Article
Spectroscopy
Dineshkumar Sengottuvelu, Muthusamy Athianna, Anand Siddeswaran
Summary: A series of azomethine diol monomers containing naphthalene moiety were oxidatively polymerized in aqueous alkaline medium using NaOCl as oxidant. The polymers exhibit high thermal stability and good spectroscopic properties.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fangjuan Geng, Yu-Ning Wu, Daniel Splith, Liangjun Wang, Xiaowan Kang, Xiaojian Chen, Pengsheng Guo, Shanshan Liang, Lei Yang, Michael Lorenz, Marius Grundmann, Jiaqi Zhu, Chang Yang
Summary: By developing an amorphous Cu(S,I) material system, record high hole conductivities of 10(3)-10(4) S cm(-1) have been achieved in p-type amorphous transparent conductors (a-TCs), making them comparable with commercial n-type TCs made of indium tin oxide and 100 times greater than any previously reported p-type a-TCs. The high hole conduction is due to the overlap of large p-orbitals of I- and S2- anions, providing a hole transport pathway insensitive to structural disorder. Additionally, the bandgap of amorphous Cu(S,I) can be modulated from 2.6 to 2.9 eV by increasing the iodine content. These unique properties demonstrate the great potential of the Cu(S,I) system as a promising p-type amorphous transparent electrode material for optoelectronics.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jinpeng Yang, Chunyan Wu, Tengzuo Huang, Fayin Yu, Shuo Ding, Lei Qian, Tao Sun, Chaoyu Xiang
Summary: The impacts of doping the organic hole transport layer (HTL) PTB7-Th with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide) (LiTSFI) on the performance of quantum dot solar cells were investigated, and a notable enhancement in fill factor was observed. Doping with LiTFSI significantly deepened the Fermi level of the HTL, improving charge separation ability and conductivity. By optimizing doping conditions, the doped device achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency of 12.68%. This doping strategy of organic HTL promotes the development of lead sulfide quantum dot solar cell techniques.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Baoquan Wan, Xiaodi Dong, Xing Yang, Ming-Sheng Zheng, George Chen, Jun-Wei Zha
Summary: The self-healing ability has been introduced into a copolymerized polyimide through disulfide bond exchange. The resulting copolyimide insulation film possesses good self-healing ability, high mechanical and thermal stability, and excellent insulation properties. This method shows great potential for application in the insulation field.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nan Luo, Peng Ren, Yu Feng, Xiangfeng Shao, Hao-Li Zhang, Zitong Liu
Summary: This article focuses on the side-chain modulation of conjugated polymers and evaluates their effects on the performance of OFETs. The challenges and potential applications of functional high-performance OFETs through side-chain engineering are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shuo Zhang, Ruihan Wu, Chenkai Mu, Yanbo Wang, Liyuan Han, Yongzhen Wu, Wei-Hong Zhu
Summary: The alkyl linker-based self-assembled monolayer (SAM) has limitations in its hole-transporting capability and stability. In this study, a series of conjugated SAMs with enhanced photo and electrical stability were reported. The conjugated molecular structure not only improves charge transport but also stabilizes the electron-rich arylamines. An optimal conjugated SAM, in combination with a standard triple cation perovskite, achieved efficient inverted PSCs with high stability. The findings suggest that conjugated SAMs are promising for further advancement of inverted PSCs.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhongli Wang, Yibo Shi, Yunfeng Deng, Yang Han, Yanhou Geng
Summary: Nine DPP-based conjugated polymers were synthesized and the impact of various chalcogenophenes on solubility, film morphology, and charge transport properties was explored. It was found that certain combinations of chalcogenophenes led to high hole mobility in the resulting polymers, especially when processed with green solvents. The study highlights the importance of chalcogenophene selection for designing high mobility CPs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Banchhanidhi Prusti, Shivani Tripathi, Pralok Kumar Samanta, Manab Chakravarty
Summary: A metal/ligand-free approach was developed to access a white-light emissive conjugated microporous polymer at room temperature. The polymer emits intense white light in solution and yellow in the solid state, with potential applications in flexible white light emission devices. Through a donor-acceptor system, the polymer emits white light throughout the visible region.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tsubasa Mikie, Masahiro Hayakawa, Kenta Okamoto, Keitaro Iguchi, Shuhei Yashiro, Tomoyuki Koganezawa, Masatomo Sumiya, Hiroyuki Ishii, Shigehiro Yamaguchi, Aiko Fukazawa, Itaru Osaka
Summary: The charge carrier mobility of pi-conjugated polymers has significantly improved over the past two decades by increasing the pi-pi stacking ability. A new pi-conjugated polymer based on a quinoidal bithiophene moiety was synthesized, showing significantly extended pi-electron delocalization and higher intrachain charge carrier transport compared to its isomer. This study provides new guidelines for designing pi-conjugated polymers with high intrachain charge carrier transport.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chih-Yu Chang, Kuan-Si Wu, Chun-Ya Chang
Summary: High-performance and long-term stable self-powered photodetectors based on methylammonium lead iodide nanowires are demonstrated by incorporating a multi-functional interfacial layer DPP-CNTVT. The PDs exhibit a high responsivity, specific detectivity, and wide linear dynamic range, with nearly 90% of the initial detectivity secured after continuous operation for 15,300 hours in ambient conditions. This study provides valuable insights into developing efficient and ultra-stable self-powered perovskite PDs through interfacial engineering.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuchai Pan, Jianyao Huang, Dong Gao, Zhihui Chen, Weifeng Zhang, Gui Yu
Summary: Semiconducting polymers play a crucial role in both industrial and academic purposes, with ongoing research focusing on the structure-performance relationship. By improving structural engineering, new semiconducting polymers with enhanced properties can be developed. Through studying a series of diketopyrrolopyrrole-based polymers with different alkyl chain lengths, a strong correlation between electrical performance and alkyl side chain was observed, leading to a comprehensive understanding of design rules for high-performance semiconductor materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiwoo Min, Jaemin Im, Seung Hyun Kim, Hyun Ho Choi, Kilwon Cho
Summary: Molecular doping affects the charge transport pathways and mechanisms in conjugated polymer thin films, and this is highly attributed to the initial molecular ordering of the films. The study reveals the differences in coherent and incoherent charge transport and the impact of chemical structure on the charge transport performance.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maina Moses Mburu, Ai-Nhan Au-Duong, Wei-Ting Li, Wen-Yueh Yu, Yann-Wen Lan, Wei-Hung Chiang, Yu-Cheng Chiu
Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of polyisoprene with hydrogen-bonding in dispersion and selection of semiconducting nanotubes. By copolymerizing with vinyl-terminated-poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene), large-diameter semiconducting nanotubes can be selected, and the sorted solution remains stable during long-term storage and at low temperatures.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jenner H. L. Ngai, John Polena, Daniel Afzal, Xiguang Gao, Mihir Kapadia, Yuning Li
Summary: A series of donor-acceptor polymers with high temperature coefficient and good mechanical flexibility have been designed and synthesized for temperature sensing, showing promising applications in low-cost and ubiquitous fields.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengwei Liu, Ann-Kathrin Steppert, Yazhi Liu, Philipp Weis, Jianyu Hu, Chen Nie, Wen-Cong Xu, Alexander J. C. Kuehne, Si Wu
Summary: Researchers have developed a photo- and thermostable anti-counterfeiting material by using photopatterning and thermal annealing techniques on a photoresponsive conjugated polymer. The stability of the material is achieved through interchain stacking promoted by thermal annealing and the desirable thermal properties endowed by the conjugated structure. This study provides a new strategy for the development of highly stable and secure anti-counterfeiting materials.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antonia Fruntke, Mira Behnke, Leanne M. Stafast, Tom Trader, Elisabeth Dietel, Antje Vollrath, Christine Weber, Ulrich S. Schubert, Timm Wilke
Summary: This publication presents a series of experiments in the field of nanomedicine for high school chemistry education and student laboratories, developed as a collaborative project between chemistry didactics and chemical research. In this context, polymeric nanocarriers represent a promising approach for drug delivery, acting as smart packaging material to ensure transport to the desired location in the body and a targeted release. All experiments can be performed with simple and harmless chemicals within a time frame of two school lessons.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victor D. Lechuga-Islas, Melisa Trejo-Maldonado, Ilya Anufriev, Ivo Nischang, Ipek Terzioglu, Jens Ulbrich, Ramiro Guerrero-Santos, Luis E. Elizalde-Herrera, Ulrich S. Schubert, Carlos Guerrero-Sanchez
Summary: This article describes an all-aqueous, surfactant-free, and pH-driven method to generate pH- and temperature-responsive polymer nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were produced by solubilizing copolymers in an acidic buffer and can be stable for at least 28 days in a pH range of 2.0 to 6.0 and a temperature range of 25 to 50 degrees C. These nanoparticles can act as nanocarriers for pH-sensitive drugs, expanding their bioavailability and enabling controlled release.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Lisa Ehrlich, Doris Pospiech, Upenyu L. Muza, Albena Lederer, Julia Muche, Dieter Fischer, Petra Uhlmann, Felix Tzschoeckell, Simon Muench, Martin D. Hager, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: This study investigates solid electrolytes based on ionic liquid polymers that offer stable ion conduction. Ionic liquid monomers are converted into linear homopolymers or polymer networks by thermally initiated radical polymerization or UV-initiated copolymerization. The materials are confirmed through NMR or Raman spectroscopy, and their ionic conductivities are measured. The results show that these materials have potential as electrolytes for solid-state batteries.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Misgina Tilahun Tsehaye, Xian Yang, Tobias Janoschka, Martin D. Hager, Ulrich S. Schubert, Emilie Planes, Fannie Alloin, Cristina Iojoiu
Summary: Membrane development is crucial in organic redox flow batteries (ORFBs). In this study, a series of anion exchange membranes made from poly(p-phenylene oxide) (PPO) with different functionalization degrees, cationic moieties, and crosslinking degrees were designed. The membrane prepared from PPO and trimethylamine moiety attached via a C6-spacer showed the best overall cell performance, with high capacity retention (94% after over 100 consecutive cycles), higher peak power density (293 mW center dot cm(-2) at 16 mL center dot min(-1)), and energy efficiency (80%) compared to the commercial reference membrane FAA-3-50.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Leanne M. Stafast, Nora Engel, Helmar Goerls, Christine Weber, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: In this study, 2-(4-(iodomethyl)benzyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione was used as a protected amine-functionalized initiator for the cationic ring opening-polymerization (CROP) of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline. The polymerization was well-controlled and terminated with sodium azide. Subsequent deprotection allowed for attachment of targeting ligands to the polymer. The heterotelechelic PEtOx was then coupled to end-functionalized polylactide to form block copolymers for nanomedicine.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Christian Friebe, Clara Zens, Stephan Kupfer, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: We propose an approach to overcome the low intrinsic electrical conductivity of established organic materials by directly electrochemically polymerizing suitable monomers onto the battery electrode. By linking a terthiophene to a TEMPO moiety, we not only achieve successful electropolymerization but also construct additive-free organic batteries. Cell tests demonstrate the system's high rate capabilities (20% capacity retention at 50C) and good long-term stability (0.03% capacity loss per cycle).
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Erik Schroeter, Lada Elbinger, Manon Mignon, Christian Friebe, Johannes C. Brendel, Martin D. Hager, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: Aqueous zinc batteries with organic cathode materials have the potential to be sustainable, safe, environmentally friendly, and highly flexible secondary energy storage systems. In this study, we demonstrate the preparation of an oxygen-tolerant, semi-organic setup using an all-aqueous process, from polymerization to coin cell assembly, without the need for intermediate purification steps. The resulting battery exhibits high energy densities and excellent stability, making it a promising candidate for cost-effective and efficient rechargeable zinc-based batteries.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Nicole Ziegenbalg, Hans F. F. Ulrich, Steffi Stumpf, Philipp Mueller, Jurgen Wiethan, Janette Danner, Ulrich S. S. Schubert, Torben Adermann, Johannes C. C. Brendel
Summary: This study investigated the polymerization of VME monomer in water and found that the resulting polymer could coordinate with silver or gold ions, forming stable dispersions. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was identified as the only surfactant capable of creating stable dispersions. Exposure to sunlight led to controlled reduction of the metal ions and the formation of composite particles. Silver ion-containing dispersions demonstrated strong antibacterial properties.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Natalie E. Goeppert, Michael Dirauf, Phil Liebing, Christine Weber, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: A monomer of 3-benzylmorpholine-2,5-dione is synthesized from l-phenylalanine and characterized by various techniques. A well-defined poly(ester amide) homopolymer is then synthesized using a binary catalyst system, showing high controllability of dispersities and molar masses. The resulting polyesteramides have potential as drug delivery vehicles, especially for hydrophobic drugs.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuo Xu, Jose Prince Madalaimuthu, Josef Bernd Slowik, Rico Meitzner, Aman Anand, Shahidul Alam, Hector Corte, Steffi Stumpf, Ulrich S. S. Schubert, Harald Hoppe
Summary: Solution-processed PBDTTT-C-T:PC71BM-based organic solar cells with a blend of organic-inorganic ETLs, including conjugated PDINO molecules and sol-gel derived TiOx, show improved performance compared to cells with a single ETL. The blend ETL reduces bimolecular recombination and trap-assisted recombination, leading to increased efficiency. The integration of compatible organic and inorganic interface materials for simultaneous enhancement of device efficiency and lifetime has potential significance for commercial development of organic solar cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
He Jia, Zehan Chen, Shanshan Yan, Fabio Lucaccioni, Zdravko Kochovski, Yan Lu, Christian Friebe, Ulrich S. Schubert, Jean-Francois Gohy
Summary: Nanoreactors with hydrophilic porous SiO2 shells and amphiphilic copolymer cores were prepared, which can adjust their hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and exhibit chameleon-like behavior depending on the environment. The resulting nanoparticles showed excellent colloidal stability in solvents with different polarities. Importantly, with the help of nitroxide radicals attached to the amphiphilic copolymers, the synthesized nanoreactors exhibited high catalytic activity in both polar and nonpolar environments, and achieved high selectivity for the products of benzyl alcohol oxidation in toluene.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patrick Endres, Timo Schuett, Julian Kimmig, Stefan Zechel, Martin D. Hager, Robert Geitner, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: In this study, online NMR measurements are introduced as a new analytical setup for investigating the synthesis of oxymethylene dimethyl ether (OME). The setup is validated by comparing it with state-of-the-art gas chromatographic analysis. The influence of parameters such as temperature, catalyst concentration, and catalyst type on OME fuel formation based on trioxane and dimethoxymethane is investigated, with Amberlyst(TM) 15 (A15) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH) being used as catalysts. A kinetic model is applied to describe the reaction and calculate the activation energy and catalyst order.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Erik Schroeter, Christian Stolze, Jakob Meyer, Martin D. Hager, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: The hydrophilic polymer PTMAm was used as a redox target material in an aqueous organic redox targeting flow battery. The polymer was processed into granules with a conductive agent and an alginate binder to obtain a hydrophilic, water-insoluble redox target. The redox target was combined with the redox mediator molecule TEMPOAmide, and electrochemical characterization and flow battery testing were conducted. In addition, in-situ characterization of the redox target was performed for the first time, providing estimates of its state-of-charge changes during cycling. A figure of merit, redox targetivity, was proposed to evaluate the efficiency of the targeting reaction and guide future optimization of materials, cell designs, and operational parameters for RTFBs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Aurelien Sokeng Djoumessi, Anastasia Sichwardt, Daria Miliaieva, Jan Cermak, Maximilian Schaal, Felix Otto, Stepan Stehlik, Jaroslav Kulicek, Vojtech Nadazdy, Torsten Fritz, Alexander Kromka, Bohuslav Rezek, Ulrich S. S. Schubert, Harald Hoppe
Summary: Diamond nanoparticles, also known as nanodiamonds, have attracted scientific interest due to their optical and electronic properties, nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and large surface area. The versatility of the surface chemistry of nanodiamonds allows for the attachment of various functional groups, providing a platform for adjusting their properties and functions. In this study, high-pressure high-temperature nanodiamonds were tested as charge extraction material in organic solar cells, and hydrogenated nanodiamonds were found to be effective for electron extraction.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Oliver Bysewski, Andreas Winter, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: A tridentate bis-NHC Pd complex based on caffeine was studied for its catalytic activity. The complex exhibited high catalytic activity in Suzuki-Miyaura and Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reactions of aryl halides. The Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction was also investigated, showing a rapid plateauing of the reaction. Aryl iodides and aryl bromides with both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents were reactive, as well as aryl chlorides with electron-withdrawing groups under the applied conditions.
