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Here, we propose a piperidine-based ionic liquid additive. The electrostatic shielding effect of the piperidine cation (PP13+) effectively inhibits the growth of lithium dendrites. Simultaneously, the redox activity of the bromine anion synergistically reduces the overpotential. This approach significantly improves the cycling performance of lithium – oxygen batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The β-Ga2O3 crystal is a significant ultrawide bandgap semiconductor with great potential in ultraviolet optoelectronics and high-power devices. Planar defects in β-Ga2O3 have been observed in experiments, but their structures, influences, formation mechanism, and controlling methods remain to be studied. We conducted a comprehensive study of β-Ga2O3 planar defects using density functional theory. We determined the atomic structures of planar defects (stacking faults and twins) on (100), (001), and (−201) planes in β-Ga2O3 crystals and calculated the formation energy and band structure of each defect. Our results indicate that the formation energy of stacking faults on the (100) plane and twins on the (100) and (−201) planes was extremely low, which explained why these planar defects were observed readily. We also studied the influence of common impurities (Si, Sn, Al, H) and vacancies in β-Ga2O3 crystals on the formation of these planar defects. Our findings revealed that specific impurities and vacancies could facilitate the formation of planar defects or even make them spontaneous. This research provides critical insights into the atomic structures of planar defects in β-Ga2O3, and explains why they form readily from the perspective of formation energy. These insights are important for future research into β-Ga2O3 defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A europium-functionalized, dual-emissive, metal–organic framework-based fluorescence sensor (EuUCNDA) was constructed via post-synthetic modification of an UiO-66-type precursor through coordination interactions. EuUCNDA exhibited extremely high selectivity and sensitivity for malachite green (MG) with a low detection limit of 13.01 nM, a wide linear concentration range (0.05–50 μM), excellent anti-interference properties, a rapid response (<1 min), and the possibility of recycling. The good sensing performance of EuUCNDA enables the practical detection of MG in fish pond water and grass carp with good recoveries. Moreover, EuUCNDA can be reused for sensing MG and over 90% of fluorescence intensity can be restored after 7 cycles. Furthermore, EuUCNDA-embedded paper-based sensors combined with smartphone imaging afford portable and visual monitoring of MG in real samples. Notably, besides good sensing performance, EuUCNDA could efficiently remove MG from water. Hence, this work provides a recyclable and sensitive fluorescence sensor for portable, visual, rapid detection and efficient removal of MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate that a tripodal hexaurea receptor can selectively bind PO43− anions via 12 hydrogen bonds with up to 3.8 × 106 M−1 binding affinity in DMSO, which is 38-fold stronger than SO42−. This receptor facilitates the extraction of PO43− from strongly basic aqueous solutions into chloroform using liquid–liquid extraction, followed by its release as the H2PO4− anion into an acidic solution. This pH-dependent phosphate extraction successfully enables selective separation of phosphate and sulfate anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO2 photoelectrodes modified with organic dyes with pyridine anchoring groups are prepared, which are used as photoanodes of dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells for efficient water reduction with high photocurrent density and stability in aqueous solutions. Vigorous H2 generation with a production rate of around 250 μmol h−1 is realized with a photoanode of an active area of 5 × 5 cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved remarkably high efficiency (25.7%), their long-term stability still needs to be addressed for commercial applications. As an important part of PSCs, the hole-transporting layer (HTL) plays a crucial role in the overall device performance. Zinc porphyrin (ZnP) has excellent thermal/chemical stability, which is beneficial for enhancing the stability of PSCs when it is used as the HTL. In addition, the strong hydrophobicity of the electropolymerized film surface is believed to suppress heterogeneous nucleation and thus improve the quality of the resulting perovskite film. Herein, we have utilized the electropolymerized ZnP (PZnP) to fabricate the dopant-free HTL without annealing. The MAPb(CI0.05I0.95)3 PSCs based on PZnP presented a record-high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.75%, which was significantly improved as compared to the previously reported best result of 16.7% with electropolymerized HTL. The unencapsulated PSCs sustained around 70% of the initial efficiency after thermal aging at 85 °C for 480 h, while the PTAA-based PSCs showed a 78% decrease in the initial PCE under the same conditions. Moreover, the long-term stability of the electropolymerized film-based PSCs was exceptional, retaining about 96% of the initial performance over 5000 h. The electropolymerization strategy provides an effective approach for developing cost-effective dopant-free HTL for thermally stable and efficient PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-defined luminescent micro/nanostructures are important building blocks for miniaturized photonic devices. In this work, a simple method is employed to prepare organic microspheres and crystalline microrods with circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) properties. The in situ protonation and co-assembly of a series of pyridine-functionalized chromophores and a chiral binaphthol phosphoric acid give rise to blue-to-yellow emissive amorphous microspheres and green- and yellow-emissive crystalline microrods with good fluorescence quantum yields (9.6–64.6%). The luminescence dissymmetry factors (glum) of microrods (∼10−3) are found to be one order of magnitude larger than those of microspheres. These microstructures and related materials are further characterized by fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy analyses. The well-defined morphologies and promising luminescence properties of these microstructures make them potentially useful for chiral photonic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (CO2-ODHP) is a strategy of "two birds with one stone" to synthesize propylene and utilize CO2. However, the reaction is always conducted at high temperatures (>550 °C). In the present work, we have for the first time conducted the reaction at 270 °C under photothermal conditions over several BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) nanocatalysts. Among them, the BiOI nanosheet catalyst exhibited the highest C3H6 formation activity of 282.6 μmol gcat−1 h−1 with 89% selectivity. The lattice oxygen species on the catalyst could catalyze propane dehydrogenation to propylene, and simultaneously, oxygen vacancies were formed. The oxygen vacancies are responsible for CO2 reduction to CO. In addition, the catalyst is facet-dependent, and the (001) facets are more active than the (110) facets. The present work successfully verifies the feasibility of photothermal catalytic CO2-ODHP over BiOI nanosheets and also provides a new insight to construct other facet-dependent dual-functional redox catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of chemical components in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the functional basis for its therapy achievement, and the absorbed components under disease conditions mainly contribute to the therapeutic effects. Fructus Arctii (FA) was widely used in traditional Chinese medicine preparation (TCMP) to clear heat or treat influenza. To date, the chemical profile (in vitro and in vivo) and anti-influenza mechanism of FA are still unrevealed, limiting its clinical applications. In this work, an integrated strategy combining pharmacological evaluations, chemical profiling, serum pharmacochemistry, and network pharmacology (PCSN strategy) is proposed and applied to investigate chemical components (in vitro and in vivo), anti-influenza effects, and potential mechanisms of FA. First, the anti-influenza effects of FA were evaluated using an H1N1 virus-infected mouse model. Second, the chemical compounds of FA in vitro and in the disease model were profiled and characterized using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Lastly, the targets and potential mechanisms are predicted based on the absorbed components and a network pharmacology method. As a result, FA (20 g crude drug kg−1 day−1) could significantly improve the survival rate and ameliorate lung inflammation caused by the H1N1 virus. Moreover, a total of 123 compounds (53 potential novel compounds) were identified or tentatively characterized in FA. Furthermore, 124 xenobiotics (38 prototypes and 86 metabolites) were tentatively characterized in the infected mice. The xenobiotics were unitized to predict targets and mechanisms in treating influenza. It was found that FA could target EGFR, CASP3, MAPK1, PTGS2, PIK3CA, ESR1, etc., which are mainly involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, etc. Among them, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway (correlated to PI3K complex) and TNF signalling pathway, are regarded as the core pathways for FA in the treatment of influenza. It is the first time that chemical information is obtained on FA in vitro and in vivo, and the anti-influenza effects and the potential mechanism of FA were also evaluated. Moreover, the potential novel compounds for further validation of FA are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic conversion of biomass to high-value-added products has attracted wide attention, especially the efficient and selective conversion of cellulose to valuable chemicals and fuels. In this study, using Ni, Al and Ni, Zn, Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as precursors, mixed metal oxide catalysts Ni-MMO and NiZn-MMO were synthesized. In the process of catalyzing the conversion of cellulose to polyols, the reaction conditions were an H2 pressure of 4 MPa, temperature of 240 °C for 2 h, and the NiZn-MMO catalyst, which could achieve 100% conversion rate and excellent cycling performance. The characterization and reaction results showed that the size of the Ni active metal particles in the synthesized Ni-MMO and NiZn-MMO catalysts was very small, at about 1–2 nm only. ZnO in the NiZn-MMO catalyst mainly plays an isomerization role, promoting the formation of more 1,2-PG, while the strong interaction between Ni and Zn inhibits the dissolution of the Ni metal in the hydrothermal reaction. On the other hand, Ni mainly plays the role of rapid hydrogenation to avoid coking, which constitutes a multi-functional synergistic catalytic process for the conversion of cellulose to polyols in high-temperature water. This study provides economical and efficient catalysts, which are of great significance in the effective conversion of biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium extraction from seawater is regarded as the most promising strategy for solving the concerns regarding the increasing demands of the nuclear industry. Inspired by the functional proteins of natural biological entities like bacteria and proteins that can efficiently capture uranium, we have developed water-insoluble protein-based adsorbents via a one-step amyloid-like assembly process. This method could convert water-soluble commercial proteins like bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme and ovalbumin into adsorbents via one-step methods, while maintaining plenty of adsorption sites on the outer surface. The results of molecular dynamics simulations confirm the strong binding affinity between uranium and oxygenic/nitrogen functional groups. The protein-based adsorbents can capture more than 1000 mg g−1 of uranium from ultralow concentration uranyl nitrate solutions (8 ppm) within 2 h. Both the adsorption capacity and adsorption rate are in the leading positions compared with those of other state-of-the-art adsorbents. Moreover, these adsorbents exhibit outstanding anti-fouling properties and recyclability. They could maintain more than 80% of their pristine performance even after ten cycles in a simulated marine environment. Furthermore, the adsorbents could be deposited on various porous substrates like sponges for dynamic adsorption, benefiting from the good adhesion property of the unfolded proteins. The modified sponges could adsorb 540.6 mg g−1 uranium from simulated seawater in 72 h, showing their great potential in the field of practical uranium extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four mononuclear terpyridine complexes [Cu(H-La)Cl2]·CH3OH (1), [Cu(H-La)Cl]ClO4 (2), [Cu(H-Lb)Cl2]·CH3OH (3), and [Cu(H-Lb)(CH3OH)(DMSO)](ClO4)2 (4) were prepared and fully characterized. Complexes 1–4 exhibited higher cytotoxic activity against several tested cancer cell lines especially BEL-7402 cells compared to cisplatin, and they showed low toxicity towards normal human liver cells. ICP-MS detection indicated that the copper complexes were accumulated in mitochondria. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the copper complexes induced G0/G1 arrest and altered the expression of the related proteins of the cell cycle. All copper complexes reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential while increasing the intracellular ROS levels and the release of Ca2+. They also up-regulated Bax and down-regulated Bcl-2 expression levels, caused cytochrome c release and the activation of the caspase cascade, and induced mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis. Animal studies demonstrated that complex 1 suppressed tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model bearing BEL-7402 tumor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of crystalline materials has recently attracted increasing attention due to their unique characteristics and applications, such as crystallization-induced emission, active waveguiding, and biosensing. Tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II), [Ru(bpy)3]2+, a classical metal–organic complex for ECL studies, has been fully investigated in solution as well as its derivatives. However, the dependence of ECL properties on the molecular structure and crystal morphology of these complexes has not been illustrated, partially due to the difficulty in the controlled crystal growth. Here, we adopt a facile molecular engineering strategy to obtain microcrystals of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ derivatives with well-defined morphology (rods, wires, or polyhedrons) and varied phosphorescence emission colors (yellow, orange, and red) by simply changing the position and number of methyl substituents on the bipyridine ligands. The packing modes of molecules influenced by methyl groups play a vital role in crystal growth based on attachment energy analysis. The obtained microcrystals could act as ECL luminophores when modified on glassy carbon electrode surfaces. Those with one-dimensional (1D) morphology generally show superior ECL efficiency and stability to three-dimensional (3D) shaped microcrystals. ECL biosensors made of stable 1D microcrystals show reliable and sensitive responses to hydroxyproline, demonstrating their capacity in recyclable detections. This work demonstrates the great potential of molecular engineering in controlling the morphology, emission colors, and ECL properties of molecular crystals, paving the way for the development of high-performance ECL biosensing and optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction is a highly vital process for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals. However, the reaction always proceeds less efficaciously at low temperature. A combination of optical and thermal conditions is one of the feasible approaches to achieve the reaction with high efficiency and has gained much attention recently. In the present work, we prepared several Co–Cu–Mn trimetallic catalysts via a simple co-precipitation method, which were used in catalyzing photothermal CO2 reduction to hydrocarbons. The metal composition and reduction temperature of the catalysts had important effects on their structural and photoelectrical characteristics and adsorption behaviors, further resulting in diverse catalytic performances. Among the prepared trimetallic catalysts, Co7Cu1Mn1Ox(200), with a Co/Cu/Mn molar ratio of 7/1/1 and reduced at 200 °C in H2 for 2 h, could produce CH4 with an activity of 14.5 mmol gcat−1 h−1 in 10% CO2/30% H2/60% N2, and CH4 and C2+ hydrocarbons with the activities of 15.9 and 7.5 mmol gcat−1 h−1 in 25% CO2/75% H2, respectively. The present strategy for constructing trimetallic oxide catalysts for the photothermal reaction not only provides a highly active catalyst for CO2 utilization, but also offers a potential possibility for reducing the high temperature of conventional thermal reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-solid-state Li metal batteries (ASSLMBs) have been regarded as next generation batteries due to their high energy density and safety. However, the catastrophic interface between lithium metal and solid electrolytes that leads to dendrite growth and capacity fading has stemmed the commercialization of ASSLMBs. Herein, an in situ formed Li3N-rich interface between lithium and solid-state electrolyte is introduced via doping nitrogen into the argyrodite Li6PS5Cl. The critical current density of the N-doped Li6PS5Cl electrolyte reaches as high as 1.52 mA cm−2 at room temperature, and the symmetric cell with the solid electrolyte can deliver a steady Li plating/stripping performance over 1000 h at a high current density of 0.5 mA cm−2. What's more, when the N-doped Li6PS5Cl electrolyte is applied in full cells as a Li metal anode interlayer, prominent cycling stability and rate performance can be achieved. This work provides a promising strategy to design ASSLMBs with high energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrolysis of benzonitrile to benzoate was realized for constructing a zero-dimensional dinuclear europium complex [Eu2(pip)2(PhCOO)6] via a hydrothermal reaction, where pip denotes 2-phenylimidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline. This complex is very insoluble and stable in water from pH 3 to 10. It exhibits strong characteristic Eu(III) red photoluminescence, which could be significantly quenched by clinafloxacin without remarkable disturbance by other common salts or fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The luminescence quenching might be the result of photoinduced electron transfer from excited pip or benzoate to clinafloxacin. This complex is the first convenient luminescent sensor for clinafloxacin and the limit of detection is determined to be 0.21 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encouraged by the successful syntheses of alloy nanoclusters (or nanoparticles) via intercluster (or interparticle) reactions, herein we apply this methodology to prepare a series of bimetallic hydride clusters. Mixing of two clusters, [Ag7(H){E2P(OiPr)2}6] (E = S, 1; Se, 3) and [Cu7(H){E2P(OiPr)2}6] (E = S, 2; Se, 4), yields two series of hydride-centered bimetallic clusters, [CuxAg7−x(H){E2P(OiPr)2}6] (x = 0–7; E = S, 5; Se, 6). Their compositions are fully characterized by positive-mode ESI-MS spectrometry, multi-NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of [Cu6Ag(H){S2P(OiPr)2}6] (5a) and [CuAg6(H){Se2P(OiPr)2}6] (6a) by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The presence of individual compounds in solution is the result of a (dynamic) chemical equilibrium primarily driven by metal exchanges. In fact, the process of inter-cluster exchange of 1 and 2 leading to hydride-centered bimetallic clusters 5 can be monitored by concentration-dependent 31P NMR spectroscopy of which the higher concentration of 1 in the reaction, the closer to its resonance will be the distribution, in accord with Le Chatelier's principle. The dynamic equilibrium is further confirmed by 2D exchange spectroscopy that reveals a stepwise process involving one metal exchange at a time. DFT calculations on a model series of clusters 6 show that silver prefers occupying the inner tetrahedral positions, while copper favors capping positions, in full agreement with the crystal structure of 5a and 6a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three cyclometalated diruthenium complexes bridged by 3,3′,5,5′-tetrakis(benzimidazol-2-yl)biphenyl (H-tbibp) and capped with different terminal ligands have been synthesized and examined. In addition, two monoruthenium complexes with H-tbibp have been prepared for the purpose of comparison studies. The degree of Ru–Ru electronic coupling of these diruthenium complexes has been investigated by electrochemical and intervalence charge-transfer (IVCT) analyses. These results suggest that when the same or similar terminal ligands are used, the strength of H-tbibp in mediating the Ru–Ru coupling is enhanced with respect to that of the previously reported bridging ligand 3,3′,5,5′-tetrakis(N-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)biphenyl, but it is slightly inferior to that of the classical bridging ligand 3,3′,5,5′-tetrakis(pyrid-2-yl)biphenyl. This trend is also supported by CNS analyses based on the hole-superexchange mechanism. In addition, DFT calculations have been performed to probe the spin density distributions of the singly-oxidized diruthenium complexes with H-tbibp and TDDFT calculations are used to reproduce the IVCT transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of high-efficiency and low-cost electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is currently one of the main targets for the commercialization of fuel cells. In this work, a non-traditional N (5.43%), P (0.71%), and S (0.30%) ternary self-doped 3D multichannel carbon ORR electrocatalyst derived from spinach leaves is synthesized for the first time, using one-step annealing technology. The as-synthesized electrocatalyst (S-850) successfully avoids the shortcomings of traditional biomass-derived catalysts, such as those posed by solid micron-sized blocks and a lack of heteroatomic species. The advantageous properties exhibited by the electrocatalyst are mainly attributed to loose mesophyll cell space, various plant proteins, and chlorophyll. Based on the unique multichannel porous structure and ternary heteroatom doping, S-850 exhibits a higher limiting diffusion current density of 5.19 mA cm−2 at 0.5 V, and better durability and CO/methanol tolerance than commercial 20% Pt/C (5.10 mA cm−2 at 0.5 V) in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH solution. This work also includes density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which further reveal the mechanism of N, P, and S ternary self-doping in the spinach-derived ORR catalysts. Considering the availability of spinach around the world, this spinach-derived carbon material may also be extended to other areas, such as supercapacitors, sensors, and metal–air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two mixed-metal hydride clusters, corresponding to x = 3 and 4, were structurally characterized from a set of atomically precise heptanuclear clusters, CuxAg7−x(H){S2P(OiPr)2}6 (x = 1–6). An interstitial hydride lying at the center of a tricapped tetrahedral cage was located and refined anisotropically by using X-ray data, and its presence acertained by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal chalcogenides with layered structures are promising materials for energy storage, catalysis, and electronics, among other areas. We have identified a new layered phase of iron sulfide containing interlayer solvated cations. We present an optimized synthesis for the Li+-containing material from an Fe(III) xanthate complex. Structure and composition data indicate the material consists of poorly-ordered iron sulfide layers separated by solvated cations. The lamellar spacing in these materials can be tuned by changing the identity of the cation. Furthermore, the lamellar spacing can also be reversibly tuned by the degree of solvation of the material. The material is electrically conductive and can serve as a pseudocapacitor with comparable performance to commercial materials such as MnO2. Furthermore, these materials also show promise as lithium or sodium ion battery cathodes with good capacity and reversibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been demonstrated as one of the most promising energy storage devices for applications in electric vehicles, smart grids, large-scale energy storage systems, and portable electronics. Compared with traditional inorganic compounds that often cause various environmental problems, organic electrode materials possess many advantages, such as the diversity of molecular structures, feasibility of subjective design, light weight, low cost, high theoretical capacity, and eco-friendliness, making them very promising in the application of energy-related devices. Among all organic materials used as electrodes for LIBs, organic carbonyl-based polymers with multi-electron reaction centers, high theoretical capacity, reaction reversibility, rapid redox kinetics, and the inhibition of electrolyte dissolution have recently become hot topics. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the design, synthesis, and application of carbonyl-based polymers for LIBs. In addition, the advantages/disadvantages of individual materials are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A porous organic–inorganic hybrid material consisting of calix[4]arene dye C4BTP with pyridine as an acceptor and titanium dioxide, denoted as C4BTP–TiO2, has been prepared by a facile sol–gel method. The C4BTP–TiO2 materials show expandable photocatalytic activities for H2 evolution from water and CO2 reduction to CO when they are loaded with Pt nanoparticles or rhenium complex ReCl(bpy) (CO)3 (ReP) as co-catalysts, respectively. The optimized Pt/C4BTP–TiO2 (5.0 wt%) catalyst exhibits a high H2 production activity (11.99 mmol g−1 h−1 based on catalyst mass) and excellent recyclable durability (a turnover number of 12 981 within 50 h after 10 rounds) under visible-light (λ > 420 nm), presenting one of the best performances among all the heterogeneous photocatalytic systems based on metal-free sensitizers. As a contrast, the surface sensitized catalyst Pt/gel-TiO2/C4BTP only shows far lower activities than hybrid Pt/C4BTP–TiO2 under the same conditions. In addition, the optimized ReP/C4BTP–TiO2 (5.0 wt%) catalyst obtained by loading ReP exhibits a selective photoactivity for CO2 reduction to CO, giving a turnover number of 112 after 25 h of visible-light irradiation. The good photoactivity and durability of the as-prepared hybrid materials can be attributed to the firm Ti–N linkage and efficient electron transfer between metal-free dye C4BTP and the substrate TiO2, while the alkaline-stable Ti–N bond improves the stability of the photocatalysts under basic aqueous conditions. This study offers a good example for the design and preparation of stable organic/inorganic hybrid materials applied in solar energy-solar fuel conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the two-step processing method represents an attractive route for the thin film formation of halide perovskites. However, a fundamental understanding of the film formation dynamics in the case of spin coating methylammonium iodide (MAI) on PbI2 has not been established yet. Here we apply in situ optical spectroscopy during the two-step film formation of the model halide perovskite MAPbI3via spin coating. We identify and analyze in detail the optical features that occur in the photoluminescence and the corresponding absorption spectra during processing. We find that the film formation takes place in five consecutive steps, including the formation of a MAPbI3 capping layer via an interface crystallization and the occurrence of an intense dissolution–recrystallization process. Consideration of confinement and self-absorption effects in the PL spectra, together with consideration of the corresponding absorption spectra allows quantification of the growth rate of the initial interface crystallization, which is found to be 11 nm s−1 under our processing conditions. We find that the main dissolution–recrystallization process happens at a rate of 445 nm s−1, emphasizing its importance to the overall processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-emissive tris-heteroleptic ruthenium complex is designed, synthesized and applied for the ratiometric photoluminescent detection of amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation in both steady and transient states. The Aβ aggregation is supported by transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis. In addition, molecular docking calculations have been performed to gain insights into the interaction mode between the ruthenium complex and Aβ fibrils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solubilizing side-groups of solution-processable π-conjugated organic semiconductors affect both the crystal structure and microstructure of the respective thin films and thus charge-carrier mobility in devices. In this work, we explore how the alkyl side-chain length influences thin-film structure and charge transport in field-effect transistors of zone-cast, naphthalene-based bispentalenes. By tuning the alkyl-chain length and the casting speed, we alter the microstructure from highly aligned ribbons, to feathered ribbons, to disordered grains. Concurrently, the hole mobility changes over two orders of magnitude, from 0.001 cm2 V−1 s−1 at the fastest speeds to roughly 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1 at slower speeds. The highest mobilities correspond to the presence of an aligned ribbon morphology. While optical measurements indicate negligible electronic differences between the molecules, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction measurements show that the films display different degrees of order and alignment. The compound with pentyl side-chains exhibits the largest tolerance to different processing conditions, yielding an aligned ribbon microstructure and high mobility over a wide range of casting speeds. Our results highlight the impact that even small changes to the molecular structure can have on the processing window and transport properties of thin-film devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new small molecular hole-transporting material, 1,3,6,8-tetrakis[N-(p-methoxyphenyl)-N′-(9,9′-dimethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)-amino]pyrene (TFAP) was synthesized and applied in CH3NH3PbI3-perovskite solar cells. A best power conversion efficiency of 19.7% with a photovoltage of 1.11 V has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been rapidly evolving as a promising candidate for next-generation photovoltaic technologies. P-type organics or polymers are generally used as hole transport materials (HTMs), which are expensive and non-sustainable for long-term applications. Herein, we demonstrate an inorganic Ni–Co–O hole conductor that displayed fast hole extraction and transport by the presence of gap states and relative high hole conductivity. Detailed structural inspection reveals that Co3+ and Ni2+ ions would reform into Co2+ and Ni3+ sites with the incorporation of Co, which contributes to greatly enhanced hole concentration. Inverted heterojunction devices based on NiCoOx hole transport layers yielded a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.03%, with 16.9% improvement compared with those based on NiOx layers (17.14%). This novel HTM with a facile synthesis process provides a new strategy for designing efficient carrier transport materials such that efficient charge collection and transport are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly robust hybrid material based on calixarene dye (HO-TPA) and titanium dioxide with a micro/mesoporous structure and a large surface area (denoted as HO-TPA–TiO2) has been prepared by a facile sol–gel method. When Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) or fac-[Re(4,4′-disphosphonic acid-2,2′-bipyridine)(CO)3Cl] (ReP) as co-catalysts are introduced onto the hybrids, respectively, the two hybrid systems can display dual-functional photocatalytic properties. Under visible-light irradiation, the optimized Pt/HO-TPA–TiO2 system exhibits high hydrogen production activity (618.3 mmol g−1 h−1 based on Pt mass) and performs with excellent stability even after being used for 15 times (a turnover number of 6417 after 75 h). On the other hand, the optimum ReP/HO-TPA–TiO2 material displays persistent photocatalysis of CO2 reduction to CO and gives a turnover number of 534 over 26 h (854.4 mmol g−1 based on ReP mass), which is one of the highest among all the reported heterogeneous catalytic systems under visible light. The high activity and stability of the HO-TPA–TiO2 based hybrid materials can be attributed to the stable coordination linkage and efficient electron transfer between HO-TPA and micro/mesoporous TiO2. The current study offers inspiration for the design and application of new multi-functional organic–inorganic hybrid systems for efficient photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]