Search

This paper proposes molecular and supramolecular concepts for potential application in perovskite solar cells. New air-stable symmetrical imine, with thiadiazole moieties PPL2: (5E,6E)-N2,N5-bis(4-(diphenylamino)benzylidene)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-diamine), as a hole-transporting material was synthesised in a single-step reaction, starting with commercially available and relatively inexpensive reagents, resulting in a reduction in the cost of the final product compared to Spiro-OMeTAD. Moreover, camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) in both enantiomeric forms was used to change the HOMO-LUMO levels and electric properties of the investigated imine-forming complexes. Electric, optical, thermal, and structural studies of the imine and its complexes with CSA were carried out to characterise the new material. Imine and imine/CSA complexes were also characterised in depth by the proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance 1H NMR method. The position of nitrogen in the thidiazole ring influences the basicity of donor centres, which results in protonation in the imine bond. Simple devices of ITO/imine (with or without CSA(−) or CSA(+))/Ag/ITO architecture were constructed, and a thermographic camera was used to find the defects in the created devices. Electric behaviour was also studied to demonstrate conductivity properties under the forward current. Finally, the electrical properties of imine and its protonated form with CSA were compared with Spiro-OMeTAD. In general, the analysis of thermal images showed a very similar response of the samples to the applied potential in terms of the homogeneity of the formed organic layer. The TGA analysis showed that the investigated imine exhibits good thermal stability in air and argon atmospheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its high electron affinity and electron mobility in a wide absorption range of the visible solar spectrum, [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) is often used as an efficient acceptor in organic photovoltaics. In turn, imines are additives to the active layer of organic solar cells, mainly due to the free electron pair of the imine nitrogen atom and the presence of various chemical groups affecting the polarity and conformations of molecules. However, the attainable efficiency is not as high as expected. Therefore, we have systematically investigated two imines and their mixtures with PC71BM by spectroscopic (the high pressure UV–Vis and frequency domain dielectric), thermoelectric, and mechanical methods for organic, flexible photovoltaics. Both the imines, (N,NʹE,N,NʹE)-N,Nʹ-([2,2ʹ:5ʹ,2ʺ-terthiophene]-5,5ʺ-diylbis(methanylylidene))bis(benzo[d]thiazol-2-imine) (SC3) and (6E)-N-((5-(5-(5-((E)-(4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazol-2-yl)phenylimino)methyl)thiophen-2-yl)thiophen-2-yl)thiophen-2-yl)methylene)-4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazol-2-yl)benzenamine (SC13), have the same core composed of three thiophene rings but different terminal chains of the molecules. In the imine SC3, the imine bond is followed by benzothiazole rings on both sides of the core, while in SC13, a thiazole ring separates two benzene rings, the terminal one F-substituted. The difference in molecular structure affects the electric properties of the neat imine and its mixed layers. An addition of PC71BM to the imines improves their electric conductivity. The mechanical studies focused on the stress at break and elongation showed superior behaviour compared to fullerene derivative. High pressure systematically reduces the band gap energy, Eg, from 1.68 eV at 0.16 GPa to 1.51 eV at 2.69 GPa for PC71BM, from 1.77 eV at 0.1 MPa to 1.53 eV at 4.15 GPa for SC3, and from 1.99 eV at 0.11 GPa to 1.8 eV at 3.10 GPa for SC13, as determined by the UV–Vis absorbance measurements in a diamond-anvil cell. These Eg reductions reflect the compressed intermolecular interactions that can be used to monitor the structural stability of these compounds. Based on the dielectric studies it was found that the relaxation processes registered for both imines are probably the grain boundary relaxation. Two processes also appear in the systems with PC71BM, but none of them is the one characteristic of imines. The high-frequency process has a dipole character while the low-frequency one is probably the grain boundary relaxation of these systems. The mechanism of quasi-DC conduction in various temperature ranges in the studied systems was also determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its high electron affinity and electron mobility in a wide absorption range of the visible solar spectrum, [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) is often used as an efficient acceptor in organic photovoltaics. In turn, imines are additives to the active layer of organic solar cells, mainly due to the free electron pair of the imine nitrogen atom and the presence of various chemical groups affecting the polarity and conformations of molecules. However, the attainable efficiency is not as high as expected. Therefore, we have systematically investigated two imines and their mixtures with PC71BM by spectroscopic (the high pressure UV–Vis and frequency domain dielectric), thermoelectric, and mechanical methods for organic, flexible photovoltaics. Both the imines, (N,NʹE,N,NʹE)-N,Nʹ-([2,2ʹ:5ʹ,2ʺ-terthiophene]-5,5ʺ-diylbis(methanylylidene))bis(benzo[d]thiazol-2-imine) (SC3) and (6E)-N-((5-(5-(5-((E)-(4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazol-2-yl)phenylimino)methyl)thiophen-2-yl)thiophen-2-yl)thiophen-2-yl)methylene)-4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazol-2-yl)benzenamine (SC13), have the same core composed of three thiophene rings but different terminal chains of the molecules. In the imine SC3, the imine bond is followed by benzothiazole rings on both sides of the core, while in SC13, a thiazole ring separates two benzene rings, the terminal one F-substituted. The difference in molecular structure affects the electric properties of the neat imine and its mixed layers. An addition of PC71BM to the imines improves their electric conductivity. The mechanical studies focused on the stress at break and elongation showed superior behaviour compared to fullerene derivative. High pressure systematically reduces the band gap energy, Eg, from 1.68 eV at 0.16 GPa to 1.51 eV at 2.69 GPa for PC71BM, from 1.77 eV at 0.1 MPa to 1.53 eV at 4.15 GPa for SC3, and from 1.99 eV at 0.11 GPa to 1.8 eV at 3.10 GPa for SC13, as determined by the UV–Vis absorbance measurements in a diamond-anvil cell. These Eg reductions reflect the compressed intermolecular interactions that can be used to monitor the structural stability of these compounds. Based on the dielectric studies it was found that the relaxation processes registered for both imines are probably the grain boundary relaxation. Two processes also appear in the systems with PC71BM, but none of them is the one characteristic of imines. The high-frequency process has a dipole character while the low-frequency one is probably the grain boundary relaxation of these systems. The mechanism of quasi-DC conduction in various temperature ranges in the studied systems was also determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its high electron affinity and electron mobility in a wide absorption range of the visible solar spectrum, [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) is often used as an efficient acceptor in organic photovoltaics. In turn, imines are additives to the active layer of organic solar cells, mainly due to the free electron pair of the imine nitrogen atom and the presence of various chemical groups affecting the polarity and conformations of molecules. However, the attainable efficiency is not as high as expected. Therefore, we have systematically investigated two imines and their mixtures with PC71BM by spectroscopic (the high pressure UV–Vis and frequency domain dielectric), thermoelectric, and mechanical methods for organic, flexible photovoltaics. Both the imines, (N,NʹE,N,NʹE)-N,Nʹ-([2,2ʹ:5ʹ,2ʺ-terthiophene]-5,5ʺ-diylbis(methanylylidene))bis(benzo[d]thiazol-2-imine) (SC3) and (6E)-N-((5-(5-(5-((E)-(4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazol-2-yl)phenylimino)methyl)thiophen-2-yl)thiophen-2-yl)thiophen-2-yl)methylene)-4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazol-2-yl)benzenamine (SC13), have the same core composed of three thiophene rings but different terminal chains of the molecules. In the imine SC3, the imine bond is followed by benzothiazole rings on both sides of the core, while in SC13, a thiazole ring separates two benzene rings, the terminal one F-substituted. The difference in molecular structure affects the electric properties of the neat imine and its mixed layers. An addition of PC71BM to the imines improves their electric conductivity. The mechanical studies focused on the stress at break and elongation showed superior behaviour compared to fullerene derivative. High pressure systematically reduces the band gap energy, Eg, from 1.68 eV at 0.16 GPa to 1.51 eV at 2.69 GPa for PC71BM, from 1.77 eV at 0.1 MPa to 1.53 eV at 4.15 GPa for SC3, and from 1.99 eV at 0.11 GPa to 1.8 eV at 3.10 GPa for SC13, as determined by the UV–Vis absorbance measurements in a diamond-anvil cell. These Eg reductions reflect the compressed intermolecular interactions that can be used to monitor the structural stability of these compounds. Based on the dielectric studies it was found that the relaxation processes registered for both imines are probably the grain boundary relaxation. Two processes also appear in the systems with PC71BM, but none of them is the one characteristic of imines. The high-frequency process has a dipole character while the low-frequency one is probably the grain boundary relaxation of these systems. The mechanism of quasi-DC conduction in various temperature ranges in the studied systems was also determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity storage is one of the best-known methods of balancing the energy supply and demand at a given moment. The article presents an innovative solution for the construction of an electric energy storage device obtained from an innovative photovoltaic panel made of new dye-based photovoltaic modules and newly developed supercapacitors – which can be used as an emergency power source. In the paper, for the first time, we focused on the successful paring of new dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with novel supercapacitors. In the first step, a microprocessor stand was constructed using Artificial Intelligence algorithms to control the parameters of the environment, as well as the solar charger composed of six DSSC cells with the dimensions of 100×100 mm and 126 CR2032 coin cells with a total capacitance of 60 F containing redox-active aqueous electrolyte. It was proven that the solar charger store enough energy to power, i.e. SOS transmitter or igniters, using a 5 V signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We synthesized three imines with triphenylamine or terthiophene core. • We analyse photovoltaic properties in the level of symmetry of imines, presence of DIO, DPE, PFN. • The J-V effects depend on the chemical structure of imine and presence of additives. • Organic solar cells containing PV-BLJ-SC2 imine and PTB7:PC 71 BM:DIO showed the efficiency increased by more than 107 % compared with reference device lack of imine. • We presents a quite effective and cheap method to improve the efficiency of organic solar cells by adopting a ternary approach. In this paper the influence of imine symmetry and triphenylamine moieties presence on photovoltaic properties of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells were analysed in details. Three imines: (E)-N-(4-((4-((E)-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl)phenyl)(phenyl)amino)benzylidene)benzo[d]thiazol-2-imine (PV-BLJ-SC1), (E)-N-(4-diphenylamino)benzylidene)benzo[d]thiazol-2-imine (PV-BLJ-SC2) and (N,N'E,N,N'E)-N,N'-([2,2′:5′,2′'-terthiophene]-5,5′'-diylbis(methanylylidene))bis(benzo[d]thiazol-2-imine) (PV-BLJ-SC3) were investigated as donor or acceptor components in binary and ternary active layer. Moreover, the influence of admixture (1,8-diiodooctane or diphenyl ether), and presence of poly[(9,9-bis(3′-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl)-2,7-fluorene)-alt-2,7-(9,9–dioctylfluorene)] as cathode buffer layer on the photovoltaic parameters of the constructed imine-containing solar cells was analysed in details. All the conducted experiments confirmed the possibility of using unsymmetrical imine PV-BLJ-SC2, showing the best results, in organic photovoltaics. The HOMO and LUMO levels of the imines were determined by cyclic voltammetry, showing dependance of on the chemical structure and its symmetry, and for PV-BLJ-SC2 gaved −5.07 eV and −2.23 eV, respectively. In the case of PV-BLJ-SC1 and PV-BLJ-SC2 the electron density of HOMO was mainly located on triphenylamine moieties, while in the case of PV-BLJ-SC3 on thiophene moieties, as it was confirmed by the density functional theory studies. Based on the highest conductivity (9 × 10-8 S/cm2) result for PV-BLJ-SC2, this imine was selected to prepare binary and ternary layers with PTB7 or PTB7:PC 71 BM and thermal imaging studies were performed. Finally, PV-BLJ-SC2 was introduced to the PTB7:PC 71 BM binary system, where a power conversion efficiency as high as 4.17% was achieved after the addition of 1,8-diiodooctane. It gaved better result than the reference sample containing PTB7:PC 71 BM and 1,8-diiodooctane (3.11%). In the case of reference solar cells the addition of 1,8-diiodooctane improved the efficiency of about 22 %, while for solar cells containing also PV-BLJ-SC2 imine the efficiency increased by more than 107 %. Our study presents a quite effective and cheap method to improve the efficiency of organic solar cells by adopting a ternary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New liquid crystalline thiophene esters, thiophene-3-yl 3,4,5-tris(n-dodecan-1-yloxy)benzoate (ThBz1) and thiophene-3-yl 3,4,5-tris[4-(n-dodecan-1-yloxy)benzyloxy]benzoate (ThBz2), were synthesized for use in lithium-ion batteries as safe, new solvent-free ionic conductors. Both compounds were synthesized in multi-step reactions and were characterized via1H, 13C NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, confirming the formation of the desired products. ThBz1 and ThBz2 showed good thermal stability and liquid crystalline behaviour. Electrochemical tests demonstrated a wide electrochemical window of 4 V for both tested ThBz compounds. Moreover, preliminary battery tests for new electrolytes in the LiCoO2/Li4Ti5O12 system confirmed their applicability in lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction to: I Scientific Reports i https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38978-x, published online 14 August 2023 The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Paulina Ratajczyk, which was incorrectly given as Paulina Ratajczak. The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38978-x. [Extracted from the article]

An evaluation of ion transport in new biomimetic membranes, which are based on dendronised liquid crystalline polyamines is described. Two-step modification of starting polymer allowed preparation of self-supported membranes. Current-Voltage curves confirmed cation permselective nature of these new membranes and size-dependent preferential selectivity in following order: H + > Na + > Ag + > K + . However, in case of chloride solutions, damage of the membranes was observed and was studied using SEM, TEM and 1 H NMR techniques. Selectivity of self-supported systems was compared with hybrid systems based on similar liquid crystalline polyamines and showed lower selectivity values in case of new membranes. Taking into account improved mechanical stability, extended liquid crystalline behaviour and higher clearing temperature values, these materials seem to address all disadvantages of hybrid systems, therefore are complementary in terms of practical application requiring selective ion transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly[2-(aziridin-1-yl)ethanol] (PAZE) is a suitable polyamine candidate which can be dendronised with 3,4,5-tris[4-(n-dodecan-1-yloxy)benzyloxy]benzoic acid (TAP) in order to obtain liquid crystalline columnar polyamines, as previously reported. However, the resulting copolymers evidenced a strong tendency to crystallise which leads to the detriment of columnar phase stability and the mechanical properties of the resulting polymeric membranes. In order to overcome this drawback, we successfully prepared LC columnar polyamines based on poly[2-(aziridin-1-yl)ethanol] modified with both TAP and benzoyl chloride at different extents. The presence of the dendron group induces self-assembling into a columnar structure, due to an exo-recognition of the side-chain dendrons, while the benzoyl group is expected to inhibit polymer crystallinity. All copolymers, except one, have lower melting points and exhibit higher clearing temperatures (T c ), when compared to the LC polyamines obtained by modification of PAZE with TAP only, reported in previous studies. In all cases they exhibited LC columnar mesophases after annealing, as inferred by DSC, XRD and POM. When casted as membranes, these columnar copolyamines can be homeotropically oriented under thermal treatment at optimal conditions, as was confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies at low 2θ angles. Additionally, SEM microscopy was used in order to evaluate the morphology of the prepared membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membranes with a high but remarkably humidity-independent proton conductivity were prepared. Side-chain liquid crystalline polyethers (SCLCPs), based on poly(epichlorohydrin) (PECH) and poly(epichlorohydrin-co-ethylene oxide) (P(ECH-co-EO)), dendronized with potassium 3,4,5-tris[4-(n-dodecan-1-yloxy)benzyloxy]benzoate were specially designed for this purpose. When cast as membranes, these tailored polymers self-assembled into columns, driven by exo-recognition. They thus mimic the highly specific supramolecular organization observed in nature and present the first biomimetic material for proton transport out of which stable, oriented and self-sustained membranes could be prepared. As revealed by combined X-ray diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy, polymeric column formation was obtained in the cast membranes following a thermally induced homeotropical orientation. Two unique and highly desired properties were found in the resulting membranes. While conventional proton conducting membranes exploit an “acidic group-based” transport mechanism, the current columns pillaring across the membranes formed ionic paths, giving rise to a remarkable size-dependent antiport transport mechanism. It resulted in conductivity values in the range of 10 −2 –10 −3 S/cm, comparable to current state-of-the-art Nafion membranes, but, most importantly, with a complete independency from relative humidity. Reported membranes thus open excellent opportunities for further fine-tuning of their properties, wider exploitation of the exceptional transport mechanism, and final applications in fuel cells and related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of ion transport in a new generation of hybrid biomimetic membranes, which are based on the formation of polymeric ionic wires via exo-recognition and subsequent orientation by thermal treatment, is presented. The specific conductivity of the hybrid membranes, obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, is not strongly affected by relative humidity and temperature; the values are found around 10 −5 S/cm for all studied materials. However, in the case of ion transport observed by linear sweep voltammetry, the hybrid materials containing homeotropically oriented columns exhibited lower resistance than unoriented samples. The preferential selectivity, expressed as conductance ratio compared to proton cation, show remarkably better results for biomimetic membranes when compared to Nafion ® 117. Low values of methanol crossover are also found. Taking into account these findings, these materials hold great promise for practical application requiring selective ion transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new generation of hybrid biomimetic membranes, combining dendronised liquid-crystalline poly[2-(aziridin-1-yl)ethanol] with different modification degrees and anodized aluminum oxide as support, is reported here. The hybrid membranes are prepared by impregnation of the support with a 30% THF polymeric solution. The presence and homogeneous distribution of the polymeric material inside the membrane is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and line microanalysis. The polymers show tendency to self-assemble into columns, arraying into columnar liquid-crystalline mesophase. Columns homeotropical-like orientation, as a result of a thermal treatment at optimal conditions, is confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies at low 2θ angles. Polymeric wires, being potential ion conductive pathways, resulting from assembling of polymeric columns are detected by SEM microscopy. Low absorption values for water and aqueous methanol solution are observed for hybrid systems, which suggest limited contribution of water in ion transport. Altogether, the new generation of hybrid membranes represents a promising class of biomimetic materials able to form oriented channels inside inorganic support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, the concept of a hybrid solar cell system, called all-weather solar cells, a new view on energy harvesting device design, is introduced and described in detail. Additionally, some critical economical, technological, and ecological aspects are discussed. Due to drastic global climate changes, traditional energy harvesting devices relying only on solar energy are becoming less adaptive, hence the need for redesigning photovoltaic systems. In this work, alternative energy harvesting technologies, such as piezoelectric and triboelectric devices, and photoelectron storage, that can be used widely as supporting systems to traditional photovoltaic systems are analysed in detail, based on the available literature. Finally, some examples of all-weather solar cells composed of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and silicon solar cells, often modified with graphene oxide or phosphors materials, as new perspective trends in nanotechnology are presented. Two types of solar cell triggers are analysed: (i) solar cells working during day and night (DSSC with phosphors materials), and (ii) solar cells working under sun and rain conditions (piezoelectric and triboelectric silicon or DSSC solar cells). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we present the cascade converter (CC), which provides real-time imaging of ionizing radiation (IoR) distribution. It was designed and manufactured with the simplest architecture, utilizing liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. Based on two merged substrates with transparent electrodes, armed with functional layers, with the cell filled with nematic liquid crystal, a display-like, IoR-stimulated CC was achieved. The CC comprises low-absorbing polymer substrates (made of polyethylene terephthalate—PET) armed with a transparent ITO electrode covered with a thin semipermeable membrane of polymer (biphenylperfluorocyclobutyl: BP-PFCB) doped with functional nanoparticles (NPs) of Lu2O3:Eu. This stack was covered with a photoconductive layer of α-Se and finally with a thin polyimide (PI) layer for liquid crystal alignment. The opposite substrate was made of LCD-type glass with ITO and polyimide aligning layers. Both substrates form a cell with a twisted structure of nematic liquid crystal (TN) driven with an effective electric field E e f f . An effective electric field driving TN structure is generated with a sum of (1) a bias voltage V B I A S applied to ITO transparent electrodes and (2) the photogenerated additional voltage V X r a y induced between ITO and α-Se layers with a NPs-doped BP-PFCB polymer layer in-between. The IoR (here, X-ray) conversion into real imaging of the IoR distribution was achieved in the following stages: (1) conversion of IoR distribution into non-ionizing red light emitted with functional NPs, (2) transformation of red light into an electric charge distributed in a layer of the photoconductive α-Se, which is what results in the generation of distributed voltage V X r a y , and (3) a voltage-mediated, distributed switching of the TN structure observed with the naked eye. The presented imaging device is characterized by a simple structure and a simple manufacturing process, with the potential for use as a portable element of IoR detection and as a dosimeter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unoriented and oriented membranes based on dendronized polymers and copolymers obtained by chemical modification of poly[2-(aziridin-1-yl) ethanol] (PAZE) with the dendron 3,4,5-tris[4-(n-dodecan-1-yloxy)benzyloxy]benzoate were considered. DSC, XRD, CP-MAS NMR and DETA, contribute to characterize the tendency to crystallize, the molecular mobility of the benzyloxy substituent, the dendritic liquid crystalline group and the clearing transition. The orientation of the mesogenic chain somewhat hindered this molecular motion, especially in the full substituted PAZE. The fragility, free volume and thermal expansion coefficients of these membranes near the glass transition are related to the orientation and the addition of the dendritic groups. PAZE-based membranes combine both order and mobility on a supramolecular and macroscopic level, controlled by the dendritic group and the thermal orientation, and open the possibility of preparing membranes with proper channel mobility that promotes selective ionic transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, use of supercapacitors as energy storage systems has attracted considerable attention. However, the literature is scarce of information about the optimization of hybrid systems, using supercapacitors as the main energy storage system. In our study, we focused step-by-step on the engineering concept of a photo-rechargeable energy storage system based on silicon solar cells and supercapacitors. In the first step, based on commercially available elements, we designed a solar charger and simulated its work in idealized conditions. Secondly, we designed appropriate electronic connections and control systems, allowing for the charging–discharging process of the energy storage system. After constructing three type of demonstrators of solar energy charger, we tested it. The novel design allowed us to achieve total available energy from solar panel energy conversion up to 93%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer gel electrolytes based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene) (PAB) or poly(dimethylsiloxane) bis(3-aminopropyl)-terminated (PDES-bAP) copolymers were prepared and investigated in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Selected optical and electrochemical properties of all compositions with various ratio from 9:1 to 6:4 were investigated towards DSSC applications. The highest value of power conversion efficiency equal to 5.07% was found for DSSCs containing a PVDF-HPF:PAB (9:1) gel electrolyte. Compositions of electrolytes were additionally tested by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The influence of the ratio and type of polymers used as an additive to PVDF-HPF on absorption wavelengths, energy gap, and Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) levels were investigated. Individual components of DSSCs, such as the TiO2 layer and platinum nanoparticles, were imaged by scanning electron microscope. Finally, a DSSC module with six electrically separated solar cells with a 7 × 80 mm2 active area was constructed based on gel electrolytes and tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planar perovskite solar cells were fabricated on F-doped SnO2 (FTO) coated glass substrates, with 4,4'-((1E,1'E)-((1,2,4-thiadiazole-3,5-diyl)bis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(N,N-di-p-tolylaniline) (bTAThDaz) as hole transport material. This imine was synthesized in one step reaction, starting from commercially available and relatively inexpensive reagents. Electrochemical, optical, electrical, thermal and structural studies including thermal images and current-voltage measurements of the full solar cell devices characterize the imine in details. HOMO-LUMO of bTAThDaz were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and energy-resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (ER-EIS) and were found at −5.19 eV and −2.52 eV (CV) and at −5.5 eV and −2.3 eV (ER-EIS). The imine exhibited 5% weight loss at 156 °C. The electrical behavior and photovoltaic performance of the perovskite solar cell was examined for FTO/TiO2/perovskite/bTAThDaz/Ag device architecture. Constructed devices exhibited good time and air stability together with quite small effect of hysteresis. The observed solar conversion efficiency was 14.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) water and toluene solutions were investigated in detail, taking into consideration their stability, wettability, transparency, and electrochemical properties, along with change polarity caused by dopant. As dopant, methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol were used with different dipole moments (1.70, 1.69, and 1.66 D) and dielectric constants (33.0, 24.5, and 18.0). Three techniques, i.e., spin coating, doctor blade coating, and spray coating, were employed to created PEDOT:PSS layers on glass, glass/indium tin oxide (ITO), and glass/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates with optimized technical parameters for each used equipment. All used PEDOT:PSS water and toluene solutions demonstrated good wetting properties with angles below 30° for all used surfaces. Values of the energy bandgap (Eg) of PEDOT:PSS investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in solution showed increase energy Eg along with addition of alcohol to the mixture, and they were found in the range of 1.20 eV to 2.85 eV. The opposite tendency was found for the Eg value of the PEDOT:PSS layer created from water solution. The storage effect on PEDOT:PSS layers detected by CV affected only the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level, thereby causing changes in the energy bandgap. Finally, simple devices were constructed and investigated by infrared (IR) thermographic camera to investigate the surface defects on the created PEDOT:PSS layers. Our study showed that a more stable PEDOT:PSS layer without pin-holes and defects can be obtained from water and toluene solutions with isopropanol via the spin coating technique with an optimal speed of 3000 rpm and time of 90 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study new symmetrical and unsymmetrical imines based on 4-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)1,3-thiazol-2-yl]aniline and 2,2′,5′,2"-terthiophene-5,5"-dicarboxaldehyde or 2,2':5′, 2"-terthiophene-5-carboxaldehyde, respectively, were synthesized by melt condensation with the yield of 86% and 40%. The 5% weight loss of the imines was found in temperature range from 294 to 390 °C in nitrogen, depending on the symmetry of aldehyde used in synthesis. The band gap of symmetrical imine (PV-BLJ-SC13) is lower by about ∼0.33 eV than that of unsymmetrical PV-BLJ-SC14. For both imines the electron density of HOMO level is mainly located on thiophene moieties and is extended to imine bonds in thiazole rings and imine moieties. The theoretical calculations of their HOMO-LUMO levels by DFT methods were also provided. The UV–Vis absorption spectra and cyclic voltammograms of imines both in the form of thin films cast on the electrode as well as dissolved in 1,2-dichloromethane were studied to determine the electrochemical and optical band gap energies as well as correlate the positions of HOMO and LUMO levels obtained by DFT and electrochemical methods. The resistance of imines was approximately 113.8 Ω and 102.4 Ω for PV-BLJ-SC13 and PV-BLJ-SC14, respectively as determined by IR thermal images and have a tendency to decrease by about 17–24 Ω when mixed with PTB7 and PC 71 BM. Both imines showed very bright luminescence. Moreover, optical absorption, photoluminescence and IR thermal images were measured for imine:PTB7 or imine:PTB7:PC 71 BM composite. Finally, simple organic solar cells based on (PTB7:imine):PC 71 BM in weight ratio (4:1):8 and (8:1):13 w/w were constructed and characterized. The highest power conversion efficiency, which was equal to 0.42% was determined for the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PTB7:PV-BLJ-SC13:PC 71 BM (4:1):8/Al device. In addition, the power conversion efficiency was strongly dependent on the weight ratio of imine in active layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here the preparation and thermal, electrical and mechanical characterization of binary and ternary films based on l,d-poly(lactic acid) (l,d-PLA) and 4′-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (5CB) and Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCN) with various weight ratio. The transitions for all investigated hybrid compositions detected by differential scanning calorimetry method were shifted to lower temperatures with increasing the concentration of 5CB in the mixture with polymer. Frequency domain dielectric spectroscopy method and thermal imaging together with polarized optical microscope were used to study electric and structural properties of created hybrid compositions. The best electrical conductivity was observed for hybrid composite l,d-PLA:5CB:SWCN with ratio 10:1:0.5 w/w/w - resistance of 41.0 Ω and thermal response up to 160 °C without causing any damages. Films in crystal form are much more inflexible than in amorphous and can be explain by the cold crystallization occurs at heating while the materials changed their physical state. The value of ε′ increases with increasing the 5CB admixture. Moreover, the addition of 5CB to l,d-PLA resulted in increased flexibility of polymeric base films. The best material flexibility and short-term strength were obtained for l,d-PLA sample with 9% 5CB content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic–inorganic hybrids based on liquid crystalline symmetrical imine (8Z)-N-(4-((Z)-(4-pentylphenylimino)methyl)benzylidene)-4-pentylbenzenamine (AZJ1) with two aliphatic chains and TiO2 nanomaterials were obtained and investigated taking into account thr crystallographic form of titanium dioxide i.e., anatase versus rutile. The type of TiO2 influences the mesomorphic properties of imine AZJ1, as observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM) techniques. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to investigate the interactions of oxygen vacancies located on the TiO2 surface with the studied AZJ1 imine together with studying the influence of temperature. Both imine:TiO2 anatase versus rutile hybrids possessed the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels of about −5.39 eV (AZJ1:anatase) and −5.33 eV (AZJ1:rutile) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels of about −2.24 eV. The presence of TiO2 in each hybrid did not strongly affect the redox properties of imine AZJ1. Organic devices with the configuration of ITO/TiO2/AZJ1 (or AZJ1:TiO2 anatase versus rutile)/Au were fabricated and investigated in the presence and absence of visible light irradiation with a light intensity of 93 mW/cm2. Finally, to analyze defects in the constructed organic devices we used thermal imaging and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The addition of TiO2 in both crystallographic forms has a positive influence on layer-forming properties that manifests itself as a very homogenous heat distribution for the whole sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the application of l,d-poly(lactic acid) (l,d-PLA) with dispersed Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCN) as a flexible translucent electrode for organic devices. We used commercially available nanotubes in various weight ratios from 0 to 8% dispersed in chloroform polymeric solution by ultrasonication and were drop cast. The created hybrid materials were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry to determine the influence of SWCN content on the thermal behavior, while polarizing optical microscope was used to find the effect of mechanical deformations on the textures. Drop-cast films were studied by optical transmittance, conductivity, dielectric properties and by thermal imaging under applied potential. Thermal imaging provided evidence of visible voltage-activated conduction. Simple mechanical deformation such as bending with stretching at edge to ca. 90 and elongation test were performed. Moreover, interactions between l,d-poly(lactic acid) and SWCN were investigated by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. Finally, we can conclude that the thermographic examination of created films permits fast, simple and inexpensive localization of defects on the surface of l,d-PLA:SWCN film, together with the electrical properties of the films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-modified liquid-crystalline polyether (CP36), as a model compound, was synthesised with the purpose of preparing a membrane with columnar ionic channels. A free-standing cation permselective biomimetic membrane was successfully prepared and found to have channels made of polymeric columns homeotropically oriented, which was confirmed in X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. A first insight into a real-time interaction between two selected cations: H+ and Na+, and polyether during transport through the polymeric membrane was demonstrated using joined chronoamperometry and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Raman studies unveiled the possibility for smaller protons to bypass the usual ionic pathway via polyetheric chain and use outer part of ionic channel for conduction thanks to ester bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three (4,4′-((1E,1′E)-(2,5-bis(octyloxy)-1,4-phenylene)bis(ethene-2,1-diyl))bis-(E)-N-(2,5-bis(octyloxy)benzylidene)) imine derivatives were synthesized via a condensation reaction with p-toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst. The effects of the end groups and vinylene (–HC=CH–) moieties on the structural, thermal, optical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of imines were investigated to check the influence of TiO2 on the imine properties. The thermal behavior of imines and their complexes with TiO2 was widely investigated using FT-IR, XRD, DSC and POM methods in order to determine the order type in the imine structure. All imines present the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels of about −5.39 eV (SAI1 and SAI2) and −5.27 eV (SAI3) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels at about −3.17 eV. The difference of the end groups in the imines in each case did not affect redox properties. Generally, both oxidation and reduction are easier after TiO2 addition and it also changes the HOMO–LUMO levels of imines. Moreover, changes in the characteristic bands for imines in the region 1500–1700 cm−1 observed as a drastic decrease of intensity or even disappearance of bands in the imine : TiO2 mixture suggest the formation of a complex (C=N)–TiO2. Organic devices with the configuration of ITO/TiO2/SAIx (or SAIx : TiO2)/Au were fabricated and investigated in the presence and absence of visible light irradiation with an intensity of 93 mW cm−2. In all imines and complexes with TiO2, the generation of the photocurrent indicates their use as photodiodes and the best result was observed for SAI3 : TiO2 complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the Gaussian model of the electromagnetic radiation attenuation properties of two resin systems containing 75% or 80% of a carbonyl iron load as an absorber in the 4–18 GHz range. For the attenuation values obtained in the laboratory, mathematical fitting was performed in the range of 4–40 GHz to visualize the full curve characteristics. The simulated curves fitted up to a 0.998 R2 value of the experimental results. The in depth analysis of the simulated spectra allowed a thorough evaluation of the influence of the type of resin, absorber load, and layer thickness on reflection loss parameters such as the maximum attenuation, peak position, half-height width, and base slope of the peak. The simulated results were convergent with the literature findings, allowing a much deeper analysis. This confirmed that the suggested Gaussian model could provide additional information, useful in terms of comparative analyses of datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many armies around the world showed an increasing interest for the technology of renewable energy sources for military applications. However, to profit fully from solar or wind energy, an energy storage system is needed. In this article, we present an energy storage system based on acid-lead batteries as a component of a modular generation-storage as a model of military "smart camp". We proposed a technical approach to study four different types of batteries: DEEP CYCLE, AGM, WET and VRLA in laboratory and real conditions typical for military equipment. It was observed that the best performance was observed for AGM battery in terms of the highest cold cracking amperage equal to 1205 A combined with the most compact construction and resistance to varying thermal conditions from −25 °C, 25 °C and 50 °C. Additionally, a 12-month long-term testing in real conditions revealed that AGM and VRLA showed decrease in capacity value maintaining only approx. 80% of initial value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents the current state of the knowledge regarding the use of radioactive sources to generate photonic light in scintillators as converters of ionizing radiation to electricity in photovoltaic cells. The possibility of using the phenomenon of the excitation of light photons in the scintillation materials during the interaction with particles and photons of ionizing radiation was analyzed in detail. The light photons obtained in such a way can generate an electric charge in photovoltaic cells. The whole process can be named as a nuclear cell (nuclear battery). Theoretically, the use of such physical phenomena seems to be an ideal practical solution to meet the energy needs of the modern world. However, there are many physical and technical problems that limit its widespread use in practical applications. In an ideal system, the ionizing radiation sources can emit the radiation for billions of years, and the energy of particles and photons from the radiation can be converted into photons in the scintillation material, with energy suitable to generate a photoelectric effect in a photovoltaic cell. Such a cascade sequence of different physical phenomena allows, from a theoretical point of view, for the creation of a virtually inexhaustible source of electricity. This review of historical and current literature reports aims to bring closer the idea of "energy perpetuum mobile", which has troubled many scientists around the world for centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure was determined for the first time for 4-[(di-p-tolyl-amino)benzylidene]-(5-pyridin-4-yl-[1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl)-imine (trans-PPL9) by X-ray diffraction. The imine crystallized in the monoclinic P21/n space group with a = 18.9567(7) Å, b = 6.18597(17) Å, c = 22.5897(7) Å, and β = 114.009(4)°. Intermolecular interactions in the PPL9 crystal were only weak C−H⋯N hydrogen bonds investigated using the Hirshfeld surface. The electronic and geometric structure of the imine were investigated by the density functional theory and the time-dependent density-functional theory. The properties of the imine in neutral and protonated form with camforosulphonic acid (CSA) were investigated using cyclic voltammetry, UV–vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Theoretical and experimental studies showed that for the 1:1 molar ratio the protonation occured on nitrogen in pyridine in the PPL9 structure, as an effect of Brönsted acid–base interactions. Thermographic camera was used to defined defects in constructed simple devices with ITO/PPL9 (or PPL9:CSA)/Ag/ITO architecture. In conclusion, a thermally stable imine was synthesized in crystalline form and by CSA doping, a modification of absorption spectra together with reduction of overheating process was observed, suggesting its potential application in optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a great importance has been given to hybrid systems of energy generators and energy storages. This article presents the results of our research aimed at checking the possibility of connecting a photovoltaic (PV) module and a lithium-ion battery (LIB), using a simplified control module towards a cheap and efficient system. The photovoltaic modules based on crystalline silicon solar cells, tempered glass as the front layer and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer as encapsulation material are the most popular type in the industry. The disadvantage of such module type is the high weight of about 15 kg/m2. The weight of PV module used in the presented energy storage system is twice as small. This new type of PV module is based on treated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as back sheet; high transparent foil as front sheet. Changing glass layer to PMMA requires additional modification of the lamination process parameters and EVA polymer type. For this reason, an EVA polymer with reduced crosslinking temperature was used in most cases; the voltage obtained from solar panels is significantly different from the one required by battery system. Hence, voltage converters (step-up or step-down) are needed. The use of a voltage stabilizing converter (which is a kind of electrical buffer) between the solar cell and lithium-ion battery can in some cases replace the battery overcharge protection system. However, an indispensable element is the system protecting the battery from excessive discharge. The voltage converter permits direct connection between the electricity storage and power supply, which current-voltage parameters do not match. The converter's task is to change the value of current and voltage in a way that meets the requirements of the powered receiver, minimizing power losses, increasing the whole system efficiency. Photovoltaic parameters of the energy storage systems were examined in laboratory and real conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this paper was to study the optical, electrical, and thermal properties of hybrid composites based on biodegradable polymers (L,D-poly(lactic acid), polycaprolactone or Ecoflex®), single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCN), and 4′-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (5CB). The biodegradable polymers' binary and ternary compositions were analyzed in detail by ultraviolet and visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy taking into consideration their chemical structure and interactions with 5CB and SWCN. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies of the created hybrid layers showed thermal stability and changes in glass transition temperature and melting point in comparison to neat polymers, depending on the chemical structure of the polymer used and the type of composition. Morphology of the created layers were investigated by atomic force and polarizing microscopy. The static contact angle measurements of a water drop showed that all of the neat polymer layers were hydrophobic with angle values ranging from 108° to 115°. In addition, in the case of the Ecoflex® layers, both with and without additives, a rapid sorption of the deposited water drop was observed. Finally, a simple device with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/indium tin oxide (ITO)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/poly [[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): [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM)/Ag/biodegradable polymer:SWCN architecture was constructed and tested using an infrared (IR) thermographic camera to investigate the surface defects on the created hybrid layers. Increasing the SWCN admixture from 0.01 to 0.5% significantly improved the conductivity only in the case of L,D-poly(lactic acid):SWCN (10:0.5), for which above 5 V, a current with a resistance of 3030.7 Ω could be measured. In order to use the created layers as flexible electrodes, the first experiments were carried out with an admixture of SWCN and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) as conductive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, four new aromatic imines containing at least one thiazole-based heterocycle were analyzed in detail by UV–Vis spectroscopy, taking into consideration their chemical structures and interactions with PTB7, a known polymeric electron donor widely used in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. It is demonstrated that the absorption spectra of the investigated active compositions can be modified not only by changing the chemical structure of imine, but also via formulations with PTB7. For all investigated imines and PTB7:imine compositions, calibration curves were obtained in order to find the optimum concentration in the composition with PTB7 for expansion and optimization of absorption spectra. All imines and PTB7:imine compositions were investigated in 1,2-dichlorobenzene by UV–Vis spectroscopy in various concentrations, monitoring the changes in the π–π* and n–π* transitions. With increasing imine concentrations, we did not observe changes in absorption maxima, while with increasing imine concentrations, a hypochromic effect was observed. Finally, we could conclude that all investigated compositions exhibited wide absorptions of up to 800 nm and isosbestic points in the range of 440–540 nm, confirming changes in the macromolecular organization of the tested compounds. The theoretical calculations of their vibration spectra (FTIR) and LUMO–HOMO levels by Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods are also provided. Finally, IR thermal images were measured for organic devices based on imines and the imine:PTB7 composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two bent-shaped imines (9E)-N-(3-((E)-(4-hexadecylphenylimino)methyl)benzylidene)-4-hexadecylbenzenamine (SL1) and (10E)-N-(3-((E)-(4-(perfluorooctyl)phenylimino)methyl)benzylidene)-4-(perfluorooctyl)benzenamine (SL2) were prepared by condensation reaction in N,N-dimethylacetamide to study their thermal, structural and electrochemical properties, as well as their mixtures with titanium dioxide. Chemical structure, temperature and TiO2 influences on the phase transition temperatures, enthalpy, texture and molecular dynamics of both imines were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarising optical microscopy and Fourier transform middle-infrared absorption spectroscopy during heating and cooling. Changes in the surface morphology of the imines and their mixtures with TiO2 were registered by atomic force microscopy. X-ray study showed the tendency to form lamellas in the case of SL2 as an effect of the presence of two terminal perfluorinated alkyl chains connected to a polar mobile aromatic core, which resulted in microsegregation. Additionally, TiO2 influences the energy gap and HOMO-LUMO levels of imines as was detected by cyclic voltammetry. Finally, devices with two types of architectures, such as ITO/TiO2/SL1(or P3HT)/Au and ITO/TiO2/SL1:P3HT/Au were constructed and investigated under irradiation intensity of 97.7 mW/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new piperazine imine, (7E)-N-((4-((E)-(4-hexadecylphenylimino)methyl) piperazin-1-yl)methylene)-4-dodecylbenzenamine, has been synthesized by the condensation of 1,4-piperazinedicarboxaldehyde with 4- hexadecylaniline. The imine was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, Fourier transform middle-infrared absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Thermal properties of imine was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry method during first and second heating scan at 10 and 20 °C/min. Texture of imine was investigated by polarized optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, imine was blended with titanium dioxide in anatase form and fully characterized by the same methods. Piperazine imine and its mixture with titanium dioxide exhibited only a transition from crystal to isotropic state. Imine exhibits two-step reduction wave attributed to one-electron transfer in each step as was found by cyclic voltammetry. Both titanium dioxide and poly(3-hexylthiophene) change the electrochemical properties of piperazine imine, however, in different ways. Studied imine blended with titanium dioxide exhibited higher value of energy band gap than pure piperazine imine and lower Eg than pure poly(3-hexylthiophene). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three C 70 fullerene derivatives, namely, C70-BTB and C70-MTB with thiophene or C70-MTP thiophene and pyrrolidyne moieties were synthesized and compared with synthesized C70-IPH containing indene moieties. Moreover, C70-BTB was compared with C60-BTB to analyse in deep the influence of fullerene football and rugby balls on the selected opto-electrical properties of new fullerene derivatives. All fullerene derivatives were characterized theoretically by using both time-dependent and independent density functional theory with the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof and Becke-Lee, W. Yang, R.G. Parr. The energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) were calculated and compared with corresponding values determined experimentally by cyclic voltammetry (CV). It was found that the LUMO HOMO energy gaps determined by the DFT/B3LYP/6–31G(d) method agree very precisely with the corresponding values obtained in the CV experiments. For the first time a possibility of electropolymeryzation of C60-MTB C70-BTB, C70-MTB and C70-MTP with (E)-1-([2,2′:5′,2′'- terthiophen ]-5-yl)-N-{4-[4-(4- fluorophenyl)-1,3- thiazol -2- yl ]phenyl}methanimine (PV-BLJ-SC14) was shown. All fullerene derivatives and blends with poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and poly(4,8-bis[(2- ethylhexyl) oxy ]benzo[1,2- b :4,5- b ′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl-alt-3-fluoro-2-[(2- ethylhexyl) carbonyl ]thieno[3,4- b ]thiophene-4,6-diyl) were investigated in deep by UV–Vis spectroscopy in the solution and as the solid layers together with photoluminescence spectra. Structural defects of created layers based on new fullerene derivatives were studied by atomic force microscopy and thermal imaging. To summarize, the investigated fullerene derivatives present much better electrical properties than widely used PC 70 BM. Moreover, the indene and pyrrolidine modifications demonstrated the best stability (thermally and at passing current) and electrical performance for all tested modifications. Additionally, a possible molecule rearrangement was observed resulting in improvement of electric conductivity through the layer. Finally, simple bulk-heterojunction polymer solar cells were constructed based on new fullerene derivatives as acceptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three novel discotic compounds were synthesized and used as smart dopants for organic solar cells. • All compounds exhibit columnar rectangular phase stability over a reasonably broad temperature. • The best homogeneity of heat distribution with resistance value 26.4–53.5 Ω. • The best PCE of 3.02% in small-molecule organic solar cells. Three new discotic liquid crystalline (DLC) penta(phenylethynyl)benzene derivatives (HSC0X , X = 1–3) in nonchiral, homogeneously chiral, and racemic conformations were used as smart dopants between poly[[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl][s-fluoro-2-[2–ethylhexyl]carbonyl]thirno[3,4–b]thiophene- diyl]](PTB7) and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC 71 BM) which can achieve one-dimensional (1D) charge transportation for organic solar cells (OSCs). All HSC0X exhibits columnar rectangular phase stability over a reasonably broad temperature and is characterized by powder X-ray analysis and polarized optical microscopy (POM). The thermal imaging revealed the best homogeneity of heat distribution for devices PTB7 : PC 71 BM : HSC0X ternary active layer with resistance value 26.4–53.5 Ω. The resulting power conversion efficiency (PCE) values were strongly dependent on the molecular conformation and specific amount of the dopants in an active layer. A narrow band gap at 1.01 eV was found for the nonchiral discotic material (HSC01) as well as a low-lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level of ∼ -5.34 eV and the best PCE of 3.02%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The one of the most important issues in constructing light-harvesting photovoltaic (PV) systems with a charge storage element is its reliable and uninterrupted use in highly variable and weather-dependent conditions in everyday applications. Herein, we report the construction and applicability evaluation of a ready-to-use portable solar charger comprising a silicon solar cell and an enhanced energy hybrid supercapacitor using activated carbon electrodes and iodide-based aqueous electrolyte to stabilise the PV power under fluctuating light conditions. The optimised electrode/electrolyte combination of a supercapacitor was used for the construction of a 60 F/3 V module by a proper adjustment of the series and parallel connections between the CR2032 coin cells. The final photo-rechargeable device was tested as a potential supporting system for pulse electronic applications under various laboratory conditions (temperature of 15 and 25 °C, solar irradiation of 600 and 1000 W m−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]