Studies on stability of bi-functional P3HT:PCBM:rubrene optoelectronic devices

Investigations are carried out for stability in photovoltaic response of bifunctional electroluminescent and photovoltaic devices, based on ternary blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), phenyl [6,6′]C₆₁ butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), and 5,6,11,12-tetraphenylnaphthacene (rubrene). P3HT and PCBM are important and the most frequent materials used for photovoltaic applications, therefore, for relative comparison, photovoltaic cells were also prepared using a binary mixture of P3HT and PCBM. Devices based on the ternary blend exhibited better stability in all photovoltaic parameters and the lifetime was almost doubled, but their photovoltaic efficiency was lower than that of those based on the binary blend. Longer lifetime of ternary blend devices is because of a relatively better thermal, electrochemical, and morphological stabilities of the ternary blend system. However, the lower efficiencies are because of the reduced photo-current and low fill factor (FF) due to an increased recombination and introduction of defects/trapping sites by rubrene molecules.     

Photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes using Zn-doped and undoped TiO2 nanoparticles

Undoped and Zn-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol gel method. The dopant (Zn) was taken at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 mol%. The initial precursors were titanium tetraisopropoxide and zinc acetate. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanoparticles was studied by observing their role in degradation of two azo dyes, i.e., Eriochrome Black T and Methyl Red under UV–visible light. The results revealed that Zn-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibited better degradation as compared to undoped TiO₂ nanoparticles. In this study, 0.7 mol% Zn-doped TiO₂ showed highest photocatalytic activity. Doping of Zn allowed better separation of electron–hole pairs which results in increased oxidation and reduction reactions.     

Synthesis,structural characterization and biological studies of neodymium(III) and samarium(III) complexes with mercaptotriazole Schiff bases

A series of neodymium(III) and samarium(III) complexes of type [Ln(L)Cl(H₂O)₃] have been synthesized with Schiff bases (LH₂) derived from 3‐(phenyl/substituted phenyl)‐4‐amino‐5‐mercapto‐1,2,4‐triazoles and isatin. The structures of the complexes were established using elemental analysis, molar conductivities, magnetic moments, infrared, NMR (¹H, ¹³C) and UV–visible spectra, X‐ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. The thermal behaviour of these compounds under non‐isothermal conditions was investigated using thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry. The intermediates obtained at the end of various thermal decomposition steps were identified from elemental analysis and infrared spectral studies. All the ligands and their complexes were also screened for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Colletotrichum capsici. The screening results were correlated with the structural features of the compounds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Crystallographic and microstructural aspects of the superconductor YBa2Cu3O7-y —an overview

Crystal structures and structural inhomogeneities observed in YBa₂Cu₃O_7-y are reviewed. It is brought out that a proper understanding of the nature of the structural inhomogeneities is essential for exploiting the technological potential of this material. The need for an adequate characterization of specimens used for experiments is emphasized. Practical implications of the ferroelastic nature of the material are discussed.