Optoelectronic Materials and Devices

The evolution of optoelectronic materials and devices dates back to the late 19th century with Edison's pioneering investigation of the photoelectric effect, elucidating fundamental insights into the interaction between light and electric current. The 20th century witnessed a transformative breakthrough with the invention of phototubes and solar cells, laying essential principles for subsequent technological applications. During the mid-20th century, silicon-based solar cells came to the fore and have achieved large-scale commercialization in recent years. Simultaneously, groundbreaking innovations in semiconductor technologies brought about luminescent devices, such as the advent of semiconductor lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the 1950s.These innovations have been instrumental in shaping contemporary applications in communication, displays, and illumination systems. At the same time, advancements in photodetection devices, particularly photodiodes, have transformed the detection of light signals, with diverse applications ranging from optical communication to remote sensing. In recent years, optoelectronic materials have extended their purview into the realm of photocatalysis, harnessing light energy for surface chemical reactions. This emerging field holds promising implications for environmental remediation and energy conversion. The journey from the discovery of photoelectric effects to the invention of luminescent devices and sophisticated detectors attaining maturity, underscores the profound impact of optoelectronic technologies across both scientific inquiry and diverse practical domains. This special issue of Optoelectronic Materials and Devices in Small Methods encompasses international contributions and underscores recent advancements in the key domains of solar cells and photocatalytic devices designed for efficient photon energy harvesting, as well as light-emitting and photodetection devices tailored for information acquisition and delivery. Solar cells are devices that transform light energy into electrical energy and have been recognized worldwide. Over the past 70 years of development, silicon-based solar cells have been commercialized, especially the certification efficiency of single-crystal silicon heterojunction cells has reached 26.81%. In the quest of further develop solar cells and expand their applications in various fields such as flexible devices, organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells were developed in 2001 and attracted extensive attention due to their lightweight, excellent flexibility, and low-cost roll-to-roll production. To optimize its performance, Jianhui Hou and co-workers designed a new non-fused nonfullerene acceptors (2,2′-((2Z,2′Z)-(((2,3-bis((2-ethylhexyl)oxy)−1,4- phenylene)bis(4-((2-ethylhexyl)oxy)thiophene-5,2-diyl))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(5, 6-difluoro-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-2,1-diylidene))dimalononitrile) with a low optical gap of 1.51 eV and a deep highest occupied molecular orbital level (below −5.7 eV) in 2300036. Jin Young Kim and co-workers focused on charge carrier dynamics (such as exciton diffusion, exciton dissociation, charge-transfer states, the significance of highest occupied molecular orbital offsets, and hole-transfer efficiencies) and propose the prospects for fabricating efficient glovebox- or air-processed OPV cells (2300578). In addition to efficiency, stability is another crucial factor for practical devices. Xiao-Tao Hao and co-workers systematically summarize in depth, the underlying mechanisms triggering the degradation and instability characteristics of OPV materials and devices from a novel perspective of engineering exciton and charge carrier dynamics (2300397). In the development of diversified solar cells, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) emerged in 2009 and gained ubiquitous attention due to their advantages. However, the perovskite quality and the defects at the interface between the perovskite and carrier transport layer seriously impedes the improvement of efficiency and stability. Herein, Jae-Wook Kang and co-workers address the disadvantage of the two-step method by introducing propylene carbonate in the PbI2 solution to form porous structures for the growth of high-quality perovskite films (2300237). Hongyu Zhang and co-workers systematically investigate the effect of the size of ionic liquid on assisting perovskite film formation, defect states, film morphology, and device performance (2300210). Guichuan Xing and co-workers introduce phenylpropylammonium bromine (PPABr) as a bulk and interface passivation additive into triple-cation mixed-halide precursors (2300428). Hongxia Wang and co-workers investigate the effect of alkali fluoride salts (KF, RbF, and CsF) on the properties of SnO2 and demonstrate a dual cation post-treatment of the SnO2 layer with RbF and CsF to improve power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the corresponding PSCs (2300431). Wallace C. H. Choy and co-workers employ 4-fluorophenethylammonium iodide (p-F-PEAI) to modify and suppress the high oxidation state Ni≥3+ at the NiOx/perovskite interface (2300241). Similar to OPV cells, stability is also a major issue faced by PSCs, Wei Zhang and co-workers investigate the extrinsic stability of inverted PSCs by using standard shelf-life testing to understand the aging mechanism and enhance the durability of inverted PSCs (2300223). The toxicity of PSCs remains a significant concern, primarily due to the widespread use of toxic Pb and solvents in their production. This issue has been subject to criticism and has prompted efforts to develop more environmentally-friendly alternatives. Therefore, research on low-lead or lead-free perovskite and green solvents is also very important. Of course, they also face their inherent problems. Herein, for the perovskite, Hsing-Lin Wang and co-workers overview recent progress in inorganic PSCs in terms of low-lead and lead-free compositions and discuss the physical properties of poor-lead all-inorganic perovskites to unveil the major challenges in this field (2300421). Hongqiang Wang and co-workers introduce 1-carboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (ImAcCl) to the PEDOT:PSS/ perovskite interface to inhibit the oxidation of Sn2+ and decrease the defect density (2300029). Rengui Li and co-workers precisely and homogeneously alloyed Sb into the parent structure of Cs3Bi2I9 to fabricate the double metal component Cs3SbBiI9 (2300405). For the solvent, S. Ravi P. Silva and co-workers prepare MA-mediated green inks by using a MA solution in ethanol for the dissolution of the MAI and PbI2 perovskite precursors (2300564). Noted that the above are all single solar cells, tandem solar cells (TSCs) are developed by stacking multiple subcells that can achieve PCE well above the Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit. Herein, Ziheng Liu and co-workers summarize the developed technologies of the connection methods for the Si-based tandem cells. Their focus is on comparing the fabrication and application of various connection methods in TSCs (2300432), providing guidance for selecting an appropriate method. Soo Young Kim and co-workers focus on the basic properties, challenges, and approaches of wide bandgap Pb-free PSCs for all perovskite-based TSCs (2300207). Jongchul Lim and co-workers highlight the recent progress of 2-terminal perovskite-based TSCs and comprehensively provide deep insights into the relationship between the current-matching problems and the photovoltaic performance (2300238). Optoelectronic systems that target signal detection primarily focus on light-emitting devices and photodetection devices. The mainstream of luminescent devices consists of lasers and Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). In 2300239, Yuen Hong Tsang et al. achieve a mode-locked laser by utilizing a fiber-based HfTe2 erbium-doped fiber laser cavity saturable absorber. Ni Zhao et al. investigate the role of halogen exchange strategies in the preparation of deep blue perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) and successfully achieve high quantum efficiency PeLEDs (2300572). In 2300266, Jeonghun Kwak et al. summarize previous research on the structure of top-emitting devices and discuss methods to improve the QLED performance of top-emitting device architecture. Shuming Chen et al. review the latest progress in addressing the challenges of QLED display industrialization process (2300359). For the detection end of optoelectronic systems, a single device can achieve communication and even some more complex logical computing applications. In 2300246, Sung Kyu Park et al. summarize the development status of emerging low dimensional nanomaterials and their applications in the field of photodetectors. Xiaosheng Fang et al. review the basic principles of optoelectronic and ferroelectric materials and their interactions in hybrid optoelectronic detection systems (2300319). In 2300425, By Using the flexoelectric effect of VO2, Hyungtak Seo et al. prepare high-performance detectors for optical communication, with giant current modulation (103%), good responsivity of >2.4 mA W−1, and a fast response speed of 0.5 ms, even at the nanoscale. Guozhen Shen proposed a high-performance self-powered photodetector with an ultralow noise current of 2.47 × 10−13 A Hz−1/2 to detect ultra-weak light signals (2300026). Moreover, Hocheon Yoo et al. summarize some new concepts of using light to implement logic gate calculations (2300391), answering the question of how to implement logical computation through photoelectric conversion. However, for imaging, arraying and the associated graphical processes remain essential. In 2300373, Beniamino Sciacca et al. fabricate high-resolution printable nano patterns through nano-cube assembly and epitaxy. In 2300175, Tianyou Zhai et al. propose a straightforward method for the patterned synthesis of high-quality, centimeter-scale 2D GaN thin-films. The approach combines the liquid metal printing process, standard UV lithography, and ammonolysis strategy. In 2300595, Hooman Mohseni introduces emerging low-dimensional materials and the challenges they face in developing high-resolution cameras. He also discusses the enormous potential that has yet to be realized in the next generation of low-cost, high-performance cameras. As a comprehensive summary for all above, Jong Soo Lee et al. introduce the latest findings related to multi-component mixed materials and the research trends of light-emitting devices and detection devices based on hybrid heteromaterials, especially based on the 0D and 2D hybrid materials (2300245). Perovskite material is also an impressive photoelectrocatalytic material, which has attracted significant attention in the conversion and utilization of solar energy. Herein, Jong Hyeok Park provides an overview of organic-inorganic halide perovskites and discusses the photoelectrochemical (PEC) reaction fundamentals and reactant-product cost analysis of organic upgrading reactions in 2300315. In the photoelectrocatalytic process, the hydrophilicity of semiconductors is the pivotal factor that determines the performance of optoelectronic devices. Here, Xiaoquan Lu, Zhen Zhang, and co-workers fabricated superhydrophilic tCOF-based photocatalysts with FeOOH clusters through a post-synthetic modification strategy, achieving efficient photocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants (2300163). PEC water splitting can convert solar energy into hydrogen energy by harvesting sunlight, presenting an effective way to overcome the intermittent nature of solar energy. Liang Li and co-workers review the mechanism and research advancements in developing optical and electrical modulation strategies for photoelectrodes (2300350); Hangxun Xu emphasizes the history of developing high-performance conjugated polymers/inorganic semiconductor hybrid photoelectrodes for PEC water splitting in 2300418; Federico Rosei and co-workers through modulating the monolayer growth of template quantum dots (QDs), gradient AgInSeS shell layers are incorporated into AgInSe2/AgInS2 QDs and exhibits higher PEC performance (2300133). Nevertheless, the slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the low economic value of O2 thwarts the commercialization of PEC water splitting. Substituting OER with organic upgrading reactions presents a promising solution to enhance efficiency and economic viability. Antonio Tricoli and his colleagues (2300427) have ingeniously integrated the hydrogen evolution reaction with plastic waste phototransformation, with a particular focus on the simultaneous photoreforming of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into valuable organic products and photooxidation of water. Meanwhile, Hsien-Yi Hsu and his team have systematically introduced the principles and cost analysis of organic upgrading reactions, summarizing recent advancements and discussing the current status, prospects, and challenges in industrial applications. Their publication, 2300429, represents a significant contribution to the emerging paradigm of probing the working optoelectronic materials for photoelectrocatalytic purposes. In addition to the aforementioned research, there are several other noteworthy applications. Maria Antonietta Loi and her team (202300040) have successfully manufactured quasi two-dimensional tin-lead perovskite as a resistive memory, showcasing its potential in neural morphology calculations. Meanwhile, Tom Tao Wu et al. have reported a high-performance NO2 sensor based on fully inorganic perovskite nanocrystals in publication 2300417, providing a new multifunctional platform for promoting high-performance real-time NO2 detection technology. Lastly, Wang Zhang Yuan and his colleagues (2300243) have fabricated a type of room-temperature phosphorescence materials with excitation-dependent emissions from cyan to green by covalently bonding sodium alginate with arylboronic acid in the aqueous phase. This special issue in Small Methods provides an international platform to share the impressive research progress on optoelectronic materials and devices from international research groups. Optoelectronic materials achieve specific functions by manipulating photons and electrons, bringing opportunities for optoelectronic devices, energy conversion, information transmission, and other related fields. This concept herein is expected to arouse continuous research and innovation that accelerates the growth of new optoelectronic materials which are more efficient, highly stable, and environmentally friendly. Here we sincerely appreciate the editorial team of Small Methods, especially Dr. Muxian Shen, for providing the opportunity to publish this special issue, and we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all authors, reviewers, editors, and readers for their excellent contributions to this special issue. The authors declare no conflict of interest. Liang Li received his Ph.D. degree from the Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 2006. From 2007 to 2012, he worked in the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore; National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japan; National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS), Japan; and the University of Western Ontario (UWO), Canada. Since August 2012, he is a Full Professor in Soochow University, China. His research group focuses mainly on energy conversion materials for solar cells, photodetectors, and electrochemical batteries. Zhiyong Fan is a Chair Professor at the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering. He received B.S. and M. S. degrees from Fudan University, PhD degree from University of California, Irvine then worked as a postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley. He joined HKUST in 2010. Currently, he is the founding Director of Center on Smart Sensors and Environmental Technologies, Co-director of the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Display and Optoelectronics Technologies at HKUST. His research interest is focused on functional nanomaterials and structures for electronic, optoelectronic and bionic electronic devices.

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