Improving the performance of arylamine-based hole transporting materials in perovskite solar cells： Extending π-conjugation length or increasing the number of side groups？

In this work, we prepared three simple arylamine-based hole transporting materials from commercially available starting materials. The effect of extending z-conjugation length or increasing the number of side groups compared with reference compound on the photophysical, electrochemical, hole mobility properties and performance in perovskite solar cells were further studied. It is noted that these two kinds of molecular modifications can significantly lower the HOMO level and improve the hole mobility, thus improving the hole injection from valence band of perovskite. On the other hand, the compound with more side groups showed higher hole injection efficiency due to lower HOMO level and higher hole mo- bility compared with the compound with extending π-conjugation length. The perovskite solar cells with the modified molecules as hole transporting materials showed a higher efficiency of 15.40% and 16.95%, respectively, which is better than that of the reference compound （13.18%）. Moreover, the compound with increasing number of side groups based devices showed comparable photovoltaic performance with that of conventional spiro-OMeTAD （16.87%）.

Synthesis and Molecular Structures of Two Novel π-Conjugation Extended Dithia[3.3]metacyclophanes

Two novel dithia[3.3]metacyclophanes substituted with ethynyl groups were synthesized as small-sized metacyclophanes from the corresponding brominated dithia-metacyclophanes via C-C bond formation reaction. These compounds were characterized by using 1H NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analyses. The exact structures were determined by using X-ray diffraction analyses. X-ray diffraction analysis results revealed that these compounds have anti conformations because of existence of intermolecular π-π interaction and some short contacts in the crystal. The long wavelength fluorescence was observed for one of the compound having a pyrene moiety in solid state because of the existence of the intermolecular π-π interaction between two pyrene units.

N-Heterocycles Extended π-Conjugation Enables Ultrahigh Capacity,Long-Lived,and Fast-Charging Organic Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc Batteries

The aqueous zinc-organic battery is a promising candidate for large-scale energy storage.However,the rational design of advanced organic cathodes with high capacity,long lifespan,and high rate capability remains a big challenge.Herein,we propose that extending theπ-conjugation by N-heterocycles can provide more active sites,lead to insolubility,and facilitate charge transfer,thus boosting the overall electrochemical performance of organic electrodes.Based on this concept,a novel organic compound,dipyrido[3ʹ,2ʹ:5,6;2″,3″:7,8]quinoxalino[2,3-i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2ʹ,3ʹ-c]phenazine-10,21-dione(DQDPD),has been rationally designed and evaluated as the cathode for aqueous zinc batteries.Excitingly,DQDPD shows a record high capacity(509 mAh g^(−1) at 0.1 A g^(−1),corresponding to a record-breaking energy density of 348 Wh kg^(−1)),excellent cycling stability(92%capacity retention after 7500 cycles at 10 A g^(−1)),and fast-charging capability(161 mAh g^(−1) at 20 A g^(−1)).Our work offers new ideas in the molecular engineering of organic electrodes for high-performance rechargeable batteries.

Copper-mediated 1,4-conjugation reaction of functionalized alkylzinc iodides with derivatives of β-nitrostyrene

Functionalized alkylzinc iodides will undergo 1,4-conjugation reaction with derivatives of β-nitrostyrene in the presence of Cu(OAc)2/LiCl to afford a polyfunctional nitro-compound in high yield.

Viologen derivatives with extendedπ-conjugation structures:From supra-/molecular building blocks to organic porous materials

Recently,increasing atte ntion has been paid on extending theπ-conjugation structures ofviologens(1,1’-disubstituted-4,4’-bipyridylium salts)by incorporating planar aromatic units into the bipyridinium backbones.Various viologen derivative s with extendedπ-conjugation structures have been synthesized,including the N-termini aromatic substituted viologens,the extendedπ-conjugated viologens(denoted as ECVs)as well as theπ-conjugated oligomeric viologens(denoted as COVs).These compounds typically exhibit interesting properties distinguished from those of an isolated viologen unit,which make them as new class of electron deficient supra-/molecular building blocks in supramolecular chemistry and materials science.In this review,we would like to highlight the recent advances of viologen derivatives with extendedπ-conjugation structures in versatile applications ranging from electrochromic and energy storage materials,the ECV/COV-based supramolecular self-assembly systems including the linear supramolecular polymers and 2D/3D supramolecular organic frameworks(SOFs),to the viologen-based covalent organic frameworks(COFs)/networks.We hope this review will serve as an in-time summary worthy of referring,more importantly,to provide inspiration in the rational design of novel molecules with unexplored properties and functions.

Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond Improved Durability and Kinetics for Zinc‑Organic Batteries

Organic compounds have the advantages of green sustainability and high designability,but their high solubility leads to poor durability of zinc-organic batteries.Herein,a high-performance quinone-based polymer(H-PNADBQ)material is designed by introducing an intramolecular hydrogen bonding(HB)strategy.The intramolecular HB(C=O⋯N-H)is formed in the reaction of 1,4-benzoquinone and 1,5-naphthalene diamine,which efficiently reduces the H-PNADBQ solubility and enhances its charge transfer in theory.In situ ultraviolet-visible analysis further reveals the insolubility of H-PNADBQ during the electrochemical cycles,enabling high durability at different current densities.Specifically,the H-PNADBQ electrode with high loading(10 mg cm^(-2))performs a long cycling life at 125 mA g^(-1)(>290 cycles).The H-PNADBQ also shows high rate capability(137.1 mAh g^(−1)at 25 A g^(−1))due to significantly improved kinetics inducted by intramolecular HB.This work provides an efficient approach toward insoluble organic electrode materials.

Extended π-conjugated N-containing heteroaromatic hexacarboxylate organic anode for high performance rechargeable batteries

Organic electrode materials are desirable for green and sustainable Li-ion batteries(LIBs) due to their light-weight, low cost, abundance and multi-electron transfer reactions during battery operation. However, the successful utilization of organic electrodes is hindered by their poor electrical conductivity and low cyclic stability. Herein, a facile synthesis of π-conjugated N-containing heteroaromatic hexacarboxylate(Li6-HAT) compound and its electrochemical performance as an anode material in LIBs is reported.The as-synthesized Li6-HAT electrode renders an ultrahigh initial capacity of 1126.3 m Ah g^(-1) at the current density of 100 m A g^(-1). Moreover, π-conjugated N-containing heteroaromatic center provide excellent reversibility of(de)lithiation process, resulting in excellent capacity retention. Furthermore, a combination of density functional theory(DFT) calculations, in-situ Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) and ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) characterization reveal that the π-conjugated nitrogen and carboxyl oxygen act as electrochemically active sites during the charge/discharge process. The current work provides novel insights into the charge storage mechanism of organic electrodes and opens up avenues for further development and utilization of organic electrodes in Li-ion batteries.

EFFECT OF CIS-9, TRANS-11-CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID ON CELL CYCLE OF MAMMARY ADENOCARCINOMA CELLS(MCF-7)

Objective: To determine the effect of cis-9, trans-1 1-conjugated linoleic acid on the cell cycle of mammary cancer cells (MCF-7) and the possible mechanism of the inhibitory effect of c9,t11-CLA. Methods: Using cell culture and immunocytochemical techniques, we examined the cell growth, DNA synthesis, expression of PCNA, cyclin A, B1, D1, p16ink4a and p21cip/waf1 of MCF-7 cells at various c9,t11-CLA concentrations (25μM, 50μM, 100μM and 200μM), at 24h and 48h. 96% ethand was used as negative control. Results: The cell growth and DNA synthesis of MCF-7 cells were inhibited by c9,t11-CLA. After treatment with various doses of c9,t11-CLA mentioned above for 8 days, the inhibition frequency was 27.18%, 35.43%, 91.05%, and 92.86%, respectively. Inhibitory effect of c9,t11-CLA on DNA synthesis (except for 25μM, 24h) was demonstrated by significantly less incorporation of 3H-TdR than the negative control (P<0.05 and P<0.01). To further investigate the influence of the cell cycle progression, we found that c9,t11-CLA may arrest the cell cycle of MCF-7 cells. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated that incubation with different concentration of c9,t11-CLA at various times significantly decreased the expression of PCNA, Cyclin A, B1, D1 in MCF-7 cells compared to the negative control (P<0.01), whereas the expression of p16ink4a and p21cip/waf1, cyclin-dependent kinases inhibitors (CDKI), were increased. Conclusions: The cell growth and proliferation of MCF-7 cells is inhibited by c9,t11-CLA via blocking cell cycle, accompanying reduced expression of cyclin A, B1, D1 and enhanced expression of CDKI (p16ink4a and p21cip/waf1).

Three New -CF3, -CN Containing <i>π</i>-Conjugated Heteroaromatic Compounds: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Photoelectronic Properties

Three new π-conjugated hetero aromatic materials consisting of pyridine 3a, furan 3b, and thiophene 3c have been synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation reaction. These molecules have been characterized by 1H NMR, EI-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Molecule 3a crystallized under monoclinic system with space group C2/c, molecule 3b crystallized under triclinic system with space group P-1 and the molecule 3c crystalized under triclinic system with space group P-1. The optoelectronic properties of these compounds have been studied.Molecules 3a, 3b and 3c showed strong absorption maxima wavelengths at 300, 419 and 418 nm, respectively. The molar extinction coefficients (ε) of the compounds 3a, 3b and 3c suggested that molecule 3b has better ability to absorb UV light;molecule 3a has better fluorescence intensity than molecule 3b and 3c. Low energy gaps of HOMO and LUMO energy levels of these compounds suggests that these compounds may be a promising new class of lead compounds for developing high performance semiconductor materials. Compounds 3a, 3b and 3c has emissions near to blue light, a slight modification of the structures by extending conjugation may find important applications in optoelectronic devices as blue light emitters in organic light-emitting devices for the development of new generation organic semiconducting materials.

Spontaneous decoration of ionic compounds at perovskite interfaces to achieve 23.38% efficiency with 85% fill factor in NiO_X-based perovskite solar cells

Inorganic hole transport materials, particularly NiO_X, have shown considerable promise in boosting the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. However, a major barrier to commercialization of NiO_X-based perovskite solar cells with positive-intrinsic-negative architectures is their direct contact with the absorbing layer, which can lead to losses of photovoltage and fill factor. Furthermore, highly positive under-coordinated Ni cations degrade the perovskite at the interface. Here, we address these issues with the use of an ionic compound(QAPyBF_(4)) as an additive to passivate defects throughout the perovskite layer and improve carrier conduction and interactions with under-coordinated Ni cations. Specifically,the highly electronegative inorganic anion [BF_(4)]~- interacts with the NiO_x/perovskite interface to passivate under-coordinated cations(Ni^(≥3+)). Accordingly, the decorated cells achieved a power conversion efficiency of 23.38% and a fill factor of 85.5% without a complex surface treatment or NiO_X doping.

Living Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly of Oligo(p-phenylene vinylene)-Containing Block Copolymers:Impact of Branched Structure of Alkyl Side Chain ofπ-Conjugated Segment

The structure of side chains ofπ-conjugated segments is a critical factor determining living crystallization-driven self-assembly(CDSA),a versatile platform to generate fiber-like nanostructures with precise length and composition.Herein,we design and synthesize three block copolymers(BCPs)containing same corona-forming poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)(PNIPAM)segment,but different core-formingπ-conjugated oligo(p-phenylene vinylene)(OPV)with linear pentyl(l-OPV),racemic 2-methyl butyl(r-OPV)and stereo-regular chiral(S)-2-methyl butyl(c-OPV)side chains,respectively.By using these BCPs of l-OPV-b-PNIPAM_(47),r-OPV-b-PNIPAM_(47)and c-OPV-b-PNIPAM_(47)as model,we aim to get a deep insight into how steric and stereo-regular effect induced by branched alkyl side chains of OPV segment affects the living CDSA.The results showed that l-OPV-b-PNIPAM_(47)exhibits typical characteristics of self-seeding and seeded growth of living CDSA to give uniform fiber-like micelles of controlled length.On the contrary,r-OPV-b-PNIPAM_(47)and c-OPV-b-PNIPAM_(47)with branched racemic and stereo-regular chiral alkyl side chains are more prone to self-nucleation during the micellar elongation to give short and polydisperse fiber-like micelles.The obvious selfnucleation during the micellar elongation of r-OPV-b-PNIPAM_(47)and c-OPV-b-PNIPAM_(47)is due to the increase of steric repulsion with OPV units induced by branched alkyl side chains,not the stereo-irregular effect of racemic alkyl side chains.

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Nonlinear Optical Properties of a Novel Imidazole Derivative

A new compound 1-[trans-4-((N-ethylcarbazolyl) vinyl) phenyl]imidazole(C25H22N3,Mr=364.46)has been synthesized,and its crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method.The crystal is of monoclinic,space group P21/c with a=9.298(2) A,b=8.648(2) A,c=25.394(7) A,β=110.46(3)°,V=1912.9(8) A3,Z=4,Dc=1.266g/cm3,μ=0.075mm-1,F(000)=772,The structure was refined to R=0.0685 and wR=0.1612 for 3570 unique reflections with Rint=0.0645.The structural determination shows that the molecular structure is a perfectly planar π-conjugated system,and there is a high electronic delocalization in the molecule.The compound shows photoluminescence with a maximum emission at 439nm and a shoulder emission at 458nm upon the maximum-excitation wavelength at 264nm.

Ba(SO_(3)CH_(3))-(2):A Deep-Ultraviolet Transparent Crystal with Excellent Optical Nonlinearity Based on a New Polar Non-π-Conjugated NLO Building Unit SO_(3)CH_(3)^(−)

In this study,the first methyl sulfonate deepultraviolet(DUV)nonlinear optical(NLO)crystal,Ba(SO_(3)CH_(3))_(2),was successfully synthesized with the polar non-π-conjugated tetrahedron,SO_(3)CH_(3)^(−),as a novel DUV NLO building unit.Results showed that Ba(SO_(3)CH_(3))_(2)not only had a very short absorption edge of 159 nm,which is the shortest among reported phase-matchable sulfates or sulfonates,but also exhibited excellent optical properties.(Powder X-ray diffractionwas ca.1.5×KH_(2)PO_(4)and birefringence was 0.04 at 589.3 nm.)It also exhibited high thermal stability and remarkable stability against air and moisture.Additionally,bulk Ba(SO_(3)CH_(3))_(2)crystal could be obtained conveniently from a simple solution evaporation process.Therefore,Ba(SO_(3)CH_(3))_(2)should have great potential as a DUV NLO crystal in the near future.

Compounds consisting of coplanar π-conjugated B_(3)O_(6)-typed structures:An emerging source of ultraviolet nonlinear optical materials

Nonlinear optical(NLO)materials as a crucial part of the laser science have attracted increasing attention from researchers because of their wide applications in information storages,modern science and technologies,et al.Based on the anionic group theory,theπ-conjugated 6-membered rings(6-MRs),B_(3)O_(6)-typed structures have key contributions to the superior optical properties ofβ-Ba_(2)B_(2)O_(4)(β-BBO).In recent years,the organic coplanarπ-conjugated B_(3)O_(6)-typed structures have caught researchers'attention due to similar configurations to the(B_(3)O_(6))groups,which are the potential sources for expending the(B_(3)O_(6))groups with outstanding optical properties.Up to know,researchers have obtained many ultraviolet(UV)NLO crystals with excellent properties withπ-conju-gated B_(3)O_(6)-typed groups.Herein,these B_(3)O_(6)-typed groups could be divided into different categories according to the atoms constituting the 6-MRs:(H_(x)C_(3)N_(3)O_(3))^(x-3)(x=0-3)(cyanurate ion),(H_(x)C_(4)N_(2)O_(3))^(x-4)(x=2,3)(barbi-turate ion),(C_(3)H_(7)N_(6))^(+)(melamine ion),(C_(5)H_(6)ON)^(+)(4-hydroxypyridine cation),and(C_(4)H_(6)N_(3))^(+)(2-amino-pyrimidinium cation).In this review,we introduced the research advances of NLO materials withπ-conjugated B_(3)O_(6)-typed groups,and summarized the crystal structures,synthetic methods,optical performances,as well as the relationships between structures and properties.This work provided a clear perspective for understanding the coplanarπ-conjugated B_(3)O_(6)-typed groups with their optical functional properties and promote the searches to develop potential NLO functional crystals.

吩嗪类衍生物用于快速充放电和长寿命的水系钾离子全电池负极

有机电极材料因具有结构多样性和可持续性,在水系钾离子电池研究领域展示出广阔的前景,但它们大多数存在导电性差、易溶于电解液的问题,导致电极活性物质利用率低、循环稳定性差.本文通过含氮苯环的共轭延申、引入氰基活性中心,获得了3CN-HATN.与经#吩嗪负极相比,3CN-HATN的最低未占据分子轨道能级更低,更容易被还原,且其能带隙较窄,改善了导电性,其共轭结构可有效抑制循环过程中3CN-HATN的溶解.3CN-HATN负极在80 C(1 C=350 mA g^(-1))下比容量高达233.8 mA h g^(-1),将其与Ni(OH)_(2)正极匹配,构建的水系钾离子全电池具备优异的循环稳定性和快充性能,30 C下循环10,000圈后容量保持率达81.5%.

Stabilizing semi-transparent perovskite solar cells with a polymer composite hole transport layer

Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells(ST-PSCs)have broad applications in building integrated photovoltaics.However,the stability of ST-PSCs needs to be improved,especially in n-i-p ST-PSCs since the doped 2,2',7,7'-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenyl-amine)-9,9'-spirobifluorene(Spiro-OMeTAD)is unstable at elevated temperatures and high humidity.In this work,aπ-conjugated polymer poly[(2,6-(4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophene-2-yl)-benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene))-alt-(5,5-(1',3'-di-2-thienyl-5',7'-bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzo[1',2'-c:4',5'-c']dithiophene-4,8-dione)](PBDB-T)is selected to form a polymer composite hole transport layer(HTL)with Spiro-OMeTAD.The sulfur atom of the thiophene unit and the carbonyl group of the polymer interact with the undercoordinated Pb2+at the perovskite surface,which stabilizes the perovskite/HTL interface and passivates the interfacial defects.The incorporation of the polymer also increases the glass transition temperature and the moisture resistance of Spiro-OMeTAD.As a result,we obtain ST-PSCs with a champion efficiency of 13.71%and an average visible light transmittance of 36.04%.Therefore,a high light utilization efficiency of 4.94%can be obtained.Moreover,the encapsulated device can maintain 84%of the initial efficiency after 751 h under continuous one-sun illumination(at 30%relative humidity)at the open circuit and the unencapsulated device can maintain 80%of the initial efficiency after maximum power tracking for more than 1250 h under continuous one-sun illumination.

Synthesis of Long-Chain Oligomeric Donor and Acceptors via Direct Arylation for Organic Solar Cells

The rapid synthesis of structurally complicated electron donors&acceptors still remains a major challenge in organic solar cells(OSC).In this work,we developed a highly efficient strategy to access long-chain oligomeric donor and acceptors for OSC applications.A series of cyclopentadithiophene(CPDT)and benzothiadiazole(BT)-basedπ-conjugated oligomers,i.e.,three oligomeric acceptors(BTDT)n-IC(n=1—3)and one long-chain oligomeric donor(BTDT)4-RD,are facilely synthesized by an atom-and step-economical,and labor-saving direct C—H arylation(DACH)reaction(i.e.,C—H/C—Br cross coupling).Note that(BTDT)4-RD involving five CPDT,four BT and two rhodamine(RD)building blocks is the longest oligomeric donor in the fullerene-free OSC devices ever reported.The dependence of the structure-property-performance correlation of(BTDT)n-IC(n=1—3)and(BTDT)4-RD on theπ-conjugation lengths is thoroughly investigated by opto-electrochemical measurements,bulk heterojunction(BHJ)OSC devices and microscopies.The(BTDT)1-IC:PBDB-T and(BTDT)4-RD:Y6 BHJs achieve power conversion efficiencies of 9.14%and 4.51%,respectively.Our findings demonstrate that DACH reaction is a powerful tool to tune the opto-electronic properties and device performances by regulating the lengths ofπ-conjugated oligomers with varied numbers of repeating units.

Optically actuating ultra-stable radicals in a large π-conjugated ligand constructed photochromic complex

Producing ultra-stabilized radicals via light irradiation has raised considerable concern but remains a tremendous challenge in functional materials. Herein, optically actuating ultra-stable radicals are discovered in a sterically encumbered and large π-conjugated tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine(TPT) ligands constructed photochromic compound Cu_(3)(H-HEDP)_(2)TPT_(2)·2H_(2)O(QDU-12;HEDP=hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate). The photogeneration of TPT· radicals is the photoactive behavior of electron transfer from HEDP motifs to TPT units. The ultra-long-lived radicals are contributed from strong interchain π-π interactions between the large π-conjugated TPT components, with the radical lifetime maintained for about 18 months under ambient conditions. Moreover, the antiferromagnetic couplings between TPT· radicals and Cu^(2+)ions plummeted the demagnetization to 35% of its original state after light irradiation, showing the largest room temperature photodemagnetization in the current radicalbased photochromic materials.

Efficient and stable tin-based perovskite solar cells by introducing π-conjugated Lewis base

Tin-based perovskite solar cells(TPSCs)as the most promising candidate for lead-free PSCs have incurred extensive researches all over the world.However,the crystallization process of tin-based perovskite is too fast during the solution-deposited process,resulting in abundant pinholes and poor homogeneity that cause serious charge recombination in perovskite layer.Here,we employed theπ-conjugated Lewis base molecules with high electron density to systematically control the crystallization rate of FASnI3 perovskite by forming stable intermediate phase with the Sn-I frameworks,leading to a compact and uniform perovskite film with large increase in the carrier lifetime.Meanwhile,the introduction of theπ-conjugated systems also retards the permeation of moisture into perovskite crystal,which significantly suppresses the film degradation in air.These benefits contributed to a stabilizing power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 10.1%for the TPSCs and maintained over 90%of its initial PCE after 1000-h light soaking in air.Also,a steady-state efficiency of 9.2%was certified at the accredited test center.

One-Pot Synthesis of 3-to 15-Mer π-Conjugated Discrete Oligomers with Widely Tunable Optical Properties

Main observation and conclusion A series of all-donor type alternating(D1-D2)monodisperse oligomers based on cyclopentadithiophene(CPDT)and 1,4-difluoro-benzene(DFB)with gradually increasing chain lengths containing 3 to 15 monomers were successfully synthesized via one-pot C-H direct arylation reaction.As confirmed by various structural characterizations,all these long-chain oligomers are monodispersed with defined structures.The length-dependent optical and electrochemical properties with the evolution from the shortest oligomer(01)to the longest oligomer(07)and their parent polymer P1 have been studied in details.By simply tuning the mixing ratio of discrete oligomers,the photoluminescence(PL)in a wide range of color emissions extending to near-white can be facilely modulated,ilus-trating the potential of these monodisperse conjugated oligomers for light emission application.The atom-,step-and pot-economic synthetic strategy here developed will open the door toward efficient and controllable synthesis ofπ-conjugated oligomers for accu-rate structure-property relationship study and optic&electronic device applications.