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To understand the self-assembly process of the transition metal (TM) nanoclusters and nanowires self-synthesized by hydroquinone (HQ) and calix[4]hydroquinone (CHQ) by electrochemical redox processes, we have investigated the binding sites of HQ for the transition-metal cations TM(n+)=Ag(+), Au(+), Pd(2+), Pt(2+), and Hg(2+) and those of quinone (Q) for the reduced neutral metals TM(0), using ab initio calculations. For comparison, TM(0)-HQ and TM(n+)-Q interactions, as well as the cases for Na(+) and Cu(+) (which do not take part in self-synthesis by CHQ) are also included. In general, TM-ligand coordination is controlled by symmetry constraints imposed on the respective orbital interactions. Calculations predict that, due to synergetic interactions, silver and gold are very efficient metals for one-dimensional (1D) nanowire formation in the self-assembly process, platinum and mercury favor both nanowire/nanorod and thin film formation, while palladium favors two-dimensional (2D) thin film formation.

Electronic, optoelectronic, and optical devices have become integral to the fabric of the modern life, underpinning critical advancements in information technology, energy utilization, biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and nanotechnology. Perovskite nanocrystals have captivated researchers for their optoelectronic properties, and Liu and Lee provide a comprehensive review of advancements in perovskite nanocrystal stability enhancement [[4]]. [Extracted from the article]

We find that the doping of Cr2O3 nanoparticles into organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells leads to the power conversion efficiency improvements of 15.9%-22.8%, which are larger than or comparable to those obtained using other metal oxide nanostructures in previous studies. The light absorptions at long-wavelength regions and the electron mobilities are enhanced; these enhancement increased the short-circuit current and fill factor. The increased shunt resistance suggests that the hole leakage current may be suppressed. This suppression subsequently enhances the fill factor. Thus, the incorporation of Cr2O3 nanoparticles is a simple and efficient technique for improving bulk-heterojunction devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]