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Gill N, Srivastava I, Tropp J. Rational Design of NIR-II Emitting Conjugated Polymer Derived Nanoparticles for Image-Guided Cancer Interventions. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401297. [PMID: 38822530 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Due to the reduced absorption, light scattering, and tissue autofluorescence in the NIR-II (1000-1700 nm) region, significant efforts are underway to explore diverse material platforms for in vivo fluorescence imaging, particularly for cancer diagnostics and image-guided interventions. Of the reported imaging agents, nanoparticles derived from conjugated polymers (CPNs) offer unique advantages to alternative materials including biocompatibility, remarkable absorption cross-sections, exceptional photostability, and tunable emission behavior independent of cell labeling functionalities. Herein, the current state of NIR-II emitting CPNs are summarized and structure-function-property relationships are highlighted that can be used to elevate the performance of next-generation CPNs. Methods for particle processing and incorporating cancer targeting modalities are discussed, as well as detailed characterization methods to improve interlaboratory comparisons of novel materials. Contemporary methods to specifically apply CPNs for cancer diagnostics and therapies are then highlighted. This review not only summarizes the current state of the field, but offers future directions and provides clarity to the advantages of CPNs over other classes of imaging agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Gill
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Indrajit Srivastava
- Texas Center for Comparative Cancer Research (TC3R), Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Joshua Tropp
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
- Texas Center for Comparative Cancer Research (TC3R), Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
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2
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Chen T, Peng Y, Qiu M, Yi C, Xu Z. Recent advances in mixing-induced nanoprecipitation: from creating complex nanostructures to emerging applications beyond biomedicine. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:3594-3609. [PMID: 36727557 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr00280b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mixing-induced nanoprecipitation (MINP) is an efficient, controllable, scalable, versatile, and cost-effective technique for the preparation of nanoparticles. In addition to the formulation of drugs, MINP has attracted tremendous interest in other fields. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the preparation of nanoparticles with complex nanostructures via MINP and their emerging applications beyond biomedicine. First, the mechanisms of nanoprecipitation and four mixing approaches for MINP are briefly discussed. Next, three strategies for the preparation of nanoparticles with complex nanostructures including sequential nanoprecipitation, controlling phase separation, and incorporating inorganic nanoparticles, are summarized. Then, emerging applications including the engineering of catalytic nanomaterials, environmentally friendly photovoltaic inks, colloidal surfactants for the preparation of Pickering emulsions, and green templates for the synthesis of nanomaterials, are reviewed. Furthermore, we discuss the structure-function relationships to gain more insight into design principles for the development of functional nanoparticles via MINP. Finally, the remaining issues and future applications are discussed. This review will stimulate the development of nanoparticles with complex nanostructures and their broader applications beyond biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyou Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| | - Yan Peng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| | - Meishuang Qiu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| | - Changfeng Yi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| | - Zushun Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
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3
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Xie C, Liang S, Zhang G, Li S. Water-Processed Organic Solar Cell with Efficiency Exceeding 11. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14194229. [PMID: 36236177 PMCID: PMC9573733 DOI: 10.3390/polym14194229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Water processing is an ideal strategy for the ecofriendly fabrication of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and exhibits a strong market-driven demand. Here, we report a state-of-the-art active material, namely PM6:BTP-eC9, for the synthesis of water-borne nanoparticle (NP) dispersion towards ecofriendly OPV fabrication. The surfactant-stripping technique, combined with a poloxamer, facilitates purification and eliminates excess surfactant in water-dispersed organic semiconducting NPs. The introduction of 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) for the synthesis of surfactant-stripped NP (ssNP) further promotes a percolated microstructure of the polymer and NFA in each ssNP, yielding water-processed OPVs with a record efficiency of over 11%. The use of an additive during water-borne ssNP synthesis is a promising strategy for morphology optimization in NP OPVs. It is believed that the findings in this work will engender more research interest and effort relating to water-processing in preparation of the industrial production of OPVs.
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Holmes A, Deniau E, Lartigau-Dagron C, Bousquet A, Chambon S, Holmes NP. Review of Waterborne Organic Semiconductor Colloids for Photovoltaics. ACS NANO 2021; 15:3927-3959. [PMID: 33620200 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c10161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Development of carbon neutral and sustainable energy sources should be considered as a top priority solution for the growing worldwide energy demand. Photovoltaics are a strong candidate, more specifically, organic photovoltaics (OPV), enabling the design of flexible, lightweight, semitransparent, and low-cost solar cells. However, the active layer of OPV is, for now, mainly deposited from chlorinated solvents, harmful for the environment and for human health. Active layers processed from health and environmentally friendly solvents have over recent years formed a key focus topic of research, with the creation of aqueous dispersions of conjugated polymer nanoparticles arising. These nanoparticles are formed from organic semiconductors (molecules and macromolecules) initially designed for organic solvents. The topic of nanoparticle OPV has gradually garnered more attention, up to a point where in 2018 it was identified as a "trendsetting strategy" by leaders in the international OPV research community. Hence, this review has been prepared to provide a timely roadmap of the formation and application of aqueous nanoparticle dispersions of active layer components for OPV. We provide a thorough synopsis of recent developments in both nanoprecipitation and miniemulsion for preparing photovoltaic inks, facilitating readers in acquiring a deep understanding of the crucial synthesis parameters affecting particle size, colloidal concentration, ink stability, and more. This review also showcases the experimental levers for identifying and optimizing the internal donor-acceptor morphology of the nanoparticles, featuring cutting-edge X-ray spectromicroscopy measurements reported over the past decade. The different strategies to improve the incorporation of these inks into OPV devices and to increase their efficiency (to the current record of 7.5%) are reported, in addition to critical design choices of surfactant type and the advantages of single-component vs binary nanoparticle populations. The review naturally culminates by presenting the upscaling strategies in practice for this environmentally friendly and safer production of solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Holmes
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Pau 64012, France
| | - Elise Deniau
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Pau 64012, France
| | | | - Antoine Bousquet
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Pau 64012, France
| | - Sylvain Chambon
- LIMMS/CNRS-IIS (UMI2820), Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Natalie P Holmes
- Centre for Organic Electronics, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Madsen Building F09, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Lee S, Jeong D, Kim C, Lee C, Kang H, Woo HY, Kim BJ. Eco-Friendly Polymer Solar Cells: Advances in Green-Solvent Processing and Material Design. ACS NANO 2020; 14:14493-14527. [PMID: 33103903 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c07488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite the recent breakthroughs of polymer solar cells (PSCs) exhibiting a power conversion efficiency of over 17%, toxic and hazardous organic solvents such as chloroform and chlorobenzene are still commonly used in their fabrication, which impedes the practical application of PSCs. Thus, the development of eco-friendly processing methods suitable for industrial-scale production is now considered an imperative research focus. This Review provides a roadmap for the design of efficient photoactive materials that are compatible with non-halogenated green solvents (e.g., xylenes, toluene, and tetrahydrofuran). We summarize the recent development of green processing solvents and the processing methods to match with the efficient photoactive materials used in non-fullerene solar cells. We further review progress in the use of more eco-friendly solvents (i.e., water or alcohol) for achieving truly sustainable and eco-friendly PSC fabrication. For example, the concept of water- or alcohol-dispersed nanoparticles made of conjugated materials is introduced. Also, recent important progress and strategies to develop water/alcohol-soluble photoactive materials that completely eliminate the use of conventional toxic solvents are discussed. Finally, we provide our perspectives on the challenges facing the current green processing methods and materials, such as large-area coating techniques and long-term stability. We believe this Review will inform the development of PSCs that are truly clean and renewable energy sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungjin Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Dahyun Jeong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Changkyun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Changyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Hyunbum Kang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Han Young Woo
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Bumjoon J Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
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6
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Ghazy O, Freisinger B, Lieberwith I, Landfester K. Tuning the size and morphology of P3HT/PCBM composite nanoparticles: towards optimized water-processable organic solar cells. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:22798-22807. [PMID: 33174566 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr05847e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The function of an organic solar cell relies on making a contact surface between a donor and acceptor material. For efficient conversion of solar energy, this heterojunction must be maximized. Nanoparticulate systems already have a large surface-to-volume ratio per se. We increase the area of the heterojunction even further. Based on the miniemulsion process, colloidal particles are produced that contain both donor and acceptor material. Composite nanoparticles of Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT : PCBM) are prepared via the miniemulsion method. Here, the process parameters are tuned to optimize the efficacy of the composite nanoparticles. Depending on the surfactant concentration, the solvent and the processing temperature, we can tune the particle size and the morphology of the intraparticular heterojunction from Janus type to core-shell structures. Based on these findings, we finally identify the process parameters to achieve optimal solar cell performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omayma Ghazy
- National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, 3 Ahmed Elzomor St, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
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7
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Conductive multilayer film based on composite materials made of conjugated polyelectrolytes and inorganic particles. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2019.124290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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8
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Virgili T, Botta C, Mróz MM, Parrenin L, Brochon C, Cloutet E, Pavlopoulou E, Hadziioannou G, Geoghegan M. Size-Dependent Photophysical Behavior of Low Bandgap Semiconducting Polymer Particles. Front Chem 2019; 7:409. [PMID: 31263691 PMCID: PMC6584897 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The photophysics of water and propan-1-ol suspensions of poly [N-9"-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4,7-di-2-thienyl-2',1',3'- benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) nanoparticles and mesoparticles has been studied by ultrafast spectroscopy. High molar mass polymer (HMM > 20 kg/mol) forms nanoparticles with around 50 nm diameter via mini-emulsion post-polymerization, while low molar mass (LMM < 5 kg/mol) polymer prepared by dispersion polymerization results in particles with a diameter of almost one order of magnitude larger (450 ± 50 nm). In this study, the presence of excited-states and charge separated species was identified through UV pump and visible/near-infrared probe femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. A different behavior for the HMM nanoparticles has been identified compared to the LMM mesoparticles. The nanoparticles exhibit typical features of an energetically disordered conjugated polymer with a broad density of states, allowing for delayed spectral relaxation of excited states, while the mesoparticles show a J-aggregate-like behavior where interchain interactions are less efficient. Stimulated emission in the red-near infrared region has been found in the mesoparticles which indicates that they present a more energetically ordered system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tersilla Virgili
- IFN-CNR Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Botta
- Laboratory Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR-ISMAC, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta M Mróz
- IFN-CNR Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laurie Parrenin
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques (LCPO) UMR 5629, CNRS-Université de Bordeaux-Bordeaux INP, Pessac, France
| | - Cyril Brochon
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques (LCPO) UMR 5629, CNRS-Université de Bordeaux-Bordeaux INP, Pessac, France
| | - Eric Cloutet
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques (LCPO) UMR 5629, CNRS-Université de Bordeaux-Bordeaux INP, Pessac, France
| | - Eleni Pavlopoulou
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques (LCPO) UMR 5629, CNRS-Université de Bordeaux-Bordeaux INP, Pessac, France
| | - Georges Hadziioannou
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques (LCPO) UMR 5629, CNRS-Université de Bordeaux-Bordeaux INP, Pessac, France
| | - Mark Geoghegan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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9
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Inaba S, Arai R, Mihai G, Lazar O, Moise C, Enachescu M, Takeoka Y, Vohra V. Eco-Friendly Push-Coated Polymer Solar Cells with No Active Material Wastes Yield Power Conversion Efficiencies over 5.5. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:10785-10793. [PMID: 30788961 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b22337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Push-coating is a simple process that can be employed for extremely low-cost polymer electronic device production. Here, we demonstrate its application to the fabrication of poly(2,7-carbazole- alt-dithienylbenzothiadiazole) (PCDTBT):[6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) active layers processed in air, yielding similar photovoltaic performances as thermally annealed spin-coated thin films when used in inverted polymer solar cells (PSCs). During push-coating, the polydimethylsiloxane layer temporarily traps the deposition solvent, resulting in simultaneous film formation and solvent annealing effect. This removes the necessity for a postdeposition thermal annealing step which is required for spin-coated PSCs to produce high photovoltaic performances. Optimized PSC active layers are produced with a push-coating time of 5 min at room temperature with 20 times less hazardous solvent and 40 times less active material than spin-coating. Annealed spin-coated active layers and active layers push-coated for 5 min both produce average power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 5.77%, while those push-coated for a shorter time of 1 min yield a slightly lower value of 5.59%. We demonstrate that, despite differences in their donor:acceptor vertical concentration gradients, unencapsulated PCDTBT:PC71BM active layers push-coated for 1 min produce PSCs with similar operational stability and upscaling capacity as thermally annealed spin-coated ones. As fast device fabrication can be achieved with short-time push-coating, we further demonstrate the potential of this deposition technique by manufacturing push-coated PSC-based semitransparent photovoltaic devices with a PCE of 4.23%, relatively neutral colors and an average visible transparency of 40.2%. Our work thus confirms that push-coating is not limited to the widely employed poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) but can also be used with low band gap copolymers and opens the path to low-cost and eco-friendly, yet efficient and stable PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shusei Inaba
- Department of Engineering Science , University of Electro-Communications , 1-5-1 Chofugaoka , Chofu City , 182-8585 Tokyo , Japan
| | - Ryosuke Arai
- Department of Materials & Life Sciences , Sophia University , 7-1 Kioicho , Chiyoda Ward , 102-8554 Tokyo , Japan
| | - Geanina Mihai
- Center for Surface Science and Nanotechnology , University Politehnica of Bucharest , Splaiul Independentei nr. 313 , 060042 Bucharest , Romania
| | - Oana Lazar
- Center for Surface Science and Nanotechnology , University Politehnica of Bucharest , Splaiul Independentei nr. 313 , 060042 Bucharest , Romania
| | - Calin Moise
- Center for Surface Science and Nanotechnology , University Politehnica of Bucharest , Splaiul Independentei nr. 313 , 060042 Bucharest , Romania
| | - Marius Enachescu
- Center for Surface Science and Nanotechnology , University Politehnica of Bucharest , Splaiul Independentei nr. 313 , 060042 Bucharest , Romania
| | - Yuko Takeoka
- Department of Materials & Life Sciences , Sophia University , 7-1 Kioicho , Chiyoda Ward , 102-8554 Tokyo , Japan
| | - Varun Vohra
- Department of Engineering Science , University of Electro-Communications , 1-5-1 Chofugaoka , Chofu City , 182-8585 Tokyo , Japan
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10
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Subianto S, Balu R, de Campo L, Sokolova A, Dutta NK, Choudhury NR. Sulfonated Thiophene Derivative Stabilized Aqueous Poly(3-hexylthiophene):Phenyl-C 61-butyric Acid Methyl Ester Nanoparticle Dispersion for Organic Solar Cell Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:44116-44125. [PMID: 30474957 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b15589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous dispersions of poly(3-hexylthiophene):phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) nanoparticles (NPs) have been fabricated using a thiophene-based surfactant 2-(3-thienyl)ethyloxybutylsulfonate sodium salt (TEBS) for the first time via the mini-emulsion process. The use of TEBS resulted in a stable colloidal dispersion of P3HT:PCBM NPs, of which the effect of various fabrication parameters is investigated. The fabricated NPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, contrast-variation small and ultra-small angle neutron scattering, and cyclic voltammetry. The internal structure and electrochemical performance of TEBS-stabilized P3HT:PCBM NPs were compared to those of sodium dodecyl sulfate-stabilized core-shell (PCBM-P3HT) NPs at the same surfactant concentration. Neutron scattering and cyclic voltammetry results reveal a homogeneous distribution of small de-mixed P3HT and PCBM domains in the internal structure of TEBS-stabilized P3HT:PCBM NPs, reminiscent of cast film. Moreover, electron microscopy images show evidence of diffused NP surface/interface upon drying (without annealing), which indicates that the thiophene-containing TEBS may improve compatibility and film-forming properties of fabricated P3HT:PCBM NPs, and consequently be more suited for conventional film-processing methods for organic solar cell applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya Subianto
- Future Industries Institute , University of South Australia , Mawson Lakes , South Australia 5095 , Australia
| | - Rajkamal Balu
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria 3001 , Australia
| | - Liliana de Campo
- Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS) , Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) , Lucas Heights , New South Wales 2232 , Australia
| | - Anna Sokolova
- Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS) , Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) , Lucas Heights , New South Wales 2232 , Australia
| | - Naba K Dutta
- Future Industries Institute , University of South Australia , Mawson Lakes , South Australia 5095 , Australia
- School of Chemical Engineering , University of Adelaide , Adelaide , South Australia 5005 , Australia
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria 3001 , Australia
| | - Namita Roy Choudhury
- Future Industries Institute , University of South Australia , Mawson Lakes , South Australia 5095 , Australia
- School of Chemical Engineering , University of Adelaide , Adelaide , South Australia 5005 , Australia
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria 3001 , Australia
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11
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Overcoming efficiency and stability limits in water-processing nanoparticular organic photovoltaics by minimizing microstructure defects. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5335. [PMID: 30559396 PMCID: PMC6297219 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a strong market driven need for processing organic photovoltaics from eco-friendly solvents. Water-dispersed organic semiconducting nanoparticles (NPs) satisfy these premises convincingly. However, the necessity of surfactants, which are inevitable for stabilizing NPs, is a major obstacle towards realizing competitive power conversion efficiencies for water-processed devices. Here, we report on a concept for minimizing the adverse impact of surfactants on solar cell performance. A poloxamer facilitates the purification of organic semiconducting NPs through stripping excess surfactants from aqueous dispersion. The use of surfactant-stripped NPs based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) / non-fullerene acceptor leads to a device efficiency and stability comparable to the one from devices processed by halogenated solvents. A record efficiency of 7.5% is achieved for NP devices based on a low-band gap polymer system. This elegant approach opens an avenue that future organic photovoltaics processing may be indeed based on non-toxic water-based nanoparticle inks. Water-based semiconducting polymer nanoparticles are eco-friendly and non-toxic but their performance suffers from the surfactants. Here Xie et al. design an approach to minimize the amount of residual surfactant in these nanoparticles and make high-efficiency and stability solar cells.
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12
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Vohra V. Can Polymer Solar Cells Open the Path to Sustainable and Efficient Photovoltaic Windows Fabrication? CHEM REC 2018; 19:1166-1178. [DOI: 10.1002/tcr.201800072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Varun Vohra
- Department of Engineering ScienceUniversity of Electro-communications 1-5-1 Chofugaoka, Chofu City Tokyo 182-8585 Japan
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