Effect of permodified β‐cyclodextrin on the photophysical properties of poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)‐alt‐(5,5′‐bithiophene)] main chain polyrotaxanes

The photophysical properties of two polyrotaxanes ( PFBTh?PSβCD and PFBTh?PMeβCD ) composed of fluorene and bithiophene encapsulated into permodified β‐cyclodextrin cavities have been investigated and compared with those of the reference PFBTh . Rotaxane formation results in improvements of the thermal stability, solubility in common organic solvents, as well as better film forming ability combined with a high transparency. As expected PFBTh and its encapsulated forms absorb at wavelengths beyond 510 nm, and time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) in solution shows a well‐define vibronic structures with a predominance of the 0‐0 transitions and an energy difference of 0.16 eV. The fluorescence lifetimes follow a monoexponential decay with a value τ = 630 ± 30 ps. Atomic force microscopy, AFM, indicated a tendency of polyrotaxanes to organize into fibers. The advancing contact angles indicated higher surface hydrophobicity and lower surface free‐energy values for polyrotaxanes compared with their unthreaded analogues. The device based on PFBTh?PSβCD: PCBM in a 1/1 w/w ratio under simulated AM 1.5G illumination at 100 mW cm^?2 exhibited improved photovoltaic parameters of cells, resulted in high V_oc (0.68 V), J_sc (1.65 mA cm^?2), FF (31.6%), and PCE (0.35) values, compared with PFBTh or PFBTh?PMeβCD , respectively. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 460–471     

The Importance of Excited‐State Energy Alignment for Efficient Exciplex Systems Based on a Study of Phenylpyridinato Boron Derivatives

Understanding excited‐state dynamics is critical for improving the photoluminescence (PL) efficiency of exciplexes. A series of exciplexes based on conventional hole‐transporting materials as donor and newly developed phenylpyridinato boron derivatives as acceptor were investigated. High PL efficiencies were achieved in only some combinations, and a large difference in performance among combinations provided insight into nonradiative processes in exciplex systems. Furthermore, the triplet local excited states (³LE) of each donor and acceptor were found play an important role in triplet exciplex harvesting. Significant contributions from triplets were clearly observed when the charge‐transfer excited states (¹CT and ³CT) and ³LE were ideally aligned. We also demonstrated fine control of relative energy alignment via the concentration to improve the PL efficiency.     

Photophysics,electrochemical properties,and electroluminescence of poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) derivatives with 1,3,5‐triphenylbenzene or 2,4,6‐triphenylpyridine segments along the backbone

The steady‐state and time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL), electrochemical behavior, and electroluminescence (EL) of didodecyloxy poly(p‐phenylenevinylene)‐based polymers that contained along the backbone structure 1,3,5‐triphenylbenzene (PC) or 2,4,6‐triphenylpyridine (PN) were studied. An intensive green PL broad‐band emission with maxima at 516 and 527 nm was observed from thin films of PC and PN polymers, respectively, redshifted in comparison with the PL emission spectra measured in tetrahydrofuran solutions. The PL decay dynamics revealed the existence of more than one excited species, and the decay curves were best described by three‐term exponential functions with a dominant lifetime of about 1 ns. The results of time‐resolved PL and steady‐state PL studies indicated excimer or aggregate formation. Both polymers oxidized irreversibly. A quasireversible reduction was observed in the PN polymer, whereas the PC polymer reduced irreversibly. For PC, slightly higher values of the ionization potential (E_IP) and electron affinity (E_A) were found (E_IP = 5.52 eV, E_A = 2.85 eV) than those for PN (E_IP = 5.37 eV, E_A = 2.77 eV). Light‐emitting devices with indium tin oxide hole‐injecting and aluminum electron‐injecting electrodes were prepared and studied. They emitted green light, and their EL spectra were similar to those of PL thin films. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 524–533, 2006     

Theoretical study of structural features of endo,exo double bonds and side chain in 14α‐demethylation of lanosterol

The 14α‐demethylation of biosynthetic reactions is carried out exclusively by lanosta‐8,24‐dien‐3β‐ol (lanosterol). Theoretical calculations were done to determine the importance of this structure with the Hartree–Fock scheme. It was modeled on structures similar to lanosterol with variations on the endo between C8? C9 (lanosta‐7,24‐dien‐3β‐ol and lanosta‐6,24‐dien‐3β‐ol) as compared with the exo between C24? C25 (Lanosta‐8‐en‐3β‐ol) and the size of the side chain (27‐norlanosta‐8‐en‐3β‐ol, 26,27‐dinorlanosta‐8‐en‐3β‐ol, 25,26,27‐trinorlanosta‐8‐en‐3β‐ol, 24,25,26,27‐tetranorlanosta‐8‐en‐3β‐ol, 23,24,25,26,27‐pentanorlanosta‐8‐en‐3β‐ol, 22,23,24,25,26,27‐hexanorlanosta‐8‐en‐3β‐ol). Energetic, electronic, and orbital evidence was found. The theoretical data were analyzed and were found to be important for the 14α‐demethylation, the presence of HOMO on the region C8? C9 and C14? C14¹, a negative charge on the outgoing methyl C14¹. This atomic charge varies with the size of the side chain, and with the modification of the endo and exo double bonds. The conformation of the structure of the steroid is also related to its reactivity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006     

Axially Substituted Silicon Phthalocyanine as Electron Donor in a Dyad and Triad with Azafullerene as Electron Acceptor for Photoinduced Charge Separation

The synthesis of a donor–acceptor silicon phthalocyanine (SiPc)‐azafullerene (C₅₉N) dyad 1 and of the first acceptor–donor–acceptor C₅₉N‐SiPc‐C₅₉N dumbbell triad 2 was accomplished. The two C₅₉N‐based materials were comprehensively characterized with the aid of NMR spectroscopy, MALDI‐MS as well as DFT calculations and their redox and photophysical properties were evaluated with CV and steady‐state and time‐resolved absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements. Notably, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy assays revealed that both dyad 1 and triad 2 undergo, after selective photoexcitation of the SiPc moiety, photoinduced electron transfer from the singlet excited state of the SiPc moiety to the azafullerene counterpart to produce the charge‐separated state, with lifetimes of 660 ps, in the case of dyad 1 , and 810 ps, in the case of triad 2 . The current results are expected to have significant implications en route to the design of advanced C₅₉N‐based donor–acceptor systems targeting energy conversion applications.     

Hyperbranched copolyfluorene from a 2,4,7‐trifunctional fluorene monomer

A new hyperbranched ( P1 ) and linear copolyfluorene ( P2 ) were prepared from 2,4,7‐trifunctional (branching) and 2,7‐bifunctional fluorene monomer, respectively, by the Wittig reaction, followed with end‐capping by aromatic oxadiazole groups, to study the effect of hyperbranch structure. The weight‐average molecular weights (M_w) of P1 and P2 , determined by gel permeation chromatography using polystyrene as standard, were 33,000 and 25,700, respectively. The polymers were readily soluble in common organic solvents and exhibited good thermal stability (T_d > 400 °C). Optical properties, both in solution and film state, were investigated using absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. In film state, the absorption and PL spectra peaked at 401–425 nm and 480–495 nm, respectively. The P1 showed energy funnel effect and enhanced fluorescence efficiency owing to hyperbranched structure and terminal oxadiazole groups. The HOMO and LUMO levels of P1 ( P2) , estimated from cyclic voltammograms, are ?5.34 (?5.25) eV and ?2.94 (?2.94) eV, respectively. Two‐layer polymer light‐emitting diodes devices (ITO/PEDOT/ P1 /Ca/Al) exhibited maximal luminance and luminous efficiency of 3630 cd/m² and 0.78 cd/A, respectively, which are superior to its linear counterpart P2 (598 cd/m², 0.11 cd/A). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5541–5551, 2007     

Synthesis and Properties of Highly Photoluminescent and Electrochemically Active Polymers Containing 2‐Pyrazoline Units in the Main Chain

Summary: Two new polymers containing 2‐pyrazoline units in the main chain were synthesized for the first time by a Suzuki polycondensation between a 2‐pyrazoline monomer and aryl diboronic esters. The polymers showed high photoluminescence (PL) in both the solution and the solid state; quantum yields of PL in toluene were higher than 76%. Thermogravimetric analysis and cyclic voltammetry showed that the polymers had high thermal stability and good reversibility under electrochemical oxidation.

New polymers ( 2 and 3 ) with strong photoluminescence and good reversibility under electrochemical oxidation were synthesized here.     

Synthesis,characterization, and electroluminescent performance of a novel copolyfluorene containing pendant crown ether groups

Copolyfluorene PFC containing pendant crown ether moieties was prepared by the palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction. The photo‐physical and electrochemical properties were investigated by absorption, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry to elucidate the influence of the crown ether groups. In film state, its PL spectra (peaked at 430 and 452 nm) show noticeable red‐shift relative to 423 and 448 nm of poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene) ( PF ). Thermal annealing leads to appearance of new emission at about 520 nm which has been attributed to formation of excimer. The highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels of PFC were estimated to be ?5.68 and ?2.65 eV which contributed to balanced charges injection. Double‐layer electroluminescent device using PFC as emitting layer (ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ PFC /Ca/Al) revealed maximum luminance (7910 cd/m²) and maximum luminance efficiency (2.3 cd/A) superior to those of PF device (860 cd/m², 0.29 cd/A). Moreover, inserting a PFC layer between the PF emitting layer and calcium cathode led to reduced turn‐on voltage (4.1 V), much lower than 7.1 and 6.6 V of the double‐layer PFC and PF devices, respectively, and enhanced device performance (2800 cd/m² and 0.53 cd/A). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2985–2995, 2009     

Interaction between β‐Cyclodextrin and Mixed Cationic‐Anionic Surfactants (1): Thermodynamic Study

The interactions between β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and the mixtures of cationic‐anionic surfactants in aqueous solution were investigated by surface tension and ¹H NMR measurements. It was shown that the critical micelle concentration (cmc) increased linearly with the increase of β‐CD concentration. Furthermore, β‐CD formed 1∶1 inclusion complex with both cationic and anionic surfactants in the mixed surfactant systems, and no significant selective inclusion was observed. The thermodynamic parameters of the inclusion process of β‐CD to mixed cationic‐anionic surfactants were calculated by a numerical method based on the surface tension measurements, and it was found that the inclusion process was both enthalpy and entropy favorable.     

Polymorphism of N,N'-diacetylbiuret studied by solid-state 13C and 15N NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and X-ray diffraction

The molecular configuration and crystal structure of solid polycrystalline N,N′′‐diacetylbiuret (DAB), a potential nitrogen‐rich fertilizer, have been analyzed by a combination of solid‐ and liquid‐state NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and DFT calculations. Initially a pure NMR study (“NMR crystallography”) was performed as available single crystals of DAB were not suitable for X‐ray diffraction. Solid‐state ¹³C NMR spectra revealed the unexpected existence of two polymorphic modifications (α‐ and β‐DAB) obtained from different chemical procedures. Several NMR techniques were applied for a thorough characterization of the molecular system, revealing chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) tensors of selected nuclei in the solid state, chemical shifts in the liquid state, and molecular dynamics in the solid state. Dynamic NMR spectroscopy of DAB in solution revealed exchange between two different configurations, which raised the question, is there a correlation between the two different configurations found in solution and the two polymorphic modifications found in the solid state? By using this knowledge, a new crystallization protocol was devised which led to the growth of single crystals suitable for X‐ray diffraction. The X‐ray data showed that the same symmetric configuration is present in both polymorphic modifications, but the packing patterns in the crystals are different. In both cases hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of planes of DAB molecules. Additional symmetry elements, a two‐fold screw in the case of α‐DAB and a c‐glide plane in the case of β‐DAB, lead to a more symmetric (α‐DAB) or asymmetric (β‐DAB) intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding pattern for each molecule.     

Femtosecond Excitonic Relaxation Dynamics of Perovskite on Mesoporous Films of Al2O3 and NiO Nanoparticles

The excitonic relaxation dynamics of perovskite adsorbed on mesoporous thin films of Al₂O₃ and NiO upon excitation at 450 nm were investigated with femtosecond optical gating of photoluminescence (PL) via up‐conversion. The temporal profiles of emission observed in spectral region 670–810 nm were described satisfactorily with a composite consecutive kinetic model and three transient components representing one hot and two cold excitonic relaxations. All observed relaxation dynamics depend on the emission wavelength, showing a systematic time–amplitude correlation for all three components. When the NiO film was employed, we observed an extent of relaxation proceeding through the non‐emissive surface state larger than through the direct electronic relaxation channel, which quenches the PL intensity more effectively than on the Al₂O₃ film. We conclude that perovskite is an effective hole carrier in a p‐type electrode for NiO‐based perovskite solar cells showing great performance.     

New poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) derivatives with two oxadiazole rings per repeat unit: Synthesis,photophysical properties,electroluminescence, and metal ion recognition

Two new poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) derivatives OX1‐PPV and OX2‐PPV bearing two 1,3,4‐oxadiazole rings per repeat unit and a fully conjugated backbone with solubilizing dodecyloxy side groups were synthesized and investigated. The amorphous conjugated polymers had glass‐transition temperature values of 60–75 °C and emitted intense blue or greenish‐blue light in solution with photoluminescence (PL) emission maxima at 379–492 nm and PL quantum yields of 0.41–0.52. In the solid state they emitted yellowish‐green light with PL emission maxima at 533–555 nm. Cyclic voltammetry showed that both conjugated polymers had reversible reduction and irreversible oxidation, making them n‐type materials. The electron affinity of OX2‐PPV was estimated as 2.85 eV whereas that of OX1‐PPV was 2.75 eV. Yellow electroluminescence (EL) was achieved from single‐layer light‐emitting diodes of OX2‐PPV with an EL emission maximum at 555 nm and a brightness of 70 cd/m². Polymer OX2‐PPV, which was functionalized with 2,6‐bis(1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐yl)pyridine, demonstrated sensitivity to various metal ions as a fluorescence‐mode chemosensor. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2112–2123, 2004     

Study of the enantioseparation capability of chiral dual system based on chondroitin sulfate C in CE

It has been reported that chiral dual system is able to improve the enantioseparation of enantiomers in many cases. Currently, the dual systems involved in CE chiral separation are mostly dual CDs systems, and the polysaccharides‐based chiral dual system was reported in only one paper. To the best of our knowledge, the use of chondroitin sulfate C (CSC)‐based dual system for enantiomeric separation has not been reported previously. Herein, four CSC‐based chiral dual systems, namely CSC/glycogen, CSC/chondroitin sulfate A (CSA), CSC/hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD (HP‐β‐CD), as well as CSC/β‐CD (β‐CD), were evaluated for the first time for their enantioseparation capability by CE in this paper. During the course of the work, the influences of chiral selector concentration and buffer pH values on enantioseparation in dual systems were systematically investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the dual system consisting of CSC and glycogen exhibited better separations toward nefopam, duloxetine, sulconazole, atenolol, laudanosine, and cetirizine enantiomers compared to the single CSC or glycogen system. The combination of CSC and HP‐β‐CD improved the separation of amlodipine and chlorphenamine enantiomers. However, no synergistic effect was observed in the CSC/CSA and CSC/β‐CD systems.     

Toward highly photoluminescent and bipolar charge‐transporting conjugated polymers

DBPP (2,5‐di‐(2‐biphenyl)‐1,4‐phenylene) units were embedded into a PPV (poly(p‐phenylenevinylene)) backbone, resulting in a dramatic improvement in the solid‐state photoluminescence quantum efficiency of the polymer. Oxadiazole units were introduced as PPV main‐chain substitutents, imparting the resulting polymer with bipolar charge‐transporting properties. A carefully‐designed conjugated polymer combining both DBPP and oxadiazole units showed both high PL efficiency and bipolar charge transport ability, making it a promising candidate for the fabrication of efficient single‐layer LED devices.     

Conformational Selection in Glycomimetics: Human Galectin‐1 Only Recognizes syn‐Ψ‐Type Conformations of β‐1,3‐Linked Lactose and Its C‐Glycosyl Derivative

The human lectin galectin‐1 (hGal‐1) translates sugar signals, that is, β‐galactosides, into effects on the level of cells, for example, growth regulation, and has become a model for studying binding of biopharmaceutically relevant derivatives. Bound‐state conformations of Galβ‐C‐(1→3)‐Glcβ‐OMe ( 1 ) and its βGal‐(1→3)‐βGlc‐OMe disaccharide parent compound were studied by using NMR spectroscopy (transferred (TR)‐NOESY data), assisted by docking experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The molecular recognition process involves a conformational selection event. Although free C‐glycoside access four distinct conformers in solution, hGal‐1 recognizes shape of a local minimum of compound 1 , the syn‐Φ/syn‐Ψ conformer, not the structure at global minimum. MD simulations were run to explain, in structural terms, the observed geometry of the complex.     

Hyperbranched luminescent polyfluorenes containing aromatic triazole branching units

Using a new aromatic 1,2,4‐triazole branching monomer (4.8–13.3 mol %), three hyperbranched polyfluorenes ( P2 – P4 ) were synthesized by the Suzuki coupling reaction to investigate the structural effect on optoelectronic properties. Poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene) ( P1 ) was also prepared for comparative investigation. Their weight‐average molecular weights and polydispersity indices are in the range of 1.16 × 10⁴ to 5.9 × 10⁴ and 1.49–2.25, respectively. Optical properties, both in solution and film state, were investigated using absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. In film state, the absorption and PL spectra peaked at 377–392 and 424–425 nm, respectively, blue‐shift with increasing triazole concentration. Furthermore, a linear relationship between 1/λ_max,abs and 1/(1 ? n_triazole) is correlated (n: molar fraction), indicating a smooth decrease in conjugation length by incorporation of the branch unit. The P4 containing 13.3 mol % triazole reveals stable blue emission even at 150 °C (in air). The HOMO and LUMO levels of P2 – P4 , estimated from cyclic voltammograms, are ?5.69, ?5.73, ?5.78 eV and ?2.63, ?2.64, ?2.63 eV, respectively. The maximal brightness (current efficiency) of the electroluminescent devices (ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ P2 – P4 /Ca/Al) improves from 828 cd/m² (0.19 cd/A) to 2054 cd/m² (0.46 cd/A) with increasing triazole concentration. The results suggest that incorporation of aromatic 1,2,4‐triazole branch units is an effective way to improve annealing stability and EL performance of polyfluorenes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4465–4476, 2007     

Impact of FRET between Molecular Aggregates and Quantum Dots

Energy transfer has been employed in third‐generation solar cells for the conversion of light into electrical energy. Long‐range nonradiative energy transfer from semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) to fluorophores has been demonstrated by using CdS QDs and thiophene?BODIPY (boron dipyrromethene, abbreviated as TG2). TG2 shows a broad photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, which varies with concentration. At very low concentrations, monomeric units are present; then, upon increasing the concentration, these monomers form a mixed (J‐/H‐)aggregated state. Energy transfer between the CdS QDs and TG2 was confirmed by separately investigating the interactions between CdS and the monomer of TG2 and between CdS and the aggregated states of TG2. Size‐dependent PL quenching confirmed that nonradiative Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from photoexcited CdS QDs to the J‐aggregate state of TG2 was the major energy‐relaxation channel, which occurred on the timescale of hundreds of fs. These results have broad applications in the field of light harvesting based on the assembly of molecular aggregates.     

Efficient Solid‐State Light‐Emitting CuCdS Nanocrystals Synthesized in Air

Semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) possess high photoluminescence (PL) typically in the solution phase. In contrary, PL rapidly quenches in the solid state. Efficient solid state luminescence can be achieved by inducing a large Stokes shift. Here we report on a novel synthesis of compositionally controlled CuCdS NCs in air avoiding the usual complexity of using inert atmosphere. These NCs show long‐range color tunability over the entire visible range with a remarkable Stokes shift up to about 1.25 eV. Overcoating the NCs leads to a high solid‐state PL quantum yield (QY) of ca. 55 % measured by using an integrating sphere. Unique charge carrier recombination mechanisms have been recognized from the NCs, which are correlated to the internal NC structure probed by using extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. EXAFS measurements show a Cu‐rich surface and Cd‐rich interior with 46 % Cu^I being randomly distributed within 84 % of the NC volume creating additional transition states for PL. Color‐tunable solid‐state luminescence remains stable in air enabling fabrication of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs).     

Inhibition of acid‐induced decomposition of diphenyltriazenes by complexation with cyclodextrins

Acid‐promoted N? N bond cleavage in 1,3‐diphenyltriazenes (X‐Ph‐N=N‐NH‐Ph‐X; X = H, 4‐OCH₃), leading to formation of diazonium ions and anilines, is strongly inhibited in aqueous solutions in the presence of cyclodextrins (CDs). The inhibition is ascribed to the formation of inclusion complexes that render the guest diphenyltriazene significantly less basic as a result of the less polar nature of the CD cavity (a microsolvent effect). Association equilibrium constants for 1:1 host–guest complexes increase in the order α‐CD <β‐CD ～ permethyl‐β‐CD < hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD, with values for X = 4‐OCH₃ being larger than those for X = H. In the case of α‐CD, formation of 2:1 host–guest complexes is also involved. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 567–574, 2010     

The Contrasting Recognition Behavior of β‐Cyclodextrin and Its Sulfobutylether Derivative towards 4′,6‐Diamidino‐2‐phenylindole

The noncovalent interactions between 4′, 6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) and sulfobutylether β‐cyclodextrin (SBE₇β‐CD) are evaluated by using photochemical measurements and compared with that of native β‐CD. Contrasting recognition behavior and intriguing modulations in the photochemical behavior of DAPI were observed. In particular, a large enhancement in the fluorescence emission and excited‐state lifetime were seen upon binding to SBE₇β‐CD, with the SBE₇β‐CD inclusion complex being approximately 1000 times stronger than that of β‐CD. The ensuing fluorescence “turn on” was demonstrated to be responsive to chemical stimuli, such as metal ions and adamantylanmine (AD). Upon addition of Ca²⁺/AD, nearly quantitative dissociation of the complex was established to regenerate the free dye and result in fluorescence “turn off”. The SO₃^? groups are believed to be critical for the strong and selective binding of the chromophore and the stimuli‐responsive tuning. This is as an important design criterion for the optimization of host–guest properties through supramolecular association, which is relevant for drug‐delivery applications.