Formamidinium‐Based Dion‐Jacobson Layered Hybrid Perovskites: Structural Complexity and Optoelectronic Properties

Layered hybrid perovskites have emerged as a promising alternative to stabilizing hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite materials, which are predominantly based on Ruddlesden‐Popper structures. Formamidinium (FA)‐based Dion‐Jacobson perovskite analogs are developed that feature bifunctional organic spacers separating the hybrid perovskite slabs by introducing 1,4‐phenylenedimethanammonium (PDMA) organic moieties. While these materials demonstrate competitive performances as compared to other FA‐based low‐dimensional perovskite solar cells, the underlying mechanisms for this behavior remain elusive. Here, the structural complexity and optoelectronic properties of materials featuring (PDMA)FA_n–1Pb_nI_3n+1 (n = 1–3) formulations are unraveled using a combination of techniques, including X‐ray scattering measurements in conjunction with molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations. While theoretical calculations suggest that layered Dion‐Jacobson perovskite structures are more prominent with the increasing number of inorganic layers (n), this is accompanied with an increase in formation energies that render n > 2 compositions difficult to obtain, in accordance with the experimental evidence. Moreover, the underlying intermolecular interactions and their templating effects on the Dion‐Jacobson structure are elucidated, defining the optoelectronic properties. Consequently, despite the challenge to obtain phase‐pure n > 1 compositions, time‐resolved microwave conductivity measurements reveal high photoconductivities and long charge carrier lifetimes. This comprehensive analysis thereby reveals critical features for advancing layered hybrid perovskite optoelectronics.     

Efficient technique for constitutive analysis of reinforced concrete flexural members

One of the most difficult issues in the theory of reinforced concrete (RC) is an adequate modelling of deformation behaviour, cracking and, particularly, post-cracking behaviour, as one of the major sources of non-linearity. Applying the concept of average cracking and average strains, deformation behaviour of RC can be modelled by stress–strain tension–stiffening relationships. The authors proposed an innovative inverse technique for constitutive modelling of flexural RC elements. The technique is based on the smeared crack approach and layer model of RC section. The inverse technique aims at deriving tension–stiffening constitutive models from experimental moment–curvature diagrams. The present analysis takes into account the shrinkage effect that is often neglected in other studies. Based on the inverse technique, free-of-shrinkage tension–stiffening relationships are derived using test data of shrunk RC beams. Examples of the application for the analysis of the experimental data obtained by the authors are presented to illustrate the calculation efficiency of the proposed technique.