DJL

Inverted device architectures for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) require suitable interfaces or buffer layers to enhance electron injection from highwork-function transparent electrodes. A solution-processable combination of ZnO and PEI is reported, that facilitates electron injection and enables efficient and air-stable inverted devices. Replacing the metal anode by highly conductive polymers enables transparent OLEDs.

An overview of some recent developments of the chemistry of molecular donor materials for organic photovoltaics (OPV) is presented. Although molecular materials have been used for the fabrication of OPV cells from the very beginning of the field, the design of molecular donors specifically designed for OPV is a relatively recent research area. In the past few years, molecular donors have been used in both vacuum-deposited and solution-processed OPV cells and both fields have witnessed impressive progress with power conversion efficiencies crossing the symbolic limit of 10 %. However, this progress has been achieved at the price of an increasing complexity of the chemistry of active materials and of the technology of device fabrication. This evolution probably inherent to the progress of research is difficult to reconcile with the necessity for OPV to demonstrate a decisive economic advantage over existing silicon technology. In this short review various classes of molecular donors are discussed with the aim of defining possible basic molecular structures that can combine structural simplicity, low molecular weight, synthetic accessibility, scalability and that can represent possible starting points for the development of simple and cost-effective OPV materials.

Various classes of molecules used as donor materials in heterojunction organic solar cells are presented. Special emphasis is placed on molecular structures that combine low molecular weight, (in general inferior to 500) structural simplicity and synthetic accessibility with reasonable yield. Such systems are discussed as possible working structures for the development of simple and cost-effective materials for organic photovoltaics.

Hierarchical MoS₂ shells supported on carbon spheres (denoted as C@MoS₂) have been synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method. The obtained hierarchical C@MoS₂ microspheres simultaneously integrate the structural and compositional design rationales for high-energy electrode materials based on two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the hierarchical C@MoS₂ microspheres manifest high specific capacity, enhanced cycling stability and good rate capability.

High-energy anode materials: Hierarchical MoS₂ shells supported on carbon spheres (denoted as C@MoS₂) have been synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the hierarchical C@MoS₂ microspheres manifest high specific capacity, enhanced cycling stability and good rate capability (see figure).

Is one electron sufficient to bring about significant σ bonding between two atoms? The chemist’s view on the chemical bond is usually tied to the concept of shared electron pairs, and not too much experimental evidence exists to challenge this firm belief. Whilst species with the unusual one-electron σ-bonding motif between homonuclear atoms have so far been identified mainly by spectroscopic evidence, we present herein the first crystallographic characterization, augmented by a detailed quantum-chemical validation, for a radical anion featuring a B⋅B one-electron-two-center σ bond.

One is enough: The first structurally characterized radical anion containing a B⋅B one-electron σ bond shows a significantly shorter B⋅⋅⋅B distance than the uncharged starting material, while the boron centers largely maintain their local planarity.

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), receive a lot of attention, because of their intriguing properties and wide applications in catalysis, energy-storage devices, electronics, optoelectronics, and so on. To further enhance the performance of their application, these 2D nanomaterials are hybridized with other functional nanostructures. In this review, the latest studies of 2D nanomaterial-based hybrid nanostructures are discussed, focusing on their preparation methods, properties, and applications.

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), receive a lot of attention due to their attractive properties and wide applications. Their performance can be further enhanced by the formation of hybrid structures with other functional materials. In this review, the latest studies in 2D nanomaterial-based hybrid nanostructures are discussed, focusing on their preparation methods, properties, and applications.

Make it connected! 2D close-packed layers of inorganic nanoparticles are interconnected by organic fibrils of oleic acid as clearly visualized by electron holography. These fibrils can be mineralised by PbS to transform an organic-inorganic framework to a completely interconnected inorganic semiconducting 2D array.