Efficient side-chain engineering of thieno-imidazole salt-based molecule to boost the optoelectronic attributes of organic solar cells: A DFT approach

An insight into in silico strategies used for exploration of medicinal utility and toxicology of nanomaterials

Nanomaterials (NMs) and the exploration of their comprehensive uses is an emerging research area of interest. They have improved physicochemical and biological properties and diverse functionality owing to their unique shape and size and therefore they are being explored for their enormous uses, particularly as medicinal and therapeutic agents. Nanoparticles (NPs) including metal and metal oxide-based NPs have received substantial consideration because of their biological applications. Computer-aided drug design (CADD) involving different strategies like homology modelling, molecular docking, virtual screening (VS), quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) etc. and virtual screening hold significant importance in CADD used for lead identification and target identification. Despite holding importance, there are very few computational studies undertaken so far to explore their binding to the target proteins and macromolecules. Although the structural properties of nanomaterials are well documented, it is worthwhile to know how they interact with the target proteins making it a pragmatic issue for comprehension. This review discusses some important computational strategies like molecular docking and simulation, Nano-QSAR, quantum chemical calculations based on Density functional Theory (DFT) and computational nanotoxicology. Nano-QSAR modelling, based on semiempirical calculations and computational simulation can be useful for biomedical applications, whereas the DFT calculations make it possible to know about the behaviour of the material by calculations based on quantum mechanics, without the requirement of higher-order material properties. Other than the beneficial interactions, it is also important to know the hazardous consequences of engineered nanostructures and NPs can penetrate more deeply into the human body, and computational nanotoxicology has emerged as a potential strategy to predict the delirious effects of NMs. Although computational tools are helpful, yet more studies like in vitro assays are still required to get the complete picture, which is essential in the development of potent and safe drug entities.

Design and evaluation of novel triazole derivatives as potential anti-gout inhibitors: a comprehensive molecular modeling study

Introduction

Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis, characterized by hyperuricemia, tophus formation, joint disease, and kidney stones. Uric acid, the final byproduct of purine catabolism, is eliminated via the kidneys and digestive system. Xanthine oxidase (XO) catalyzes the conversion of hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid, making XO inhibitors crucial for treating hyperuricemia and gout. Currently, three XO inhibitors are clinically used, showing significant efficacy. A molecular modeling study on triazole derivatives aims to identify novel XO inhibitors using 3D-QSAR, molecular docking, MD simulations, ADMET analysis, and DFT calculations. These computational approaches facilitate drug discovery while reducing research costs.

Methods

Our work focuses on a series of synthesized anti-xanthine oxidase inhibitors, aiming to develop new inhibitors. A computational study was carried out to identify the xanthine oxidase inhibitory structural features of a series of triazole inhibitors using computational method.

Results

A model based on CoMFA and CoMSIA/SEA has been built to predict new triazole derivatives.

Discussion

The optimal model established from CoMFA and CoMSIA/SEA was successfully evaluated for its predictive capability. Visualization of the contour maps of both models showed that modifying the substituents plays a key role in enhancing the biological activity of anti-gout inhibitors. Molecular docking results for complexes N°8-3NVY and N°22-3NVY showed scores of -7.22 kcal/mol and -8.36 kcal/mol, respectively, indicating substantial affinity for the enzyme. Complex N°8-3NVY forms two hydrogen bonds with SER 69 and ASN 71, three alkyl bonds with ALA 70, LEU 74, and ALA 75, and one Pi-Pi T-shaped bond with PHE 68. Complex N°22-3NVY forms three hydrogen bonds with HIS 99, ARG 29, and ILE 91, and one halogen bond with LEU 128 at 3.60 Å. A MD study revealed that the N°22-3NVY complex remained highly stable throughout the simulation. Therefore, we proposed six new molecules, their anti-gout inhibitory activities were predicted using two models, and they were evaluated for Lipinski's rule, and ADMET properties. The results show that both Pred 4 and Pred 5 have better pharmacokinetic properties than the height potent molecule in the studied series, making these two compounds valuable candidates for new anti-gout drugs. Subsequently, using DFT study to evaluate the chemical reactivity properties of these two proposed compounds, the energy gap results revealed that both molecules exhibit moderate chemical stability and reactivity.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Tetracycline Adsorption: Experimental Insights and DFT Study

An eco-friendly approach was used to fabricate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using thyme, Thymus vulgaris L., leaf extract. The produced ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by XRD and SEM analysis. The ZnO NPs showed remarkable adsorption efficiency for tetracycline (TC) from water systems, with a maximum removal rate of 95% under optimal conditions (10 ppm, 0.10 g of ZnO NPs, pH 8.5, and 30 min at 25 °C). The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-2nd-order model, and the adsorption process fitted the Temkin isotherm model. The process was spontaneous, endothermic, and primarily chemisorptive. Quantum chemistry calculations, utilizing electrostatic potential maps and HOMO-LUMO gap analysis, have confirmed the stability of the TC clusters. This study suggests that green synthesis using plant extracts presents an opportunity to generate nanoparticles with properties suitable for real-world applications.

Exploration of the effect of multiple acceptor and π-spacer moieties coupled to indolonaphthyridine core for promising organic photovoltaic properties: a first principles framework

Herein, the indolonaphthyridine-based molecules (INDTD1-INDTD8) with A1-π-A2-π-A1 configuration were designed by the end-capped modification of INDTR reference with various acceptors. The density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) analyses at M06/6-31G(d,p) level were reported in this research to explore their optoelectronic and photovoltaic features. Their geometrical structures were initially optimized at the afore-said level and followed by various calculations such as the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), UV-Visible, density of states (DOS), transition density matrix (TDM), binding energy (Eb), open circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF). Moreover, their global reactivity parameters (GRPs) were depicted by using the HOMO-LUMO band gaps obtained from the FMOs study. The tailored molecules demonstrated lower band gaps (2.183-2.269 eV) than INDTR (2.288 eV). They also showed bathochromic shifts in the visible region in chloroform (735.937-762.318 nm) and gas phase (710.384-729.571 nm) as compared to INDTR (724.710 and 698.498 nm, respectively). Further, intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) was demonstrated via the DOS and TDM graphical maps. Among all the entitled chromophores, INDTD7 showed significantly reduced band gap (2.183 eV), red-shifted absorption value (760.914 nm) in chloroform solvent and minimal Eb value (0.554 eV). The presence of -SO3H groups on the terminal acceptors of INDTD7  may enhance the mobility of charges. The results suggested that the newly designed chromophores can be effective candidates for the future organic solar cell applications. Moreover, this study may encourage the experimentalists to develop photovoltaic materials.

Harnessing synergistic effects in GQD@Pt(II) nanocomposites for enhanced photovoltaic performance: a computational study

CONTEXT

The development of efficient solar energy conversion technologies is crucial for addressing global energy challenges and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Platinum(II) complexes are promising materials for photovoltaic applications due to their strong light absorption and long-lived excited states. However, their narrow absorption in the visible spectrum and stability issues limit their performance. Combining platinum(II) complexes with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) can enhance photovoltaic performance by leveraging the complementary light harvesting and charge transfer characteristics of the two components. This study utilizes density functional theory (DFT) calculations to explore their electronic structures, charge transfer dynamics, and photoelectric performance. Specifically, it investigates the effects of incorporating different substituents, either electron-donating or electron-withdrawing, onto the fluorene motif of the Pt(II) complex. The findings reveal that combining GQDs with Pt(II) complexes extends light absorption into the UV range, enabling comprehensive solar utilization. Upon photoexcitation, electrons migrate between the GQD conduction band and the Pt(II) complex, stabilizing charges and enhancing extraction. Substituents significantly influence charge transfer dynamics: electron-withdrawing groups promote transfer to the GQD, while electron-donating groups encourage charge separation and delocalization. Nanocomposites featuring electron-donating substituents achieve the highest energy conversion efficiencies, with GQD@Pt(II)-NPh2 reaching 24.6%. This is attributed to improved light harvesting, efficient charge injection, and reduced recombination. These insights guide the rational design of GQD-Pt(II) nanocomposites, optimizing charge separation and transfer processes for enhanced photovoltaic performance. The computational approach employed here provides a robust tool for developing advanced materials in renewable energy technologies.

METHODS

The computational studies reported in this work were performed using the DFT approach, specifically employing the hybrid functional PBE0. The PBE0 functional's accuracy in describing electronic structures and excited-state properties is essential for understanding charge transfer processes, photoabsorption, and emission characteristics in metal-organic complexes. Geometry optimizations and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations were carried out to investigate the properties of the nanocomposites. The effects of solvents were replicated using the conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM). The charge transfer length (ΔL) and interfragment charge transfer (ΔQ) were calculated using the Multiwfn software package, and all calculations were performed using the BDF software package.

Designing Thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione Core-Based, A2-D-A1-D-A2-Type Acceptor Molecules for Promising Photovoltaic Parameters in Organic Photovoltaic Cells

Nonfullerene-based organic solar cells can be utilized as favorable photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices due to their enhanced life span and efficiency. In this research, seven new molecules were designed to improve the working efficiency of organic solar cells by utilizing a terminal acceptor modification approach. The perceived A2-D-A1-D-A2 configuration-based molecules possess a lower band gap ranging from 1.95 to 2.21 eV compared to the pre-existing reference molecule (RW), which has a band gap of 2.23 eV. The modified molecules also exhibit higher λmax values ranging from 672 to 768 nm in the gaseous and 715-839 nm in solvent phases, respectively, as compared to the (RW) molecule, which has λmax values at 673 and 719 nm in gas and chloroform medium, respectively. The ground state geometries, molecular planarity parameter, and span of deviation from the plane were analyzed to study the planarity of all of the molecules. The natural transition orbitals, the density of state, molecular electrostatic potential, noncovalent interactions, frontier molecular orbitals, and transition density matrix analysis of all studied molecules were executed to validate the optoelectronic properties of these molecules. Improved charge mobilities and dipole moments were observed, as newly designed molecules possessed lower internal reorganization energies. The open circuit voltage (Voc) of W4, W5, W6, and W7 among newly designed molecules was improved as compared to the reference molecule. These results elaborate on the superiority of these novel-designed molecules over the pre-existing (RW) molecule as potential blocks for better organic solar cell applications.

A computational insight into enhancement of photovoltaic properties of non-fullerene acceptors by end-group modulations in the structural framework of INPIC molecule

Improving the open circuit voltage is a major challenge for enhancing the overall efficiency of organic solar cells. Current work has concentrated on improving open-circuit voltage by designing new molecular frameworks from an INPIC molecule having a conjugated fused core. We modulated the structure by changing the terminal groups of the reference molecule (INPIC) with seven strong electron-withdrawing units. We investigated various optoelectronic attributes, charge transfer, and photovoltaic and geometrical parameters by compiling the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) functional of the DFT approach. The optical absorption for modulated molecules ranges from 748.51 nm to 845.96 nm while showing higher oscillation strength than INPIC. At the same time, their impressive charge transport is attributed to their smaller excitation and exciton binding energy, higher electron/hole mobility, narrower band gap, and a more than 99 % intramolecular charge transfer. The larger dipole moments help in the dense interaction of acceptors with employed donor J61 which, in turn, improves charge transfer at the donor-acceptor interface. One of the triumphs that are difficult to get in organic molecules is success in achieving a higher open circuit voltage (VOC). Our conceptualized molecular frameworks of acceptors are featured with a notable VOC improvement in the range of 1.84-2.05 eV. Thus, the results of the current investigation pave the root for architecting the acceptor molecules with impressive optoelectrical properties that may be capable of providing high photovoltaic output. Thus these acceptors can be utilized for the development of advanced organic solar cells in future.

Exploring the Electronic, Optical, and Charge Transfer Properties of A-D-A-Type IDTV-ThIC-Based Molecules To Enhance Photovoltaic Performance of Organic Solar Cells

Improving the charge mobility and optoelectronic properties of indacenodithiophene-based small molecule acceptors is a key challenge to improving overall efficiency. In this current research, seven newly designed molecules (DT1-DT7) comprising the indacenodithiophene-based core are presented to tune energy levels, enhance charge mobility, and improve the photovoltaic performance of IDTV-ThIC molecules via density functional theory. All the molecules were designed by end-capped modification by substituting terminal acceptors of IDTV-ThIC with strong electron-withdrawing moieties. Among all the examined structures, DT1 has proved itself a superior molecule in multiple aspects, including higher λmax in chloroform (787 nm) and gaseous phase (727 nm), narrow band gap (2.16 eV), higher electron affinity (3.31 eV), least excitation energy (1.57 eV), and improved charge mobility due to low reorganization energy and higher excited state lifetime (2.37 ns) when compared to the reference (IDTV-ThIC) and other molecules. DT5 also showed remarkable improvement in different parameters, such as the lowest exciton binding energy (0.41 eV), leading to easier charge moveability. The improved open-circuit voltage of DT4 and DT5 makes them proficient molecules exhibiting the charge transfer phenomenon. The enlightened outcomes of these molecules can pave a new route to develop efficient organic solar cell devices using these molecules, especially DT1, DT4, and DT5.

Design new organic material based on triphenylamine (TPA) with D-π-A-π-D structure used as an electron donor for organic solar cells: A DFT approach

Because of the increasing scarcity of fossil fuels and the growing need for energy, it has become necessary to research new renewable energy resources. In this study, five new high-performance materials (TP-FA₁F-TP - TP-FA₅F-TP) of the D-π-A-π-D configuration based on triphenylamine (TPA) were theoretically investigated by applying DFT and TD-DFT methods for future application as heterojunction organic solar cells (BHJ). The influence of the modification of the acceptor (A) of the parent molecule TP-FTzF-TP on the structural, electronic, photovoltaic and optical properties of the TP-FA1F-TP - TP-FA5F-TP organic molecules was investigated in detail. TP-FA₁F-TP - TP-FA₅F-TP showed E_gap in the interval of 1.44-2.01 eV with λ_abs in the range of 536-774 nm, open-circuit voltage (V_oc) values varied between 0.3 and 0.56 V and power conversion efficiencies (PCE) ranging from (3-6) %. Our results also show that the donor molecules suggested in this research exhibit an improved performance compared to the recently synthesized TP-FTzF-TP, such as a lowest HOMO energy, a smaller E_gap, and a greater absorption spectrum, and can lead to higher performance. Indeed, this theoretical research could lead to the future synthesis of better compounds as active substances used in BHJ.