Photobrightening in Lead Halide Perovskites: Observations, Mechanisms, and Future Potential

There has been a meteoric rise in commercial potential of lead halide perovskite optoelectronic devices since photovoltaic cells (2009) and light emitting diodes (2014) based on these materials were first demonstrated. One key challenge common to each of these optoelectronic devices is the need to suppress non-radiative recombination, a process that limits the maximum achievable efficiency in photovoltaic cells and light emitting diodes. In this Progress Report, we dissect recent studies that seek to minimise this loss pathway in perovskites through a photobrightening effect, whereby the luminescence efficiency is enhanced through a light illumination passivation treatment. We highlight the sensitivity of this effect to experimental considerations such as atmosphere, photon energy, photon dose, and also the role of perovskite composition and morphology; under certain conditions there can even be photodarkening effects. Consideration of these factors is critical to resolve seemingly conflicting literature reports. We scrutinise proposed mechanisms, concluding that there is some consensus but further work is needed to identify the specific defects being passivated and elucidate universal mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the prospects for these treatments to minimise halide migration and push the properties of polycrystalline films towards those of their single-crystal counterparts

Maximizing and stabilizing luminescence from halide perovskites with potassium passivation

Metal halide perovskites are of great interest for various high-performance optoelectronic applications. The ability to tune the perovskite bandgap continuously by modifying the chemical composition opens up applications for perovskites as coloured emitters, in building-integrated photovoltaics, and as components of tandem photovoltaics to increase the power conversion efficiency. Nevertheless, performance is limited by non-radiative losses, with luminescence yields in state-of-the-art perovskite solar cells still far from 100 per cent under standard solar illumination conditions. Furthermore, in mixed halide perovskite systems designed for continuous bandgap tunability2 (bandgaps of approximately 1.7 to 1.9 electronvolts), photoinduced ion segregation leads to bandgap instabilities. Here we demonstrate substantial mitigation of both non-radiative losses and photoinduced ion migration in perovskite films and interfaces by decorating the surfaces and grain boundaries with passivating potassium halide layers. We demonstrate external photoluminescence quantum yields of 66 per cent, which translate to internal yields that exceed 95 per cent. The high luminescence yields are achieved while maintaining high mobilities of more than 40 square centimetres per volt per second, providing the elusive combination of both high luminescence and excellent charge transport. When interfaced with electrodes in a solar cell device stack, the external luminescence yield—a quantity that must be maximized to obtain high efficiency—remains as high as 15 per cent, indicating very clean interfaces. We also demonstrate the inhibition of transient photoinduced ion-migration processes across a wide range of mixed halide perovskite bandgaps in materials that exhibit bandgap instabilities when unpassivated. We validate these results in fully operating solar cells. Our work represents an important advance in the construction of tunable metal halide perovskite films and interfaces that can approach the efficiency limits in tandem solar cells, coloured-light-emitting diodes and other optoelectronic applications.M.A.-J. thanks Nava Technology Limited and Nyak Technology Limited for their funding and technical support. Z.A.-G. acknowledges funding from a Winton Studentship, and ICON Studentship from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under REA grant agreement number PIOF-GA-2013-622630, the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement number 756962), and the Royal Society and Tata Group (UF150033). We thank the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for support. XMaS is a mid-range facility at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility supported by the EPSRC and we are grateful to the XMaS beamline team staff for their support. We thank Diamond Light Source for access to beamline I09 and staff member T.-L. Lee as well as U. Cappel for assistance during the HAXPES measurements. S.C., C.D. and G.D. acknowledge funding from the ERC under grant number 25961976 PHOTO EM and financial support from the European Union under grant number 77 312483 ESTEEM2. M.A. thanks the president of the UAE’s Distinguished Student Scholarship Program, granted by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs. H.R. and B.P. acknowledge support from the Swedish research council (2014-6019) and the Swedish foundation for strategic research. E.M.H. and T.J.S. were supported by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research under the Echo grant number 712.014.007

Array-based DNA methylation profiling of primary lymphomas of the central nervous system

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although primary lymphomas of the central nervous system (PCNSL) and extracerebral diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cannot be distinguished histologically, it is still a matter of debate whether PCNSL differ from systemic DLBCL with respect to their molecular features and pathogenesis. Analysis of the DNA methylation pattern might provide further data distinguishing these entities at a molecular level.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using an array-based technology we have assessed the DNA methylation status of 1,505 individual CpG loci in five PCNSL and compared the results to DNA methylation profiles of 49 DLBCL and ten hematopoietic controls.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We identified 194 genes differentially methylated between PCNSL and normal controls. Interestingly, Polycomb target genes and genes with promoters showing a high CpG content were significantly enriched in the group of genes hypermethylated in PCNSL. However, PCNSL and systemic DLBCL did not differ in their methylation pattern.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Based on the data presented here, PCNSL and DLBCL do not differ in their DNA methylation pattern. Thus, DNA methylation analysis does not support a separation of PCNSL and DLBCL into individual entities. However, PCNSL and DLBCL differ in their DNA methylation pattern from non- malignant controls.</p

Real-world experience of nintedanib for progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease in the UK

This is the final version. Available on open access from the European Respiratory Society via the DOI in this recordBackground Nintedanib slows progression of lung function decline in patients with progressive fibrosing (PF) interstitial lung disease (ILD) and was recommended for this indication within the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service in Scotland in June 2021 and in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in November 2021. To date, there has been no national evaluation of the use of nintedanib for PF-ILD in a real-world setting. Methods 26 UK centres were invited to take part in a national service evaluation between 17 November 2021 and 30 September 2022. Summary data regarding underlying diagnosis, pulmonary function tests, diagnostic criteria, radiological appearance, concurrent immunosuppressive therapy and drug tolerability were collected via electronic survey. Results 24 UK prescribing centres responded to the service evaluation invitation. Between 17 November 2021 and 30 September 2022, 1120 patients received a multidisciplinary team recommendation to commence nintedanib for PF-ILD. The most common underlying diagnoses were hypersensitivity pneumonitis (298 out of 1120, 26.6%), connective tissue disease associated ILD (197 out of 1120, 17.6%), rheumatoid arthritis associated ILD (180 out of 1120, 16.0%), idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (125 out of 1120, 11.1%) and unclassifiable ILD (100 out of 1120, 8.9%). Of these, 54.4% (609 out of 1120) were receiving concomitant corticosteroids, 355 (31.7%) out of 1120 were receiving concomitant mycophenolate mofetil and 340 (30.3%) out of 1120 were receiving another immunosuppressive/modulatory therapy. Radiological progression of ILD combined with worsening respiratory symptoms was the most common reason for the diagnosis of PF-ILD. Conclusion We have demonstrated the use of nintedanib for the treatment of PF-ILD across a broad range of underlying conditions. Nintedanib is frequently co-prescribed alongside immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapy. The use of nintedanib for the treatment of PF-ILD has demonstrated acceptable tolerability in a real-world setting.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC

Progress on lead-free metal halide perovskites for photovoltaic applications: a review

ABSTRACT: Metal halide perovskites have revolutionized the field of solution-processable photovoltaics. Within just a few years, the power conversion efficiencies of perovskite-based solar cells have been improved significantly to over 20%, which makes them now already comparably efficient to silicon-based photovoltaics. This breakthrough in solution-based photovoltaics, however, has the drawback that these high efficiencies can only be obtained with lead-based perovskites and this will arguably be a substantial hurdle for various applications of perovskite-based photovoltaics and their acceptance in society, even though the amounts of lead in the solar cells are low. This fact opened up a new research field on lead-free metal halide perovskites, which is currently remarkably vivid. We took this as incentive to review this emerging research field and discuss possible alternative elements to replace lead in metal halide perovskites and the properties of the corresponding perovskite materials based on recent theoretical and experimental studies. Up to now, tin-based perovskites turned out to be most promising in terms of power conversion efficiency; however, also the toxicity of these tin-based perovskites is argued. In the focus of the research community are other elements as well including germanium, copper, antimony, or bismuth, and the corresponding perovskite compounds are already showing promising properties. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text

Autophagy is activated in systemic lupus erythematosus and required for plasmablast development.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy has emerged as a critical homeostatic mechanism in T lymphocytes, influencing proliferation and differentiation. Autophagy in B cells has been less studied, but genetic deficiency causes impairment of early and late developmental stages OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of human and murine lupus, a disease in which B cells are critical effectors of pathology. METHODS: Autophagy was assessed using multiple techniques in NZB/W and control mice, and in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to healthy controls. We evaluated the phenotype of the B cell compartment in Vav-Atg7(-/-) mice in vivo, and examined human and murine plasmablast formation following inhibition of autophagy. RESULTS: We found activation of autophagy in early developmental and transitional stages of B cell development in a lupus mouse model even before disease onset, and which progressively increased with age. In human disease, again autophagy was activated compared with healthy controls, principally in naïve B cells. B cells isolated from Vav-Atg7(F/F) mice failed to effectively differentiate into plasma cells following stimulation in vitro. Similarly, human B cells stimulated in the presence of autophagy inhibition did not differentiate into plasmablasts. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest activation of autophagy is a mechanism for survival of autoreactive B cells, and also demonstrate that it is required for plasmablast differentiation, processes that induce significant cellular stress. The implication of autophagy in two major pathogenic pathways in SLE suggests the potential to use inhibition of autophagy as a novel treatment target in this frequently severe autoimmune disease

Autophagy is activated in systemic lupus erythematosus and required for plasmablast development.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy has emerged as a critical homeostatic mechanism in T lymphocytes, influencing proliferation and differentiation. Autophagy in B cells has been less studied, but genetic deficiency causes impairment of early and late developmental stages OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of human and murine lupus, a disease in which B cells are critical effectors of pathology. METHODS: Autophagy was assessed using multiple techniques in NZB/W and control mice, and in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to healthy controls. We evaluated the phenotype of the B cell compartment in Vav-Atg7(-/-) mice in vivo, and examined human and murine plasmablast formation following inhibition of autophagy. RESULTS: We found activation of autophagy in early developmental and transitional stages of B cell development in a lupus mouse model even before disease onset, and which progressively increased with age. In human disease, again autophagy was activated compared with healthy controls, principally in naïve B cells. B cells isolated from Vav-Atg7(F/F) mice failed to effectively differentiate into plasma cells following stimulation in vitro. Similarly, human B cells stimulated in the presence of autophagy inhibition did not differentiate into plasmablasts. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest activation of autophagy is a mechanism for survival of autoreactive B cells, and also demonstrate that it is required for plasmablast differentiation, processes that induce significant cellular stress. The implication of autophagy in two major pathogenic pathways in SLE suggests the potential to use inhibition of autophagy as a novel treatment target in this frequently severe autoimmune disease

Layered Mixed Tin-Lead Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells with High Stability

For neat Pb perovskites, two-dimensional (2D) hybrid perovskites, where n layers of inorganic material are separated by a long-chain organic cation, generally exhibit greater stability but have lower photovoltaic performance characteristics, motivating the study of 2D/3D mixed-dimension systems to realize both high efficiency and stability. In this Letter, we demonstrate such optimal compromise between performance and stability using formamidinium, cesium, and t-butylammonium as A-site cations with Pb:Sn mixed-metal low-band-gap perovskites. Perovskite solar cells based on n = 4 and 5 lead–tin perovskites achieved power conversion efficiencies of up to 9.3 and 10.6%, respectively, and correspondingly retained 47 and 29% of their initial efficiency during storage in nitrogen for 2000 h. A similar stability trend for n = 4 over n = 5 was also observed for unencapsulated devices during continuous operation under a combined air atmosphere and temperature for 10 h, resulting in improved stability over the 3D lead–tin counterpart

Layered mixed tin–lead hybrid perovskite solar cells with high stability

For neat Pb perovskites, two-dimensional (2D) hybrid perovskites, where n layers of inorganic material are separated by a long-chain organic cation, generally exhibit greater stability but have lower photovoltaic performance characteristics, motivating the study of 2D/3D mixed-dimension systems to realize both high efficiency and stability. In this Letter, we demonstrate such optimal compromise between performance and stability using formamidinium, cesium, and t-butylammonium as A-site cations with Pb:Sn mixed-metal low-band-gap perovskites. Perovskite solar cells based on n = 4 and 5 lead–tin perovskites achieved power conversion efficiencies of up to 9.3 and 10.6%, respectively, and correspondingly retained 47 and 29% of their initial efficiency during storage in nitrogen for 2000 h. A similar stability trend for n = 4 over n = 5 was also observed for unencapsulated devices during continuous operation under a combined air atmosphere and temperature for 10 h, resulting in improved stability over the 3D lead–tin counterpart

Layered mixed tin–lead hybrid perovskite solar cells with high stability

For neat Pb perovskites, two-dimensional (2D) hybrid perovskites, where n layers of inorganic material are separated by a long-chain organic cation, generally exhibit greater stability but have lower photovoltaic performance characteristics, motivating the study of 2D/3D mixed-dimension systems to realize both high efficiency and stability. In this Letter, we demonstrate such optimal compromise between performance and stability using formamidinium, cesium, and t-butylammonium as A-site cations with Pb:Sn mixed-metal low-band-gap perovskites. Perovskite solar cells based on n = 4 and 5 lead–tin perovskites achieved power conversion efficiencies of up to 9.3 and 10.6%, respectively, and correspondingly retained 47 and 29% of their initial efficiency during storage in nitrogen for 2000 h. A similar stability trend for n = 4 over n = 5 was also observed for unencapsulated devices during continuous operation under a combined air atmosphere and temperature for 10 h, resulting in improved stability over the 3D lead–tin counterpart