Search

Synthesis of the C19-truncated maltepolide E has been accomplished via a diene–ene RCM strategy without damage to the C11–C14 alkenyl epoxy unit. Upon release of the C17-OH group, it attacked at the C14 position with double bond migration and epoxide ring-opening to furnish the C19-truncated maltepolide A and B as proposed for the biosynthesis of maltepolides. Preliminary cytotoxicity data of the synthesized C19-truncated maltepolides against L929 mouse fibroblast cell line suggest irrelevance of the vinyl epoxide and importance of the conjugated dienyl keto unit for the observed anticancer activity.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are nanoporous crystalline polymers with densely conjugated structures. This work discovers that imine-linked COFs exhibit remarkable photodegradation efficiency to azo dyes dissolved in water. Visible light generates different types of radicals from COFs, and superoxide radicals break N N bonds in dye molecules, resulting in 100% degradation of azo dyes within 1 h. In contrast, these dyes cannot be degraded by conventionally used photocatalysts, for example, TiO2. Importantly, the COF photocatalysts can be recovered from the dye solutions and re-used to degrade azo dyes for multiple times without loss of degradation efficiency. This work provides an efficient strategy to degrade synthetic dyes, and we expect that COFs with designable structures may use as new photocatalysts for other important applications.

Biosensor is a device used to detect the presence and function of bio-molecules in different biological fluid. In the field of biosensor development gold nanoparticle attracts great attention due to unique properties and surface charges. Different gold nanoparticle (gnp) based biosensors are now in use for clinical application. Gold nanoparticles can be conjugated with the fluorescence chemicals easily and can be used for detection of different charged biological tissues. Negatively charged gold nanoparticles were prepared and conjugated with fluorescence dye methylene blue. Surface charge, fluorescence characteristics and size of the methylene blue gold nanoparticles and the conjugates were studied. The shifting peak of absorption of gold nanoparticles in the UV–Vis spectroscopic study indicated the possibility of the gold nanoparticles methylene blue conjugate formation. The conjugate can be used for identification of excitable cells from excitable and non-excitable cells containing tissues.

It is a great challenge for the rational molecular design of light-emitting conjugated polymers to inherently suppress the ubiquitous coffee-ring effect (CRE), which is the critical bottleneck for ...

In this communication, we discuss the particular electronic and quantum properties from graphene and carbon allotropes to highly conjugated carbon chemical structures from recent research. Moreover, the chemical modifications of these types of materials were analyzed against the concept of their inert properties, thus identifying that their surfaces could be modified to incorporate different properties, functionalities, and couple electronic effects, among others. Their versatility has been shown based on simple chemical reactions in controlled and targeted conditions of synthesis. Variable designs could be tuned from proof of concepts to functional materials for targeted applications. In addition, a proof of concept was discussed for Electron Transfer (ET) applications to show their electronic properties. Finally, the use of highly conjugated chemical structures to higher hierarchical ordered carbon structures, carbon nanotubes, graphene and carbon allotropes in electron and opto-responsive metamaterials, has been analyzed. Thus, new insights into multi-modal characteristics of materials have been discussed.

To explore the antitumor and potential off-target effects of systemically delivered cholesterol-conjugatedThe antitumor effects of two intravenous dosing regimens ofContinuous treatment with

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of central nervous system which is increasing worldwide. Although immunosuppressive agents are used for the treatment of MS disease, nevertheless the lack of non-toxic and efficient therapeutic method is perceptible. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the effect of Contactin-associated protein (Caspr) antibody-, poly ethylene glycol (PEG)- and exosome combined gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in comparison to Glatiramer acetate as a selective treatment of MS disease in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. EAE was induced in female C57BL/6 mice and 25-day treatment with anti-Caspr-, PEG- and exosome combined GNPs was evaluated. Histopathological examination of spinal cord, regulatory T cells as well as inflammatory pathway including IFN-ɣ and IL-17 and mir-326 were investigated. The results showed the severity of MS symptoms was significantly decreased in all treated groups. Histological examination of the spinal cord indicated the reduced demyelination and immune cell infiltration. Besides, regulatory T cells were significantly increased following all treatments. Remarkably, the cytokine levels of IFN-ɣ and IL-17 as well as mir-326 is altered in treated groups. Taken together, the obtained findings demonstrate that the administration of anti-Caspr-, PEG- and exosome combined GNPs can be considered a potential treatment in MS disease.

Derivatization of 2D materials for bioapplications is at the forefront of nanomaterials research nowadays. Facile synthesis of the biografted 2D derivatives and insight into the conformation of the conjugated biomolecules are two pillars, promoting advances in the field of biosensing, drug delivery and regeneration techniques. This work is devoted to the synthesis and conjugation of carboxylated graphene by aptamers followed by theoretical analysis of their conformation in the immobilized state. Employing the developed method, the hole-matrixed graphene with up to 11.1 at.% reactive carboxyl groups was synthesized and thoroughly examined via core-level spectroscopy and time-resolved methods. The mechanism of the performed carboxylation with conversion of graphene oxide into carboxylated graphene is proposed, unveiling commonly disregarded impact of ether-like components to the fingerprints of the carboxyl groups. We show successful covalent immobilization of the AO-01 aptamer against Hepatitis B protein on the synthesized C-xy graphene and for the first time reveal its conformation both in free and immobilized forms via a combination of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamic (MD) modeling. Taken together, these results advance the application of graphene derivatives grafted with the biomolecules in the field of biosensing.

A series of vibratile π-extended dihydrophenazines (BPs) and a tetrahydrodiphenazine (TP) were synthesized via direct C–N coupling reactions. Structural alterations of the fused acene wings lead to...

The development of uranyl ion detection technology has exhibited its significance in public security and environmental fields for the radioactivity and chemical toxicity of uranyl ion. The WHO standard of uranyl ion makes it necessary to develop highly sensitive uranyl rapid warning system in drinking water monitoring. Herein, a visualized rapid warning system for trace uranyl ion is carried out based on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) imaging technology to give an ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) and high selectivity. Amidoxime, a bi-functional group with both uranyl ion capturing and co-reactive functions, is modified on a conjugated polymer backbone with strong ECL signal to be prepared into three-in-one polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) with self-enhanced ECL property. The captured uranyl ion can enhance the ECL signal of PNPs via resonance energy transfer process to give the LOD as 0.5 ng/L, which is much lower than the known luminescent uranyl sensors. Furthermore, ECL imaging technology is introduced into realizing visualized uranyl rapid warning, and can be successfully applied on natural water samples. This study provides a novel strategy for uranyl rapid warning, and shows its potential meaning in public security and environmental fields.

Discrete Pt(II) metallacycles have attracted particular attention for the chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer. However, a single chemotherapy cannot simultaneously balance efficiency and safety be...

Arnequinol A (1), featuring an unprecedented 6/6/3 tricyclic carbon skeleton fused with a heptatomic oxo-bridge, together with arnequinone A (2) bearing a highly conjugated methyl-shifting benzogeijerene skeleton, were isolated from Arnebia euchroma. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and quantum chemical calculations of the 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. The plausible biosynthetic pathways for 1 and 2 were presented. In an in vitro test, compound 2 showed potent neuroprotective activity against serum-deprivation induced PC12 cell damage at a concentration of 10 μmol/L.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as a novel class of functional polymers, exhibit versatile applications due to their crystalline porous structures and conjugated skeletons. However, synthesis of COFs with high crystallinity still faces great challenges, especially for scale-up preparation. Herein we report a two-step solvothermal process to improve crystallinity of COFs. The first step focuses on polycondensation of monomers with no need for optimizing crystallization conditions. In the second step, appropriate solvothermal conditions are used to facilitate crystallization of the COFs through defects correction and structural repairing. Furthermore, this strategy could also be applicable to scale-up synthesis of high quality COFs, which lays a foundation for their practical applications.

Donor-acceptor (D-A) conjugated polymers are widely used in photovoltaic applications and heterogeneous catalysis due to their tunable building block and pre-designable structures. Here, a series of adjustable Donor-acceptor (D-A) benzothiodiazole-based conjugated polymers were designed and synthesized. The photocatalytic performance could be improved by fine-tuning the chemical structure by halogen substitution (F or Cl). The polymers exhibited excellent optoelectronic properties and were effective photocatalysts for the degradation of RhB and MO dyes, as well as promoting the oxidative coupling of benzylamines. Complete degradation of RhB and MO occurred in 30 min under visible light radiation, while the yield of benzylamine coupling mediated by superoxide anion was as high as 82%. Systematic characterization methods were used to gain insights on the unique photocatalytic performance of the polymers. Our findings provide further insights into the design and synthesis of benzothiadiazole-based conjugated polymers as promising organic photocatalysts for solar energy conversion.

Background: Thiazolepyridine scaffold is considered to be one of the prime constituents of many biologically significant chemical entities. Methods: A set of novel thiazolepyridine derived heterocyclic hybrids, N-phenyl-2-(thiazolo[5,4- b]pyridin-2-yl)benzamides were synthesized by one-pot three-component reaction of 3-aminopyridine-2- thiol, diethyl phthalate, and anilines in a mixture of ethanol and water using HCl as a catalyst. The developed synthetic protocol, which is sustainable and economical, includes the easy work-up procedure, nontoxic, shorter reaction times. This procedure leads to high reaction yields. Results: The synthesized derivatives were screened for their antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis strains, and 4b,4e, and 4f exhibited moderate bacterial growth inhibition. Similarly, physiochemical properties and different target-based bioactivity scores have been predicted, and almost all the synthesized derivatives scores were found in the accepted range when compared with the standard values. Conclusion: Further structural modifications of the titled compounds would help to understand the structure- activity relations, to design safe and effective lead-like antibacterial agents.

We report the convenient synthesis of a benzobis(imidazolium)-embedded conjugated polyelectrolyte pBBI by a Cu-catalyzed direct C‒H arylation of a cationic benzobis(imidazolium) monomer with a diiodide comonomer. pBBI shows weak fluorescence in solution due to rotation of the repeat units in the conjugated backbone, and enhanced fluorescence when electrostatically interacting with a variety of anions to form aggregates. Specially, pBBI responds to the bisulfite anion with intensified unique deep-blue fluorescence easily discriminated by naked eye.

The need for a healthy market in the rapid and accurate screening of a variety of pathogenic agents and toxins in the environment and food has led to an increase in the development of new biosensors, which have ideal characteristics, such as high sensitivity and specificity with rapid detection and simple preparation of the sample. Among the food contaminants, mycotoxins have been identified as a major challenge for the food industry, and rapid and accurate detection has attracted the attention of food inspection and monitoring organisations. In this study, a nanomolecular detection method is described using aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-specific aptamers attached to streptavidin-coated magnetic nanoparticles. A prominent feature of the AFB1-specific aptamers is a guanine-rich (G-rich) sequence with a G-quadruplex structure after capturing AFB1 molecules and mimicking peroxidase activity. The enzymatic reaction evaluated in the presence of chromogenic substrate and measurement is done by a smartphone-specific application for colorimetric measurement. The results indicated that the assay could measure AFB1 in rice, flour, seed, maize, and pistachio. In addition, the application of hybrid nanomaterial technology resulting from the binding of biotin-labelled aptamers to the surface of streptavidin-coated magnetic nanoparticles minimises preparation and treatment of samples, improves results, and consequently reduces false negative and positive responses in the detection field. This study may eventually lead to the design and development of a fast, sensitive, specific, and on-site AFB1-based nanomolecular colorimetric detection system via a smartphone-based application that can be readily accessible to all applicants, from professionals to manufacturers of foodstuffs.

Leveraging the biocatalytic machinery of living organisms for fabricating functional bioelectronic interfaces, in vivo, defines a new class of micro-biohybrids enabling the seamless integration of technology with living biological systems. Previously, we have demonstrated the in vivo polymerization of conjugated oligomers forming conductors within the structures of plants. Here, we expand this concept by reporting that Hydra, an invertebrate animal, polymerizes the conjugated oligomer ETE-S both within cells that expresses peroxidase activity and within the adhesive material that is secreted to promote underwater surface adhesion. The resulting conjugated polymer forms electronically conducting and electrochemically active μm-sized domains, which are inter-connected resulting in percolative conduction pathways extending beyond 100 μm, that are fully integrated within the Hydra tissue and the secreted mucus. Furthermore, the introduction and in vivo polymerization of ETE-S can be used as a biochemical marker to follow the dynamics of Hydra budding (reproduction) and regeneration. This work paves the way for well-defined self-organized electronics in animal tissue to modulate biological functions and in vivo biofabrication of hybrid functional materials and devices. Funding agencies: European Unions Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme [800926]; Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research CouncilEuropean Commission [VR-2017-04910]; Knut and Alice Wallenberg FoundationKnut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation; Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF)Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; European Research Council (ERC)European Research Council (ERC)European Commission [834677]; Swedish Government Strategic Research Area in Materials Science on Advanced Functional Materials at Linkoping University (Faculty Grant SFO-Mat-LiU) [2009-00971]; MultiPark - A Strategic Research Area at Lund University; MIURMinistry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR) [SHARID - ARS01-01270]

A three-dimensional flexible organic framework FOF-1 has been synthesized from the condensation of a tetratopic acylhydrazine and a rigid 4,4′-diphenyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dialdehyde in water through the quantitative formation of hydrazone bond. FOF-1 is further applied to construct a polycatenane framework FOF-pc-1 through the quantitative cucurbit[7]uril encapsulation for the diphenylbipyridinium subunits of the framework by making use of the dynamic nature of the hydrazone bond in water. The bipyridinium subunits in both frameworks can be reduced their radical cation counterparts to produce conjugated radical cation-linked dynamic organic frameworks rc-FOF-1 or rc-FOF-pc-1. Polycatenation is revealed to enhance the stability of the dynamic frameworks in water, whereas depolycatenation can be reached for both FOF-pc-1 and rc-FOF-pc-1 by using a ferrocene guest to form a more stable complex with CB[7].

With regard to the nature of their bonding and reactivity, fulvenes occupy a position intermediate between their benzenoid isomers and the olefins. The chemical and physical behavior of the fulvenes is determined either by the diene character of the cross-conjugated system or by the cylic conjugation in the five-membered ring, depending on the type of substituent at the exocyclic carbon atom. In addtion to several new substitution reactions, a description is given of the syntheses and reactions of 6-amino- and 6-hydroxyfulvenes, isomeric with anilines and phenols, the derivatives of which can be used for the preparation of new types of nonbenzenoid cyclic conjugated systems such as carbocyclic and heterocyclic azulenes, pseudoazulenes, thiepines, dihydropyridazines, and s-indacene.

The major challenge in photothermal therapy (PTT) is to develop nanocomposites that simultaneously exhibit bioimaging and PTT under a single near-infrared (NIR) irradiation with high therapeutic efficiency. Herein, we present a multifunctional nanocomposite synthesized by linking NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with gold nanorods (AuNR) to exhibit fluorescence labeling, local temperature sensing and photothermal functions simultaneously with a single NIR laser excitation. The AuNR-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanocomposite particles displayed better photothermal properties compared with pure AuNRs or a blend of AuNRs and NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ UCNPs. The temperature-dependent upconversion luminescence (UCL) property was used to determine local temperature at the nanocomposite particles, which is useful for selecting appropriate irradiation dosage for PTT. The therapeutic performance of the nanocomposites in PTT for OML-1 oral cancer cells was determined. For cell labeling, we successfully labeled streptavidin-linked nanocomposite particles on the surface of OML-1 oral cancer using anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (anti-Her2) antibody. Finally, the nanocomposite particles caused exceptional destruction of cancer cells up to 70% dead cells under 976 nm laser irradiation for only one min at 0.3 W/cm2 which is below the maximal permissible exposure of human skin.

Water-soluble pillar[5]arenes are a class of typical macrocycles and have aroused tremendous attention for its easy to modify, abundant host-guest properties and extensive applications. However, up to now, all the reported water-soluble pillar[5]arenes acted as the host molecules, whereas they failed to be postsynthetically modified, which seriously impeded the development of the pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular chemistry. In this work, a new water-soluble pillar[5]arene, pillar[4]arene[1]quinone, was designed and synthsized with eight quaternary ammonium groups as well as a quinone units. Such a new water-soluble pillar[4]arene[1]quinone was capable of forming 1:1 stable complex with sodium 1-octanesulfonate in aqueous solution. Since the 1,4-quinone unit of WP[4]Q[1] could react with ethylenediamine (EDA) to form a conjugated quinoxaline structure, so pillar[4]arene[1]quinone could apply to the facile fluorescence turn-on sensing of EDA in aqueous solution, organic solvent and air.

Several probes containing benzothiazole-guided conjugated systems (BGCS) were designed and synthesized, and two molecules (BGCS5 and BGCS6) of which were discovered as selective probes targeting c-MYC Pu22 G-quadruplex DNA. The fluorescence intensity of BGCS5 and BGCS6 in the presence of c-MYC Pu22 far exceeds that of the typical G4 probe TO1. Especially, the fluorescence of BGCS6 increased almost 193-fold in the presence of c-MYC Pu22 G4 compared to that alone in aqueous buffer condition with almost no fluorescence and 10–30 folds than those in the presence of other DNAs, which will be useful tools for disease detection in mammals.

Near infrared (NIR) light-detecting organic phototransistors were fabricated with a polymer blend gate sensing layer (GSL). The polymer blend GSLs were prepared by employing a NIR-absorbing conjugated polymer [poly[{2,5-bis-(2-octyldodecyl)-3,6-bis-(thien-2-yl)-pyrrolo[3,4- c ]pyrrole-1,4-diyl}- co -{2,2′-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)-5,5′-diyl}] (PODTPPD-BT)] and an electrically-insulating polymer [poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)] at various PODTPPD-BT contents between 0 and 100 wt%. All the devices with the blend GSLs showed a noticeable drain current increase and threshold voltage shift upon illumination with a NIR light (wavelength = 905 nm). The net photocurrent and threshold voltage shift were gradually increased with the PODTPPD-BT content. The photosensitivity (SP) and photoresponsivity (RC) trend was almost proportional to the PODTPPD-BT content, but the SP and RC values at the lowest PODTPPD-BT content (10 wt%) were still ca. 55∼57% of those at 100 wt% (pristine PODTPPD-BT).

Cell membrane is a vital barrier to protect the cell from outside damage and involved in many biochemical processes. It is of great significance to label the cell membrane to explore its function. ...

Itaconate is a conjugated 1,4-dicarboxylate produced by macrophages. This small molecule has recently received increasing attention due to its role in modulating the immune response of macrophages upon exposure to pathogens. Itaconate has also been proposed to play an antimicrobial function; however, this has not been explored as intensively. Consistent with the latter, itaconate is known to show antibacterial activity in vitro and was reported to inhibit isocitrate lyase, an enzyme required for survival of bacterial pathogens in mammalian systems. Recent studies have revealed bacterial growth inhibition under biologically relevant conditions. In addition, an antimicrobial role for itaconate is substantiated by the high concentration of itaconate found in bacteria-containing vacuoles, and by the production of itaconate-degrading enzymes in pathogens such as Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Yersinia pestis. This review describes the current state of literature in understanding the role of itaconate as an antimicrobial agent in host–pathogen interactions.

We have successfully synthesized multi-layer graphene oxide and graphene oxide based magnetic nanocomposite (M/GO) by microwave-assisted modified Hummers’ method for removal of toxic lead (Pb2+) and cadmium (Cd2+) ions from aqueous solution. The X-ray diffraction spectra of synthesized graphene oxide and M/GO confirm increased interlayer spacing along c-axis. Raman spectra revealed the good quality of synthesized GO and M/GO. The wrinkles were seen in the SEM images of synthesized graphene oxide. The presence of conjugated double bond (C C) and carbonyl (C O) were confirmed by using the UV–Vis spectroscopic spectra. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis showed high (126 m2/g) surface area M/GO composite which accounts for large number of active binding sites for the adsorption of heavy metal ions. The adsorption studies revealed that Pb2+ ions were efficiently adsorbed on GO sheets. Interestingly, M/GO showed better adsorption for cadmium ions.

A mixed drug self-delivery system (DSDS) with high drug content (>50%) was developed to regulate pH-triggered drug release, based on two doxorubicin (DOX)-DOX dimmers: D-DOXADH and D-DOXcar conjugated with acid-labile dynamic covalent bonds (hydrazone and carbamate, respectively) and stabilized with PEGylated D-DOXADH (D-DOXADH-PEG). Owing to the different stability of the dynamic covalent bonds in the two dimers and the noncovalent interaction between them, pH-triggered drug release could be easily regulated by adjusting the feeding ratios of the two DOX-DOX dimers in the mixed DSDS. Similar in vitro cellular toxicity was achieved with the mixed DSDS nanoparticles prepared with different feeding ratios, that had a similar DOX content and diameter but different drug releasing rates. The MTT assays revealed that a high anti-tumor efficacy could be achieved with the slow-release mixed DSDS nanoparticles.

Riboflavin (RF) is one of the necessary vitamins. If human body lacks RF, it will lead to inflammation and dysfunction of mouth, lips and skin. Thus sensitive and accurate determination of RF is necessary. Here, an electroactive covalent-organic framework nanobelt (COFTFPB-Thi) with thickness of 1.4 nm was prepared by amine-aldehyde condensation reaction between thionine and 1, 3, 5-tris (p-formylphenyl) benzene, which was then grown vertically on three-dimensional porous carbon derived from kenaf stem (3D-KSC) for double signal ratiometric electrochemical detection of RF. The resulted 3D-KSC/COFTFPB-Thi showed two reduction peaks at −0.08 V and −0.23 V, which came from the reduction of COFTFPB-Thi and the conjugated structure of COFTFPB-Thi, respectively. In the presence of RF, those RF molecules near the electrode surface were oxidized at 0.6 V. Then some oxidized RF (RFox) adsorbed on COFTFPB-Thi would oxidize COFTFPB-Thi into COFTFPB-Thi(ox) while other RFox adsorbed on 3D-KSC kept unchanged. When the potential was scanned from 0.6 V to −0.6 V, both COFTFPB-Thi(ox) and RFox adsorbed on 3D-KSC were reduced at −0.08 V and −0.45 V accordingly, while the reduction peak of −0.23 V of the conjugated structure of COFTFPB-Thi kept constant. When j-0.45/j-0.23 was used as the response signal, the detection limit was 44 nM and the linear range was 0.13 μM −0.23 mM. By using j-0.08/j-0.23 as the response signal, a detection limit of 90 nM and a linear range of 0.30 μM-0.23 mM (S/N = 3) were obtained. By using double signals, the measurement results can be corrected to make the results more accurate and reliable. The sensor also showed good selectivity, reproducibility and stability, which provided a good application prospects.

Herein, we have assembled an anionic donor–acceptor (D-A) conjugated polyelectrolyte dots (Pdots), based on bithiophene units-containing backbone and sulfonate modified side chain (PCP-2F-Li), with porous g-C3N4 nanosheets (CNNS) into a new 0D/2D heterojunction (PCP-2F-Li Pdots/CNNS). The well-matched energy levels of PCP-2F-Li and CNNS and the strong electron-donating sulfinates in PCP-2F-Li can significantly accelerate the interfacial electron transfer in heterojunction, while the strong hydrophilicity of PCP-2F-Li can improve the interface wetting and promote the photocatalytic water-splitting. As such, PCP-2F-Li Pdots/CNNS can be used for efficient co-catalyst-free water splitting with a hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of 1932.1 μmol·h−1·g−1 over 6 runs, which is 1.85 and 2.29 times of hydrophobic F8T2 Pdots/CNNS and Pt-assisted CNNS, respectively. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) of PCP-2F-Li Pdots/CNNS can reach 7.87 %, 7.73 % and 5.60 % at 420, 450 and 475 nm, respectively. The findings highlight a new type of the Pdots-assisted heterojunctions for high-efficiency and durable co-catalyst-free water splitting.

Belt-shaped π-conjugated systems have been attracting more and more attention in recent years from the synthetic interest as well as their mysterious properties those linear counterparts do not hav...

Two conjugated polymers (CPs) Fu-F and Fu-Cl that are soluble in a green solvent anisole were successfully synthesized via direct arylation polycondensation (DArP) using a furan-flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) derivative (FDPP-Br) as the C–Br monomer and (E)-1,2-bis(3,4-difluorothien-2-yl)ethene (4FTVT) or (E)-1,2-bis(3,4-dichlorothien-2-yl)ethene (4ClTVT) as the C–H monomer. With anisole as the processing solvent and polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) as the electrode modification layer, n-type organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) of the polymers were fabricated via bar-coating. The electron mobility (μe) of the devices based on Fu-Cl was only in the magnitude of 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1, owing to the unfavoured fine granular film morphology. In contrast, Fu-F films showed fibre-like morphology with the polymer chains aligned along the bar-coating direction, which is favourable for the charge transport in OTFTs. Therefore, Fu-F delivered much better device performance with the μe of up to 2.79 cm2 V−1 s−1. Our study demonstrates that green solvent processed high mobility CPs can be synthesized by DArP, an emerging eco-friendly protocol for the synthesis of CPs.

We develop the effective modification strategy based on molecular engineering of s-triazine and its derivatives to improve the photoelectric performance of all-inorganic perovskites (AIP) for the first time. The surface modification strategy with cyanuric acid successfully increases the PLQY of AIP from 40.55% to 88.15%, and significantly enhances the current of the AIP film under 3 V by almost 20-fold (from 4.44 mA to 81.20 mA). This work has proven the effectiveness of improving the photoelectric performances of AIP via s-triazine and its derivatives and also suggested the potential risks of reducing the photoelectric performance of AIP due to inappropriate substituents in conjugated organic ligands.

The electron transport layer (ETL) plays an important role in promoting both photovoltaic performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). n-Type conjugated polymers have been developed to replace the widely explored phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as an ETL, especially in p-i-n inverted planar PSCs, owing to their high-quality film features and excellent electron transport ability. Herein, a series of electron-deficient conjugated polymers (P(DTCDI-T), P(DTCDI-2T) and P(DTCDI-3T)) consisting of dithieno[3,2-a:3′,2′-j][5,6,11,12]chrysene diimides (DTCDI) and different thiophene based units (thiophene (T), 2,2′-bithiophene (2T) and 2,2′:5′,2′′-terthiophene (3T)) are reported as effective ETLs for inverted PSCs. Compared to control devices based on the PCBM ETL, these polymer-based devices display better photovoltaic performance, which is mainly due to the optimized electron extraction and transport properties of these DTCDI-based polymers, resulting in a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.88% for P(DTCDI-2T) ETL based devices. Moreover, thanks to better film features, more effective interfacial passivation, lower trap-state density and hydrophobicity, these polymeric ETL based devices exhibit considerably improved stability.