Phase Behavior of Amorphous/Semicrystalline Conjugated Polymer Blends

Dual-Enhanced Nanohybrids for Synergistic Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapy in Cancer Treatment with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

This study presents a nanohybrid that simultaneously improves both photothermal (PT) and photodynamic (PD) effects for cancer therapy. The conjugated polymer nanoparticle (CPN) comprises of p-type conjugated polymer as a photosensitizer, charge donor, and PT agent, n-type conjugated polymer as a charge acceptor and PD agent, and Au nanoparticles (NPs) as a PT agent. This nanohybrid is assembled through a film dispersion process using a hydrophobically modified phospholipid, producing a high yield of uniform hybrid NPs in a short timeframe, and displays exceptional photothermal and photodynamic effects, when activated at a single near-infrared wavelength. Photophysical analysis indicates that the inclusion of Au NPs enhances nonradiative exciton relaxation, while the incorporation of a n-type conjugated polymer boosts photoinduced charge transfer and potentially contributes to the charge-recombination mediated triplet-state formation for an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species. During phototherapy, the nanohybrid demonstrates the most effective suppression of primary tumor growth and significantly boosts anti-tumor immune responses owing to its simultaneous photothermal and photodynamic effects. Furthermore, when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, nanohybrid treatment minimizes tumor sizes while maximizing survival rates in mice. Thus, the nanohybrid represents a promising nanoplatform for combination phototherapy in cancer treatment.

Variable Temperature Spectroscopic Ellipsometry as a Tool for Insight into the Optical Order in the P3HT:PC70BM and PC70BM Layers

Two combined ellipsometric techniques-variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) and variable temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry (VTSE)-were used as tools to study the surface order and dielectric properties of thin films of a poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) mixture with a fullerene derivative (6,6-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester) (PC70BM). Under the influence of annealing, a layer of the ordered PC70BM phase was formed on the surface of the blend films. The dielectric function of the ordered PC70BM was determined for the first time and used in the ellipsometric modeling of the physical properties of the P3HT:PC70BM blend films, such as their dielectric function and thickness. The applied ellipsometric optical model of the polymer-fullerene blend treats the components of the blend as a mixture of optically ordered and disordered phases, using the effective medium approximation for this purpose. The results obtained using the constructed model showed that a layer of the ordered PC70BM phase was formed on the surface of the layer of the polymer and fullerene mixture. Namely, as a result of thermal annealing, the thickness of the layer of the ordered fullerene phase increased, while the thickness of the underlying material layer decreased.

Phase behavior of π-conjugated polymer and non-fullerene acceptor (PTB7-Th:ITIC) solutions and blends

Phase diagrams of ternary π-bonded polymer (PTB7-Th) solutions were constructed as a function of molecular weight, temperature, and electron acceptor species (ITIC, PC61BM and PC71BM). For this purpose, the Flory-Huggins lattice theory was employed with a constant χ interaction parameter, describing a binodal, spinodal, tie line, and critical point. Then, the morphologies of the blends composed of highly disordered PTB7-Th and crystallizable ITIC were investigated by atomic force microscopy. Subsequently, the surface polarities of the PTB7-Th:ITIC thin films were examined by water contact-angle goniometer, exhibiting a transition at the composition of ~ 60 ± 10 wt.% ITIC. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction indicated the presence of ITIC's crystallites at ≥ 70 wt.% ITIC. Hence, the PTB7-Th:ITIC system was observed to undergo a phase transition at ~ 60-70 wt.% ITIC.

Facile direct C-H arylation polymerization of conjugated polymer, PDCBT, for organic solar cells

Direct arylation polymerization (DArP) is a synthetic method for conjugated polymers; in DArP, organometallic functionalization steps are omitted and there are no toxic byproducts. As a result, it is considered a more sustainable alternative compared to conventional methods such as Stille polymerization. To explore the possibility of DArP-based polymers as donor materials in organic solar cells (OSCs), a series of conjugated polymers based on the structure of PDCBT are synthesized using DArP and Stille polymerization. By controlling the monomer concentration and reaction time in DArP, DArP-5 with the highest M_n (21.9 kDa) can be obtained and its optoelectronic properties, electrochemical properties, and microscopic molecular ordering are comparable to those of Stille-based PDCBT (Stille-P). Analysis of the polymer structure indicates no structural defects such as crosslinking from undesired β-coupling reactions in DArP-5. Upon blending with the PC₇₁ BM acceptor molecule, an increase in the crystallite size of DArP-5 is also observed. In OSC devices with a polymer:PC₇₁ BM bulk-heterojunction photoactive layer, DArP-5 demonstrates a comparable power conversion efficiency of 5.8% with that of Stille-P (5.5%). These results prove that DArP is suitable for synthesizing PDCBT, and DArP-based PDCBT can be used in OSCs as an alternative of Stille-based one. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Molecular Compatibility and Hydrogen Bonding Mechanism of PES/PEI Blends

The development of high-performance polymer membranes has sparked a lot of attention in recent years. Polymer blending is a potential method of modification. A limitation, however, is the compatibility of blends at the molecular level. In this investigation, polyethersulfone/polyetherimide hollow fiber membranes were prepared by the solution blending method. Compatibility, hydrogen bonding, crystallinity, microstructure, hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, and transmissibility of blended membranes were also characterized. The compatibility and hydrogen bonding action of the two components were confirmed by DSC, FTIR, XPS, and XRD. The structure exhibits a C−H···O interaction motif with the sulfone group acting as a hydrogen bond acceptor from a methyl C−H donor. The π–π stacking between the two polymers arranged molecules more orderly, resulting in enhanced intermolecular interactions. Compared to polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes, the hydrophilic, mechanical properties, and rejection rate of the blended membranes are more effectively enhanced. Self-assembly of the host polymer with a polymer capable of forming hydrogen bonds to construct controllable blends is a crucial and proven method.

Unrevealing the interaction between O2 molecules and poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT)

Stability of π-conjugated organic materials remains a critical issue for applications in which these materials and devices based on them are exposed to ambient conditions. Particularly, the initial steps of the reversible and irreversible degradation by molecular oxygen exposure are still not fully explored. Here we present a theoretical study using density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the oxygen effects on the electronic properties of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT). Our results show that trap-states are introduced in the energy gap between the highest occupied and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals by the O₂ molecule and both singlet and triplet states can be formed irrespectively of the existence of chain defects. A crossing between the potential energy surfaces of singlet and triplet states was observed for smaller distances of the oxygen molecule to the nearest thiophene ring, which was identified as being the first step towards irreversible degradation.

Stability of π-conjugated organic materials remains a critical issue for applications in which these materials and devices based on them are exposed to ambient conditions.

Self-Aligned Bilayers for Flexible Free-Standing Organic Field-Effect Transistors

Free-standing and flexible field-effect transistors based on 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-pentacene (TIPS-pentacene)/polystyrene bilayers are obtained by well-controlled phase separation of both components. The phase separation is induced by solvent vapor annealing of initially amorphous blend films, leading to crystallization of TIPS-pentacene as the top layer. The crystallinity and blend morphology strongly depend on the molecular weight of polystyrene, and under optimized conditions, distinct phase separation with a well-defined and trap-free interface between both fractions is achieved. Due to the distinct bilayer morphology, the resulting flexible field-effect transistors reveal similar charge carrier mobilities as rigid devices and additionally pronounced environmental and bias stress stabilities. The performance of the flexible transistors remains stable up to a strain of 1.8%, while above this deformation, a close relation between current and strain is observed that is required for applications in strain sensors.

Recent Advances of Film–Forming Kinetics in Organic Solar Cells

Solution–processed organic solar cells (OSC) have been explored widely due to their low cost and convenience, and impressive power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) which have surpassed 18%. In particular, the optimization of film morphology, including the phase separation structure and crystallinity degree of donor and acceptor domains, is crucially important to the improvement in PCE. Considering that the film morphology optimization of many blends can be achieved by regulating the film–forming process, it is necessary to take note of the employment of solvents and additives used during film processing, as well as the film–forming conditions. Herein, we summarize the recent investigations about thin films and expect to give some guidance for its prospective progress. The different film morphologies are discussed in detail to reveal the relationship between the morphology and device performance. Then, the principle of morphology regulating is concluded with. Finally, a future controlling of the film morphology and development is briefly outlined, which may provide some guidance for further optimizing the device performance.