Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
In 2015, researchers reported growing atomically thin sheets of an organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite from solution. The single- and few-unit-cell crystals showed structural relaxation associated with a band-gap shift compared with the bulk material, along with efficient photoluminescence. The result opened a path for studying thin hybrid perovskites; it did not demonstrate a commercial product or working solar device.
What is a two-dimensional hybrid perovskite?
Perovskites are a family of materials with a characteristic crystal structure. In the 2015 study, Letian Dou and colleagues examined an organic–inorganic hybrid: (C4H9NH3)2PbBr4. Its crystals formed thin, layered sheets, with organic and inorganic components in the material. The researchers reported single- and few-unit-cell-thick single crystals with well-defined square shapes. The paper’s PubMed record identifies the work as published in Science on 25 September 2015.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How did the researchers grow the sheets?
A contemporaneous Chemistry World account describes dissolving tetramethylammonium bromide and lead(II) bromide in diluted dimethylformamide, then depositing the solution on a heated silicon dioxide surface. As the solvent evaporated, the sheets grew on the surface.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →This is the preparation described in that report, not a verified, independently replicated laboratory protocol. The essential point is that the crystals were grown from solution rather than presented as a finished device or consumer material.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What properties did the atomically thin sheets show?
The study reported unusual structural relaxation in the thin sheets. That structural change was associated with a shift in band gap relative to the bulk crystal. The authors also reported efficient photoluminescence, meaning the material emitted light after excitation.
The paper described thickness and composition as ways to tune the material’s color: changing sheet thickness, or synthesizing related materials with different compositions, could alter its optical behavior. These findings make the sheets useful for investigating how dimensionality and composition affect hybrid perovskites.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How do the sheets differ from the bulk crystal?
| Feature | Atomically thin sheets | Bulk crystal |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensionality | Single- or few-unit-cell-thick layers | Bulk material, used as the comparison in the reported band-gap finding |
| Structure | Structural relaxation was reported | Reference crystal for comparison; the source does not provide a separate structural measurement here |
| Band gap | Shift associated with structural relaxation relative to bulk | Comparison baseline; the source summary does not state numerical values |
| Optical behavior | Efficient photoluminescence reported; thickness or composition offers a color-tuning route | No comparable photoluminescence result is stated in the source summary |
The evidence supports a qualitative comparison, not a set of numerical performance specifications. The report describes the crystals as micrometer-scale, but does not establish a precise size or a device-level efficiency figure.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Why the result mattered—and what it did not prove
The U.S. Department of Energy characterized the work as an opportunity for fundamental research into thin two-dimensional hybrid perovskites and a new family of semiconductors with potential optoelectronic applications. That potential is prospective: the 2015 report established a synthesis and material properties in a research setting, not a market-ready product, commercial solar cell, or demonstrated optoelectronic device.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The original research article is Letian Dou et al., “Atomically thin two-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites,” Science 349 (6255), 1518–1521 (2015), DOI 10.1126/science.aac7660. PubMed record. The preparation summary appeared in Chemistry World on 25 September 2015.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
