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In this work, we study the effect of fluorosubstitution on the crystal structure of phthalocyanines of copper, cobalt, and vanadyl and analyze the correlations between the structure and volatility ...

In the present work, novel composite thin films are investigated and applied as active layers in organic solar cells with improved performance. The novel composite materials are based on blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) with phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) with the addition of symmetrically substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine derivative bearing eight polyoxyethylene substituents ( ZnPc-0py ) or pyrene containing asymmetric zinc phthalocyanine ( ZnPc-1py ). The study of these novel composites in organic solar cells was carried out in two stages; firstly P3HT: ZnPc-0py and P3HT: ZnPc-1py were used as sensitizer layers between the active layer and PEDOT:PSS which has resulted in a declined power conversion efficiency compared to a P3HT:PCBM reference device. In the second stage ZnPc-0py and ZnPc-1py derivatives were used separately as a component in ternary blends within a mixture of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) (P3HT-PCBM in the ratio of 1:1) as an OSC active layer P3HT:PCBM. The photovoltaic characteristics of thin films of these blends have been investigated and optimum performance of ternary OSC devices has been identified. A ternary organic solar cell comprising P3HT:PCBM: ZnPc-1py as the active layer has demonstrated a power conversion efficiency as high as 2.96%, with fill factor of 57%, short circuit current density of 8.14 mAcm −2 and open circuit voltage of 0.64 V.

This paper aims to identify strategic effectiveness (smith) in Results of the tests of the Middle East geography Curriculum for middle school Second grade students average, and Test analytical thinking. A two-group experimental approach was chosen on a par, the researcher prepared a multiple test with several paragraphs (40), a paragraph. Building the test of analytical thinking as the number of paragraphs (70) a paragraph. After processing the results statistically, the results showed the following: The experimental group has been outweighed Which studied a strategic approach (smith) In a variable result obtained. The experimental group has been outweighed Which studied a strategic approach (smith) In the analytical thinking variable.

Quantum-chemical calculations of the association of metal free, cobalt, copper and zinc phthalocyanines (MPc) with carbon zigzag and armchair nanotubes (CNTs) with diameters in the range of 7–14 A were carried out by the DFT method with the use of BH van der Waals density functional and DZP atomic basis set. It was shown that interaction energy between the phthalocyanine molecules and the CNTs, as a whole, increases with an increase of the diameter of carbon nanotubes. However, in the case of CNT(n,0) the energy reaches its maximal value at n = 16 or 17 depending on the central metal atom and phthalocyanine orientation on the carbon nanotubes surface. Up to diameter of 10.5 A of the CNTs, stronger binding of the considered MPc macrocyclic molecules is observed with carbon armchair nanotubes. However, in the case of higher diameters the phthalocyanines are associated more strongly with the zigzag CNTs.

The optical transmittance, electrical conductivity and morphology of PEDOT:PSS treated with ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) have been investigated. Transmittance spectra of spun PEDOT:PSS layers were enhanced slightly as a result NH4OH treatment while surface of the films has exhibited variation in the roughness and an increase in the electrical conductivity. Improvement in the physical properties of PEDOT:PSS is shown to be the key factor in enhancing the power conversion effeciency (PCE) with values as high as 4% associated with high fill factor (FF) of 57%, open circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.64 V and larger short circuit current density (JSC) of 11 mA cm−2. Stabiltiy test of the devices has been carried out over a period of 2 months, when a device incorporating PEDOT:PSS with pH ~ 4 as the hole transport layer has shown an improved stability with a degredation in PCE in about 43% whereas JSC has decreased in about 20% compared to a device incorporating pristine PEDOT:PSS with PCE decreased in about 66% and JSC in about 50% over the stated period of test. These effects have been ascribed to the increased acidity of the hole transport layer.

Organic-inorganic halide perovskites are one of the most attractive materials for the next generation solar cells. The PCE has rapidly increased to more than 22% using different configurations and techniques and further developments are predicted. However, perovskite solar cells suffer from fabrication reproducibility mainly due to difficulty in controlling the morphology of the perovskite films themselves. In this paper we present a low temperature solution-processed two-step deposition method to fabricate CH3NH3PbI3 perovskites. This method offers a simple route with great potential in fabricating reproducible perovskite solar cells. In the present work, we demonstrate that the morphology of the perovskite thin films is highly determined by the concentration of Methylammonium iodide (MAI) as well as the reaction time between MAI and PbI2. High-performance solar cells have been reproducibly achieved with a highest PCE of 15.01% for PCBM-based planar heterojunction solar cells.

WOS:000414971100101 In this work, the structural features and sensor response toward ammonia of a three dimensional (3D) SWCNTs material covalently functionalised with 1,6-diethynylpyrene were studied. The target SWCNTs hybrid material was prepared by the reaction of azido substituted SWCNTs with 1,6-diethynylpyrene containing double terminal alkyne groups via the azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition (Click) reaction. The structure of the 1,6-diethynylpyrene compound was determined by different spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR, H-1 NMR, MALDI-TOF mass and UV-vis, while its SWCNT-Pyrene 3D hybrid material was characterized by FT-IR, Raman, UV-vis spectroscopies and thermogravimetric analysis. The morphology of the hybrid films was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The sensing performance of the SWCNT-Pyrene 3D hybrid material was studied against low-concentrations of NH3 in the range of 0.1-40 ppm by measuring changes in the films' conductivity at different levels of relative humidity. The reversible electrical sensor response toward ammonia was observed both in the case of SWCNT and SWCNT-Pyrene 3D hybrid films, however the response values of SWCNT-Pyrene 3D hybrid film were higher than those of SWCNT. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films were prepared by sol–gel spin coating method and deposited on ITO-coated glass substrates. The effects of different heat treatment annealing temperatures on the phase composition of TiO2 films and its effect on the optical band gap, morphological, structural as well as using these layers in P3HT:PCBM-based organic solar cell were examined. The results show the presence of rutile phases in the TiO2 films which were heat-treated for 2 h at different temperatures (200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 °C). The optical properties of the TiO2 films have altered by temperature with a slight decrease in the transmittance intensity in the visible region with increasing the temperature. The optical band gap values were found to be in the range of 3.28–3.59 eV for the forbidden direct electronic transition and 3.40–3.79 eV for the allowed direct transition. TiO2 layers were used as electron transport layer in inverted organic solar cells and resulted in a power conversion efficiency of 1.59% with short circuit current density of 6.64 mA cm−2 for TiO2 layer heat-treated at 600 °C.

In this work, the crystalline structure of single crystals grown by vacuum sublimation of unsubstituted palladium phthalocyanines (PdPc), its tetrafluorinated (PdPcF4) and hexadecafluorinated (PdPcF16) derivatives have been investigated using X-ray diffraction measurements. Two crystalline phases have been identified for PdPc; the molecules in both phases crystallize in stacks with herringbone arrangement in the monoclinic space groups (C2/c for α-PdPc; P21/n for γ-PdPc). Both PdPcF4 and PdPcF16 crystallize in the triclinic P-1 space group, forming stacks of molecules in columnar arrangement with molecules in adjacent columns aligned parallel to one another. X-ray diffraction measurements have also been used to elucidate the structural features and molecular orientation of thin films of PdPc, PdPcF4 and PdPcF16, grown by organic molecular beam deposition at different substrate temperatures. The effect of fluorosubstitution on UV-visible optical absorption and vibrational spectra of palladium phthalocyanine derivatives is also discussed.

In the present work we have studied the dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes in liquid crystalline asymmetrically substituted phthalocyanines (MPc, where M [Formula: see text] Cu, Co, and 2H) bearing one pyrene and six polyoxy groups as side chains. The influence of single-walled carbon nanotubes on the phase behavior of MPcs was investigated using X-ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It was demonstrated that the incorporation of small amounts of single-walled carbon nanotubes ([Formula: see text]1 wt.%) does not alter the MPc mesophases. The structural features and the sensor response of composite thin films of MPc with single-walled carbon nanotubes to ammonia vapor (10–50 ppm) was studied and compared with those of the films of pure MPc derivatives.

The present work demonstrates the application of the Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition technique to fabricate metal iridium coatings onto the pole tips of endocardial electrodes. Using iridium (III) acetylacetonate as a volatile precursor, the target coatings were successfully applied to the working surface of cathodes and anodes of pacemaker electrodes in the flow type reactor in hydrogen atmosphere at deposition temperature of 550 °C. The coating samples were characterized by means of XRD, SEM, Raman- and XPS-spectroscopies. The formation of non-textured coatings with fractal-like morphology and 7–24 nm crystallite size has been realized. The electrochemical properties of the coatings were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The charge storage capacity values of the electrochemically activated samples were 17.0–115 mC cm−2 and 14.4–76.5 mC cm−2 for measurements carried out in 0.1 M sulfuric acid and in phosphate buffer saline solutions, respectively. A comparison of some characteristics of the samples obtained with commercially available cathode of pacemaker electrodes is also presented.

Despite that esophageal varices can be effectively detected by using upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy, the procedure is invasive and requires the integration of adequate experience and training, and it is not suitable for many patients. Accordingly, ultrasound elastography has been developed and validated by many studies in the recent literature as effective and non-invasive modalities for the early observation and diagnosis of esophageal varices and the relevant hepatic diseases. In this study, we aim to conduct a literature review to furtherly elaborate on the role and validity of elastography ultrasound to screen and early detect esophageal varices. We have discussed the diagnostic efficacy of three different types of ultrasound elastography including two-dimensional shear wave elastography, point shear wave elastography, and transient elastography in detecting and early diagnosis of esophageal varies. Transient elastography (TE) has been reported to be efficacious and the simplest technique. However, it was reported with some limitations. These limitations could be compensated by the two-dimensional shear wave elastography and the point shear wave, Nevertheless, these two modalities need high levels of experience and are not widely available. Besides, there are a few investigations that have validated the efficacy of the latter in detecting esophageal varices. Accordingly, we encourage further investigation for a future relevance.

This review provides information on the use of noble metals, as well as silver and gold nanoparticles to improve the performance of medical implants related to orthopedic and reconstructive surgery. Traditionally, modern biomaterials used for implantation in various fields of medicine are metals and alloys, ceramics, carbon materials, polymers and composites. The existing limitations for the practical application of these materials are also analyzed and various alternatives are discussed. The main attention is paid to the analysis of experimental results on investigation of noble metals (Ir, Pt, Pd, Ag, Au) as multifunctional biocompatible and antibacterial materials in medical practice. In contrast to recent reviews that discussed individual classes of implantable materials or properties and applications of metal nanoparticles, this review attempts to generalize data on the modification of implant surfaces by thin films of platinum group metals and silver or gold nanoparticles. The formation of the “implant of the future” requires a comprehensive approach and solution of interrelated tasks, including selection of effective implant materials and methods of implant surface modification. This review is expected to promote further interest of researchers who are involved in the current level of evaluation and selection of modern biomaterials for medical implant applications.

Evyapan, Murat (Balikesir Author), Here, the synthesis, characterization, and volatile organic compound (VOCs) sensing of a 1,3-dimethyl polyphenylene vinylene polymer is reported. The synthesis was performed by a Witting condensation through the reaction of 1,4-terphthaldehyde with the phosphonium chloride of meta-xylene. The material was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analyses. Thin films of the polymer were prepared by spin coating at speeds from 1000 to 5000rpm. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance were used to characterize the spin-coated films. The thicknesses of the films were estimated by fitting the curves and were between 4.5 and 24.5nm depending on the speed. The refractive index of the new polymer was 1.72. The polymer spin-coated films were exposed to volatile organic vapors to characterize their sensing properties by surface plasmon resonance as a function of time. The results showed that the new material responded rapidly, sensitively, and reversibly to VOCs.

An organic solar cell based on poly (3-hexathiophine-2,5-diyl) and [6,6]-phenyl C 61 butyric acid methyl ester has been subjected to all layers treatment and was investigated for combined effects of the these layers on device performance. These treatment included optimization of active layer morphology and thickness and improving the structure of the hole and electron transport layers, as well as subjecting the full device to optimum post deposition thermal treatment. Such a device has shown an increase in the optical absorption intensity in the near infrared region compared to the reference device, which is thought to be advantageous for producing high current density. The increase in the current density has also been correlated with light trapping within the active layer and the possibility of the occurrence of total internal reflection, which was explained using total internal reflection spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements. The current density-voltage characteristics have been measured in dark and under illumination. Power conversion efficiency as high as 7% has been achieved correlated with a fill factor of 71%.

Zink oxide thin films were prepared using different wet-processing techniques to study the morphological and optoelectronic properties. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) have been utilized to study the effect of technique and preparation procedure on the morphology of the films. The spin coated ZnO layers have exhibited ripple-shaped morphological features. Using the growth process with ZnCl 2 and Al(NO 3 ) 3 doping at different time has shown a change in surface morphology. UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy was used to understand the absorption behaviour and so to calculate the energy gap ( E g ) for the films produced. It has been revealed that E g of the ZnO thin film increases with the increasing of the number of layers spun onto the substrate. ZnCl 2 doping has no quite big change in E g values, however, Al(NO 3 ) 3 has resulted in a higher E g value.

In this work, a comparative study of the sensor response of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) covalently and non-covalently functionalised with1-[N-(2-ethoxyethyl)-4-pentynamide]-8(11),15(18),22(25)-tris-{2-[2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethoxy]-1-[2-((2-ethoxy ethoxy)-ethoxy)methyl]ethyloxy}zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) to ammonia is carried out. It was shown that in the case of SWCNT-based materials both covalent and non-covalent functionalisation with zinc(II) phthalocyanine leads to the increase of the sensor response toward NH3, while functionalisation of reduced graphene oxide causes a decrease in the response. At the same time both covalent and non-covalent linking of zinc(II) phthalocyanine leads to twofold decrease of the sensor recovery times. The sensor response of the carbon nanomaterial (single walled carbon nanotubes or reduced graphene oxide) hybrids covalently functionalised with zinc(II) phthalocyanine is several times higher than in the case of non-covalent linking of zinc(II) phthalocyanine to these nanomaterials, which is in good correlation with the number of zinc(II) phthalocyanine molecules adsorbed onto the SWCNT and rGO walls. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.

Herein, a novel one step synthesis of multicomponent three dimensional polyacrylic acid (PAA) based conducting hydrogel (CH) incorporated with iron phthalocyanine functionalised graphene nanoplatelets (GPL-FePc) is reported. An amperometric glucose biosensor was fabricated by the immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) onto the synthesised PAA-VS-PANI/GPL-FePc-CH (where VS-PANI is vinyl substituted polyaniline). Scanning electron microscopy reveals the presence of three dimensional microporous structure with estimated pore size of 19 μm. The 5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-mercaptopyridine substitution onto FePc enabled the solubility of FePc in water and controls the aggregation of GPL-FePc in the synthesised CH. A sharp peak around 699 nm in UV–visible spectra confirms the presence of incorporated GPL-FePc into CH. Cyclic voltammogram of the synthesised CH biosensor exhibited well defined redox peaks with a ΔEp value of 0.26 V in Fe(CN)6 3-/4- bench mark solution. The fabricated PAA-VS-PANI/GPL-FePc/GOx-CH amperometric biosensor resulted in remarkable detection sensitivity of 18.11 μA mM−1 cm−2 with an average response time of ∼1 s, linearity from 1 to 20 mM, and low detection limit of 6.4 μM for the determination of glucose.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habit such as constipation, diarrhea, or both. Food is one of the most commonly reported triggers of IBS symptoms. we aim to assess the effect of diet change in improving IBS. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was developed for data collection in the present study. The survey was distributed online in Arabic language. Results: A total of 1202 subjects participated in our study. Of these, 685 (57%) were female patients and 517 (43%) were male patients. The age of patients ranged from 15 to 55 years, more than one-third of them located in the age range between 15 and 25. The statistical analysis reported a significant correlations between having IBS for three successive days for 3 months regarding age and duration of IBS (P value

The novel 1-[N-(2-ethoxyethyl)-4-pentynamide]-8(11),15(18),22(25)-tris-{2-[2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethoxy]-1-[2-((2-ethoxyethoxy)-ethoxy)methyl]ethyloxy} zinc(II) phthalocyanine was synthesized for the first time. This phthalocyanine has successfully been functionalized, both covalently and non-covalently, with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Ultraviolet–Visible absorption spectroscopy was used to estimate the energy band gap of the hybrids. The energy band gap was also estimated using cyclic voltammetry and the positions of both the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) were determined. Raman spectra for the prepared hybrids indicated that the studied zinc(II) phthalocyanine was attached either covalently or non-covalently to the surface of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Different topographies were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images. The electrical conductivities of bare zinc(II) phthalocyanine and its covalently and non-covalently bounded hybrids were also determined and compared.

Organic solar cells based on P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction were prepared and subjected to post annealing at different temperatures (100, 120, 140, 160 and 180 °C). SEM, AFM as well as optical images have revealed that post deposition heat treatment has induced significant phase segregation between P3HT and PCBM which were found to result in growth of PCBM clusters on the films surface. The P3HT:PCBM absorption spectra were found to be blue shifted by 7 nm in films subjected to heat treatment at 160 °C and 180 °C. XRD data show a single diffraction peak at 2θ = 5.33 ± 0.23o for P3HT:PCBM films and was attributed to the edge-on arrangement of the (100) plane. Space charge limited conduction theory was employed to determine the charge carrier mobility; the highest obtained mobility was obtained for devices with active layers heat-treated at 140 °C. The change in the barrier height was derived from dark I–V. The variation in the metal–semiconductor contact between the Al electrode and P3HT:PCBM active layer were addressed and the barrier height has increased to form hole blocking contact and the ideality factor has decreased implying a decrease in the recombination rate. A direct relation between Fermi level, Vbi, and Voc was studied. Efficient device performance was ascribed to P3HT:PCBM layers which were subjected to post deposition heat treatment at 140 °C with PCE = 5.5 %, FF = 65.6 %, Jsc = 12.9 mA cm−2 and Voc = 0.65 V.

Hybrid materials were produced by mixing tetrakis(hexadecylthio) substituted copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPcR4) with acidified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and they were characterised by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Thin films of pristine CuPcR4 and CuPcR4/SWCNT were prepared by spin coating onto gold-coated glass slides and applied as active layers to detect pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2-chlorophenol, diuron and simazine in water utilising total internal reflection ellipsometry (TIRE) as an optical detection method. Different concentrations of pesticides in water ranging from 1 to 25 μg/L have been examined in the current work. It is revealed that the shifts in Δ(λ) spectra of CuPcR4/SWCNT films were evidently larger than those produced by the pristine CuPcR4 films, indicating largely improved films' sensitivity of the hybrid films. The sensitivity has been calculated according to the phase shift in the Δ(λ) spectra. The higher sensitivity was found to be 0.00396/(μg/L) towards PCP in case of CuPcR4/SWCNT sensor. The lower detection limit has been calculated to be 840 ng/L.

The inclusion of hexadecylamine capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into the ordered matrix of hexagonal columnar mesophase of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) has been investigated. The effects of AuNPs on the liquid crystalline behaviour, optical and electrical properties of CuPc films is investigated by different physical methods. The molecules orientation in the films of CuPc and its composites with AuNPs, deposited on the surface of one substrate and between two electrodes, is studied by polarized Raman spectroscopy and polarized microscopy. It has been shown that thin films of the composites confined between ITO and Al electrodes are characterized by homeotropic alignment while no homeotropic alignment was observed in films deposited on ITO substrate with air constituting the upper interface. The I(V) dependences for the films confined between ITO and Al electrodes were measured. Appreciable enhancement of the DC conductivity is observed in the case of composites containing gold nanoparticles.

Thin films of Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPc) with a range of different substitutes have been investigated as chemical active layers for sensing selected organic vapour such as (Ethanol, Toluene) by a standard Quartz Crystal Resonator (QCR) based sensor with fundamental resonance 10MHz. Adsorption of vapour onto the films surface has been realized by monitoring resonance spectra. An equivalent circuit (BVD circuit) has been used to extract parameters related to film viscosity and thickness by fitting experimental admittance spectra of QCR around resonance frequency. Moreover, film properties and characterization was obtained from QCR measurements in conjunction with suitable data analysis. Validation of film characteristics has been determined using complementary methods such as Ellipsometry, UV- Visible absorption Spectrophotometer and AFM.

Hybrid materials were produced by mixing CuPcR4 with acidified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and characterised by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Thin films of pristine CuPcR4 and SWCNT/CuPcR4 were prepared by spin coating onto gold-coated glass slides and applied as active layers to detect pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2-chlorophenol, diuron and simazine in water utilizing Total Internal Reflection Ellipsometry (TIRE) as an optical detection method. Different concentrations in water ranging from 0.5 to 20 μg/L have been examined in the current work. It is revealed that the shifts in Δ(λ) spectra of SWCNT/CuPcR4 films were evidently larger than those produced by the pristine CuPcR4 films, indicating largely improved films’ sensitivity of the hybrid films.

In the present work, the investigation of gold(III) phthalocyanine chloride (AuClPc) which received very little attention before is progressed further using a range of optical spectroscopic techniques. Thin films of gold(III) phthalocyanine chloride were produced by organic molecular beam deposition deposition and their structure was investigated by UV–visible spectroscopy, polarization dependent Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Experimental observations were confirmed by theoretical analysis using quantum chemical calculations; the latter were used for the detailed assignment of different bands in IR spectra of the gold(III) phthalocyanine chloride. The orientation of gold(III) phthalocyanine chloride molecules relative to the substrate surface was studied in detail using techniques based on the polarization dependent Raman spectroscopy. It was shown that gold(III) phthalocyanine chloride films deposited on quartz substrates at 100 °C exhibit a co-facial structure with the average tilt angles of Pc moieties of ∼70°.

Octa-substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanines with nonfluorinated (ZnPc1) and fluorinated (ZnPc2) n-propanol in peripheral positions have been prepared as thin films by spin coating and examined for their potential as an optical membrane to detect trimethylamine. In this work, the method of spectroscopic ellipsometry in total internal reflection configuration has been used as the optical transduction method to study the interaction between trimethylamine and the ZnPc spun films. ZnPc2 has exhibited larger changes in the film's optical parameters compared to ZnPc1 with detection limit of 20 ppm of trimethylamine. The possible structure of the analyte/ZnPc complexes and their bond formation energies have been further analyzed using quantum chemical calculations in order to explain the different sensor responses of octa-substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanines with nonfluorinated and fluorinated substituents. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solution-processed thin films of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3) have been produced and examined as an electron transport layer in P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. UV–Vis absorption, XRD, SEM and current density–voltage (J–V) measurements both in dark and under illumination have been carried out. Absorption spectra of the active layer show typical P3HT:PCBM absorption features with a maximum absorption peak around 500 nm and two vibronic shoulders around 550 and 600 nm which were attributed to the inter-chain stacking of P3HT. Furthermore, XRD measurements revealed that the co-solvent processed film shows better crystallinity than the mono-solvent film. On the other hand, SEM images show a clear pinholing effect in the DCB-processed film which may cause leakage current that reduces the fill factor and overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the organic solar cell (OSC). Alq3 absorption spectra show an absorption peak in the UV region, with an optical band gap of 2.83 eV. The incorporation of Alq3 films as an electron transport layer in ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/Alq3/Al structure has resulted in a significant enhancement in the performance of the studied OSC devices. The use of mixed solvents of dichlorobenzene and chlorobenzene (DCB:DB) together with the inclusion of Alq3 layer has resulted in enhanced PCE which reached 3.92 %.

Chemical and materials science aspects of iridium-containing thin film formation by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods for modern high-precision technology applications are considered. Chemical approaches to the synthesis of the main precursors used in CVD techniques, thin film growth processes and mechanisms as well as the main structure, composition and properties of iridium-containing thin films are analyzed, and modern thin film application examples are outlined. Numerical characterization of iridium-based thin film growth in 3D objects is presented.

In this work, the composites of discotic tetra-substituted nickel phthalocyanine with hexadecylamine coated gold nanoparticles and uncapped gold nanoparticles deposited by metal organic chemical vapour deposition were obtained and studied for the first time. The influences of the incorporation of gold nanoparticles into the ordered matrix of hexagonal columnar mesophase of the substituted phthalocyanine on the liquid crystalline behaviour, optical and electrical properties were investigated by different physical methods. It was demonstrated that on one hand, the nature of the mesophase is not altered in these composites. On the other hand, the films of gold nanoparticles and phthalocyanine composites exhibit both enhanced electrical conductivity and distinctive surface plasmon properties. It was shown that the type of AuNPs is crucial for the properties of the composites.

Copper phthalocyanines (CuPc) containing alkylthio (-S(CH2)(n)CH3, n = 7 and 15), alkyloxy- (-O(CH2)(n)CH3, n = 7 and 15) and polyoxo [-O(CH2CH2O)(3)CH3 and S(CH2CH2O)(3)CH3] substituents were synthesized and investigated to reveal the effects of substituents type (alkylthio, alkyloxy and polyoxo) and the type of the connecting heteroatom (oxygen or sulphur) on the mesogenic properties, films alignment and sensing behaviour. The liquid crystalline properties of these phthalocyanines were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The structure and morphology of spun thin films of copper phthalocyanine derivatives were studied by the UV-vis and Raman spectroscopies as well atomic force microscopy. The sensing properties of CuPc films were studied by the measurement of conductivity change upon interaction with ammonia in the range 10-50 ppm. All investigated films of CuPc derivatives display thermotropic columnar mesomorphism. It was shown that the films with polyoxo- [-O(CH2CH2O)(3)CH3 and S(CH2CH2O)(3)CH3]substituents as well as with alkylthio -S(CH2)(n) CH3 (n = 7) substituents, which are liquid crystalline at room temperature, form ordered films with a random planar alignment of columns. Their films exhibit the better sensor performance with the maximal sensor response for the films of CuPc containing (-S(CH2CH2O)(3)CH3) substituents. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [108M384]; Russian Science FoundationRussian Science Foundation (RSF) [N 15-13-10014]; Russian Science FoundationRussian Science Foundation (RSF) [15-13-10014] Funding Source: Russian Science Foundation Synthesis of metal phthalocyanine derivatives was carried out under the financial support of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK, Project number: 108M384). Development of the technique for investigation of the sensor properties of the films was carried out under the financial support of the Russian Science Foundation (project N 15-13-10014).

The hybrids of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with symmetrically octasubstituted zinc phthalocyanine (2) bearing eight polyoxyethylene groups and asymmetrically substituted zinc phthalocyanine (1) bearing one pyrene and six polyoxyethylene groups as side chains have been prepared and characterized by Raman and fluorescence emission spectroscopies, scanning electron and transmission electron (SEM and TEM) microscopies, and thermogravimetric analysis. The pyrene group was chosen to enhance the interaction of phthalocyanine molecules with SWCNTs. Thin films of pristine SWCNTs and SWCNT/ZnPc hybrids were prepared by drop casting onto interdigitated electrodes and employed as active layers to detect ammonia vapour (1-200 ppm) by measuring electrical resistance changes. A comparative analysis of sensors' response of pristine SWCNTs and SWCNT/ZnPc hybrid films to ammonia vapour was carried out to demonstrate the synergic effect between SWCNTs and ZnPc derivatives. Influence of pyrene substituent in the phthalocyanine ring on the hybrid formation and their sensor response has also been discussed.

Fabrication and characterisation of pentacene-based top contact organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as the dielectric layer have been investigated. Stability of OTFTs was also investigated as devices were retested after 12 months of fabrication. The effects of bias stress on the OTFTs are studied and modelled for different stress conditions (different gate and drain bias stress measurements and stress times). The effects of bias stress have been expressed in terms of the shift in threshold voltage ΔVT for a given stress condition. The shifts in threshold voltage has been analysed for different gate–source and drain–source voltages. The devices have demonstrated a negligible hysteresis in both the transfer and output characteristics of the OTFTs due to application of stress voltage, indicating traps-free interface between the pentacene and PMMA.

The study was conducted in Basrah province, Iraq in 2004 to investigation of incident solar radiation intensity there. The results showed that the solar radiation intensity increased with the increase of daylight hours and reached to maximum value at mid-day then dropped until it reached less value at four o'clock in the evening for all the different days of the year months. A maximum air temperature reached to 20, 24, 35, 38, 38, 42, 44, 46, 46, 40, 35, and 20 o C from Jan. to Dec. respectively.

Thin films of non-covalently hybridised single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and tetra-substituted copper phthalocyanine (CuPcR4) molecules have been produced. The π-π interaction between SWCNTs and CuPcR4molecules has been revealed by using different characterisation techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements have shown that films obtained from the acid-treated SWCNTs/CuPcR4hybrids demonstrated more homogenous surface. Using total internal reflection ellipsometry spectroscopy (TIRE), thin films of the new hybrid have been examined as an optical sensing membrane for the detection of benzo [pyrene in water to demonstrate the sensing properties of the hybrid.

The effect of annealing time on the optical properties of dodecanethiol encapsulated gold (C12-Au) nanoparticles with 3.04 nm in diameter was studied. Monolayer and multilayer films were prepared by the Langmuir–Schafer (LS) deposition method. The films’ morphology and their optical properties were investigated by AFM and absorption spectroscopy respectively. The growth of elongated structures was observed in the as-deposited gold films especially at higher thicknesses with dimensions of about 4 nm in thickness and 100 to 400 nm in length and increased with the number of layers. The change in the films’ morphology with annealing time was very significant at higher thicknesses. Annealed films showed sharp surface plasmon (SP) absorption peak, which increased with increasing annealing time. Annealing for 30 min caused redshift in the SP absorption peak for all thicknesses, however, a blue shift was observed when the films were annealed for 60 min. No further significant change in the SP position was observed at higher annealing time.

Çapan, Rifat (Balikesir Author), Within this work we deposited 16 monolayers of stearic acid alternated with 15 monolayers of calix[4] amine to form a non-centrosymmetric Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) thin film onto an aluminized (50 nm coated) glass microscopic slide. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss for the film were determined using C-f and tan (delta-f) measurements. The value of the pyroelectric figure of merit was determined as 1.73 mu C m(-2) K-1. To elucidate the conduction mechanism of stearic acid/calix[4]amine LB film, DC current-voltage measurements between -4 and +4 V were carried out. The I(V) behaviour shows a symmetrical and highly non-linear behaviour. Analysis of this behaviour of the stearic acid/calix[4]amine LB film showed a conductivity value of 1.12 x 10(-13) S m(-1) for ohmic region. The exponential part of I(V) dependence obeyed the Schottky conduction mechanism with a barrier height of 1.67 eV. This LB film structure shows a typical insulating behaviour for low voltage values and the Schottky effect becomes dominant when the voltage increases. The frequency dependence of conductivity shows a power law relationship between conductance and frequency.

Tetra-substituted copper phthalocyanine (CuPcR4, R = -S(CH2)(15)CH3) has been prepared and characterised by UV-Vis, FT-IR and mass-spectrometry. Hybrid materials were produced by mixing CuPcR4 with acidified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and characterised by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Thin films of pristine CuPcR4 and SWCNT/CuPcR4 were prepared by spin coating onto gold-coated glass slides and applied as active layers to detect pentachlorophenol (PCP) in water utilizing total internal reflection ellipsometry (TIRE) technique. Different concentrations of PCP in water ranging from 0.5 to 10 mu g/l have been examined in the current work. It is revealed that the phase shift (Delta(lambda)) spectra of SWCNT/CuPcR4 films were two times larger than the shifts produced by the pristine CuPcR4 films with clear recovery in the Delta(lambda) spectra after flushing the cell with water. The adsorption of PCP on both types of films is discussed and films' sensitivity was determined using the change in films' refractive index.

Chloroform, Chlorobenzene, 1, 2-Dichlorobenze and co-solvent Chlorobenzene with Chloroform (1:1) were used to investigate the influence of the solvent on the morphology of P3HT:PCBM (with the ratio 1:1) as well as the photovoltaic properties of organic solar cells based on this polymer blend. Using co-solvents leads to higher absorption intensity as compared to other studied solvents. XRD measurements reveal improved crystallinity in P3HT films prepared by chloroform and chlorobenzene while large aggregates appeared in films prepared using dichlorobenzene. Films produced using co-solvents show well-ordered structure and improved crystallinity; these results were further confirmed by SEM images. The J(V) measurements show that a maximum PCE of 1.47% is obtained in films produced using co-solvents. This was associated with significant improvement in current density (11.77mA/cm2) and a fill factor of 0.4 which was determined from the series and shunt resistances. Open circuit voltage has decreased in film prepared by co-solvents (0.31 Volt), and improved significantly (0.54 Volt) in film prepared in chloroform.

In this work, the investigation of structural features, spectral and electrical properties of spin-coated films of substituted lutetium bisphthalocyanine Lu ( Pc ( SR )8)2, where R = - C 6 H 13 was carried out. The current-voltage characteristics of ITO/ Lu ( Pc ( SR )8)2/ Al film sandwich structures were measured over the temperature range 120–380 K. AC electrical properties, mainly the dependence of conductance and capacitance on frequency and temperature are also discussed. Structural and electrical properties of anthracene-doped Lu ( Pc ( SR )8)2, films have also been investigated. Furthermore, optical properties of thin films of pure and anthracene-doped Lu ( Pc ( SR )8)2 films were also studied using spectroscopic ellipsometry, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study changes in films' morphology of doped films and compared with that of undoped films. Doping Lu ( Pc ( SR )8)2, films with anthracene is shown to lead to an increase in films' conductivity. These studies will provide full understanding of the physical properties of the Lu ( Pc ( SR )8)2, thin films, both doped and undoped, with the aim of exploitation in electronic device applications, such as fabrication of all organic solar cells.

Nanocrystalline of titanium dioxide nano films were deposited by spin coating method on silicon and ITO-glass substrates at 2000 rpm, in which starting material of Titanium Isopropoxide (C12H28O4Ti).X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed thatpolycrystalline TiO2 anatase phase formation. The intensity of XRD peaks increases with the increase in heat treatment and better crystallinity takes place at higher temperature. The morphology of deposited films were characterized by atomic force microscope (AFM); with increasing heat treatment, both the particle size and surface roughness increased .The particle size value were 2.184,2.374,4.834,5.125, and 8.336 nm and RMS roughness values were 0.161, 0.223,0.552,0.810 and 1.494 nm for films deposited at 250, 350, 450, 550 and 650 o C respectively. Optical properties measurements (Transmittance ,T , and Absorptance , A ,) of (TiO2) films showed high transparency. It is observed that maximum transmittance at 250 o C for wavelength range 320-900 nm. The optical band gap of the films has been found to be in the range 3.28-3.62 eV for the forbidden direct electronic transition and 3.45-3.75 eV for the allowed direct transition for the different heat treatment. Keywords - Nanoanatase TiO2, Sol-Gel, XRD,AFM,Transmittance, Absorptance

Thin films of (NiPcR8, with R = -NHSO2(C6H4)CH3and -CH2N(SO2C6H4-CH3)CH2(CH2)8CH3have been prepared by spin coating onto gold-coated slides and applied as active layers for the detection of simazine using Total Internal Reflection Ellipsometry (TIRE) technique. Solutions of simazine in deionized water with different concentrations in the range 0.5-50 μg/l were used in the current study. Simazine has resulted in an irreversible response on both derivatives of NiPcR8active layers used in this study, with the minimum determined concentration of 1 μg/l in water. The results are supported by performing investigation of interaction between phthalocyanines molecules and simazine by Raman spectroscopy.

The effect of different solvents on the optical, structural, morphology and solar cell performance of P3HT:PCBM based devices were carried out using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, XRD, AFM, SEM, electrical conductivity as well as current density-voltage (J-V) measurements in dark and under illumination. Chloroform (CF), chlorobenzene (CB), di-chlorobenzene (DCB), and their mixtures (DCB:CB, DCB:CF and CF:CB) in the ratio 1:1 were used as solvents to produce active layers of P3HT:PCBM heterojunctions. UV-visible absorption spectra have demonstrated different absorption intensities subject to the used solvents as well as a decrease in the optical bandgap from around 1.9eV to 1.8eV. AFM and SEM images gave an indication on the films’ morphological properties, which have exhibited different topographies due to the used solvent. The electrical conductivity as well as the dark J-V characteristics were analysed using Richardson-Schottky model as well as space charge limited conduction theory to evaluate the...

Herein, we report a scalable synthesis of multifunctional conducting polyacrylic acid (PAA) hydrogel (MFH) integrated with reduced grapheme oxide (rGO), vinyl substituted polyaniline (VS-PANI) and lutetium Phthalocyanine (LuPc2) as three dimensional robust matrix for glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilization (PAA-rGO/VS-PANI/LuPc2/GOx-MFH). We have integrated the multicomponents such as PAA with rGO, and VS-PANI through free radical polymerization using methylene bis-acrylamide, and ammonium persulphate as the cross linker and initiator. The LuPc2 was then doped to form multifunctional hydrogel (PAA-rGO/VS-PANI/LuPc2-MFH). Finally, biosensor was fabricated by immobilizing GOx into PAA-rGO/VS-PANI/LuPc2-MFH and subsequently used for electrochemical detection of glucose. The PAA-rGO/VS-PANI/LuPc2/GOx-MFH biosensor exhibited high sensitivity (15.31 μA mM−1 cm−2) for the detection of glucose over a concentration range of 2–12 mM with a low detection limit of 25 µm. The PAA-rGO/VS-PANI/LuPc2-MFH biosensor showed a fast response time (1 s) to the addition of glucose with high storage stability of 3 months. The real sample analysis reveals that PAA-rGO/VS-PANI/LuPc2/GOx-MFH could be effectively used as an electrochemical biosensor in industrial as well clinical diagnosis.

In this paper, the orientation of thin films of tetra-substituted nickel phthalocyanine NiPcR4 (R = –SCH[CH2(OCH2CH2)2OC2H5]2) deposited between two electrodes is studied by the method of polarized Raman spectroscopy and polarized microscopy. It has been shown that the films of NiPcR4 confined between ITO and metal (Al, Au) electrodes are characterized by homeotropic alignment while no homeotropic alignment was observed on ITO substrate with air interface. These findings are very important for the interpretation of electrical conduction through thin films of NiPcR4 in sandwich structures.

Two novel mesomorphic octakis and tetrakis (alkylthio)-substituted phthalocyanines of Pb(II) were synthesized and characterized using NMR, UV–Vis, FT-IR and mass-spectrometry. The mesogenic properties of these new materials forming columnar-hexagonal mesophases were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Visible absorption spectroscopy provided evidence of thermally induced molecular reorganization in films. IR spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations were used to study the preferential orientation of molecules relative to the substrate surface. The intense IR bands in the spectra of the lead phthalocyanines were assigned with the aid of quantum chemical computations. The observed increase in the intensity of the out-of-plane modes in the IR spectra correlate with an average preferential edge-on orientation of the molecules on the substrate surface in the film. The current-voltage characteristics of films before and after thermal treatment were also measured. The results confirmed the film ordering proposed on the basis of the IR and DFT studies.

In this paper, the effect of interaction with the substrate surface on the orientation of films' molecules of substituted liquid crystalline phthalocyanines M(II)Pc (M = Cu, Ni, Zn) having monoazacrown ether moieties on the periphery containing long alkyloxyphenyl N-pivotal groups is studied. The phthalocyanine derivatives demonstrate thermotropic mesophase behaviour and show Col h mesophases over a wide temperature range. The preferential orientation of the phthalocyanine films deposited on glass, silicon and NaCl substrates as well as between two of those substrates is studied by polarized Raman spectroscopy at different temperatures. These phthalocyanines form homeotropically aligned films on the surface of NaCl substrate, whereas planar alignment with a random distribution of the column directors occurs on the glass slides.

In this work, the results of mass spectrometric studies of the composition of gaseous phase under solid compounds of tetra-tert-butyl substituted phthalocyanines MPc(t-Bu)(4), with M = Cu(II), VO are presented. The vapour pressure of this phthalocyanine is determined as a function of temperature by the Knudsen effusion method, in which the rate of effusion of the equilibrium vapour through a small orifice is measured. It is shown that these tetra-tert-butyl-phthalocyanines exhibit higher volatility than their unsubstituted analogues. Such data are needed in order to improve the operating conditions of the growth of thin films by OMBD. The investigation of structural features of MPc(t-Bu)(4) films was carried out using UV-vis spectral and XRD data. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.