{"title":"Theory of Nonadiabatic Tunneling Splitting","authors":"Leonardo Raso, Michele Ceotto, Eli Pollak","doi":"10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00443","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00443","url":null,"abstract":"Estimating tunneling splittings is a long-standing quantum mechanical challenge for theoretical methods. Sometimes splittings are so small, i.e., within a fraction of a wavenumber, pushing the limits of experimental detection and computational precision. Currently, most computational methods are able, at best, to obtain only ground-state tunneling splittings, either for symmetric or asymmetric potentials. In this Letter, we introduce a unified theoretical approach, based on a two-state approximation that can be equally applied to symmetric and asymmetric diabatic potential crossing and for excited states, providing reliable estimates even for states near the energy crossing. The method opens the door to analytic approximations for the tunneling splitting of model potential systems. It provides a framework for the introduction of vibrational perturbation theory to the estimation of nonadiabatic tunneling splittings. It also provides new insight into the semiclassical theory, leading to an instanton based steepest descent expression applicable also to excited states. Numerical tests on model systems are promising, providing the groundwork for implementation to future multidimensional applications.","PeriodicalId":62,"journal":{"name":"The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters","volume":"48 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.475,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143921154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multifunctional BODIPY-Structured n-Type Conjugated Polymer for Simultaneous Interface Energetic Modification and Defect Passivation to Boost Efficiency and Stability of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells","authors":"Shuang Lian, Mengyu Liu, Helong Zhu, Yanjie Wu, Anudari Dolgormaa, Yichi Zhang, Hongmei Zhan, Jun Liu, Lixiang Wang, Chuanjiang Qin","doi":"10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00521","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00521","url":null,"abstract":"The performance of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is hindered by non-radiative recombination within the perovskite and charge recombination at the cathode interface. To address these issues, we propose a technique involving oriented crystallization control and interface energetic modification using a conjugated thienyl-fused BODIPY homopolymer named IP1. IP1 demonstrated effectiveness in both defect passivation and energy level adjustment. Simultaneously, IP1 acts as a “protective shield” anchored on the grain boundaries and surfaces of perovskite, enhancing the crystal structure and preventing degradation of perovskite. Based on the efficient synergy above, the IP1-modified device achieves a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.06%, representing the highest value among n-type polymer-incorporated PSCs. More importantly, the IP1-modified device maintains 95% of its initial PCE after operating at the maximum power point (MPP) of 1000 h. This work combines achievements of n-type conjugated polymer science and interface energetic modification to open a new door for efficient and stable PSCs.","PeriodicalId":62,"journal":{"name":"The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.475,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143921146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joseph J. Schuyt, Grant V. M. Williams, Shen V. Chong
{"title":"Cryogenic Charging and Discharging Kinetics of a Photostimulable Phosphor: Low Charge Rates at Low Temperatures","authors":"Joseph J. Schuyt, Grant V. M. Williams, Shen V. Chong","doi":"10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00870","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00870","url":null,"abstract":"Phosphors that exhibit photostimulated luminescence (PSL), i.e., photostimulable phosphors, possess intrinsic memory. This property has been leveraged historically in optical sensors and imaging devices and more recently toward optical computing. Heretofore, it was unclear whether all-optical PSL effectively manifests at very low temperatures. Herein we characterized the charging and discharging kinetics of an ideal two-level photostimulable phosphor (RbCdF<sub>3</sub>:Mn) from ambient to cryogenic temperatures (11 K). While PSL persists at cryogenic temperatures, the charging efficiency decreases significantly. The inhibition is quantitatively described by using an adapted charging model incorporating a weakly bound (31 meV) excitonic state. When the model is extended to include high-temperature thermal ionization effects, the charge/discharge kinetics and the anti-thermal PSL quenching are described with high fidelity. The model can be adapted to describe other photostimulable and persistent phosphors with a luminescent electron donor (e.g., Bi<sup>3+</sup>, Pr<sup>3+</sup>, Cr<sup>3+</sup>, Mn<sup>2+</sup>).","PeriodicalId":62,"journal":{"name":"The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.475,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143921147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jesse B Brown,Yuqin Qian,Hui Wang,Haley Fisher,Zhi-Chao Huang-Fu,V Faye McNeill,Yi Rao
{"title":"Heterogeneous Adsorption of Volatile Organic Compounds to Aerosol Particle Surfaces Probed with In Situ Surface Vibrational Sum Frequency Scattering.","authors":"Jesse B Brown,Yuqin Qian,Hui Wang,Haley Fisher,Zhi-Chao Huang-Fu,V Faye McNeill,Yi Rao","doi":"10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00575","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00575","url":null,"abstract":"Vibrational sum frequency scattering (VSFS) has shown great utility in monitoring organics at sub-micrometer droplet surfaces, but the adsorbates were present upon generation. Herein, we present the first direct observation of heterogeneous gas-phase adsorption to droplet surfaces using in situ VSFS spectroscopy. This marks a significant development in the VSFS technique by allowing direct observation of heterogeneous adsorption to droplet surfaces in situ under ambient conditions, not relying on bulk removal or uptake. Using a flow tube system, we investigated formic acid vapor adsorption under different interaction times, concentrations, and physical environments. VSFS was used to compare adsorption to droplet surfaces from the gas phase and the underlying bulk at different interaction times. We then quantified the adsorption free energies for the different adsorption processes and found no significant difference between adsorption from the aqueous particle phase and that from the gas phase to the particle surface, with similar results at depressed relative humidity.","PeriodicalId":62,"journal":{"name":"The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters","volume":"19 1","pages":"4662-4667"},"PeriodicalIF":6.475,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143921074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Accelerating Symmetry-Breaking Charge Separation in an Angular versus Linear Perylenediimide Dimer through the Modulation of Coulombic Coupling.","authors":"Aniruddha Mazumder,Kavya Vinod,Aivin Chemmarappallil Thomas,Mahesh Hariharan","doi":"10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00372","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00372","url":null,"abstract":"Achieving faster charge separation in organic systems capable of mimicking the electron transfer events in natural photosynthesis has been an exciting research topic for several decades. Herein, we demonstrate the orientation-dependent acceleration of symmetry-breaking charge separation (SB-CS) in an angular (A-PDI2) versus linear (L-PDI2) perylenediimide dimer. Femtosecond transient absorption measurements reveal ultrafast SB-CS in A-PDI2 (τCS = 6.3 ps) with charge separation ∼20 times faster than in L-PDI2 (τCS = 127.9 ps). Nanosecond transient absorption measurements establish the negligible population of triplet excited-states in L-PDI2 (ϕT < 1%), whereas a significant triplet excited-state population (ϕT = 35.9%) is quantified in A-PDI2. The theoretically computed Coulombic coupling strength in A-PDI2 (|JCoul| = 14.9 cm-1) and L-PDI2 (|JCoul| = 438.4 cm-1) is rationalized as the crucial factor modulating the SB-CS rates. The current investigation could be beneficial for designing light harvesting materials capable of faster charge separation for efficient optoelectronic devices.","PeriodicalId":62,"journal":{"name":"The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters","volume":"110 1","pages":"4819-4827"},"PeriodicalIF":6.475,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143921073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanical Flexibility Improves Thermal Conduction of Confined Liquid in Nanofluidics.","authors":"Ziqiao Chen,Renjie He,Xiaotong Yu,Rong Chen,Baoxing Xu,Yuan Gao","doi":"10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00819","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00819","url":null,"abstract":"Nanofluidics systems demonstrate the potential to address the thermal management challenge in nanoelectronics devices with extraordinary transport properties. However, the phonon features in different substrates have led to contradictory thermal transport properties of the confined liquid. Understanding the correlation between the thermal transport of nanoconfined liquid and substrate vibration is of critical importance. Herein, we demonstrate that the phonon resonance between the substrates and the confined water molecules can significantly enhance the thermal conductivity of the water. Detailed analyses reveal that the phonon resonance shortens the lifetime of hydrogen bonds, promotes the mobility of the water molecules, and enhances the thermal conductivity. Moreover, the effect of phonon resonance is more pronounced with a reduced channel size owing to stronger solid-liquid interactions. These results and findings offer a fundamental understanding of the thermal transport of the nanoconfined liquid and provide theoretical guidance for developing nanofluidics-based cooling strategies.","PeriodicalId":62,"journal":{"name":"The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters","volume":"227 1","pages":"4765-4772"},"PeriodicalIF":6.475,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143914917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Surajit Metya, Shane J. Goettl, Iakov A. Medvedkov, Márcio O. Alves, Breno R. L. Galvão, Ralf I. Kaiser
{"title":"Gas-Phase Synthesis of Germanium Monosulfide (GeS, X1Σ+) via the Elementary Reaction of Atomic Germanium (Ge, 3P) with Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S, X1A1)","authors":"Surajit Metya, Shane J. Goettl, Iakov A. Medvedkov, Márcio O. Alves, Breno R. L. Galvão, Ralf I. Kaiser","doi":"10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00574","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00574","url":null,"abstract":"Germanium belongs to the carbon group in the periodic table; however, its chemical behavior sometimes differs from that of carbon, defying the isoelectronic rule proposed by Langmuir. One notable example is germanium monosulfide (GeS, X<sup>1</sup>Σ<sup>+</sup>), where germanium exhibits remarkable stability in the +II oxidation state, unlike carbon in its monosulfide form. Germanium monosulfide (GeS, X<sup>1</sup>Σ<sup>+</sup>) is a promising material, with applications ranging from optoelectronic devices to highly efficient semiconductors. Here, we report on the gas phase synthesis of germanium monosulfide (GeS) through the elementary reaction between ground-state atomic germanium (Ge, <sup>3</sup>P) and hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S, X<sup>1</sup>A<sub>1</sub>) via nonadiabatic reaction dynamics exploiting the single-collision approach in a crossed molecular beams machine. The integration of electronic structure calculations and experimental findings reveals that the reaction dynamics proceed via intersystem crossing (ISC) to produce singlet germanium monosulfide (GeS, X<sup>1</sup>Σ<sup>+</sup>) and molecular hydrogen. This result provides an intricate reaction mechanism for the germanium–hydrogen sulfide system via germanium–sulfur bond coupling and demonstrates the “heavy atom effect” facilitated intersystem crossing yielding nearly exclusive singlet germanium monosulfide. This outcome also emphasizes that elementary reactions involving atomic germanium and hydrogen sulfide are quite different from those observed in the carbon–hydrogen sulfide or silicon–hydrogen sulfide systems.","PeriodicalId":62,"journal":{"name":"The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.475,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143915984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Design and Investigation of Carbazole-Dithienylethene Compounds for Switchable Organic Radical Systems.","authors":"Anastasiia Rysich,Ludovic Favereau,Julien Boixel","doi":"10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00773","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00773","url":null,"abstract":"Photoswitchable radicals incorporating dithienylethene (DTE) moieties offer unique opportunities for dynamic control in various chemical and material applications. By exploiting light-triggered isomerization processes, researchers can achieve precise modulation of radical reactivity, enabling spatiotemporal control of chemical transformations. Despite growing interest in this field, challenges remain in controlling spin-orbit coupling and spin dynamics, which influence the electronic structure and transitions induced by light absorption as well as achieving photostability for repeated photoisomerization cycles. To address these challenges, we have designed a new family of photoswitchable organic radicals that incorporate DTE moieties and carbazole radical centers. We studied the influence of spin delocalization through the molecular structure and spin evolution upon light irradiation by using ultraviolet/visible absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Our findings demonstrate the photochromic behavior of the neutral form and reversible radical formation, contributing to advancements in this promising field.","PeriodicalId":62,"journal":{"name":"The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters","volume":"26 1","pages":"4796-4803"},"PeriodicalIF":6.475,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143921078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Karmen Kapustić,Cosme G Ayani,Borna Pielić,Kateřina Plevová,Šimun Mandić,Iva Šrut Rakić
{"title":"Visualizing Intercalation Effects in 2D Materials Using AFM-Based Techniques.","authors":"Karmen Kapustić,Cosme G Ayani,Borna Pielić,Kateřina Plevová,Šimun Mandić,Iva Šrut Rakić","doi":"10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00322","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00322","url":null,"abstract":"Intercalation of two-dimensional materials, particularly transition metal dichalcogenides, is a noninvasive way to modify the electronic, optical, and structural properties of these materials. However, research regarding these atomic-scale phenomena usually relies on using ultrahigh vacuum techniques, which are time-consuming, expensive, and spatially limited. Here we utilize atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based techniques to visualize local structural and electronic changes of the MoS2/graphene/Ir(111) caused by sulfur intercalation. AFM topography reveals structural changes, while phase imaging and mechanical measurements show reduced Young's modulus and adhesion. Kelvin probe force microscopy highlights variations in surface potential and work function, aligning with intercalation signatures, while photoinduced force microscopy detects enhanced optical response in intercalated regions. These results demonstrate the efficacy of AFM-based techniques in mapping intercalation, offering insights into tailoring 2D materials' electronic and optical properties. This work underscores the potential of AFM techniques for advanced material characterization and the development of 2D material applications.","PeriodicalId":62,"journal":{"name":"The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters","volume":"7 1","pages":"4804-4811"},"PeriodicalIF":6.475,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143921077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Self-Powered Ultraviolet Sensor Based on CsPbCl3 for Skin Safety Monitoring.","authors":"Haiting Zhang,Tianchen Ji,Ruihuan Zhang,Chaoyang Li,Xun Liu,Xuanqi Zhong,Xiaoxian Song,Liping Liu,Ning Chen,Zilin Xia,Jingjing Zhang,Zijie Dai,Yunxia Ye,Xudong Ren,Jianquan Yao","doi":"10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00174","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00174","url":null,"abstract":"Extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. The World Health Organization reports that when the UV index surpasses 7, the skin becomes vulnerable to diseases like erythema. There is an urgent need for an UV photodetector capable of real-time UV intensity monitoring. In recent years, cesium lead chloride (CsPbCl3) has emerged as a superior candidate material in the field due to its wide bandgap of 2.8 eV and outstanding UV optoelectronic and ferroelectric performance. In this study, a self-powered CsPbCl3 thin-film photodetector was fabricated by a two-step spin-coating method along with a seven-level UV detection system. When the UV level reaches or exceeds level 7, the device sends a warning via Wi-Fi, enabling individuals to take prompt protective measures against harmful UV radiation. Additionally, the potential of the detector for optical imaging was demonstrated by reconstructing the image of the letters \"UJS\" using single-pixel imaging techniques. The findings indicate that the self-powered CsPbCl3 UV photodetector holds substantial promise for skin health management and optical imaging.","PeriodicalId":62,"journal":{"name":"The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters","volume":"20 1","pages":"4756-4764"},"PeriodicalIF":6.475,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143914967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}