Correction: Phenothiazine-based dyes for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Correction for ‘Phenothiazine-based dyes for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells’ by Zu-Sheng Huang et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2016, 4, 2404–2426.

Structural and Functional Analysis of the Antiparallel Strands in the Lumenal Loop of the Major Light-harvesting Chlorophyll a/b Complex of Photosystem II (LHCIIb) by Site-directed Mutagenesis

The light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein of photosystem II (LHCIIb) fulfills multiple functions, such as light harvesting and energy dissipation under different illuminations. The crystal structure of LHCIIb at the near atomic resolution reveals an antiparallel strands structure in the lumenal loop between the transmembrane helices B/C. To study the structural and functional significances of this structure, three amino acids (Val-119, His-120, and Ser-123) in this region have been exchanged to Phe, Leu, and Gly, respectively, and the influence of the mutagenesis on the structure and function of LHCIIb has been investigated. The results are as follows. 1) Circular dichroism spect…

Selective precipitation of alkyl dihalides using a newly synthesized water-soluble bisphosphorylpillar[5]arene

Bisphosphorylpillar[5]arenes ( and ) were synthesized and used to study the host-guest complexation in organic solvents and water. The interactions between the guests and the phosphate of the hosts lead to strong binding towards alkyl dihalides and alkyldiammonium ions. may be used to detect or separate alkyl dihalides in water due to the rapid precipitation of the complex.

Impact of hydroxy and octyloxy substituents of phenothiazine based dyes on the photovoltaic performance

Two novel organic dyes containing hydroxy and octyloxy substituents onto a phenothiazine skeleton were synthesized and their effects on the photovoltaic performance were studied. Hydroxy acts as an ancillary anchoring unit along with the carboxylic group, while the phenothiazine modified moiety acts as an electron donor. The photophysical and electrochemical studies revealed that maximum absorbance of the dye with the hydroxy group in the solution was blue shifted and its band gap increased, indicating that donor acceptor strength was reduced as compared to the octyloxy substituted dye. Furthermore, electron lifetime of the organic dye with the hydroxy moiety was shorter due to smaller resi…

Effect of structural engineering of π-spacers on anti-aggregation of D–A–π–A dyes

In this paper, the encapsulated insulated molecular wire (EIMW) and 2′,7′-bis(hexyloxy)spiro[cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b′]dithiophene-4,9′-fluorene] (SPDF) were specifically designed as efficient anti-aggregation π-bridges for two novel D–A–π–A metal-free sensitizers (IBT1 and IBT2). Compared with the reference dye IBT3 with 3,3′-dihexyl-2,2′-bithiophene (DHBT) as an anti-aggregation π-bridge, both the dyes IBT1 with EIMW and IBT2 with SPDF as π-bridges can suppress intermolecular aggregation more efficiently. The π-bridge of SPDF shows the strongest anti-aggregation ability due to the rigid ‘T’ configuration among these dyes. Meanwhile, the π-bridge of EIMW shows better anti-aggregation ability…

Performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on novel sensitizers bearing asymmetric double D−π−A chains with arylamines as donors

Abstract Three novel, metal-free organic sensitizers bearing two asymmetric double donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) chains ( DC1 - 3 ), each, and a reference dye containing single D-π-A chain ( SC ) with cyanoacrylic acid as electron acceptor are synthesized. Their photophysical, electrochemical properties and the performances of the corresponding dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are further investigated. The dyes, DC1, DC2 and DC3 contain one chain with diphenylamine and another chain with carbazole or phenothiazine as electron donor, while diphenylamine is only employed as electron donor in SC . Compared to the inferior solar energy to electricity conversion efficiency ( η ) of 2.82%, 4.66% and…

Dithienopyrrolobenzothiadiazole-based organic dyes for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Four novel D–π–A metal-free organic dyes DTP1–4 containing a dithienopyrrolobenzothiadiazole (DTPBT) unit were synthesized and applied in dye-sensitized solar cells, where DTPBT was employed as a π-spacer for the first time. The photophysical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of the dyes were systematically investigated. The dyes DTP1–4 showed broad absorption spectra and high molar extinction coefficient, resulting in high light harvesting efficiency. In addition, the impacts of donors and the thiophene unit as an additional π-spacer were also studied. The results showed that the dye DTP4 with triphenylamine as the donor exhibited better photovoltaic performance than DTP1–3 with…

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Pillar[6]arenes and Their Host-Guest Complexes

Pillar[n]arenes are a fast-growing research topic in supramolecular chemistry. Originally the focus was predominantly on pillar[5]arenes; however, now more and more studies on pillar[6]arenes are being performed. The ability and selectivity of host–guest complexations depend strongly on the size of the inner cavities of these macrocycles. New results have stimulated us to compile the synthetic entries and the complexations of pillar[6]arenes with large cylindric cavities that offer space for many different guest molecules. 1 Introduction 2 Preparation of Pillar[6]arenes 2.1 Pillar[6]arenes by Macrocyclization Reactions 2.2 Hydroxypillar[6]arenes through Ether Cleavage 2.3 Hydroxypillar[6]ar…

Intramolecular photocycloaddition of anthracene and benzene ring systems

Abstract The anthracenes 3a – c , substituted in the 9-position with 3,5-dialkoxybenzyloxymethyl groups exhibit, in diluted solutions, intramolecular [4π+4π] photocycloaddition reactions to the polycyclic compounds 4a – c . The quantitative processes are completely reversible by heating, unless acid-catalyzed cleavages lead to thermally stable mono- and diketones: 4a – c → 5a – c → 6 .

Efficient synthesis of copillar[5]arenes and their host–guest properties with dibromoalkanes

An efficient method for the synthesis of copillar[5]arenes was developed with FeCl(3) as catalyst and different 1,4-dialkoxybenzenes and paraformaldehyde as reactants (yields: 50-85%). The host-guest property of (co)pillar[5]arenes and terminal dibromoalkanes was investigated by (1)H NMR measurements and an X-ray study. The complexation behavior of the copillar[5]arenes can be tuned by changing the substituents on the host. A complete complexation selectivity was found between pillar[5]- and pillar[6]arenes, which is an interesting aspect for sensor techniques.

Structure Determination of Photoproducts of Anthracenes with (Arylmethoxymethyl) Sidechains

Irradiation of 9-(arylmethoxymethyl)anthracenes 3 leads either to a cyclomer and cyclodimer mixture (3a  4a,5a), to selectively formed dimers (3b  5b), or a selectively formed cyclomer (3c  4c). The [4π+4π]cyclodimerization is under the conditions used a regioselective head-to-tail process. In the crystals of the dimers 5a,b, the sidechains are attached in an antiperiplanar position related to the CC bonds generated in the dimerization. In solutions, however, the structures consist of three rotamers the equilibration of which was studied by temperature-dependent NMR spectra. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)

Dithienopyrrolobenzotriazole-based organic dyes with high molar extinction coefficient for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract Four novel organic dyes DT1-DT4 containing a dithienopyrrolobenzotriazole unit were synthesized and applied in dye sensitized solar cells, where dithienopyrrolobenzotriazole moiety was introduced as a π-spacer for the first time. The four dyes exhibited good light harvesting efficiency with high molar extinction coefficients and broad spectral response. The influence of the different electron donor on the photovoltaic performance was evaluated. The effects of the linear and branched alkyl chains in the π-bridge on the photophysical, electrochemical and photovoltaic performance were systemically investigated. The results show that branched alkyl chains are better than linear alkyl c…

Metal-free organic dyes with di(1-benzothieno)[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole as a donor for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells: Effect of mono- and bi-anchors on photovoltaic performance

Abstract Four novel metal-free organic dyes WL1a-b and WL2a-b containing di(1-benzothieno)[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole (DBTP) as electron donor were synthesized and applied for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), where DBTP was firstly employed as a donor in the organic dyes. It has been demonstrated that the dyes WL with DBTP as a donor show better photovoltaic performance than the reference dye PTZ with phenothiazine as a donor. In comparison with WL1a-b with one cyanoacrylic acid as mono-anchor, WL2a-b with two cyanoacrylic acids as bi-anchors show a broader light absorption on the TiO2 film and higher molar extinction coefficients in solution, resulting in higher power conversion efficiency. …

Anti-recombination organic dyes containing dendritic triphenylamine moieties for high open-circuit voltage of DSSCs

Abstract Three novel sensitizers with dendritic triphenylamine moieties were synthesized and used for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Their absorption spectra, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties were extensively investigated. All three DSSCs exhibit high open-circuit voltage over 0.8 V. The photovoltaic results indicate that the dendritic triphenylamine units improve the open-circuit voltage, which is attributed to the retardation of charge recombination, demonstrating that non-planar and larger molecules exert better blocking function. Under standard global AM 1.5 solar conditions, the best performance of the DSSCs exhibits a short-circuit current density of 10.35 mA cm−2, an …

Synthesis and Conformational Properties of Nonsymmetric Pillar[5]arenes and Their Acetonitrile Inclusion Compounds

The catalytic cyclocondensation of 1-butoxy-4-methoxy-2,5-bis(methoxymethyl)benzene (1d) affords a statistical mixture of the regioisomeric pillar[5]arenes 3a–d in high yield. The alkoxy groups are arranged stereoselectively in a mode so that they avoid steric interactions. The rotation of the benzene rings is, at room temperature, fast in terms of the NMR timescale and leads to a de facto Cs symmetry for 3a–c and a C5h symmetry for 3d. All four structural isomers can encapsulate two CH3CN guest molecules. The structure determinations are based on four crystal structure analyses (constitutions) and NMR spectroscopic measurements (conformations).

Diketopyrrolopyrrole based D-π-A-π-D type small organic molecules as hole transporting materials for perovskite solar cells

Abstract Three novel diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) based small organic molecules were synthesized as hole transporting materials for perovskite solar cells. The effects of different donors and π bridges on the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) were discussed. The efficiency of TPADPP-1, TPADPP-2, PTZDPP-2 was 5.10%, 9.85% and 8.16% respectively. Compared to TPADPP-2, the voltage of PTZDPP-2 was higher. Because the electron-donating ability of phenothiazine based donor was larger than that of triphenylamine based donor, the HOMO level of PTZDPP-2 was lower than that of TPADPP-2. The results indicated that the diketopyrrolopyrrole based D-π-A-π-D type small organic molecule might be a…

The Unusual Photochemistry of Dendrimers with an Anthracene Core

ChemInform Abstract: Optical Switches with Biplanemers Obtained by Intramolecular Photocycloaddition Reactions of Tethered Arenes

The dimerization of anthracene by a [4π + 4π] cycloaddition is one of the oldest and best known reactions in photochemistry. In the series of tethered bichromophoric arenes, this reaction type could be extended to anthracene–naphthalene, naphthalene–naphthalene and recently even to anthracene–benzene and naphthalene–benzene systems. Cyclophanes, which can be regarded as twofold or multiple tethered systems, are not discussed here. The cycloisomerizations are performed by irradiation at the long-wavelength absorption (λ > 270 nm), whereas shorter wavelengths (λ < 270 nm) lead to cycloreversions, which can be also achieved by a thermal route. The systems represent therefore a P- and T-type ph…

Impact of the position isomer of the linkage in the double D–A branch-based organic dyes on the photovoltaic performance

Abstract Three organic dyes with double D–A system were synthesized and applied in the dye-sensitized solar cells. These dyes contain phenothiazine as an electron donor and cyanoacetic acid as an acceptor/anchor. Linkages were incorporated at the ortho-, meta- and para-positions and their impact on the performance of photovoltaic was observed. Among them, the dye with a para-position linkage exhibited the highest short-circuit photocurrent density (12.26 mA cm−2) and open-circuit photovoltage (756 mV), leading to the best overall efficiency (6.14%) due to better light harvesting capacity under standard global 1.5 AM conditions. Under similar measuring conditions the dyes with ortho and meta…

Eine leichte und effiziente Herstellung von Pillararenen und einem Pillarchinon

Introduction of unsaturated segments in the bridge of metacyclophanes

Abstract The cyclophanes 2a,b, which contain a triple bond in the meta-bridge, were transformed to the allenes 3a,b by the action of bases or acids. A further isomerization yielded the dienes 4a,b with ( E,Z )- or ( Z,Z )-configuration.

Pillar[n]arenes-a Novel, Highly Promising Class of Macrocyclic Host Molecules

Since 2008 a new field of supramolecular chemistry has developed rapidly: the chemistry of pillar[n]arenes. These “younger brothers and sisters” of calixarenes are conveniently accessible and extremely guest-friendly. Guests from many different classes of organic compounds are welcome. Nevertheless, a high selectivity for the threading of guest molecules in the macrocyclic cavities can be achieved. The complex stability is characterized by association constants Ka between 10 and 1×108 M−1. The rate constants of the threading vary over several orders of magnitude. The focus of this article lies on the preparation (sections 2 and 3) and the structures (section 4) of pillar[n]arenes (n=5–10) i…

Fluorescent-Cavity Host: An Efficient Probe to Study Supramolecular Recognition Mechanisms

Using fluorometry to study the interactions between guests and host cavities is often challenging, especially for hosts with small cavities because the fluorophore may not be close to the binding site. Therefore, it is critical to overcome this hurdle to broaden the applicability of fluorometry in supramolecular chemistry. Herein, we designed a fluorescent-cavity host (H1) by conjugating the binding site of a pillar[5]arene cavity and studied its host-guest recognition mechanism in the cavity. Distinct fluorescent responses of H1 were observed for cyano homologues: the fluorescence was enhanced for succinonitrile but quenched for malononitrile. Such an unusual phenomenon with such subtle di…

Protonation and rearrangement of the tricyclo[4.2.2.22,5]dodeca-3,7,9,11-tetraene scaffold

The biplanemers 2a,b contain enol ether substructures, which permit facile protonations of the π electron system. The subsequent ether cleavage is characterized by rearrangements of the polycyclic scaffold of the carbenium ions or the electroneutral primary products. Apart from the expected products 3a and 5a, a series of unexpected ketones and diketones (4a′, 9b, 10b, 11b, and 12b) were obtained.

Synthesis and photovoltaic performance of asymmetric di-anchoring organic dyes

Abstract Two novel metal-free organic dyes bearing two asymmetric double donor–acceptor segments were synthesized. Their physical, optical, electrochemical properties and photovoltaic performances were investigated. Compared with the mono-anchoring dye containing single donor–acceptor chain, these new dyes exhibited a broader and much stronger absorption in the light wavelength ranging from 400 to 600 nm, showed higher IPCE values and short-circuit current density, which led to more efficient photovoltaic performance. The dye with triphenylamine and phenothiazine as two electron donors and two cyanoacrylic acids as two electron acceptors exhibited an impressive power conversion efficiency o…

Phenothiazine-based dyes for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

As an emerging photovoltaic technology, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted a great deal of academic and industrial interest due to their reasonably high power conversion efficiency, low material cost and facile fabrication process. Metal-free organic dyes, as one of the key components of DSSCs, play a pivotal role in light harvesting and electron injection. Among the various species of organic dyes, easily tunable 10H-phenothiazine-based dyes hold a large proportion. The electron-rich nitrogen and sulfur atoms render 10H-phenothiazine a stronger donor character than other amines, even better than triphenylamine, tetrahydroquinoline, carbazole and iminodibenzyl. On the other h…

Influence of spatial arrangements of π-spacer and acceptor of phenothiazine based dyes on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract Three phenothiazine based organic dyes PTA , PDTA and PTDA with D– π –A, π –D– π –A and A– π –D– π –A frameworks were designed and synthesized for the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Phenothiazine with octyloxyphenyl moiety acts as donor while thiophene and cyanoacetic acid units act as a π -spacer and an acceptor, respectively. The effects of the molecular structures of the dyes on the performance of the DSSCs were investigated systematically along with their photophysical and photoelectrochemical properties. The dye PTDA with A– π –D– π –A framework exhibited a better light harvesting capacity and an effective electron extraction pathway from the electron donor to the TiO 2 s…

Phenothiazine dye featuring encapsulated insulated molecular wire as auxiliary donor for high photovoltage of dye-sensitized solar cells by suppression of aggregation

Abstract Two efficient dye-sensitized solar cells have been fabricated by two novel D–D–π–A phenothiazine-based organic dyes (PH2 and PH3) with an encapsulated insulated molecular wire (EIMW) as an auxiliary donor. The cell sensitized by PH2 with EIMW as an auxiliary donor shows a much higher photovoltage (Voc) relative to the reference dye PH1 without EIMW, because the former dye can inhibit dye aggregation and suppress the charge recombination effectively. The results show that the cell sensitized by PH2 with co-adsorption of chenodeoxycholic acid obtains a high power conversion efficiency, even higher than that of the cell based on N719. Thus, an effective way to increase the photovoltag…

Monoester copillar[5]arenes: synthesis, unusual self-inclusion behavior, and molecular recognition.

The self-inclusion behavior of monoester copillar[5]arenes depends on the position of the ester group, which causes different guest selectivities. Monoester copillar[5]arenes bearing an acetate chain can form stable self-inclusion complexes in low- and high-concentration solution and exhibit high guest selectivity. However, a monoester copillar[5]arene bearing a butyrate chain can not form a self-inclusion complex and exhibits low guest selectivity. Thus, a new class of stable self-inclusion complexes of copillar[5]arenes was explored to improve the selectivity of molecular recognition.

Complexation Selectivities of Pillar[5]arenes with Primary Ammonium Salts

The complexation of alkyl-substituted pillar[5]arenes with primary ammonium salts is investigated. 1,4-Bis(methoxy)pillar[5]arene (MeP5) can form strong complexes with the primary ammonium salts in CDCl3. However, 1,4-bis(ethoxy)pillar[5]arene (EtP5) shows weak interaction with these guests, and 1,4-bis(butoxy)pillar[5]arene (BuP5) can not form such a complex at all. These results indicate that the modified alkyl chains of pillar[5]arene play an important role in the complexation selectivity.

A Dendrimer Chiroptical Switch Based on the Reversible Intramolecular Photoreaction of Anthracene and Benzene Rings

A series of Fréchet-type dendrimers with 9-benzyloxymethylanthracene cores were synthesized and characterized. The chiral source for the dendrimers was an (S)-2-methyl-1-butoxy group in the 3-position of the benzene ring. Irradiation at 366 nm of a dilute benzene solution led to the formation of two diastereomers (1:1) through a quantitative intramolecular [4pi+4pi] cycloaddition between the central anthracene ring and the neighboring benzene ring. The process can be reversed with 254 nm UV light or heat. The benzene rings in the dendrons work as a light-harvesting system. The optical rotation values measured for the reversible process showed fatigue resistance. Thus, a promising new type o…

Die ungewöhnliche Photochemie von Dendrimeren mit Anthracen als Kern

Photochemical generation of benzene–naphthalene biplanemers

Abstract A direct biplanemer synthesis could be achieved by a quantitative [4π+4π]photocycloaddition of benzyloxy substituted benzene and naphthalene rings ( 3d , e  ⇄  4d , e ). Since the products do not show a thermal Cope rearrangement—in contrast to the related longicyclic conjugated 9,10-benzotricyclo[4.2.2.2 2,5 ]dodeca-3,7,9-trienes—but a quantitative reverse reaction, they are interesting systems for an optical switching.

ChemInform Abstract: Pillar[n]arenes - A Novel, Highly Promising Class of Macrocyclic Host Molecules

Review: [preparation, structure in solution and in the solid state and complexation; 100 refs.

ChemInform Abstract: Phenylethynyl- and Phenylethenylmetacyclophanes.

The cyclophanes 6,8,10 and 13–15 were synthesized by cesium assisted ring closure reactions. The main interest in these systems concerns the interaction of the unsaturated bridge with the tolan and the stilbene chromophores, respectively.

2,3-Dipentyldithieno[3,2-f:2′,3′-h]quinoxaline-Based Organic Dyes for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Effect of π-Bridges and Electron Donors on Solar Cell Performance

Five novel metal-free organic dyes DQ1-5 containing a dipentyldithieno[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline (DPQ) unit were synthesized and applied in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), where DPQ was employed as a π-spacer for the first time. Their photophysical, electrochemical, and theoretical calculations and photovoltaic properties were systematically investigated. All the five dyes show broad photoresponse. Especially the absorption edges of DQ3-5 extend to 800 nm on the TiO2 films. The inserted electron-rich unit 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene or electron-withdrawing group benzothiadiazole (BTD) in DPQ-based dyes can greatly influence the optoelectronic properties of the dyes. In addition, the diff…

Pillar[5]arene-Diketopyrrolopyrrole Fluorescent Copolymer: A Promising Recognition and Adsorption Material for Adiponitrile by Selective Formation of a Conjugated Polypseudorotaxane

Conjugated pillar[5]arene-diketopyrrolopyrrole copolymer (P1) is synthesized by the copolymerization of a difunctionalized pillar[5]arene and a diketopyrrolopyrrole-based monomer, which shows large extinction coefficients (1.1 × 104 m-1 cm-1 ) at 519 nm and strong emission at 587 nm. P1 exhibits very strong host-guest binding affinity towards adiponitrile but low binding affinity towards 1,4-dihalobutane and 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)butane. Such an enhanced selectivity is first found in the polypseudorotaxane between pillararene and neutral guests in organic solution and is successfully used for the recognition and adsorption of adiponitrile by the formation of a P1-adiponitrile polypseudorota…

Impact of π-conjugation configurations on the photovoltaic performance of the quinoxaline-based organic dyes

Abstract Three novel quinoxaline-based donor-π-acceptor type organic dyes were synthesized and explored as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The impacts of various π-conjugation configurations which contain different quinoxaline derivatives on the absorption properties, electrochemical properties and photovoltaic performances, as well as theoretical calculations have been investigated systematically. The photovoltaic performances of these dyes were found to be highly relevant to the π-conjugated configurations. In particular, the DSSC based on the dye with 2,3-dioctylquinoxaline as the spacer exhibited the highest efficiency of 8.20% with a short-circuit photocurrent densit…

Pillararene-based fluorescent sensors for the tracking of organic compounds

Abstract Fluorescent chemosensors based on pillararene complexes represent a new, promising branch in sensor technology. Because of CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions, aliphatic chains are well suited for the columnar cavities of pillararenes and bulky or sheet-like (sub)structures can be arranged on the portals. Thus, pillararenes form versatile receptors and an alteration of the fluorescence behavior upon complexation ensures the function of these chemosensors as the reporter. Although this field of research exists only since a few years, remarkable chemosensors were developed for substances as diverse as medical drugs, biochemicals, herbicides and explosives.

Dimerization control in the self-assembly behavior of copillar[5]arenes bearing ω-hydroxyalkoxy groups.

Two novel copillar[5]arenes bearing ω-hydroxyalkoxy groups are synthesized and their self-assembly properties are studied by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, specific viscosity, and X-ray measurements. The copillar[5]arene 2b bearing a 6-hydroxyhexyloxy group exhibits a reversible self-assembly behavior, leading to the formation of the self-inclusion monomer and hugging dimers. The reversible self-assembly behavior can be controlled by tuning solvent, temperature, guest, and H-bond interaction. However, the copillar[5]arene 2a bearing a short 4-hydroxybutyloxy group does not show such a self-assembly behavior to the formation of the self-inclusion monomer and hugging dimers.

Novel dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole-based organic dyes with high molar extinction coefficient for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract Three new metal-free organic dyes FD1 – 3 with a planar dithieno[3,2- b :2′,3′- d ]pyrrole unit as linker were synthesized and used for dye-sensitized solar cells with high molar extinction coefficients. In this work, dithieno[3,2- b :2′,3′- d ]pyrrole was employed as π-conjugated bridge to construct A–π– d –π–A organic dyes, where 9,9-dihexyl-9 H -fluorene was used as a donor, and cyanoacrylic acid as an electron acceptor. For a typical device, a solar energy conversion efficiency ( η ) of 6.36% based on FD2 was achieved under simulated AM 1.5 solar irradiation (100 mW cm −2 ) with a short-circuit photocurrent density ( J sc ) of 13.76 mA cm −2 , an open-circuit voltage ( V oc ) o…

Effect of the linkage location in double branched organic dyes on the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs

Two novel double branched D–π–A organic dyes (DB dyes) are synthesized to investigate the influence of the linkage location in DB dyes on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), where phenothiazine is introduced as a donor, thiophene–benzotriazole unit as the π-bridge and cyanoacrylic acid as the electron-acceptor. The photophysical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of the dyes are systematically investigated. The results show that the location of the linkage unit has a small effect on the physical and electrochemical properties of the dyes. However, when the dyes are applied in DSSCs, an obvious decline of short-circuit current (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc)…

An efficient probe for sensing different concentration ranges of glutathione based on AIE-active Schiff base nanoaggregates with distinct reaction mechanism

Abstract A novel tetraphenylethene-diketopyrrolopyrrole Schiff base (TPE-DPP) was synthesized by one-pot protocol. Based on thiol group and acid-base property of glutathione, nanoaggregates of TPE-DPP for sensitive and selective detection of diff ;erent concentration ranges of glutathione by two distinct reaction mechanisms was reported. It showed a turn-on mode of fluorescence signals towards low concentration of GSH by hydrolysis of TPE-DPP, but a ratiometric mode of fluorescence signal was elicited towards high concentration of GSH by addition reaction of thiol with TPE-DPP. What’s more, the probe was successfully utilized for monitoring GSH in living cells.

A conjugated polymer with ethyl 2-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl) acetate units as a novel fluorescent chemosensor for silver(I) detection

Abstract A novel conjugated polymer ( P1 ) containing fluorene and ethyl 2-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazol-1-yl)acetate (PBMA) was designed and successfully synthesized through the Sonogashira coupling reaction. P1 shows high sensitivity and selectivity for Ag + detection in comparison to other metal cations. Upon addition of Ag + , the fluorescent emission of the polymer solution in THF was quenched dramatically, accompanying the color changed from blue to green. The detection limit for Ag + was 5 × 10 −8  mol L −1 . However, the similar copolymers P2 and P3 containing 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazole and 2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazole, respectively, did not …

Synthesis and photovoltaic performance of dihydrodibenzoazepine-based sensitizers with additional lateral anchor

Three novel metal-free organic dyes with dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine as a donor and cyanoacrylic acid as an anchoring unit were designed as an innovative linear skeleton of D-D-pi-A type of organic dyes. The conversion efficiency of the derived dye-sensitized solar cells is moderate. Among them, the dye with a hydroxy group as an additional anchoring moiety exhibited the highest UV-Vis absorption with a maximum molar extinction coefficient of 24,136 M-1 cm(-1) at lambda(max) = 458 nm and the best photovoltaic performance with an overall power conversion efficiency of 4.88%, while the dye with a carboxy group as an additional anchoring moiety exhibited the lowest conversion efficiency (4.…

Synthesis of Pillar[6]arenes and Their Host–Guest Complexes

Pillar[n]arenes are a fast-growing research topic in supramolecular chemistry. Originally the focus was predominantly on pillar[5]arenes; however, now more and more studies on pillar[6]arenes are being performed. The ability and selectivity of host–guest complexations depend strongly on the size of the inner cavities of these macrocycles. New results have stimulated us to compile the synthetic entries and the complexations of pillar[6]arenes with large cylindric cavities that offer space for many different guest molecules. 1 Introduction 2 Preparation of Pillar[6]arenes 2.1 Pillar[6]arenes by Macrocyclization Reactions 2.2 Hydroxypillar[6]arenes through Ether Cleavage 2.3 Hydroxypillar[6]ar…

Organic Dye Bearing Asymmetric Double Donor-π-Acceptor Chains for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

A novel efficient metal free sensitizer containing asymmetric double donor-π-acceptor chains (DC) was synthesized for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Comparing to 3.80%, 4.40% and 4.64% for the DSSCs based on the dyes with single chain (SC1, SC2) and cosensitizers (SC1 + SC2), the overall conversion efficiency reaches 6.06% for DC-sensitized solar cells as a result of its longer electron lifetime and higher incident monochromatic photon-to-current conversion efficiency.

Synthesis and photovoltaic performance of the porphyrin based sensitizers with 2H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-c]pyridine and benzotriazole as auxiliary acceptors

Abstract Two novel zinc porphyrin dyes containing either benzotriazole or 2 H -[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5- c ]pyridine as auxiliary acceptors, respectively, were synthesized for dye-sensitized solar cells. These two auxiliary acceptors were firstly applied into porphyrin based dyes. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the dyes were investigated. These two dyes show the whole visible light absorption when they are adsorbed on the TiO 2 film, which means that they are promising sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells. The absorption intensity of the triazolopyridine containing dye is higher than that of the benzotriazole containing dye, resulting in a better light harvesting. Thus…

Conjugating pillararene dye in dye-sensitized solar cells

Summary The improvement of open-circuit voltage (VOC) is a crucial goal to develop efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Here, conjugating pillar[5]arene dyes (PPI and PPII) are designed, synthesized, and applied in DSSCs. The presence of pillar[5]arene moiety in the dyes inhibits the dye aggregation and charge recombination in the DSSCs, leading to the enhancement of VOC. PPI with a single D-π-A backbone and a pillar[5]arene moiety achieves a VOC of 715 mV, which is much higher than the reference dye (VOC of 674 mV) with the same D-π-A backbone but no pillar[5]arene moiety. PPII with 2 D-π-A backbones also achieves a VOC of 746 mV and a much higher short-circuit photocurrent (JSC) …

Phenothiazine-based dyes with bilateral extension of π-conjugation for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Four novel organic photo-sensitizers based on phenothiazine were designed, synthesized and characterized for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. Anisole, octyloxybenzene and dodecyloxybenzene were incorporated into the phenothiazine by an Ullmann reaction. An additional octyloxybenzene was incorporated into one dye unit through a Suzuki coupling reaction. The modified phenothiazine moiety acts as an electron donor and cyanoacrylic acid acts as an electron acceptor and anchoring unit. The photophysical, electrochemical and sensitizing characteristics of the new dyes were evaluated. The bis(octyloxybenzene) substituted dye delivered the best performance with its sensitized solar cell displa…

A monophosphoryl copillar[5]arene: synthesis and host–guest complexation with alkanols

A monophosphoryl copillar[5]arene 1 was prepared. The introduction of the phosphoryl group remarkably promoted the binding affinity of 1 with alkanols and alkanediols in comparison with 1,4-dimethoxypillar[5]arene. Thus 1 can form a stable 1 : 1 host–guest complex with alkanols in CDCl3.

Crystal Structure and Host-Guest Binding Ability of Three Types of Pillar[5]arenes

A systematic research of the structural characterization and the host-guest binding abilities between three types of pillar[5]arenes 3–5 (3 for Structure Type I, 4 for Structure Type II and 5 for Structure Type III) is carried out by 1H NMR measurements and X-ray study. The results show that the configurations or symmetry of their cavities not only have large difference in these three types of pillar[5]arenes, but also have more or less variations even in the same structure type or the same host locked different guests such as crystals of 3a–3b, 4a–4d. On the other hand, the complexation behavior of pillar[5]arenes with 1,4-dibromobutane (DBB) is affected by the different symmetrical struct…

Phenylethynyl- and Phenylethenylmetacyclophanes with π,π Interactions

Metal-free organic dyes with di(1-benzothieno)[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole as an auxiliary donor for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells: Effect of the molecular engineering on the photovoltaic performance

Abstract A series of novel di(1-benzothieno)[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole (DBTP)-based organic dyes (WL5-10) with D-D-π-A or D-D-A-π-A configurations are designed and the relationship between the properties and molecular configurations of these organic dyes are studied systematically. WL5,7–8 with D-D-π-A configuration incorporating triphenylamine or phenothiazine as donor and DBTP as auxiliary donor and WL9-10 with D-D-A-π-A configuration incorporating benzothiadiazole as an auxiliary acceptor are synthesized to study the effect of the molecular engineering on the photovoltaic performance. WL5,7–8 exhibit similar absorption spectra and high molar extinction coefficient. Especially, the dye WL5 wi…

Trilateral π-conjugation extensions of phenothiazine-based dyes enhance the photovoltaic performance of the dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract Two novel organic dyes TLEP-1 and TLEP-2 based on phenothiazine with trilateral π-conjugation extensions were designed and synthesized for dye-sensitized solar cells, where phenothiazine ring was linked with two phenyl moieties at 7- and 10-positions as the first and second π-conjugation extensions, and with furan or thiophene ring at 3-position as the third π-conjugation extension for TLEP-1 and TLEP-2, respectively. The influence of the π-conjugation extensions on the photovoltaic performance was evaluated. The cell based on TLEP-2 exhibits an impressive short-circuit photocurrent density of 14.87 mA cm−2, which is much higher than the cell based on the reference dye without π-co…

Synthesis of phenothiazine-based di-anchoring dyes containing fluorene linker and their photovoltaic performance

Abstract A new di-anchoring organic dye based on phenothiazine featuring A-D-π-D-A (acceptor-donor-π-linker-donor-acceptor) configuration with fluorene as the π linker was designed and successfully synthesized. Compared to the corresponding mono-anchoring D-A congener, this new dye exhibited a broader and stronger absorption in the light wavelength ranging from 400 nm to 600 nm and thus showed a more efficient photovoltaic performance for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The overall power conversion efficiency (η) of this new dye in a sensitized solar cell amounted to 5.70%, which is 17% higher than that of the equivalent based counterpart (4.87%). On the other hand, the introduction of …

Double D–π–A branched dyes – a new class of metal-free organic dyes for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Double branched donor acceptor compounds (D–π–A)2L, whose separate branches are linked by saturated chains or ring systems, are highly promising sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Their photovoltaic performance η (power conversion efficiency PCE) is higher than the η value of the corresponding single branched sensitizers D–π–A. This advantage can be attributed to the lower aggregation tendency and to the higher loading density of the chromophores on the semi-conductor surface (TiO2). Moreover, the intramolecular transfer of the excitation energy can enhance the contact time of the adsorbed dye molecules in the excited state S1 and thus reduce the unwanted charge recombinati…

A pillar[5]arene-containing cross-linked polymer: synthesis, characterization and adsorption of dihaloalkanes and n-alkylene dinitriles

A pillar[5]arene-containing cross-linked polymer was synthesized via Williamson reaction involving monohydroxy pillar[5]arene with chloromethylated polystyrene. Its adsorption behavior towards guests was investigated. It was found that the pillar[5]arene-containing polymer exhibited good adsorption capacities towards dihaloalkanes and dinitriles by host-guest complexation.

Rearrangement of the carbon skeleton in the intramolecular photoadduct of anthracene and benzene rings

Abstract The effectivity of optical switching between anthracene derivatives 3a,b and their intramolecular photocycloadducts 4a,b is impaired by traces of acid. The systematic treatment of 4a,b with an increasing excess of formic acid revealed that—apart from the normal enolether cleavage 4a,b → 6a,b → 7a,b —a cleavage with rearrangement of the carbon skeleton can occur: 5b → 6b′ . The driving force is a stability enhancement of the involved carbenium ions 5b → 5b′ . A further increased excess of formic acid leads finally to a competitive ether cleavage in the tetrahydrofuran ring 5b → 8 .

Optical Switching and Antenna Effect of Dendrimers with an Anthracene Core

Dendrimers 6G(i) (i=1-4) consisting of an anthracene core and Fréchet dendrons which are attached via a CH(2)OCH(2) chain in the 9-position undergo quantitative and completely reversible intramolecular [4pi+4pi] cycloaddition. The process can be monitored by absorption and fluorescence measurements. The Fréchet dendrons act as an energy funnel that collects and focuses the photon energy but does not change the photostationary states, which for both directions are completely on the product side when the separate chromophores are selectively irradiated. The quantum yields of anthracene fluorescence and of singlet energy transfer from the dendrons to the core were studied as a function of dend…

Stronger host-guest binding does not necessarily give brighter particles: a case study on polymeric AIEE-tunable and size-tunable supraspheres.

Supraspheres were prepared from a pillar[5]arene-based linear polymer (the host) and several multitopic guests. According to host-guest binding studies in nanosystems, the optical and structural properties (fluorescence capability, density, and particle size) of the nanoparticles were correlated not with the host-guest binding affinities, but with the relative fluorescence quantum yield.

Pillarquinones and Pillararenequinones

Optical switches with biplanemers obtained by intramolecular photocycloaddition reactions of tethered arenes.

The dimerization of anthracene by a [4π + 4π] cycloaddition is one of the oldest and best known reactions in photochemistry. In the series of tethered bichromophoric arenes, this reaction type could be extended to anthracene–naphthalene, naphthalene–naphthalene and recently even to anthracene–benzene and naphthalene–benzene systems. Cyclophanes, which can be regarded as twofold or multiple tethered systems, are not discussed here. The cycloisomerizations are performed by irradiation at the long-wavelength absorption (λ > 270 nm), whereas shorter wavelengths (λ < 270 nm) lead to cycloreversions, which can be also achieved by a thermal route. The systems represent therefore a P- and T-type ph…

Molecular design of the diketopyrrolopyrrole-based dyes with varied donor units for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract Three types of novel diketopyrrolopyrrole-based organic dyes ( Type 1 – 3 ) with phenyl unit as an additional π -bridge and triphenylamine or phenothiazine as the donors are designed and synthesized for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Type 1 dyes incorporating the donor segment directly to the diketopyrrolopyrrole core lead to a better electron communication between the donor and acceptor, allowing an efficient charge transfer process. Type 2 and Type 3 dyes with a phenyl unit between the donor and diketopyrrolopyrrole unit show lower delocalization of the excited state. Compared with Type 3 dyes, Type 1 dyes exhibit higher conjugated skeleton co planarity and shorter electron …

A facile and efficient preparation of pillararenes and a pillarquinone.

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