A Highly Emissive Surface Layer in Mixed‐Halide Multication Perovskites

Mixed‐halide lead perovskites have attracted significant attention in the field of photovoltaics and other optoelectronic applications due to their promising bandgap tunability and device performance. Here, the changes in photoluminescence and photoconductance of solution‐processed triple‐cation mixed‐halide (Cs_0.06MA_0.15FA_0.79)Pb(Br_0.4I_0.6)₃ perovskite films (MA: methylammonium, FA: formamidinium) are studied under solar‐equivalent illumination. It is found that the illumination leads to localized surface sites of iodide‐rich perovskite intermixed with passivating PbI₂ material. Time‐ and spectrally resolved photoluminescence measurements reveal that photoexcited charges efficiently transfer to the passivated iodide‐rich perovskite surface layer, leading to high local carrier densities on these sites. The carriers on this surface layer therefore recombine with a high radiative efficiency, with the photoluminescence quantum efficiency of the film under solar excitation densities increasing from 3% to over 45%. At higher excitation densities, nonradiative Auger recombination starts to dominate due to the extremely high concentration of charges on the surface layer. This work reveals new insight into phase segregation of mixed‐halide mixed‐cation perovskites, as well as routes to highly luminescent films by controlling charge density and transfer in novel device structures.     

Evolutionary concepts in the functional biotics arena: a mini-review

Over the years, the attempts to elucidate the role of beneficial microorganisms in shaping human health are becoming fairly apparent. The functional impact conferred by such microbes is not only transmitted by viable cells or their metabolites but also through non-viable cells. Extensive research to unveil the protective action of such wonder bugs has resulted in categorizing the beneficial microflora and their bioactive metabolites into a variety of functional biotic concepts based on their intended applications in various forms. In the modern era, these are often termed as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, next-generation probiotics, psychobiotics, oncobiotics, pharmabiotics, and metabiotics. Currently, the concept of traditional probiotics is being widened to include microbes beyond lactic acid bacteria. Indeed, this diversification has broadened the functional food portfolio from food to pharmaceuticals. In this context, the present review aims to summarize the existing biotic concepts and their differences thereof.     

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of accessory gland secretory proteins in a few species of Drosophila immigrans group

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of accessory gland proteins in four species of D. immigrans group has been made. Quantitative estimation of these proteins during development of the adult male revealed that there is a gradual increase in the quantity of secretions up to 7 days. The secretions constitute 72, 70, 50 and 54.2% in D.n. nasuta, D.s. neonasuta, D. rubida and D. pararubida respectively. Mating experiments showed that more than 1/3 of this stored secretory protein is transferred into the female reproductive tract during first mating. SDS-PAGE analysis of the accessory gland secretions revealed remarkable simplicity in their patterns, including the absence of age dependent alterations. In all the 4 species analysed, only the low mol. wt. fractions are not glycosylated. It was further observed that the extent of similarity between D.n. nasuta and D.s. neonasuta is greater than between D. rubida and D. pararubida.     

Understanding the Role of Grain Boundaries on Charge-Carrier and Ion Transport in Cs2AgBiBr6 Thin Films

Halide double perovskites have gained significant attention, owing to their composition of low-toxicity elements, stability in air, and recent demonstrations of long charge-carrier lifetimes that can exceed 1 µs. In particular, Cs₂AgBiBr₆ is the subject of many investigations in photovoltaic devices. However, the efficiencies of solar cells based on this double perovskite are still far from the theoretical efficiency limit of the material. Here, the role of grain size on the optoelectronic properties of Cs₂AgBiBr₆ thin films is investigated. It is shown through cathodoluminescence measurements that grain boundaries are the dominant nonradiative recombination sites. It also demonstrates through field-effect transistor and temperature-dependent transient current measurements that grain boundaries act as the main channels for ion transport. Interestingly, a positive correlation between carrier mobility and temperature is found, which resembles the hopping mechanism often seen in organic semiconductors. These findings explain the discrepancy between the long diffusion lengths >1 µm found in Cs₂AgBiBr₆ single crystals versus the limited performance achieved in their thin film counterparts. This work shows that mitigating the impact of grain boundaries will be critical for these double perovskite thin films to reach the performance achievable based on their intrinsic single-crystal properties.     

Experimental investigations into triplex hybrid process of GA-RDECDM during subtractive processing of MMC’s

The use of Al-6063 SiCp metal matrix composites (MMCs) in electronic packaging applications, heat sinks for printed circuit boards and for microwave housings necessitates certain degree of machining operations to meet the specifications of the product. The various conventional and non-conventional machining processes had been used to machine the MMCs. But all such processes have their limitations in providing the desired outcomes. Therefore, the present research endeavor, a new process variant of ECDM for the machining of Al-6063 SiCp MMCs. The developed grinding assisted rotary disk electrochemical discharge machining (GA-RDECDM) process integrates the concept of triplex hybridization. In GA-RDECDM, an abrasive coated rotary disk was used as a tool electrode. The abrasive coated disk provides micro gaps between the tool electrode and work material surface and thereby it results in thin and stable gas film formation. The breakdown of thin and stable gas films produce high frequency, low intensity discharges and consequently improves the machining performance. The additional abrasion action imparted by rotating disk ensures the continuation of ECDM process. The influence of various process parameters including applied voltage, pulse on time, electrolyte concentration and the disk rotation rate on width over cut (WOC) and depth were experimentally investigated. Multi criteria optimization using desirability approach predicts the parametric combination of applied voltage of 99V, pulse on time of 3 ms, electrolyte concentration of 17%wt./vol. and disk rotation rate of 30 rpm as the optimum setting for fabrication of slits on the MMCs. The underlying process mechanism is also investigated and presented with appropriate illustrations. The major contribution of the present research work is the development of a novel method for the fabrication of the slits on MMCs.     

Effect of Various Drying Methods on Flavor Characteristics and Physicochemical Properties of Dried Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii L. Spreng)

Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii. L. Spreng) dried using microwave, combo (combination of microwave and convection), infrared (IR), inert gas, hot air oven, cross-flow tray, freeze drying, and the effect of drying on flavor and quality characteristics such as chlorophyll analyzed by spectrophotometry and Ca, Fe, Mg, Cu, Na, K, and Zn by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) were compared with sun and shade drying along with fresh leaves. Clevenger hydrodistillation indicated that the shade-dried leaves (1.34%) retained a higher amount of essential oil followed by microwave-dried leaves (1.06%). About 65 components were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis and microwave drying retained a comparatively greater number of volatiles followed by combo-, IR-, and inert gas–dried samples. β-caryophyllene, E-β-ocimene, and italicene ether were found in all of the dried samples but in variable proportions.     

Organic photovoltaics: key photophysical,device and design aspects

Key aspects of Organic Photovoltaics (OPVs) have been reviewed in this tutorial. Issues pertaining to the choice of materials, fabrication processes, photophysical mechanisms, device characterization, morphology of active layers and manufacturing are discussed. Special emphasis has been given to recent developments in large-area modules. Current strategies in enhancing the performance using external optical engineering approaches have also been highlighted. OPVs as a technology combine low weight, flexibility, low cost, good form factor and high-throughput processing; making them a promising PV technology for the future.     

Oil, Fatty Acid Profile and Karanjin Content in Developing Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Seeds

Oil content, fatty acid composition and karanjin content were studied in developing pongamia seeds, at intervals of 3?weeks from 30?weeks after flowering up to 42?weeks. Three marked stages in seed development were observed at the early green pod stage, the middle half brown stage and the late dark brown stage. Significant variation in seed biomass, pod and seed characteristics were observed. A significant (P?<?0.01) decrease in the moisture content of the seeds was observed during seed development. The oil content gradually increased from 32.06 to 36.53?% as the seed matured. A significant variation in fatty acid composition was detected across all stages of seed development. Palmitic acid (16:0) content marginally decreased from 11.81 to 10.18?%, while stearic acid (18:0) and linolenic acid (18:3) remained constant at all stages of seed maturity. A steady increase in oleic acid (18:1) content from 38.11 to 49.11?% was observed, while the linoleic acid (18:2) content decreased from 30.14 to 18.85?%. The iodine value increased, while the saponification number of oil decreased during seed development. The increase in karanjin content was steady. Seeds harvested after 42?week after flowering yielded the maximum oil with high oleic acid content which could be suitable for biodiesel production.     

Genetic Variability Studies in Seed Biochemical Traits of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Accessions

A genetic variability study of oil content, fatty acid composition and karanjin content of seeds was carried out in candidate plus trees of Pongamia pinnata from selected agro-ecological zones of southern peninsular India. Significant zonal variation (P < 0.01) for biochemical traits was recorded. Significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) was recorded for latitude with oleic acid. Longitude showed significant negative correlation with palmitic acid and oleic acid. Altitude positively correlated with oleic acid and linolenic acid; negatively correlated with linoleic acid and seed oil content. Phenotypic co-efficient of variation was higher than the genotypic co-efficient of variation for all the biochemical traits. The oleic acid positively correlated with seed oil content (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with linoleic acid and linolenic acid (P < 0.01). The zone 1, zone 2, zone 3 and zone 4 showed high heritability and genetic advance for oleic acid, linoleic acid and oleic to linoleic acid ratio. Based on Ward's method, the pongamia accessions were grouped into three major clusters and four sub-groups depending on their geographical locations. Further, the results obtained in this study could be used as background information for biofuel programs in India and other tropical countries.