Zwitterions and polyoxometalates (POMs) are two kinds of functional moieties with very different properties for applications in different fields. We have developed an effective strategy to successfully immobilize these two different moieties into the frameworks of porous hybrid materials, in which the POM units act as templates and photoactive moieties. These hybrid materials demonstrate remark...

A comprehensive three-dimensional simulation model for non-planar substrate lithography is presented. Matching substrate as well as standing wave effects are examined. The projection printing is simulated using Hopkins' results and the exposure model is solved using spectral element discretizations of the nonlinear wave equation coupled with the rate equation for the photoactive compound concen...

Self-assembly of polyaromatic systems has proved to be a powerful technique to construct nanoscale optoelectronic materials. However, attempts to develop self-assembled nanomaterials guided by pristine polyaromatic molecules have been limited. Here the construction of photoactive nanocapsules through the scission of an aromatic bilayer membrane driven by curved corannulene intercalation is repo...

5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(3-hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (mTHPC, Temoporfin) is a widely investigated second generation photosensitizer. Its initial use in solution form (Foscan®) is now complemented by nanoformulations (Fospeg®, Foslip®) and new chemical derivatives related to the basic hydroxyphenylporphyrin framework. Advances in formulation, chemical modifications and targeting strategies open the way f...

Enhancement in the efficiency of air processed bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices is demonstrated via the addition of highly stable uncapped gold (Au) and aluminum (Al) nanoparticles (NPs) into the photoactive layer. An enhancement in conversion efficiency by 15% is observed, which can be attributed to Localised Surface Plasmon Resonance effects at the small diameter Au NPs and to efficie...

Photocatalytic lithography is proved for the realization of micropatterned polymer brushes. Initiator-functionalized titanium dioxide or silicon surfaces are respectively exposed directly to near-UV light through a photomask (direct approach) or through a transparent photoactive TiO2 film (remote approach). Initiator patterns are then amplified as polymer brushes with SI-ATRP. Features down to ...

A unique hydrothermal selective hydrogenation process is carried out effectively in a simple and friendly way without adding any precious metal catalysts and hydrogen gas from outside. The self-assembly of the hydrogenated product 3-(4-(pyridin-4-yl)piperidin-1-yl) benzoate (PYPDB) with the zinc ion produces a highly stable photoactive complex Zn(PYPDB)2 displaying interesting long range electr...

NREL has recently begun investing polymer-based photovoltaic cells. We present initial results on a novel energy conversion device that uses both semiconducting polymers and organic small molecules as photoactive layers, using the advantageous properties of both classes of materials. By incorporating polymers into the device, we see results that are surprisingly good for a planar organic device...

Hole extraction in organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) can be modulated by a surface-enriched layer formed on top of the conducting polymer-based hole extraction layer (HEL). This tunes the surface work function of the HEL to better align with the ionization potential of the polymeric photoactive layer. Results show noticeable improvement in device power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in OPVs. We...

A novel photoactive polymer with two different molecular weights is reported, based on a new building block: thieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene isoindigo. Due to the improved crystallinity, optimal blend morphology, and higher charge mobility, solar-cell devices of the high-molecular-weight polymer exhibit a superior performance, affording efficiencies of 9.1% without the need for additives, anneal...