in forward osmosis (FO) processes. Three hollow fiber membranes made of (1) cellulose acetate (CA), (2) polybenzimidazole (PBI)/polyethersulfone (PES) and (3) PBI-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were studied. For the first time in FO processes, we have found that surface ionic interactions dominate gypsum scaling on the membrane surface. A 70% flux reduction was observed on negatively charged CA and PBI membrane surfaces, due to strong attractive forces. The PBI membrane surface also showed a slightly positive charge at a low pH value of 3 and exhibited a 30% flux reduction. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) force measurements confirmed a strong repulsive force between gypsum and PBI at a pH value of 3. The newly developed PBI-POSS/PAN membrane had ridge morphology and a contact angle of 51.42 14.85 after the addition of hydrophilic POSS nanoparticles and 3 min thermal treatment at 95 C. Minimal scaling and an only 1.3% flux reduction were observed at a pH value of 3. Such a ridge structure may reduce scaling by not providing a locally flat surface to the crystallite at a pH value of 3; thus, gypsum would be easily washed away from the surface. 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Electric Response and Conductivity Mechanism in H3PO4‑Doped Polybenzimidazole-4N−HfO2 Nanocomposite Membranes for High Temperature Fuel Cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nawn, Graeme; Vezzù, Keti; Bertasi, Federico; Pagot, Gioele; Pace, Giuseppe; Conti, Fosca; Negro, Enrico

2017-01-01

Relaxation and polarization phenomena of phosphoric acid-doped [PBI4N(HfO 2 ) x ](H 3 PO 4 ) y nanocomposite membranes for high-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells are studied using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Broadband Electrical Spectroscopy (BES). The membranes are obtained by casting combinations of a polybenzimidazole polymer (PBI4N) with increasing amounts of hafnium oxide nanofiller, resulting in [PBI4N(HfO 2 ) x ] hybrid systems with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.32. Phosphoric acid at varying content levels (0 ÷ 18 wt%) is used as a doping agent, giving rise to [PBI4N(HfO 2 ) x ](H 3 PO 4 ) y membranes. DMA and BES studies lead us to determine that the electric response of the membranes is modulated by polarization phenomena and by α and β dielectric relaxation events of the polymer matrix. Additionally, the experimental results suggest that in [PBI4N(HfO 2 ) x ](H 3 PO 4 ) y membranes the conductivity occurs owing to three conductivity pathways: two mechanisms involving inter-domain proton migration phenomena by “hopping” events; and one mechanism in which proton exchange occurs between delocalization bodies. These results highlight the significant effect of the hafnium oxide nanofiller content on the conductivity of [PBI4N(HfO 2 ) x ](H 3 PO 4 ) y where, at x ≥ 0.04, demonstrates conductivity higher (9.0 × 10 −2 S/cm) than that of pristine H 3 PO 4 -doped PBI4N (4.8 × 10 −2 S/cm) at T ≥ 155 °C.

Spectral characteristics of europium-doped lead iodide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Novosad, I.S.; Novosad, S.S.

2013-01-01

Optical absorption and x-ray luminescence spectra and thermally stimulated luminescence curves of a PbI 2 :EuCl 3 crystal grown by the Stockbarger method were investigated in the temperature range 85-295 K. It was presumed based on results of EPR spectral studies that the europium ions in this material existed in the divalent state and replaced matrix cations. An intense broad non-elementary band at 780 nm in addition to a weak band with a maximum in the range 512-520 nm were observed in the PbI 2 :Eu 2+ x-ray luminescence spectrum at 85 K. The intensity of the long-wavelength emission increased slightly upon increasing the crystal temperature from 85 to 130 K and was quenched in several stages upon increasing the temperature further to 220 K. The maximum shifted to 740 nm. It was proposed based on an analysis of the obtained data and results of a study of the luminescence properties of PbI 2 and PbI 2 :Mn 2+ crystals that the non-elementary emission band of the PbI 2 :Eu 2+ crystal at 780 nm could be represented as a superposition of three individual Gaussian bands with maxima near 715, 740, and 800 nm that were due to centers characteristic of the matrix and additional centers that were formed by Eu ions through association with intrinsic and dopant oxygen-containing defects, respectively. Doping PbI 2 with Eu 2+ ions did not affect the spectrum of matrix trapping levels. The nature of emission and trapping centers and luminescence excitation mechanisms of PbI 2 :Eu 2+ were discussed. (authors)

Crosslinking of polybenzimidazolemembranes by divinylsulfone post-treatment for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Aili, David; Li, Qingfeng; Christensen, Erik

2011-01-01

Phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) has been suggested as a promising electrolyte for proton exchangemembrane fuel cells operating at temperatures up to 200 ◦C. This paper describes the development of a crosslinking procedure for PBI membranes by post-treatment with divinylsulfone....... The crosslinking chemistry was studied and optimized on a low-molecularweight model system and the results were used to optimize the crosslinking conditions of PBI membranes. The crosslinked membraneswere characterized with respect to chemical and physiochemical properties, showing improved mechanical strength...

Prone versus supine positioning for whole and partial-breast radiotherapy: A comparison of non-target tissue dosimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kirby, Anna M.; Evans, Philip M.; Donovan, Ellen M.; Convery, Helen M.; Haviland, Joanna S.; Yarnold, John R.

2010-01-01

Purpose: To compare non-target tissue (including left-anterior-descending coronary-artery (LAD)) dosimetry of prone versus supine whole (WBI) and partial-breast irradiation (PBI). Methods and materials: Sixty-five post-lumpectomy breast cancer patients underwent CT-imaging supine and prone. On each dataset, the whole-breast clinical-target-volume (WB-CTV), partial-breast CTV (tumour-bed + 15 mm), ipsilateral-lung and chest-wall were outlined. Heart and LAD were outlined in left-sided cases (n = 30). Tangential-field WBI and PBI plans were generated for each position. Mean LAD, heart, and ipsilateral-lung doses (x mean ), maximum LAD (LAD max ) doses, and the volume of chest-wall receiving 50 Gy (V 50Gy ) were compared. Results: Two-hundred and sixty plans were generated. Prone positioning reduced heart and LAD doses in 19/30 WBI cases (median reduction in LAD mean = 6.2 Gy) and 7/30 PBI cases (median reduction in LAD max = 29.3 Gy) (no difference in 4/30 cases). However, prone positioning increased cardiac doses in 8/30 WBI (median increase in LAD mean = 9.5 Gy) and 19/30 PBI cases (median increase in LAD max = 22.9 Gy) (no difference in 3/30 cases). WB-CTV > 1000cm 3 was associated with improved cardiac dosimetry in the prone position for WBI (p = 0.04) and PBI (p = 0.04). Prone positioning reduced ipsilateral-lung mean in 65/65 WBI and 61/65 PBI cases, and chest-wall V 50Gy in all WBI cases. PBI reduced normal-tissue doses compared to WBI in all cases, regardless of the treatment position. Conclusions: In the context of tangential-field WBI and PBI, prone positioning is likely to benefit left-breast-affected women of larger breast volume, but to be detrimental in left-breast-affected women of smaller breast volume. Right-breast-affected women are likely to benefit from prone positioning regardless of breast volume.

Material Exchange Property of Organo Lead Halide Perovskite with Hole-Transporting Materials

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Seigo Ito

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Using X-ray diffraction (XRD, it was confirmed that the deposition of hole-transporting materials (HTM on a CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite layer changed the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite crystal, which was due to the material exchanging phenomena between the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite and HTM layers. The solvent for HTM also changed the perovskite crystal. In order to suppress the crystal change, doping by chloride ion, bromide ion and 5-aminovaleric acid was attempted. However, the doping was unable to stabilize the perovskite crystal against HTM deposition. It can be concluded that the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite crystal is too soft and flexible to stabilize against HTM deposition.

Effect of rapid thermal annealing on InP1−xBix grown by molecular beam epitaxy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, X Y; Wang, K; Pan, W W; Wang, P; Li, Y Y; Song, Y X; Gu, Y; Yue, L; Xu, H; Zhang, Z P; Cui, J; Gong, Q; Wang, S M

2015-01-01

The effect of post-growth rapid thermal annealing on structural and optical properties of InP 1−x Bi x thin films was investigated. InPBi shows good thermal stability up to 500 °C and a modest improvement in photoluminescence (PL) intensity with an unchanged PL spectral feature. Bismuth outdiffusion from InPBi and strain relaxation are observed at about 600 °C. The InPBi sample annealed at 800 °C shows an unexpected PL spectrum with different energy transitions. (paper)

Ionic conducting poly-benzimidazoles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jouanneau, J.

2006-11-01

Over the last years, many research works have been focused on new clean energy systems. Hydrogen fuel cell seems to be the most promising one. However, the large scale development of this technology is still limited by some key elements. One of them is the polymer electrolyte membrane 'Nafion' currently used, for which the ratio performance/cost is too low. The investigations we carried out during this thesis work are related to a new class of ionic conducting polymer, the sulfonated poly-benzimidazoles (sPBI). Poly-benzimidazoles (PBI) are aromatic heterocyclic polymers well-known for their excellent thermal and chemical stability. Ionic conduction properties are obtained by having strong acid groups (sulfonic acid SO 3 H) on the macromolecular structure. For that purpose, we first synthesized sulfonated monomers. Their poly-condensation with an appropriate non-sulfonated co-monomer yields to sPBI with sulfonation range from 0 to 100 per cent. Three different sPBI structures were obtained, and verified by appropriate analytical techniques. We also showed that the protocol used for the synthesis resulted in high molecular weights polymers. We prepared ionic conducting membrane by casting sPBI solutions on glass plates. Their properties of stability, water swelling and ionic conductivity were investigated. Surprisingly, the behaviour of sPBI was quite different from the other sulfonated aromatic polymers with same amount of SO 3 H, their stability was much higher, but their water swelling and ionic conductivity were quite low. We attributed these differences to strong ionic interactions between the sulfonic acid groups and the basic benzimidazole groups of our polymers. However, we managed to solve this problem synthesizing very highly sulfonated PBI, obtaining membranes with a good balance between all the properties necessary. (author)

Ionic conducting poly-benzimidazoles; Polybenzimidazoles conducteurs ioniques

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jouanneau, J

2006-11-15

Over the last years, many research works have been focused on new clean energy systems. Hydrogen fuel cell seems to be the most promising one. However, the large scale development of this technology is still limited by some key elements. One of them is the polymer electrolyte membrane 'Nafion' currently used, for which the ratio performance/cost is too low. The investigations we carried out during this thesis work are related to a new class of ionic conducting polymer, the sulfonated poly-benzimidazoles (sPBI). Poly-benzimidazoles (PBI) are aromatic heterocyclic polymers well-known for their excellent thermal and chemical stability. Ionic conduction properties are obtained by having strong acid groups (sulfonic acid SO{sub 3}H) on the macromolecular structure. For that purpose, we first synthesized sulfonated monomers. Their poly-condensation with an appropriate non-sulfonated co-monomer yields to sPBI with sulfonation range from 0 to 100 per cent. Three different sPBI structures were obtained, and verified by appropriate analytical techniques. We also showed that the protocol used for the synthesis resulted in high molecular weights polymers. We prepared ionic conducting membrane by casting sPBI solutions on glass plates. Their properties of stability, water swelling and ionic conductivity were investigated. Surprisingly, the behaviour of sPBI was quite different from the other sulfonated aromatic polymers with same amount of SO{sub 3}H, their stability was much higher, but their water swelling and ionic conductivity were quite low. We attributed these differences to strong ionic interactions between the sulfonic acid groups and the basic benzimidazole groups of our polymers. However, we managed to solve this problem synthesizing very highly sulfonated PBI, obtaining membranes with a good balance between all the properties necessary. (author)

Formation of core (polystyrene)-shell (polybenzimidazole) nanoparticles using sulfonated polystyrene as template.

Science.gov (United States)

Hazarika, Mousumi; Arunbabu, Dhamodaran; Jana, Tushar

2010-11-15

We report formation of core (polystyrene)-shell (polybenzimidazole) nanoparticles from a new blend system consisting of an amorphous polymer polybenzimidazole (PBI) and an ionomer sodium salt of sulfonated polystyrene (SPS-Na). The ionomer used for the blending is spherical in shape with sulfonate groups on the surface of the particles. An in depth investigation of the blends at various sulfonation degrees and compositions using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy provides direct evidence of specific hydrogen bonding interactions between the N-H groups of PBI and the sulfonate groups of SPS-Na. The disruption of PBI chains self association owing to the interaction between the functional groups of these polymer pairs is the driving force for the blending. Thermodynamical studies carried out by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) establish partially miscible phase separated blending of these polymers in a wider composition range. The two distinguishable glass transition temperatures (T(g)) which are different from the neat components and unaltered with the blends composition attribute that the domain size of heterogeneity (d(d)) of the blends is >20 nm since one of the blend component (SPS-Na particle) diameter is ∼70 nm. The diminish of PBI chains self association upon blending with SPS-Na particles and the presence of invariant T(g)'s of the blends suggest the wrapping of PBI chains over the SPS-Na spherical particle surface and hence resulting a core-shell morphology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study provides direct evidence of core-shell nanoparticle formation; where core is the polystyrene and shell is the PBI. The sulfonation degree affects the blends phase separations. The higher degree of sulfonation favors the disruption of PBI self association and thus forms partially miscible two phases blends with core-shell morphology. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of single-stage breast-conserving treatment using multicatheter partial breast brachytherapy evaluated by GEC-ESTRO phase 3 trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Sato, Kazuhiko; Fuchikami, Hiromi; Kato, Masahiro; Shimo, Takahiro; Kubota, Jun; Takeda, Naoko; Inoue, Yuko; Seto, Hiroshi; Okawa, Tomohiko

2017-10-01

The GEC-ESTRO has reported the equivalent outcomes of partial breast irradiation (PBI) using multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy (MCB) to whole breast irradiation (WBI) in breast-conserving therapy (BCT). We performed single-stage BCT with partial breast brachytherapy by intraoperative catheter placement. After the categorization of patients into inclusion and exclusion criteria on this trial, our databases were evaluated in order to translate it to Japanese patients. Patients undergoing BCT were retrospectively examined between November 2007 and December 2015. The technique is an open-cavity implant with a dose of 32 Gy in 8 fractions. The 4-year clinical outcomes of MCB-PBI were evaluated in the 2 distinct categories, and the comparison of the outcomes of MCB-PBI with WBI was performed in patients with unfavorable features. Of a total of 501 lesions undergoing BCT, 301 lesions were treated with MCB-PBI and 200 lesions with WBI. At the median follow-up time of 52 months, the 4-year rate of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR)-free, disease-free (DFS), and overall survival (OS) in patients with MCB-PBI and WBI were 98.9% vs. 98.0% ( p = 0.56), 97.0% vs. 95.3% ( p = 0.78), and 99.6% vs. 98.2% ( p = 0.38), respectively. Although in exclusion cohort treated with MCB-PBI, IBTR-free, and disease-free survival were significantly worse than in inclusion cohort, non-significantly worse outcomes was demonstrated than in exclusion cohort with WBI; IBTR-free survival (95.0% vs. 97.2%, p = 0.24), and disease-free survival (95.0% vs. 95.8%, p = 0.31). Single-stage BCT using MCB-PBI offered similar tumor control rates compering to WBI. However, further research is needed to define the benefit for patients with an exclusion criteria.

Ultrasonic irradiation to modify the functionalized bionanocomposite in sulfonated polybenzimidazole membrane for fuel cells applications and antibacterial activity.

Science.gov (United States)

Esmaeilzade, Banafshe; Esmaielzadeh, Sheida; Ahmadizadegan, Hashem

2018-04-01

In this article the new proton exchange membranes were prepared from sulfonated polybenzimidazole (s-PBI) and various amounts of sulfonated titania/cellulose nanohybrids (titania/cellulose-SO 3 H) via ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic irradiation effectively changes the rheology and the glass transition temperature and the crystallinity of the composite polymer. Ultrasonic irradiation has a very strong mixing and dispersion effect, much stronger than conventional stirring, which can improve the dispersion of titania/cellulose-SO 3 H nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. The strong -SO 3 H/-SO 3 H interaction between s-PBI chains and titania/cellulose-SO 3 H hybrids leads to ionic cross-linking in the membrane structure, which increases both the thermal stability and methanol resistance of the membranes. After acid doping with phosphoric acid, s-PBI/titania/cellulose-SO 3 H nanocomposite membranes exhibit depressions on methanol permeability and enhancements on proton conductivity comparing to the pristine s-PBI membrane. The chemical structure of the functionlized titania was characterized with FTIR, and energy-dispersive X-ray. Imidazole and sulfonated groups on the surface of modified nanoparticles forming linkages with s-PBI chains, improved the compatibility between s-PBI and nanoparticles, and enhanced the mechanical strength of the prepared nanocomposite membranes. From SEM and TEM analysis could explain the homogeneous dispersion of titania/cellulose-SO 3 H in nanocomposite membranes. Moreover, the membranes exhibited excellent antibacterial activities against S. aureus and E. coli. A. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A polymer electrolyte membrane for high temperature fuel cells to fit vehicle applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Mingqiang; Scott, Keith

2010-01-01

Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) PTFE/PBI composite membranes doped with H 3 PO 4 were fabricated to improve the performance of high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC). The composite membranes were fabricated by immobilising polybenzimidazole (PBI) solution into a hydrophobic porous PTFE membrane. The mechanical strength of the membrane was good exhibiting a maximum load of 35.19 MPa. After doping with the phosphoric acid, the composite membrane had a larger proton conductivity than that of PBI doped with phosphoric acid. The PTFE/PBI membrane conductivity was greater than 0.3 S cm -1 at a relative humidity 8.4% and temperature of 180 deg. C with a 300% H 3 PO 4 doping level. Use of the membrane in a fuel cell with oxygen, at 1 bar overpressure gave a peak power density of 1.2 W cm -2 at cell voltages >0.4 V and current densities of 3.0 A cm -2 . The PTFE/PBI/H 3 PO 4 composite membrane did not exhibit significant degradation after 50 h of intermittent operation at 150 deg. C. These results indicate that the composite membrane is a promising material for vehicles driven by high temperature PEMFCs.

The use of polybenzimidazole membranes in vanadium redox flow batteries leading to increased coulombic efficiency and cycling performance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhou, X.L.; Zhao, T.S.; An, L.; Wei, L.; Zhang, C.

2015-01-01

An issue with conventional vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) with Nafion membranes is the crossover of vanadium ions, resulting in low coulombic efficiency and rapid decay in capacity. In this work, a VRFB with a polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane is tested and compared with the Nafion system. Results show that the PBI-based VRFB exhibits a substantially higher coulombic efficiency of up to 99% at current densities ranging from 20 mA cm −2 to 80 mA cm −2 . More importantly, it is demonstrated that the PBI-based VRFB has a capacity decay rate of as low as 0.3% per cycle, which is four times lower than that of the Nafion system (1.3% per cycle). The improved coulombic efficiency and cycling performance are attributed to the low crossover of vanadium ions through the PBI membrane

Benzimidazole grafted polybenzimidazoles for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Yang, Jingshuai; Aili, David; Li, Qingfeng

2013-01-01

High molecular weight polybenzimidazole (PBI) was synthesized and grafted with benzimidazole pendant groups. The high molecular weight of PBI resulted in good film-forming properties and superior tensile strength. With a phosphoric acid doping level (ADL) of 13.1, a tensile strength of 16 MPa...... was achieved at room temperature. Grafting of benzimidazole moieties onto the PBI macromolecular chain introduced additional basic sites which allowed the membrane to achieve higher phosphoric acid uptakes. A molar acid conductivity, defined as the specific conductivity of each mole of doping acid...

Intercalation crystallization of phase-pure α-HC(NH₂)₂PbI₃ upon microstructurally engineered PbI₂ thin films for planar perovskite solar cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Yuanyuan; Yang, Mengjin; Kwun, Joonsuh; Game, Onkar S; Zhao, Yixin; Pang, Shuping; Padture, Nitin P; Zhu, Kai

2016-03-28

The microstructure of the solid-PbI2 precursor thin film plays an important role in the intercalation crystallization of the formamidinium lead triiodide perovskite (α-HC(NH2)2PbI3). It is shown that microstructurally engineered PbI2 thin films with porosity and low crystallinity are the most favorable for conversion into uniform-coverage, phase-pure α-HC(NH2)2PbI3 perovskite thin films. Planar perovskite solar cells fabricated using these thin films deliver power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 13.8%.

Water Uptake and Acid Doping of Polybenzimidazoles as Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Qingfeng, Li; He, R.; Berg, Rolf W.

2004-01-01

Acid-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes have been demonstrated for fuel cell applications with advanced features such as high operating temperatures, little humidification, excellent CO tolerance, and promising durability. The water uptake and acid doping of PBI membranes have been studied...

Highly Stable Anion Exchange Membranes for High-Voltage Redox-Flow Batteries

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yan, Yushan [Univ. of Delaware, Newark, DE (United States)

2018-02-26

In this work, multiple polymer backbones were screened for oxidation resistance and multiple chemistries were explored for tethering tris(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)phosphonium (9MeTTP⁺) to the selected polymer backbones. A new tethering strategy through brominated 9MeTTP+ cation was developed and used to obtain the desired 9MeTTP⁺-functionalized polysulfone (PSf) and hexafluoro polybenzimidazole (F₆PBI) polymer. The crosslinked 9MeTTP+-functionalized hexafluoro polybenzimidazole (9MeTTP-F₆PBI) polymer demonstrated excellent oxidation stability that met the go-no-go milestone of the first year. However, large-scale bromination inevitably involved multi-bromination products, which led to polymer crosslinking in the next tethering. A new synthesis strategy with diiodobutane as linker was developed to overcome the crosslinking problem. The prepared 9MeTTP⁺-F₆PBI membrane without crosslinking showed only 3.58% water uptake and less than 1 mS/cm OH^- conductivity in water at 20°C, possibly due to the hydrophobic 9MeTTP⁺ cation. In order to improve the conductivity, hydrophilic tris(2,4,6-trimethoxylphenyl)phosphonium (9MeOTTP+) cation was tethered to an F₆PBI backbone, and a 9MeOTTP⁺-F₆PBI PTFE reinforced membrane was prepared with 17.4% water uptake to increase the mechanical strength and durability in cerium (IV) solution. A 9MeOTTP+-F₆PBI PTFE reinforced membrane had less than 20% conductivity loss during an accelerated stability test in 0.5 M cerium (IV) and 1.3 M HClO₄ at 55°C for 100 hours. Moreover, a 9MeOTTP⁺-F₆PBI PTFE reinforced membrane had more than double the lifetime of commercial FAS-30 and FAB-PK-130 AEMs during an accelerated stability test in 0.5 M cerium (IV) and 1.3 M HClO₄ at 55°C. Low area specific resistance (ASR) of a 9MeOTTP⁺-F₆PBI PTFE reinforced

Target volume delineation in external beam partial breast irradiation: less inter-observer variation with preoperative- compared to postoperative delineation

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Leij, F. van der; Elkhuizen, P.H.M.; Janssen, T.M.; Poortmans, P.M.P.; Sangen, M. van der; Scholten, A.N.; Vliet-Vroegindeweij, C. van; Boersma, L.J.

2014-01-01

The challenge of adequate target volume definition in external beam partial breast irradiation (PBI) could be overcome with preoperative irradiation, due to less inter-observer variation. We compared the target volume delineation for external beam PBI on preoperative versus postoperative CT scans of

Doping phosphoric acid in polybenzimidazole membranes for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

He, Ronghuan; Li, Qingfeng; Jensen, Jens Oluf

2007-01-01

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes were doped in phosphoric acid solutions of different concentrations at room temperature. The doping chemistry was studied using the Scatchard method. The energy distribution of the acid complexation in polymer membranes is heterogeneous, that is, there are two...... different types of sites in PBI for the acid doping. The protonation constants of PBI by phosphoric acid are found to be 12.7 L mol(-1) (K-1) for acid complexing sites with higher affinity, and 0.19 L mol(-1) (K-2) for the sites with lower affinity. The dissociation constants for the complexing acid onto...... these two types of PBI sites are found to be 5.4 X 10(-4) and 3.6 X 10(-2), respectively, that is, about 10 times smaller than that of aqueous phosphoric acid in the first case but 5 times higher in the second. The proton conducting mechanism is also discussed....

Sequential Introduction of Cations Deriving Large-Grain Csx FA1-x PbI3 Thin Film for Planar Hybrid Solar Cells: Insight into Phase-Segregation and Thermal-Healing Behavior.

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Jiahao; Xu, Pan; Liu, Jian; You, Xiao-Zeng

2017-03-01

Composition engineering of perovskite materials has been demonstrated to be important for high-performance solar cells. Recently, the energy favorable hybridization of formamidinium (FA) and cesium (Cs) in three dimension lead halide perovskites has been attracting increasing attention due to its potential benefit on durability. Herein, we reported a simple and effective method to produce phase-pure CsxFA1-xPbI3 thin film via sequential introduction of cations, in which the FA cation was introduced by interdiffusion annealing in the presence of N-methylimidazole (NMI). NMI was employed as an additive to slow down the crystallization and thus drive the formation of CsxFA1-xPbI3 with micrometer grain size, which probably facilitate the charge dissociation and transportation in photovoltaic devices. More importantly, composition dependent phase-segregation has been revealed and investigated for the first time during the phase-pure mixed-cation perovskites CsxFA1-xPbI3. The present findings demonstrated that suppressing phase-segregation of mixed-cation perovskites by meticulous composition engineering is significant for further development of efficient photovoltaics. It also suggested that phase-pure Cs0.15FA0.85PbI3 may be a promising candidate with superior phase-durability, which performed an efficiency over 16% in planar perovskite solar cells. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Role of prophylactic brain irradiation in limited stage small cell lung cancer: clinical, neuropsychologic, and CT sequelae

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Laukkanen, E.; Klonoff, H.; Allan, B.; Graeb, D.; Murray, N.

1988-01-01

Ninety-four patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer treated between 1981 and 1985 with a regimen including prophylactic brain irradiation (PBI) after combination chemotherapy were assessed for compliance with PBI, brain relapse, and neurologic morbidity. Seventy-seven percent of patients had PBI and of these, 22% developed brain metastases after a median time of 11 months post treatment. The brain was the apparent unique initial site of relapse in 10% of PBI cases but more commonly brain relapse was preceded or accompanied by failure at other sites, especially the chest. Brain metastases were the greatest cause of morbidity in 50% of PBI failures. Twelve of 14 PBI patients alive 2 years after treatment had oncologic, neurologic, and neuropsychological evaluation, and brain CT. All long-term survivors were capable of self care and none fulfilled diagnostic criteria for dementia, with three borderline cases. One third had pretreatment neurologic dysfunction and two thirds post treatment neurologic symptoms, most commonly recent memory loss. Fifty percent had subtle motor findings. Intellectual functioning was at the 38th percentile with most patients having an unskilled occupational history. Neuropsychologic impairment ratings were borderline in three cases and definitely impaired in seven cases. CT scans showed brain atrophy in all cases with mild progression in those having a pre-treatment baseline. Periventricular and subcortical low density lesions identical to the CT appearance of subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy were seen in 82% of posttreatment CT studies, and lacunar infarcts in 54%. Neuropsychologic impairment scores and the extent of CT periventricular low density lesions were strongly associated

Ultralow Self-Doping in 2D Hybrid Perovskite Single Crystals

KAUST Repository

Peng, Wei

2017-06-28

Unintentional self-doping in semiconductors through shallow defects is detrimental to optoelectronic device performance. It adversely affects junction properties and it introduces electronic noise. This is especially acute for solution-processed semiconductors, including hybrid perovskites, which are usually high in defects due to rapid crystallization. Here, we uncover extremely low self-doping concentrations in single crystals of (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4･(CH3NH3PbI3)n-1 (n=1, 2, and 3)—over three orders of magnitude lower than those of typical three-dimensional hybrid perovskites—by analyzing their conductivity behavior. We propose that crystallization of hybrid perovskites containing large organic cations suppresses defect formation and thus favors a low self-doping level. To exemplify the benefits of this effect, we demonstrate extraordinarily high light-detectivity (1013 Jones) in (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4･(CH3NH3PbI3)n-1 photoconductors due to the reduced electronic noise, which makes them particularly attractive for the detection of weak light signals. Furthermore, the low self-doping concentration reduces the equilibrium charge carrier concentration in (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4･(CH3NH3PbI3)n-1, advantageous in the design of p-i-n heterojunction solar cells by optimizing band alignment and promoting carrier depletion in the intrinsic perovskite layer, thereby enhancing charge extraction.

Columnar Self-Assembly of Electron-Deficient Dendronized Bay-Annulated Perylene Bisimides.

Science.gov (United States)

Gupta, Ravindra Kumar; Shankar Rao, Doddamane S; Prasad, S Krishna; Achalkumar, Ammathnadu S

2018-03-07

Three new heteroatom bay-annulated perylene bisimides (PBIs) have been synthesized by microwave-assisted synthesis in excellent yield. N-annulated and S-annulated perylene bisimides exhibited columnar hexagonal phase, whereas Se-annulated perylene bisimide exhibited low temperature columnar oblique phase in addition to the high temperature columnar hexagonal phase. The cup shaped bay-annulated PBIs pack into columns with enhanced intermolecular interactions. In comparison to PBI, these molecules exhibited lower melting and clearing temperature, with good solubility. A small red shift in the absorption was seen in the case of N-annulated PBI, whereas S- and Se-annulated PBIs exhibited blue-shifted absorption spectra. Bay-annulation increased the HOMO and LUMO levels of the N-annulated perylene bisimide, whereas a slight increase in the LUMO level and a decrease in the HOMO levels were observed in the case of S- and Se-annulated perylene bisimides, in comparison to the simple perylene bisimide. The band gaps of PBI and PBI-N were almost same, whereas an increase in the band gaps were observed in the case of S- and Se-annulated PBIs. The tendency to freeze in the ordered glassy columnar phase for PBI-N and PBI-S will help to overcome the charge traps due to crystallization, which are detrimental to one-dimensional charge carrier mobility. These solution processable electron deficient columnar semiconductors possessing good thermal stability may form an easily accessible promising class of n-type materials. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

PyMEs y crecimiento económico : Estado de situación de Argentina y su comparación con Brasil y Canadá

OpenAIRE

De Simone Martin, Mara

2017-01-01

Descripción del estado de situación en Argentina, Brasil y Canadá respecto de la contribución de las PyMES al PBI y Empleo. Organismos o políticas de Apoyo a las PyMES. Incubadoras de Negocios. Durante los últimos 15 años, Argentina muestra muy pocas PyMES y bajo PBI comparada con Brasil y Canadá aún cuando se contemplen paralelismos geopolíticos, similitudes en PBI per Cápita (Argentina-Brasil) o PEA (Argentina-Canadá), entre otras muchas otras variables. Argentina no cuenta con un...

Absorption spectra of thin films of triple compounds in the system RbIPbI2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yunakova, O.N.; Miloslavskij, V.K.; Ksenofontova, E.V.; Kovalenko, E.N.

2012-01-01

A formation of compounds RbPbI 3 and Rb 4 PbI 6 in the system RbI-PbI 2 is revealed and their absorption spectra are investigated in an energy interval 2-6 eV and a temperatures range 90-500 K. It is established that the low-frequency exciton excitations are localized in PbI 6 4- structural elements of the crystal lattice, they are classified as excitons of intermediate coupling and are of a three-dimensional character in RbPbI 3 and a quasi-two-dimensional one in Rb 4 PbI 6 .

Enhanced photovoltaic performance of CH3NH3PbBrXI3-X-based perovskite solar cells via anti-solvent extraction

Science.gov (United States)

Jiang, Zhaoyi; Zhang, Weijia; Lu, Chaoqun; Ma, Denghao; Liu, Haixu; Yu, Wei; Zhang, Yu; Ma, Qiang; Zhang, Yulong

2018-06-01

In this paper, the two-step sequential deposition method was used to prepare the CH3NH3PbBrXI3-X films by introducing CH3NH3Br in the precursors. The surface morphology of the PbI2 films was controlled by anti-solvent extraction (ASE) to improve the microstructure and photo-physical properties of the perovskite films. It was noteworthy that, compared to the compact PbI2 films, the porous PbI2 films facilitated the growth of crystals and bromine incorporation in films, and the prepared perovskite films exhibited enlarged grain size, increased light absorption, enhanced Br incorporation and prolonged carrier lifetime, which resulted in excellent photo-electrical properties of the CH3NH3PbBrXI3-X films. With porous PbI2 templates, the inverted planar perovskite solar cells based on films with appropriate Br incorporation (CH3NH3Br/CH3NH3I mole ratio = 3/7) showed a photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.9%, and the stability of the devices in air was elevated. Consequently, the high-quality CH3NH3PbBrXI3-X films can be obtained with porous PbI2 templates for improving the performance of the perovskite solar cells.

A novel amperometric sensor for peracetic acid based on a polybenzimidazole-modified gold electrode

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hua, Mu-Yi, E-mail: huamy@mail.cgu.edu.t [Green Research Center, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Rd., Kuei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan (China); Biosensor Group, Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Rd., Kuei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan (China); Chen, Hsiao-Chien [Green Research Center, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Rd., Kuei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan (China); Biosensor Group, Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Rd., Kuei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan (China); Tsai, Rung-Ywan [Electronics and Optoelectronics Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, 195, Sec. 4, Chung Hsing Rd., Hsinchu 31040, Taiwan (China); Lin, Yu-Chen [Green Research Center, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Rd., Kuei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan (China); Biosensor Group, Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Rd., Kuei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan (China)

2011-04-30

We have developed a peracetic acid (PAA) sensor based on a polybenzimidazole-modified gold (PBI/Au) electrode. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that PAA oxidized 69.4% of the imine in PBI to form PBI N-oxide, increasing the electrochemical reduction current during cyclic voltammetry. The chemical oxidation of the PBI/Au electrode by PAA, followed by its electrochemical reduction, allowed PAA to be detected directly and consecutively by assessing its reduction current. The PAA sensor had a broad linear detection range (3.1 {mu}M-1.5 mM) and a rapid response time (3.9 s) at an applied potential of -0.3 V. Potentially interfering substances, such as hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, and oxygen, had no effect on the ability of the probe to detect PAA, indicating high selectivity of the probe. Furthermore, the detection range, response time, and sensitivity of the sensor could all be improved by modification of the smooth planar electrode surface to a porous three-dimensional configuration. When compared to the analytical characteristics of other PAA sensors operating under optimal conditions, the three-dimensional PBI/Au electrode offers a rapid detection time, a usable linear range, and a relatively low detection limit.

A novel amperometric sensor for peracetic acid based on a polybenzimidazole-modified gold electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hua, Mu-Yi; Chen, Hsiao-Chien; Tsai, Rung-Ywan; Lin, Yu-Chen

2011-01-01

We have developed a peracetic acid (PAA) sensor based on a polybenzimidazole-modified gold (PBI/Au) electrode. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that PAA oxidized 69.4% of the imine in PBI to form PBI N-oxide, increasing the electrochemical reduction current during cyclic voltammetry. The chemical oxidation of the PBI/Au electrode by PAA, followed by its electrochemical reduction, allowed PAA to be detected directly and consecutively by assessing its reduction current. The PAA sensor had a broad linear detection range (3.1 μM-1.5 mM) and a rapid response time (3.9 s) at an applied potential of -0.3 V. Potentially interfering substances, such as hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, and oxygen, had no effect on the ability of the probe to detect PAA, indicating high selectivity of the probe. Furthermore, the detection range, response time, and sensitivity of the sensor could all be improved by modification of the smooth planar electrode surface to a porous three-dimensional configuration. When compared to the analytical characteristics of other PAA sensors operating under optimal conditions, the three-dimensional PBI/Au electrode offers a rapid detection time, a usable linear range, and a relatively low detection limit.

Validity of the Parental Burnout Inventory Among Dutch Employees.

Science.gov (United States)

Van Bakel, Hedwig J A; Van Engen, Marloes L; Peters, Pascale

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to validate the Parental Burnout Inventory (PBI) in a Dutch sample of working parents. The Dutch version of the PBI and questionnaires about work were administered to 627 working parents, with at least one child living at home. We investigated whether the tri-dimensional structure of the PBI held in a sample of male and female employed parents. Furthermore, we examined the relationships between PBI and the constructs work-related burnout, depressive mood, parenting stress and work-family conflict, which we assessed with widely used and validated instruments, i.e., emotional exhaustion [a subscale of the Dutch version of Maslach's Burnout Inventory], a Dutch Parental Stress Questionnaire and Work-Family Conflict. The results support the validity of a tri-dimensional parental burnout syndrome, including exhaustion, distancing and inefficacy. Low to moderate correlations between parents' burnout symptoms and professional exhaustion, parenting stress, depressive complaints and work-family conflict experiences were found, suggesting that the concept of PBI differs significantly from the concepts of job burnout, depression and stress, respectively. The current study confirms that some parents are extremely exhausted by their parental role. However, the number of Dutch employees reporting extreme parental burnout is rather low.

Validity of the Parental Burnout Inventory Among Dutch Employees

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hedwig J. A. Van Bakel

2018-05-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this study was to validate the Parental Burnout Inventory (PBI in a Dutch sample of working parents. The Dutch version of the PBI and questionnaires about work were administered to 627 working parents, with at least one child living at home. We investigated whether the tri-dimensional structure of the PBI held in a sample of male and female employed parents. Furthermore, we examined the relationships between PBI and the constructs work-related burnout, depressive mood, parenting stress and work-family conflict, which we assessed with widely used and validated instruments, i.e., emotional exhaustion [a subscale of the Dutch version of Maslach’s Burnout Inventory], a Dutch Parental Stress Questionnaire and Work-Family Conflict. The results support the validity of a tri-dimensional parental burnout syndrome, including exhaustion, distancing and inefficacy. Low to moderate correlations between parents’ burnout symptoms and professional exhaustion, parenting stress, depressive complaints and work-family conflict experiences were found, suggesting that the concept of PBI differs significantly from the concepts of job burnout, depression and stress, respectively. The current study confirms that some parents are extremely exhausted by their parental role. However, the number of Dutch employees reporting extreme parental burnout is rather low.

Light-trapping in perovskite solar cells

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Qing Guo Du

2016-06-01

Full Text Available We numerically demonstrate enhanced light harvesting efficiency in both CH3NH3PbI3 and CH(NH22PbI3-based perovskite solar cells using inverted vertical-cone photonic-crystal nanostructures. For CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells, the maximum achievable photocurrent density (MAPD reaches 25.1 mA/cm2, corresponding to 92% of the total available photocurrent in the absorption range of 300 nm to 800 nm. Our cell shows 6% absorption enhancement compared to the Lambertian limit (23.7 mA/cm2 and has a projected power conversion efficiency of 12.9%. Excellent solar absorption is numerically demonstrated over a broad angular range from 0 to 60 degree for both S- and P- polarizations. For the corresponding CH(NH22PbI3 based perovskite solar cell, with absorption range of 300 nm to 850 nm, we find a MAPD of 29.1 mA/cm2, corresponding to 95.4% of the total available photocurrent. The projected power conversion efficiency of the CH(NH22PbI3 based photonic crystal solar cell is 23.4%, well above the current world record efficiency of 20.1%.

Possible route to d0 magnetism in α-PbO compound

Science.gov (United States)

Berashevich, J.; Reznik, A.

2014-10-01

Using first principles methods, we investigated the possibility of inducing d0 magnetism in α-PbO. The Pbi interstitial defect was found to acquire magnetic properties after its incorporation into the α-PbO crystal structure. The Pbi interstitial defect generates a p localized state with two electrons on-site, the spin alignment of which is governed by Hund's rule, thereby leading to the formation of the local magnetic moment 2μB. The magnetic coupling between defects is a function of the occupancy of the defect states. For two defects in their zero charge state Pbi(0), the antiferromagnetic coupling is more stable. The Pb interstitial defects in the charge state Pbi(1 +) already have the ferromagnetic ground state. The magnetic coupling was found to be driven by long-range order interactions. The critical limit on the defect concentration required to establish magnetic percolation above room temperature is about 1020 cm-3, which may be possible when Pbi defects are formed on the surface of a single crystal. The substitution of the Pb interstitial defect with the non-magnetic elements of the s2px outer shell (the local magnetic moment is defined by 1 ≤ x ≤ 3) was found to be a potential means for tuning the magnetic behavior.

Hydroxyl pyridine containing polybenzimidazole membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Yang, Jingshuai; Xu, Yixin; Zhou, Lu

2013-01-01

A polybenzimidazole variant polymer containing hydroxyl pyridine groups, termed as OHPyPBI, was synthesized from 3,3'-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride and 4-hydroxy-2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid. The thermal-oxidative stability of the OHPyPBI polymer was as high as that of poly[2,2'-(m-phenyle...

Electronic and optical properties of lead iodide

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ahuja, R.; Arwin, H.; Ferreira da Silva, A.

2002-01-01

The electronic properties and the optical absorption of lead iodide (PbI2) have been investigated experimentally by means of optical absorption and spectroscopic ellipsometry, and theoretically by a full-potential linear muffin-tin-orbital method. PbI2 has been recognized as a very promising...

Etude de l'effet du vieillissement sur les proprietes d'un tissu en melange KevlarRTM-PBI utilise dans le revetement exterieur des habits de protection contre le feu

Science.gov (United States)

Arrieta, Carlos

The aim of this work is to study and model the effect of three aging factors, temperature, humidity and light radiation, on the properties of a fabric made of a blend of KevlarRTM and PBI fibers frequently used to manufacture fire-protective garments. Accelarated-aging treatments carried out at carefully chosen conditions for the three factors resulted in a sizeable loss of mechanical performance. The breaking force of both the fabric and the yarns extracted from it decreases to less than 50% after one month of continuous exposure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests performed on thermally-aged samples indicated an increase of the crystallinity of the fabric, whereas the disappearance of Raman spectral lines suggested instead a reduction of the crystallinity following thermal aging. To explain these seemingly contradictory results, a hypothesis was introduced, stating that two different processes occurred simultaneously during thermal aging. The first one, an increase of size of the crystallites in the direction of the fibers' axis, accounted for the increase in crystallinity observed in XRD tests. The second one, an increase in the gap separating lamellar crystallites that causes a non-measurable reduction of the crystallinity of the sample, was highlighted by the Raman analyses. The results of the dielectric spectroscopy analyses carried out on thermally-aged samples confirmed the XRD results showing a significant change in the Kevlar's morphology during thermal aging. Despite the important decrease of the breaking force that ensued thermal aging, no evidence of a chemical structure modification of KevlarRTM was found. On the other hand, differential thermal analyses conducted on thermally aged fabric samples indicated a reduction of the glass transition temperature of the other component of the blend, namely the PBI, a fact that suggests a decrease of molecular weight after thermal aging. Infrared spectroscopy analyses performed on samples exposed to high humidity

Patterning and photoluminescent properties of perovskite-type organic/inorganic hybrid luminescent films by soft lithography

Science.gov (United States)

Cheng, Z. Y.; Wang, Z.; Xing, R. B.; Han, Y. C.; Lin, J.

2003-07-01

Perovskite-type organic/inorganic hybrid layered compound (C 6H 5C 2H 4NH 3) 2PbI 4 was synthesized. The patterning of (C 6H 5C 2H 4NH 3) 2PbI 4 thin films on silicon substrate was realized by the micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) process, a kind of soft lithography. Bright green luminescent stripes with different widths (50, 15, 0.8 μm) have been obtained. The structure and optical properties of (C 6H 5C 2H 4NH 3) 2PbI 4 films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV/Vis absorption and photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, respectively. It is shown that the organic-inorganic layered (C 6H 5C 2H 4NH 3) 2PbI 4 film was c-axis oriented, paralleling to the substrate plane. Green exciton emission at 525 nm was observed in the film, and the explanations for it were given.

Anti-solvent surface engineering via diethyl ether to enhance the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells to 18.76%

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Yanbo; Yang, Lili; Wang, Fengyou; Sui, Yingrui; Sun, Yunfei; Wei, Maobin; Cao, Jian; Liu, Huilian

2018-01-01

A quick and repeatable fabrication of compact CH3NH3PbI3 film was achieved by the anti-solvent method which consists of the one-step deposition to the CH3NH3PbI3 film and quickly exposition to the anti-solvent of diethyl ether. The morphology, crystalline quality and properties of the CH3NH3PbI3 film were found to be extraordinary influenced by the adding amount of diethyl ether. Accordingly, the native relationship between the crystal quality of perovskite films and solar cells was revealed. The CH3NH3PbI3 film by adding optimized 600 μL diethyl ether delivered the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.76% and average PCE of 18.41% with remarkable reproducibility. These results provide an approach to fabricate the high-quality perovskite film and encourage the researchers to further improve the PCE of perovskite solar cells from the aspect of the fabrication process.

Dosimetric comparison of partial and whole breast external beam irradiation in the treatment of early stage breast cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Yongbok; Parda, David S.; Trombetta, Mark G.; Colonias, Athanasios; Werts, E. Day; Miller, Linda; Miften, Moyed

2007-01-01

A dosimetric comparison was performed on external-beam three-dimensional conformal partial breast irradiation (PBI) and whole breast irradiation (WBI) plans for patients enrolled in the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) B-39/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0413 protocol at our institution. Twenty-four consecutive patients were treated with either PBI (12 patients) or WBI (12 patients). In the PBI arm, the lumpectomy cavity was treated to a total dose of 38.5 Gy at 3.85 Gy per fraction twice daily using a four-field noncoplanar beam setup. A minimum 6 h interval was required between fractions. In the WBI arm, the whole breast including the entirety of the lumpectomy cavity was treated to a total dose of 50.4 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction daily using opposed tangential beams. The lumpectomy cavity volume, planning target volume for evaluation (PTV E VAL), and critical structure volumes were contoured for both the PBI and WBI patients. Dosimetric parameters, dose volume histograms (DVHs), and generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) for target and critical structures were compared. Dosimetric results show the PBI plans, compared to the WBI plans, have smaller hot spots in the PTV E VAL (maximum dose: 104.2% versus 110.9%) and reduced dose to the ipsilateral breast (V50: 48.6% versus 92.1% and V100: 10.2% versus 50.5%), contralateral breast (V3: 0.16% versus 2.04%), ipsilateral lung (V30: 5.8% versus 12.7%), and thyroid (maximum dose: 0.5% versus 2.0%) with p values ≤0.01. However, similar dose coverage of the PTV E VAL (98% for PBI and 99% for WBI, on average) was observed and the dose difference for other critical structures was clinically insignificant in both arms. The gEUD data analysis showed the reduction of dose to the ipsilateral breast and lung, contralateral breast and thyroid. In addition, preliminary dermatologic adverse event assessment data suggested reduced skin toxicity for patients treated with the PBI technique

A Comparison of Two Measures of Parental Behavior

Science.gov (United States)

Safford, Scott M.; Alloy, Lauren B.; Pieracci, Antonia

2007-01-01

We compared two common measures of parenting behavior, the Children's Report of Parental Behavior Inventory (CRPBI) and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), evaluating their psychometric properties and predictive ability. One hundred sixty seven college students completed the CRPBI, PBI, and measures of depression and anxiety with 123…

An Instructional Theory for the Post-Industrial Age

Science.gov (United States)

Reigeluth, Charles M.

2011-01-01

This article describes instructional theory that supports post-industrial education and training systems--ones that are customized and learner-centered, in which student progress is based on learning rather than time. The author discusses the importance of problem-based instruction (PBI), identifies some problems with PBI, overviews an…

Target volume delineation in external beam partial breast irradiation: Less inter-observer variation with preoperative- compared to postoperative delineation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leij, Femke van der; Elkhuizen, Paula H.M.; Janssen, Tomas M.; Poortmans, Philip; Sangen, Maurice van der; Scholten, Astrid N.; Vliet-Vroegindeweij, Corine van; Boersma, Liesbeth J.

2014-01-01

The challenge of adequate target volume definition in external beam partial breast irradiation (PBI) could be overcome with preoperative irradiation, due to less inter-observer variation. We compared the target volume delineation for external beam PBI on preoperative versus postoperative CT scans of twenty-four breast cancer patients

Validity of the Parental Burnout Inventory among Dutch employees

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Bakel, H.J.A.; van Engen, M.L.; Peters, P.

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to validate the Parental Burnout Inventory (PBI) in a Dutch sample of working parents. The Dutch version of the PBI and questionnaires about work were administered to 627 working parents, with at least one child living at home. We investigated whether the

The influence of the utilization time of brush heads from different types of power toothbrushes on oral hygiene assessed over a 6-month observation period: A randomized clinical trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Schmickler, Jan; Wurbs, Sabine; Wurbs, Susanne; Kramer, Katharina; Rinke, Sven; Hornecker, Else; Mausberg, Rainer F; Ziebolz, Dirk

2016-12-01

This randomized clinical trial investigated the influence of the utilization time of brush heads from different types of power toothbrushes [oscillating rotating (OR) and sonic action (SA)93; on oral hygiene (plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation) over a 6-month observation period. 49 participants were randomly allocated into two groups: use of the same brush head over 6 months (NR: non-replacement) or replacement of brush head every 4 weeks over 6 months (R: replacement). Each group was subdivided into two subgroups according to kind of toothbrush (TB) used (OR and SA). Modified Quigley-Hein plaque index (QHI), papilla bleeding index (PBI), and gingival index (GI) were recorded at baseline and 2, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks after baseline. After 24 weeks, participants of both groups (R and NR) received a new brush head. At week 26, final QHI, PBI, and GI were recorded. QHI decreased between baseline and follow-up visits in R groups (P 0.05). There was no significant effect of time on PBI or GI in any of R subgroups (P> 0.05). In NR oscillating/rotating TB: significant increase in PBI and GI was detected 24 weeks after baseline (PBI: P= 0.02, GI: P= 0.03); sonic action TBs showed significant decrease in PBI at every follow-up visit (P< 0.05), except at 24 weeks after baseline (P= 0.73). GI was significantly decreased at 2 weeks after baseline only (P< 0.01). Six-month use of the same brush head reduced effectiveness in removing plaque, and gingival inflammation appeared to increase after a utilization time of over 4 months. Replacing brush heads is advised after 4 months.

Molecular cloning and characterization of satellite DNA sequences from constitutive heterochromatin of the habu snake (Protobothrops flavoviridis, Viperidae) and the Burmese python (Python bivittatus, Pythonidae).

Science.gov (United States)

Matsubara, Kazumi; Uno, Yoshinobu; Srikulnath, Kornsorn; Seki, Risako; Nishida, Chizuko; Matsuda, Yoichi

2015-12-01

Highly repetitive DNA sequences of the centromeric heterochromatin provide valuable molecular cytogenetic markers for the investigation of genomic compartmentalization in the macrochromosomes and microchromosomes of sauropsids. Here, the relationship between centromeric heterochromatin and karyotype evolution was examined using cloned repetitive DNA sequences from two snake species, the habu snake (Protobothrops flavoviridis, Crotalinae, Viperidae) and Burmese python (Python bivittatus, Pythonidae). Three satellite DNA (stDNA) families were isolated from the heterochromatin of these snakes: 168-bp PFL-MspI from P. flavoviridis and 196-bp PBI-DdeI and 174-bp PBI-MspI from P. bivittatus. The PFL-MspI and PBI-DdeI sequences were localized to the centromeric regions of most chromosomes in the respective species, suggesting that the two sequences were the major components of the centromeric heterochromatin in these organisms. The PBI-MspI sequence was localized to the pericentromeric region of four chromosome pairs. The PFL-MspI and the PBI-DdeI sequences were conserved only in the genome of closely related species, Gloydius blomhoffii (Crotalinae) and Python molurus, respectively, although their locations on the chromosomes were slightly different. In contrast, the PBI-MspI sequence was also in the genomes of P. molurus and Boa constrictor (Boidae), and additionally localized to the centromeric regions of eight chromosome pairs in B. constrictor, suggesting that this sequence originated in the genome of a common ancestor of Pythonidae and Boidae, approximately 86 million years ago. The three stDNA sequences showed no genomic compartmentalization between the macrochromosomes and microchromosomes, suggesting that homogenization of the centromeric and/or pericentromeric stDNA sequences occurred in the macrochromosomes and microchromosomes of these snakes.

CH3NH3I treatment temperature of 70 °C in low-pressure vapor-assisted deposition for mesoscopic perovskite solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Jin, Wenbin; Zou, Xiaoping; Bai, Xiao; Yang, Ying; Chen, Dan

2018-01-01

Herein, we report a modified vapor-assisted deposition method to fabricate CH3NH3PbI3 film at 70 °C in a vacuum drying oven. The modified method has excellent operability and expandability in preparing perovskite solar cells. The CH3NH3I treatment temperature is 130 °C or 150 °C in conventional method, but we reduced the temperature to 70 °C in the modified vapor-assisted method. Meanwhile, the quality of CH3NH3PbI3 films prepared via the modified method is superior to that of CH3NH3PbI3 films of solution-processed method.

Development and application of a general plasmid reference material for GMO screening.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Yuhua; Li, Jun; Wang, Yulei; Li, Xiaofei; Li, Yunjing; Zhu, Li; Li, Jun; Wu, Gang

The use of analytical controls is essential when performing GMO detection through screening tests. Additionally, the presence of taxon-specific sequences is analyzed mostly for quality control during GMO detection. In this study, 11 commonly used genetic elements involving three promoters (P-35S, P-FMV35S and P-NOS), four marker genes (Bar, NPTII, HPT and Pmi), and four terminators (T-NOS, T-35S, T-g7 and T-e9), together with the reference gene fragments from six major crops of maize, soybean, rapeseed, rice, cotton and wheat, were co-integrated into the same single plasmid to construct a general reference plasmid pBI121-Screening. The suitability test of pBI121-Screening plasmid as reference material indicated that the non-target sequence on the pBI121-Screening plasmid did not affect the PCR amplification efficiencies of screening methods and taxon-specific methods. The sensitivity of screening and taxon-specific assays ranged from 5 to 10 copies of pBI121-Screening plasmid, meeting the sensitivity requirement of GMO detection. The construction of pBI121-Screening solves the lack of a general positive control for screening tests, thereby reducing the workload and cost of preparing a plurality of the positive control. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Different Solvents on the Planar Hetero-junction Perovskite Solar Cells

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lin Shunquan

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3 films on the planar hetero-junction perovskite solar cells (PHJ-PSCs are fabricated by “two-steps” process with the wet spin-coating method. The precursor (PbI2 solutions are compounded with 4 types of solvents: N-Methyl Pyrrolidone (NMP, γ-butyrolactone (GBL, Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO and N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF. All the solutions have the same concentration. The influences of different precursor solvents to the micro-structures of CH3NH3PbI3 films and device performance are studied. Atomic force microscopy (AFM and scanning electron microscope (SEM are used to characterize the CH3NH3PbI3 films. The results indicate that the CH3NH3PbI3 film using DMF solvent possesses more rough morphology and thickest thickness. The monolithic PHJ-PSCs devices based on DMF solvent are tested under a standard one sun of simulated solar irradiation (AM1.5. The results show that the open-circuit voltage (Voc reaches 872mV, the short-circuit current (Jsc reaches 9.35mA/cm2, the filling factor(FF is 0.62 and the photo-current conversion efficiency (PCE is 5.05%. DMF is the best one among these 4 types of solvents for PHJ-PSCs.

Optical diagnostics of lead and PbGa2S4 layered crystal laser plasmas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shuaibov, A.K.; Dashchenko, A.I.; Shevera, I.V.

2001-01-01

Laser plasmas produced at the surfaces of lead and a PbGa 2 S 4 layered crystal irradiated by a neodymium laser with λ = 1.06 μm, pulse duration τ = 20 ns, and intensity W = (1-2) x 10 9 W/cm 2 are studied using optical diagnostics. It is shown that, in a lead plasma, the most intense (characteristic) lines are the PbI 405.7-nm, PbI 368.3-nm, PbI 364-nm, and PbII 220.4-nm lines. In a layered crystal plasma, the emission spectrum is an aggregation of the most intense PbI and GaI lines, whereas sulfur lines are absent. The bottlenecks of the recombination of the ionic and atomic components of the lead and PbGa 2 S 4 crystal plasmas are determined. The average propagation velocity of the lead laser plume is 18-20 km/s. A comparative analysis of the emission dynamics of PbI and GaI lines in the laser plasmas of these metals and in the plasma of a PbGa 2 S 4 crystal is carried out. The results obtained are important for the optical diagnostics of the plasmas of lead- and gallium-containing crystals and for the optimization of laser deposition of the thin films of these substances

Numerical simulation and experimental validation of inverted planar perovskite solar cells based on NiOx hole transport layer

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Xiaoqing; Wang, Xian; Jiang, Hailong; Huang, Yongliang; Han, Anjun; Gao, Qi; Bian, Jiantao; Liu, Zhengxin

2017-12-01

Numerical simulation of inverted planar perovskite solar cells based on NiOx hole transport layer was performed with AMPS-1D program. The simulated device parameters were shown to agree well with our experimental work. The simulated results revealed that the device contained typical p-i-n junction configuration. The optimum thickness of the absorber, the effects of the absorber quality, the defect density of interfaces, the effects of VBO and CBO, the interface contact at front and back electrodes were analyzed. Open-circuit voltage mainly depended on the defect density in CH3NH3PbI3 layer, the recombination at HTL/CH3NH3PbI3 and ETL/CH3NH3PbI3 interface, the values of VBO and CBO, while short-circuit current mainly depended on the thickness of CH3NH3PbI3 layer. Fill factor was significantly influenced by the interface contact at front and back electrodes. Remarkably, a power conversion efficiency of 21.8% is obtained under optimised conditions. Real devices with PCE of up to 15% were obtained by initially optimizing the preparation of CH3NH3PbI3 absorber layer. Our work can provide some important guidance for device design and optimization from the considerations of both theory and experiment.

Perioperative Care for Pediatric Patients With Penetrating Brain Injury: A Review.

Science.gov (United States)

Mikhael, Marco; Frost, Elizabeth; Cristancho, Maria

2017-05-19

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to be the leading cause of death and acquired disability in young children and adolescents, due to blunt or penetrating trauma, the latter being less common but more lethal. Penetrating brain injury (PBI) has not been studied extensively, mainly reported as case reports or case series, due to the assumption that both types of brain injury have common pathophysiology and consequently common management. However, recommendations and guidelines for the management of PBI differ from those of blunt TBI in regards to neuroimaging, intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring, and surgical management including those pertaining to vascular injury. PBI was one of the exclusion criteria in the second edition of guidelines for the acute medical management of severe TBI in infants, children, and adolescents that was published in 2012 (it is referred to as "pediatric guidelines" in this review). Many reviews of TBI do not differentiate between the mechanisms of injury. We present an overview of PBI, its presenting features, epidemiology, and causes as well as an analysis of case series and the conclusions that may be drawn from those and other studies. More clinical trials specific to penetrating head injuries in children, focusing mainly on pathophysiology and management, are needed. The term PBI is specific to penetrating injury only, whereas TBI, a more inclusive term, describes mainly, but not only, blunt injury.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Processing Instruction and Production-Based Instruction on L2 Grammar Learning: The Role of Explicit Information

Science.gov (United States)

Soruç, Adem; Qin, Jingjing; Kim, YouJin

2017-01-01

This article reports on a study that investigated whether processing instruction(PI) or production-based instruction (PBI) is more effective for the teaching of regular past simple verb forms in English. In addition, this study examined whether explicit grammatical information (EI) mediates the effectiveness of PI or PBI. A total of 194 Turkish…

Ground- and excited-state pinched cone equilibria in calix[4]arenes bearing two perylene bisimide dyes

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hippius, C.; van Stokkum, I.H.M.; Zangrando, E.; Williams, R.M.; Wykes, M.; Beljonne, D.; Wurthner, F.

2008-01-01

We report on a series of bis-chromophoric compounds o2c, g2c, and r2c, afforded by linking two identical orange, green, or red perylene bisimide (PBI) units, respectively, through a calix[4]arene spacer unit. The PBI units are characterized by their increasing sterical demand from a planar

Ground- and excited-state pinched cone equilibria in calix[4]arenes bearing two perylene bisimide dyes

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hippius, C.; van Stokkum, I.H.M.; Zangrando, E.; Williams, R.M.; Wykes, M.; Beljonne, D.; Würthner, F.

2008-01-01

We report oil a series of bis-chromophoric compounds o2c, g2c, and r2c, afforded by linking two identical orange, green, or red perylene bisimide (PBI) units, respectively, through a calix[4]arene spacer unit. The PBI units are characterized by their increasing sterical demand from a planar

Comparison of radiogrammetrical metacarpal indices in children and reference data from the First Zurich Longitudinal Study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Martin, David D.; Heckmann, Conrad; Neuhof, Julia; Ranke, Michael B.; Binder, Gerhard [University Children' s Hospital Tuebingen, Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Tuebingen (Germany); Jenni, Oskar G. [University Children' s Hospital, Child Development Centre, Zurich (Switzerland)

2012-08-15

A number of radiogrammetrical metacarpal indices are in use, some of which have been adapted for children. The purpose of this study was to compare four known indices - bone mineral density (BMD), relative cortical area, Exton-Smith index, bending breaking resistance index - and the more recently defined pediatric bone index (PBI) according to the two criteria of minimum height dependence and minimum variability in children of equal bone age. A total of 3,121 left-hand radiographs from 231 healthy Caucasian children ranging in age from 3 to 19 years old were analysed using BoneXpert {sup registered}, a programme for automatic analysis of hand radiographs and assessment of bone age. Dependence on height for chronological age or bone age and the mean relative standard deviation were lowest in the PBI for both genders pooled. The differences in height dependence were statistically significant and are shown to be clinically relevant. Reference data for PBI are presented. PBI may be a better indicator than BMD for bone health in children; however, verification in a clinical group is needed. (orig.)

Photoemission Spectroscopy Studies of Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Thin Films and Interfaces

Science.gov (United States)

Thibau, Emmanuel S.

Organometal halide perovskites have recently emerged as promising materials for fundamentally low-cost, high-performance optoelectronics. In this thesis, we utilize thermal co-evaporation of PbI2 and CH3NH 3 I to fabricate thin films of CH3NH3PbI 3. We first investigate the effect of stoichiometry on some of its structural, optical and electronic properties. Then, we study the energy level alignment of CH3NH3PbI3 with 6 organic semiconductors, revealing good agreement between the data and the theory of vacuum level alignment. Finally, the interface formed between CH3NH 3PbI3 and MoO3 is examined. The findings suggest migration of iodide species into the oxide layer, resulting in deterioration of its chemical and electronic properties. Insertion of an organic interlayer is shown to mitigate these undesirable effects. The results of this work could be of use in device engineering, where knowledge of such interfacial phenomena is of utmost importance in achieving optimized device structures.

Comparison of radiogrammetrical metacarpal indices in children and reference data from the First Zurich Longitudinal Study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martin, David D.; Heckmann, Conrad; Neuhof, Julia; Ranke, Michael B.; Binder, Gerhard; Jenni, Oskar G.

2012-01-01

A number of radiogrammetrical metacarpal indices are in use, some of which have been adapted for children. The purpose of this study was to compare four known indices - bone mineral density (BMD), relative cortical area, Exton-Smith index, bending breaking resistance index - and the more recently defined pediatric bone index (PBI) according to the two criteria of minimum height dependence and minimum variability in children of equal bone age. A total of 3,121 left-hand radiographs from 231 healthy Caucasian children ranging in age from 3 to 19 years old were analysed using BoneXpert registered , a programme for automatic analysis of hand radiographs and assessment of bone age. Dependence on height for chronological age or bone age and the mean relative standard deviation were lowest in the PBI for both genders pooled. The differences in height dependence were statistically significant and are shown to be clinically relevant. Reference data for PBI are presented. PBI may be a better indicator than BMD for bone health in children; however, verification in a clinical group is needed. (orig.)

Physical punishment and signs of mental distress in normal adolescents.

Science.gov (United States)

Bachar, E; Canetti, L; Bonne, O; DeNour, A K; Shalev, A Y

1997-01-01

Adolescents (375 males and 496 females) were administered the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the General Well-Being Scale (GWB), the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), and two questions about each parent, supplementing the PBI, tapping violent punitive behavior. Signs of mental distress in adolescents and reported physical punishment from parents were analyzed. Results indicated that greater physical punishment was associated with higher levels of psychiatric symptoms and lower general well-being. These results persisted after controlling for parental attitudes, as quantified by the PBI, and socioeconomic status. The findings of this study can contribute to efforts to raise public awareness of the negative consequences of physical punishment on the mental health of children.

Polybenzimidazole membranes for zero gap alkaline electrolysis cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kraglund, Mikkel Rykær; Aili, David; Christensen, Erik

Membranes of m-PBI doped in KOH (aq), 15-35 wt%, show high ionic conductivity in the temperature range 20-80 ºC. In electrolysis cells with nickel foam electrodes m-PBI membranesprovide low internal resistance. With a 60 µm membraneat 80ºC in 20 wt% KOH,1000 mA/cm2 is achieved at 2.25....

Water Infiltration in Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite : Fast and Inconspicuous

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Mueller, Christian; Glaser, Tobias; Plogmeyer, Marcel; Sendner, Michael; Doering, Sebastian; Bakulin, Artem A.; Brzuska, Carlo; Scheer, Roland; Pshenichnikov, Maxim S.; Kowalsky, Wolfgang; Pucci, Annemarie; Lovrincic, Robert

2015-01-01

While the susceptibility of CH3NH3PbI3 to water is well-documented, the influence of water on device performance is not well-understood. Herein, we use infrared spectroscopy to show that water infiltration into CH3NH3PbI3 occurs much faster and at a humidity much lower than previously thought. We

Tailoring Mixed-Halide, Wide-Gap Perovskites via Multistep Conversion Process

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Bae, D.; Palmstrom, A.; Roelofs, K.; Mei, Bastian Timo; Chorkendorf, I.; Bent, S.F.; Vesborg, P.C.

2016-01-01

Wide-band-gap mixed-halide CH3NH3PbI3–XBrX-based solar cells have been prepared by means of a sequential spin-coating process. The spin-rate for PbI2 as well as its repetitive deposition are important in determining the cross-sectional shape and surface morphology of perovskite, and, consequently,

Oxygen reduction on carbon supported platinum catalysts in high temperature polymer electrolytes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Qingfeng, Li; Bergqvist, R. S.; Hjuler, H. A.

1999-01-01

Oxygen reduction on carbon supported platinum catalysts has been investigated in H3PO4, H3PO4-doped Nafion and PBI polymer electrolytes in a temperature range from 80 to 190°C. Compared with pure H3PO4, using the H3PO4 doped Nafion and PBI polymer electrolytes can significantly improve the oxygen...

Immunotheranostic Polymersomes Modularly Assembled from Tetrablock and Diblock Copolymers with Oxidation-Responsive Fluorescence.

Science.gov (United States)

Du, Fanfan; Liu, Yu-Gang; Scott, Evan Alexander

2017-10-01

Intracellular delivery is a key step for many applications in medicine and for investigations into cellular function. This is particularly true for immunotherapy, which often requires controlled delivery of antigen and adjuvants to the cytoplasm of immune cells. Due to the complex responses generated by the stimulation of diverse immune cell populations, it is critical to monitor which cells are targeted during treatment. To address this issue, we have engineered an immunotheranostic polymersome delivery system that fluorescently marks immune cells following intracellular delivery. N -(3-bromopropyl)phthalimide end-capped poly(ethylene glycol)-bl-poly(propylene sulfide) (PEG-PPS-PI) was synthesized by anionic ring opening polymerization and linked with PEG-PPS-NH 2 via a perylene bisimide (PBI) bridge to form a tetrablock copolymer (PEG-PPS-PBI-PPS-PEG). Block copolymers were assembled into polymersomes by thin film hydration in phosphate buffered saline and characterized by dynamic light scattering, cryogenic electron microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. Polymersomes were injected subcutaneously into the backs of mice, and draining lymph nodes were extracted for flow cytometric analysis of cellular uptake and disassembly. Modular self-assembly of tetrablock / diblock copolymers in aqueous solutions induced π-π stacking of the PBI linker that both red-shifted and quenched the PBI fluorescence. Reactive oxygen species within the endosomes of phagocytic immune cell populations oxidized the PPS blocks, which disassembled the polymersomes for dequenching and shifting of the PBI fluorescence from 640 nm to 550 nm emission. Lymph node resident macrophages and dendritic cells were found to increase in 550 nm emission over the course of 3 days by flow cytometry. Immunotheranostic polymersomes present a versatile platform to probe the contributions of specific cell populations during the elicitation of controlled immune responses. Flanking PBI with two oxidation

Multichromophoric hybrid species made of perylene bisimide derivatives and Ru(ii) and Os(ii) polypyridine subunits.

Science.gov (United States)

Nastasi, Francesco; La Ganga, Giuseppina; Campagna, Sebastiano; Syrgiannis, Zois; Rigodanza, Francesco; Vitale, Stefania; Licciardello, Antonino; Prato, Maurizio

2017-05-31

Herein, the synthesis and the photophysical and redox properties of a new perylene bisimide (PBI) species (L), bearing two 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligands at the two imide positions of the PBI, and its dinuclear Ru(ii) and Os(ii) complexes, [(bpy) 2 Ru(μ-L)Ru(bpy) 2 ](PF 6 ) 4 (Ru2; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) and [(Me 2 -bpy) 2 Os(μ-L)Os(Me 2 -bpy) 2 ](PF 6 ) 4 (Os2; Me 2 -bpy = (4,4'-dimethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine), are reported. The absorption spectra of the compounds are dominated by the structured bands of the PBI subunit due to the lowest-energy spin-allowed π-π* transition. The spin-allowed MLCT transitions in Ru2 and Os2 are inferred by the absorption at 350-470 nm, where the PBI absorption is negligible. The absorption band extends towards the red region for Os2 due to the spin-forbidden MLCT transitions, intensified by the heavy osmium center. The reduction processes of the compounds are dominated by two successive mono-electronic PBI-based processes, which in the metal complexes are slightly shifted compared to the free ligand. On oxidation, both metal complexes undergo an apparent bi-electronic process (at 1.31 V vs. SCE for Ru2 and 0.77 V for Os2), attributed to the simultaneous one-electron oxidation of the two weakly-interacting metal centers. In Ru2 and Os2, the intense fluorescence of L subunit (λ max , 535 nm; τ, 4.3 ns; Φ, 0.91) is fully quenched, mainly by photoinduced electron transfer from the metal centers, on the ps timescale (time constant, 11 ps in Ru2 and 3 ps in Os2). Such photoinduced electron transfer leads to the formation of a charge-separated state, which directly decays to the ground state in about 70 ps in Os2, but produces the triplet π-π* state of the PBI subunit in 35 ps in Ru2. The results provide information on the excited-state processes of the hybrid species combining two dominant classes of chromophore/luminophore species, the PBI and the metal polypyridine complexes, and can be used for future design on new hybrid

Dosimetric investigation depending on tumor location in patient breast in partial breast irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Min Joo; Park, So Hyun; Jung, Joo Young; Woong, Cho; Suh, Tae Suk

2012-01-01

The Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI) technique, which involves radiation beam delivery techniques that use a limited range of treatment volumes, has been a challenging approach that is worthy of consideration compared to whole-breast radiation therapy (WBRT). Because of a small target volumes used in the PBI technique, the radiation dose can be safely delivered to the targeted tissue without the unwanted delivery of radiation to normal breast tissues and organ at risk (OAR), such as contralateral breast, lung and heart.Through PBI technique, better cosmetic outcomes and minimizing damages to OARs could be expected and also the daily dose can be increased with smaller number of fractionation in radiation therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric effects according to tumor locations in patient's breast for Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI) technique using three Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT), Electron Beam Radiation therapy (EBRT) and Helical-tomotherapy (H-TOMO). Dosimetric comparisons of PBI technique for 3DCRT, EBRT, and H-TOMO depending on the classified tumor locations were performed. H-TOMO delivered the low dose to lager volume to surrounding normal tissue, such as the heart and lungs compared to 3DCRT and EBRT although it had the same degree of target coverage as the other methods (3DCRT, EBRT). EBRT had a curative effect for early-stage breast cancers located in the lower and inner sections (LIQ-S, LIQ-D)

Ultralow Self-Doping in 2D Hybrid Perovskite Single Crystals

KAUST Repository

Peng, Wei; Yin, Jun; Ho, Kang-Ting; Ouellette, Olivier; de Bastiani, Michele; Banavoth, Murali; El Tall, Omar; Shen, Chao; Miao, Xiaohe; Pan, Jun; Alarousu, Erkki; He, Jr-Hau; Ooi, Boon S.; Mohammed, Omar F.; Sargent, Edward H.; Bakr, Osman

2017-01-01

-processed semiconductors, including hybrid perovskites, which are usually high in defects due to rapid crystallization. Here, we uncover extremely low self-doping concentrations in single crystals of (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4･(CH3NH3PbI3)n-1 (n=1, 2, and 3)—over three orders

Parental rearing style: examining for links with personality vulnerability factors for depression.

Science.gov (United States)

Parker, G

1993-07-01

Recent research provides evidence of links between anomalous parenting experiences in childhood and subsequent depression. A study was designed to pursue the possibility that anomalous parenting effects a diathesis to depression by inducing a vulnerable cognitive style rather than by disposing directly to depression. Possible mediating personality style variables were explored in a study of 123 depressed subjects who scored their parents on the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), as well as completing a state depression and several relevant personality measures. Low self-esteem and a related dysfunction cognitive style were the personality variables most clearly linked with PBI scores, with links persisting after partialling out state levels of depression. Failure to find links between PBI scores and depression levels limited explication of the diathesis stress model.

Shape-controlled synthesis of organolead halide perovskite nanocrystals and their tunable optical absorption

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Zhenhua; Tang, Yongbing; Huang, Xing; Lee, Chun-Sing; Li, Hui; Ho, Derek

2014-01-01

Hybrid organolead halide perovskites (CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 ) with polymorphic structures have been successfully synthesized by controlling their solubility in solvents with different polarities. Crystal formation stages of the perovskites have been demonstrated for the first time. Shape changes of such perovskites are accompanied by transition in their crystal structures and variation of optical properties. Herein, a new trigonal phase for CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 has been observed with a rod-like morphology. Photoemission study indicates a significant red shift in the perovskite nanoparticles, compared to that of the rod-like nanocrystals. This solvent-controlled formation of polymorphic phases provide an additional approach for controlling the optical properties of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 for various optoelectronic applications. (papers)

Lead iodide perovskite sensitized all-solid-state submicron thin film mesoscopic solar cell with efficiency exceeding 9%.

KAUST Repository

Kim, Hui-Seon

2012-08-21

We report on solid-state mesoscopic heterojunction solar cells employing nanoparticles (NPs) of methyl ammonium lead iodide (CH(3)NH(3))PbI(3) as light harvesters. The perovskite NPs were produced by reaction of methylammonium iodide with PbI(2) and deposited onto a submicron-thick mesoscopic TiO(2) film, whose pores were infiltrated with the hole-conductor spiro-MeOTAD. Illumination with standard AM-1.5 sunlight generated large photocurrents (J(SC)) exceeding 17 mA/cm(2), an open circuit photovoltage (V(OC)) of 0.888 V and a fill factor (FF) of 0.62 yielding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.7%, the highest reported to date for such cells. Femto second laser studies combined with photo-induced absorption measurements showed charge separation to proceed via hole injection from the excited (CH(3)NH(3))PbI(3) NPs into the spiro-MeOTAD followed by electron transfer to the mesoscopic TiO(2) film. The use of a solid hole conductor dramatically improved the device stability compared to (CH(3)NH(3))PbI(3) -sensitized liquid junction cells.

The effect of irradiation by 173Cs and 60Co on the optical and spectral response properties of lead iodide thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jamil, S. S. B.; Ltaif, A. K.; Fadhel, H. M.

2012-12-01

This films of solution grown PbI 2 and of pure material of PbI 2 have been deposited onto glass substrate at 100o C by vacuum thermal evaporation technique. Some physical properties of samples without and with gamma radiation are studied. The irradiation process to the samples were made by applied sample to 1 73 'Cs source with activity 0.635 μci and 6 0C o source with activity 0.62 μci without and with different times of irradiation (3,4,5,6, weeks) to obtain the suitable dose. The x-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that PbI 2 films are polycrystalline, having bollixing structure. Transmission spectra, absorption coefficient and band gap energy are studies were also carried out in the wavelength region of 420-900 nm. The band gap of Pb1 2 at room temperature was found to be 2.37-2.78 eV with direct transition nature using the plots were calculated which were machinating with earlier reported value. The spectral photocurrent of PbI 2 layers deposited in different time were also studied, it is found the maximum photocurrent response always is between the wavelength 490-500 nm. (Author)

Lead iodide perovskite sensitized all-solid-state submicron thin film mesoscopic solar cell with efficiency exceeding 9%.

KAUST Repository

Kim, Hui-Seon; Lee, Chang-Ryul; Im, Jeong-Hyeok; Lee, Ki-Beom; Moehl, Thomas; Marchioro, Arianna; Moon, Soo-Jin; Humphry-Baker, Robin; Yum, Jun-Ho; Moser, Jacques E; Grä tzel, Michael; Park, Nam-Gyu

2012-01-01

We report on solid-state mesoscopic heterojunction solar cells employing nanoparticles (NPs) of methyl ammonium lead iodide (CH(3)NH(3))PbI(3) as light harvesters. The perovskite NPs were produced by reaction of methylammonium iodide with PbI(2) and deposited onto a submicron-thick mesoscopic TiO(2) film, whose pores were infiltrated with the hole-conductor spiro-MeOTAD. Illumination with standard AM-1.5 sunlight generated large photocurrents (J(SC)) exceeding 17 mA/cm(2), an open circuit photovoltage (V(OC)) of 0.888 V and a fill factor (FF) of 0.62 yielding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.7%, the highest reported to date for such cells. Femto second laser studies combined with photo-induced absorption measurements showed charge separation to proceed via hole injection from the excited (CH(3)NH(3))PbI(3) NPs into the spiro-MeOTAD followed by electron transfer to the mesoscopic TiO(2) film. The use of a solid hole conductor dramatically improved the device stability compared to (CH(3)NH(3))PbI(3) -sensitized liquid junction cells.

METODE ANUITAS DAN PROPORSIONAL MURABAHAH SEBAGAI BENTUK TRANSPARANSI DAN PUBLIKASI LAPORAN BANK

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mr Faisal

2015-02-01

Full Text Available Proportional and annuity methods are based on PBI 14/14/PBI/2012 on Transparency and Publication Reports of Islamic Banking and SEBI No. 15/26/DPbs/2013 on Implementation of Accounting Guidelines of Islamic Banking in Indonesia. These methods are forms of commitment to bring transparency in the Islamic banks and recognition on financial statement of profit on murabaha. The Annuity method is referred to PSAK 50, PSAK 55 and PSAK 60 because the substance is classified as a form of financing. Proportional method is referred to PSAK 102 because the substance is classified as trading activities. Metode anuitas dan proporsional didasarkan pada PBI No. 14/14/PBI/2012 tentang Transparansi dan Publikasi Laporan Bank Syariah dan SEBI No. 15/26/DPbs/2013 tentang Pelaksanaan Pedoman Akuntansi Perbankan Syariah Indonesia. Metode tersebut merupakan bentuk komitmen bank syariah dalam mewujudkan transparansi dan laporan keuangan pada pengakuan keuntungan murabahah. Metode anuitas mengacu pada PSAK 50, PSAK 55, dan PSAK 60 karena secara substansi dikategorikan sebagai bentuk pembiayaan. Metode proporsional mengacu pada PSAK 102 karena secara substansi dikategorikan sebagai bentuk kegiatan jual beli.

Planar-Structure Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency beyond 21.

Science.gov (United States)

Jiang, Qi; Chu, Zema; Wang, Pengyang; Yang, Xiaolei; Liu, Heng; Wang, Ye; Yin, Zhigang; Wu, Jinliang; Zhang, Xingwang; You, Jingbi

2017-12-01

Low temperature solution processed planar-structure perovskite solar cells gain great attention recently, while their power conversions are still lower than that of high temperature mesoporous counterpart. Previous reports are mainly focused on perovskite morphology control and interface engineering to improve performance. Here, this study systematically investigates the effect of precise stoichiometry, especially the PbI 2 contents on device performance including efficiency, hysteresis and stability. This study finds that a moderate residual of PbI 2 can deliver stable and high efficiency of solar cells without hysteresis, while too much residual PbI 2 will lead to serious hysteresis and poor transit stability. Solar cells with the efficiencies of 21.6% in small size (0.0737 cm 2 ) and 20.1% in large size (1 cm 2 ) with moderate residual PbI 2 in perovskite layer are obtained. The certificated efficiency for small size shows the efficiency of 20.9%, which is the highest efficiency ever recorded in planar-structure perovskite solar cells, showing the planar-structure perovskite solar cells are very promising. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Perovskite-based solar cells with inorganic inverted hybrid planar heterojunction structure

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wei-Chih Lai

2018-01-01

Full Text Available We demonstrated the good performance of inorganic inverted CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite-based solar cells (SCs with glass/ITO/NiOx/CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite/C60/ room temperature (RT-sputtered ZnO/Al structure. We adopted spin coating and RT sputtering for the deposition of NiOx and ZnO, respectively. The inorganic hole and electron transport layer of NiOx and RT-sputtered ZnO, respectively, could improve the open-circuit voltage (VOC, short-circuit current density (JSC, and power conversion efficiency (η% of the SCs. We obtained inorganic inverted CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite-based SCs with a JSC of 21.96 A/cm2, a VOC of 1.02 V, a fill factor (FF% of 68.2%, and an η% of 15.3% despite the sputtering damage of the RT-sputtered ZnO deposition. Moreover, the RT-sputtered ZnO could function as a diffusion barrier for Al, moisture, and O2. The inorganic inverted CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite-based SCs demonstrated improved storage reliability.

Polybenzimidazole/Mxene composite membranes for intermediate temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Science.gov (United States)

Fei, Mingming; Lin, Ruizhi; Deng, Yuming; Xian, Hongxi; Bian, Renji; Zhang, Xiaole; Cheng, Jigui; Xu, Chenxi; Cai, Dongyu

2018-01-01

This report demonstrated the first study on the use of a new 2D nanomaterial (Mxene) for enhancing membrane performance of intermediate temperature (>100 °C) polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (ITPEMFCs). In this study, a typical Ti3C2T x -MXene was synthesized and incorporated into polybenzimidazole (PBI)-based membranes by using a solution blending method. The composite membrane with 3 wt% Ti3C2T x -MXene showed the proton conductivity more than 2 times higher than that of pristine PBI membrane at the temperature range of 100 °C-170 °C, and led to substantial increase in maximum power density of fuel cells by ˜30% tested at 150 °C. The addition of Ti3C2T x -MXene also improved the mechanical properties and thermal stability of PBI membranes. At 3 wt% Ti3C2T x -MXene, the elongation at break of phosphoric acid doped PBI remained unaffected at 150 °C, and the tensile strength and Young’s modulus was increased by ˜150% and ˜160%, respectively. This study pointed out promising application of MXene in ITPEMFCs.

Procesos de búsqueda de información y zonas de intervención: un estudio de investigadores en Literatura Information seeking process: A study of Literature researchers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Susana Romanos de Tiratel

2002-06-01

Full Text Available Este artículo informa sobre un estudio exploratorio de un grupo de personas, graduadas en Literatura, que, durante un lapso prolongado de sus vidas, se dedican a investigar un tema para obtener el doctorado. Se identifican las estrategias involucradas en el proceso de búsqueda de información (PBI en actividades complejas; se establece que las actividades del PBI se combinan y se influyen dinámica y recurrentemente; se identifican las zonas de intervención en el PBI; se utilizan modelos combinados para describir los momentos del PBI y verificar la viabilidad de su aplicación.This paper informs about an exploratory study referred to a group of literature postgraduates who, for many years, were devoted to research a topic in order to obtain a doctor degree. The involved strategies in the information seeking process (ISP in complex activities are identified; it is established that the ISP activities combined themselves and are dynamically and recurrently influenced by each other; the ISP zones of intervention are identified; combined models are used to describe the ISP moments, and to verify the models application viability.

Perovskite-based solar cells with inorganic inverted hybrid planar heterojunction structure

Science.gov (United States)

Lai, Wei-Chih; Lin, Kun-Wei; Guo, Tzung-Fang; Chen, Peter; Liao, Yuan-Yu

2018-01-01

We demonstrated the good performance of inorganic inverted CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite-based solar cells (SCs) with glass/ITO/NiOx/CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite/C60/ room temperature (RT)-sputtered ZnO/Al structure. We adopted spin coating and RT sputtering for the deposition of NiOx and ZnO, respectively. The inorganic hole and electron transport layer of NiOx and RT-sputtered ZnO, respectively, could improve the open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current density (JSC), and power conversion efficiency (η%) of the SCs. We obtained inorganic inverted CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite-based SCs with a JSC of 21.96 A/cm2, a VOC of 1.02 V, a fill factor (FF%) of 68.2%, and an η% of 15.3% despite the sputtering damage of the RT-sputtered ZnO deposition. Moreover, the RT-sputtered ZnO could function as a diffusion barrier for Al, moisture, and O2. The inorganic inverted CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite-based SCs demonstrated improved storage reliability.

Lead Iodide Perovskite Sensitized All-Solid-State Submicron Thin Film Mesoscopic Solar Cell with Efficiency Exceeding 9%

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Hui-Seon; Lee, Chang-Ryul; Im, Jeong-Hyeok; Lee, Ki-Beom; Moehl, Thomas; Marchioro, Arianna; Moon, Soo-Jin; Humphry-Baker, Robin; Yum, Jun-Ho; Moser, Jacques E.; Grätzel, Michael; Park, Nam-Gyu

2012-01-01

We report on solid-state mesoscopic heterojunction solar cells employing nanoparticles (NPs) of methyl ammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3)PbI3 as light harvesters. The perovskite NPs were produced by reaction of methylammonium iodide with PbI2 and deposited onto a submicron-thick mesoscopic TiO2 film, whose pores were infiltrated with the hole-conductor spiro-MeOTAD. Illumination with standard AM-1.5 sunlight generated large photocurrents (JSC) exceeding 17 mA/cm2, an open circuit photovoltage (VOC) of 0.888 V and a fill factor (FF) of 0.62 yielding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.7%, the highest reported to date for such cells. Femto second laser studies combined with photo-induced absorption measurements showed charge separation to proceed via hole injection from the excited (CH3NH3)PbI3 NPs into the spiro-MeOTAD followed by electron transfer to the mesoscopic TiO2 film. The use of a solid hole conductor dramatically improved the device stability compared to (CH3NH3)PbI3 -sensitized liquid junction cells. PMID:22912919

Abnormal eating attitudes and behaviours and perceived parental control: a study of white British and British-Asian school girls.

Science.gov (United States)

Furnham, A; Adam-Saib, S

2001-09-01

Previous studies have found significantly higher scores on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) which measures eating disorders among second-generation British-Asian schoolgirls in comparison to their White counterparts. Further, high EAT-26 scores (an indication of unhealthy eating attitudes and behaviours) are positively associated with parental overprotection scores on the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). This study aimed to replicate and extend previous findings, comparing British-Asian schoolgirls to White schoolgirls and consider 'intra-Asian' differences on the same measures, including factor scores. Participants completed three questionnaires: EAT-26, PBI and BSS (Body Satisfaction Scale). There were 168 participants: 46 White, 40 Indian, 44 Pakistani and 38 Bengali. Previous findings were supported; the Asian scores were significantly higher than the White scores on the EAT-26 and PBI, but not the BSS. The Bengali sample had significantly higher EAT-26 total and 'oral control' scores than the other groups. There were no intra-Asian differences for the overprotection scores. PBI scores were not associated with EAT-26 scores. The BSS score was the only significant predictor of EAT scores, when entered into a regression along with PBI scores and the body mass index. Results demonstrated sociocultural factors in the development of eating disorders. The results suggest that there are important psychological differences between second-generation migrants from different countries on the Indian subcontinent. In line with previous studies, significant differences were found between the four ethnic groups, parenting styles, but these did not relate to actual eating disorders.

Feasibility study of a lead(II) iodide-based dosimeter for quality assurance in therapeutic radiology

Science.gov (United States)

Heo, Y. J.; Kim, K. T.; Oh, K. M.; Lee, Y. K.; Ahn, K. J.; Cho, H. L.; Kim, J. Y.; Min, B. I.; Mun, C. W.; Park, S. K.

2017-09-01

The most widely used form of radiotherapy to treat tumors uses a linear accelerator, and the apparatus requires regular quality assurance (QA). QA for a linear accelerator demands accuracy throughout, from mock treatment and treatment planning, up to treatment itself. Therefore, verifying a radiation dose is essential to ensure that the radiation is being applied as planned. In current clinical practice, ionization chambers and diodes are used for QA. However, using conventional gaseous ionization chambers presents drawbacks such as complex analytical procedures, difficult measurement procedures, and slow response time. In this study, we discuss the potential of a lead(II) iodide (PbI2)-based radiation dosimeter for radiotherapy QA. PbI2 is a semiconductor material suited to measurements of X-rays and gamma rays, because of its excellent response properties to radiation signals. Our results show that the PbI2-based dosimeter offers outstanding linearity and reproducibility, as well as dose-independent characteristics. In addition, percentage depth dose (PDD) measurements indicate that the error at a fixed reference depth Dmax was 0.3%, very similar to the measurement results obtained using ionization chambers. Based on these results, we confirm that the PbI2-based dosimeter has all the properties required for radiotherapy: stable dose detection, dose linearity, and rapid response time. Based on the evidence of this experimental verification, we believe that the PbI2-based dosimeter could be used commercially in various fields for precise measurements of radiation doses in the human body and for measuring the dose required for stereotactic radiosurgery or localized radiosurgery.

Feasibility study of a lead(II) iodide-based dosimeter for quality assurance in therapeutic radiology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heo, Y.J.; Kim, K.T.; Mun, C.W.; Oh, K.M.; Lee, Y.K.; Ahn, K.J.; Cho, H.L.; Park, S.K.; Kim, J.Y.; Min, B.I.

2017-01-01

The most widely used form of radiotherapy to treat tumors uses a linear accelerator, and the apparatus requires regular quality assurance (QA). QA for a linear accelerator demands accuracy throughout, from mock treatment and treatment planning, up to treatment itself. Therefore, verifying a radiation dose is essential to ensure that the radiation is being applied as planned. In current clinical practice, ionization chambers and diodes are used for QA. However, using conventional gaseous ionization chambers presents drawbacks such as complex analytical procedures, difficult measurement procedures, and slow response time. In this study, we discuss the potential of a lead(II) iodide (PbI 2 )-based radiation dosimeter for radiotherapy QA. PbI 2 is a semiconductor material suited to measurements of X-rays and gamma rays, because of its excellent response properties to radiation signals. Our results show that the PbI 2 -based dosimeter offers outstanding linearity and reproducibility, as well as dose-independent characteristics. In addition, percentage depth dose (PDD) measurements indicate that the error at a fixed reference depth D max was 0.3%, very similar to the measurement results obtained using ionization chambers. Based on these results, we confirm that the PbI 2 -based dosimeter has all the properties required for radiotherapy: stable dose detection, dose linearity, and rapid response time. Based on the evidence of this experimental verification, we believe that the PbI 2 -based dosimeter could be used commercially in various fields for precise measurements of radiation doses in the human body and for measuring the dose required for stereotactic radiosurgery or localized radiosurgery.

Proton conductivity of phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole and its composites with inorganic protontic conductors

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Li, Qingfeng

2003-01-01

contain inorganic protonic conductors including zirconium phosphate (ZrP), (Zr(HPO4)2. nH2O); phosphotungstic acid (PWA), (H3PW12O40. nH2O); and silicotungstic acid (SiWA), (H4SiW12O40 . nH2O). The conductivity of phosphoric acid doped PBI and PBI composite membranes was found to be dependent on the acid...

Preoperative Single Fraction Partial Breast Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Palta, Manisha; Yoo, Sua; Adamson, Justus D.; Prosnitz, Leonard R. [Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (United States); Horton, Janet K., E-mail: janet.horton@duke.edu [Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (United States)

2012-01-01

Purpose: Several recent series evaluating external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation (PBI) have reported adverse cosmetic outcomes, possibly related to large volumes of normal tissue receiving near-prescription doses. We hypothesized that delivery of external beam PBI in a single fraction to the preoperative tumor volume would be feasible and result in a decreased dose to the uninvolved breast compared with institutional postoperative PBI historical controls. Methods and Materials: A total of 17 patients with unifocal Stage T1 breast cancer were identified. Contrast-enhanced subtraction magnetic resonance images were loaded into an Eclipse treatment planning system and used to define the target volumes. A 'virtual plan' was created using four photon beams in a noncoplanar beam arrangement and optimized to deliver 15 Gy to the planning target volume. Results: The median breast volume was 1,713 cm{sup 3} (range: 1,014-2,140), and the median clinical target volume was 44 cm{sup 3} (range: 26-73). In all cases, 100% of the prescription dose covered 95% of the clinical target volume. The median conformity index was 0.86 (range: 0.70-1.12). The median percentage of the ipsilateral breast volume receiving 100% and 50% of the prescribed dose was 3.8% (range: 2.2-6.9) and 13.3% (range: 7.5-20.8) compared with 18% (range: 3-42) and 53% (range: 24-65) in the institutional historical controls treated with postoperative external beam PBI (p = .002). The median maximum skin dose was 9 Gy. The median dose to 1 and 10 cm{sup 3} of skin was 6.7 and 4.9 Gy. The doses to the heart and ipsilateral lung were negligible. Conclusion: Preoperative PBI resulted in a substantial reduction in ipsilateral breast tissue dose compared with postoperative PBI. The skin dose appeared reasonable, given the small volumes. A prospective Phase I trial evaluating this technique is ongoing.

Preoperative single fraction partial breast radiotherapy for early-stage breast cancer.

Science.gov (United States)

Palta, Manisha; Yoo, Sua; Adamson, Justus D; Prosnitz, Leonard R; Horton, Janet K

2012-01-01

Several recent series evaluating external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation (PBI) have reported adverse cosmetic outcomes, possibly related to large volumes of normal tissue receiving near-prescription doses. We hypothesized that delivery of external beam PBI in a single fraction to the preoperative tumor volume would be feasible and result in a decreased dose to the uninvolved breast compared with institutional postoperative PBI historical controls. A total of 17 patients with unifocal Stage T1 breast cancer were identified. Contrast-enhanced subtraction magnetic resonance images were loaded into an Eclipse treatment planning system and used to define the target volumes. A "virtual plan" was created using four photon beams in a noncoplanar beam arrangement and optimized to deliver 15 Gy to the planning target volume. The median breast volume was 1,713 cm(3) (range: 1,014-2,140), and the median clinical target volume was 44 cm(3) (range: 26-73). In all cases, 100% of the prescription dose covered 95% of the clinical target volume. The median conformity index was 0.86 (range: 0.70-1.12). The median percentage of the ipsilateral breast volume receiving 100% and 50% of the prescribed dose was 3.8% (range: 2.2-6.9) and 13.3% (range: 7.5-20.8) compared with 18% (range: 3-42) and 53% (range: 24-65) in the institutional historical controls treated with postoperative external beam PBI (p = .002). The median maximum skin dose was 9 Gy. The median dose to 1 and 10 cm(3) of skin was 6.7 and 4.9 Gy. The doses to the heart and ipsilateral lung were negligible. Preoperative PBI resulted in a substantial reduction in ipsilateral breast tissue dose compared with postoperative PBI. The skin dose appeared reasonable, given the small volumes. A prospective Phase I trial evaluating this technique is ongoing. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reduced Mortality With Partial-Breast Irradiation for Early Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vaidya, Jayant S.; Bulsara, Max; Wenz, Frederik; Coombs, Nathan; Singer, Julian; Ebbs, Stephen; Massarut, Samuele; Saunders, Christobel; Douek, Michael; Williams, Norman R.; Joseph, David; Tobias, Jeffrey S.; Baum, Michael

2016-01-01

Purpose: With earlier detection and more effective treatment, mortality from breast cancer continues to fall and it has become increasingly important to reduce the toxicity of treatments. Partial-breast radiation therapy, which focuses radiation to the tumor bed, may achieve this aim. We analyzed mortality differences in randomized trials of partial-breast irradiation (PBI). Methods and Materials: We included data from published randomized trials of PBI (alone or as part of a risk-adapted approach) versus whole-breast irradiation (WBI) for invasive breast cancer suitable for breast-conserving therapy. We identified trials using PubMed and Google searches with the terms “partial breast irradiation” OR “intraoperative radiotherapy” OR “IMRT” OR (“accelerated” AND “radiation”) AND “randomised/randomized,” as well as through discussion with colleagues in the field. We calculated the proportion of patients who had events in each randomized arm at 5 years' follow-up and created a forest plot using Stata, version 14.1. Results: We identified 9 randomized trials of PBI versus WBI in invasive breast cancer; 5-year outcomes were available for non–breast cancer mortality in 5 trials (n=4489) and for breast cancer mortality in 4 trials (n=4231). The overall mortality was 4.9%. There was no detectable heterogeneity between the trials for any of the outcomes. There was no difference in the proportion of patients dying of breast cancer (difference, 0.000% [95% confidence interval (CI), −0.7 to +0.7]; P=.999). Non–breast cancer mortality with PBI was lower than with WBI (difference, 1.1% [95% CI, −2.1% to −0.2%]; P=.023). Total mortality with PBI was also lower than with WBI (difference, 1.3% [95% CI, −2.5% to 0.0%]; P=.05). Conclusions: Use of PBI instead of WBI in selected patients results in a lower 5-year non–breast cancer and overall mortality, amounting to a 25% reduction in relative terms. This information should be included when

Reduced Mortality With Partial-Breast Irradiation for Early Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vaidya, Jayant S., E-mail: jayant.vaidya@ucl.ac.uk [Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London (United Kingdom); Department of Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London (United Kingdom); Department of Surgery, Whittington Health, London (United Kingdom); Bulsara, Max [Department of Biostatistics, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA (Australia); Wenz, Frederik [Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim (Germany); Coombs, Nathan [Department of Surgery, Great Western Hospital, Swindon (United Kingdom); Singer, Julian [Department of Clinical Oncology, The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow (United Kingdom); Ebbs, Stephen [Croydon University Hospital, Croydon (United Kingdom); Massarut, Samuele [National Cancer Institute, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano (Italy); Saunders, Christobel [School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA (Australia); Douek, Michael [Department of Surgery, Kings College London, London (United Kingdom); Williams, Norman R. [Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London (United Kingdom); Joseph, David [Departments of Radiation Oncology, and Surgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA (Australia); Tobias, Jeffrey S. [Department of Clinical Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London (United Kingdom); Baum, Michael [Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London (United Kingdom)

2016-10-01

Purpose: With earlier detection and more effective treatment, mortality from breast cancer continues to fall and it has become increasingly important to reduce the toxicity of treatments. Partial-breast radiation therapy, which focuses radiation to the tumor bed, may achieve this aim. We analyzed mortality differences in randomized trials of partial-breast irradiation (PBI). Methods and Materials: We included data from published randomized trials of PBI (alone or as part of a risk-adapted approach) versus whole-breast irradiation (WBI) for invasive breast cancer suitable for breast-conserving therapy. We identified trials using PubMed and Google searches with the terms “partial breast irradiation” OR “intraoperative radiotherapy” OR “IMRT” OR (“accelerated” AND “radiation”) AND “randomised/randomized,” as well as through discussion with colleagues in the field. We calculated the proportion of patients who had events in each randomized arm at 5 years' follow-up and created a forest plot using Stata, version 14.1. Results: We identified 9 randomized trials of PBI versus WBI in invasive breast cancer; 5-year outcomes were available for non–breast cancer mortality in 5 trials (n=4489) and for breast cancer mortality in 4 trials (n=4231). The overall mortality was 4.9%. There was no detectable heterogeneity between the trials for any of the outcomes. There was no difference in the proportion of patients dying of breast cancer (difference, 0.000% [95% confidence interval (CI), −0.7 to +0.7]; P=.999). Non–breast cancer mortality with PBI was lower than with WBI (difference, 1.1% [95% CI, −2.1% to −0.2%]; P=.023). Total mortality with PBI was also lower than with WBI (difference, 1.3% [95% CI, −2.5% to 0.0%]; P=.05). Conclusions: Use of PBI instead of WBI in selected patients results in a lower 5-year non–breast cancer and overall mortality, amounting to a 25% reduction in relative terms. This information should be included when

Adsorption of s-triazines onto polybenzimidazole: A quantitative structure-property relationship investigation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

D' Archivio, Angelo Antonio, E-mail: angeloantonio.darchivio@univaq.it [Dipartimento di Chimica, Ingegneria Chimica e Materiali, Universita degli Studi dell' Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67010 Coppito, L' Aquila (Italy); Incani, Angela; Mazzeo, Pietro; Ruggieri, Fabrizio [Dipartimento di Chimica, Ingegneria Chimica e Materiali, Universita degli Studi dell' Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67010 Coppito, L' Aquila (Italy)

2009-09-21

The adsorption of 25 symmetric triazines (s-triazines) on polybenzimidazole (PBI) beads is investigated under equilibrium (batch) conditions. The observed adsorption isotherms of the selected compounds are accurately described by the Freundlich model, while the agreement between the Langmuir model and the experimental data is moderately worse, which seems to reflect the heterogeneous meso- and micro-porosity of PBI and polydispersion in the interaction mechanism. Methylthio- and methoxytriazines exhibit a greater adsorption tendency as compared with chlorotriazines, moreover, progressive dealkylation of amino groups results in a progressive increase of triazine uptake on PBI. Based on these evidences, the adsorption mechanism seems to be governed by a combination of {pi}-{pi} and hydrogen-bonding interactions. Genetic algorithm (GA) variable selection and multilinear regression (MLR) are combined in order to describe the effect of triazine structure on the extraction performance of PBI according to the quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) method. q{sub max}, the amount of triazine adsorbed per weight unit of PBI assuming homogeneous monolayer (Langmuir) mechanism, exhibits a great variability within the set of investigated triazines and is the quantity here modelled by QSPR. On the other hand, the Freundlich constant, K{sub F}, which expresses the adsorption efficiency under multilayer heterogeneous conditions, even if markedly increases passing from chloro- to methylthio- or methoxytriazines, is less noticeably affected by the fine details of the adsorbate structure, as the number or nature of alkyl fragments bound to the amino groups. To quantitatively relate q{sub max} with the triazine structure GA-MLR analysis is performed on the set of 1664 theoretical molecular descriptors provided by the software Dragon. Finally, a four-dimensional QSPR model is selected based on leave-one-out cross-validation and its prediction ability is further tested on

Adsorption of s-triazines onto polybenzimidazole: A quantitative structure-property relationship investigation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

D'Archivio, Angelo Antonio; Incani, Angela; Mazzeo, Pietro; Ruggieri, Fabrizio

2009-01-01

The adsorption of 25 symmetric triazines (s-triazines) on polybenzimidazole (PBI) beads is investigated under equilibrium (batch) conditions. The observed adsorption isotherms of the selected compounds are accurately described by the Freundlich model, while the agreement between the Langmuir model and the experimental data is moderately worse, which seems to reflect the heterogeneous meso- and micro-porosity of PBI and polydispersion in the interaction mechanism. Methylthio- and methoxytriazines exhibit a greater adsorption tendency as compared with chlorotriazines, moreover, progressive dealkylation of amino groups results in a progressive increase of triazine uptake on PBI. Based on these evidences, the adsorption mechanism seems to be governed by a combination of π-π and hydrogen-bonding interactions. Genetic algorithm (GA) variable selection and multilinear regression (MLR) are combined in order to describe the effect of triazine structure on the extraction performance of PBI according to the quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) method. q max , the amount of triazine adsorbed per weight unit of PBI assuming homogeneous monolayer (Langmuir) mechanism, exhibits a great variability within the set of investigated triazines and is the quantity here modelled by QSPR. On the other hand, the Freundlich constant, K F , which expresses the adsorption efficiency under multilayer heterogeneous conditions, even if markedly increases passing from chloro- to methylthio- or methoxytriazines, is less noticeably affected by the fine details of the adsorbate structure, as the number or nature of alkyl fragments bound to the amino groups. To quantitatively relate q max with the triazine structure GA-MLR analysis is performed on the set of 1664 theoretical molecular descriptors provided by the software Dragon. Finally, a four-dimensional QSPR model is selected based on leave-one-out cross-validation and its prediction ability is further tested on four

Preoperative Single Fraction Partial Breast Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Palta, Manisha; Yoo, Sua; Adamson, Justus D.; Prosnitz, Leonard R.; Horton, Janet K.

2012-01-01

Purpose: Several recent series evaluating external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation (PBI) have reported adverse cosmetic outcomes, possibly related to large volumes of normal tissue receiving near-prescription doses. We hypothesized that delivery of external beam PBI in a single fraction to the preoperative tumor volume would be feasible and result in a decreased dose to the uninvolved breast compared with institutional postoperative PBI historical controls. Methods and Materials: A total of 17 patients with unifocal Stage T1 breast cancer were identified. Contrast-enhanced subtraction magnetic resonance images were loaded into an Eclipse treatment planning system and used to define the target volumes. A “virtual plan” was created using four photon beams in a noncoplanar beam arrangement and optimized to deliver 15 Gy to the planning target volume. Results: The median breast volume was 1,713 cm 3 (range: 1,014–2,140), and the median clinical target volume was 44 cm 3 (range: 26–73). In all cases, 100% of the prescription dose covered 95% of the clinical target volume. The median conformity index was 0.86 (range: 0.70–1.12). The median percentage of the ipsilateral breast volume receiving 100% and 50% of the prescribed dose was 3.8% (range: 2.2–6.9) and 13.3% (range: 7.5–20.8) compared with 18% (range: 3–42) and 53% (range: 24–65) in the institutional historical controls treated with postoperative external beam PBI (p = .002). The median maximum skin dose was 9 Gy. The median dose to 1 and 10 cm 3 of skin was 6.7 and 4.9 Gy. The doses to the heart and ipsilateral lung were negligible. Conclusion: Preoperative PBI resulted in a substantial reduction in ipsilateral breast tissue dose compared with postoperative PBI. The skin dose appeared reasonable, given the small volumes. A prospective Phase I trial evaluating this technique is ongoing.

Energy level alignment at the methylammonium lead iodide/copper phthalocyanine interface

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shi Chen

2014-08-01

Full Text Available The energy level alignment at the CH3NH3PbI3/copper phthalocyanine (CuPc interface is investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS. XPS reveal a 0.3 eV downward band bending in the CuPc film. UPS validate this finding and further reveal negligible interfacial dipole formation – verifying the viability of vacuum level alignment. The highest occupied molecular orbital of CuPc is found to be closer to the Fermi level than the valance band maximum of CH3NH3PbI3, facilitating hole transfer from CH3NH3PbI3 to CuPc. However, subsequent hole extraction from CuPc may be impeded by the downward band bending in the CuPc layer.

Low density lipoprotein levels linkage with the periodontal status patients of coronary heart disease

Science.gov (United States)

Ahmad, Nafisah Ibrahim; Masulili, Sri Lelyati C.; Lessang, Robert; Radi, Basuni

2017-02-01

Studies found an association between periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD), but relationship between periodontal status CHD patients with LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) levels, as risk factors for atherosclerosis, has not been studied. Objective: To analyze relationship between LDL and periodontal status CHD. Methods: Periodontal status of 60 CHD, 40 controls were examined (PBI, PPD, CAL) and their blood was taken to assess levels of LDL. Result: Found significant differences LDL (p=0.005), correlation between LDL with PPD (p=0.003) and CAL CHD (p=0.013), and PPD (p=0.001), CAL (p=0.008) non-CHD, but no significant correlation between LDL with PBI CAD (p=0.689) and PBI non-CHD (p=0.320). Conclusion: There is a correlation between the LDL levels with periodontal status.

Nanostructured poly(benzimidazole membranes by N-alkylation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. Weber

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Modification of poly(benzimidazole (PBI by N-alkylation leads to polymers capable of undergoing microphase separation. Polymers with different amounts of C18 alkyl chains have been prepared. The polymers were analyzed by spectroscopy, thermal analysis, electron microscopy and X-ray scattering. The impact of the amount of alkyl chains on the observed microphase separation was analyzed. Membranes prepared from the polymers do show microphase separation, as evidenced by scattering experiments. While no clear morphology could be derived for the domains in the native state, evidence for the formation of lamellar morphologies upon doping with phosphoric acid is provided. Finally, the proton conductivity of alkyl-modified PBI is compared with that of pure PBI, showing that the introduction of alkyl side chains does not result in significant conductivity changes.

Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes of benzimidazole derivative: Structures, catecholase like activities and interaction studies with hydrogen peroxide

Science.gov (United States)

Kumari, Babli; Adhikari, Sangita; Matalobos, Jesús Sanmartín; Das, Debasis

2018-01-01

Present study describes the synthesis and single crystal X-ray structures of two metal complexes of benzimidazole derivative (PBI), viz. the Cu(II) complex, [Cu(PBI)2(NCS)]ClO4 (1) and a Co(II) complex, [Co(PBI)2(NCS)1.75Cl0.25] (2). The Cu(II) complex (1) shows catecholase like activity having Kcat = 1.84 × 104 h-1. Moreover, interactions of the complexes with hydrogen peroxide have been investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy. The interaction constant of 1 and 2 for H2O2 are 6.67 × 102 M-1 and 1.049 × 103 M-1 while their detection limits for H2O2 are 3.37 × 10-7 M and 2.46 × 10-7 M respectively.

PENGEMBANGAN PERANGKAT PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA MODEL PROBLEM BASED INSTRUCTION PADA MATA KULIAH KAPITA SELEKTA MATEMATIKA SEKOLAH DASAR

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ririn Widiyasari

2016-12-01

Full Text Available Tujuan penelitian ini adalah: (1 menghasilkan perangkat pembelajaran matematika model PBI yang valid, (2 mendapatkan efektivitas pembelajaran matematika dengan model PBI dan (3 mengetahui apakah perangkat pembelajaranan matematika model PBI praktis. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian pengembangan yang mengacu pada model Plomp yang dimodifikasi. Perangkat pembelajaran yang dikembangkan terdiri dari silabus, Satuan Acara Perkuliahan (SAP, modul pembelajaran, dan worksheet. Kevalidan perangkat pembelajaran ditentukan berdasarkan validasi tim ahli dan teman sejawat, hasil penilaian oleh lima validator diperoleh kriteria valid dengan klasifikasi baik dan sangat baik. Keefektivan pembelajaran didapatkan dengan lembar pengamatan keaktifan mahasiswa, diperoleh hasil keaktifan mahasiswa termasuk kategori aktif. Sedangkan uji kepraktisan perangkat pembelajaran, dari uji lapangan diperoleh hasil pengamatan terhadap proses pembelajaran, angket respon pengajar dan mahasiswa terhadap pemakaian perangkat pembelajaran semuanya menunjukkan hasil yang baik.

Two-Dimensional Lead(II) Halide-Based Hybrid Perovskites Templated by Acene Alkylamines: Crystal Structures, Optical Properties, and Piezoelectricity.

Science.gov (United States)

Du, Ke-Zhao; Tu, Qing; Zhang, Xu; Han, Qiwei; Liu, Jie; Zauscher, Stefan; Mitzi, David B

2017-08-07

A series of two-dimensional (2D) hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite (HOIP) crystals, based on acene alkylamine cations (i.e., phenylmethylammonium (PMA), 2-phenylethylammonium (PEA), 1-(2-naphthyl)methanammonium (NMA), and 2-(2-naphthyl)ethanammonium (NEA)) and lead(II) halide (i.e., PbX 4 2- , X = Cl, Br, and I) frameworks, and their corresponding thin films were fabricated and examined for structure-property relationship. Several new or redetermined crystal structures are reported, including those for (NEA) 2 PbI 4 , (NEA) 2 PbBr 4 , (NMA) 2 PbBr 4 , (PMA) 2 PbBr 4 , and (PEA) 2 PbI 4 . Non-centrosymmetric structures from among these 2D HOIPs were confirmed by piezoresponse force microscopy-especially noteworthy is the structure of (PMA) 2 PbBr 4 , which was previously reported as centrosymmetric. Examination of the impact of organic cation and inorganic layer choice on the exciton absorption/emission properties, among the set of compounds considered, reveals that perovskite layer distortion (i.e., Pb-I-Pb bond angle between adjacent PbI 6 octahedra) has a more global effect on the exciton properties than octahedral distortion (i.e., variation of I-Pb-I bond angles and discrepancy among Pb-I bond lengths within each PbI 6 octahedron). In addition to the characteristic sharp exciton emission for each perovskite, (PMA) 2 PbCl 4 , (PEA) 2 PbCl 4 , (NMA) 2 PbCl 4 , and (PMA) 2 PbBr 4 exhibit separate, broad "white" emission in the long wavelength range. Piezoelectric compounds identified from these 2D HOIPs may be considered for future piezoresponse-type energy or electronic applications.

Technical Note: Partial body irradiation of mice using a customized PMMA apparatus and a clinical 3D planning/LINAC radiotherapy system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Karagounis, Ilias V.; Koukourakis, Michael I., E-mail: targ@her.forthnet.gr, E-mail: mkoukour@med.duth.gr [Department of Radiotherapy–Oncology, Radiopathology and Radiobiology Unit, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis 68100 (Greece); Abatzoglou, Ioannis M., E-mail: abadzoglou@yahoo.gr [Medical Physics Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis 68100 (Greece)

2016-05-15

Purpose: In vivo radiobiology experiments involving partial body irradiation (PBI) of mice are of major importance because they allow for the evaluation of individual organ tolerance; overcoming current limitations of experiments using lower dose, whole body irradiation. In the current study, the authors characterize and validate an effective and efficient apparatus for multiple animal PBI, directed to the head, thorax, or abdomen of mice. Methods: The apparatus is made of polymethylmethacrylate and consists of a rectangular parallelepiped prism (40 cm × 16 cm × 8 cm), in which five holes were drilled to accomodate standard 60 ml syringes, each housing an unanesthetized, fully immobilized mouse. Following CT-scanning and radiotherapy treatment planning, radiation fields were designed to irradiate the head, thorax, or abdomen of the animal. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were used to confirm the treatment planning dosimetry for primary beam and scattered radiation. Results: Mice are efficiently placed into 60 ml syringes and immobilized, without the use of anesthetics. Although partial rotational movement around the longitudinal axis and a minor 2 mm forward/backward movement are permitted, this does not compromise the irradiation of the chosen body area. TLDs confirmed the dose values predicted by the treatment planning dosimetry, both for primary beam and scattered radiation. Conclusions: The customized PMMA apparatus described and validated is cost-effective, convenient to use, and efficient in performing PBI without the use of anesthesia. The developed apparatus permits the isolated irradiation of the mouse head, thorax, and abdomen. Importantly, the apparatus allows the delivery of PBI to five mice, simultaneously, representing an efficient way to effectively expose a large number of animals to PBI through multiple daily fractions, simulating clinical radiotherapy treatment schedules.

Efficacy of gamithromycin against Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale in turkey poults pre-infected with avian metapneumovirus.

Science.gov (United States)

Watteyn, Anneleen; Devreese, Mathias; Plessers, Elke; Wyns, Heidi; Garmyn, An; Reddy, Vishwanatha R A P; Pasmans, Frank; Martel, An; Haesebrouck, Freddy; De Backer, Patrick; Croubels, Siska

2016-10-01

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale is an avian respiratory pathogen that affects turkeys. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of gamithromycin (GAM) against O. rhinotracheale in turkeys. The birds were inoculated oculonasally with 10(8) colony-forming units (cfu) of O. rhinotracheale, preceded by infection with avian metapneumovirus. In addition to a negative (CONTR-) and a positive control group (CONTR+) there were two treated groups administered GAM (6 mg/kg) either subcutaneously (GAM SC) or orally (GAM PO) by administration as a single bolus at one-day post-bacterial infection (p.b.i.). From the start of the avian metapneumovirus infection until the end of the experiment, the turkeys were examined clinically and scored daily. In addition, tracheal swabs were collected at several days p.b.i. Necropsy was performed at 4, 8 and 12 days p.b.i. to evaluate the presence of gross lesions, and to collect trachea and lung tissue samples and air sac swabs for O. rhinotracheale quantification. The clinical score of the GAM SC group showed slightly lower values and birds recovered earlier than those in the GAM PO and CONTR+ groups. O. rhinotracheale cfus were significantly reduced in tracheal swabs of the SC group between 2 and 4 days p.b.i. At necropsy, CONTR+ showed higher O. rhinotracheale cfu in lung tissues compared to the treated groups. Moreover, at 8 days p.b.i. only the lung samples of CONTR+ were positive. In conclusion, the efficacy of GAM against O. rhinotracheale was demonstrated, especially in the lung tissue. However, the PO bolus administration of the commercially available product was not as efficacious as the SC bolus.

Propolis-Sahara honeys preparation exhibits antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against bacterial biofims formed on urinary catheters

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Saad Aissat

2016-11-01

Full Text Available Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of Sahara honeys (SHs against bacterial biofilms formed on urinary catheters in combination with propolis-Sahara honeys (P-SHs. Methods: Three clinical isolates were subjected to biofilm detection methods. The antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity for SHs and P-SHs were determined using agar well diffusion and the percentage of biofilm inhibition (PBI methods. Results: The PBI for Gram-positive bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus] was in the range of 0%–20%, while PBI for Gram-negative bacteria [Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli (E. coli] were in range of 17%–57% and 16%–65%, respectively. The highest PBI (65% was produced by SH2 only on E. coli. In agar well diffusion assay, zones of inhibition ranged from 11–20 mm (S. aureus, 9–19 mm (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 11–19 mm (E. coli. The highest inhibition (20 mm was produced by SH1 only on S. aureus. In addition, the treatment of SHs and P-SHs catheters with a polymicrobial biofilms reduced biofilm formation after 48 h exposure period. Conclussions: SHs and P-SHs applied as a natural agent can be used as a prophylactic agent to prevent the formation of in vitro biofilm.

Gas Separation Membranes Derived from High-Performance Immiscible Polymer Blends Compatibilized with Small Molecules.

Science.gov (United States)

Panapitiya, Nimanka P; Wijenayake, Sumudu N; Nguyen, Do D; Huang, Yu; Musselman, Inga H; Balkus, Kenneth J; Ferraris, John P

2015-08-26

An immiscible polymer blend comprised of high-performance copolyimide 6FDA-DAM:DABA(3:2) (6FDD) and polybenzimidazole (PBI) was compatibilized using 2-methylimidazole (2-MI), a commercially available small molecule. Membranes were fabricated from blends of 6FDD:PBI (50:50) with and without 2-MI for H2/CO2 separations. The membranes demonstrated a matrix-droplet type microstructure as evident with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging where 6FDD is the dispersed phase and PBI is the continuous phase. In addition, membranes with 2-MI demonstrated a uniform microstructure as observed by smaller and more uniformly dispersed 6FDD domains in contrast to 6FDD:PBI (50:50) blend membranes without 2-MI. This compatibilization effect of 2-MI was attributed to interfacial localization of 2-MI that lowers the interfacial energy similar to a surfactant. Upon the incorporation of 2-MI, the H2/CO2 selectivity improved remarkably, compared to the pure blend, and surpassed the Robeson's upper bound. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a small molecule to compatibilize a high-performance immiscible polymer blend. This approach could afford a novel class of membranes in which immiscible polymer blends can be compatibilized in an economical and convenient fashion.

Light-Independent Ionic Transport in Inorganic Perovskite and Ultrastable Cs-Based Perovskite Solar Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Wenke; Zhao, Yicheng; Zhou, Xu; Fu, Rui; Li, Qi; Zhao, Yao; Liu, Kaihui; Yu, Dapeng; Zhao, Qing

2017-09-07

Due to light-induced effects in CH 3 NH 3 -based perovskites, such as ion migration, defects formation, and halide segregation, the degradation of CH 3 NH 3 -based perovskite solar cells under maximum power point is generally implicated. Here we demonstrated that the effect of light-enhanced ion migration in CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 can be eliminated by inorganic Cs substitution, leading to an ultrastable perovskite solar cell. Quantitatively, the ion migration barrier for CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 is 0.62 eV under dark conditions, larger than that of CsPbI 2 Br (0.45 eV); however, it reduces to 0.07 eV for CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 under illumination, smaller than that for CsPbI 2 Br (0.43 eV). Meanwhile, photoinduced halide segregation is also suppressed in Cs-based perovskites. Cs-based perovskite solar cells retained >99% of the initial efficiency (10.3%) after 1500 h of maximum power point tracking under AM1.5G illumination, while CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 solar cells degraded severely after 50 h of operation. Our work reveals an uncovered mechanism for stability improvement by inorganic cation substitution in perovskite-based optoelectronic devices.

The stability of poly(2,2′-(m-phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole) membranes in aqueous potassium hydroxide

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Aili, David; Jankova Atanasova, Katja; Li, Qingfeng

2015-01-01

25wt%. This work is devoted to a comprehensive stability study of mPBI in aqueous KOH of different concentrations for up to 200 days under conditions relevant for electrochemical energy conversion technologies. The polymer membranes were kept at 88°C in aqueous KOH with concentrations ranging from 0...... to 50wt%, and the chemical and physicochemical changes were monitored. The degradation was connected to the hydrolysis of the polymer backbone and the degradation rate increased with increasing KOH concentration. In the lower concentration range mPBI proved to be stable but exhibited low ionic...... conductivity (10−4Scm−1). The preparation of a porous mPBI matrix was demonstrated as an effective approach to increase the ionic conductivity in the lower KOH concentration range, with great potential for further improvement through optimization of the porous structure....

Method for solidification of radioactive iodine-containing solid wastes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ozawa, Yoshihiro; Funabashi, Kiyomi; Uetake, Naoto.

1987-01-01

Purpose: To process radioactive iodine containing solid wastes as non-leaching solidified wastes with no risk of iodine release. Method: It has been known for the thermal stability of CuI, PbI 2 or adsorbents containing the same that they do not release iodine in an inert gas atmosphere or in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature lower than 480 deg C. In view of the above, adsorbents containing iodine in the chemical form of CuI or PbI 2 , or CuI or powdery PbI 2 per se are sealed and solidified into low melting glass at a temperature of lower than 480 deg C at which no iodine release occurs in a non-oxidative atmosphere. Since the products are vitrified wastes, they scarcely show leaching property and are excellent in durability and stability. (Takahashi, M.)

Optical diagnostics of lead and PbGa2S4 layered crystal laser plasmas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shuaibov, A.K.; Dashchenko, A.I.; Shevera, I.V.

2001-01-01

Paper presents the results of the optic diagnostics of plasma of laser flames formed from lead surface and PbGa 2 S 4 laminar crystal using a neodymium laser. It is shown that the most intensive lines in the lead laser plasma are as follows: 405.7, 368.3, 364.0 nm PbI and 220.4 nm PbII while for the laminar crystal base plasma - the combination of the most intensive lines of PbI and GaI emission. One determined the narrow point of recombination fluxes for the ion and the atomic components of laser plasma of lead and of PbGa 2 S 4 crystal. One conducted comparison study of emission dynamics of PbI and GaI lines in laser plasma of the respective metals and of PbGa 2 S 4 crystal [ru

Perovskite Thin Films via Atomic Layer Deposition

KAUST Repository

Sutherland, Brandon R.; Hoogland, Sjoerd; Adachi, Michael M.; Kanjanaboos, Pongsakorn; Wong, Chris T. O.; McDowell, Jeffrey J.; Xu, Jixian; Voznyy, Oleksandr; Ning, Zhijun; Houtepen, Arjan J.; Sargent, Edward H.

2014-01-01

© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. (Graph Presented) A new method to deposit perovskite thin films that benefit from the thickness control and conformality of atomic layer deposition (ALD) is detailed. A seed layer of ALD PbS is place-exchanged with PbI2 and subsequently CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite. These films show promising optical properties, with gain coefficients of 3200 ± 830 cm-1.

Perovskite Thin Films via Atomic Layer Deposition

KAUST Repository

Sutherland, Brandon R.

2014-10-30

© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. (Graph Presented) A new method to deposit perovskite thin films that benefit from the thickness control and conformality of atomic layer deposition (ALD) is detailed. A seed layer of ALD PbS is place-exchanged with PbI2 and subsequently CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite. These films show promising optical properties, with gain coefficients of 3200 ± 830 cm-1.

Organometal Halide Perovskite Solar Absorbers and Ferroelectric Nanocomposites for Harvesting Solar Energy

Science.gov (United States)

Hettiarachchi, Chaminda Lakmal

Organometal halide perovskite absorbers such as methylammonium lead iodide chloride (CH3NH3PbI3-xClx), have emerged as an exciting new material family for photovoltaics due to its appealing features that include suitable direct bandgap with intense light absorbance, band gap tunability, ultra-fast charge carrier generation, slow electron-hole recombination rates, long electron and hole diffusion lengths, microsecond-long balanced carrier mobilities, and ambipolarity. The standard method of preparing CH3NH3PbI3-xClx perovskite precursors is a tedious process involving multiple synthesis steps and, the chemicals being used (hydroiodic acid and methylamine) are quite expensive. This work describes a novel, single-step, simple, and cost-effective solution approach to prepare CH3NH3PbI3-xClx thin films by the direct reaction of the commercially available CH3NH 3Cl (or MACl) and PbI2. A detailed analysis of the structural and optical properties of CH3NH3PbI3-xCl x thin films deposited by aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition is presented. Optimum growth conditions have been identified. It is shown that the deposited thin films are highly crystalline with intense optical absorbance. Charge carrier separation of these thin films can be enhanced by establishing a local internal electric field that can reduce electron-hole recombination resulting in increased photo current. The intrinsic ferroelectricity in nanoparticles of Barium Titanate (BaTiO3 -BTO) embedded in the solar absorber can generate such an internal field. A hybrid structure of CH3NH 3PbI3-xClx perovskite and ferroelectric BTO nanocomposite FTO/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3-xClx : BTO/P3HT/Cu as a new type of photovoltaic device is investigated. Aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition process that is scalable to large-scale manufacturing was used for the growth of the multilayer structure. TiO 2 and P3HT with additives were used as ETL and HTL respectively. The growth process of the solar absorber layer includes the

Synergistic extraction behaviour of americium from simulated acidic waste solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pathak, P.N.; Veeraraghavan, R.; Mohapatra, P.K.; Manchanda, V.K.

1998-01-01

The extraction behaviour of americium has been investigated with mixtures of 3-phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolone (PBI) and oxodonors viz. tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP), tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) and di-n-butyl octanamide (DBOA) using dodecane as the diluent from 1-6 M HNO 3 media. It is observed that D Am remains unaltered with PBI concentration (in the range 0.06-0.1 M) at 1.47 M TBP in the entire range of HNO 3 concentration. PBI and TBP in combination appears more promising compared to other synergistic systems. The possibility of using this mixture for americium removal from high level liquid waste solution has been explored. Extraction studies indicated that prior removal of uranium by 20% TBP in dodecane is helpful in the quantitative recovery of americium in three contacts. Effect of lanthanides on D Am is found to be marginal. (orig.)

Proton exchange membrane developed from novel blends of polybenzimidazole and poly(vinyl-1,2,4-triazole).

Science.gov (United States)

Hazarika, Mousumi; Jana, Tushar

2012-10-24

In continuation (J. Phys. Chem. B2008, 112, 5305; J. Colloid Interface Sci. 2010, 351, 374) of our quest for proton exchange membrane (PEM) developed from polybenzimidazole (PBI) blends, novel polymer blend membranes of PBI and poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) (PVT) were prepared using a solution blending method. The aim of the work was to investigate the effect of the blend composition on the properties, e.g., thermo-mechanical stability, swelling, and proton conductivity of the blend membranes. The presence of specific interactions between the two polymers in the blends were observed by studying the samples using varieties of spectroscopic techniques. Blends prepared in all possible compositions were studied using a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and exhibited a single T(g) value, which lies between the T(g) value of the neat polymers. The presence of a single composition-dependent T(g) value indicated that the blend is a miscible blend. The N-H···N interactions between the two polymers were found to be the driving force for the miscibility. Thermal stability up to 300 °C of the blend membranes, obtained from thermogravimetric analysis, ensured their suitability as PEMs for high-temperature fuel cells. The proton conductivity of the blend membranes have improved significantly, compared to neat PBI, because of the presence of triazole moiety, which acts as a proton facilitator in the conduction process. The blend membranes showed a considerably lower increase in thickness and swelling ratio than that of PBI after doping with phosphoric acid (PA). We found that the porous morphology of the blend membranes caused the loading of a larger amount of PA and, consequently, higher proton conduction with lower activation energy, compared to neat PBI.

Optical cryoimaging for assessment of radiation-induced injury to rat kidney metabolic state

Science.gov (United States)

Mehrvar, Shima; Funding la Cour, Mette; Medhora, Meetha; Camara, Amadou K. S.; Ranji, Mahsa

2018-02-01

Objective: This study utilizes fluorescence cryoimaging to quantitatively assess the effect of a high dose of irradiation on rat renal metabolism through redox state. Introduction: Exposure to high doses of irradiation could lead to death, in part, due to renal dysfunction. The kidney is one of the most sensitive organs that exhibit delayed injuries in survivors of acute radiation syndrome. In this study, optical cryoimaging was utilized to examine the potential for renal mitochondrial dysfunction after partial-body irradiation (PBI) and the mitigating effect of lisinopril-treatment, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor that is FDA-approved for other indications. Materials and methods: Rats were exposed to a single dose of 13 Gy leg-out partial body irradiation (PBI, by X-rays). Rats (n = 5/group) received no further treatment, or lisinopril started one week after irradiation and continued at 24 mg/m2 /day. The non-irradiated siblings were used as controls. After 150 days, the rats were sacrificed, and their kidneys harvested and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen for later cryoimaging. The 3D images of metabolic indices (NADH and FAD) were captured, and the redox ratio i.e. NADH/FAD was calculated. The mitochondrial redox state of three groups of rat kidneys were quantified by calculating the volumetric mean of redox ratio images (RR). Results: 3D cryoimaging revealed that in PBI only kidneys, the metabolic marker (RR) decreased significantly by 78% compared to non-irradiated controls. Treatment with lisinopril significantly improved the RR by 93% in groups exposed to PBI. Conclusion: This study aimed at quantifying the level of the mitochondrial redox state of irradiated rat kidneys compared to non-irradiated kidneys (controls) and the efficacy of lisinopril to preserve kidney metabolism after irradiation. PBI oxidized the metabolic state of kidneys and lisinopril mitigated the radiation-induced injury on renal mitochondria.

Polybenzimidazole-based mixed membranes with exceptional high water vapor permeability and selectivity

KAUST Repository

Akhtar, Faheem Hassan

2017-09-13

Polybenzimidazole (PBI), a thermal and chemically stable polymer, is commonly used to fabricate membranes for applications like hydrogen recovery at temperatures of more than 300 °C, fuel cells working in a highly acidic environment, and nanofiltration in aggressive solvents. This report shows for the first time use of PBI dense membranes for water vapor/gas separation applications. They showed an excellent selectivity and high water vapor permeability. Incorporation of inorganic hydrophilic titanium-based nano-fillers into the PBI matrix further increased the water vapor permeability and water vapor/N2 selectivity. The most selective mixed matrix membrane with 0.5 wt% loading of TiO2 nanotubes yielded a water vapor permeability of 6.8×104 Barrer and a H2O/N2 selectivity of 3.9×106. The most permeable membrane with 1 wt% loading of carboxylated TiO2 nanoparticles had a 7.1×104 Barrer water vapor permeability and a H2O/N2 selectivity of 3.1×106. The performance of these membranes in terms of water vapor transport and selectivity is among the highest reported ones. The remarkable ability of PBI to efficiently permeate water versus other gases opens the possibility to fabricate membranes for dehumidification of streams in harsh environments. This includes the removal of water from high temperature reaction mixtures to shift the equilibrium towards products.

Polybenzimidazole-based mixed membranes with exceptional high water vapor permeability and selectivity

KAUST Repository

Akhtar, Faheem Hassan; Kumar, Mahendra; Villalobos, Luis Francisco; Shevate, Rahul; Vovusha, Hakkim; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo; Peinemann, Klaus-Viktor

2017-01-01

Polybenzimidazole (PBI), a thermal and chemically stable polymer, is commonly used to fabricate membranes for applications like hydrogen recovery at temperatures of more than 300 °C, fuel cells working in a highly acidic environment, and nanofiltration in aggressive solvents. This report shows for the first time use of PBI dense membranes for water vapor/gas separation applications. They showed an excellent selectivity and high water vapor permeability. Incorporation of inorganic hydrophilic titanium-based nano-fillers into the PBI matrix further increased the water vapor permeability and water vapor/N2 selectivity. The most selective mixed matrix membrane with 0.5 wt% loading of TiO2 nanotubes yielded a water vapor permeability of 6.8×104 Barrer and a H2O/N2 selectivity of 3.9×106. The most permeable membrane with 1 wt% loading of carboxylated TiO2 nanoparticles had a 7.1×104 Barrer water vapor permeability and a H2O/N2 selectivity of 3.1×106. The performance of these membranes in terms of water vapor transport and selectivity is among the highest reported ones. The remarkable ability of PBI to efficiently permeate water versus other gases opens the possibility to fabricate membranes for dehumidification of streams in harsh environments. This includes the removal of water from high temperature reaction mixtures to shift the equilibrium towards products.

Prospects of Ternary Cd1-x Zn x S as an Electron Transport Layer and Associated Interface Defects in a Planar Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cell via Numerical Simulation

Science.gov (United States)

Chowdhury, Towhid Hossain; Ferdaous, Mohammad Tanvirul; Wadi, Mohd. Aizat Abdul; Chelvanathan, Puvaneswaran; Amin, Nowshad; Islam, Ashraful; Kamaruddin, Nurhafiza; Zin, Muhammad Irsyamuddin M.; Ruslan, Mohd Hafidz; Sopian, Kamaruzzaman Bin; Akhtaruzzaman, Md.

2018-03-01

In this study we present a ternary alloy, Cd1-x Zn x S as an electron transport layer for a planar lead halide perovskite solar cell via numerical simulation with solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) software. Performance dependence on molar composition variation in the Cd1-x Zn x S alloy was studied for the mixed perovskite CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x absorber and spiro-OMeTAD hole transport material in a planar perovskite solar cell. Additionally, the defects on both Cd1-x Zn x S/CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x and CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x /spiro-OMeTAD interface were thoroughly investigated. Simultaneously, a thickness of 700 nm for CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x absorber with 50-nm-thick Cd0.2Zn0.8S (x = 0.8) was optimized. Analysis of the numerical solutions via SCAPS provides a trend and pattern for Cd0.2Zn0.8S as an effective electron transport layer for planar perovskite solar cells with a yield efficiency up to 24.83%. The planar perovskite solar cell shows an open-circuit voltage of 1.224 V, short-circuit current density of 25.283 mA/cm2 and a fill factor of 80.22.

Tracking the formation of methylammonium lead triiodide perovskite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Lijia; McLeod, John A.; Wang, Rongbin; Shen, Pengfei; Duhm, Steffen

2015-01-01

The formation mechanism of perovskite methylammonium lead triiodide (CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 ) was studied with in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) on successive depositions of thermally evaporated methylammonium iodide (CH 3 NH 3 I) on a lead iodide (PbI 2 ) film. This deposition method mimics the “two-step” synthesis method commonly used in device fabrication. We find that several competing processes occur during the formation of perovskite CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 . Our most important finding is that during vapour deposition of CH 3 NH 3 I onto PbI 2 , at least two carbon species are present in the resulting material, while only one nitrogen species is present. This suggests that CH 3 NH 3 I can dissociate during the transition to a perovskite phase, and some of the resulting molecules can be incorporated into the perovskite. The effect of partial CH 3 NH 3 substitution with CH 3 was evaluated, and electronic structure calculations show that CH 3 defects would impact the photovoltaic performance in perovskite solar cells. The possibility that not all A sites in the APbI 3 perovskite are occupied by CH 3 NH 3 is therefore an important consideration when evaluating the performance of organometallic trihalide solar cells synthesized using typical approaches

Oxygen reduction on carbon supported platinum catalysts in high temperature polymer electrolytes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Qingfeng, Li; Hjuler, Hans Aage; Bjerrum, Niels

2000-01-01

Oxygen reduction on carbon supported platinum catalysts has been investigated in H3PO4, H3PO4-doped Nafion and polybenzimidazole (PBI) polymer electrolytes in a temperature range up to 190 degrees C. Compared with pure H3PO4, the combination of H3PO4 and polymer electrolytes can significantly...... membrane fuel cell based on H3PO4-doped PBI for operation at temperatures between 150 and 200 degrees C. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved....

Ternary system of cesium, rubidium and lead iodides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Volchanskaya, V.V.; Dunaeva, T.I.; Il'yasov, I.I.

1990-01-01

Meltability diagram of ternary system (CsI) 2 -(RbI) 2 -PbI 2 has been studied. The liquidus of the given system consists of crystallization fields of solid solutions (CsI-RbI) and (CsI·PbI 2 -RbI-PbI 2 ), fields of incongruently melting compounds 9RbI·PbI 2 , 4CsI·PbI 2 and field of PbI 2 component. In the system two nonvariant points at 410 and 380 deg C are detected

Insulation Reformulation Development

Science.gov (United States)

Chapman, Cynthia; Bray, Mark

2015-01-01

The current Space Launch System (SLS) internal solid rocket motor insulation, polybenzimidazole acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (PBI-NBR), is a new insulation that replaced asbestos-based insulations found in Space Shuttle heritage solid rocket boosters. PBI-NBR has some outstanding characteristics such as an excellent thermal erosion resistance, low thermal conductivity, and low density. PBI-NBR also has some significant challenges associated with its use: Air entrainment/entrapment during manufacture and lay-up/cure and low mechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus, and fracture toughness. This technology development attempted to overcome these challenges by testing various reformulated versions of booster insulation. The results suggest the SLS program should continue to investigate material alternatives for potential block upgrades or use an entirely new, more advanced booster. The experimental design was composed of a logic path that performs iterative formulation and testing in order to maximize the effort. A lab mixing baseline was developed and documented for the Rubber Laboratory in Bldg. 4602/Room 1178.

Zero-Gap Alkaline Water Electrolysis Using Ion-Solvating Polymer Electrolyte Membranes at Reduced KOH Concentrations

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kraglund, Mikkel Rykær; Aili, David; Jankova Atanasova, Katja

2016-01-01

Membranes based on poly(2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5-bibenzimidazole) (m-PBI) can dissolve large amounts of aqueous KOH to give electrolyte systems with ion conductivity in a practically useful range. The conductivity of the membrane strongly depends on the concentration of the aqueous KOH phase......, reaching about 10-1 S cm-1 or higher in 15-25 wt% KOH. Herein, m-PBI membranes are systematically characterized with respect to performance and short-term stability as electrolyte in a zero-gap alkaline water electrolyzer at different KOH concentrations. Using plain uncatalyzed nickel foam electrodes......, the cell based on m-PBI outperforms the cell based on the commercially available state-of-the-art diaphragm and reaches a current density of 1500 mA cm-2 at 2.4 V in 20 wt% KOH at 80°C. The cell performance remained stable during two days of operation, though post analysis of the membrane using size...

Infraorbital nerve block within the Pterygopalatine fossa of the horse: anatomical landmarks defined by computed tomography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carsten, S.; Hagen, G.

2008-01-01

In order to provide anaesthesia of the equine maxillary cheek teeth, a local nerve block of the infraorbital nerve in the pterygopalatine fossa had been proposed, which is referred to as the 'Palatine Bone Insertion' (PBI). As several complications with this method were reported, our study was designed to recommend a modified injection technique which avoids the risk of puncturing of relevant anatomical structures. Five cadaver heads and two living horses were examined by contrast medium injections and subsequent computed tomography (CT). Spinal needles were inserted using two different insertion techniques: The above mentioned (PBI), and a modification called 'Extraperiorbital Fat Body Insertion' (EFBI). Both techniques (PBI and EFBI) provide a consistent distribution of contrast medium around the infraorbital nerve. However, only the EFBI technique is appropriate to minimize the risk of complications. This study is an example for the permanent challenge of anatomists to supply a basis for clinical and surgical procedures

Efficient non-doped phosphorescent orange, blue and white organic light-emitting devices

Science.gov (United States)

Yin, Yongming; Yu, Jing; Cao, Hongtao; Zhang, Letian; Sun, Haizhu; Xie, Wenfa

2014-10-01

Efficient phosphorescent orange, blue and white organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) with non-doped emissive layers were successfully fabricated. Conventional blue phosphorescent emitters bis [4,6-di-fluorophenyl]-pyridinato-N,C2'] picolinate (Firpic) and Bis(2,4-difluorophenylpyridinato) (Fir6) were adopted to fabricate non-doped blue OLEDs, which exhibited maximum current efficiency of 7.6 and 4.6 cd/A for Firpic and Fir6 based devices, respectively. Non-doped orange OLED was fabricated utilizing the newly reported phosphorescent material iridium (III) (pbi)2Ir(biq), of which manifested maximum current and power efficiency of 8.2 cd/A and 7.8 lm/W. The non-doped white OLEDs were achieved by simply combining Firpic or Fir6 with a 2-nm (pbi)2Ir(biq). The maximum current and power efficiency of the Firpic and (pbi)2Ir(biq) based white OLED were 14.8 cd/A and 17.9 lm/W.

PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA MELALUI PENDEKATAN KETERAMPILAN PROSES SAINS BERORIENTASI PROBLEM-BASED INSTRUCTION

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sri Wardani

2011-12-01

Full Text Available Telah dilakukan penelitian tindakan kelas untuk memperbaiki dan meningkatkan hasil belajarsiswa melalui penelitian tindakan kelas dengan pendekatan Keterampilan Proses Sains (KPS BerorientasiProblem Based Instruction (PBI. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di kelas XII IPA 8 SMA N 2 Semarang tahunpelajaran 2008/2009, dengan jumlah siswa 40 orang. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakahpembelajaran dengan menggunakan Pendekatan KPS Berorientasi PBI dapat meningkatkan hasilbelajar dan aktivitas belajar siswa. Fokus dalam penelitian ini adalah hasil belajar kimia yang meliputiaspek kognitif, afektif, psikomotorik, selain juga aktivitas belajar dan keterampilan proses sains siswa,serta kinerja guru. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terjadinya peningkatan hasil belajar siswa berturut-turutadalah 70,33 , 80,63 dan 89,88. Aktivitas belajar siswa juga mengalami peningkatan yaitu dengan skorrata-rata 65,21 pada siklus I naik menjadi 75,88 pada siklus II serta meningkat pada siklus III menjadi85,05. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran kimia melalui pendekatan KPS berorientasi PBI dapatmeningkatkan hasil belajar serta aktivitas belajar siswa. Kata Kunci: keterampilan proses sains, problem based instruction

Simulation study on improving efficiencies of perovskite solar cell: Introducing nano textures on it

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Ziang; Sun, Shuren; Wang, Wei; Qin, Laixiang; Yan, Yu; Hou, Ruixiang; Qin, G. G.

2018-03-01

We report that the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of the planar CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells (SCs) can be largely improved by fabricating nano textures on the SC surface. With the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, the ultimate efficiencies of the planar CH3NH3PbI3 SCs with two types of nano textures are investigated: the column-shaped nano hollow (CLNH) array and the cone-shaped nano hollow (CNNH) array. For the nano textured CH3NH3PbI3 SCs with photovoltaic layer depth in the range of 125 nm ∼ 500 nm, when the array period and filling fraction of the nano textures are optimized, in comparison with the planar ones, their PCE increased 42% ∼ 84% for the CLNH textured ones, and 52% ∼ 63% for the CNNH textured ones. As a conclusion, introduction of nano textures on the SC surface is a promising route for improving the PCEs of the perovskite SCs.

Quantitative evaluation of a single-distance phase-retrieval method applied on in-line phase-contrast images of a mouse lung

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mohammadi, Sara; Larsson, Emanuel; Alves, Frauke; Dal Monego, Simeone; Biffi, Stefania; Garrovo, Chiara; Lorenzon, Andrea; Tromba, Giuliana; Dullin, Christian

2014-01-01

Quantitative analysis concerning the application of a single-distance phase-retrieval algorithm on in-line phase-contrast images of a mouse lung at different sample-to-detector distances is presented. Propagation-based X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (PBI) has already proven its potential in a great variety of soft-tissue-related applications including lung imaging. However, the strong edge enhancement, caused by the phase effects, often hampers image segmentation and therefore the quantitative analysis of data sets. Here, the benefits of applying single-distance phase retrieval prior to the three-dimensional reconstruction (PhR) are discussed and quantified compared with three-dimensional reconstructions of conventional PBI data sets in terms of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and preservation of image features. The PhR data sets show more than a tenfold higher CNR and only minor blurring of the edges when compared with PBI in a predominately absorption-based set-up. Accordingly, phase retrieval increases the sensitivity and provides more functionality in computed tomography imaging

Dealing with the Surgical and Medical Challenges of Penetrating Brain Injuries

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nikolaos Syrmos

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Peacetime has reduced the overall incidence of penetrating brain injuries (PBI, and those related to missile penetration are not common anymore at least in western countries. Nevertheless, PBI still occur, and car crashes or work accidents are their main causes. The management of such cases is characterized by many challenges, not only from a surgical and medical point of view, but also for the different and sometimes bizarre dynamics by which they present. Herein we report an unusual deep penetrating brain injury, due to a high-energy crash against a metallic rod in a construction site, with a good surgical outcome despite dramatic clinical conditions on admission. A discussion of the surgical results and functional outcome related to PBI, as found in the English medical literature, is provided. Moreover the most common postoperative complications along with the diagnostic flow charts and therapeutic options useful to prevent inappropriate treatment are highlighted.

O3 fast and simple treatment-enhanced p-doped in Spiro-MeOTAD for CH3NH3I vapor-assisted processed CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

En-Dong Jia; Xi Lou; Chun-Lan Zhou; Wei-Chang Hao; Wen-Jing Wang

2017-01-01

We demonstrate a simple and fast post-deposition treatment with high process compatibility on the hole transport material (HTM) Spiro-MeOTAD in vapor-assisted solution processed methylammonium lead triiodide (CH3NH3PbI3)-based solar cells.The prepared Co-doped p-type Spiro-MeOTAD films are treated by O3 at room temperature for 5 min,10 min,and 20 min,respectively,prior to the deposition of the metal electrodes.Compared with the traditional oxidation of Spiro-MeOTAD films overnight in dry air,our fast O3 treatment of HTM at room temperature only needs just 10 min,and a relative 40.3％ increment in the power conversion efficiency is observed with respect to the result of without-treated perovskite solar cells.This improvement of efficiency is mainly attributed to the obvious increase of the fill factor and short-circuit current density,despite a slight decrease in the open-circuit voltage.Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and Hall effect measurement method are employed in our study to determine the changes of properties after O3 treatment in HTM.It is found that after the HTM is exposed to O3,its p-type doping level is enhanced.The enhancement of conductivity and Hall mobility of the film,resulting from the improvement in p-doping level of HTM,leads to better performances of perovskite solar cells.Best power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 13.05％ and 16.39％ are achieved with most properly optimized HTM via CH3NH3I vapor-assisted method and traditional single-step method respectively.

PBI treated polypropylene battery separator

Science.gov (United States)

Veryzwyvelt, S. A.

1981-01-01

A generalized procedure for fabricating the separator is described. Some of the desired properties considered in fabricating the separator material for nickel-cadmium cells were good mechanical strength, good chemical stability, good wettability to the electrolyte, high electrolyte retention, and gas passage.

Development of over-production strain of saccharification enzyme and biomass pretreatment by proton beam irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, S. W.; Lee, J. Y.; Song, Y. S.; Lee, S. J.; Shin, H. Y.; Kim, S. B.

2010-04-01

When lignocellulosic biomass converts to ethanol, enzyme takes lots of part of whole cost. Therefore, cellulase production is one of the important processes for the successful enzymatic conversion of cellulosic biomass to ethanol. Among cellulolytic enzymes, cellulase is multi-complex enzyme containing endo-glucanase, exo-glucanase and β-glucosidase. Cellulolyticfungi, Trichodema reesei is well known to produce the highest yields of cellulase. Especially, suitable cellulase composition was important for the effective saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass and strain having high level production of cellulase should be developed for hydrolysis. For efficient ethanol production, hemicellullase of Aspergillus also develop to use xylose generated from saccharification of biomass. In this study, pretreatment process of rice straw using proton beam irradiation (PBI) was carried out for enhancement of enzyme digestibility at different proton beam doses. Also, PBI pretreatment on ammonia soaking treated (SAA, Soaking aqueous ammonia) rice straw was conducted to solve the problem that is micro-structural inhibition of rice straw. Optimal dosages of proton beam on rice straw and SAA treated rice straw for efficient recovery of sugar were 15 KGy and 3 KGy, respectively. Enzymatic saccharification of PBI treated rice straw and SAA rice straw was conducted for the guidance of NREL standard procedure. Analysis using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) for crystallinity index was carried out and CrI found to be 33.38% of control and 35.72% of 15 KGy. Also, CrI was determined to be 67.11% of control and approximately 65.58% of 3 kGy dose in PBI pretreatment on SAA treated rice straw. The result of sugar recovery of both was approximately 70 % and 91 % of theoretical glucose contents, respectively. The initial reaction rate was increased from 7.610 -4 g·l -1 ·s -1 of 15 KGy (PBI pretreated rice straw) to 9.710 -4 g·l -1 ·s -1 (3 KGy PBI pretreated SAA rice straw). The selection of

Effect of halide-mixing on the switching behaviors of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite memory

Science.gov (United States)

Hwang, Bohee; Gu, Chungwan; Lee, Donghwa; Lee, Jang-Sik

2017-03-01

Mixed halide perovskite materials are actively researched for solar cells with high efficiency. Their hysteresis which originates from the movement of defects make perovskite a candidate for resistive switching memory devices. We demonstrate the resistive switching device based on mixed-halide organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx (x = 0, 1, 2, 3). Solvent engineering is used to deposit the homogeneous CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx layer on the indium-tin oxide-coated glass substrates. The memory device based on CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx exhibits write endurance and long retention, which indicate reproducible and reliable memory properties. According to the increase in Br contents in CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx the set electric field required to make the device from low resistance state to high resistance state decreases. This result is in accord with the theoretical calculation of migration barriers, that is the barrier to ionic migration in perovskites is found to be lower for Br- (0.23 eV) than for I- (0.29-0.30 eV). The resistive switching may be the result of halide vacancy defects and formation of conductive filaments under electric field in the mixed perovskite layer. It is observed that enhancement in operating voltage can be achieved by controlling the halide contents in the film.

Identification and functional characterisation of Complement Regulator Acquiring Surface Protein-1 of serum resistant Borrelia garinii OspA serotype 4

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zipfel Peter F

2010-02-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background B. burgdorferi sensu lato (sl is the etiological agent of Lyme borreliosis in humans. Spirochetes have adapted themselves to the human immune system in many distinct ways. One important immune escape mechanism for evading complement activation is the binding of complement regulators Factor H (CFH or Factor H-like protein1 (FHL-1 to Complement Regulator-Acquiring Surface Proteins (CRASPs. Results We demonstrate that B. garinii OspA serotype 4 (ST4 PBi resist complement-mediated killing by binding of FHL-1. To identify the primary ligands of FHL-1 four CspA orthologs from B. garinii ST4 PBi were cloned and tested for binding to human CFH and FHL-1. Orthologs BGA66 and BGA71 were found to be able to bind both complement regulators but with different intensities. In addition, all CspA orthologs were tested for binding to mammalian and avian CFH. Distinct orthologs were able to bind to CFH of different animal origins. Conclusions B. garinii ST4 PBi is able to evade complement killing and it can bind FHL-1 to membrane expressed proteins. Recombinant proteins BGA66 can bind FHL-1 and human CFH, while BGA71 can bind only FHL-1. All recombinant CspA orthologs from B. garinii ST4 PBi can bind CFH from different animal origins. This partly explains the wide variety of animals that can be infected by B. garinii.

CH3NH3Pb1−xMgxI3 perovskites as environmentally friendly photovoltaic materials

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Y. D. Zhang

2018-01-01

Full Text Available In an effort to reduce the toxicity of Pb in perovskite solar cells, the band structures, electron and hole effective masses, and electronic and optical properties of the novel perovskites CH3NH3Pb1−xMgxI3 were predicted using density functional theory with the scalar relativistic generalized gradient approximation. The calculation results indicated that the introduction of the Mg component caused the band gaps of the CH3NH3Pb1−xMgxI3 compounds to exceed that of CH3NH3PbI3. The calculated absorption coefficients of the CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3Pb1−xMgxI3 perovskites revealed that substituting 12.5 mol % of the Pb in CH3NH3PbI3 with Mg had little effect on the absorption ability. Surprisingly, it was also found that CH3NH3Pb0.75Mg0.25I3 retained up to 83% of the absorption performance relative to CH3NH3PbI3. This indicates that the amount of toxic Pb used in perovskite solar cells could be reduced by a quarter while retaining over 80% of the light-absorbing ability. In general, these novel CH3NH3Pb1−xMgxI3 (x ≤ 0.25 perovskites represent promising candidates for environmentally friendly light-harvesting materials for use in solar cells.

Optical Sensing of Aromatic Amino Acids and Dipeptides by a Crown-Ether-Functionalized Perylene Bisimide Fluorophore.

Science.gov (United States)

Weißenstein, Annike; Saha-Möller, Chantu R; Würthner, Frank

2018-06-04

The host-guest binding properties of a fluorescent perylene bisimide (PBI) receptor equipped with crown ether were studied in detail with a series of aromatic amino acids and dipeptides by UV/Vis, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy. Fluorescence titration experiments showed that electron-rich aromatic amino acids and dipeptides strongly quench the fluorescence of the electron-poor PBI host molecule. Benesi-Hildebrand plots of fluorescence titration data confirmed the formation of host-guest complexes with 1:2 stoichiometry. Binding constants determined by global analysis of UV/Vis and fluorescence titration experiments revealed values between 10 3  m -1 and 10 5  m -1 in acetonitrile/methanol (9:1) at 23 °C. These data showed that amino acid l-Trp having an indole group and dipeptides containing this amino acid bind to the PBI receptor more strongly than other amino acids and dipeptides investigated here. For dipeptides containing l-Trp or l-Tyr, the binding strength is dependent on the distance between the ammonium group and the aromatic unit of the amino acids and dipeptides leading to a strong sensitivity for Ala-Trp dipeptide. 1D and 2D NMR experiments also corroborated 1:2 host-guest complexation and indicated formation of two diastereomeric species of host-guest complexes. The studies have shown that a properly functionalized PBI fluorophore functions as a molecular probe for the optical sensing of aromatic amino acids and dipeptides. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

CH3NH3Pb1-xMgxI3 perovskites as environmentally friendly photovoltaic materials

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Y. D.; Feng, J.

2018-01-01

In an effort to reduce the toxicity of Pb in perovskite solar cells, the band structures, electron and hole effective masses, and electronic and optical properties of the novel perovskites CH3NH3Pb1-xMgxI3 were predicted using density functional theory with the scalar relativistic generalized gradient approximation. The calculation results indicated that the introduction of the Mg component caused the band gaps of the CH3NH3Pb1-xMgxI3 compounds to exceed that of CH3NH3PbI3. The calculated absorption coefficients of the CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3Pb1-xMgxI3 perovskites revealed that substituting 12.5 mol % of the Pb in CH3NH3PbI3 with Mg had little effect on the absorption ability. Surprisingly, it was also found that CH3NH3Pb0.75Mg0.25I3 retained up to 83% of the absorption performance relative to CH3NH3PbI3. This indicates that the amount of toxic Pb used in perovskite solar cells could be reduced by a quarter while retaining over 80% of the light-absorbing ability. In general, these novel CH3NH3Pb1-xMgxI3 (x ≤ 0.25) perovskites represent promising candidates for environmentally friendly light-harvesting materials for use in solar cells.

Development and characterization of acid-doped polybenzimidazole/sulfonated polysulfone blend polymer electrolytes for fuel cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hasiotis, C.; Li, Qingfeng; Deimede, V.

2001-01-01

Polymeric membranes from blends of sulfonated polysulfones (SPSF) and polybenzimidazole (PBI) doped with phosphoric acid were developed as potential high-temperature polymer electrolytes for fuel cells and other electrochemical applications. The water uptake and acid doping of these polymeric...... membranes were investigated. Ionic conductivity of the membranes was measured in relation to temperature, acid doping level, sulfonation degree of SPSF, relative humidity, and blend composition. The conductivity of SPSF was of the order of 10/sup -3/ S cm/sup -1/. In the case of blends of PBI and SPSF...

Nail Assessment in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (NAPPA)

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Augustin, M; Blome, C; Costanzo, A

2013-01-01

assessing quality of life (NAPPA-QoL), a two-part questionnaire assessing patient-relevant treatment benefits (the Patient Benefit Index, NAPPA-PBI) and a psoriasis Clinical Assessment of Severity (NAPPA-CLIN). METHODS: Development of the questionnaires involved multiple steps: (i) collection of items about......%) and comprehensible (95%). NAPPA-QoL and NAPPA-PBI scores correlated moderately with clinical outcomes [e.g. Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI)] and markedly with other quality-of-life questionnaires (e.g. EQ-5D™). Both questionnaires were sensitive to change. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach α ≥ 0...

Chemically Stable Covalent Organic Framework (COF)-Polybenzimidazole Hybrid Membranes: Enhanced Gas Separation through Pore Modulation.

Science.gov (United States)

Biswal, Bishnu P; Chaudhari, Harshal D; Banerjee, Rahul; Kharul, Ulhas K

2016-03-24

Highly flexible, TpPa-1@PBI-BuI and TpBD@PBI-BuI hybrid membranes based on chemically stable covalent organic frameworks (COFs) could be obtained with the polymer. The loading obtained was substantially higher (50 %) than generally observed with MOFs. These hybrid membranes show an exciting enhancement in permeability (about sevenfold) with appreciable separation factors for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4. Further, we found that with COF pore modulation, the gas permeability can be systematically enhanced. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The influence of additives in the stoichiometry of hybrid lead halide perovskites

Science.gov (United States)

Burgués-Ceballos, Ignasi; Savva, Achilleas; Georgiou, Efthymios; Kapnisis, Konstantinos; Papagiorgis, Paris; Mousikou, Androniki; Itskos, Grigorios; Othonos, Andreas; Choulis, Stelios A.

2017-11-01

We investigate the employment of carefully selected solvent additives in the processing of a commercial perovskite precursor ink and analyze their impact on the performance of organometal trihalide perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3-xClx) photovoltaic devices. We provide evidence that the use of benzaldehyde can be used as an effective method to preserve the stoichiometry of the perovskite precursors in solution. Benzaldehyde based additive engineering shows to improve perovskite solid state film morphology and device performance of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx based solar cells.

Structural and optical studies of local disorder sensitivity in natural organic-inorganic self-assembled semiconductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vijaya Prakash, G; Pradeesh, K [Nanophotonics Lab, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi (India); Ratnani, R; Saraswat, K [Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, MDS University, Ajmer (India); Light, M E [School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton (United Kingdom); Baumberg, J J, E-mail: prakash@physics.iitd.ac.i [Nanophotonic Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, University Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 OHE (United Kingdom)

2009-09-21

The structural and optical spectra of two related lead iodide (PbI) based self-assembled hybrid organic-inorganic semiconductors are compared. During the synthesis, depending on the bridging of organic moiety intercalated between the PbI two-dimensional planes, different crystal structures are produced. These entirely different networks show different structural and optical features, including excitonic bandgaps. In particular, the modified organic environment of the excitons is sensitive to the local disorder both in single crystal and thin film forms. Such information is vital for incorporating these semiconductors into photonic device architectures.

New proton conducting membranes for fuel cell applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sukumar, P.R.

2006-07-01

In order to synthesize proton-conducting materials which retain acids in the membrane during fuel cell operating conditions, the synthesis of poly(vinylphosphonic acid) grafted polybenzimidazole (PVPA grafted PBI) and the fabrication of multilayer membranes are mainly focussed in this dissertation. Synthesis of PVPA grafted PBI membrane can be done according to ''grafting through'' method. In ''grafting through'' method (or macromonomer method), monomer (e.g., vinylphosphonic acid) is radically copolymerized with olefin group attached macromonomer (e.g., allyl grafted PBI and vinylbenzyl grafted PBI). This approach is inherently limited to synthesize graft-copolymer with well-defined architectural and structural parameters. The incorporation of poly(vinylphosphonic acid) into PBI lead to improvements in proton conductivity up to 10-2 S/cm. Regarding multilayer membranes, the proton conducting layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of polymers by various strong acids such as poly(vinylphosphonic acid), poly(vinylsulfonic acid) and poly(styrenesulfonic acid) paired with basic polymers such as poly(4-vinylimidazole) and poly(benzimidazole), which are appropriate for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell applications have been described. Proton conductivity increases with increasing smoothness of the film and the maximum measured conductivity was 10-4 S/cm at 25A C. Recently, anhydrous proton-conducting membranes with flexible structural backbones, which show proton-conducting properties comparable to Nafion have been focus of current research. The flexible backbone of polymer chains allow for a high segmental mobility and thus, a sufficiently low glass transition temperature (Tg), which is an essential factor to reach highly conductive systems. Among the polymers with a flexible chain backbone, poly(vinylphosphonic acid), poly(vinylbenzylphosphonic acid), poly(2-vinylbenzimidazole), poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid), poly(4-vinylimidazole), poly

New proton conducting membranes for fuel cell applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sukumar, P R

2006-07-01

In order to synthesize proton-conducting materials which retain acids in the membrane during fuel cell operating conditions, the synthesis of poly(vinylphosphonic acid) grafted polybenzimidazole (PVPA grafted PBI) and the fabrication of multilayer membranes are mainly focussed in this dissertation. Synthesis of PVPA grafted PBI membrane can be done according to ''grafting through'' method. In ''grafting through'' method (or macromonomer method), monomer (e.g., vinylphosphonic acid) is radically copolymerized with olefin group attached macromonomer (e.g., allyl grafted PBI and vinylbenzyl grafted PBI). This approach is inherently limited to synthesize graft-copolymer with well-defined architectural and structural parameters. The incorporation of poly(vinylphosphonic acid) into PBI lead to improvements in proton conductivity up to 10-2 S/cm. Regarding multilayer membranes, the proton conducting layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of polymers by various strong acids such as poly(vinylphosphonic acid), poly(vinylsulfonic acid) and poly(styrenesulfonic acid) paired with basic polymers such as poly(4-vinylimidazole) and poly(benzimidazole), which are appropriate for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell applications have been described. Proton conductivity increases with increasing smoothness of the film and the maximum measured conductivity was 10-4 S/cm at 25A C. Recently, anhydrous proton-conducting membranes with flexible structural backbones, which show proton-conducting properties comparable to Nafion have been focus of current research. The flexible backbone of polymer chains allow for a high segmental mobility and thus, a sufficiently low glass transition temperature (Tg), which is an essential factor to reach highly conductive systems. Among the polymers with a flexible chain backbone, poly(vinylphosphonic acid), poly(vinylbenzylphosphonic acid), poly(2-vinylbenzimidazole), poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid), poly(4-vinylimidazole), poly(4-vinylimidazole

SU-E-J-37: Feasibility of Utilizing Carbon Fiducials to Increase Localization Accuracy of Lumpectomy Cavity for Partial Breast Irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Y; Hieken, T; Mutter, R; Park, S; Yan, E; Brinkmann, D; Pafundi, D

2015-01-01

Purpose To investigate the feasibility of utilizing carbon fiducials to increase localization accuracy of lumpectomy cavity for partial breast irradiation (PBI). Methods Carbon fiducials were placed intraoperatively in the lumpectomy cavity following resection of breast cancer in 11 patients. The patients were scheduled to receive whole breast irradiation (WBI) with a boost or 3D-conformal PBI. WBI patients were initially setup to skin tattoos using lasers, followed by orthogonal kV on-board-imaging (OBI) matching to bone per clinical practice. Cone beam CT (CBCT) was acquired weekly for offline review. For the boost component of WBI and PBI, patients were setup with lasers, followed by OBI matching to fiducials, with final alignment by CBCT matching to fiducials. Using carbon fiducials as a surrogate for the lumpectomy cavity and CBCT matching to fiducials as the gold standard, setup uncertainties to lasers, OBI bone, OBI fiducials, and CBCT breast were compared. Results Minimal imaging artifacts were introduced by fiducials on the planning CT and CBCT. The fiducials were sufficiently visible on OBI for online localization. The mean magnitude and standard deviation of setup errors were 8.4mm ± 5.3 mm (n=84), 7.3mm ± 3.7mm (n=87), 2.2mm ± 1.6mm (n=40) and 4.8mm ± 2.6mm (n=87), for lasers, OBI bone, OBI fiducials and CBCT breast tissue, respectively. Significant migration occurred in one of 39 implanted fiducials in a patient with a large postoperative seroma. Conclusion OBI carbon fiducial-based setup can improve localization accuracy with minimal imaging artifacts. With increased localization accuracy, setup uncertainties can be reduced from 8mm using OBI bone matching to 3mm using OBI fiducial matching for PBI treatment. This work demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing carbon fiducials to increase localization accuracy to the lumpectomy cavity for PBI. This may be particularly attractive for localization in the setting of proton therapy and other scenarios

High spatiotemporal resolution measurement of regional lung air volumes from 2D phase contrast x-ray images.

Science.gov (United States)

Leong, Andrew F T; Fouras, Andreas; Islam, M Sirajul; Wallace, Megan J; Hooper, Stuart B; Kitchen, Marcus J

2013-04-01

Described herein is a new technique for measuring regional lung air volumes from two-dimensional propagation-based phase contrast x-ray (PBI) images at very high spatial and temporal resolution. Phase contrast dramatically increases lung visibility and the outlined volumetric reconstruction technique quantifies dynamic changes in respiratory function. These methods can be used for assessing pulmonary disease and injury and for optimizing mechanical ventilation techniques for preterm infants using animal models. The volumetric reconstruction combines the algorithms of temporal subtraction and single image phase retrieval (SIPR) to isolate the image of the lungs from the thoracic cage in order to measure regional lung air volumes. The SIPR algorithm was used to recover the change in projected thickness of the lungs on a pixel-by-pixel basis (pixel dimensions ≈ 16.2 μm). The technique has been validated using numerical simulation and compared results of measuring regional lung air volumes with and without the use of temporal subtraction for removing the thoracic cage. To test this approach, a series of PBI images of newborn rabbit pups mechanically ventilated at different frequencies was employed. Regional lung air volumes measured from PBI images of newborn rabbit pups showed on average an improvement of at least 20% in 16% of pixels within the lungs in comparison to that measured without the use of temporal subtraction. The majority of pixels that showed an improvement was found to be in regions occupied by bone. Applying the volumetric technique to sequences of PBI images of newborn rabbit pups, it is shown that lung aeration at birth can be highly heterogeneous. This paper presents an image segmentation technique based on temporal subtraction that has successfully been used to isolate the lungs from PBI chest images, allowing the change in lung air volume to be measured over regions as small as the pixel size. Using this technique, it is possible to measure

SU-E-J-37: Feasibility of Utilizing Carbon Fiducials to Increase Localization Accuracy of Lumpectomy Cavity for Partial Breast Irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Y; Hieken, T; Mutter, R; Park, S; Yan, E; Brinkmann, D; Pafundi, D [Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (United States)

2015-06-15

Purpose To investigate the feasibility of utilizing carbon fiducials to increase localization accuracy of lumpectomy cavity for partial breast irradiation (PBI). Methods Carbon fiducials were placed intraoperatively in the lumpectomy cavity following resection of breast cancer in 11 patients. The patients were scheduled to receive whole breast irradiation (WBI) with a boost or 3D-conformal PBI. WBI patients were initially setup to skin tattoos using lasers, followed by orthogonal kV on-board-imaging (OBI) matching to bone per clinical practice. Cone beam CT (CBCT) was acquired weekly for offline review. For the boost component of WBI and PBI, patients were setup with lasers, followed by OBI matching to fiducials, with final alignment by CBCT matching to fiducials. Using carbon fiducials as a surrogate for the lumpectomy cavity and CBCT matching to fiducials as the gold standard, setup uncertainties to lasers, OBI bone, OBI fiducials, and CBCT breast were compared. Results Minimal imaging artifacts were introduced by fiducials on the planning CT and CBCT. The fiducials were sufficiently visible on OBI for online localization. The mean magnitude and standard deviation of setup errors were 8.4mm ± 5.3 mm (n=84), 7.3mm ± 3.7mm (n=87), 2.2mm ± 1.6mm (n=40) and 4.8mm ± 2.6mm (n=87), for lasers, OBI bone, OBI fiducials and CBCT breast tissue, respectively. Significant migration occurred in one of 39 implanted fiducials in a patient with a large postoperative seroma. Conclusion OBI carbon fiducial-based setup can improve localization accuracy with minimal imaging artifacts. With increased localization accuracy, setup uncertainties can be reduced from 8mm using OBI bone matching to 3mm using OBI fiducial matching for PBI treatment. This work demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing carbon fiducials to increase localization accuracy to the lumpectomy cavity for PBI. This may be particularly attractive for localization in the setting of proton therapy and other scenarios

Universal Approach toward Hysteresis-Free Perovskite Solar Cell via Defect Engineering.

Science.gov (United States)

Son, Dae-Yong; Kim, Seul-Gi; Seo, Ja-Young; Lee, Seon-Hee; Shin, Hyunjung; Lee, Donghwa; Park, Nam-Gyu

2018-01-31

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite is believed to be a potential candidate for high efficiency solar cells because power conversion efficiency (PCE) was certified to be more than 22%. Nevertheless, mismatch of PCE due to current density (J)-voltage (V) hysteresis in perovskite solar cells is an obstacle to overcome. There has been much lively debate on the origin of J-V hysteresis; however, effective methodology to solve the hysteric problem has not been developed. Here we report a universal approach for hysteresis-free perovskite solar cells via defect engineering. A severe hysteresis observed from the normal mesoscopic structure employing TiO 2 and spiro-MeOTAD is almost removed or does not exist upon doping the pure perovskites, CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 and HC(NH 2 ) 2 PbI 3 , and the mixed cation/anion perovskites, FA 0.85 MA 0.15 PbI 2.55 Br 0.45 and FA 0.85 MA 0.1 Cs 0.05 PbI 2.7 Br 0.3 , with potassium iodide. Substantial reductions in low-frequency capacitance and bulk trap density are measured from the KI-doped perovskite, which is indicative of trap-hysteresis correlation. A series of experiments with alkali metal iodides of LiI, NaI, KI, RbI and CsI reveals that potassium ion is the right element for hysteresis-free perovskite. Theoretical studies suggest that the atomistic origin of the hysteresis of perovskite solar cells is not the migration of iodide vacancy but results from the formation of iodide Frenkel defect. Potassium ion is able to prevent the formation of Frenkel defect since K + energetically prefers the interstitial site. A complete removal of hysteresis is more pronounced at mixed perovskite system as compared to pure perovskites, which is explained by lower formation energy of K interstitial (-0.65 V for CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 vs -1.17 V for mixed perovskite). The developed KI doping methodology is universally adapted for hysteresis-free perovskite regardless of perovskite composition and device structure.

Comparative genome analysis: selection pressure on the Borrelia vls cassettes is essential for infectivity

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wilske Bettina

2006-08-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background At least three species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl cause tick-borne Lyme disease. Previous work including the genome analysis of B. burgdorferi B31 and B. garinii PBi suggested a highly variable plasmid part. The frequent occurrence of duplicated sequence stretches, the observed plasmid redundancy, as well as the mainly unknown function and variability of plasmid encoded genes rendered the relationships between plasmids within and between species largely unresolvable. Results To gain further insight into Borreliae genome properties we completed the plasmid sequences of B. garinii PBi, added the genome of a further species, B. afzelii PKo, to our analysis, and compared for both species the genomes of pathogenic and apathogenic strains. The core of all Bbsl genomes consists of the chromosome and two plasmids collinear between all species. We also found additional groups of plasmids, which share large parts of their sequences. This makes it very likely that these plasmids are relatively stable and share common ancestors before the diversification of Borrelia species. The analysis of the differences between B. garinii PBi and B. afzelii PKo genomes of low and high passages revealed that the loss of infectivity is accompanied in both species by a loss of similar genetic material. Whereas B. garinii PBi suffered only from the break-off of a plasmid end, B. afzelii PKo lost more material, probably an entire plasmid. In both cases the vls gene locus encoding for variable surface proteins is affected. Conclusion The complete genome sequences of a B. garinii and a B. afzelii strain facilitate further comparative studies within the genus Borrellia. Our study shows that loss of infectivity can be traced back to only one single event in B. garinii PBi: the loss of the vls cassettes possibly due to error prone gene conversion. Similar albeit extended losses in B. afzelii PKo support the hypothesis that infectivity of Borrelia

Planar structured perovskite solar cells by hybrid physical chemical vapor deposition with optimized perovskite film thickness

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Xiangyang; Peng, Yanke; Jing, Gaoshan; Cui, Tianhong

2018-05-01

The thickness of perovskite absorber layer is a critical parameter to determine a planar structured perovskite solar cell’s performance. By modifying the spin coating speed and PbI2/N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution concentration, the thickness of perovskite absorber layer was optimized to obtain high-performance solar cells. Using a PbI2/DMF solution of 1.3 mol/L, maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of a perovskite solar cell is 15.5% with a perovskite film of 413 nm at 5000 rpm, and PCE of 14.3% was also obtained for a solar cell with a perovskite film of 182 nm thick. It is derived that higher concentration of PbI2/DMF will result in better perovskite solar cells. Additionally, these perovskite solar cells are highly uniform. In 14 sets of solar cells, standard deviations of 11 sets of solar cells were less than 0.50% and the smallest standard deviation was 0.25%, which demonstrates the reliability and effectiveness of hybrid physical chemical vapor deposition (HPCVD) method.

The relationship between personality, dysfunctional parenting in childhood, and lifetime depression in a sample of employed Japanese adults.

Science.gov (United States)

Sakado, K; Kuwabara, H; Sato, T; Uehara, T; Sakado, M; Someya, T

2000-10-01

Few studies have explored the relationship between personality, dysfunctional parenting in childhood, and adult depression. Parental rearing styles and personality scores as measured by the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) and the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM) were compared in a group of employed Japanese adults with and without a lifetime history of depression. The diagnosis was provided by the Inventory to Diagnose Depression, Lifetime version (IDDL). To estimate the effects of the PBI and the IPSM scores on lifetime depression, a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Subjects with lifetime depression were seen to have significantly lower scores on the PBI 'care' and higher scores on the IPSM than the subjects without lifetime depression. Lower levels of maternal care and higher levels of 'interpersonal sensitivity' each independently increased the risk for lifetime depression. The findings of the present study may not be conclusive since the data were retrospectively obtained. Dysfunctional parenting and personality seem to be correlated by lifetime depression, but it is uncertain whether they are independent risk factors

Controllable Growth of Perovskite Films by Room-Temperature Air Exposure for Efficient Planar Heterojunction Photovoltaic Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Bin; Dyck, Ondrej; Poplawsky, Jonathan; Keum, Jong; Das, Sanjib; Puretzky, Alexander; Aytug, Tolga; Joshi, Pooran C; Rouleau, Christopher M; Duscher, Gerd; Geohegan, David B; Xiao, Kai

2015-12-01

A two-step solution processing approach has been established to grow void-free perovskite films for low-cost high-performance planar heterojunction photovoltaic devices. A high-temperature thermal annealing treatment was applied to drive the diffusion of CH3NH3I precursor molecules into a compact PbI2 layer to form perovskite films. However, thermal annealing for extended periods led to degraded device performance owing to the defects generated by decomposition of perovskite into PbI2. A controllable layer-by-layer spin-coating method was used to grow "bilayer" CH3NH3I/PbI2 films, and then drive the interdiffusion between PbI2 and CH3NH3I layers by a simple air exposure at room temperature for making well-oriented, highly crystalline perovskite films without thermal annealing. This high degree of crystallinity resulted in a carrier diffusion length of ca. 800 nm and a high device efficiency of 15.6%, which is comparable to values reported for thermally annealed perovskite films. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Modelling human eye under blast loading.

Science.gov (United States)

Esposito, L; Clemente, C; Bonora, N; Rossi, T

2015-01-01

Primary blast injury (PBI) is the general term that refers to injuries resulting from the mere interaction of a blast wave with the body. Although few instances of primary ocular blast injury, without a concomitant secondary blast injury from debris, are documented, some experimental studies demonstrate its occurrence. In order to investigate PBI to the eye, a finite element model of the human eye using simple constitutive models was developed. The material parameters were calibrated by a multi-objective optimisation performed on available eye impact test data. The behaviour of the human eye and the dynamics of mechanisms occurring under PBI loading conditions were modelled. For the generation of the blast waves, different combinations of explosive (trinitrotoluene) mass charge and distance from the eye were analysed. An interpretation of the resulting pressure, based on the propagation and reflection of the waves inside the eye bulb and orbit, is proposed. The peculiar geometry of the bony orbit (similar to a frustum cone) can induce a resonance cavity effect and generate a pressure standing wave potentially hurtful for eye tissues.

[Activity of the hypophyseal-thyroid gland system in relation to the funcitonal state of the sex glands. Report I].

Science.gov (United States)

Babichev, V N; Samsonova, V M

1975-01-01

Experiments were conducted on intact female rats; it was revealed that the content of protein-bound iodine (PBI) in the blood depended on the stage of the estral cycle. It was decreased at the metestrus and diestrus stages. Castration produced an even greater reduction in the blood PBI content. The blood PBI content proved to elevate in administration of estradiol dipropionate (EDP) to castrated rats. The TSH content in the hypophysis increased at the metestrus and diestrus stages and decreased at the proestrus and estrus stages. The relationship was reverse in the case with the blood TTH content. Castration was followed by a marked increase in the TSH content in the hypophysis accompanied by a reduction in the blood hormone level. The TSH concentration in the hypophysis decreased and in the blood increased under the effect of EDP in castrated animals. The data obtained indicated that the interrelationship between the thyroid gland and the sex glands was realized at the level of the hypophysis, and possibly, of the hypothalamus.

Elucidating the Key Role of a Lewis Base Solvent in the Formation of Perovskite Films Fabricated from the Lewis Adduct Approach.

Science.gov (United States)

Cao, Xiaobing; Zhi, Lili; Li, Yahui; Fang, Fei; Cui, Xian; Yao, Youwei; Ci, Lijie; Ding, Kongxian; Wei, Jinquan

2017-09-27

High-quality perovskite films can be fabricated from Lewis acid-base adducts through molecule exchange. Substantial work is needed to fully understand the formation mechanism of the perovskite films, which helps to further improve their quality. Here, we study the formation of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite films by introducing some dimethylacetamide into the PbI 2 /N,N-dimethylformamide solution. We reveal that there are three key processes during the formation of perovskite films through the Lewis acid-base adduct approach: molecule intercalation of solvent into the PbI 2 lattice, molecule exchange between the solvent and CH 3 NH 3 I, and dissolution-recrystallization of the perovskite grains during annealing. The Lewis base solvents play multiple functions in the above processes. The properties of the solvent, including Lewis basicity and boiling point, play key roles in forming smooth perovskite films with large grains. We also provide some rules for choosing Lewis base additives to prepare high-quality perovskite films through the Lewis adduct approach.

Short-length and high-density TiO2 nanorod arrays for the efficient charge separation interface in perovskite solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xiao, Guannan; Shi, Chengwu; Zhang, Zhengguo; Li, Nannan; Li, Long

2017-01-01

The TiO 2 nanorod arrays with the length of 70 nm, the diameter of 20 nm, and the areal density of 1000 µm −2 were firstly prepared by the hydrothermal method using the aqueous grown solution of 38 mM titanium isopropoxide and 6 M hydrochloric acid at 170 °C for 60 min. Over-500 nm-thickness CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3−x Br x absorber layers were successfully obtained by sequential deposition routes using 1.7 M PbI 2 ·DMSO complex precursor solution and 0.465 M isopropanol solution of the methylammonium halide mixture with the molar ratio of CH 3 NH 3 I/CH 3 NH 3 Br=85/15. The perovskite solar cells based on the TiO 2 nanorod array and 560 nm-thickness CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3−x Br x absorber layer exhibited the best photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.93%, while the corresponding planar perovskite solar cells without the TiO 2 nanorod array and with 530 nm-thickness CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3−x Br x absorber layer gave the best PCE of 12.82% at the relative humidity of 50–54%. - Graphical abstract: The TiO 2 nanorod arrays with the length of 70 nm, the diameter of 20 nm, and the areal density of 1000 µm −2 were prepared by the hydrothermal method using the aqueous grown solution of 38 mM titanium isopropoxide and 6 M hydrochloric acid at 170 °C for 60 min. The optimal annealing temperature of TiO 2 nanorod arrays was 450 °C. The perovskite solar cells based on the TiO 2 nanorod array and 560 nm-thickness CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3−x Br x absorber layer exhibited the best photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.93% and the average PCE of 13.41±2.52%, while the corresponding planar perovskite solar cells without the TiO 2 nanorod array and with 530 nm-thickness CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3−x Br x absorber layer gave the best PCE of 12.82% and the average PCE of 10.54±2.28% at the relative humidity of 50–54%. - Highlights: • Preparation of TiO 2 nanorod array with length of 70 nm and density of 1000 µm −2 . • Influence of annealing temperatures on the -OH content of Ti

Effect of Rubidium Incorporation on the Structural, Electrical, and Photovoltaic Properties of Methylammonium Lead Iodide-Based Perovskite Solar Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Park, Ik Jae; Seo, Seongrok; Park, Min Ah; Lee, Sangwook; Kim, Dong Hoe; Zhu, Kai; Shin, Hyunjung; Kim, Jin Young

2017-12-06

We report the electrical properties of rubidium-incorporated methylammonium lead iodide ((Rb x MA 1-x )PbI 3 ) films and the photovoltaic performance of (Rb x MA 1-x )PbI 3 film-based p-i-n-type perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The incorporation of a small amount of Rb + (x = 0.05) increases both the open circuit voltage (V oc ) and the short circuit photocurrent density (J sc ) of the PSCs, leading to an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, a high fraction of Rb + incorporation (x = 0.1 and 0.2) decreases the J sc and thus the PCE, which is attributed to the phase segregation of the single tetragonal perovskite phase to a MA-rich tetragonal perovskite phase and a RbPbI 3 orthorhombic phase at high Rb fractions. Conductive atomic force microscopic and admittance spectroscopic analyses reveal that the single-phase (Rb 0.05 MA 0.95 )PbI 3 film has a high electrical conductivity because of a reduced deep-level trap density. We also found that Rb substitution enhances the diode characteristics of the PSC, as evidenced by the reduced reverse saturation current (J 0 ). The optimized (Rb x MA 1-x )PbI 3 PSCs exhibited a PCE of 18.8% with negligible hysteresis in the photocurrent-voltage curve. The results from this work enhance the understanding of the effect of Rb incorporation into organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskites and enable the exploration of Rb-incorporated mixed perovskites for various applications, such as solar cells, photodetectors, and light-emitting diodes.

Effect of chloride impurities on the performance and durability of polybenzimidazole-based high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ali, Syed Talat; Li, Qingfeng; Pan, Chao

2011-01-01

The effect of chloride as an air impurity and as a catalyst contaminant on the performance and durability of polybenzimidazole (PBI)-based high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) was studied. The ion chromatographic analysis reveals the existence of chloride contaminations....... The performance loss was recovered when switching from the HCl solution back to pure water in the air humidifier. Under an accelerated aging performance test conducted through potential cycling between 0.9 V and 1.2 V, the PBI-based fuel cell initially containing 0.5 NaCl mg cm−2 on the cathode catalyst layer...

Positive attitudinal shifts with the Physics by Inquiry curriculum across multiple implementations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Beth A. Lindsey

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Recent publications have documented positive attitudinal shifts on the Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science Survey (CLASS among students enrolled in courses with an explicit epistemological focus. We now report positive attitudinal shifts in classes using the Physics by Inquiry (PbI curriculum, which has only an implicit focus on student epistemologies and nature of science issues. These positive shifts have occurred in several different implementations of the curriculum, across multiple institutions and multiple semesters. In many classes, students experienced significant attitudinal shifts in the problem-solving categories of the CLASS, despite the conceptual focus of most PbI courses.

The influence of additives in the stoichiometry of hybrid lead halide perovskites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ignasi Burgués-Ceballos

2017-11-01

Full Text Available We investigate the employment of carefully selected solvent additives in the processing of a commercial perovskite precursor ink and analyze their impact on the performance of organometal trihalide perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3−xClx photovoltaic devices. We provide evidence that the use of benzaldehyde can be used as an effective method to preserve the stoichiometry of the perovskite precursors in solution. Benzaldehyde based additive engineering shows to improve perovskite solid state film morphology and device performance of CH3NH3PbI3−xClx based solar cells.

Phase Engineering of Perovskite Materials for High-Efficiency Solar Cells: Rapid Conversion of CH3NH3PbI3 to Phase-Pure CH3NH3PbCl3 via Hydrochloric Acid Vapor Annealing Post-Treatment.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Weiran; Zhou, Pengcheng; Lei, Xunyong; Fang, Zhimin; Zhang, Mengmeng; Liu, Qing; Chen, Tao; Zeng, Hualing; Ding, Liming; Zhu, Jun; Dai, Songyuan; Yang, Shangfeng

2018-01-17

Organometal halide CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 (MAPbI 3 ) has been commonly used as the light absorber layer of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and, especially, another halide element chlorine (Cl) has been often incorporated to assist the crystallization of perovskite film. However, in most cases, a predominant MAPbI 3 phase with trace of Cl - is obtained ultimately and the role of Cl involvement remains unclear. Herein, we develop a low-cost and facile method, named hydrochloric acid vapor annealing (HAVA) post-treatment, and realize a rapid conversion of MAPbI 3 to phase-pure MAPbCl 3 , demonstrating a new concept of phase engineering of perovskite materials toward efficiency enhancement of PSCs for the first time. The average grain size of perovskite film after HAVA post-treatment increases remarkably through an Ostwald ripening process, leading to a denser and smoother perovskite film with reduced trap states and enhanced crystallinity. More importantly, the generation of MAPbCl 3 secondary phase via phase engineering is beneficial for improving the carrier mobility with a more balanced carrier transport rate and enlarging the band gap of perovskite film along with optimized energy level alignment. As a result, under the optimized HAVA post-treatment time (2 min), we achieved a significant enhancement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the MAPbI 3 -based planar heterojunction-PSC device from 14.02 to 17.40% (the highest PCE reaches 18.45%) with greatly suppressed hysteresis of the current-voltage response.

Breast-conserving therapy with partial or whole breast irradiation: ten-year results of the Budapest randomized trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Polgár, Csaba; Fodor, János; Major, Tibor; Sulyok, Zoltán; Kásler, Miklós

2013-08-01

To report the long-term results of a single-institution randomized study comparing the results of breast-conserving treatment with partial breast irradiation (PBI) or conventional whole breast irradiation (WBI). Between 1998 and 2004, 258 selected women with pT1 pN0-1mi M0, grade 1-2, non-lobular breast cancer without the presence of extensive intraductal component and resected with negative margins were randomized after BCS to receive 50 Gy WBI (n=130) or PBI (n=128). The latter consisted of either 7 × 5.2 Gy high-dose-rate (HDR) multi-catheter brachytherapy (BT; n=88) or 50 Gy electron beam (EB) irradiation (n=40). Primary endpoint was local recurrence (LR) as a first event. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cosmetic results. After a median follow up of 10.2 years, the ten-year actuarial rate of LR was 5.9% and 5.1% in PBI and WBI arms, respectively (p=0.77). There was no significant difference in the ten-year probability of OS (80% vs 82%), CSS (94% vs 92%), and DFS (85% vs 84%), either. The rate of excellent-good cosmetic result was 81% in the PBI, and 63% in the control group (p<0.01). Partial breast irradiation delivered by interstitial HDR BT or EB for a selected group of early-stage breast cancer patients produces similar ten-year results to those achieved with conventional WBI. Significantly better cosmetic outcome can be achieved with HDR BT implants compared with the outcome after WBI. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Breast-conserving therapy with partial or whole breast irradiation: Ten-year results of the Budapest randomized trial

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Polgár, Csaba; Fodor, János; Major, Tibor; Sulyok, Zoltán; Kásler, Miklós

2013-01-01

Background and purpose: To report the long-term results of a single-institution randomized study comparing the results of breast-conserving treatment with partial breast irradiation (PBI) or conventional whole breast irradiation (WBI). Patients and methods: Between 1998 and 2004, 258 selected women with pT1 pN0-1mi M0, grade 1–2, non-lobular breast cancer without the presence of extensive intraductal component and resected with negative margins were randomized after BCS to receive 50 Gy WBI (n = 130) or PBI (n = 128). The latter consisted of either 7 × 5.2 Gy high-dose-rate (HDR) multi-catheter brachytherapy (BT; n = 88) or 50 Gy electron beam (EB) irradiation (n = 40). Primary endpoint was local recurrence (LR) as a first event. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cosmetic results. Results: After a median follow up of 10.2 years, the ten-year actuarial rate of LR was 5.9% and 5.1% in PBI and WBI arms, respectively (p = 0.77). There was no significant difference in the ten-year probability of OS (80% vs 82%), CSS (94% vs 92%), and DFS (85% vs 84%), either. The rate of excellent-good cosmetic result was 81% in the PBI, and 63% in the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Partial breast irradiation delivered by interstitial HDR BT or EB for a selected group of early-stage breast cancer patients produces similar ten-year results to those achieved with conventional WBI. Significantly better cosmetic outcome can be achieved with HDR BT implants compared with the outcome after WBI

Probabilistic images (PBIS): A concise image representation technique for multiple parameters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, L.C.; Yeh, S.H.; Chen, Z.; Liu, R.S.

1984-01-01

Based on m parametric images (PIs) derived from a dynamic series (DS), each pixel of DS is regarded as an m-dimensional vector. Given one set of normal samples (pixels) N and another of abnormal samples A, probability density functions (pdfs) of both sets are estimated. Any unknown sample is classified into N or A by calculating the probability of its being in the abnormal set using the Bayes' theorem. Instead of estimating the multivariate pdfs, a distance ratio transformation is introduced to map the m-dimensional sample space to one dimensional Euclidean space. Consequently, the image that localizes the regional abnormalities is characterized by the probability of being abnormal. This leads to the new representation scheme of PBIs. Tc-99m HIDA study for detecting intrahepatic lithiasis (IL) was chosen as an example of constructing PBI from 3 parameters derived from DS and such a PBI was compared with those 3 PIs, namely, retention ratio image (RRI), peak time image (TNMAX) and excretion mean transit time image (EMTT). 32 normal subjects and 20 patients with proved IL were collected and analyzed. The resultant sensitivity and specificity of PBI were 97% and 98% respectively. They were superior to those of any of the 3 PIs: RRI (94/97), TMAX (86/88) and EMTT (94/97). Furthermore, the contrast of PBI was much better than that of any other image. This new image formation technique, based on multiple parameters, shows the functional abnormalities in a structural way. Its good contrast makes the interpretation easy. This technique is powerful compared to the existing parametric image method

A novel bidirectional expression system for simultaneous expression of both the protein-coding genes and short hairpin RNAs in mammalian cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hung, C.-F.; Cheng, T.-L.; Wu, R.-H.; Teng, C.-F.; Chang, W.-T.

2006-01-01

RNA interference (RNAi) is an extremely powerful and widely used gene silencing approach for reverse functional genomics and molecular therapeutics. In mammals, the conserved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 2 (PARP-2)/RNase P bidirectional control promoter simultaneously expresses both the PARP-2 protein and RNase P RNA by RNA polymerase II- and III-dependent mechanisms, respectively. To explore this unique bidirectional control system in RNAi-mediated gene silencing strategy, we have constructed two novel bidirectional expression vectors, pbiHsH1 and pbiMmH1, which contained the PARP-2/RNase P bidirectional control promoters from human and mouse, for simultaneous expression of both the protein-coding genes and short hairpin RNAs. Analyses of the dual transcriptional activities indicated that these two bidirectional expression vectors could not only express enhanced green fluorescent protein as a functional reporter but also simultaneously transcribe shLuc for inhibiting the firefly luciferase expression. In addition, to extend its utility for the establishment of inherited stable clones, we have also reconstructed this bidirectional expression system with the blasticidin S deaminase gene, an effective dominant drug resistance selectable marker, and examined both the selection and inhibition efficiencies in drug resistance and gene expression. Moreover, we have further demonstrated that this bidirectional expression system could efficiently co-regulate the functionally important genes, such as overexpression of tumor suppressor protein p53 and inhibition of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 at the same time. In summary, the bidirectional expression vectors, pbiHsH1 and pbiMmH1, should provide a simple, convenient, and efficient novel tool for manipulating the gene function in mammalian cells

Influence of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Gingivitis Induced by Multi-Bracket Appliances: A Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Stein, Steffen; Schauseil, Michael; Hellak, Andreas; Korbmacher-Steiner, Heike; Braun, Andreas

2018-05-18

The objective of this split-mouth trial was to investigate the influence of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on adjuvant treatment of gingivitis induced by multi-bracket appliances, after bracket debonding and professional tooth cleaning. Thirteen patients (mean age 16.15 years; standard deviation ±2.12 years) who had completed active orthodontic treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances in an orthodontic clinic were included on a randomized basis. At time point T0, after bracket debonding and professional tooth cleaning, the papilla bleeding index (PBI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed in the upper jaw by the blinded investigator (M.S.), who was not aware at any time of which quadrant received PBMT. The study was based on a patient-blinded split-mouth design. In each patient, PBMT was administered by a practitioner (S.S.) in one upper quadrant (wavelength: 660 nm; Power: 100 mW; Power density: 100 mW/cm 2 ; Energy density per application point = 2 J/cm 2 ; Energy per application point = 2 J; Total dose = 52 J/cm 2 ; Total energy = 52 J; Irradiation time: 26 × 20 sec), while the other upper quadrant received a simulated laser application with the laser system turned off. Randomized equal allocation of the sides was accomplished. The second PBI and BOP assessment followed 4-6 days after laser irradiation (T1) by M.S. No statistical differences were observed between the sides with regard to PBI and BOP values at T0 (p > 0.05). The PBI and BOP values decreased significantly between T0 and T1 on both sides (p appliances.

Qualification Status of Non-Asbestos Internal Insulation in the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor Program

Science.gov (United States)

Clayton, Louie

2011-01-01

This paper provides a status of the qualification efforts associated with NASA's RSRMV non-asbestos internal insulation program. For many years, NASA has been actively engaged in removal of asbestos from the shuttle RSRM motors due to occupation health concerns where technicians are working with an EPA banned material. Careful laboratory and subscale testing has lead to the downselect of a organic fiber known as Polybenzimidazol to replace the asbestos fiber filler in the existing synthetic rubber copolymer Nitrile Butadiene - now named PBI/NBR. Manufacturing, processing, and layup of the new material has been a challenge due to the differences in the baseline shuttle RSRM internal insulator properties and PBI/NBR material properties. For this study, data gathering and reduction procedures for thermal and chemical property characterization for the new candidate material are discussed. Difficulties with test procedures, implementation of properties into the Charring Material Ablator (CMA) codes, and results correlation with static motor fire data are provided. After two successful five segment motor firings using the PBI/NBR insulator, performance results for the new material look good and the material should eventually be qualified for man rated use in large solid rocket motor applications.

Impact of MLC leaf width on the quality of the dose distribution in partial breast irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Height, Felicity J.; Kron, Tomas; Willis, David; Chua, Boon H.

2012-01-01

Partial-breast irradiation (PBI) aims to limit the target volume for radiotherapy in women with early breast cancer after partial mastectomy to the region at highest risk of local recurrence, the tumor bed. Multileaf collimators are used to achieve conformal radiation beam portals required for PBI. Narrower leaf widths are generally assumed to allow more conformal shaping of beam portals around irregularly shaped target volumes. The aim was to compare 5-mm and 10-mm leaf widths for patients previously treated using PBI and assess subsequent planning target volume (PTV) coverage and organ at risk (OAR) doses for 16 patients. Several plans (5-mm leaf width or 10-mm leaf width) were generated for each patient using the original treated plan as the basis for attempts at further optimization. Alternating between different leaf widths found no significant difference in terms of overall PTV coverage and OAR doses between treatment plans. Optimization of the original treated plan allowed a small decrease in ipsilateral breast dose, which was offset by a lower PTV minimum. No significant dosimetric difference was found to support an advantage of 5-mm over 10-mm leaf width in this setting.

Pelaksanaan Hukum Mediasi dalam Penyelesaian Sengketa antara Bank dan Nasabah

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Iwan Rizky

2016-04-01

ABSTRACT. Article 2 of PBI Number 10/1/2008 states that the dispute between Banks and its customers, which is caused by the unfulfilled financial demands by banks in solving the reports of the customers, could be solved through Banking Mediation. However, there is the fact that the settlement of the disputes nominal under the provisions of the PBI as well as the regulation of Bank Mandiri, aiming to provide protection to the rights of customers. This research aims to examine the disputes between the Aceh’s Bank of Mandiri and the customers, the mediation process in the settlement of disputes between the banks and the customer, and the legal force of the mediation process. This is empirical and normative legal research. Despite of de facto, the process of mediation is final by the peace agreement between the parties written in the act binding both parties. The legal force of the document is equal with a final judicial decision, and the decisions cannot be appealed to the appeal or the supreme courts. In conducting the process of banking mediation, the bank is expected to follow the comprehensive provisions of Indonesia Bank Regulation Number 10/1/PBI/2008.

ZnO nanostructures as electron extraction layers for hybrid perovskite thin films

Science.gov (United States)

Nikolaidou, Katerina; Sarang, Som; Tung, Vincent; Lu, Jennifer; Ghosh, Sayantani

Optimum interaction between light harvesting media and electron transport layers is critical for the efficient operation of photovoltaic devices. In this work, ZnO layers of different morphologies are implemented as electron extraction and transport layers for hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 thin films. These include nanowires, nanoparticles, and single crystalline film. Charge transfer at the ZnO/perovskite interface is investigated and compared through ultra-fast characterization techniques, including temperature and power dependent spectroscopy, and time-resolved photoluminescence. The nanowires cause an enhancement in perovskite emission, which may be attributed to increased scattering and grain boundary formation. However, the ZnO layers with decreasing surface roughness exhibit better electron extraction, as inferred from photoluminescence quenching, reduction in the number of bound excitons, and reduced exciton lifetime in CH3NH3PbI3 samples. This systematic study is expected to provide an understanding of the fundamental processes occurring at the ZnO-CH3NH3PbI3 interface and ultimately, provide guidelines for the ideal configuration of ZnO-based hybrid Perovskite devices. This research was supported by National Aeronautics and Space administration (NASA) Grant No: NNX15AQ01A.

Effects of Annealing Conditions on Mixed Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells and Their Thermal Stability Investigation.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Haifeng; Zhang, Jincheng; Zhang, Chunfu; Chang, Jingjing; Lin, Zhenhua; Chen, Dazheng; Xi, He; Hao, Yue

2017-07-21

In this work, efficient mixed organic cation and mixed halide (MA 0.7 FA 0.3 Pb(I 0.9 Br 0.1 )₃) perovskite solar cells are demonstrated by optimizing annealing conditions. AFM, XRD and PL measurements show that there is a better perovskite film quality for the annealing condition at 100 °C for 30 min. The corresponding device exhibits an optimized PCE of 16.76% with V OC of 1.02 V, J SC of 21.55 mA/cm² and FF of 76.27%. More importantly, the mixed lead halide perovskite MA 0.7 FA 0.3 Pb(I 0.9 Br 0.1 )₃ can significantly increase the thermal stability of perovskite film. After being heated at 80 °C for 24 h, the PCE of the MA 0.7 FA 0.3 Pb(I 0.9 Br 0.1 )₃ device still remains at 70.00% of its initial value, which is much better than the control MAPbI₃ device, where only 46.50% of its initial value could be preserved. We also successfully fabricated high-performance flexible mixed lead halide perovskite solar cells based on PEN substrates.

A New Lead Iodide Perovskite based on Large Organic Cation for Solar Cell Application.

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Chunqing; Shen, Dong; Lo, Ming Fai; Lee, Chun-Sing

2018-06-06

Methylammonium (CH3NH3+) and formamidinium ((NH2)2CH+) based lead iodide perovskites are currently the two commonly used organic-inorganic lead iodide perovskites for solar cell application. Till now, there is still no alternative organic cations, which can produce perovskites with bandgaps spanning the visible spectrum (i.e. solar cell application. Here, a new perovskite using large propane-1,3-diammonium cation (n-Pr(NH3)22+) with a chemical structure of (n-Pr(NH3)2)0.5PbI3 is demonstrated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) result shows that the new perovskite exhibits a three-dimensional (3D), tetragonal phase. The bandgap of the new perovskite is ~ 1.6 eV, which is desirable for photovoltaic application. A (n-Pr(NH3)2)0.5PbI3 perovskite solar cell (PSC) yields a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.1%. More importantly, this new perovskite is composed of larger hydrophobic cation that provides a better moisture resistance compared to CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Investigation of the Interaction between Perovskite Films with Moisture via in Situ Electrical Resistance Measurement.

Science.gov (United States)

Hu, Long; Shao, Gang; Jiang, Tao; Li, Dengbing; Lv, Xinlin; Wang, Hongya; Liu, Xinsheng; Song, Haisheng; Tang, Jiang; Liu, Huan

2015-11-18

Organometal halide perovskites have recently emerged as outstanding semiconductors for solid-state optoelectronic devices. Their sensitivity to moisture is one of the biggest barriers to commercialization. In order to identify the effect of moisture in the degradation process, here we combined the in situ electrical resistance measurement with time-resolved X-ray diffraction analysis to investigate the interaction of CH3NH3PbI(3-x)Cl(x) perovskite films with moisture. Upon short-time exposure, the resistance of the perovskite films decreased and it could be fully recovered, which were ascribed to a mere chemisorption of water molecules, followed by the reversible hydration into CH3NH3PbI(3-x)Cl(x)·H2O. Upon long-time exposure, however, the resistance became irreversible due to the decomposition into PbI2. The results demonstrated the formation of monohydrated intermediate phase when the perovskites interacted with moisture. The role of moisture in accelerating the thermal degradation at 85 °C was also demonstrated. Furthermore, our study suggested that the perovskite films with fewer defects may be more inherently resistant to moisture.

Relationship of order and number of siblings to perceived parental attitudes in childhood.

Science.gov (United States)

Kitamura, T; Sugawara, M; Shima, S; Toda, M A

1998-06-01

Despite the increasingly recognized link between perceived parenting behavior and the onset of psychopathology in adults, studies of the possible determinants of perceptions of parenting behavior are rare. In a sample of 1,145 pregnant Japanese women, correlations were examined between the numbers and sexes of siblings and perceived rearing practices, as rated by the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI; Parker, Tupling, & Brown, 1979). The participants with more elder sisters viewed their parents' attitudes as less caring, whereas those with more brothers, particularly younger brothers, viewed their parents' attitudes as less overprotective. However, the proportion of the variance of all the PBI scores explained by different types of siblings was very small.

Fabrication of Polybenzimidazole/Palladium Nanoparticles Hollow Fiber Membranes for Hydrogen Purification

KAUST Repository

Villalobos, Luis Francisco

2017-09-13

A novel scheme to fabricate polybenzimidazole (PBI) hollow fiber membranes with a thin skin loaded with fully dispersed palladium nanoparticles is proposed for the first time. Palladium is added to the membrane during the spinning process in the form of ions that coordinate to the imidazole groups of the polymer. This is attractive for membrane production because agglomeration of nanoparticles is minimized and the high-cost metal is incorporated in only the selective layer—where it is required. Pd-containing membranes achieve three orders of magnitude higher H2 permeances and a twofold improvement in H2/CO2 selectivity compared to pure PBI hollow fiber membranes.

Akibat Hukum Bagi Bank Bila Kewajiban Modal Inti Minimum Tidak Terpenuhi

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Indira Retno Aryatie

2012-02-01

Full Text Available As an implementation of the Indonesian Banking Architecture policy, the government issues Bank Indonesia Regulation No. 9/16/ PBI/2007 on Minimum Tier One Capital that increases the minimum capital to 100 billion rupiah. This writing discusses the legal complication that a bank will face should it fail to fulfil the minimum ratio. Sebagai tindak lanjut dari kebijakan Arsitektur Perbankan Indonesia, pemerintah mengeluarkan Peraturan Bank Indonesia 9/16/PBI/2007 tentang Kewajiban Modal Inti Minimum Bank yang menaikkan modal inti minimum bank umum menjadi 100 miliar rupiah. Tulisan ini membahas akibat hukum yang akan dialami bank bila kewajiban modal minimum tersebut gagal dipenuhi.

ORF Alignment: NC_006156 [GENIUS II[Archive

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available ma and ... tau [Borrelia garinii PBi] ... Length = 279 ... Query: 22 ... QDFVVETLKHSIEKNKIANAYIFSGPRGVGKTSSARAFARC...LNCKNGPTVMPCGECNNCK 81 ... QDFVVETLKHSIEKNKIANAYIFSGPRGVGKTSSARAFARC...LNCKNGPTVMPCGECNNCK Sbjct: 1 ... QDFVVETLKHSIEKNKIANAYIFSGPRGVGKTSSARAFARCLNCKNGPTVMPCGECNNCK 60 ... Quer

Properties, degradation and high temperature fuel cell test of different types of PBI and PBI blend membranes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Li, Qingfeng; Rudbeck, Hans Christian; Chromik, Andreas

2010-01-01

Polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) with synthetically modified structures and their blends with a partially fluorinated sulfonated aromatic polyether have been prepared and characterized for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Significant improvement in the polymer chemical stability...

Formation of Long-Lived Color Centers for Broadband Visible Light Emission in Low-Dimensional Layered Perovskites.

Science.gov (United States)

Booker, Edward P; Thomas, Tudor H; Quarti, Claudio; Stanton, Michael R; Dashwood, Cameron D; Gillett, Alexander J; Richter, Johannes M; Pearson, Andrew J; Davis, Nathaniel J L K; Sirringhaus, Henning; Price, Michael B; Greenham, Neil C; Beljonne, David; Dutton, Siân E; Deschler, Felix

2017-12-27

We investigate the origin of the broadband visible emission in layered hybrid lead-halide perovskites and its connection with structural and photophysical properties. We study ⟨001⟩ oriented thin films of hexylammonium (HA) lead iodide, (C 6 H 16 N) 2 PbI 4 , and dodecylammonium (DA) lead iodide, (C 12 H 28 N) 2 PbI 4 , by combining first-principles simulations with time-resolved photoluminescence, steady-state absorption and X-ray diffraction measurements on cooling from 300 to 4 K. Ultrafast transient absorption and photoluminescence measurements are used to track the formation and recombination of emissive states. In addition to the excitonic photoluminescence near the absorption edge, we find a red-shifted, broadband (full-width at half-maximum of about 0.4 eV), emission band below 200 K, similar to emission from ⟨110⟩ oriented bromide 2D perovskites at room temperature. The lifetime of this sub-band-gap emission exceeds that of the excitonic transition by orders of magnitude. We use X-ray diffraction measurements to study the changes in crystal lattice with temperature. We report changes in the octahedral tilt and lattice spacing in both materials, together with a phase change around 200 K in DA 2 PbI 4 . DFT simulations of the HA 2 PbI 4 crystal structure indicate that the low-energy emission is due to interstitial iodide and related Frenkel defects. Our results demonstrate that white-light emission is not limited to ⟨110⟩ oriented bromide 2D perovskites but a general property of this class of system, and highlight the importance of defect control for the formation of low-energy emissive sites, which can provide a pathway to design tailored white-light emitters.

Can We Predict Plan Quality for External Beam Partial Breast Irradiation: Results of a Multicenter Feasibility Study (Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group Study 06.02)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kron, Tomas, E-mail: Tomas.Kron@petermac.org [Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Departments of Radiation Oncology, Physical Sciences and Radiation Therapy, Melbourne, Victoria (Australia); Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria (Australia); School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne, Victoria (Australia); Willis, David; Link, Emma [Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Departments of Radiation Oncology, Physical Sciences and Radiation Therapy, Melbourne, Victoria (Australia); Lehman, Margot [Princess Alexandra Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, Brisbane, Queensland (Australia); Campbell, Gillian [Auckland City Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, Auckland (New Zealand); O' Brien, Peter [Newcastle Calvary Mater Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, Newcastle, NSW (Australia); Chua, Boon [Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Departments of Radiation Oncology, Physical Sciences and Radiation Therapy, Melbourne, Victoria (Australia); Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria (Australia)

2013-11-15

Purpose: Partial breast irradiation (PBI) after lumpectomy may be an option for selected patients with early breast cancer. A feasibility study of accelerated PBI delivered using external beam 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (RT) was undertaken at 8 Australasian centers. The present study evaluated the impact of patient, tumor, and RT technique-related factors on the quality of RT plans as determined by the dose–volume parameters of organs at risk. Methods and Materials: Forty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. All RT plans were centrally reviewed using predefined dosimetric criteria before commencement and after completion of protocol therapy. The RT plans of 47 patients met the dose–volume constraints, and all 47 patients received PBI to a prescribed dose of 38.5 Gy in 10 fractions. The RT plan quality was determined by volumes of the ipsilateral whole breast, lung, and heart that received 50% and 95%; 30%; and 5% of the prescribed dose, respectively. Patient, tumor, and RT technique-related factors were investigated for association with the parameters of RT plan quality. Results: The ratio of the planning target volume to the ipsilateral whole-breast volume was significantly associated with the ipsilateral breast doses on multiple variable analyses. The distance of the postlumpectomy surgical cavity from the heart and lung were predictive for heart and lung doses, respectively. A distance between surgical cavity and heart of >4 cm typically resulted in <1% of the heart volume receiving 5 Gy or less. It was more difficult to meet the heart dose constraint for left-sided and medially located tumors. Conclusions: Partial breast irradiation using 3-dimensional conformal RT was feasible within the study constraints. The ratio of planning target volume to ipsilateral whole-breast volume and the distance of surgical cavity from the heart were significant predictors of the quality of treatment plan for external beam PBI.

Can We Predict Plan Quality for External Beam Partial Breast Irradiation: Results of a Multicenter Feasibility Study (Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group Study 06.02)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kron, Tomas; Willis, David; Link, Emma; Lehman, Margot; Campbell, Gillian; O'Brien, Peter; Chua, Boon

2013-01-01

Purpose: Partial breast irradiation (PBI) after lumpectomy may be an option for selected patients with early breast cancer. A feasibility study of accelerated PBI delivered using external beam 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (RT) was undertaken at 8 Australasian centers. The present study evaluated the impact of patient, tumor, and RT technique-related factors on the quality of RT plans as determined by the dose–volume parameters of organs at risk. Methods and Materials: Forty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. All RT plans were centrally reviewed using predefined dosimetric criteria before commencement and after completion of protocol therapy. The RT plans of 47 patients met the dose–volume constraints, and all 47 patients received PBI to a prescribed dose of 38.5 Gy in 10 fractions. The RT plan quality was determined by volumes of the ipsilateral whole breast, lung, and heart that received 50% and 95%; 30%; and 5% of the prescribed dose, respectively. Patient, tumor, and RT technique-related factors were investigated for association with the parameters of RT plan quality. Results: The ratio of the planning target volume to the ipsilateral whole-breast volume was significantly associated with the ipsilateral breast doses on multiple variable analyses. The distance of the postlumpectomy surgical cavity from the heart and lung were predictive for heart and lung doses, respectively. A distance between surgical cavity and heart of >4 cm typically resulted in <1% of the heart volume receiving 5 Gy or less. It was more difficult to meet the heart dose constraint for left-sided and medially located tumors. Conclusions: Partial breast irradiation using 3-dimensional conformal RT was feasible within the study constraints. The ratio of planning target volume to ipsilateral whole-breast volume and the distance of surgical cavity from the heart were significant predictors of the quality of treatment plan for external beam PBI

[Oral health status of women with normal and high-risk pregnancies].

Science.gov (United States)

Chaloupka, P; Korečko, V; Turek, J; Merglová, V

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the oral health status of women with normal pregnancies and those with high-risk pregnancies. A total of 142 women in the third trimester of pregnancy were randomly selected for this study. The pregnant women were divided into two groups: a normal pregnancy group (group F, n = 61) and a high-risk pregnancy group (group R, n = 81). The following variables were recorded for each woman: age, general health status, DMF index, CPITN index, PBI index, amounts of Streptococcus mutans in the saliva and dental treatment needs. The data obtained were analysed statistically. The Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test and chi square test were used, and p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The two-sided t-test was used to compare the two cohorts. Women with high-risk pregnancies showed increased values in all measured indices and tests, but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the DMF index, CPITN index and amounts of Streptococcus mutans present in the saliva. Statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups for the PBI index and dental treatment needs. In group F, the maximum PBI index value was 2.9 in group F and 3.8 in group R. Significant differences were found also in mean PBI values. Out of the entire study cohort, 94 women (66.2%) required dental treatment, including 52% (n = 32) of the women with normal pregnancies and 77% (n = 62) of the women with high-risk pregnancies. This study found that women with complications during pregnancy had severe gingivitis and needed more frequent dental treatment than women with normal pregnancies.

Unraveling surface and bulk trap states in lead halide perovskite solar cells using impedance spectroscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Han, Changfeng; Wang, Kai; Zhu, Xixiang; Yu, Haomiao; Sun, Xiaojuan; Yang, Qin; Hu, Bin

2018-03-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs) have been widely recognized as an excellent candidate for next-generation photovoltaic materials because of their highly efficient power conversion. Acquiring a complete understanding of trap states and dielectric properties in OIHP-based solar cells at the steady state is highly desirable in order to further explore and improve their optoelectronic functionalities and properties. We report CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x -based planar solar cells with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.8%. The illumination intensity dependence of the current density-voltage (J-V) revealed the presence of trap-assisted recombination at low fluences. Non-destructive ac impedance spectroscopy (ac-IS) was applied to characterize the device at the steady state. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) spectra exhibited some distinct variations at a wide range of ac modulation frequencies with and without photo-excitations. Since the frequency-dependent chemical capacitance ({{C}μ }) is concerned with the surface and bulk related density of states (DOS) in CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x , we verified this by fitting the corresponding DOS by a Gaussian distribution function. We ascertained that the electronic sub-gap trap states present in the solution processed CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x and their distribution differs from the surface to the bulk. In fact, we demonstrated that both surfaces that were adjacent to the electron and hole transport layers featured analogous DOS. Despite this, photo- and bias-induced giant dielectric responses (i.e. both real and imaginary parts) were detected. A remarkable reduction of {{C}μ } at higher frequencies (i.e. more than 100 kHz) was ascribed to the effect of dielectric loss in CH3NH3PbI3-x Cl x .

Breast Cancer Patients' Preferences for Adjuvant Radiotherapy Post Lumpectomy: Whole Breast Irradiation vs. Partial Breast Irradiation-Single Institutional Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Bonin, Katija; McGuffin, Merrylee; Presutti, Roseanna; Harth, Tamara; Mesci, Aruz; Feldman-Stewart, Deb; Chow, Edward; Di Prospero, Lisa; Vesprini, Danny; Rakovitch, Eileen; Lee, Justin; Paszat, Lawrence; Doherty, Mary; Soliman, Hany; Ackerman, Ida; Cao, Xingshan; Kiss, Alex; Szumacher, Ewa

2018-02-01

This study was conducted to elucidate patients with early breast cancer preference for standard whole breast irradiation (WBI) or partial breast irradiation (PBI) following lumpectomy, as well as identify important factors for patients when making their treatment decisions. Based on relevant literature and ASTRO consensus statement guidelines, an educational tool and questionnaire were developed. Consenting, eligible women reviewed the educational tool and completed the trade-off questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were calculated, as well as chi-squares and a logistic regression model. Of the 90 patients who completed the study, 62 % preferred WBI, 30 % preferred PBI, 4 % required more information, and 3 % had no preferences. Of the patients who chose WBI, 58 % preferred hypofractionated RT, whereas 25 % preferred the conventional RT regimen. The majority of patients rated recurrence rate [WBI = 55/55 (100 %), PBI = 26/26 (100 %)] and survival [WBI = 54/55 (98 %), PBI = 26/26 (100 %)] as important factors contributing to their choice of treatment preference. Financial factors [WBI = 21/55 (38 %), PBI = 14/26 (53 %)] and convenience [WBI = 36/54 (67 %), PBI = 18/26 (69 %)] were rated as important less frequently. Significantly, more patients who preferred WBI also rated standard method of treatment as important when compared to patients who preferred PBI [WBI = 52/54 (96 %), PBI = 16/26 (61 %), χ 2  = 16.63, p = 0.001]. The majority of patients with early breast cancer who were surveyed for this study preferred WBI as an adjuvant treatment post lumpectomy, yet there was a sizeable minority who preferred PBI. This was associated with the importance patients place on standard treatment. These results will help medical professionals treat patients according to patient values.

PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN MAHASISWA DALAM MENGEMBANGKAN PERANGKAT PEMBELAJARAN FISIKA MELALUI PENELAAHAN PERANGKAT PEMBELAJARAN BERDASARKAN MASALAH

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hermin Budiningarti

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh sejumlah perangkat pembelajaran yang belum dimanfaatkan secara optimal oleh mahasiswa. Melalui perkuliahan Teaching Learning Process 3 (TLP 3 yang berisi pengkajian tentang model-model pembelajaran selama ini disajikan secara teoritis melalui tatap muka, pemodelan, workshop, dan praktek pembelajaran dalam forum, perangkat tersebut dioptimalkan. Standar kompetensi mata kuliah tersebut adalah mahasiswa terampil merancang dan mengelola proses pembelajaran menggunakan model pembelajaran diskusi kelas (class discussion,  penemuan terbimbing (guided discovery, dan pembelajaran berdasarkan masalah (problem based learning. Kompetensi ini akan lebih mudah tercapai bilamana mahasiswa sebelumnya dibekali dengan kemampuan menilai sebuah perangkat pembelajaran terkait kesesuaiannya dengan model pembelajaran yang diterapkan. Pada penelitian ini, perangkat pembelajaran berdasarkan masalah (PBI karya mahasiswa terdahulu dinilai oleh mahasiswa dan dosen dengan menggunakan instrumen yang sama (IPKG1 menghasilkan penilaian X1 dan X2. Setelah itu mahasiswa merancang perangkat pembelajaran model PBI dan dinilai oleh dosen menggunakan IPKG1 dan menghasilkan penilaian Y1. Perangkat pembelajaran PBI yang telah dihasilkan kemudian disimulasikan oleh mahasiswa dan dinilai oleh dosen dengan menggunakan IPKG2 menghasilkan penilaian Y2. Analisis data menggunakan analisis korelasi dan analisis jalur (path analysis. Hasil penelitian menghasilkan beberapa temuan: 1 Tingkat kesesuaian penilaian perangkat PBI oleh mahasiswa dan dosen cukup tinggi dengan korelasi yang tinggi, 2 Keterampilan mahasiswa dalam mengembangkan perangkat pembelajaran model pembelajaran berdasarkan masalah untuk skala 0-100 berada pada kisaran 77,94-97,06 dengan rata-rata 87,04 yang berarti baik. Penilaian contoh perangkat oleh mahasiswa dan dosen tidak berkorelasi dan tidak memberikan dampak atas keterampilan mahasiswa dalam mengembangkan perangkat pembelajaran model

Sol-Gel Based Polybenzimidazole Membranes for Hydrogen Pumping Devices

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Benicewicz, Brian C. [Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY (United States). Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology; Eisman, Glenn A. [Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY (United States). Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Kumar, S. K. [Columbia Univ., New York, NY (United States). Department of Chemical Engineering; Greenbaum, S. G. [Hunter College, New York, NY (United States). Department of Physics

2014-02-26

Electrochemical hydrogen pumping using a high temperature (>100°C) PBI membrane was demonstrated under non-humidified and humidified conditions at ambient pressures. Relatively low voltages were required to operate the pump over a wide range of hydrogen flow rates. The advantages of the high temperature capability were shown by operating the pump on reformate feed gas mixtures containing various amounts of CO and CO₂. Gas purity measurements on the cathode gas product were conducted and significant reductions in gas impurities were detected. The applicability of the PBI membrane for electrochemical hydrogen pumping and its durability under typical operating conditions was established with tests that lasted for nearly 4000 hours.

Structural and electronic properties of hybrid perovskites for high-efficiency thin-film photovoltaics from first-principles

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Federico Brivio

2013-10-01

Full Text Available The performance of perovskite solar cells recently exceeded 15% solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency for small-area devices. The fundamental properties of the active absorber layers, hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites formed from mixing metal and organic halides [e.g., (NH4PbI3 and (CH3NH3PbI3], are largely unknown. The materials are semiconductors with direct band gaps at the boundary of the first Brillouin zone. The calculated dielectric constants and band gaps show an orientation dependence, with a low barrier for rotation of the organic cations. Due to the electric dipole of the methylammonium cation, a photoferroic effect may be accessible, which could enhance carrier collection.

Optical modelling data for room temperature optical properties of organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites

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Yajie Jiang

2015-06-01

Full Text Available The optical properties of perovskites at ambient temperatures are important both to the design of optimised solar cells as well as in other areas such as the refinement of electronic band structure calculations. Limited previous information on the optical modelling has been published. The experimental fitting parameters for optical constants of CH3NH3PbI3−xClx and CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films are reported at 297 K as determined by detailed analysis of reflectance and transmittance data. The data in this study is related to the research article “Room temperature optical properties of organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites” in Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells [1].

On dewetting of thin films due to crystallization (crystallization dewetting).

Science.gov (United States)

Habibi, Mehran; Rahimzadeh, Amin; Eslamian, Morteza

2016-03-01

Drying and crystallization of a thin liquid film of an ionic or a similar solution can cause dewetting in the resulting thin solid film. This paper aims at investigating this type of dewetting, herein termed "crystallization dewetting", using PbI2 dissolved in organic solvents as the model solution. PbI2 solid films are usually used in X-ray detection and lead halide perovskite solar cells. In this work, PbI2 films are fabricated using spin coating and the effect of major parameters influencing the crystallization dewetting, including the type of the solvent, solution concentration, drying temperature, spin speed, as well as imposed vibration on the substrate are studied on dewetting, surface profile and coverage, using confocal scanning laser microscopy. Simplified hydrodynamic governing equations of crystallization in thin films are presented and using a mathematical representation of the process, it is phenomenologically demonstrated that crystallization dewetting occurs due to the absorption and consumption of the solution surrounding a growing crystal. Among the results, it is found that a low spin speed (high thickness), a high solution concentration and a low drying temperature promote crystal growth, and therefore crystallization dewetting. It is also shown that imposed vibration on the substrate can affect the crystal size and crystallization dewetting.

The role of conflict with parents in disordered eating among British Asian females.

Science.gov (United States)

Furnham, A; Husain, K

1999-09-01

Previous studies have found British Asian schoolgirls' EAT-26 (Eating Attitudes Test) scores to be higher than those of White schoolgirls and positively associated with parental overprotection as measured by the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). This study aimed to determine whether conflict with parents is associated with EAT scores in young British Asian student-aged females. Participants completed three questionnaires. A Parent Conflict Questionnaire was devised, consisting of items regarding Role of Women, Marriage Choices, Going Out, and Choice of Friends. This was administered along with the PBI and EAT-26 to equivalent groups of 82 White and 55 Asian females. Contrary to hypothesis there were no significant differences between Whites and Asians on EAT scores. PBI parental overprotection scores and all conflict scores were, however, higher among the Asians. EAT scores and conflict with parents over Going Out and Choice of Friends were correlated in the Asian group. The results suggest that British Asian female conflicts with parents over socializing may be one factor that leads to the development of eating disturbances in this population. However, limitations of the study concerned with sampling, self-report and cross-sectional rather than longitudinal data gathering suggests further work needs to be done to examine socio-cultural correlates of eating disorders.

The effect of porosity on performance of phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

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Celik Muhammet

2016-01-01

Full Text Available A polybenzimidazole (PBI based polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which called high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (HT-PEMS, operate at higher temperatures (120-200°C than conventional PEM fuel cells. Although it is known that HT-PEMS have some of the significant advantages as non-humidification requirements for membrane and the lack of liquid water at high temperature in the fuel cell, the generated water as a result of oxygen reduction reaction causes in the degradation of these systems. The generated water absorbed into membrane side interacts with the hydrophilic PBI matrix and it can cause swelling of membrane, so water transport mechanism in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA needs to be well understood and water balance must be calculated in MEA. Therefore, the water diffusion transport across the electrolyte should be determined. In this study, various porosity values of gas diffusion layers are considered in order to investigate the effects of porosity on the water management for two phase flow in fuel cell. Two-dimensional fuel cell with interdigitated flow-field is modelled using COMSOL Multiphysics 4.2a software. The operating temperature and doping level is selected as 160°C and 6.75mol H3PO4/PBI, respectively.

A spreadsheet to determine the volume ratio for target and breast in partial breast irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kron, T.; Willis, D.; Miller, J.; Hubbard, P.; Oliver, M.; Chua, B.

2009-01-01

Full text: The technical feasibility of Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI) using external beam radiotherapy depends on the ratio between the evaluation planning target volume (PTV e val) and the whole breast volume (PBI volume ratio = PVR). We aimed to develop a simple method to determine PVR using measurements performed at the time of the planning CT scan. A PVR calculation tool was developed using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to determine the PTV from three orthogonal dimensions of the seroma cavity and a given margin on the CT scans. The breast volume is estimated from the separation and breast height in five equally spaced CT slices. The PTV e val and whole breast volume were determined for 29 patients from two centres using the spreadsheet calculation tool and compared to volumes delineated on computerised treatment planning systems. Both the PTV e val and whole breast volumes were underestimated by approximately 25% using the spreadsheet. The resulting PVRs were 1.05 +/- 0.35 (mean +/- 1 S D) times larger than the ones determined from planning. Estimations of the PVR using the calculation tool were achievable in around 5 minutes at the time of CT scanning and allow a prompt decision on the suitability of the patients for PBI.

Noviolencia en zonas de conflicto. Brigadas Internacionales de Paz

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Diego Checa Hidalgo

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Este artículo pretende investigar el trabajo de Brigadas Internacionales de Paz (Peace Brigades International - PBI, y las contribuciones que esta organización realiza en el campo de la gestión internacional noviolenta de conflictos en situaciones con al tos niveles de violencia, mediante la protección de activistas de derechos humanos. Actualmente, muchos actores de la sociedad civil contribuyen a la transformación de conflictos y a la construcción de la paz, a través de intervenciones internacionales noviolentas. Con 27 años de existencia, cientos de activistas protegidos en 11 países y 12 proyectos desarrollados a lo largo de su historia, PBI es uno de los casos más exitosos. Gracias a la estructura que ha desarrollado desde su creación y a la metodología de trabajo que utiliza, PBI ha contribuido a la transformación noviolenta de conflictos, mediante la protección de activistas y organizaciones de derechos humanos que sienten la amenaza de la violencia, y posibilitando el empoderamiento de individuos y organizaciones lo cales. De esta forma fortalece la seguridad humana y extiende el movimiento de la noviolencia en aquellos lugares donde trabaja.

Inversion algorithms for large-scale geophysical electromagnetic measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abubakar, A; Habashy, T M; Li, M; Liu, J

2009-01-01

Low-frequency surface electromagnetic prospecting methods have been gaining a lot of interest because of their capabilities to directly detect hydrocarbon reservoirs and to compliment seismic measurements for geophysical exploration applications. There are two types of surface electromagnetic surveys. The first is an active measurement where we use an electric dipole source towed by a ship over an array of seafloor receivers. This measurement is called the controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) method. The second is the Magnetotelluric (MT) method driven by natural sources. This passive measurement also uses an array of seafloor receivers. Both surface electromagnetic methods measure electric and magnetic field vectors. In order to extract maximal information from these CSEM and MT data we employ a nonlinear inversion approach in their interpretation. We present two types of inversion approaches. The first approach is the so-called pixel-based inversion (PBI) algorithm. In this approach the investigation domain is subdivided into pixels, and by using an optimization process the conductivity distribution inside the domain is reconstructed. The optimization process uses the Gauss–Newton minimization scheme augmented with various forms of regularization. To automate the algorithm, the regularization term is incorporated using a multiplicative cost function. This PBI approach has demonstrated its ability to retrieve reasonably good conductivity images. However, the reconstructed boundaries and conductivity values of the imaged anomalies are usually not quantitatively resolved. Nevertheless, the PBI approach can provide useful information on the location, the shape and the conductivity of the hydrocarbon reservoir. The second method is the so-called model-based inversion (MBI) algorithm, which uses a priori information on the geometry to reduce the number of unknown parameters and to improve the quality of the reconstructed conductivity image. This MBI approach can

75 FR 7264 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Science.gov (United States)

2010-02-18

... Institutions Program. Frequency: Annually. Affected Public: Business or other for profit; Not-for-profit... programs in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, the PBI program authorized...

Geochemical and Isotopic Features of Çaykara (Trabzon, NE Turkey) Intrusive Complex

Science.gov (United States)

Sen, Cuneyt; Aydınçakır, Emre; Aydin, Faruk; Dokuz, Abdurrahman; Karslı, Orhan; Yılmazer, Sinan; Dündar, Buket

2017-04-01

Çaykara (Trabzon) Intrusive Complex is located at the eastern part of the Kaçkar Batholith. In the complex, Gündoǧdu-Boǧalı Plutons is Upper Cretaceous in aged, and Uzundere and Eǧerler Plutons are Eocene in aged. Gündoǧdu-Boǧa Plutons crop out around Araklı-Bahçecik villages, and are represented by the granitic to granodioritic rocks in composition showing porphyritic-granular texture. These rocks contain dark coloured, semi-rounded to rounded, wedged, fine-grained diorite and monzodiorite anclaves. Uzuntarla Pluton extends at E-W from Köknar-Karaçam-Uzuntarla sub-districs to south of Çaykara towards Bahçecik sub-district of Araklı. The rocks of the Uzuntarla Pluton are generally diorite to granodiorite in composition with porphyritic in texture. Eǧerler Pluton exposes at southern of the Çaykara Intrusive Complex. It's mineralogical composition is changing from diorite to granite with medium-coarse grain granular texture. The Upper Cretaceous plutonic rocks are characterized by ɛNd(i) values range from -1.5 to -9.7, whereas 87Sr/86Sr(i) values range from 0.7052 to 0.7119. Nd model ages are between 0.94 and 1.52 Ga. 206Pb/204Pb(i), 207Pb/204Pb(i) and 208Pb/204Pb(i) contents of samples change from 18.24 to 18.72, 15.59 to 15.66 and 37.93-38.64, respectively. The δ18O values in the investigated samples range from 4.0 ‰ to 6.7 ‰ and have similar ratios to I-type granitoides.The Eocene plutonic rocks are characterized by ɛNd(i) values range from -0.4 to -6.0, whereas 87Sr/86Sr(i) values range from 0.7050 to 0.7143. Nd model ages are between 0.81 and 1.32 Ga. 206Pb/204Pb(i), 207Pb/204Pb(i) and 208Pb/204Pb(i) contents of samples change from 18.241to 18.57, 15.58 to 15.63 and 38.22-38.92, respectively. The δ18O values in the investigated samples range from 5.8 ‰ to 7.1 ‰ and have similar ratios to I-type granitoides. Upper Cretaceous and Eocene aged Plutons in the study area are high-K calc-alkaline in composition and display metaluminous to

Preclinical chorioamnionitis dysregulates CXCL1/CXCR2 signaling throughout the placental-fetal-brain axis.

Science.gov (United States)

Yellowhair, Tracylyn R; Noor, Shahani; Maxwell, Jessie R; Anstine, Christopher V; Oppong, Akosua Y; Robinson, Shenandoah; Milligan, Erin D; Jantzie, Lauren L

2018-03-01

In the United States, perinatal brain injury (PBI) is a major cause of infant mortality and childhood disability. For a large proportion of infants with PBI, central nervous system (CNS) injury begins in utero with inflammation (chorioamnionitis/CHORIO) and/or hypoxia-ischemia. While studies show CHORIO contributes to preterm CNS injury and is also a common independent risk factor for brain injury in term infants, the molecular mechanisms mediating inflammation in the placental-fetal-brain axis that result in PBI remain a gap in knowledge. The chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), and its cognate receptor, CXCR2, have been clinically implicated in CHORIO and in mature CNS injury, although their specific role in PBI pathophysiology is poorly defined. Given CXCL1/CXCR2 signaling is essential to neural cell development and neutrophil recruitment, a key pathological hallmark of CHORIO, we hypothesized CHORIO would upregulate CXCL1/CXCR2 expression in the placenta and fetal circulation, concomitant with increased CXCL1/CXCR2 signaling in the developing brain, immune cell activation, neutrophilia, and microstructural PBI. On embryonic day 18 (E18), a laparotomy was performed in pregnant Sprague Dawley rats to induce CHORIO. Specifically, uterine arteries were occluded for 60min to induce placental transient systemic hypoxia-ischemia (TSHI), followed by intra-amniotic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Pups were born at E22. Placentae, serum and brain were collected along an extended time course from E19 to postnatal day (P)15 and analyzed using multiplex electrochemiluminescence (MECI), Western blot, qPCR, flow cytometry (FC) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Results demonstrate that compared to sham, CHORIO increases placental CXCL1 and CXCR2 mRNA levels, concomitant with increased CXCR2 + neutrophils. Interestingly, pup serum CXCL1 expression in CHORIO parallels this increase, with sustained elevation through P15. Analyses of CHORIO brains reveal similarly

Temperature-Responsive Luminescent Solar Concentrators: Tuning Energy Transfer in a Liquid Crystalline Matrix.

Science.gov (United States)

Sol, Jeroen A H P; Dehm, Volker; Hecht, Reinhard; Würthner, Frank; Schenning, Albertus P H J; Debije, Michael G

2018-01-22

Temperature-responsive luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have been fabricated in which the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between a donor-acceptor pair in a liquid crystalline solvent can be tuned. At room temperatures, the perylene bisimide (PBI) acceptor is aggregated and FRET is inactive; while after heating to a temperature above the isotropic phase of the liquid crystal solvent, the acceptor PBI completely dissolves and FRET is activated. This unusual temperature control over FRET was used to design a color-tunable LSC. The device has been shown to be highly stable towards consecutive heating and cooling cycles, making it an appealing device for harvesting otherwise unused solar energy. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Application of dopant-free hole transport materials for perovskite solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Franckevincius, M.; Gulbinas, V.; Gratzel, M.; Zakeeruddin, S.; Pauerle, P.; Mishra, A.; Steck, C.

2015-01-01

In this work we present the synthesis, characterization and application of a series of additive and dopant free hole transport materials (HTM) for solid-state perovskite-based solar cells. Newly synthesized HTMs showed strong absorption in the visible spectral range and suitable HOMO-LUMO energy levels for the application for methylammonium lead(II) iodide (CH_3NH_3PbI_3) perovskite. Dopant-free perovskite solar cells have been fabricated using CH_3NH_3PbI_3 perovskite and the newly synthesized HTMs following sequential deposition method, which allows us to reach power conversion efficiencies as high as 11.4 %. The easy of synthesis, low cost and relatively high performance of newly synthesized HTMs has great prospects for commercial applications in the near-future. (authors)

Investigation of moisture stability and PL characteristics of terpineol-passivated organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite

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Xin Guo

2016-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract This work presents a novel method for preparing perovskite films using a simple processing technique. Perovskite paste was prepared by dispersing an equimolar mix of PbI2 and methyl ammonium iodide powders into terpineol with stirring. From these precursors, perovskite films were fabricated using doctor blading and drying for 24 h at room temperature. The prepared films were then placed into relative humidity (RH levels of 30, 50, and 70 % to test the moisture stability. The crystal structure, phases, and morphology were investigated with XRD and SEM/EDX. These samples exhibited good stability against long time exposure to moisture for 70 days. The XRD results showed that samples stored at RH 70 % contained only a small amount of hydrate compound after 70 days storage, while in the sample stored at RH 50 %, the formation of PbI2 was observed. The sample at RH 30 % manifested almost no change when stored for the same storage period. We attribute the enhanced moisture stability, compared with the spin-coated samples, to a passivated surface of the perovskite film by terpineol which exhibits a hydrophobic moiety. Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements show that the passivation of surface defect states by the formation of either PbI2 or hydrated compound leads to prolonged charge carrier recombination times. Graphical Abstract

Periodontal Status of Postmenopausal Women

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Timur V. Melkumyan

2014-06-01

Full Text Available The objective of this study was to compare the periodontal status in postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Material and Methods: We examined 43 postmenopausal women aged from 55 to 74 years. Material assessment of bones in every patient was performed by means of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA from two points on the skeleton – part of the femur neck and between the first and fourth lumbar vertebrae. A lipid blood test was done for patients of both groups. All patients were divided into two groups (the 1st with osteopenia, and the 2nd with osteoporosis. All patients were subjected to an oral clinical examination: the periodontal examination was composed of Plaque Index (PI, Pocket Score (PS, and Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI. X-ray analysis was performed for every patient. Results: The results of the clinical periodontal examination demonstrated that the mean PBI in patients in the 1st group had no significant differences from the PBI in patients in the 2nd group. PI value and PS findings in patients with general osteoporosis also had no statistical differences from the same parameters in patients with osteopenia. Conclusion: Under the circumstances of these patients’ characteristics and within the limits of the present study, we concluded that there is no significant difference in the periodontal status of postmenopausal women with systemic osteopenia and with osteoporosis.

Passenger bus industry weather information application.

Science.gov (United States)

2011-03-21

Adverse weather significantly affects the United States national transportation system, including commercial companies : that rely on highways to support their enterprises. The Passenger Bus (Motorcoach) Industry (PBI) is one such affected : user who...

Investigation of variability in image acquisition and contouring during 3D ultrasound guidance for partial breast irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Landry, Anthony; Olivotto, Ivo; Beckham, Wayne; Berrang, Tanya; Gagne, Isabelle; Popescu, Carmen; Mitchell, Tracy; Vey, Hazel; Sand, Letricia; Soh, Siew Yan; Wark, Jill

2014-01-01

Three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) at simulation compared to 3DUS at treatment is an image guidance option for partial breast irradiation (PBI). This study assessed if user dependence in acquiring and contouring 3DUS (operator variability) contributed to variation in seroma shifts calculated for breast IGRT. Eligible patients met breast criteria for current randomized PBI studies. 5 Operators participated in this study. For each patient, 3 operators were involved in scan acquisitions and 5 were involved in contouring. At CT simulation (CT1), a 3DUS (US1) was performed by a single radiation therapist (RT). 7 to 14 days after CT1 a second CT (CT2) and 3 sequential 3DUS scans (US2a,b,c) were acquired by each of 3 RTs. Seroma shifts, between US1 and US2 scans were calculated by comparing geometric centers of the seromas (centroids). Operator contouring variability was determined by comparing 5 RT’s contours for a single image set. Scanning variability was assessed by comparing shifts between multiple scans acquired at the same time point (US1-US2a,b,c). Shifts in seromas contoured on CT (CT1-CT2) were compared to US data. From an initial 28 patients, 15 had CT visible seromas, met PBI dosimetric constraints, had complete US data, and were analyzed. Operator variability contributed more to the overall variability in seroma localization than the variability associated with multiple scan acquisitions (95% confidence mean uncertainty of 6.2 mm vs. 1.1 mm). The mean standard deviation in seroma shift was user dependent and ranged from 1.7 to 2.9 mm. Mean seroma shifts from simulation to treatment were comparable to CT. Variability in shifts due to different users acquiring and contouring 3DUS for PBI guidance were comparable to CT shifts. Substantial inter-observer effect needs to be considered during clinical implementation of 3DUS IGRT

Polarization Switching and Light-Enhanced Piezoelectricity in Lead Halide Perovskites.

Science.gov (United States)

Coll, Mariona; Gomez, Andrés; Mas-Marza, Elena; Almora, Osbel; Garcia-Belmonte, Germà; Campoy-Quiles, Mariano; Bisquert, Juan

2015-04-16

We investigate the ferroelectric properties of photovoltaic methylammonium lead halide CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite using piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM) and macroscopic polarization methods. The electric polarization is clearly observed by amplitude and phase hysteresis loops. However, the polarization loop decreases as the frequency is lowered, persisting for a short time only, in the one second regime, indicating that CH3NH3PbI3 does not exhibit permanent polarization at room temperature. This result is confirmed by macroscopic polarization measurement based on a standard capacitive method. We have observed a strong increase of piezoelectric response under illumination, consistent with the previously reported giant photoinduced dielectric constant at low frequencies. We speculate that an intrinsic charge transfer photoinduced dipole in the perovskite cage may lie at the origin of this effect.

Theoretical studies of boron(III) complexes for the new blue luminescent material

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Jung Eun; Choi, Gyu Chul; Rim, Byung O.; Kim, Sung Min; Park, No Gill; Ha, Yun Kyoung; Kim, Young Sik

2004-01-01

Boron(III) complexes, BPh 2 (2-py-aza) and Bph 2 (2-py-in), are known as blue emitting materials. In this paper, we have studied various ligand effects of boron complex on the absorption (UV) and electroluminescence (EL) peaks computationally. To obtain optical properties, TD-DFT(B3LYP) methods are used with 6-31+G(d) basis set. It was found that EL peaks of those materials are calculated at 454 and 510 nm, which are considerably consistent with experimental data. From the results, we newly proposed two materials, BPh 2 (PBI-Me) and BPh 2 (PBI-Ph), as blue luminescent materials, whose calculated EL peaks are at 456 and 480 nm, respectively. Through the calculation results, newly designed compounds showed possibility as efficient and promising emitters in EL device

75 FR 49484 - Office of Postsecondary Education; Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-08-13

... DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Postsecondary Education; Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI), Hispanic Serving Institutions-STEM and Articulation (HSI-STEM), and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI...