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Al-Azzawi AGS, Aziz SB, Dannoun EMA, Iraqi A, Nofal MM, Murad AR, M. Hussein A. A Mini Review on the Development of Conjugated Polymers: Steps towards the Commercialization of Organic Solar Cells. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 15:polym15010164. [PMID: 36616512 PMCID: PMC9853510 DOI: 10.3390/polym15010164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This review article covers the synthesis and design of conjugated polymers for carefully adjusting energy levels and energy band gap (EBG) to achieve the desired photovoltaic performance. The formation of bonds and the delocalization of electrons over conjugated chains are both explained by the molecular orbital theory (MOT). The intrinsic characteristics that classify conjugated polymers as semiconducting materials come from the EBG of organic molecules. A quinoid mesomeric structure (D-A ↔ D+ = A-) forms across the major backbones of the polymer as a result of alternating donor-acceptor segments contributing to the pull-push driving force between neighboring units, resulting in a smaller optical EBG. Furthermore, one of the most crucial factors in achieving excellent performance of the polymer is improving the morphology of the active layer. In order to improve exciton diffusion, dissociation, and charge transport, the nanoscale morphology ensures nanometer phase separation between donor and acceptor components in the active layer. It was demonstrated that because of the exciton's short lifetime, only small diffusion distances (10-20 nm) are needed for all photo-generated excitons to reach the interfacial region where they can separate into free charge carriers. There is a comprehensive explanation of the architecture of organic solar cells using single layer, bilayer, and bulk heterojunction (BHJ) devices. The short circuit current density (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), and fill factor (FF) all have a significant impact on the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Since the BHJ concept was first proposed, significant advancement and quick configuration development of these devices have been accomplished. Due to their ability to combine great optical and electronic properties with strong thermal and chemical stability, conjugated polymers are unique semiconducting materials that are used in a wide range of applications. According to the fundamental operating theories of OSCs, unlike inorganic semiconductors such as silicon solar cells, organic photovoltaic devices are unable to produce free carrier charges (holes and electrons). To overcome the Coulombic attraction and separate the excitons into free charges in the interfacial region, organic semiconductors require an additional thermodynamic driving force. From the molecular engineering of conjugated polymers, it was discovered that the most crucial obstacles to achieving the most desirable properties are the design and synthesis of conjugated polymers toward optimal p-type materials. Along with plastic solar cells (PSCs), these materials have extended to a number of different applications such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and field-effect transistors (FETs). Additionally, the topics of fluorene and carbazole as donor units in conjugated polymers are covered. The Stille, Suzuki, and Sonogashira coupling reactions widely used to synthesize alternating D-A copolymers are also presented. Moreover, conjugated polymers based on anthracene that can be used in solar cells are covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed G. S. Al-Azzawi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HF, UK
- Department of Chemistry, College of Education for Pure Science, University of Mosul, Mosul 00964, Iraq
| | - Shujahadeen B. Aziz
- Hameed Majid Advanced Polymeric Materials Research Lab., Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Qlyasan Street, Sulaimani 46001, Iraq
- The Development Center for Research and Training (DCRT), University of Human Development, Sulaimani 46001, Iraq
- Correspondence: (S.B.A.); (A.I.)
| | - Elham M. A. Dannoun
- Associate Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Science, Woman Campus, Prince Sultan University, P.O. Box 66833, Riyadh 11586, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Iraqi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HF, UK
- Correspondence: (S.B.A.); (A.I.)
| | - Muaffaq M. Nofal
- Department of Mathematics and Science, Prince Sultan University, P.O. Box 66833, Riyadh 11586, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ary R. Murad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Medical and Applied Sciences, Charmo University, Chamchamal, Sulaimani 46023, Iraq
| | - Ahang M. Hussein
- Hameed Majid Advanced Polymeric Materials Research Lab., Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Qlyasan Street, Sulaimani 46001, Iraq
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Reichstein J, Müssig S, Bauer H, Wintzheimer S, Mandel K. Recording Temperature with Magnetic Supraparticles. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2202683. [PMID: 35596261 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202202683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Small-sized temperature indicator additives autonomously record temperature events via a gradual irreversible signal change. This permits, for instance, the indication of possible cold-chain breaches or failure of electronics but also curing of glues. Thus, information about the materials' thermal history can be obtained upon signal detection at every point of interest. In this work, maximum-temperature indicators with magnetic readout based on micrometer-sized supraparticles (SPs) are introduced. The magnetic signal transduction is, by nature, independent of the materials' optical properties. This facilitates the determination of valuable temperature information from the inside, that is, the bulk, even of dark and opaque macroscopic objects, which might differ from their surface. Compared to state-of-the-art optical temperature indicators, complementary magnetic readout characteristics ultimately expand their applicability. The conceptualized SPs are hierarchically structured assemblies of environmentally friendly, inexpensive iron oxide nanoparticles and thermoplastic polymer. Irreversible structural changes, induced by polymer softening, yield magnetic interaction changes within and between the hierarchic sub-structures, which are distinguishable and define the temperature indication mechanism. The fundamental understanding of the SPs' working principle enables customization of the particles' working range, response time, and sensitivity, using a toolbox-like manufacturing approach. The magnetic signal change is detected self-referenced, fast, and contactless.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Reichstein
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Inorganic Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Egerlandstraße 1, D-91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephan Müssig
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Inorganic Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Egerlandstraße 1, D-91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hannes Bauer
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Inorganic Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Egerlandstraße 1, D-91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Susanne Wintzheimer
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Inorganic Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Egerlandstraße 1, D-91058, Erlangen, Germany
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Neunerplatz 2, D-97082, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karl Mandel
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Inorganic Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Egerlandstraße 1, D-91058, Erlangen, Germany
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Neunerplatz 2, D-97082, Würzburg, Germany
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Amphiphilic PTB7-Based Rod-Coil Block Copolymer for Water-Processable Nanoparticles as an Active Layer for Sustainable Organic Photovoltaic: A Case Study. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14081588. [PMID: 35458337 PMCID: PMC9029162 DOI: 10.3390/polym14081588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We synthetized a new rod-coil block copolymer (BCP) based on the semiconducting polymerpoly({4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl}{3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl}) (PTB7) and poly-4-vinylpyridine (P4VP), tailored to produce water-processable nanoparticles (WPNPs) in blend with phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM). The copolymer PTB7-b-P4VP was completely characterized by means of two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to confirm the molecular structure. The WPNPs were prepared through an adapted miniemulsion approach without any surfactants. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images reveal the nano-segregation of two active materials inside the WPNPs. The nanostructures appear spherical with a Janus-like inner morphology. PTB7 segregated to one side of the nanoparticle, while PC71BM segregated to the other side. This morphology was consistent with the value of the surface energy obtained for the two active materials PTB7-b-P4VP and PC71BM. The WPNPs obtained were deposited as an active layer of organic solar cells (OSCs). The films obtained were characterized by UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-vis), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). J-V characteristics of the WPNP-based devices were measured by obtaining a power conversion efficiency of 0.85%. Noticeably, the efficiency of the WPNP-based devices was higher than that achieved for the devices fabricated with the PTB7-based BCP dissolved in chlorinated organic solvent.
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Chowdhury R, Holmes NP, Cooling N, Belcher WJ, Dastoor PC, Zhou X. Surfactant Engineering and Its Role in Determining the Performance of Nanoparticulate Organic Photovoltaic Devices. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:9212-9220. [PMID: 35350329 PMCID: PMC8945175 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) from non-hazardous nanoparticulate (NP) inks offers considerable promise for the development of eco-friendly large-scale printed solar modules. However, the typical NP core-shell morphology (driven by the different donor/acceptor affinities for the surfactant used in NP synthesis) currently hinders the photovoltaic performance. As such, surfactant engineering offers an elegant approach to synthesizing a more optimal intermixed NP morphology and hence an improved photovoltaic performance. In this work, the morphology of conventional sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 2-(3-thienyl) ethyloxybutylsulfonate (TEBS)-stabilized poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) donor:phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) acceptor NPs is probed using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. While the SDS-stabilized NPs exhibit a size-independent core-shell morphology, this work reveals that TEBS-stabilized NPs deliver an intermixed morphology, the extent of which depends on the particle size. Consequently, by optimizing the TEBS-stabilized NP size and distribution, NP-OPV devices with a power conversion efficiency that is ∼50% higher on average than that of the corresponding SDS-based NP-OPV devices are produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riku Chowdhury
- Centre
for Organic Electronics, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Natalie P. Holmes
- Australian
Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Nathan Cooling
- Centre
for Organic Electronics, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Warwick J. Belcher
- Centre
for Organic Electronics, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Paul C. Dastoor
- Centre
for Organic Electronics, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Xiaojing Zhou
- Centre
for Organic Electronics, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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Dong Z, Wang R, Wang M, Meng Z, Wang X, Han M, Guo Y, Wang X. Preparation of Naringenin Nanosuspension and Its Antitussive and Expectorant Effects. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030741. [PMID: 35164006 PMCID: PMC8837938 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Naringenin (NRG) is a natural flavonoid compound abundantly present in citrus fruits and has the potential to treat respiratory disorders. However, the clinical therapeutic effect of NRG is limited by its low bioavailability due to poor solubility. To enhance the solubility, naringenin nanosuspensions (NRG-NSps) were prepared by applying tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) as the nanocarrier via the media-milling method. The particle size, morphology, and drug-loading content of NRG-NSps were examined, and the stability was evaluated by detecting particle size changes in different physiological media. NRG-NSps exhibited a flaky appearance with a mean diameter of 216.9 nm, and the drug-loading content was 66.7%. NRG-NSps exhibited good storage stability and media stability. NRG-NSps presented a sustainable release profile, and the cumulative drug-release rate approached approximately 95% within 7 d. NRG-NSps improved the antitussive effect significantly compared with the original NRG, the cough frequency was decreased from 22 to 15 times, and the cough incubation period was prolonged from 85.3 to 121.6 s. Besides, NRG-NSps also enhanced expectorant effects significantly, and phenol red secretion was increased from 1.02 to 1.45 μg/mL. These results indicate that NRG-NSps could enhance the bioavailability of NRG significantly and possess a potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengqi Dong
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.D.); (M.W.); (Z.M.); (X.W.); (M.H.)
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Mingyue Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.D.); (M.W.); (Z.M.); (X.W.); (M.H.)
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Zheng Meng
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.D.); (M.W.); (Z.M.); (X.W.); (M.H.)
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin University of Commerce, No. 138, Tongda Street, Daoli District, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.D.); (M.W.); (Z.M.); (X.W.); (M.H.)
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Meihua Han
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.D.); (M.W.); (Z.M.); (X.W.); (M.H.)
| | - Yifei Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.D.); (M.W.); (Z.M.); (X.W.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: (Y.G.); (X.W.); Tel.: +86-010-57833264 (X.W.)
| | - Xiangtao Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.D.); (M.W.); (Z.M.); (X.W.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: (Y.G.); (X.W.); Tel.: +86-010-57833264 (X.W.)
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Leijten ZJWA, Wirix MJM, Lazar S, Verhoeven W, Luiten OJ, With G, Friedrich H. Nanoscale chemical analysis of beam‐sensitive polymeric materials by cryogenic electron microscopy. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zino J. W. A. Leijten
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Maarten J. M. Wirix
- Materials and Structural Analysis Thermo Fisher Scientific Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Sorin Lazar
- Materials and Structural Analysis Thermo Fisher Scientific Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Verhoeven
- Coherence and Quantum Technology group, Department of Applied Physics Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - O. Jom Luiten
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Coherence and Quantum Technology group, Department of Applied Physics Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Gijsbertus With
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Heiner Friedrich
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands
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