Poly(o-phenylenediamine) thin film for organic solar cell applications

Poly(ortho phenylenediamine) (PoPDA) microrods with ladder-type structure are synthesized in acidic medium (pH?=?0.5) at room temperature based on a developed and facile method. The molecular structure, thermal stability, and surface morphology of the microrods-shaped PoPDA were described by different characterization techniques comprising FTIR, TGA, ¹HNMR, and SEM. Optimized thin films of PoPDA were successfully fabricated by thermal deposition method. The thin film was characterized by XRD and AFM. Au/PoPDA/p-Si/Al heterojunction diodes have been successfully fabricated. Dark current–voltage and capacitance–voltage characteristics were applied to get the particular parameters of the devices. Photovoltaic features of Au/PoPDA/p-Si/Al heterojunction at various intensities of white light illumination are studied. Under optimized conditions, the fabricated planar heterojunction solar cells utilizing a 95?±?10 nm of PoPDA film exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ~?5.64% (J_SC?=?41.78 A/m², V_OC?=?0.36 V, and FF?=?28.11%). The relatively small FF (at room temperature with IP) and R_s of the devices designate that by increasing of the absolute temperature, the photovoltaic performance of the solar cells can be improved.     

Electro-deposition under a modulated electrical field as an enhanced method for the preparation of an efficient photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells

This paper describes an application of a new electro-deposition method in a modulated electrical field in order to have an efficient semiconductor coating on a conductive substrate. The prepared film was used as a photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Electro-deposition of nanoparticles usually was performed by applying a DC electrical field in a suspension. In the DC field, a homogeneous layer could not be performed because of unwanted electrochemical reactions that might occur on the substrate surface. Modulated electrical fields based on pulsed AC and a sweeping voltage profile were used. The photovoltaic performance of the assembled solar cells showed a significant difference between the films produced in different electrical field conditions. Under the illumination of simulated AM 1.5 sunlight (100 mW cm^?2) with an aperture black mask, the energy conversion efficiency of 2.45% (V _OC = 768 mV, J _SC = 4.74 mA cm^?2, FF = 67%) was obtained with a thin layer of TiO₂ nanoparticles deposited in a pulsed waveform voltage. A crack-free and uniform porous layer produced in this condition showed an enhancement of about seven times over the photoanode prepared using conventional DC electrical field with the same voltage amplitude. The solar cell efficiency was increased to 4.22% (V _OC = 735 mV, J _SC = 7.92 mA cm^?2, FF = 72%) by just increasing the TiO₂ film thickness and using a blocking layer beneath the semiconductor layer. Moreover, a higher electron recombination lifetime presented better electron transport and collection efficiency of the film deposited in the pulsed electrical field conditions.     

Blue Photoluminescent Dimeric Cu(I) Dithiophosphates Bridged by a Flexible Ligand 1,2-Bis(4-Pyridyl)Ethane

The title compound {Cu[S₂P(OC₂H₅)₂](bpe)} _n (1) is constructed from flexible ligand bpe (bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane) and the Cu[S₂P(OC₂H₅)₂], which was characterized by single crystal structure determination, elemental analysis, XRD, and IR spectra. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that polymeric compound 1 consists of dinuclear module to form 1-D chains with the intramolecular Cu···Cu interactions (ca. 2.63 Å). This interaction may show a profound influence on the observed blue luminescence emission spectrum for 1. Crystal data for 1 at 293(2) K: Space group P ? 1, a = 9.277(3), b = 10.504 (4), c = 31.801(1) Å, α = 92.849(3), β = 90.401(2), γ = 114.547(7)°, V = 2813.9(2) ų, Z = 2, R ₁ = 0.041.     

Single-layer solar cell based on nanostructure of polyaniline on fluorine-doped tin oxide: a simple,low-cost and efficient FTO│n-PANI│Al cell

Nanostructure of polyaniline (n-PANI) is assembled to form a polymer solar cell on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and aluminum electrodes. The characterization and doping process of n-PANI are verified by ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. The n-PANI conductivity is in the semiconductive range, and its contact resistance is determined by circular-TLM. The morphologies of n-PANI, FTO and n-PANI film deposited on FTO surface are investigated using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy. The energy levels of HOMO and LUMO and band gap energy are obtained by cyclic voltammetry and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The similar results are found for band gap energy. The photovoltaic cell characteristics, i.e., open-circuit voltage (V_OC), short-circuit current density (J_SC), fill factor and power conversion efficiency (PCE or η), are evaluated by measuring the current density–voltage (J–V) under illumination condition and resistance measurements and are found to be 936 mV, 2.72 mA/cm², 0.377 and 1.6%, respectively, for FTO│n-PANI│Al structure. The mechanism of photoelectron conduction within the cell is studied by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results shows that not only FTO│n-PANI│Al cell is completely efficient (in comparison with other similar cells, PCE is relatively high), but also its fabrication is of low cost, simple, oxidation resistant and under the green condition.     

The response electron–electron repulsion energy and energy component analysis in CC/MBPT methods

Molecular properties are computed as responses to perturbations (energy derivatives) in coupled-cluster (CC)/many-body perturbation theory (MBPT) models. Here, the CC/MBPT energy derivative with respect to a general two-electron (2-e) perturbation is assembled from gradient theory for 2-e property evaluation, including the electron repulsion energy. The correlation energy (?E) is shown to be the sum of response kinetic (?T), electron–nuclear attraction (?V), and electron repulsion (?V _ee ) energies. Thus, evaluation of total V _ee for energy component analysis is simple: For total energy (E), total 1-e responses T and V, and nuclear–nuclear repulsion energy (V _NN ), V _ee  = E ? V _NN  ? T ? V is the true 2-e response value. Component energy analysis is illustrated in an assessment of steric repulsion in ethane’s rotational barrier. Earlier SCF-based results (Bader et al. in J Am Chem Soc 112:6530, 1990) are corroborated: The higher-energy eclipsed geometry is favored versus staggered in the two repulsion energies (V _NN and V _ee ), while decisively disfavored in electron–nuclear attraction energy (V). Our best quality calculations (CCSD/cc-pVQZ) attain practical Virial Theorem compliance (i.e., agreement among the kinetic energy, potential energy, and total energy representations) in assigning 2.70 ± 0.06 to the barrier height; ?195.80 kcal/mol is assigned to the drop in “steric” repulsion upon going to the eclipsed geometry. Steric repulsion is not responsible for any fraction of the ~3 kcal/mol barrier.     

A novel angle-dependent potential and its exact solution

The quantum mechanics of a diatomic molecule in a noncentral potential of the type V (r) = V _θ (θ)/r ² + V _r (r) are investigated analytically. The θ-dependent part of the relevant potential is suggested for the first time as a novel angle-dependent (NAD) potential \({V_{\theta}(\theta)=\frac{\hbar^2}{2\mu}\left(\frac{\gamma +\beta \sin^2\theta +\alpha \sin^4 \theta}{\sin^2\theta \cos^2\theta}\right)}\) and the radial part is selected as the Coulomb potential or the harmonic oscillator potential, i.e., V _r (r) =  ? H/r or V _r (r) = Kr ², respectively. Exact solutions are obtained in the Schrödinger picture by means of a mathematical method named the Nikiforov–Uvarov (NU). The effect of the angle-dependent part on the solution of the radial part is discussed in several values of the NAD potential’s parameters as well as different values of usual quantum numbers.     

An azide-bridged copper(II) 1D-chain with ferromagnetic interactions: synthesis,structure and magnetic studies

A coordination polymer of formula [Cu(μ _1,3-N₃)₂(imH)₂] _n (1) has been synthesized by reaction of Cu(NO₃)₂ with imidazole and sodium azide in CH₃OH/CH₃CN. The complex was characterized by FTIR, elemental analysis, powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, magnetic measurements, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The X-ray crystal structure shows that the Cu(II) centers have a distorted octahedral coordination geometry, being coordinated by two imidazole ligands at the trans positions. Each azide links two [Cu(imH)₂]²⁺ units to form 1D zigzag chains. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies at low field reveal dominant intrachain ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic interactions. Using a model with n = 10, the coupling parameters J _AF = ?2.95 and J _F = 17.99 with g = 2.12 have been determined.     

Volumetric,Viscometric and Speed of Sound Studies of Binary Mixtures of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tert</Emphasis>-butyl Acetate with Fluorobenzene,Chlorobenzene and Bromobenzene at (298.15 and 308.15) K and at Atmospheric Pressure 0.087 MPa

Volumetric, viscometric and speed of sound studies of binary mixtures of tert-butyl acetate with fluorobenzene, chlorobenzene and bromobenzene have been made over the entire range of composition, at (298.15 and 308.15) K and at atmospheric pressure (p?=?0.089 MPa). From the experimental values of density, viscosity, and speed of sound, the excess molar volumes V^E, deviations in viscosity ?η and deviation in isentropic compressibility ΔK _S have been calculated. The V^E and ΔK _S values are negative while the ?η the values are positive over the entire composition range for the binary mixtures. The derived parameters have been fitted with the Redlich–Kister polynomial equation. The interaction parameters of McAllister model are used to correlate the experimental values of density, viscosity and speed of sound.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and hydrogen-bonded displacive-type structural phase transition of guanidine dichloroacetate

Guanidine dichloroacetate was synthesized and separated as crystals. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement shows that this compound undergoes a reversible phase transition at about 275 K with a heat hysteresis of 28 K. Step-like dielectric anomaly observed at 274 K further confirms the phase transition. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction data suggested that these was a transition from a room-temperature phase with the space group of P2₁/n (a = 8.030(5), b = 12.014(9), c = 8.124(6) Å, β = 96.089(1)°, V = 779.3(1) Å³, and Z = 4) to a low-temperature one with the space group of P2₁/c (a = 7.941(2), b = 11.828(3), c = 10.614(2) Å, β = 130.985(1)°, V = 752.6(3) Å³, and Z = 4). The displacements of hydrogen bonds induce the structure phase transition.     

Structure,bioactivity and theoretical study of 1-cyano-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-p-tolylcyclo-propanecarboxamide

A novel cyclopropane derivative, 1-cyano-N-p-tolylcyclopropanecarboxamide (C₁₂H₁₂N₂O, Mr = 200.24) was synthesized and its structure was studied by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectrum and MS. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2_1/c with a = 7.109 (4), b = 13.758 (7), c = 11.505 (6) Å, α = 90.00, β = 102.731 (8), γ = 90.00 °, V = 1097.6 (9) ų, Z = 4, F(000) = 312, D _c  = 1.212 g/cm³, μ = 0.0800 mm^?1, the final R = 0.0490 and wR = 0.1480 for 1,375 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). A total of 6,109 reflections were collected, of which 2,290 were independent (R _int = 0.0290). Theoretical calculation of the title compound was carried out with HF/6-31G (d,p), B3LYP/6-31G (d,p), MP2/6-31G (d,p). The full geometry optimization was carried out using 6-31G(d,p) basis set, and the frontier orbital energy. Atomic net charges were discussed, and the structure-activity relationship was also studied. The preliminary biological test showed that the synthesized compound is bioactive against the KARI of Escherichia coli.     

A Novel 3D Platinum–Thallium Coordination Polymer having Strong Metal–Metal Interactions

A new three-dimensional platinum(II)–thallium(I) coordination polymer [{Pt(pda)(NHCOtBu)₂}₄Tl₄][Pt(CN)₄]₂·2H ₂ O (pda = 1,2-propyldiamine) has been prepared from the direct reaction of [Tl₂Pt(CN)₄] and [Pt(pda)(NHCOtBu)₂] in water, and its structure was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic, space group Pn, a = 11.567(2) Å, b = 11.570(2) Å, c = 37.677(8)Å, β = 94.64(3)°, V = 5025.8(17) Å³, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0679 and wR2 = 0.1574 [I >  2σ (I)], Goodness-of-fit on F ² = 1.055. The compound exhibits a novel 3D network structure consisting of [Pt(CN)₄]^2? connected 1D infinite Pt–Tl–Pt–Tl chains via strong Pt–Tl bonds.     

A New Three-Dimensional Framework Based on K<Subscript>2</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Substituted Sandwich-Type Polyoxometalate Clusters and K–O Chains

A new Zr-substituted sandwich-type polyoxometalate, H₈K₃[Zr₃K₂(μ₃-O)₂(μ₂-OH)(H₂O)₂(A-α-PW₉O₃₄)₂]·2Cl^?·7H₂O (1), has been made under hydrothermal conditions. 1 was characterized by IR spectrum, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, respectively. Crystal data for 1: tetragonal space group P4₂2₁2, a = 24.0096(3), b = 24.0096(3), c = 14.7416(3) Å, V = 8498.0(2) Å³ and Z = 4. Single crystal X-ray structure analysis reveals that 1 exhibits a three-dimensional framework structure based on Zr₃K₂-substituted sandwich-type polyanions [Zr₃K₂(μ₃-O)₂(μ₂-OH)(H₂O)₂(PW₉O₃₄)₂]^9? linked by K–O chains. UV–Vis spectrum indicates that 1 is a wide-gap semiconductor. In addition, the SHG of 1 was also investigated.     

Synthesis,structural phase transition,and characterization of potassium hydrogen bis-dichloroacetate

Potassium hydrogen bis-dichloroacetate (1) was synthesized and separated as crystals. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement reveals that this compound undergoes a reversible phase transition at about 259 K with a heat hysteresis of 23.5 K. Dielectric anomaly observed at 260 K in the heating process further confirms the phase transition. The room temperature X-ray single-crystal structure determination indicates that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with a centrosymmetric space group P2₁/c, and cell parameters are a =?6.240(1), b =?23.177(4), c =?7.335(1) Å, β =?106.938(1)°, V =?1014.8(3) ų, and Z =?4. In the low temperature phase, 1 also crystallizes in monolinic with space group P2₁/c, and cell parameters are a =?6.180(1), b =?22.988(2), c =?7.200(1) Å, β =?108.098(1)°, V =?972.4(1) ų, and Z =?4. The structural phase transition is dominating caused by the torsion of bond angles.     

X-ray and computational structural study of neutral <Emphasis Type="Italic">bis</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N,N</Emphasis>′,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>′-tetramethylthiophosphoramidoyl)-methylamine

The structure of bis(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylthiophosphoramidoyl)-methylamine 1 has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, with a space group P2₁/c, a = 11.836(2) Å, b = 11.659(2) Å, c = 12.796(5) Å and β = 95.28(3)°, V = 1758.3(5) Å³ and Z = 4. The X-ray crystallographic data have been assessed by semi-empirical and ab-initio density functional theory and by Hartree–Fock molecular orbital methods. A comparative study of the results of the different methods is given.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and fungicidal activity of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(5-((3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)ethanone

A novel bis-heterocyclic compound was synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of the title compound (C₂₂H₂₀ClN₅OS, Mr = 437.94) has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal is of triclinic, space group P-1 with a = 8.646 (2), b = 9.148 (3), c = 14.540 (4) Å, α = 94.422 (4), β = 98.500 (4), γ = 102.823 (4)°, V = 1101.8 (5) Å³, Z = 2, F(000) = 312, Dc = 1.320 g/cm³, μ = 0.2900 mm^?1, the final R ₁ = 0.041000 and wR ₂ = 0.1160 for 2675 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). A total of 5623 reflections were collected, of which 3866 were independent (R _int = 0.019000). The fungicidal activity of title compound was determined, the results showed the title compound displayed moderate fungicidal activity against G. zeae Petch, Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, Botryosphaeria berengeriana f. sp. piricola (Nose) koganezawa et Sakuma, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cucumerinum, and Cercospora arachidicola.     

Discovery of novel inhibitors for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leishmania</Emphasis> nucleoside diphosphatase kinase (NDK) based on its structural and functional characterization

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDKs) are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze the transfer of the γ-phosphate moiety from an NTP donor to an NDP acceptor, crucial for maintaining the cellular level of nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs). The inability of trypanosomatids to synthesize purines de novo and their dependence on the salvage pathway makes NDK an attractive target to develop drugs for the diseases they cause. Here we report the discovery of novel inhibitors for Leishmania NDK based on the structural and functional characterization of purified recombinant NDK from Leishmania amazonensis. Recombinant LaNDK possesses auto-phosphorylation, phosphotransferase and kinase activities with Histidine 117 playing an essential role. LaNDK crystals were grown by hanging drop vapour diffusion method in a solution containing 18% PEG-MME 500, 100 mM Bis-Tris propane pH 6.0 and 50 mM MgCl₂. It belongs to the hexagonal space group P6₃22 with unit cell parameters a?=?b?=?115.18, c?=?62.18 Å and α?=?β?=?90°, γ?=?120°. The structure solved by molecular replacement methods was refined to crystallographic R-factor and R_free values of 22.54 and 26.52%, respectively. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation-based virtual screening identified putative binding compounds. Protein inhibition studies of selected hits identified five inhibitors effective at micromolar concentrations. One of the compounds showed ~45% inhibition of Leishmania promastigotes proliferation. Analysis of inhibitor-NDK complexes reveals the mode of their binding, facilitating design of new compounds for optimization of activities as drugs against leishmaniasis.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Antibacterial Activity of a Dinuclear Oxidovanadium(V) Complexes Derived from 2-[(2-Methylaminoethylimini)methyl]- 4-Trifluoromethoxyphenol

A new dinuclear oxidovanadium(V) complex, [V₂O₂(μ-O)₂L₂], where L is the monoanionic form of 2-[(2-methylaminoethylimini)methyl]-4-trifluoromethoxyphenol (HL), was prepared and characterized by IR, UV-Vis and ¹H NMR spectra, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF file CCDC no. 1567062). The complex crystallizes as the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with unit cell dimensions a = 12.974(3), b = 6.572(2), c = 17.205(3) Å, β = 107.300(3)°, V = 1400.7(5) ų, Z = 2, R₁ = 0.0879, wR₂ = 0.1208, GOOf = 1.068. X-ray analysis indicates that the complex is a centrosymmetric dinuclear oxidovanadium(V) species with the V atoms in octahedral coordination. The Schiff base and the complex were evaluated for their antibacterial (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas fluorescence) activities. The complex has the most activity against B. subtilis with the MIC value of 1.2 μg mL^–1.     

Enhanced lithium-ion intercalation and conduction of transparent tantalum oxide films by lithium addition with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet

An investigation is conducted on enhancing lithium-ion intercalation and conduction performance of transparent organo tantalum oxide (TaO _y C _z ) films, by addition of lithium via a fast co-synthesis onto 40 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates at the short exposed durations of 33–34 s, using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various mixed concentrations of tantalum ethoxide [Ta(OC₂H₅)₅] and lithium tert-butoxide [(CH₃)₃COLi] precursors. Transparent organo-lithiated tantalum oxide (Li _x TaO _y C _z ) films expose noteworthy Li⁺ ion intercalation and conduction performance for 200 cycles of reversible Li⁺ ion intercalation and deintercalation in a 1 M LiClO₄-propylene carbonate electrolyte, by switching measurements with a potential sweep from ?1.25 to 1.25 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s and a potential step at ?1.25 and 1.25 V, even after being bent 360° around a 2.5-cm diameter rod for 1000 cycles. The Li⁺ ionic diffusion coefficient and conductivity of 6.2?×?10^?10 cm²/s and 6.0?×?10^?11 S/cm for TaO _y C _z films are greatly progressed of up to 9.6?×?10^?10 cm²/s and 7.8?×?10^?9 S/cm for Li _x TaO _y C _z films by co-synthesis with an APPJ.     

Determination of Congo red in food samples by methyl-β-cyclodextrin/Triton X-100 synergistic sensitized fluorescence quenching method of the derivatives of calix[4]arene

A novel fluorescent chemosensor of the derivatives of calix[4]arene (SAX) for Congo red (CR) in methyl-β-cyclodextrin/Triton X-100 synergistic sensitized system was developed. The results showed that the fluorescence intensity of SAX could be quenched by CR, and the fluorescence quenching (?F?=?F_SAX ? F_CR-SAX) was synergistic sensitized by methyl-β-CD and Triton X-100. Under the conditions of λ_ex/em?=?332/468 nm and pH 7.5, the linear range and the detection limit for CR were found to be 0.040–8.0 μg/mL and 8.9 ng/mL, respectively. The mechanism of determination was discussed by quenching type analysis and sensitizing effect. This method has also been applied for the determination of CR in beef samples with satisfactory results.     

The sol–gel chromium-modified V<Subscript>6</Subscript>O<Subscript>13</Subscript> as a cathodic material for lithium batteries

A new V₆O₁₃-based material has been synthesized via the sol–gel route. This sol–gel mixed oxide has been obtained from an appropriate heat treatment of the chromium-exchanged V₂O₅ xerogel performed under reducing atmosphere. This new compound, with the chemical formula Cr_0.36V₆O_13.50, exhibits a monoclinic structure (C2/m) with the following unit cell parameters, a=11.89 Å, b=3.68 Å, c=10.14 Å, β=101.18°. The electrochemical characterization of this compound has been performed using galvanostatic discharge–charge experiments in the potential range 4–1.5 V and completed by ac impedance spectroscopy measurements. It exhibits a specific capacity of about 370 mAh g^?1, which makes the compound Cr_0.36V₆O_13.50 the best one in the V₆O₁₃-based system: 85% of the initial capacity (315 mAh g^?1) after the 35th cycle is still available at C/25 without any polarization. From impedance spectroscopy, a high kinetics of Li transport (D _Li=1.8×10^?9 cm² s^?1) is found at mid-discharge.