The Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Solar Energy (LNES) proudly congratulates Professor Ana Flávia Nogueira on being named among the 100 best scientists in Brazil in Chemistry and the top 50 in Materials Science, according to the annual ranking published by Research.com.

This distinction highlights the significance and scientific impact of Professor Ana Flávia’s research, which focuses on innovative studies of hybrid materials and perovskites for solar energy applications.

The Research.com ranking is based on bibliometric metrics that consider both the number and impact of scientific publications, reflecting the influence of researchers within their respective fields.

This achievement further reinforces the prominent role of Professor Ana Flávia and the LNES team in both the national and international scientific community, contributing to the advancement of science and the development of new renewable energy technologies.

Congratulations, Professor Ana Flávia, on this well-deserved recognition!

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Perovskite solar cells have gained significant attention in recent years due to their high efficiency and low fabrication cost. However, their long-term stability remains a major challenge, as the perovskite layer is highly sensitive to moisture, oxygen, temperature, and UV radiation.

In a recent study, researchers investigated the incorporation of N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-o-phenylenediamine (salophen) — a Schiff base with chelating properties — into MAPbI₃ (methylammonium lead iodide) thin films. The goal was to evaluate how this surface modification could improve the structural stability and performance of the devices.

The films were prepared under ambient conditions and treated with different concentrations of salophen during the antisolvent step. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the presence of salophen molecules promoted better crystallization of the perovskite α-phase, eliminating residual PbI₂ and forming a more hydrophobic surface.

Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements showed that salophen passivation facilitated charge-carrier extraction and reduced surface defects, without significantly altering the optical properties of the material. As a result, the perovskite solar cells achieved efficiencies above 18% and demonstrated enhanced stability.http://lnes.iqm.unicamp.br/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Captura-de-tela-2025-10-08-102546.png

This study highlights the potential of chelating molecules as an effective strategy to improve the durability and performance of perovskite-based solar cells, bringing this technology closer to practical applications.

Click here for more information.

The post Published Paper: Can chelatogenic molecules enhance the stability of air-processed MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells? A case study of salophen first appeared on LNES.

We are excited to share our latest research article published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A, titled:

“The influence of the buried interface on the orientational crystallization and thermal stability of halide perovskite thin films”

This study sheds light on how the choice of buried interface materials—used as underlayers in both regular (n–i–p) and inverted (p–i–n) perovskite solar cell architectures—affects the crystal orientation and long-term stability of FA₀.₉Cs₀.₁PbI₃ perovskite films.

Key Highlights:

🔹 Oriented Crystal Growth: We demonstrate that the nature of the underlayer influences the preferential crystallographic orientation of the perovskite film, which plays a central role in both performance and stability.

🔹 Thermal Stress Response: By subjecting perovskite films and devices to 500 hours of continuous heating at 85 °C, we reveal how buried interfaces impact phase segregation and long-term thermal stability.

🔹 Interface-Driven Stability: Our results draw a direct correlation between the initial crystal orientation—induced by the underlayer—and the resistance of the film to degradation under thermal stress.

This work provides valuable insights for designing more stable and efficient perovskite solar cells by engineering the buried interface to control crystal orientation from the very first stages of film formation.

📄 You can access the full article here:
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03063B

Stay tuned for more research updates from our group!

#PerovskiteSolarCells #ThinFilmStability #JMaterChemA #InterfaceEngineering #EnergyMaterials #Photovoltaics #CrystalOrientation

The post Published Paper: The influence of the buried interface on the orientational crystallization and thermal stability of halide perovskite thin films first appeared on LNES.

We are proud to share that Professor Ana Flávia Nogueira (Unicamp), researcher and director of CINE – Center for Innovation on New Energies, was one of only 24 researchers worldwide — and the only representative from Latin America — selected for this recognition.

Professor Nogueira was honored as the corresponding author of the letter “In Situ PL Tracking of Halide Exchange at 3D/QD Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells” published in June 2023. The study, co-authored by several CINE members, highlights the use of perovskite quantum dots to enhance performance and minimize degradation in solar cells — a significant contribution to advancing solar energy technologies.

We invite you to read the inspiring testimonies of Professor Ana Flávia Nogueira and other remarkable female scientists who are shaping the future of clean energy research.

👉 Access the full article here: [Link to the article]

The post Prof. Ana Flávia Nogueira Featured Among Women Leaders in Clean Energy Research first appeared on LNES.

The XXII Meeting of the Brazilian Materials Research Society (B-MRS), held from September 29th to October 3rd, 2024, gathered the global materials science community at the Blue Med Convention Center in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil. Organized by the B-MRS and its committee, the event offered a dynamic forum on recent advancements and future directions in materials science and technology, welcoming participants from academia and industry alike.

Our Research Group Highlights:

• Oral Presentation: Andre Fonseca presented a talk titled “Tracking Halide Exchange in 3D/QD Heterojunctions,” exploring the mechanisms of halide dynamics in these complex interfaces.

• Poster Presentations: Notably, Gabriela was awarded the Best Poster Prize at the symposium (AC03 – Nanoscale Imaging of Heterogeneous and Hierarchical Materials with Synchrotron Radiation) and also received the prestigious RSC Poster Prize for her work on “Influence of Co-solvent and Methylammonium Chloride Additive on Low-Dimensional Perovskites for Solar Cells” highlighting the group’s impactful contributions to the field.

We extend our congratulations to all participants and look forward to further collaborations and discoveries sparked by this inspiring meeting.

For more information on the event, please visit the B-MRS Meeting 2024 website.

The post Group’s Participation in the XXII B-MRS Meeting first appeared on LNES.

We are excited to announce the publication of our latest research paper in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, titled:

“2D Phase Formation on 3D Perovskite: Insights from Molecular Stiffness”

This study investigates the relationship between molecular stiffness and the formation of two-dimensional (2D) phases on three-dimensional (3D) perovskite films, offering valuable insights into enhancing both efficiency and stability in perovskite solar cells.

Key Highlights:

• 2D Phase Formation on Grain Boundaries: Using cathodoluminescence in scanning electron microscopy, we identified that the 2D phase forms predominantly on the grain boundaries of the 3D perovskite. This phenomenon offers an explanation for the passivation mechanisms that improve 3D perovskite film performance.
• Molecular Stiffness and Steric Hindrance: Through in situ grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering, we explored the role of organic cations with varying stiffness. The formation and crystallization of the 2D phase were found to be influenced by both steric hindrance around the ammonium group and the molecular rigidity of the cations.
• Efficiency Boost: Solar cells incorporating flexible cations in the 2D/3D perovskite heterointerface achieved a power conversion efficiency of 21.5%, underscoring the practical importance of molecular design in optimizing device performance.

This research enhances our understanding of the critical factors that govern the interaction between low-dimensional and 3D perovskites and their impact on solar cell efficiency.

You can read the full paper here.

Stay tuned for more updates from our group!

The post Published Paper: 2D Phase Formation on 3D Perovskite: Insights from Molecular Stiffness first appeared on LNES.

Professor Nogueira presented about the future of 2D/3D perovskite solar cell technology and served as a session chair, guiding important discussions and fostering a collaborative environment among researchers. Her leadership in this role highlights her significant contributions to the field and her commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies.
ACS Fall 2024 provides attendees with numerous opportunities to engage with groundbreaking research, including thousands of oral presentations, poster sessions, and an expansive expo hall. The meeting also offers a variety of career-building events, with something for everyone in the chemistry community.

We are proud of Professor Nogueira’s role at ACS Fall 2024 and look forward to sharing more updates on our research group’s achievements and insights from this major conference!

The post Ana Flávia Nogueira participated in the ACS Fall Meeting 2024 in Denver first appeared on LNES.

ICSM 2024: A Hub for Innovation

ICSM 2024 brought together researchers and industry leaders from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in organic electronics. The conference covered a wide range of topics, including organic light-emitting diodes, organic field-effect transistors, organic photovoltaics, perovskite and hybrid photovoltaics, and more. The event highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the field, emphasizing the integration of materials science, engineering, and applied physics to drive innovation in electronic and photonic devices.

Professor Nogueira’s Contribution

In her talk, Professor Nogueira presented cutting-edge research on the formation and dynamics of interfaces in perovskite materials with varying dimensionalities, specifically focusing on 2D/3D and 0D/3D interfaces. These interfaces are crucial for enhancing the efficiency and stability of emerging perovskite solar cells, which are seen as a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based solar technologies.

Key Highlights of the Presentation:

– Interface Dynamics: Professor Nogueira explored the interactions at the interfaces between different dimensionality materials, demonstrating how these interactions can be harnessed to improve charge transport and reduce recombination losses in perovskite solar cells.

– Stability and Efficiency: The research emphasized the role of these interfaces in enhancing the thermal and moisture stability of perovskite solar cells, addressing one of the major challenges in the commercialization of this technology.

– Innovative Approaches: The studies presented also highlighted novel methods for controlling the crystallization and alignment of perovskite layers, paving the way for more efficient and robust solar cell designs.

The Impact of ICSM

ICSM has long been a cornerstone in the field of synthetic electronic materials, having evolved over the decades to include a diverse array of topics from synthetic metals to organic electronics. The conference is renowned for its role in propelling forward many of the most significant breakthroughs in these areas, making it a key venue for researchers to share their findings and collaborate on future innovations. The next conference will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 19-24^th 2026. (https://icsm2026.com)

More information about the event

The post Professor Ana Flávia Nogueira Speaks at ICSM 2024 about Advances in Perovskite Solar Cell Interfaces first appeared on LNES.

What Are Perovskite Solar Cells?

PSCs are a type of solar cell that uses perovskite-structured materials as the light-harvesting active layer. These materials are known for their excellent light absorption and charge-carrier mobilities, making them highly efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. However, PSCs are notoriously unstable when exposed to environmental factors like moisture and heat.

The Role of Quantum Dots

Quantum dots are tiny semiconductor particles that have unique electronic properties due to their small size. When integrated with bulk (3D) perovskites, QDs can passivate, or stabilize, the interfaces of the perovskite material, reducing defects and improving overall stability.

The Study: Tracking Halide Exchange

The research team focused on the halide exchange reaction at the heterojunction—the interface where the QDs and 3D perovskites meet. Using in situ photoluminescence (PL), they tracked the bromide-to-iodide exchange process. This exchange is crucial because it helps passivate surface defects and grain boundaries in the perovskite material.

Key Findings

1. Activation Energy and Passivation: The study determined the activation energy required for the bromide-to-iodide exchange. This process effectively passivates the surface defects and grain boundaries in the perovskite material.
2. Energy Level Realignment: When applied in solar cells, the QDs help realign energy levels, enhancing hole extraction and blocking unwanted electron transfer. This leads to reduced charge carrier recombination and higher efficiency.
3. Stability Under Stress: The researchers found that the halide composition at the interface remains stable even under thermal stress. Additionally, the hydrophobic nature of the QDs’ ligands prevents moisture from penetrating the perovskite films.

Implications for Solar Technology

The strategic incorporation of QDs into PSCs not only improves their efficiency but also significantly enhances their durability against environmental factors. This advancement could pave the way for more reliable and long-lasting perovskite solar cells, bringing us closer to widespread adoption of this cutting-edge photovoltaic technology.

This study highlights a crucial step forward in the quest to develop stable, efficient, and durable perovskite solar cells, showcasing the potential of nanomaterials to revolutionize solar energy.

Access the published paper

The post Published Paper: In Situ PL Tracking of Halide Exchange at 3D/QD Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells first appeared on LNES.

What Are Chiral 2D Perovskites?

Chiral 2D perovskites are layered materials with unique optical and electronic properties, making them ideal for devices that manipulate light and electron spin. These materials incorporate chiral organic cations, which give them their distinctive properties.

The Challenge: Film Formation and Crystallization

A major challenge in using chiral 2D perovskites is understanding and controlling how they form films and crystallize. When chiral ammonium-based organic cations, such as methylbenzylammonium (MBA), are used, they can interact with the halide species in the perovskite network, causing steric hindrance. This often leads to the formation of one-dimensional (1D) phase impurities within the 2D matrix, which adversely affect the material’s optical properties.

Key Findings: Tackling the 1D Phase Impurities

1. Manifestation in Photoluminescence: The study found that these 1D phase impurities manifest as an additional, weakly emissive, thermally activated state in the PL spectra of the 2D perovskite film. This state has a self-trapped excitonic character, resulting in an asymmetric PL response.
2. Role of Molecular Design By strategically introducing a methoxy (OMe) group at the para position of the MBA cations, the researchers were able to mitigate the formation of the 1D phase impurities. This modification led to a narrower and more symmetric emission band, and significantly higher PL quantum yield at room temperature.
3. Implications for Optical Properties: The findings highlight the importance of molecular design in controlling the phase purity and optical properties of chiral 2D perovskites. By fine-tuning the structure of the organic cations, it is possible to achieve the desired photoluminescence characteristics, making these materials more suitable for practical applications.

Impact on Future Technologies

This research provides a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the PL properties of chiral 2D perovskites. The ability to control these properties through molecular design opens up new possibilities for developing high-performance spintronic and chiroptical devices. The study demonstrates that careful molecular engineering can overcome challenges related to film formation and crystallization, paving the way for more efficient and stable perovskite-based technologies.

By elucidating the origins of asymmetry and broadband emission in MBA-based chiral 2D perovskites, this study marks a significant step forward in the field, underscoring the vital role of tailored organic cations in achieving optimal material performance.

Access the published paper

The post Published Paper: Understanding and Controlling the Photoluminescence Line Shapes of 2D Perovskites with Chiral Methylbenzylammonium-Based Cations first appeared on LNES.