Abstract: Methods and compositions for forming perovskite hole transport layers for use in manufacturing photovoltaic devices are described. Embodiments include using a plurality of hole transport materials to produce high-performance HTL contacts to improve performance and stability.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices having contact layers are described herein. Devices, intermediate structures, and methods for making multilayer contacts for perovskite photovoltaic devices are provided. Embodiments include back contacts for N-I-P structures.

Abstract: An electrolyte for a lithium-ion battery includes a primary lithium salt and a solvent composition. In some implementations, the solvent composition includes fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), at least one linear ester, and at least one branched ester. In some implementations, a mole fraction of the FEC in the electrolyte is in a range of about 2 mol. % to about 30 mol. %, a total mole fraction of the at least one linear ester and the at least one branched ester in the electrolyte is at least about 45 mol. %, a molar ratio of the at least one linear ester to the at least one branched esters is in a range of about 1:10 to about 20:1, and the electrolyte is substantially free of four-carbon cyclic carbonates. Lithium-ion batteries employing such electrolytes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high transference number, thin-film electrolyte structure suitable for a battery includes a non-conducting organic phase portion and plurality of ion-conducting inorganic phase structures. The inorganic phase structures are dispersed throughout the organic phase portion and arranged generally in a layer. The inorganic phase structures are configured to span a thickness of the organic phase portion such that a respective portion of each structure is exposed on opposite sides of the organic phase portion. Respective interfaces between the organic phase portion and the inorganic phase structures possess strong adhesion characteristics via an unbroken chain of ionic bonds and/or covalent bonds. The interfaces in some embodiments include at least one adhesion promoter configured to promote adhesion between the organic phase portion and the inorganic phase structures.

Abstract: Polymer-based electrolyte materials that may be used as proton exchange membranes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells are described. The disclosed polymer electrolyte materials can be generally defined by a general 1,3-dicarbonyl repeat unit that may include various side chain and main chain constituents changing the acidity of the C—H proton(s) located between the carbonyl groups. Accordingly, by varying such side-chain and main-chain constituents, the proton-conduction properties the disclosed proton exchange membranes can be manipulated, and methods of producing the same. Methods of producing such polymer electrolyte materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high transference number, thin-film electrolyte structure suitable for a battery includes a non-conducting organic phase portion and plurality of ion-conducting inorganic phase structures. The inorganic phase structures are dispersed throughout the organic phase portion and arranged generally in a layer. The inorganic phase structures are configured to span a thickness of the organic phase portion such that a respective portion of each structure is exposed on opposite sides of the organic phase portion. Respective interfaces between the organic phase portion and the inorganic phase structures possess strong adhesion characteristics via an unbroken chain of ionic bonds and/or covalent bonds. The interfaces in some embodiments include at least one adhesion promoter configured to promote adhesion between the organic phase portion and the inorganic phase structures.

Abstract: Polymer-based electrolyte materials that may be used as proton exchange membranes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells are described. The disclosed polymer electrolyte materials can be generally defined by a general 1,3-dicarbonyl repeat unit that may include various side chain and main chain constituents changing the acidity of the C—H proton(s) located between the carbonyl groups. Accordingly, by varying such side-chain and main-chain constituents, the proton-conduction properties the disclosed proton exchange membranes can be manipulated, and methods of producing the same. Methods of producing such polymer electrolyte materials are also disclosed.