Scope of surface-modified molecular and nanomaterials in gel/liquid forms for developing mechanically flexible DSSCs/QDSSCs

The advanced lifestyle of the human race involves heavy usage of various gadgets which require copious supplies of energy for uninterrupted functioning. Due to the ongoing depletion of fossil fuels and the accelerating demand for other energy resources, renewable energy sources, especially solar cells, are being extensively explored as viable alternatives. Flexible solar cells have recently emerged as an advanced member of the photovoltaic family; the flexibility and pliability of these photovoltaic materials are advantageous from a practical point of view. Conventional flexible solar cell materials, when dispersed in solvents, are usually volatile and create severe stability issues when incorporated in devices. Recently, non-volatile, less viscous functional molecular liquids/gels have been proposed as potential materials for use in foldable device applications. This perspective article discusses the scope of surface-modified non-volatile molecular and nanomaterials in liquid/gel forms in the manufacturing and deployment of flexible photovoltaics.

Examination of 1-methylimidazole series ionic liquids in the extraction of flavonoids from Chamaecyparis obtuse leaves using a response surface methodology

Ionic liquids (ILs) are a new type of reagent that has accelerated research in extraction technology. On the other hand, few studies have systematically applied 1-methylimidazole ([MIM]) series ILs to the extraction of bioactive compounds from plants. In this study, [MIM] series ILs were used to extract four bioactive flavonoids, such as dihydrokaempferol, quercitrin, amentoflavone and myricetin, from Chamaecyparis obtuse (CO) leaves. First, a screen of the extraction method and solvent revealed the [MIM] series ILs to be suitable as additives in methanol in Soxhlet extraction. Second, an examination of a range of cations and anions of [MIM] series ILs for extraction revealed 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([DMIM][Br]) to be the best selection as an additive in methanol for the Soxhlet extraction of flavonoids from (CO) leaves. Finally, some factors of extraction, such as temperature, time and amount of samples, were examined systematically using a response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the above optimization, 2.41, 3.47, 0.76 and 3.15mg/g of dihydrokaempferol, quercitrin, amentoflavone and myricetin, respectively, were extracted from 15g of CO leaves by 2.5mgmL(-1) of [DMIM][Br] as additives in 200mL of methanol in Soxhlet extraction at 200°C for 8h. This study highlights the potential of [MIM] series ILs as promising reagents for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plants.