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Feng L, Li Z, Liu Y, Hua L, Wei Z, Cheng Y, Zhang Z, Xu B. Counterion Engineering toward High-Performance and pH-Neutral Polyoxometalates-Based Hole-Transporting Materials for Efficient Organic Optoelectronic Devices. ACS NANO 2024; 18:3276-3285. [PMID: 38252155 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Although protonated polyoxometalates (POMs) are promising hole-transporting layer (HTL) materials for optoelectronic devices owing to their excellent hole collection/injection property, pH neutrality, and noncorrosiveness, POMs are seldom used as high-performance HTL materials. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of mixed-additive POMs with pH-neutral counterions (NH4+, K+, and Na+) as HTL materials. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray analyses indicated that the use of the lacunary heteropolyanion [P2W15O56]12- as an intermediate ensured successful incorporation of the counterions into the mixed-addenda POMs without causing deterioration of the POM frameworks. The hole-transporting layer performance of POM-NH4, which was characterized by a high work function and good conductivity and could be prepared using a low-cost method surpassed those of its protonated counterpart POM-4 and many classic HTL materials. An organic solar cell (OSC) modified with POM-NH4 delivered a power conversion efficiency of 18.0%, which was the highest photovoltaic efficiency achieved by POM-based OSCs to date. Moreover, an HTL material based on POM-NH4 reduced the turn-on voltage of an organic light-emitting diode from 4.2 to 3.2 V. The results of this study suggest that POMs are promising alternatives to the classic HTL materials owing to their excellent hole-collection ability, low costs, neutral nature, and high-chemical stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Zhe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yuchao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, P.R. China
| | - Lei Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Zhengrong Wei
- School of physics, Hubei University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- School of physics, Hubei University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Bowei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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Taheri M. Advances in Nanohybrid Membranes for Dye Reduction: A Comprehensive Review. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2024; 8:2300052. [PMID: 38223886 PMCID: PMC10784202 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202300052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Separating valuable materials such as dyes from wastewater using membranes and returning them to the production line is a desirable environmental and economical procedure. However, sometimes, besides filtration, adsorption, and separation processes, pollutant destruction also can be suitable using photocatalytic membranes. The art of producing nanohybrid materials in contrast with nanocomposites encompasses nanomaterial synthesis as a new product with different properties from raw materials for nanohybrids versus the composition of nanomaterials for nanocomposites. According to the findings of this research, confirming proper synthesis of nanohybrid is one challenge that can be overcome by different analyses, other researchers' reports, and the theoretical assessment of physical or chemical reactions. The application of organic-inorganic nanomaterials and frameworks is another challenge that is discussed in the present work. According to the findings, Nanohybrid Membranes (NHMs) can achieve 100% decolorization, but cannot eliminate salts and dyes, although the removal efficiency is notable for some salts, especially divalent salts. Hydrophilicity, antifouling properties, flux, pressure, costs, usage frequency, and mechanical, chemical, and thermal stabilities of NHMs should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Taheri
- Civil and Environmental Engineering DepartmentAmirkabir University of Technology (AUT)Hafez Ave.Tehran15875‐4413Iran
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Mombeshora ET, Muchuweni E, Garcia-Rodriguez R, Davies ML, Nyamori VO, Martincigh BS. A review of graphene derivative enhancers for perovskite solar cells. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2022; 4:2057-2076. [PMID: 36133440 PMCID: PMC9418678 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00830g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Due to the finite nature, health and environmental hazards currently associated with the use of fossil energy resources, there is a global drive to hasten the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies. One such area encompasses perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that have shown photoconversion efficiencies (PCE) comparable to silicon-based photovoltaics, but their commercialisation has been set back by short-term stability and toxicity issues, among others. A tremendous potential to overcome these drawbacks is presented by the emerging applications of graphene derivative-based materials in PSCs as substitutes or components, composites with other functional materials, and enhancers of charge transport, blocking action, exciton dissociation, substrate coverage, sensitisation and stabilisation. This review aims to illustrate how these highly capable carbon-based materials can advance PSCs by critically outlining and discussing their current applications and strategically identifying prospective research avenues. The reviewed works show that graphene derivatives have great potential in boosting the performance and stability of PSCs through morphological modifications and compositional engineering. This can drive the sustainability and commercial viability aspects of PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin T Mombeshora
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001 Durban 4000 South Africa
| | - Edigar Muchuweni
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001 Durban 4000 South Africa
| | - Rodrigo Garcia-Rodriguez
- SPECIFIC IKC, Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University Swansea UK
| | - Matthew L Davies
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001 Durban 4000 South Africa
- SPECIFIC IKC, Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University Swansea UK
| | - Vincent O Nyamori
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001 Durban 4000 South Africa
| | - Bice S Martincigh
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001 Durban 4000 South Africa
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Muchuweni E, Mombeshora ET, Martincigh BS, Nyamori VO. Recent Applications of Carbon Nanotubes in Organic Solar Cells. Front Chem 2022; 9:733552. [PMID: 35071180 PMCID: PMC8770437 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.733552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, carbon-based materials, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), have gained intensive research attention in the fabrication of organic solar cells (OSCs) due to their outstanding physicochemical properties, low-cost, environmental friendliness and the natural abundance of carbon. In this regard, the low sheet resistance and high optical transmittance of CNTs enables their application as alternative anodes to the widely used indium tin oxide (ITO), which is toxic, expensive and scarce. Also, the synergy between the large specific surface area and high electrical conductivity of CNTs provides both large donor-acceptor interfaces and conductive interpenetrating networks for exciton dissociation and charge carrier transport. Furthermore, the facile tunability of the energy levels of CNTs provides proper energy level alignment between the active layer and electrodes for effective extraction and transportation of charge carriers. In addition, the hydrophobic nature and high thermal conductivity of CNTs enables them to form protective layers that improve the moisture and thermal stability of OSCs, thereby prolonging the devices' lifetime. Recently, the introduction of CNTs into OSCs produced a substantial increase in efficiency from ∼0.68 to above 14.00%. Thus, further optimization of the optoelectronic properties of CNTs can conceivably help OSCs to compete with silicon solar cells that have been commercialized. Therefore, this study presents the recent breakthroughs in efficiency and stability of OSCs, achieved mainly over 2018-2021 by incorporating CNTs into electrodes, active layers and charge transport layers. The challenges, advantages and recommendations for the fabrication of low-cost, highly efficient and sustainable next-generation OSCs are also discussed, to open up avenues for commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vincent O. Nyamori
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Serrano-Aroca Á, Takayama K, Tuñón-Molina A, Seyran M, Hassan SS, Pal Choudhury P, Uversky VN, Lundstrom K, Adadi P, Palù G, Aljabali AAA, Chauhan G, Kandimalla R, Tambuwala MM, Lal A, Abd El-Aziz TM, Sherchan S, Barh D, Redwan EM, Bazan NG, Mishra YK, Uhal BD, Brufsky A. Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: Promising Antiviral Agents to Combat COVID-19 in the Microbial-Resistant Era. ACS NANO 2021; 15:8069-8086. [PMID: 33826850 PMCID: PMC8043205 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic options for the highly pathogenic human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing the current pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are urgently needed. COVID-19 is associated with viral pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome causing significant morbidity and mortality. The proposed treatments for COVID-19 have shown little or no effect in the clinic so far. Additionally, bacterial and fungal pathogens contribute to the SARS-CoV-2-mediated pneumonia disease complex. The antibiotic resistance in pneumonia treatment is increasing at an alarming rate. Therefore, carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs), such as fullerene, carbon dots, graphene, and their derivatives constitute a promising alternative due to their wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and capacity to induce tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the antimicrobial mode of action is mainly physical (e.g., membrane distortion), characterized by a low risk of antimicrobial resistance. In this Review, we evaluated the literature on the antiviral activity and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties of CBNs. CBNs had antiviral activity against 13 enveloped positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. CBNs with low or no toxicity to humans are promising therapeutics against the COVID-19 pneumonia complex with other viruses, bacteria, and fungi, including those that are multidrug-resistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Centro de
Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad
Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia,
Spain
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application,
Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8397,
Japan
| | - Alberto Tuñón-Molina
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Centro de
Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad
Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia,
Spain
| | - Murat Seyran
- Doctoral studies in natural and technical sciences (SPL
44), University of Vienna, Währinger Straße, A-1090
Vienna, Austria
| | - Sk. Sarif Hassan
- Department of Mathematics, Pingla Thana
Mahavidyalaya, Maligram, Paschim Medinipur 721140, West Bengal,
India
| | - Pabitra Pal Choudhury
- Applied Statistics Unit, Indian
Statistical Institute, Kolkata 700108, West Bengal,
India
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of
Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612,
United States
| | | | - Parise Adadi
- Department of Food Science, University of
Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine,
University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova,
Italy
| | - Alaa A. A. Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and
Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University-Faculty of
Pharmacy, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Gaurav Chauhan
- School of Engineering and Sciences,
Tecnológico de Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501
Sur, 64849 Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Ramesh Kandimalla
- Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500007,
India
- Department of Biochemistry,
Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal-506007, Telangana State,
India
| | - Murtaza M. Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Science, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern
Ireland, U.K.
| | - Amos Lal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical
Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905,
United States
| | - Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science,
Minia University, El-Minia 61519,
Egypt
- Department of Cellular and Integrative
Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San
Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, United
States
| | - Samendra Sherchan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences,
School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University of
Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United
States
| | - Debmalya Barh
- Institute of Integrative
Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur,
WB-721172, India
| | - Elrashdy M. Redwan
- Biological Sciences Department,
Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203,
Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Therapeutic and Protective Proteins
Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research
Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technology
Applications, New Borg El-Arab, Alexandria 21934,
Egypt
| | - Nicolas G. Bazan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence,
School of Medicine, LSU Heath New Orleans, New Orleans,
Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Yogendra Kumar Mishra
- University of Southern
Denmark, Mads Clausen Institute, NanoSYD, Alsion 2, 6400 Sønderborg,
Denmark
| | - Bruce D. Uhal
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United
States
| | - Adam Brufsky
- University of Pittsburgh
School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of
Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232,
United States
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Exploiting Nanoparticles to Improve the Properties of Bitumens and Asphalts: At What Extent Is It Really Worth It? APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10155230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Asphalt concretes are materials used worldwide. It is well-known that in such materials the minor component, the bitumen, plays the most important role since it binds the high fraction (>95%) of inorganic macrometer-sized particles ensuring a coherent material fit for uses in road pavement. Additives can be used to increase the overall rheological properties, with high benefits in terms of resistance to mechanical stress and to ageing. Among these, nanoparticles have recently been considered as very effective additives in increasing the overall performance, increasing the viscosity, the rutting parameter and the recovery from deformation. However, they are expensive, so a delicate equilibrium between costs and benefits must be found for large-scale uses. In this framework, we furnish our critical analysis of the state-of-the art technologies used for improving the bitumen performances by means of nanoparticles with an eye to eventual added-values (like anti-oxidant effect, antistripping properties, or UV radiation screening which avoids radiation-induced ageing…). We will critically consider the costs involved in their use and we will give our opinion about vanguard techniques which can be fit for the analysis of nanoparticles-containing bitumens and asphalts. Interesting perspectives will be also given for future research and applications.
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