Search

Eight polythiophene derivatives containing pyrazoline side groups were synthesized by a chemical oxidative coupling polymerization using FeCl3. The crystal structures of four monomers were determined which confirm the almost perpendicular orientation of the thiophene and pyrazoline rings, while the other substituents are more coplanar. Analyses of IR, 1H-NMR, Raman and UV-Vis spectra demonstrated that the suggested polymerization was successful to generate the synthesized polythiophenes with the expected structures. The morphology of the synthesized polythiophenes was studied by SEM. The different substituents attached to the 1- and 3-positions of the pyrazoline side chain led to differences in optical properties, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability of the synthesized polythiophenes. By adding a pyrazoline side chain to polythiophenes, some polymers achieve good solubility, electrical conductivity of about 1.3 × 10–6 S/cm, high fluorescence intensity (above 40,000 a.u.) at 505–550 nm and thermal stability up to 590°C in the air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are considered as an ideal material to substitute indium tin oxide (ITO) owing to their outstanding characteristics, such as excellent electrical conductivity, transmittance, and bending properties. Ultrasonic spraying method is used to fabricate AgNWs films because of its high efficiency, controllability, and high uniformity of coating. In this work, high-purity AgNWs with an average diameter of 45 nm and an average length of 20 μm were prepared via acetone settling and ethanol washing of the products obtained by a simple solvothermal method. Subsequently, flexible transparent conductive films with sheet resistance non-uniformity less than 8% were prepared through Ultrasonic spraying AgNWs and modified poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) upon polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate successively, and the surface roughness of the films was lessened by mechanical hot pressing. Finally, PET/AgNWs/PEDOT:PSS films were obtained with a transmittance at 550 nm of 85.06%, a sheet resistance of 45 Ω/sq, a haze of 3%, and a root mean square roughness of 14.1 nm. After being placed in air under normal temperature for two months and mechanical bending for 1000 times, respectively, the sheet resistance of the films showed only a slight change, which suggested that it was an excellent material to displace the conventional transparent conductive films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initially, pristine polymers were used to develop corrosion-resistant coatings. Later, the trend shifted to the use of polymeric nanocomposites in anti-corrosion materials. In this regard, graphene has been identified as an important corrosion-resistant nanomaterial. Consequently, polymer/graphene nanocomposites have been applied for erosion protection applications. Among polymers, conducting polymers (polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene, etc.) and nonconducting polymers (epoxy, poly(methyl methacrylate), etc.) have been used as matrices for anticorrosion graphene nanocomposites. The corrosion-resistant polymer/graphene nanocomposites have found several important applications in biomedical fields such as biocompatible materials, biodegradable materials, bioimplants, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. The biomedical performance of the nanomaterials depends on the graphene dispersion and interaction with the polymers and living systems. Future research on the anti-corrosion polymer/graphene nanocomposite is desirable to perceive further advanced applications in the biomedical arenas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottom-up self-aligned area-selective deposition (ASD) plays an important role in patterning of advanced electronic devices. Specifically, ASD of organic materials can be utilized for nucleation inhibitors, sacrificial layers, and air-gap materials for next-generation nanoscale processing. This work introduces fundamental growth behavior of various conjugated polymers including polypyrrole, polythiophene, and polyaniline via oxidative molecular layer deposition and chemical vapor deposition. Effects of process parameters on film properties are described, and ASD behavior of different polymers are quantitatively characterized. These findings expand fundamental understanding of conjugated polymer deposition and provide new perspectives for ASD of organic thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, great attention has been given to developing extremely competent adsorbents for removing organic dyes from wastewater. Thus, to enhance their adsorption capability, a general strategy based on adsorbent surface modification with polymers has been proposed. This report demonstrates the potential of a ternary mixture of polythiophene/zinc oxide/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PTh/ZnO/MWCNTs) and tertiary PTh/ZnO/oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (ox-MWCNTs), which have been incorporated via an in-situ method of chemical polymerization through a simplistic two-way method. SEM and EDX outcomes show that ZnO and MWCNTs, or ox-MWCNTs, are well covered with PTh. Raman, FTIR, and XRD demonstrated the effective synthesis of PTh/ZnO/ox-MWCNTs and PTh/ZnO/MWCNTs nanocomposites with good interfacial interactions between the components. This report also examined the potential of these nanocomposites to remove brilliant green (B.G.) (a toxic dye) from a water solution. In addition, the influence of adsorption parameters, such as concentration, adsorption temperature, pH, and stirring time, was evaluated. B.G.'s adsorption percentage was affected by concentration, temperature, and time. B.G.'s maximum adsorption potential was 9.1 mg g−1 for PTh/ZnO/ox-MWCNTs and 8.3 mg g−1 for PTh/ZnO/MWCNTs, demonstrating the nanocomposites' (NCs) potential for effective B.G. adsorption. The outcomes of the dye removal show that the dye removal process was spontaneous and endothermic, as evaluated by thermodynamic and kinetic criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible energy storage devices based on textiles have attracted great attention due to their enormous potential in wearable electronics. Herein, flexible zinc‐ion hybrid capacitors (ZHCs) are proposed for wearable systems using waste face masks (WFMs) as the substrate and separator. The WFMs are covered with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) to enhance the surface conductivity. Thereafter, polypyrrole and Zn are grown on the surfaces of WFMs, respectively, by the one‐step electrodeposition method. The flexible ZHC consists of surface‐engineered textiles which can function as the electrode and current collector. The as‐fabricated device possesses excellent specific capacity (105.1 mAh g−1), power density (117.8 W kg−1), and energy density (84.3 Wh kg−1). Besides, it maintains excellent electrochemical performance after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles and 5000 bending cycles. Furthermore, the device is capable of ensuring a stable power supply and driving an electronic meter for nearly a day. This work provides a facile strategy to construct low‐cost textile‐based flexible ZHCs from WFMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their thermotropic liquid-crystalline state, molecular semiconductors can show charge transport with high carrier mobility. Polymerization of the corresponding mesogens into a cross-linked network often deteriorates the charge transport. Here, we report that mesogens consisting of a terthiophene core and discrete oligodimethylsiloxane side-chains terminated by acrylate units can be photopolymerized in the columnar phase with retention of nanoscale order and charge transport capabilities. We argue that the strong tendency for microphase segregation protects the semiconducting block from reacting with free radicals during polymerization. This work provides new insights into the design of electroactive materials with charge transport properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(bithiophene) was synthesized in a nematic liquid crystal under a magnetic field. The polymers prepared by electrochemical polymerization exhibited an aligned schlieren texture parallel to the magnetic field direction. As a function of linear polarized electrochromism, the poly(bithiophene) thus obtained shows linear dichroism with color change via electrochromism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) based on a novel thiophene‐extended benzotrithiophene (BTT) building block is described, which in combination with triazine‐based amines (1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyl)trianiline (TTA) or (1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyl)tris(([1,1´‐biphenyl]‐4‐amine)) (TTTBA)) affords crystalline, and porous imine‐linked COFs, BTT TTA and BTT TTTBA, with surface areas as high as 932 and 1200 m2 g−1, respectively. Oriented thin films are grown successfully on different substrates, as indicated by grazing incidence diffraction (GID). Room‐temperature in‐plane electrical conductivity of up to 10−4 S m−1 is measured for both COFs. Temperature‐dependent electrical conductivity measurements indicate activation energies of ≈123.3 meV for BTT TTA and ≈137.5 meV for BTT TTTBA and trap‐dominated charge transport via a hopping mechanism for both COFs. Moreover, conductive atomic force microscopy reveals directional and defect‐dominated charge transport in the oriented BTT COF films with a strong preference for the in‐plane direction within the molecular 2D‐planes. Quantum mechanical calculations predict BTT TTTBA to conduct holes and electrons effectively in both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane directions. In‐plane, charge carrier transport is of hopping character where the triazine cores represent the barrier. Out‐of‐plane, a continuous charge‐carrier pathway is calculated that is hampered by an imposed structural defect simulated by a rotated molecular COF layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water as an important assistant can alter the reactivity of atmospheric species. This project is designed to investigate the impact of a single water molecule on the atmospheric reactions of aromatic compounds that have not been attended to comprehensively. In the first part, the atmospheric oxidation mechanisms of thiophene initiated by hydroperoxyl radical through a multiwell-multichannel potential energy surface were studied to have useful information about the chemistry of the considered reaction. It was verified that for the thiophene plus HO2 reaction, the addition mechanism is dominant the same as other aromatic compounds. Due to the importance of the subject and the presence of water molecules in the atmosphere with a high concentration that we know as relative humidity, and also the lack of insight into the influence of water on the reactions of aromatic compounds with active atmospheric species, herein, the effect of a single water molecule on the addition pathways of the title reaction is evaluated. In another word, this research explores how water can change the occurrence of reactions of aromatic compounds in the atmosphere. For this, the presence of one water molecule is simulated by higher-level calculations (BD(T) method) through the main interactions with the stationary points of the most probable pathways. The results show that the mechanism of the reaction with water is more complicated than the bare reaction due to the formation of the ring-like structures. Also, water molecule decreases the relative energies of all addition pathways. Moreover, atoms in molecule theory (AIM) along with the kinetic study by the transition state (TST) and the Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) theories demonstrate that the overall interactions of a path determine how the rate of that path changes. In this regard, our results establish that the interactions of water with HO2 (thiophene) in the initial complex 1WHA (1WTA or 1WTB) are stronger (weaker) than the sum of its interactions in transition states. Also, for the water-assisted pathways, the ratio of the partition function of the transition state to the partition functions of the reactants is similar to the respective bare reaction. Therefore, the reaction rates of the bare pathways are more than the water-assisted paths that include the 1WHA complex and are less than the paths that involve the 1WTA and 1WTB complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonaceous material, especially carbon nanotubes (CNTs), have incredible properties, such as high thermal and mechanical stabilities, good catalytic and adsorption capabilities. In recent years, hybrid nanocomposites have attained considerable attention, due to the combination of unique organic and inorganic elements in a single material. Hence, these nanocomposites have been employed for various applications, such as drug delivery, sensors, corrosion protection materials, flame retardant additives, and pollutant adsorbent. These nanocomposites can be fabricated through various approaches that include powder metallurgy, solution processing, reaction processing, melt processing, electrochemical, and many more. This present review mainly summarizes the various techniques for the fabrication, separation, and purification of CNTs and their nanocomposites, especially CNTs-based polymer and CNTs-based metals/metal oxides nanocomposites. Besides, effects of CNTs embedded with polymers (such as polypyrrole, poly-aniline, and poly-thiophene, etc.) and metals/metal oxides (such as manganese oxide (MnO2), copper (Cu), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), etc.) and how they can be employed toward innovative devices with fascinating properties for a broad range of applications are thoroughly discussed. Further, , industrial applications of CNTs-based polymer/ metal/metal oxides nanocomposites have been reviewed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy heteroatom substitution of the backbone is an effective strategy to improve molecular packing and charge delocalization in polymer semiconductors. Such a backbone modification also facilitates oxidative doping as a result of reduced ionization potential (IP). Here, the effect of single‐atom selenium substitution on doping and charge transport properties of a class of polythiophene copolymers is explored. The room temperature (RT) conductivities of the doped polymers are significantly enhanced by the selenium substitution for both molecular doping and ion exchange doping. The enhanced conduction is rationalized by the better crystallinity of the selenium‐containing system, which can be reinforced by a chain‐extended ribbon‐phase morphology induced by thermal annealing, which is robust toward doping. The resulting increase in the charge delocalization of the doped selenium‐containing system is evidenced by temperature‐dependent conductivities. In ion exchange doped films the maximum conductivity of ≈700 S cm−1 and a high thermoelectric (TE) power factor (PF) of 46.5 μW m−1 K−2 is achieved for the doped selenophene polymer and signatures of a metal‐insulator (M–I) transition are observed that are characteristics for heterogeneous conduction systems. The results show that single‐atom selenium substitution is an effective molecular design approach for improving the charge transport and TE properties of conjugated polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid solar cells with organic semiconductors and quantum dots (QDs) have witnessed great advance in the past few years. Nevertheless, the great majority of organic and QD hybrid solar cells generally employ halogenated solvents for the processing of organic hole‐transporting interlayers. Herein, the impact of solvents on the organic semiconductor material for hybird solar cells is systematically explored. The o‐xylene‐processed polythiophene delivers a champion photovoltaic performance of 8.7%, which is the record value for QD and poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) hybrid solar cells. The morphology results reveal that P3HT films processed with o‐XY present the moderate morphology and characteristic length scales, enabling the high photovoltaic performance. Moreover, the relationships between solvents, molecular stacking, film morphology, and photovoltaic performance are built to offer the guideline of solvents screening for these hybrid solar cells. Moreover, the great superiority of nonhalogenated solvents in fabricating high‐performance optoelectronic devices with low hazards is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioelectronics, which can perform monitoring and biological signal collection of strain, pressure, and temperature at the same time, have attracted more and more attentions. To meet the unique requirements of wearable characteristics, the bioelectronic device with excellent flexibility is desired. At present, the biggest challenge for the flexible device is the candidate of electrode materials. The classical conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) has showed a promising potential in the field of wearable bioelectronic devices due to its high conductivity, excellent flexibility, aqueous processability, and good biocompatibility. Here, we reviewed the recent progress of PEDOT‐based wearable bioelectronic sensors and focus on the role of different PEDOT‐based flexible materials in addressing the mechanical strain, pressure, and temperature requirements. The impact of contemporary bioelectronic research will be highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

π-conducting materials such as chiral polythiophenes exhibit excellent electrochemical stability in doped and undoped states on electrode surfaces (chiral electrodes), which help tune their physical and electronic properties for a wide range of uses. To overcome the limitations of traditional surface immobilization methods, an alternative pathway for the detection of organic and bioorganic targets using chiral electrodes has been developed. Moreover, chiral electrodes have the ability to carry functionalities, which helps the immobilization and recognition of bioorganic molecules. In this review, we describe the use of polythiophenes for the design of chiral electrodes and their applications as electrochemical biosensors.

Diazoacetate polymerization has attracted considerable research attention because it is an effective approach for fabricating carbon–carbon (C–C) main chain polymers. However, diazoacetate polymerization based on inexpensive catalysts has been a long-standing challenge. Herein, we report a Ni(II) catalyst that can promote the living polymerization of various diazoacetates, yielding well-defined C–C main chain polymers, polycarbenes, with a predictable molecular weight (Mn) and low dispersity (Mw/Mn). Moreover, the Ni(II)-catalyzed sequential living polymerization of thiophene and diazoacetate monomers affords interesting π-conjugated poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-polycarbene copolymers in high yields with a controlled Mn, variable compositions, and low Mw/Mn, although the structure and polymerization mechanism of the two monomers differ. Using this strategy, amphiphilic block copolymers comprising hydrophobic poly(3-hexylthiophene) and hydrophilic polycarbene blocks are facilely prepared, which were self-assembled into well-defined supramolecular architectures with tunable photoluminescence. Diazoacetate polymerizations using inexpensive catalysts has been a long-standing challenge to achieve. Here the authors report a Ni(II) catalyst that can promote living polymerization of various diazoacetates, yielding well-defined carbon–carbon main chain polymers, polycarbenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid and sensitive detection of pathogenic bacteria is highly demanded for early warning of infectious disease epidemics and protection of human health. Herein, a reusable and universal impedimetric sensing platform based on a bacteria-imprinted polythiophene film (BIF) is proposed for the rapid and sensitive detection of pathogenic bacteria using Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) as a model analyte. Monomer screening among four 3-substituted thiophenes was first performed based on the imprinting factor, and 3-thiopheneethanol (TE) was eventually selected. The BIF as a recognition layer was quickly deposited in an environmentally friendly process on a glassy carbon electrode via electro-copolymerization of the S. aureus template and TE monomer followed by in situ template removal. Upon rebinding of S. aureus on the BIF, the impedance increased. Under optimal conditions, the BIF-based sensor can quantitatively detect S. aureus in a wide linear range of 10 to 107 CFU mL−1 with a low detection limit of 4 CFU mL−1. Additionally, the sensor exhibits excellent selectivity, capable of identifying S. aureus from multi-bacterial strain mixtures. It also demonstrates applicability in the analysis of real lettuce and shrimp samples with good recoveries. Most significantly, the BIF sensing interface can be reused up to five times with good signal retention. Compared with most reported methods, this sensor is more rapid with a much shorter total assay time of 30 min, including the BIF preparation, bacterial rebinding, and impedance detection. This assay may hold great potential to help in the rapid, sensitive, and label-free detection of pathogenic bacteria in fields of food safety and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution‐processed organic semiconductors (OSCs) promote the development of the next generation of large‐area, low‐cost flexible electronics. To date, the properties of the flexible substrates such as chemical compatibility, roughness, and surface energy are still big challenges for the solution process, especially for high‐performance ultrathin monolayer OSCs. Herein, van der Waals assembled organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) with layer‐by‐layer lamination processes are reported. The active layer is an ultrathin single molecular layer 2,9‐Didecyldinaphtho[2,3‐b:2′,3′‐f]thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (C10‐DNTT) which maintains decent electrical fidelity with mobility of 10.4 cm2 V–1 s–1 after transfer. With the active layer transfer technique, the bias stability of OFETs can be significantly improved by tuning diverse hydrophobic self‐assembly monolayers (SAMs) onto the dielectric which is a challenging task before the solution processing organic monolayer. A small subthreshold swing (SS) of 63 mV decade−1 is achieved by low surface energy phosphonic acid SAMs on high‐κ AlOx dielectric. We further demonstrate a high‐gain organic inverter amplifier that can be powered up by a coin cell on the 1.5 μm conformal parylene substrate and apply it for high‐resolution electrocardiograph (ECG) sensing. The ECG sensors can provide a signal‐to‐noise ratio as high as 34 dB. It is believed that our device demonstrates the prospect of continuous monitoring for human health management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel electroactive hydrogels were fabricated from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) biopolymer incorporated with conductive polythiophene (PTh). The PTh particles dispersed uniformly in the CMC matrix providing higher mechanical properties and thermal stability. The formulation CMC/PTh6 (6%wt PTh) gave the highest tensile strength and elongation at break (0.9456 ± 0.0017 MPa and 123.0398 ± 7.0606%, respectively). The bending response of the hydrogels under an applied electric field was studied in terms of bending angle and bending sensitivity. Under an electric field strength of 100 V mm−1, CMC/PTh10 (10%wt PTh) showed the highest bending angle (52.245 ± 6.054°) while neat CMC gave the lowest bending angle (33.753 ± 8.116°). The bending behavior upon the application of an electric field of the CMC/PTh hydrogels occurs from the polarization of Na+ and H+ in the CMC matrix and S+ in PTh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The textile industry has advanced processes that allow computerized manufacturing of garments at large volumes with precise visual patterns. The industry, however, is not able to mass fabricate clothes with seamlessly integrated wearable sensors, using its precise methods of fabrication (such as computerized embroidery). This is due to the lack of conductive threads compatible with standard manufacturing methods used in industry. In this work, we report a low-cost poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)-modified cotton conductive thread (PECOTEX) that is compatible with computerized embroidery. The PECOTEX was produced using a crosslinking reaction between PEDOT:PSS and cotton thread using divinyl sulfone as the crosslinker. We extensively characterized and optimized our formulations to create a mechanically robust conductive thread that can be produced in large quantities in a roll-to-roll fashion. Using PECOTEX and a domestic computerized embroidery machine, we produced a series of wearable electrical sensors including a facemask for monitoring breathing, a t-shirt for monitoring heart activity and textile-based gas sensors for monitoring ammonia as technology demonstrators. PECOTEX has the potential to enable mass manufacturing of new classes of low-cost wearable sensors integrated into everyday clothes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordination compounds as dopants to conducting polymers combine desirable properties of individual components for a synergistic effect. Prussian red (PR) a low spin iron (III) coordination compound was doped in polythiophene (PTP) matrix to explore propensity of this inorganic-organic hybrid composite material towards wastewater treatment. PR doping was observed to improve mechano, thermal, electrical, and photocatalytic attributes of pure PTP. PTP/PR composite characterization was attempted using the powder X-ray diffraction, TEM, TGA, FTIR, BET analysis and UV-Visible spectroscopy. Optimization of adsorption conditions, adsorbent regeneration, adsorption thermodynamics studies of PTP/PR were carried out using malachite green (MG) dye as a model system. Under optimized conditions 92% MG dye adsorption was observed over 20 mg PTP/PR nanocomposite in 20 minutes at pH 7. PTP/PR nanocomposite also demonstrated a complimentary performance with real wastewater samples. Thermodynamic studies indicate spontaneous process with electrostatic attraction as the predominant noncovalent interaction. This study highlights designing catalysts capable of synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic activities for effective wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript presents the preparation of polymer layers based on polythiophene (PTh) and its 3-substituted derivatives (substituents 4-(CH3O)C6H4 and 4-(CF3)C6H4 marked as PThOCH3 and PThCF3, respectively) on platinum electrodes by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The polymerization process and the morphology of resulting layers were discussed analysing of CV-voltammograms and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Subsequently, the prepared polymers were tested as active/sensitive media of two types of sensors: (i) electrochemical sensor detecting ammonia in aqueous environment, whose response was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS); (ii) chemiresistor detecting NH3 in atmosphere, whose response was evaluated by measurement of resistance. It was found that both the physical (morphology, homogeneity, relative thickness) and receptor properties of the polymer layer deposited on electrode surface are significantly affected by the nature of substituent attached to the thiophene ring. The mutual context of ammonia detection in both environments is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polythiophene composite (MWCNTs/PTh) modified glassy carbon electrode was used for the amperometric detection of glucose. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was entrapped by a crosslinking agent on the MWCNTs/PTh composite film synthesized by electrochemical polymerization of thiophene onto MWCNTs. Characterization of composite film was achieved by cyclic voltammetry (CV), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The amperometric measurements of electrode was performed at +0.70V vs. SCE, which was the electrooxidation potential of enzymatically produced H2O2. The effects of thiophene amount in the composite, pH, temperature and substrate concentration were investigated on the response of enzyme electrode. Optimum pH was 7.0 at room temperature and the response time of enzyme electrode was 25 s. The upper limit of the linear working range was 4.85 mM glucose concentration. The limit of detection of sensor was calculated as 148 µM. The sensitivity of glucose biosensor was determined as 4.39 µA mM-1 cm-2 . The value of apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (KMapp) was 1.68 mM according to the Lineweaver-Burk equation. The activation energy of this immobilized enzyme system was 88.92 kJ mol-1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nanocomposites of MWCNTs/PTh were synthesized via in-situ polymerization method. • These composites were employed as catalyst materials for the counter electrode of DSSCs. • FTIR and XRD analyses conform the interaction of MWCNTs with PTh in composites. • MWCNTs contents in composites affect the efficiency of DSSCs. • DSSC with 30 %MWCNTs/PTh shows the PCE of 1.608%, higher than Pt based cell (1.067%). Platinum is utilized to a significant degree as a catalyst material in the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells. However, its utilization is constrained by its high cost, scarcity, requirement for high purity, poor corrosion resistance against liquid electrolytes, and energy-intensive deposition techniques. It is possible to substitute platinum with carbon allotropes or composites built of conductive polymer materials. In this study, in-situ polymerization was used to synthesize nanocomposites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and polythiophene. X-ray Diffraction, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to examine the interactions between ingredients and the morphological features of composites, respectively. The results showed that the amount of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in composites affects the effectiveness of solar devices. Compared to cells based on 10% and 60 %MWCNTs/PTh, the efficiency of the cell that was made with 30 %MWCNTs/PTh exhibited a greater level of performance. The results also showed that the MWCNTs/PTh device outperformed Pt-based solar cells in terms of performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new conjugated polymers alternating benzothiadiazole units and thiophene moieties functionalized with ionic phosphonium or sulfonic acid salts in the side chains were synthesized by a postfunctionalization approach of polymeric precursors. The introduction of ionic groups makes the conjugated polymers soluble in water and/or polar solvents, allowing for the fabrication of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells using environmentally friendly conditions. All polymers were fully characterized by spectroscopic, thermal, electrochemical, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron, and atomic force techniques. BHJ solar cells were obtained from halogen-free solvents (i.e., ethanol and/or anisole) by blending the synthesized ionic push–pull polymers with a serinol-fullerene derivative or an ionic homopolymer acting as electron-acceptor (EA) or electron-donor (ED) counterparts, respectively. The device with the highest optical density and the smoothest surface of the active layer was the best-performing, showing a 4.76% photoconversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication and antioxidant properties of polythiophene/poly(sulfonic acid diphenyl aniline)/polyethylene oxide electrospun nanofibers obtained in this study were brought to the literature for the first time. For this, polythiophene/poly(sulfonic acid diphenyl aniline)/polyethylene oxide (PTh/PSDA/PEO) nanofibers containing 5, 10, 20 and 40 % PTH/PSDA composite by weight were produced by electrospinning method. According to both CUPRAC and ABTS assays, these electrospun nanofibers were found to have antioxidant activity. According to both CUPRAC and ABTS assays, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained from PTh/PSDA/PEO4 electrospun nanofiber containing 40 % PTH/PSDA with values of 244 and 111 μg TE/mg, respectively. This nanofiber was found to be non‐toxic according to the MTT assay and its thermal stability was not much different from that of the PEO nanofiber. PTh/PSDA/PEO electrospun nanofibers were biocompatible, water‐soluble nanofibers that were candidates for use in many biological applications with further characterization. These electrospun nanofibers were characterized by FT‐IR, UV‐Vis., 1H NMR, XRD and TGA. Surface morphologies were investigated by SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging solution‐processed solar cells have attracted worldwide effort in the last decade. Developing efficient, stable, and cost‐effective solar cells is strongly desirable in countering the growing global warming. Nevertheless, the photovoltaic performance and stability of hybrid solar cells based on low‐cost polythiophenes are far from satisfactory, due to their high‐lying energy levels and excessive aggregation. Herein, it is shown that brominated polythiophene (P3HT‐Br), prepared via a facile two‐step approach can effectively facilitate charge transport and suppress recombination in quantum dot (QD)/organic heterojunctions. Accordingly, the power conversion efficiency of the optimized hybrid polythiophene/QD cell is boosted from 8.7% to 11% (a 26% increase) with markedly reduced energy loss. More strikingly, the device achieves record‐high thermal stability with a lifetime of over 400 h maintaining 80% of the initial performance. Both device efficiency and stability are the best reported for polythiophene/QD hybrid solar cells. Moving forward, brominated polythiophenes hold great application in perovskite solar cells with significantly improved performance and offer new opportunities for other emerging solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatic polymers are the first-choice platform for current organic materials due to their distinct optical, electronic, and mechanical properties as well as their biocompatibility. However, bare aromatic polymer backbones tend to strongly aggregate, rendering them essentially insoluble in organic solvent. While the typical solution is to install many solubilizing substituents on the backbones, this often provokes undesired property changes. Herein, we report the synthesis of bare aromatic polymers enabled by a dendrimer support. An initiator arene containing a diterpenoid-based dendrimer undergoes Pd-catalyzed polymerization with monomers bearing no solubilizing substituents to furnish bare aromatic polymers such as polythiophenes and poly(para-phenylene)s. The high solubility of dendrimer-ligated polymers allows not only the unveiling of the properties of unsubstituted π-conjugated backbone, but also mild release of dendrimer-free aromatic polymers and even transfer of aromatic polymers to other materials, such as silica gel and protein, which may accelerate the creation of hybrid materials nowadays challenging to access. Unsubstituted aromatic polymers are materials with multiple potential applications, but their preparation remains challenging. Here, the authors report a dendrimer-enabled synthesis of soluble bare aromatic polymers and explore their properties; these compounds can be further transformed into other materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an attractive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitter, graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) still suffers from weak anodic ECL signals. In this work, a simple molecular engineering strategy is employed to modulate the anodic ECL of g-CN by thiophene doping. Thiophene doped g-CN (CNA) nanosheets show ca. a 6-fold enhanced and red-shift ECL emissions compared to pristine g-CN nanosheets. The optical and ECL property studies reveal that thiophene doping can not only evaluate g-CN electric conductivity by intramolecular electron transfer but also narrow the bandgap, leading to the enhancement and bathochromic shift of ECL emissions. The effects of various factors including the thiophene doping amount, solution pH, coreactant concentration and adopted potential range on the anodic ECL of CNA nanosheets are further investigated for understanding the mechanism of ECL enhancement and obtaining a strong and stable anodic ECL emission. On this basis, the CNA nanosheets modified electrode is used as a signal probe for Cu2+ detection, and the probe shows a linear response to Cu2+ in the concentration range of 5 nM to 50 μM and high selectivity towards other possible interfering metal ions. Our work may provide a promising pathway for the modulation of g-CN ECL by molecular engineering, and the improved anodic ECL may promote its sensing application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work deals with the study on the optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of a p-type organic semiconducting polymer, regioregular poly 3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl (P3HT) and the absorption spectra of an n-type fullerene-based small-gap fullerene-ethyl nipecotate (Fullerene-EN) and a non-fullerene-based polynaphthalene bithiophene (N2200) semiconducting materials. The band gap of P3HT, N2200, and small-gap fullerene-ethyl nipecotate are 2.42, 1.65, and 1.51 eV, respectively, calculated from experimental results through the Tauc equation. Active layers with blends of P3HT and small-gap fullerene-ethyl nipecotate and P3HT and N2200 have been used to fabricate bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structures. The P3HT:N2200 BHJ structure follows the current density versus voltage characteristics of a photovoltaic device with 0.28% power conversion efficiency, 1.58 mA/cm2 short-circuit current density, and 41% fill factor. However, the P3HT:small-gap fullerene-ethyl nipecotate structure does not show any photovoltaic J-V characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We synthesized the polythiophene‐based copolymers (poly(3‐thiopheneacetic acid‐co‐3‐dodecylthiophene)s [poly(3TA‐co‐3DT)s]) and homopolymer (poly(3‐dodecylthiophene) [P3DT]) as a polymer host to apply on quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In order to improve their solubility and interface adsorption onto nanoporous TiO2 surface, the poly(3TA‐co‐3DT)s were designed with the chemical structure containing long‐alkyl group and carboxyl group, and the polythiophene‐based homopolymer (P3DT) was synthesized to compare the photovoltaic characteristics according to the presence of the carboxyl group. The quasi‐solid‐state DSSCs using P3DT, poly(3TA‐co‐3DT)‐1, and poly(3TA‐co‐3DT)‐2 have power conversion efficiencies of 2.62%, 2.97%, and 2.90% under photointensity of 100 mW/cm2 at AM1.5, respectively. In particular, the Jsc and power conversion efficiency of DSSC device using poly(3TA‐co‐3DT)‐1 increased up to 16.81 mA/cm2 and 4.45% by the addition of the ionic liquid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative metal–organic framework (ZnMOF-BTA) with corrosion inhibition properties was prepared by the solvothermal reaction of zinc nitrate, 1,2,3-benzotriazole, and 2,5-thiophene dicarboxylic acid. ZnMOF-BTA was characterized by FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM, and thermogravimetric analyses, and the corrosion inhibition performance on Q235 carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution was evaluated by weight loss, polarization, and EIS measurements. XRD results showed that ZnMOF-BTA has a monoclinic crystal structure and belongs to C12/c1 space group, while DTA/TGA results revealed it has a good crystalline quality and excellent thermal stability with a melting point of 410 °C. FTIR and XPS results revealed that Zn2+, TDC2−, and BTA molecules were successfully used in ZnMOF-BTA synthesis. Electrochemical test results show that the obtained ZnMOF-BTA is effective in corrosion inhibition of Q235 carbon steel in acidic conditions and maximum inhibition efficiency of over 90% is obtained at 6 wt.% ZnMOF-BTA extract concentration. Adsorption studies revealed that the adsorption of BTA molecules follows the Langmuir isotherm model with an R2 value of 0.97889, while the ΔG◦ads value of −10.28 kJ mol−1 indicates that adsorption is by physisorption. The study provides a new corrosion inhibitor compound with proven corrosion inhibition properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polythiophenes (PTs) have attracted considerable interest for application in organic solar cells (OSCs) owing to their simple molecular structures and low‐cost synthesis. However, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of PT‐based OSCs are lower than those of state‐of‐the‐art OSCs. Herein, the development of two sequentially fluorinated PT donors (PT‐2F and PT‐4F) is reported for realizing highly efficient OSCs. PT‐2F and PT‐4F are designed to contain two and four fluorine atoms, respectively, per repeating unit to decrease their highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels and increase the open‐circuit voltages of the OSCs. Importantly, the PT‐4F polymers exhibit high backbone rigidity and the desired temperature‐dependent aggregation behavior, affording well‐developed crystalline structures in thin films for efficient charge transport. These beneficial features promote the construction of an optimal blend morphology of PT‐4F:small‐molecule acceptor with a suitable energy offset and low energetic disorder. Thus, the PT‐4F‐based binary and ternary OSCs achieve high PCEs of 15.6% and 16.4%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the design of 3‐thiophene acetic acid (3‐TAA) polymer matrix based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite for sensitive and selective detection of antipyrine (AnP) and ethionamide (ETH) simultaneously. Dual drug embedded molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based electrochemical sensor was developed via electropolymerization of 3‐TAA. AnP and ETH were embedded inside a polymer matrix based on their 3‐D orientation and interaction(s) with functional monomer(s). Their extraction from polymeric matrix generates cavities complimentary to shape and size of AnP and ETH. The extraction of templates was confirmed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) as well as high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The designed sensor selectively captures and produces the electrochemical signal for imprinted drugs. The electrochemical behaviour of AnP and ETH was investigated by DPV technique. The sensitivity for both drug molecules was commendable on a single polymeric composite with RGO on GC electrode (LOD of 0.117 μM for AnP and 0.15 μM for ETH). Also, the sensor exhibited excellent selectivity towards AnP and ETH in the presence of other analogous interferent molecules. Thus, the designed sensor showed high sensitivity as well as high selectivity for imprinted dual drug molecules on a single platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the influence of the emitter (amorphous-Si, a-Si, or polythiophene derivatives: poly(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT, and poly(3-[3,6-dioxaheptyl]-thiophene), P3DOT) and the interface passivation (intrinsic a-Si or SiOX and methyl groups or SiOX) on the c-Si based 1×1 cm2 planar hybrid heterojunction solar cell parameters. We observed higher short circuit currents for the P3HT or P3DOT/c-Si solar cells than those obtained for a-Si/c-Si devices, independent of the interface passivation. The obtained VOC of 659mV for the P3DOT/SiOX/c-Si heterojunction solar cell with hydrophilic 3,6-dioxaheptyl side chains is among the highest reported for c-Si/polythiophene devices. The maximum power conversion efficiency, PCE, was 11% for the P3DOT/SiOX/c-Si heterojunction solar cell. Additionally, our wafer lifetime measurements reveal a field effect passivation in the wafer induced by the polythiophenes when deposited on c-Si. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many harmful gasses are released during the burning of fossil fuels. Thus, it is essential to create gas sensors with high efficiency and low power consumption. The easy chemical bath deposition approach was used to produce the MnO 2 -incorporated polythiophene (PTh/MnO 2) composite thin film, and its potential application in NO 2 gas sensing at the operating temperature was comprehensively examined. The physicochemical properties were examined using FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDAX, AFM, and other instruments. The effects of adding MnO 2 on the physicochemical and NO 2 -sensing properties were studied. Out of all the oxidizing and reducing gases, the PTh/MnO 2 composite sensor showed the highest NO 2 selectivity when tested at operating temperature (NH 3 , Cl 2 , H 2 S, NO 2 , and methane). Every PTh/MnO 2 composite thin film demonstrated improved NO 2 sensing capabilities, with a maximum sensitivity of 95.67 percent for 100 parts per million of gas and a response of 20.93 percent for 0.5 parts per million of gas. Furthermore, they all reacted remarkably well to decreased NO 2 gas concentrations. [Display omitted] • MnO 2 incorporated polythiophene (PTh/MnO 2) composite thin film for gas sensing applications. • Highest sensitivity of 95.67 % and the shortest response time of 11 sec for NO 2 • Low working temperatures for NO 2 gas sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of the binder-free electrode materials and employing in the supercapacitor is the essential footstep for high energy storage. The present study highlights the cost-effective synthesis strategy for the binder-free growth of the amorphous polythiophene nanofibers over the nickel foam substrate. The presence of functional bonds like C C, C-H, and C-S has confirmed the deposition of the polythiophene nanofibers on the nickel foam, while elemental mapping analysis detected the uniform distribution of Carbon and Sulfur elements over nanofibers. The surface structure of the polythiophene is transformed from nanofibers to a wire-like structure as the result of the monomer concentration variation. The optimized polythiophene film exhibited the highest areal capacitance of 1263.2 mF/cm2 at 2 mA/cm2 with 90.03% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. Moreover, the aqueous asymmetric device (PTh//AC) is fabricated which delivered 31.5 F/g at 10 mA/cm2. The highest specific energy of PTh//AC device was 6.3 Wh/kg. Also, it showed good retention capability with 82.3% retention. Based on these results, the present investigation provides the performance metrics of the polythiophene nanofibers and highlights the potential utilization of the polythiophene-based supercapacitor in practical energy storage systems. [Display omitted] • Novel binder-less in situ polymerization of the polythiophene nanofiber on the Ni-foam. • Surface structure change from nanofibers to nanowire was observed. • About 1263 mF/cm2 at 2 mA/cm2 areal capacitance has obtained for polythiophene nanofiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their rich color, fast switching speed and high coloration efficiency, polymer-based electrochromic devices (ECDs) have broad application prospects in various fields such as smart windows, anti-glare rearview mirrors, displays and adaptive camouflage. However, the preparation of highly stable polymer-based ECDs is still a great challenge. Herein, we present a simple and efficient strategy to construct the poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite film or PEDOT/MWCNTs bilayer film, which serves as ion storage layer. The ECDs are assembled with poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as EC layer due to its good EC behavior. The P3HT film was prepared by potentiostatic deposition, and the PEDOT, PEDOT-MWCNTs and PEDOT/MWCNTs films were obtained by spray-coating technology. We investigated the structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of P3HT, PEDOT, PEDOT-MWCNTs and PEDOT/MWCNTs films, and EC properties of devices. The results indicate that the rough and porous P3HT film consists of many nanoparticles. Compared with PEDOT-MWCNTs composite film, the PEDOT/MWCNTs film is more loose and porous, where PEDOT nanoparticles and some PEDOT nanosheets are coated on a three-dimensional skeleton film of MWCNTs. These films possess good electrochemical performance. The ECD based on P3HT and PEDOT/MWCNTs films achieves an optical contrast of 38 % and coloration efficiency of 375 cm2/C, exhibiting good cyclic stability (retaining 92 % of initial optical contrast after 2000 cycles). Its coloration time and bleaching time are 0.60 and 1.83 s, respectively. This study suggests that structural optimization of ion storage layer might be a facile strategy for fabricating highly stable polymer-based ECDs. The PEDOT-MWCNTs and PEDOT/MWCNTs films were prepared by spray-coating technology, which served as ion storage layer. The relationship of microstructure and morphology of ion storage layer to EC properties of devices was revealed. The ECD based on P3HT and PEDOT/MWCNTs films achieves an optical contrast of 38 % and coloration efficiency of 375 cm2/C, exhibiting good cyclic stability. This work provides a simple and efficient strategy for fabricating highly stable polymer-based ECDs. [Display omitted] • A facile and efficient strategy was proposed to construct the PEDOT-MWCNTs or PEDOT/MWCNTs film used as ion storage layer. • The loose and porous PEDOT/MWCNTs bilayer film possessed good electrochemical performance. • The ECD based on P3HT and PEDOT/MWCNTs films exhibited high coloration efficiency and cyclic stability. • The relationship of microstructure and morphology of ion storage layer to EC properties of devices was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An EC-SC material is designed by introducing hydrogen bonding through fluorination. • PFPTT exhibits outstanding cyclic stability (<6% reduction after 10,000 cycles). • Asymmetric FESDs were fabricated for real-time feedback of energy storage status. • FESDs works properly against mechanical bending, as well as excellent stability. Owing to the capability of real-time feedback on energy storage status through reversible color changes, electrochromic-supercapacitor (EC-SC) devices have shown great potential for various applications in future intelligent electronics. However, despite recent advances, the development of EC-SC devices with high electrochromic performance, cycling stability, and mechanical flexibility remains a lingering challenge. Here, we propose an efficient interpenetrating conjugated network design strategy to prepare robust high-performance polythiophene EC-SC materials by introducing tough intermolecular hydrogen bonding through fluorination on poly(thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) backbone. The obtained EC-SC material poly(3-(4-fluorophenyl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PFPTT) simultaneously achieves high electrochromic performance (48 % optical contrast at 480 nm with coloration efficiency of 208 cm2 C−1), favorable specific capacitance (120F g−1, 1 A g−1), and outstanding cyclic stability (<6% reduction after 10,000 doping/dedoping cycles). Enabled by the superior performance of PFPTT , we further fabricate its-based flexible electrochromic-supercapacitor devices (FESD) for real-time feedback of energy storage status. Such FESDs are demonstrated to exhibit reversible tan and blue changes against mechanical bending, as well as excellent stability by retaining 85 % specific capacitance after 3000 charging/discharging cycles. The interpenetrating conjugated network design strategy, together with the resultant stable high-performance PFPTT materials, are promising for the development of reliable FESD and their further applications like wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 3D hierarchical microsphere heterojunction composites combining BiOBr and Bi-MOF (Bi-TDC) supported by 2,5-thiophene dicarboxylate acid (H 2 TDC) was fabricated by one-step solvothermal method. Hexadecyl trimethyl bromide (CTAB) is used as the structure guide reagent and Br source to design BiOBr/Bi-TDC composites and enhance catalytic activity. The ultrasound-assisted photocatalysis effect of BiOBr/Bi-TDC for RhB and TC can reach 99.8 % and 96.1 % in 30 min, respectively. Further, the influence factor of photocatalytic degradation TC solution were explored, including pH, initial pollutant concentration, catalyst dosage and different proportions of BiOBr and Bi-TDC. The excellent catalytic activity can be attributed to the construction of heterogeneous interfaces and rich oxygen vacancies (OVs), which improve the low redox potentials and facilitate the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Radical trapping experiment is made and shown •O 2 − and h+ are the most active species for the photodegradation process. The EPR characteristic is also used to explore free radicals when exposed to the visible light illumination. • Controllable 3D hierarchical microsphere heterojunction composites BiOBr/Bi-TDC composites have been synthesized. • BiOBr/Bi-TDC has excellent photocatalytic activity for RhB and tetracycline under ultrasound-assisted photocatalysis. • CTAB is used as Br source to design BiOBr/Bi-TDC composites and enhance catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study involves the fabrication of poly[4-(2-thiophene)aniline] (PTA) nanocomposite for absorption-dependent shielding applications, demonstrating enhanced absorption and small reflection properties. The Microwave absorption characteristics of the fabricated polymer were studied at different loading ratios, resulting in a minimum reflection loss (RL mini) of − 44 dB for the 8 wt % loading ratio. The macromolecular architecture of the PTA material offers higher dielectric loss resulting from higher conduction and interfacial loss. Additionally, the shielding performance is also evaluated, and the sample containing 8 wt % filler demonstrates an impressive − 36.5 dB shielding efficacy. The performance of polymers is significantly impacted by their unit periodic order arrangement. Conducting polymers with linear structure and special π-orbitals angles possess unique characteristics in comparison to their branched and the random copolymer, making them highly sought after as efficient organic conductors, magnetic substances, electrochromic materials, and high dielectric agents. Monomer units contained two periodical cyclic structures and the creation of the inductive effects of heteroatoms elongates the conjugation and reduces the energy bandgap difference between the HOMO and LUMO levels, enabling smoother electron flow and enhancing absorption capacity. The findings indicate that PTA nanocomposite is a promising radar-absorbing coating material due to its superior absorption ability and outstanding shielding performance. [Display omitted] • The PTA nanocomposite is chemically synthesized via facile and rapid method. • Minimum reflection loss of −44 dB was achieved at a loading ratio of 8 wt %. • The macromolecular structure of synthesized PTA exhibits increased dielectric loss. • The shielding effectiveness of the samples with 8 wt % filler had −36.5 dB efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Synthesis and characterization of o -carborane-bridged thiophene derivatives. • Molecular backbone and different substitution patterns impact single-molecule conductance properties in o -carborane-based molecules. • The existence of through-space transmission pathways between thiophene units. • Stable electronic coupling and conductance enhancement in β-thiophene substituted pattern. Here, α- or β-thiophene-substituted derivatives bridged by an o -carborane group were synthesized. Scanning tunneling microscope break junction techniques have revealed that the thiophene anchoring groups form a single-molecule junction with an Au electrode. Flicker noise analysis suggests the existence of through-space transmission pathways between the thiophene units. Furthermore, the electronic coupling of the β-thiophene substituted molecule with the electrode is found to be more stable, resulting in a 70 % increase in conductance compared to the α-isomer counterpart.These findings offer valuable insights for the design and development of o -carborane-based molecules, underscoring the significance of molecular backbones and substitution patterns on their electrical transport properties. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future organic field-effect transistors (FETs) may utilize one-dimensional (1D) semiconductor materials in their channels. In this study, we used the ab initio method to explore the transport characteristics of 1D nanowire polythiophene FETs comprehensively. Based on the 2028 map in the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) in 2013, our theoretical simulations showed that n-type and p-type gate-all-around (GAA) 1D polythiophene FETs with 5-nm gate length (L g) and appropriate underlap (U L) satisfy the basic high-performance and low-power-consumption device applications. Moreover, both the n-type and p-type GAA 1D polythiophenee FETs (L g = 3 nm) meet the high-performance needs of ITRS. Our numerical results revealed that the organic transistors can be designed by using a single nanowire and the minimum L g of transistors can scale to 3 nm. • Future field-effect transistors (FETs) may utilize one-dimensional (1D) semiconductor materials in their channels. In our present work, we have designed successfully a series of 1D nanowire polythiophene FETs, which revealed that the polythiophene polymers transistors can be designed by using a single nanowire and the minimum L g of transistors can scale to 3 nm. These quantitative results are helpful for the related experimenters in this field to design some 1D FET devices. • By using the ab initio quantum transport approach, we have studied some key parameters including the on-state current (I on), power dissipation (PDP), and delay time (τ) of the FETs with different sizes, which help us to uncover some 1D polythiophene polymers FET devices meet well the standards required by the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductor (ITRS) regulated in 2028. These quantitative results are helpful for the related experimenters in this field to design some 1D FET devices with high-performance and low-energy-dissipation features. • We have uncovered that the 1D polythiophene polymers FETs possess ambipolar transport characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converting small organic molecules to their lithium salts or polymerization effectively solves the capacity fading caused by the dissolution of small organic molecules in electrolytes. While polymer lithium salts have the characteristics of small molecular lithium salts and polymers and can obtain good cycle stability and rate performance. The 3‐carboxylithium substituted thiophene (3‐TCOOLi) and polymer (P3‐TCOOLi) anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries were synthesized, and their electrochemical properties were compared. Compared with the small‐molecule lithium salt 3‐TCOOLi electrode, the polymer P3‐TCOOLi electrode exhibits superior cycling and rate performance. The P3‐TCOOLi electrode still has a specific capacity of 390 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 50 mA g−1. During the rate charge and discharge process, when the current density increased to 1000 mA g−1, the specific capacity was 305 mAh g−1. It shows that the idea of small molecule lithium salt polymerization is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors based on reduced graphene oxide/poly (diketopyrrolopyrrolethiophene-thieno [3,2-b]thiophene-thiophene) (rGO/DPP2T-TT) composite sensing films for the detection of ammonia were investigated at room temperature in this study. The rGO/DPP2T-TT composite films were deposited onto ST-X quartz SAW resonators by a drop-casting method. FESEM, EDS, and XRD characterizations showed that the rGO/DPP2T-TT composite film was successfully synthesized and exhibited numerous wrinkles and a rough structure, which are crucial for gas adsorption. The frequency response to 500–1400 ppb ammonia shown by the prepared SAW sensor coated with rGO/DPP2T-TT composite film increased linearly as the ammonia concentration increased. The sensor based on a rGO/DPP2T-TT composite film exhibited a positive frequency shift of 55 Hz/ppm, and its frequency response to 500 ppb ammonia was 35 Hz. The sensors thus show promising potential in detecting sub-ppm concentration levels of NH3 at room temperature, which opens up possibilities for applications in the noninvasive detection of NH3 in the breath. As a result, the rGO/DPP2T-TT composite sensor can be a good candidate for in situ medical diagnosis and indoor/outdoor environment monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the combination of π-conjugated polymers with biocompatible synthetic counterparts leads to the development of bio-relevant functional materials, this paper reports a new oligo(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (OMeOx)-containing thiophene macromonomer, denoted Th-OMeOx. It can be used as a reactive precursor for synthesis of a polymerizable 2,2'-3-OMeOx-substituted bithiophene by Suzuki coupling. Also a grafted polythiophene amphiphile with OMeOx side chains was synthesized by its self-acid-assisted polymerization (SAAP) in bulk. The results showed that Th-OMeOx is not only a reactive intermediate but also a versatile functional material in itself. This is due to the presence of 2-bromo-substituted thiophene and ω-hydroxyl functional end-groups, and due to the multiple functionalities encoded in its structure (photosensitivity, water self-dispersibility, self-assembling capacity). Thus, analysis of its behavior in solvents of different selectivities revealed that Th-OMeOx forms self-assembled structures (micelles or vesicles) by "direct dissolution".Unexpectedly, by exciting the Th-OMeOx micelles formed in water with λabs of the OMeOx repeating units, the intensity of fluorescence emission varied in a concentration-dependent manner.These self-assembled structures showed excitation-dependent luminescence as well. Attributed to the clusteroluminescence phenomenon due to the aggregation and through space interactions of electron-rich groups in non-conjugated, non-aromatic OMeOx, this behavior certifies that polypeptides mimic the character of Th-OMeOx as a non-conventional intrinsic luminescent material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to fabricate supercapacitor electrode based on poly (3-hexyl-thiophene-2, 5-diyl) (P3HT) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) nanocomposites with different ratios onto a graphite sheet as a substrate with a wide voltage window in nonaqueous electrolyte. Structural, morphological and electrochemical properties of the prepared nanocomposites of P3HT/SWCNTs were studied and discussed. The electrochemical properties included cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charging-discharging (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were investigated. The obtained results indicated that P3HT/SWCNTs nanocomposite possesses higher specific capacitance than that present in its individual component. The high electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite was due to formation of microporous structure which facilitates ions diffusion and electrolyte penetration in these pores. The morphological micrographs of the purified SWCNTs had buckypaper structure while the photomicrographs of P3HT/SWCNTs showed that SWCNTs appear behind and front of the P3HT nanospheres. The specific capacitance of 50% SWCNTs at 0.5 Ag−1 was found to be 245.8 Fg−1 compared with that of pure P3HT of 160.5 Fg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]