Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dukhan Kim, Emily A. Mueller, Da Seul Yang, Danielle E. Fagnani, Jinsang Kim, Anne J. McNeil
Summary: This study demonstrates that a single copolymer containing a conjugated poly(3-hexylthiophene) backbone and fullerene-functionalized side chains can serve as a general blend stabilizer, suppressing phase separation in multiple conjugated polymer/fullerene thin film blends as well as in a photovoltaic device.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Rosalinda Caringella, Parag Bhavsar, Giulia Dalla Fontana, Alessia Patrucco, Claudio Tonin, Pier Davide Pozzo, Marina Zoccola
Summary: Films of keratoses and sericin were successfully prepared using solution casting method with water as a common solvent and glycerol as a plasticizer. The addition of sericin led to rougher film surfaces, while there was good miscibility between keratoses and plasticizer. However, there were no covalent interactions between the polymers. Glycerol changed the thermal stability of sericin films, but had less impact on keratoses, and adding keratoses improved the mechanical properties of the sericin plasticized films.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matthias Nuber, Lukas Spanier, Sebastian Roth, Georgi N. Vayssilov, Reinhard Kienberger, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Hristo Iglev
Summary: Organic solar cells based on wide band gap polymers and nonfullerene small -molecule acceptors show excellent device performances. However, a comprehensive understanding of the charge-transfer process in these materials has not been achieved yet. In this study, Fano resonance signals were used to monitor the dynamics of the charge-transfer state, revealing additional dynamics in the small-molecule acceptor.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ru Qin, Yin Wu, Zicheng Ding, Rui Zhang, Jifa Yu, Wenliang Huang, Dongle Liu, Guanghao Lu, Shengzhong (Frank) Liu, Kui Zhao, Yanchun Han
Summary: The physical blending of high-mobility conjugated polymers with ductile elastomers provides a simple way to realize high-performance stretchable films. By constructing a sandwich structure in the blend film, the morphology and mechanical response of the film during stretching can be controlled, resulting in excellent ductility.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Bozena Jarzabek, Pawel Nitschke, Marcin Godzierz, Marcin Palewicz, Tomasz Piasecki, Teodor Pawel Gotszalk
Summary: The optical and structural properties of a blend thin film of P3HT and PCBM doped with iodine were studied during stepwise heating. The changes in absorption spectra during annealing were observed, indicating the release of iodine and other structural processes. The annealing process involved iodine escape, orderly stacking of polymer chains, thermally-induced structural defects, and phase separation caused by PCBM aggregation. Iodine doping was found to increase the photovoltaic effect.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Luke Heroux, Josh Moncada, Mark Dadmun
Summary: Adding DMSO to the pre-deposition solution can enhance the conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of PEDOT:PSS thin films, with improvements observed with as little as 1% DMSO. The structural modifications induced by DMSO disrupt solvated PEDOT assemblies, leading to smoother film formation and smaller PSS domains, ultimately impacting the final blend film morphology.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xin Liang, Shuai Zhang, Yuanwei Wu, Jiuxing Wang, Chunpeng Yang, Aziz Saparbaev, Shuguang Wen, Xichang Bao
Summary: Device engineering and morphology control are effective ways to improve the photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells, leading to higher charge generation and transport efficiency, as well as inhibiting exciton recombination. The use of PBB-TSD:Y6 in the active layer with a LBL process shows higher efficiency compared to BHJ process.
ORGANIC ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Ana Kramar, Irene Rodriguez Ortega, Gustavo Gonzalez-Gaitano, Javier Gonzalez-Benito
Summary: Variations in processing conditions can modify the properties of polymeric film. This study explores the influence of different casting surfaces and humidity on cellulose acetate (CA) film preparation using a solution casting method. The use of patterned surfaces (PTFE dishes) and different humidity levels affect the appearance and properties of the films. The micropatterning effect can be utilized as a humidity sensor in food packaging.
Article
Polymer Science
Dominik M. Schwaiger, Wiebke Lohstroh, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: The polymer dynamics within a bulk heterojunction in organic solar cells were investigated using quasielastic neutron scattering, focusing on hydrogen motion in the polymer side chains. Different blend ratios of the polymer PTB7 and the small molecule acceptor PCBM were studied, along with the effects of performance-enhancing measures like solvent additive DIO and post-production treatment with methanol on polymer dynamics. Results showed a stiffening of PTB7 side chains with higher PCBM loading and increased diffusive mobility with DIO, while methanol treatment had no effect on hydrogen motions.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hassan Sawalha, Theo G. M. van de Ven
Summary: This study investigates the effects of adding oils and alkanes on the properties of PCL films. The addition of different oils can effectively fine-tune the microstructure and mechanical properties of the films, providing a flexible tool for tailoring film properties.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yafei Ding, Yingman Zhu, Heng Wang, Yunfei Wang, Xiaodan Gu, Xiaohong Wang, Longzhen Qiu
Summary: Blending semiconductor polymers with insulator polymers is an effective strategy for preparing high-performance stretchable electronics. Optimizing the solution-processable technique and controlling the semiconductor molecular weight are promising strategies for developing blend films with good electrical and mechanical properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pavel Komarov, Maxim D. Malyshev, Tsu-Che Yang, Cheng-Ting Chiang, Hu-Li Liao, Daria Guseva, Vladimir Yu Rudyak, Viktor A. Ivanov, Shih-Huang Tung
Summary: Experimental and theoretical studies showed evidence of fullerenes crystallization and self-assembly into sponge-like network structures in mixtures of PC71BM with high boiling solvent additives.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Liu, Xiang Xu, Jun Yuan, Mario Leclerc, Yingping Zou, Yongfang Li
Summary: Recent advancements in organic solar cells have been achieved with the introduction of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs), which offer a wide absorption range and easily tunable energy levels. Efficient OSCs rely on good donor-acceptor compatibility, morphological control, and device engineering. Researchers have summarized design and synthesis strategies for NFAs, as well as proposed innovative solutions for material and device engineering to advance the development and applications of OSCs.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Ram Datt, Harrison Ka Hin Lee, Michael Spence, Matthew Carnie, Wing Chung Tsoi
Summary: Implantable biomedical electronics, such as pacemakers and drug pumps, can help humans overcome diseases. Currently, these devices rely on small batteries, which need to be replaced after a certain period of time. Recharging the battery can extend the replacement cycle.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jennifer Donohue, Steven E. Zeltmann, Karen C. Bustillo, Benjamin Savitzky, Mary Ann Jones, Gregory F. Meyers, Colin Ophus, Andrew M. Minor
Summary: Understanding and visualizing the heterogeneous structure of immiscible semicrystalline polymer systems is crucial for optimizing their morphology and microstructure. In this study, a cryogenic 4D-STEM technique was used to map the distribution of both crystalline and amorphous phases in an iPP/EO multilayer film. The resulting map revealed a sharp interface between the amorphous iPP and EO, indicating their incompatibility and immiscibility.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jing Guo, Tao Wang, Yao Wu, Rui Sun, Qiang Wu, Wei Wang, Hui Wang, Xinxin Xia, Xinhui Lu, Tao Wang, Jie Min
Summary: This study investigated the photostability and degradation mechanisms of all-polymer solar cells composed of three isomeric polymer acceptors, revealing different degradation mechanisms and morphological evolution paths for different acceptors. The acceptor with moderate crystallinity exhibited better stability, and the correlation between molecular structure and device stability was emphasized.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Wang, Pang Wang, Yuandong Sun, Chen Gao, Weiqiang Miao, Donghui Li, Yujie Yang, Tao Wang, Dan Liu
Summary: Charge transport layers are crucial for the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. The combination of p-type and n-type charge transfer complexes as transport layers enhances charge transport and photoconductivity, resulting in improved performance and stability of PSCs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kezia Sasitharan, Rachel C. Kilbride, Emma L. K. Spooner, Jenny Clark, Ahmed Iraqi, David G. Lidzey, Jonathan A. Foster
Summary: This study demonstrates a broadly applicable approach to improve the morphology of bulk heterojunction OPV devices using metal-organic nanosheets as additives. The addition of nanosheets leads to remarkable improvements in power conversion efficiency of semi-crystalline polymer devices.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dominic Blackburn, Thomas Routledge, Mary O'Kane, Elena J. Cassella, Onkar S. Game, Thomas E. Catley, Christopher J. Wood, Trevor McArdle, David George Lidzey
Summary: Tin oxide (SnOx) electron-extraction layers were fabricated using a reactive electron-beam evaporation process, achieving power conversion efficiencies up to 19.3% in standard perovskite solar cells. The deposition process of SnOx can be done at low temperature and does not require subsequent high-temperature annealing, demonstrating its potential compatibility with roll-to-roll processing on flexible polymeric substrates.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mattia Russo, Kirsty E. McGhee, Tersilla Virgili, David G. Lidzey, Giulio Cerullo, Margherita Maiuri
Summary: In this study, we used two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy to investigate the dephasing processes in organic dyes. We found that the dephasing time is temperature dependent and modeled the spectral diffusion processes. Our results provide design parameters for advanced optoelectronic and photonic devices incorporating dye molecules.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yujie Yang, Donghui Li, Jinlong Cai, Hui Wang, Chuanhang Guo, Shang Wen, Wei Li, Tao Wang, Dan Liu
Summary: By incorporating crystalline n-type molecule IDMIC-4F into the host system made of p-type polymer PM6 and n-type molecule ITCC-M, a ternary strategy is demonstrated for enhancing the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency. The compact alloy-like composite formed by ITCC-M and IDMIC-4F in the ternary p/n heterojunction NPs improves exciton dissociation and charge transfer characteristics. The optimized ternary NPs achieve an unprecedented hydrogen evolution rate of 307 mmol h(-1) g(-1) and a maximum apparent quantum efficiency of 5.9% at 600 nm.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Ahmed G. S. Al-Azzawi, Shujahadeen B. B. Aziz, Elham M. A. Dannoun, Ahmed Iraqi, Muaffaq M. M. Nofal, Ary R. R. Murad, Ahang M. Hussein
Summary: This review article discusses the synthesis and design of conjugated polymers to adjust their energy levels and energy band gap (EBG) for desired photovoltaic performance. The molecular orbital theory (MOT) is used to explain the formation of bonds and the delocalization of electrons. Conjugated polymers are classified as semiconducting materials due to the EBG of organic molecules.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaoshuai Zhang, Teng Li, Cong Yu, Weiqiang Miao, Hui Wang, Yiwei Fu, Bojun Zhou, Dan Liu, Wei Li, Tao Wang
Summary: Efficient single-layer white-light emitting diodes (WLEDs) are achieved by doping a small amount of a red polymer into the perovskite nanocrystals matrix. The emission color of the WLEDs can be tuned from cold white-light to warm white-light by adjusting the weight ratio of the nanocrystals to the polymer. With a low voltage, the WLEDs exhibit standard white-light emission with high luminance and external quantum efficiency.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuandong Sun, Chen Chen, Liang Wang, Chuanhang Guo, Jinlong Cai, Donghui Li, Bojun Zhou, Chenhao Liu, Dan Liu, Tao Wang, Wei Li
Summary: In this study, two isomeric nonfullerene acceptors (ThMeCl-1 and ThMeCl-2) were synthesized and incorporated as the third component in ternary solar cells. It was found that compared to ThMeCl-1, the incorporation of ThMeCl-2 in the solar cells resulted in lower energy loss, leading to an increase in open-circuit voltage and maximum efficiency. This work provides guidance for controlling molecular packing in ternary systems to prepare high-performance organic photovoltaics.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Emma L. K. Spooner, Elena J. Cassella, Joel A. Smith, Thomas E. Catley, Sam Burholt, David G. Lidzey
Summary: The introduction of Y-series non-fullerene acceptors has greatly improved the power conversion efficiencies of organic solar cells. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the deposition of a Y-series-based system using ultrasonic spray coating, which has the potential for significantly faster deposition speeds than traditional methods. The use of an air-knife enables rapid removal of the casting solvent and overcomes film reticulation, resulting in spray-coated PM6:DTY6 devices with PCEs of up to 14.1%. The study also highlights the challenges of scalable coating for Y-series-based solar cells, particularly the influence of slower drying times on blend morphology and crystallinity. The compatibility of ultrasonic spray coating with high-speed roll-to-roll OSC manufacturing techniques is demonstrated.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chen Chen, Liang Wang, Yuandong Sun, Yiwei Fu, Chuanhang Guo, Bojun Zhou, Zirui Gan, Dan Liu, Wei Li, Tao Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful construction of ternary organic solar cells (OSCs) with high fill-factor (FF) by incorporating three thiophene terminated non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) into the state-of-the-art PM6:L8-BO system. The formation of a compact 3D honey-comb network between one of the NFAs and L8-BO contributes to the high FF and maximum power conversion efficiency of 19.1%.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Donghui Li, Liang Wang, Chuanhang Guo, Yating Liu, Bojun Zhou, Yiwei Fu, Jing Zhou, Dan Liu, Wei Li, Tao Wang
Summary: This article demonstrates the construction of high-performance ternary organic solar cells (OSCs) by co-crystallization of PM6 and D18-Cl, achieving improved efficiency through enhanced structural order and charge transport channels. Due to the similar chemical structure, larger planarity, and lower surface energy, D18-Cl is located in the PM6 phase and organizes with PM6 to form co-crystallized fibrillar donor phase. A series of binary host systems, including PM6:BTP-4F-C6-16, PM6:Y6, and PM6:Y7-BO, achieved enhanced efficiency with the presence of D18-Cl as the guest donor, leading to a superior PCE of 18.5% in the PM6:D18-Cl:BTP-4F-C6-16 ternary OSCs. This work demonstrates the use of co-crystallized polymer donor fibrils to boost the charge transport and power conversion of ternary OSCs.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Correction
Energy & Fuels
Adam N. Urwick, Francesco Bastianini, Gabriel E. Perez, Alan Dunbar
Article
Energy & Fuels
Elena J. Cassella, Timothy Thornber, Robert D. J. Oliver, Mary E. O'Kane, Emma L. K. Spooner, Rachel C. Kilbride, Thomas E. Catley, Onkar S. Game, Alexandra J. Ramadan, David G. Lidzey
Summary: Defect management in perovskite solar cells through surface passivation is crucial for improving stability and efficiency. This study demonstrates the use of spray-coating technology to deposit iso-butylammonium bromide, resulting in the formation of a quasi-2D perovskite layer and significant improvement in device performance.
