Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohamed R. Elmorsy, Fatma H. Abdelhamed, Safa A. Badawy, Ehab Abdel-Latif, Ayman A. Abdel-Shafi, Mohamed A. Ismail
Summary: This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of six novel 2,2'-bithiophene-based organic compounds that can serve as co-sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells based on TiO2. The compounds were designed to enhance the performance of metal-based N3, and absorption and fluorescence measurements confirmed their chemical structures. The co-sensitizer 5a exhibited the longest absorption and emission wavelengths, indicating the impact of the para methoxy group. The performance of the co-sensitizers mixed with N3 was better than N3 alone, with improvements in short current density and open circuit voltage. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed the charge transfer resistance at the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface, and theoretical calculations based on density functional theory supported the experimental findings. These results suggest that the compounds have great potential as efficient co-sensitizers for DSSCs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Radha Mishra, Kalpna Jain, Vinay Prabha Sharma, Shyam Kishor, Lavanya M. Ramaniah
Summary: A set of copper dye complexes with different ancillary ligands were investigated for their potential use as sensitizers in DSSCs. It was found that substituting the thiophene group in the ancillary ligand and enhancing conjugation in the anchoring ligand can increase the light harvesting efficiency, making the dmp-based dyes with thiophene substitution the most effective sensitizers.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kalyani Chordiya, Md Ehesan Ali, Mousumi U. Kahaly
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism and influencing factors of intramolecular charge transfer in dye molecules by analyzing their electronic properties and structural parameters. The results reveal that structural modifications can promote efficient charge transfer within the molecule.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junli Yin, Xiaoyu Shi, Lingyuan Wang, He Yan, Shangshang Chen
Summary: In this work, a new type of electron transporting materials (ETMs), PFBS-C12, is developed by polymerizing C60 fullerene with an aromantic linker unit. The PFBS-C12 can address the aggregation problem of PCBM in perovskite solar cells, leading to high efficiency and good device stability.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Philipp G. Gruetzmacher, Michael Schranz, Chia-Jui Hsu, Johannes Bernardi, Andreas Steiger-Thirsfeld, Lars Hensgen, Manel Rodriguez Ripoll, Carsten Gachot
Summary: The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PEB and PUB as sensitizers of dye-sensitized solar cells is investigated using first-principles calculations. Different adsorption models are constructed for PEB/PUB on the TiO2 surface, and their geometrical configurations and electronic properties are optimized. The obtained PCEs confirm the credibility of the current method and predict that PUB and PEB are promising candidate sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wen-Feng Lai, Pei-Ling Chao, Xin-Yu Lin, Yin-Pei Chen, Jih-Hsin Liu, Tz-Feng Lin, Wei-Chou Hsu, Chia-Yi Huang
Summary: In this study, a one-dimensional protrusive TiO2 strip array was fabricated using chemical and physical methods. A porous semiconductor layer was coated on the strip array. The results showed that the DSSC with the TiO2 strip array had a higher energy conversion efficiency, which can be attributed to the large surface area of the protrusive structure and its specific electron transport paths.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Chih Chiang, Chia-Rong Lee, Chia-Yi Huang
Summary: A 90-nm-thick TiO2 grid was fabricated using photolithography, sputtering, and lift-off process. A nanoporous film was deposited on the TiO2 grid, which induced a protrusive structure. Experimental results showed that introducing the TiO2 grid into a dye-sensitized solar cell increased its power conversion efficiency by 25%. This improvement can be attributed to the large surface area and directional electron transport channels of the protrusive structure.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhazri Abd Mutalib, Norasikin Ahmad Ludin, Mohd Sukor Su'ait, Matthew Davies, Suhaila Sepeai, Mohd Asri Mat Teridi, Mohamad Firdaus Mohamad Noh, Mohd Adib Ibrahim
Summary: In this study, sulfur was used as a dopant in the TiO2 photo-anode thin film to fabricate solid-state planar perovskite solar cells in relatively high humidity. The deposited S-doped thin film improved the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device by lowering recombination and increasing photocurrent density, resulting in an 18% increase in PCE.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tamasgen Fikadu Yadeta, Kuo-Wei Huang, Toyoko Imae, Yung-Liang Tung
Summary: The high performance of perovskite solar cells was achieved by using an electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer. A film ETL (mesoporous (meso)-TiO2/carbon dot) was found to enhance the efficiency of the perovskite solar cells. Coating carbon dot on a meso-TiO2 ETL was shown to reduce pin-holes in the perovskite film layer, resulting in a 3% increase in the average power conversion efficiency (PCE). The absorption properties of the meso-TiO2/carbon dot ETL were superior, leading to higher power conversion efficiency compared to meso-TiO2 ETL. The deposition of carbon dot on meso-TiO2 ETL reduced carrier recombination and perovskite film cracks, thereby improving device performance.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Feng-Lin Xing, Zhi-Hong Zhang, Chuan-Lu Yang, Mei-Shan Wang, Xiao-Guang Ma
Summary: The power conversion efficiency of PEB and PUB as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells was investigated using first-principles calculations. The results showed high PCE values for PUB and PEB, indicating their potential as candidate sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sabastine C. Ezike, Clement N. Hyelnasinyi, Mufutau A. Salawu, John F. Wansah, Amarachukwu N. Ossai, Nnabuike N. Agu
Summary: The study utilized co-sensitization technique to blend natural dyes from different sources in DSSCs, with BC mixed dye at 25:75% volume ratio showing the best performance of 1.14% PCE. EIS measurement revealed low and high charge transfer resistances in BC-25:75% and AB-25:75%, respectively.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bin Rong, Yuelin Wei, Xia Chen, Yuying Ding, Yibin Chen, Haining Liu, Yunfang Huang, Leqing Fan, Jihuai Wu
Summary: In this study, Na-doped TiO2 was prepared using a metal-organic framework as a precursor, and was then inserted into the interfaces between layers in perovskite solar cells. The Na-doped TiO2 decorated devices exhibited higher quality perovskite layers, lower trap state density, higher conductivity, and better electron extraction and transmission. The power conversion efficiency of the solar cells increased from 17.21% to 20.49%. This study presents a novel and facile method to enhance the performance of perovskite solar cells.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bo Ge, Chenglong Li, Xunkai Zhu, Wenzhi Li, Guina Ren, Zhaozhu Zhang
Summary: Inspired by plant transpiration, researchers have developed a 3D photothermal device that addresses the challenges of drinking water shortage and environmental pollution. The device, composed of a floating layer, a photothermal conversion layer, and a photocatalytic layer, can remove organic solvents and water-soluble pollutants.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chenqiang Xu, Yewei Zhang, Paifeng Luo, Jia Sun, Haisheng Wang, Ying-Wei Lu, Fei Ding, Chao Zhang, Juntao Hu
Summary: In this study, the effects of four different types of electron transport layers on the performance of perovskite solar cells were compared, with the single layer of c-TiO2 and C-60 showing the best results and achieving high efficiency PSCs. By adopting a Cs+/Cl- co-doping strategy and synthesizing a light absorbing material, efficient solar cells were realized.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Audun Formo Buene, David Moe Almenningen
Summary: Despite their attractiveness, phenothiazine dyes are unlikely to be the main sensitizers of high-efficiency DSSCs in the future, due to low oxidation potentials, low extinction coefficients, and inherent limitations restricting the further optimization of their photophysical properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Wang, Huang Wu, Leighton O. Jones, Martin A. Mosquera, Charlotte L. Stern, George C. Schatz, J. Fraser Stoddart
Summary: Cocrystal engineering is a popular strategy for tuning the photophysical properties of crystalline materials. This study reports a color-tunable upconversion-emission switch based on the interconversion between two cocrystals. The research provides a critical example of precise control of cocrystal-to-cocrystal transformation and offers a reference for fabricating color tunable nonlinear optical materials in the solid state.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hongliang Chen, Chuancheng Jia, Xin Zhu, Chen Yang, Xuefeng Guo, J. Fraser Stoddart
Summary: Developing new materials is a long-standing goal in various fields, and understanding single-molecule reactions can deepen our understanding of chemical reactions and provide new frameworks in materials science. This review focuses on state-of-the-art chemical reactions in single-molecule junctions and highlights the advantages of real-time testbeds for studying reaction dynamics, intermediates, transition states, and solvent effects. The behavior of single-molecule reactions is compared with reactions in ensemble states, and the potential of leveraging single-molecule catalysis for large-scale materials production is explored.
NATURE REVIEWS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Zhao, Tianhong Zhou, Lars P. H. Jeurgens, Xian Kong, Jang Wook Choi, Ali Coskun
Summary: By using a specific electrolyte, high electron transfer efficiency can be achieved, improving the stability of the lithium metal surface and its operation at high voltages.
Review
Polymer Science
Han Han, James S. W. Seale, Liang Feng, Yunyan Qiu, J. Fraser Stoddart
Summary: Rotaxanes with well-defined ring sequences are attractive synthetic goals for constructing functional materials. Sequence-controlled synthesis of oligo- and polyrotaxanes is important for developing sequence-defined polymers and dynamic functional materials. This Review discusses the pivotal role of sequence isomerism in rotaxanes and explores different synthetic approaches for constructing sequence-controlled rotaxanes. By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches, possible synthetic strategies are proposed to predict the future of sequence-controlled synthesis of polyrotaxanes.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Joelle Medinger, Kyung Seob Song, Pacifique Umubyeyi, Ali Coskun, Marco Lattuada
Summary: In this study, anisotropic structure of porous carbons was achieved by integrating superparamagnetic colloids and applying a uniform magnetic field during the sol-gel transition. The resulting hierarchically porous carbon monoliths showed higher porosity, higher CO2 uptake capacity, and faster adsorption kinetics compared to those synthesized without a magnetic field. Additionally, these materials were found to be effective magnetic sorbents for oil-spill cleanup.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Timur Ashirov, Patrick W. Fritz, Yanic Lauber, Claudia E. Avalos, Ali Coskun
Summary: In this study, a direct synthesis method for a fully conjugated 3D porous organic polymer (POPs) named benzyne-derived polymers (BDPs) was reported. The resulting BDPs exhibited ultramicroporous structures with surface areas up to 544 m(2) g(-1) and high CO2/N-2 selectivities. This research shows the potential of BDPs as a promising material for gas separation and storage.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Taeyeon Kim, Yuanning Feng, James P. O'Connor, J. Fraser Stoddart, Ryan M. Young, Michael R. Wasielewski
Summary: Designing and controlling charge transfer pathways in organic semiconductors are crucial for solar energy applications. This study investigates the photoinduced charge transfer and relaxation dynamics in host-guest complexes, and demonstrates that the charge transfer pathway can be controlled by subtle chemical modifications of the acceptor host.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Liu, Xin-Ru Guan, Duan-Chao Wang, J. Fraser Stoddart, Qing-Hui Guo
Summary: Single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) polymerization is an effective method for environmentally friendly preparation of polymer single crystals (PSCs) with high crystallinity and molecular weights. Solubility and solution processibility are major challenges for practical applications of PSCs, but this study successfully synthesized soluble and processable PSCs with rigid polycationic backbones. The resulting polymeric crystals have excellent solubility, crystallinity and rheological properties, and can be characterized using various techniques.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Huang Wu, Chun Tang, Long Zhang, J. Fraser Stoddart
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tianhong Zhou, Yan Zhao, Kyung Seob Song, Dominika Baster, Mario El Kazzi, Ali Coskun
Summary: In this study, we demonstrated the use of captured Pd from wastewater conditions to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly electrocatalyst for Li-S batteries. The electrocatalyst, named covalent isothiocyanurate frameworks (CITCFs), effectively suppressed the shuttling effect and promoted the kinetics of sulfur redox reactions, resulting in improved specific capacity and rate performance of Li-S batteries.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ping Zhou, Yanjun Fu, Maolin Wang, Renhui Qiu, Yuwei Wang, J. Fraser Stoddart, Yuping Wang, Hongliang Chen
Summary: Supramolecular electronics use noncovalent interactions like π-π and hydrogen bonding to introduce molecular assemblies into electronic devices. This research demonstrates a strategy for building electronically robust switches using two different noncovalent interactions. By compressing the junction, the single-supermolecule switch is turned ON through π-π interactions dominating the transport. Stretching the junction to form hydrogen-bonded dimers turns the switch OFF, resulting in a dramatic decrease in conductance. The study shows the potential for designing robust bistable mechanoresponsive devices for integrated circuits in microelectromechanical systems.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chi-Hsien Wang, Yi-Chia Lin, Surojit Bhunia, Yuanning Feng, Pramita Kundu, Charlotte L. Stern, Pei-Lin Chen, J. Fraser Stoddart, Masaki Horie
Summary: In this study, stimuli-responsive molecular crystals with distinct thermal phase transitions, photoinduced deformations, and mechanical behavior were reported. The understanding of the correlation between structure-thermomechanical and structure-photomechanical properties was advanced for the development of multi-stimulus-responsive materials.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fangbai Xie, Haochuan Mao, Chenjian Lin, Yuanning Feng, J. Fraser Stoddart, Ryan M. Young, Michael R. Wasielewski
Summary: This study demonstrates that a photogenerated spin-correlated radical ion pair can be used to sense an electric field change through molecular recognition. The experiment shows that the distance between the two charges decreases when a certain molecule encapsulates one of the charges, indicating that the system can function as a quantum sensor to detect electric field changes.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huangtianzhi Zhu, Liya Chen, Bin Sun, Mengbin Wang, Hao Li, J. Fraser Stoddart, Feihe Huang
Summary: Macrocyclic molecules have broad applications due to their guest binding properties. Extending host-guest chemistry from solution to the solid state enables the formation of more stable and processable complexes. Solid-state host-guest chemistry can encapsulate guests with higher affinities, which is crucial for applications in separation science and devices.
NATURE REVIEWS CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianhong Zhou, Yan Zhao, Patrick W. Fritz, Timur Ashirov, Dominika Baster, Mario El Kazzi, Ali Coskun
Summary: We improved the interfacial stability of Li metal anodes in Li-S batteries by regulating the electrolytes using arylthiol additives. The tetrathiol additive had dual functionality, enhancing the interfacial stability of the Li anode, controlling the sulfur redox kinetics, and suppressing side reactions with polysulfides. This resulted in an improved capacity retention of 70% after 500 cycles at 1 C.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)