Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital Energy Research Articles

Synthesis, characterization and theoretical aspects of copper and zinc divalent ion complexes with azo dye derived from 4,5-diphenylimidazole

Azo dye ligand derived from 4,5-diphenyl imidazole and 4,4-diaminodiphenylmethane was synthesized by diazomium coupling reaction. In this reaction an amine (4,4-diaminodiphenylmethane was converted to the diazonium salt and coupled with 4,5-diphenyl imidazole. The bright coloured Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with this ligand were synthesized by refluxing the latest with both metals chloride salts. The prepared compounds were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FTIR, UV-Visible, molar conductivity and atomic absorption. By the infrared data, the coordination between copper and zinc ions and the azo ligand achieved through the nitrogen of the azo group and one of the nitrogen atoms in the imidazole ring. By the molar conductivity test, the non- electrolytic nature of both complexes was also confirmed. The suggested structure for these complexes is octahedral. Using density functional theory (DFT) some theoretical data was obtained for the synthesized complexes. The obtained data include the highest occupied and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals energy (HOMO and LUMO), electron density, thermodynamic functions (ΔG°, ΔS°, ΔH°, ΔE°), ionization potential (IP), electron affinity (EA), electrophilicity(ὠ), electronegativity (En), chemical hardness (η) and dipole moment (μ). According to these studied parameters some properties of the two complexes were explained and discussed.
 KEY WORDS: Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes, Azo ligand, 4,5-Diphenylimidazole, 4,4-Diaminodiphenylmethane, Theoretical study
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 313-323. 
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.4

Theoretical investigations on electronic structure and optoelectronic properties of vinyl fused monomeric and oligomeric benzimidazole derivatives using DFT and TDDFT techniques.

The present work encompasses the theoretical investigation of 14 benzimidazole-based (seven vinyl fused monomeric benzimidazole (VFMBI) and seven vinyl fused oligomeric benzimidazole (VFOBI)) derivatives using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) techniques. The effects of electron donor and acceptor groups on the electronic structure such as HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) and LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) energies, HOMO-LUMO energy gap, ionization potentials (IPs), electron affinities (EAs), internal reorganization energies of holes and electrons (λh/e), and excited state properties have been explored in the present work. In addition, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of these compounds has been investigated to reveal the typical stabilization interactions in these molecules. Hence, the aim of the present work is to explore the electronic structures and optoelectronic properties of the title molecules on the basis of the DFT quantum chemical calculations and to make an idea on the parameters influencing the optoelectronic efficiency toward a better understanding of the structure-property relationships. Moreover, the calculated results reveal the suitable optoelectronic properties of benzimidazole oligomer derivatives using theoretical techniques. Of the investigated molecules, 4_MABIMCY and 4_MABIOCY show potential optoelectronic properties and can be used as a potential charge transport material due to their narrow band gap, high hyperpolarizability, low ionization potential, and high electron affinity. The larger λab and λem values favor the system to be used as a potential optoelectronic material with better optical properties. All quantum chemical calculations were carried out using Gaussian09 theoretical chemistry code. Ground state calculations were made using the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) method. All excited state calculations had been computed using TDB3P86/6-311++(d,p). The initial structure for excited state calculations was optimized using the AM1 semi-empirical method.

Asymmetric Charge Distribution of Active Centers in Small Molecule Quinone Cathode Boosts High‐Energy and High‐Rate Aqueous Zinc‐Organic Batteries

AbstractSmall molecule quinone compounds are attractive cathode materials for rechargeable aqueous zinc‐organic batteries (AZOBs) because of their structural diversity and low‐cost merits. Among them, nonpolar quinones are dominant given the relatively low solubilities in aqueous electrolytes. However, their poor electronic conductivity and accumulated Coulombic repulsion lead to underutilized active sites and sluggish redox kinetics. Here, polar 2,6‐dimethoxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone (m‐DMBQ) works as an advanced AZOB cathode with unexpectedly superior performance over the nonpolar isomer of 2,5‐dimethoxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone (p‐DMBQ). The asymmetric charge distribution of active centers in the p−π conjugated backbone of m‐DMBQ induces reduced bandgap with improved electronic conductivity and redox activity, thus achieving a high specific capacity of 312 mAh g−1 approaching the theoretical limit. Additionally, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level is lowered for an increased average discharge voltage of 0.88 V. Characterizations and computational studies revealed boosted competitiveness of H+ relative to Zn2+ for significantly enhanced charge transfer kinetics and reversibility. As a result, the as‐fabricated AZOB achieves a high energy density of 275 Wh kg−1 based on m‐DMBQ along with high‐rate capability and long‐term cycling stability. This work provides a new molecular engineering strategy through regulating charge distribution symmetry for boosting charge storage in organic cathodes.

Spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman, NMR and UV–vis), quantum calculation, molecular structure, solvent interaction, ADME and molecular docking investigation on 4-oxo-4h-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid

The present work, spectroscopic and quantum computational study has been carried out for the molecule 4-oxo-4H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid. The stable conformer of the title molecule was identified using Potential Energy Surface (PES) scan. The structural and geometrical parameters of the stable conformer of the molecule were determined by Density Functional Theory (DFT) using B3LYP method along with the basis set 6-311++G(d,p) through Gaussian 09 W software. The theoretical and experimental investigations such as Vibrational (FT-IR and FT-Raman), UV–visible and NMR analysis were done. The FT-IR were recorded in the region of (4000–400 cm−1) and FT-Raman in the region of (4000–100 cm−1), and the vibrational bands were compared with the theoretical values. Carbon NMR and Proton NMR spectra have been analyzed in DMSO solution. The theoretical chemical shift values were determined using Gauge Independent Atomic Orbital (GIAO) method. The intermolecular and intra-molecular bonding of orbitals and transfer of charge were studied using the Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis. The respective transitional study was done through UV–vis's spectra and theoretical values predicted using TD-DFT (Time Dependent – DFT) method for both gas and solvent (ethanol) state. HOMO (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital) – LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital) energy gap results prove the exchange of charges inside the molecule. Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) is used to identify the nucleophilic and electrophilic sites of the molecule. To check the bioactive nature of the title molecule the drug-likeness was determined. Molecular docking is used to analyze the biological activity of the title molecule. The distribution of torsional angles in a protein structure is viewed by the Ramachandran plots of the molecules.

Molecular structure, HOMO–LUMO, and NLO studies of some quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide derivatives: Computational (HF and DFT) analysis

The theoretical investigation results of quinoxaline-1, 4-dioxide (I), and some of its derivatives (II-VII) were reported in this paper. Quantum chemical calculations were performed on seven molecules at ab initio/RHF/6–311++G (d, p) and DFT/B3LYP/6–311++G (d, p) levels of theory. Calculated optimized molecular structures, dipole moments, polarizabilities, and first order hyperpolarizabilities for all molecules were dedicated. Also, the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), EHOMO (the highest occupied molecular orbital energy), ELUMO (the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy), HOMO-LUMO energy gap (ΔE), quantum chemical parameters such as chemical potential (Pi), absolute electronegativity (χ), chemical hardness (η), global softness (S), and global electrophilicity (ω) are investigated. 1HNMR spectrum for quinoxaline-1, 4-dioxide (I) was calculated and compared with experimental data. The results of two theoretical methods have been analyzed using the Excel program in the linear regression method.

Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in HCl Solution Using MPO: Experimental and Theoretical Insights

Corrosion is a pervasive challenge in various industrial applications, particularly in acidic environments. This comprehensive study delves into the effectiveness of 2-methyl-4-propyl-1,3-oxathiane (MPO) as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel exposed to hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions. The investigation employs weight loss techniques to assess the inhibitor's performance over varying durations (ranging from 1 to 48 hours) and concentrations (0.1 to 1 mM). At a concentration of 0.5 mM, the inhibitor demonstrates impressive inhibitory efficiency, ranging from 87.6% at 303 K to 92.9% at 333 K during a 5-hour exposure period. Additionally, the impact of temperature on the corrosion inhibition process is examined at temperatures of 303, 313, 323, and 333 K, showing substantial inhibition efficiencies. Quantum chemical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods elucidate the molecular interactions between MPO and the metal surface. Notably, the analysis of EHOMO (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital Energy), ELUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital Energy), Egap (Energy Gap), total hardness (η), electronegativity (χ), and electron fraction transition atom (ΔN) reveals valuable insights into MPO's corrosion inhibition capabilities. The outcomes underscore MPO's potential as an effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in HCl environments, laying the groundwork for more efficient corrosion prevention strategies in industrial settings.

A nitrile solvent structure induced stable solid electrolyte interphase for wide-temperature lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are extensively employed in various fields. Nonetheless, LIBs utilizing ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolytes incur capacity degradation in a wide-temperature range, which is attributable to the slow Li+ transfer kinetics at low temperatures and solvent decomposition during high-rate cycling at high temperatures. Here, we designed a novel electrolyte by substituting nitrile solvents for EC, characterized by low de-solvation energy and high ionic conductivity. The correlation between the carbon chain length of nitrile solvents with reduction stability and the Li+-solvated coordination was investigated. The results revealed that the valeronitrile (VN) solvent displayed an enhanced lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level and low de-solvation energy, which helped construct robust SEI interfacial layers and improved kinetics of interfacial ion transfer in wide-temperature LIBs. The VN-based electrolyte employed in graphite‖NCM523 pouch cells achieved a discharge capacity of 89.84% at a 20C rate at room temperature. Meanwhile, the cell exhibited 3C rate cycling stability even at a high temperature of 55 °C. Notably, the VN-based electrolyte exhibited a high ionic conductivity of 1.585 mS cm-1 at -50 °C. The discharge capacity of pouch cells retained 75.52% and 65.12% of their room temperature capacity at -40 °C and -50 °C, respectively. Wide-temperature-range batteries with VN-based electrolytes have the potential to be applied in various extreme environments.

A low concentration electrolyte additive for constructing solid-electrolyte interphase on a Zn metal anode for aqueous batteries.

Zn metal anodes in aqueous batteries experience inhomogeneous deposition and corrosion issues. Herein, we introduced, at a low concentration, dioxane (DX) as an electrolyte additive to stabilize a Zn anode. The oxygen sites of DX endowed it with a strong affinity for Zn and Zn2+, resulting in its adsorption onto the Zn electrode surface and its coordination with Zn2+ locally. The Zn2+-DX species exhibited a decreased lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level relative to those of water-involved components. The DX additive not only inhibited side reactions but also generated a stable solid-electrolyte interphase on the Zn electrode, ensuring a uniform Zn deposition. As a result of including the additive, the cycle life of the Zn symmetric cell was extended from 99 h to 2100 h, and the coulombic efficiency in Zn//Cu cell reached 99.5%.

Comparative Computational Study on Molecular Structure, Electronic and Vibrational Analysis of Vinyl Bromide based on HF and DFT Approach

In this study, we have used the Hartree-Fock and Density Functional Theory method of calculation and compared the equilibrium configuration, electronic and vibrational mode of Vinyl Bromide molecule. The molecule is geometrically optimized initially by using 6-31G basis set with B3LYP functional and then bond angles, bond lengths, dihedral angles and IR spectra are compared respectively. Various groups of atoms in Vinyl Bromide molecule by DFT has more accurate bond length, bond angle values rather than by HF computation when comparing with the experimental values. The ground state energies are found at angle 10° or 180° or 360° using HF and DFT method of calculation for the H4-C1-C2-Br6 position. Values of the carbon-hydrogen, carbon-carbon and carbon-bromine bond lengths and bond angles for optimization state of C2H3Br molecule using Hartree-Fock and Density Functional Theory methods with respect to the basis set 6-31G have been analyzed. The C−H in-plane bending vibration and C−H out-of-plane bending vibrations occur in the region 1400–1050 cm-1 and 1000–675 cm-1 respectively. The electronic properties, such as Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital energies are performed by HF and DFT approach and the difference in Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital energy gap for HF and DFT method are 14.0847 eV and 6.8994 eV respectively

SON KULLANMA TARİHİ GEÇMİŞ BİR İLACIN İNHİBİSYON ETKİNLİĞİ ÜZERİNE PROTONASYONUNUN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİNE YÖNELİK TEORİK BİR YAKLAŞIM

The quantum theoretical calculations were performed to elucidate the corrosion inhibition efficiency of an expired drug. For this purpose, molecular orbital analysis, which is used in the analysis of chemical interactions and gives detailed data about the electronic structure of molecules, was used to gain insight into the electronic properties of the selected drug molecule in neutral and aqueous form. The calculations were carried out at the (B3LYP) 6-311G**(d,p) basis set level utilizing density functional theory (DFT) to examine the relationship between the molecular structure and inhibition efficiency of the corresponding drug molecule. Various quantum chemical descriptors such as highest occupied molecular orbital energy (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy (LUMO), energy gap (ΔE), dipole moment (μ), ionization potential (I), electron affinity (A), electronegativity (χ), hardness (η), softness (σ), back donation (ΔEback- donation) and fraction of electrons transferred (ΔN) were calculated and correlated to the inhibition efficiency. The most probable nucleophilic and electrophilic reactive sites of studied drug molecule were analyzed through computed Fukui indices. Overall, obtained theoretical data indicate that the quantum chemical parameters correlate well with the inhibition performance.

Machine Learning Many-Body Green's Functions for Molecular Excitation Spectra.

We present a machine learning (ML) framework for predicting Green's functions of molecular systems, from which photoemission spectra and quasiparticle energies at quantum many-body level can be obtained. Kernel ridge regression is adopted to predict self-energy matrix elements on compact imaginary frequency grids from static and dynamical mean-field electronic features, which gives direct access to real-frequency many-body Green's functions through analytic continuation and Dyson's equation. Feature and self-energy matrices are represented in a symmetry-adapted intrinsic atomic orbital plus projected atomic orbital basis to enforce rotational invariance. We demonstrate good transferability and high data efficiency of the proposed ML method across molecular sizes and chemical species by showing accurate predictions of density of states (DOS) and quasiparticle energies at the level of many-body perturbation theory (GW) or full configuration interaction. For the ML model trained on 48 out of 1995 molecules randomly sampled from the QM7 and QM9 data sets, we report the mean absolute errors of ML-predicted highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies to be 0.13 and 0.10 eV, respectively, compared to GW@PBE0. We further showcase the capability of this method by applying the same ML model to predict DOS for significantly larger organic molecules with up to 44 heavy atoms.

Theoretical studies of electronic and optical characteristics in donor-π-Acceptor (D-π-A) dyes: DFT and TD-DFT methods

Abstract This research focused on enhancing D-π-A organic dyes derived from coumarin and its derivatives, collectively referred to as D-CM-A dyes. The study aimed to improve these dyes by introducing various donors and acceptors to the coumarin structure. Six new coumarin dyes were evaluated, primarily for their potential application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to enhance energy efficiency. The analysis involved calculating the geometry, electronic properties, and optoelectronic characteristics of the dye molecules using DFT and TD-DFT methods with the B3LYP functional and the 6-311G basis set in both gas and solvent phases. The primary focus was to understand how modifications to the π-conjugated D-π-A organic dyes influenced their optoelectronic properties, including key factors such as maximum absorption wavelength (λmax), highest occupied molecular orbital energy (EHOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy (ELUMO), and energy gap (Egap). Additionally, the study explored the photovoltaic properties of these dyes. The findings highlighted D4-CM-A4 as a promising candidate with the narrowest energy gap, while D1-CM-A1 and D2-CM-A2 showed superior light-harvesting efficiencies (LHE) compared to other derivatives. In conclusion, this study suggests that D1-CM-A1 and D2-CM-A2 are favourable choices for enhancing the performance of DSSCs due to their promising optoelectronic properties.

Long-lifespan thin Li anode achieved by dead Li rejuvenation and Li dendrite suppression for all-solid-state lithium batteries

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are considered to be one of the most promising systems applied in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs) on account of their chemical and electrochemical robustness, mechanical stability, cost-effective and scalable manufacturing techniques. Lately, significant endeavors have been directed towards mitigating the formation of the Li dendrite in SPE-based ASSLMBs, while research on the inactive lithium in the forms of the solid-electrolyte interface has been rarely reported. Herein, a bi-functional GaI3 additive is developed for in-situ generating Li3Ga alloy for suppressing Li dendrite growth, as well as I3− in recovering dead lithium. Relying on the density functional theory (DFT) results, the Li atom prefers to deposit on the Li3Ga surface and then guide uniform Li deposition, while the I3 species features a relatively lower lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level (-2.12 eV), meaning a higher electron affinity, which is beneficial for reviving inactive lithium to counterbalance the loss of lithium. As a result, in comparison to cells employing pure PEGDME-based electrolytes, the Li-Li symmetric cells utilizing GaI3-containing solid-state electrolyte exhibited a cycling life nearly 30 times longer at a current density/capacity of 0.2 mA/cm2, 0.2 mAh/cm2. The full batteries of LFP//1%GaI3-SPE//40 µm Li delivered a noteworthy capacity retention of 82% after 1300 cycles at a rate of 1 C.

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering of carbazole‐based covalent triazine framework

AbstractA kind of carbazole‐based covalent triazine framework (CTF‐Cz) has been synthesized from a carbazole derivative. The porous polymer can efficiently adsorb probe molecules due to the strong intermolecular interactions caused by the polar triazine moiety. CTF‐Cz directly serves as the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrate without any post proceeding techniques. The enhancement factor of CTF‐Cz is ~105 for detecting rhodamine 6G (R6G). The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of CTF‐Cz (−3.93 eV) is much lower than that of R6G, which is in favor of the charge transfer from R6G to CTF‐Cz for illumination under a 532 nm laser, which is proved by time resolved photoluminescence spectra. The efficient charge transfer induced by the strong intermolecular π–π interactions and large molecular‐orbital delocalization contribute to the enhanced Raman signals of R6G on CTF‐Cz.

Cyanopyridoimidazole/1,2-Aminothiol Click Reaction: A Novel Bioorthogonal Reaction for Synthesis of Radiotracers.

We herein described the design and synthesis of the cyanopyridoimidazoles (CPIs) as new bioorthogonal click reagents toward 1,2-aminothiol groups. Kinetic and density functional theory-based studies of the synthetic compounds revealed that incorporating an electron-withdrawing substituent into the CPI scaffold lowers its lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy, consequently increasing reactivity. Optimized CPI 8a showed rapid reactivity and high stability in physiological conditions and has been demonstrated to be suitable for various radiotracer synthetic methods. Based on the new bioorthogonal reaction, a [67Ga]Ga-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeted probe was successfully prepared for in vivo imaging of prostate cancer in an animal model.

Regioselectively dibrominated bis-acenaphthoquinone diimides: A strong acceptor unit for n-type conjugated polymers

We report the first synthesis and characterization of two dibrominated bis-acenaphthoquinone diimides isomers (8,8′-2Br-BAI and 5,8′-2Br-BAI), on the basis of the synthetic strategy started from a regioselective bromination of acenaphthylene imide (AI) derivative, followed by the preparation of AI-derived mono-/di-ketone derivatives that are used to conduct Knoevenagel condensation reactions. The isomeric effects of two bromo substituents on the structure and electronic properties of the resulting BAI derivatives are thoroughly studied by the combined experimental and theoretical investigations. The results unravel that 2-decyltetradecyl-substituted 8,8′-2Br-BAI presents good solubility, near-coplanar configuration, and low-lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level (LUMO, −4.17 eV). Based on this strong acceptor motif, two novel D-A type n-CPs (P1 and P2) are also prepared by using thiophene or bithiophene as the D unit, respectively. Compared with the thiophene-linked P1, incorporating centrosymmetric bithiophene unit into the P2's main chain improves its molecular symmetry and linearity, both of which facilitate the formations of strong interchain organization, good film crystallinity, and desirable electron-transporting performance, showing the highest electron mobility of up to 0.011 cm2 V−1 s−1. This work provides a fundamental understanding of structure-performance relationship of BAI-based n-CPs and highlights the great promise of 8,8′-2Br-BAI as a strong acceptor unit for engineering n-type organic/polymeric semiconductors.

Surface Work Function‐Induced Thermally Vulnerable Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation on the Negative Electrode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractThe chemical composition significantly affects the inherent electrical surface properties of the graphite and SiO electrodes, which further, significantly alters the thermal stability of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the negative electrodes. Because the work function of the graphite edge plane is lower than that of the SiO2‐dominant SiO electrode when the electrode is initially lithiated, charge transfer toward the electrolyte is hindered by the high work function of SiO2. Given the increased solubility of the SEI film on SiO, which makes it vulnerable to self‐discharge at higher temperatures than graphite, SiO electrodes exhibit inferior electrochemical performance at high temperatures compared to graphite electrodes. To enhance the performance of SiO electrodes at high temperatures, it is essential to modify the surface work function of the Si‐based electrodes or the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of the electrolyte additive.

Simultaneous Catalytic Acceleration of White Phosphorus Polymerization and Red Phosphorus Potassiation for High-Performance Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Red phosphorus (P) as an anode material of potassium-ion batteries possesses ultra-high theoretical specific capacity (1154mAhg-1 ). However, owing to residual white P during the preparation and sluggish kinetics of K-P alloying limit its practical application. Seeking an efficient catalyst to address the above problems is crucial for the secure preparation of red P anode with high performance. Herein, through the analysis of the activation energies in white P polymerization, it is revealed that the highest occupied molecular orbital energy of I2 (-7.40eV) is in proximity to P4 (-7.25eV), and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy of I2 molecule (-4.20eV) is lower than that of other common non-metallic molecules (N2 , S8 , Se8 , F2 , Cl2 , Br2 ). The introduction of I2 can thus promote the breaking of the P─P bond and accelerate the polymerization of white P molecules. Besides, the ab initio molecular dynamics simulations show that I2 can enhance the kinetics of P-K alloying. The as-obtained red P/C composites with I2 deliver excellent cycling stability (358mAhg-1 after 1200 cycles at 1Ag-1 ). This study establishes catalysis as a promising pathway to tackle the challenges of P anode for alkali metal ion batteries.

Unveiling the impact of exchange-correlation functionals on the description of key electronic properties of non-fullerene acceptors in organic photovoltaics.

Non-fullerene electron acceptors have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional electron-acceptors in the active layers of organic photovoltaics. This is due to their tunable energy levels, optical response in the visible light spectrum, high electron mobility, and photochemical stability. In this study, the electronic properties of two representative non-fullerene acceptors, ITIC and Y5, have been calculated within the framework of density functional theory using a range of hybrid and non-hybrid density functionals. Screened range-separated hybrid (SRSH) approaches were also tested. The results are analyzed in light of the previously reported experimental outcomes. Specifically, we have calculated the oxidation and reduction potentials, fundamental and optical gaps, the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies, and exciton binding energies. Additionally, we have investigated the effects of the medium dielectric constant on these properties employing a universal implicit solvent model. It was found that hybrid functionals generally perform poorly in predicting oxidation potentials, while non-hybrid functionals tend to overestimate reduction potentials. The inclusion of a large Hartree-Fock contribution to the global or long range was identified as the source of inaccuracy for many hybrid functionals in predicting both redox potentials and the fundamental and optical gaps. Corroborating with the available literature, ∼50% of all tested functionals predicted very small exciton binding energies, within the range of ±0.1eV, that become even smaller by increasing the dielectric constant of the material. Finally, the OHSE2PBE and tHCTHhyb functionals and the optimal tuning SRSH approach emerged as the best-performing methods, with good accuracy in the description of the electronic properties of interest.

Asymmetric Fluorene‐Based Fused‐Ring Molecules Acceptors for Fullerene‐Free Organic Solar Cells

Asymmetric fluorene‐based fused‐ring molecules acceptors 2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐(((11,11‐dioctyl‐5,5‐dioxido‐11H‐benzo[b]fluoreno[2,3‐d]thiophene‐3,9‐diyl)bis(3‐octylthiophene‐5,2‐diyl))‐bis(methaneylylidene))bis(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalononitrile [BTOFIC] and 2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐((5,5′‐(11,11‐dioctyl‐11H‐benzo[b]fluoreno[2,3‐d]thiophene‐3,9‐diyl)bis(3‐octylthiophene‐5,2‐diyl))bis(methanylylidene))‐bis(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diyl‐idene))dimalononitrile [BTFIC] are synthesized. BTOFIC and BTFIC are easily soluble in common organic solvents. The highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels, and the bandgaps (Egs) of BTOFIC and BTFIC are −5.91, −3.87, and 2.04 eV and −5.72, −3.81, and 1.91 eV, respectively. BTOFIC and BTFIC show the maximum absorption peak (λmax) at 548 and 648 nm and a strong shoulder peak at 592 and 576 nm in film, and the optical bandgaps of 1.87 and 1.81 eV, respectively. The organic solar cells (OSCs) fabricated with poly[4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3‐fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐)‐2‐carboxylate‐2‐6‐diyl)] [PTB7‐Th]:BTOFIC and PTB7‐Th:BTFIC show a power conversion efficiency of 3.31% and 5.35%, respectively. In this research, it is revealed that BTOFIC and BTFIC can be potential asymmetric non‐fullerene acceptors for further development of OSCs.