Browsing by Author "Chen, Chih-Han"

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Controlled mechanical cleavage of bulk niobium diselenide to nanoscaled sheet, rod, and particle structures for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells
(2014)
Ibrahem, Mohammed Aziz
;
Huang, Wei-Chih
;
Lan, Tian-wey
;
Boopathi, Karunakara Moorthy
;
Hsiao, Yu-Chen
In this study, we report a one-step process for the preparation of NbSe2 nanosheets, nanorods and nanoparticles from pristine materials under the effects of shear and friction forces. Nevertheless, simple and facile methods for the large-scale syntheses of well-defined NbSe2 nanostructures in high yield have yet to be realized and that will have a great impact in a wide range of applications. For example, developing platinum (Pt)-free and highly efficient counter electrodes is meaningful and necessary for the cost reduction of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). By integrating this approach with a simple method of thin film preparation (spray coating) allowed us to prepare large-area, conductive, semitransparent flexible thin films of NbSe2. We have used microscopic and macroscopic methods to examine the morphologies, compositions, crystallinity, and electrical and optical properties of the converted NbSe2 nanostructures. DSSCs with NbSe2 nanosheet counter electrodes (CEs) achieved a conversion efficiency of 7.73%, superior to an efficiency of 7.01% for Pt-based CEs. Our NbSe2 nanostructure provides a cost-effective CE alternative to the noble metal Pt in DSSCs.
Effectiveness of organic molecules for spin filtering in an organic spin valve: Reaction-induced spin polarization for Co atop Alq(3)
(2015-01-21)
Tu-Ngoc Lam
;
Lai, Yu-Ling
;
Chen, Chih-Han
;
Chen, Po-Hung
;
Chan, Yuet-Loy
The spin polarization of organic-ferromagnetic interfaces in an organic spin valve critically affects the efficiency of spin injection or detection. We examined the chemical and electronic properties of ferromagnetic Co deposited on organic Alq(3) and the interfacial spin-polarized capability of the electronic states. Our x-ray photoemission spectra and calculations with density-functional theory indicate a sequential and unequal distribution of charge from Co clusters to N and then to O atoms in Alq(3). The preferential orbital hybridization at specific functional sites produces efficient spin polarization of organic molecules. Element-specific measurements of x-ray magnetic circular dichroism demonstrate the preferential spin polarization in the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital state of N atoms at the complex interface for Co atop Alq(3), which agrees satisfactorily with calculation. Our results indicate that an induced interfacial spin polarization on engineering the dominant reaction of Co with mainly N and O atoms in Alq(3) might pave a way for effective spin filtering in organic spintronics.
Enhanced Magnetic Anisotropy via Quasi-Molecular Magnet at Organic-Ferromagnetic Contact
(2013-01-17)
Hsu, Yao-Jane
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Lai, Yu-Ling
;
Chen, Chih-Han
;
Lin, Ying-Chang
;
Chien, Hsiu-Yun
To realize the origin of efficient spin injection at organic-ferromagnetic contact in organic spintronics, we have implemented the formation of quasi-molecular magnet via surface restructuring of a strong organic acceptor, tetrafluoro-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4-TCNQ), in contact with ferromagnetic cobalt. Our results demonstrate a spin-polarized F4-TCNQ layer and a remarkably enhanced magnetic anisotropy of the Co film. The novel magnetic properties are contributed from strong magnetic coupling caused by the molecular restructuring that displays an angular anchoring conformation of CN and upwardly protruding fluorine atoms. We conclude that the pi bonds of CN, instead of the lone-pair electrons of N atoms, contribute to the hybridization-induced magnetic coupling between CN and Co and generate a superior magnetic order on the surface.
Interfacial symmetry of Co-Alq(3)-Co hybrid structures for effective spin filtering
(2015-11-01)
Lam, Tu-Ngoc
;
Lai, Yu-Ling
;
Chen, Chih-Han
;
Chen, Po-Hung
;
Wei, Der-Hsin
Understanding the interfacial behavior at FM-OSC-FM hybrid structures for both the bottom contact (Alq(3) adsorption on Co, Co/Alq(3)) and the top contact (Co atop Alq(3), Alq(3)/Co) is crucial for efficient spin filtering with transport of spin-polarized charge carriers through these interfaces. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra indicate a symmetry of charge transfer from Co to Alq(3) and the corresponding orbital hybridization to a certain extent at both contacts. The alignment of energy levels at both Alq(3)/Co and Co/Alq(3) heterostructures is depicted with ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). Through magnetic images acquired with a X-ray photoemission electron microscope (XPEEM), the strong hybridization of the top contact presents no micromagnetic domain but still shows magnetic coupling, to some extent, to the bottom contact in the Co-Alq(3)-Co trilayer structure. Measurements of X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) demonstrate the induced spin-polarization of non-magnetic Alq(3) at both contacts, proving Alq(3) a unique and promising organic material for spin filtering in OSV. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Interfacial symmetry of Co-Alq(3)-Co hybrid structures for effective spin filtering (vol 354, pg 90, 2015)
(2018-05-31)
Tu-Ngoc Lam
;
Lai, Yu-Ling
;
Chen, Chih-Han
;
Chen, Po-Hung
;
Wei, Der-Hsin