Iodide Salts Research Articles

Design, synthesis, and anti-breast cancer activity evaluation of novel 3-cyanopyridine derivatives as PIM-1 inhibitors.

A novel series of cyanopyridines 7a-j were synthesized via a one-pot multicomponent reaction of arylidene 4 with ammonium acetate 5 and respective methylaryl/heterylketones 6a-j in ethanol using vanillin as a natural starting material. Moreover, the regioselective alkylation reaction was studied by the treatment of cyanopyridines 7a-f and 7j with CH3I in the presence of K2CO3 in DMF to afford O-methylcyanopyridines 8a-g (major) and N-methylcyanopyridines 9a-g (minor), whereas bipyridine 7h gave bipyridinium iodide salt 10. All of the designed cyanopyridines were evaluated as anti-breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines via PIM Kinase inhibitory activity, and the results displayed that some of them showed high activities, especially compounds 7h and 8f, which showed excellent activities against MCF-7 with IC50 values of 1.89 and 1.69 μM, respectively, more potent than the reference drug doxorubicin. Mechanistically, compounds 7h and 8f exhibited strong in vitro PIM-1 kinase inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 0.281 and 0.58 μM, respectively, compared to the reference staurosporine. Moreover, compound 7h arrested the tumor cells at the S phase and caused cell death mainly by inducing early and late apoptosis. Molecular docking studies against PIM-1 revealed good binding modes of the synthesized compound and showed agreement with the biological results.

Positional isomers and non-covalent interactions of acrylonitrile-methylpyridinium iodide salts: Combined experimental and quantum chemical calculations investigations

Quaternary salts d-π-A+X- having a large π-conjugated system (I) 2-((Z)-1-cyano-2-[4-(dimethylaminophenyl]ethenyl)-1-methylpyridin-1-ium iodide, (II) 3-((Z)-1-cyano-2-[4-(dimethylaminophenyl]ethenyl)-1-methylpyridin-1-ium iodide, and (III) 4-((Z)-1-cyano-2 iodide -[4-(dimethylaminophenyl]ethenyl)-1-methylpyridin-1-ium iodide, were synthesized straightforwardly and easily and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, UV–Vis, 1HNMR spectroscopy, DSC, and TGA. Quantum chemical calculations were performed to obtain electronic structure by using DFT. The salts I-III exhibited a hyperchromic shift and a strong bathochromic effect of 100 nm compared to the precursors, which indicates charge transfer (CT) due to ionic interactions. The Hirshfeld, MEPS, QTAIM, and NCI-RDG analyses showed that the -CN group and the counterion I(-) atom play major roles in the intermolecular interaction for crystal packing. The significance of non-covalent interactions for the stability of the molecules in their solid state is also revealed by natural bond orbital analysis.

Air-Processed Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells With Full Lifecycle Management.

Despite the outstanding power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) realized over the years, the entire lifecycle from preparation and operation to discarding of PSCs still needs to be carefully considered when it faces the upcoming large-scale production and deployment. In this study, bio-derived chitin-based polymers are employed to realize the full lifecycle regulation of air-processed PSCs by forming multiple coordinated and hydrogen bonds to stabilize the lead iodide and organic salt precursor inks, accelerating the solid-liquid reaction and crystallization of two-step deposition process, then achieving the high crystalline and oriented perovskites with less notorious charge defects in the open air. The air-prepared PSCs exhibit a decent efficiency of 25.18% with high preparation reproducibility and improved operational stability toward the harsh environment and mechanical stress stimuli. The modified PSCs display negligible fatigue behavior with keeping 92% of its initial efficiency after operating for 32 diurnal cycles (ISOS-LC-1 protocol). Meanwhile, closed-loop lead management of end-of-life PSCs including suppression of lead leakage, toxicity evaluation of broken devices, and recycling of lead iodide components are comprehensively investigated. This work sheds light on a promising avenue to realize the entire lifecycle regulation of air-processed efficient and stable PSCs.

Synergistic inhibition effect of diolefinic dye and silver nanoparticles for carbon steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid solution

The current work looks at the inhibitory effects of a diolefinic dye, namely 1,4-bis((E)-2-(3-methyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl) vinyl) benzene iodide salt, in relation to CS corrosion mitigation in hydrochloric acid (HCl) environment. This study uses a variety of experimental methodologies, including weight loss (WL) analysis, electrochemical tests, and theoretical considerations. The synergistic effect of diolefinic dye and AgNPs on the corrosion inhibition of CS in 1 M HCl was investigated. The inhibition efficiency (IE) displays a notable enhancement as the concentration of the dye is elevated and as the temperature raises the IE increases. The diolefinic dye exhibited % IE of 83% even at low concentration (1 × 10–4 M) whereas 90% in the presence of (2.26 × 10–10) AgNPs. Tafel graphs demonstrate that the dye follows a mixed type inhibitor. The adsorption of the dye on CS surface follows Langmuir model. Moreover, the influence of temperature and the activation parameters disclose that diolefinic dye is chemisorbed on the CS surface. The synergistic coefficient of the diolefinic dye and AgNPs under various concentration conditions was greater than unity. The surface morphology of CS sheets was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations provide theoretical support for the inhibitory effects of the examined dye. Notably, there is a high agreement between the findings of practical studies and theoretical expectations.

Tuning Electrochemical Performance of Polymer Electrolyte Films through Metal Oxide Incorporation

AbstractWith the escalating global energy demand, the exploration of alternative, easily accessible, and cost‐effective energy sources has become imperative. The diminishing reserves of conventional energy resources underscore the urgency to transition towards renewable energy. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have gained prominence for energy storage electrochemical devices due to their high flexibility and favorable electrode–electrolyte interactions. This study focuses on synthesizing nano cuprous oxide (CuO) semiconductors via the precipitation method. The prepared CuO nanofiller is homogeneously dispersed into a polymer electrolyte solution. Utilizing the solution cast method, free‐standing polymer electrolyte films are fabricated, exhibiting commendable mechanical stability. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) serves as the host material, with potassium iodide (KI) salt, forming the basis for the polymer electrolyte. The resultant electrolyte films underwent comprehensive characterization for their electrical and optical properties. The investigation aims to identify the optimal composition of the electrolyte film with superior conductivity. The selected composition will be employed in the fabrication of various electrochemical devices, demonstrating the potential for enhanced energy storage applications. This work not only contributes to the synthesis of advanced solid polymer electrolyte films but also paves the way for the development of efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions in the realm of renewable energy technologies.

Ion transport properties and performance of gellan gum based composite polymer membrane electrolytes in proton battery and PEMFC applications

Biopolymer Gellan gum (GG) incorporated with ammonium iodide (NH₄I) salts and inorganic filler nano-TiO2 improved the ion transport facility in the salt-polymer matrix. The crystalline/amorphous nature of the membranes and the presence of n-TiO2 are evident from XRD analysis. The vibration modes corresponding to the characteristic functional groups and bonding interactions within the polymer matrix and incorporated filler materials present in the as-prepared membranes were analyzed using FTIR technique respectively. The ion transport parameters such as ionic conductivity (σ), diffusion coefficient (D), and mobility (μ), were studied using Ac impedance, transference number measurement, and FTIR deconvolution. The biopolymer membrane with the composition, 1 g GG: 0.3 M.wt% of NH4I (GGAI-3) shows the highest ionic conductivity of 2.65 ± 0.03×10−3 S/cm and on addition of 0.1 M.wt% of n-TiO2 (GGAIT-1) the increase in ionic conductivity of 4.07 ± 0.02×10−2 S/cm was observed. The H¹NMR studies help in understanding the mobility of charge carriers upon their chemical shifts. The glass transition temperature values of the as-prepared membranes were determined using DSC studies. The morphological change on the surface of the GG polymer membrane due to the addition of NH4I and n-TiO2 were analyzed using the SEM technique. The thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability of the highest ion-conducting biopolymer and composite polymer membranes were assessed using TGA, mechanical stability tests, and chemical stability tests. The IEC test exhibits the number of exchangeable ions in the polymer matrix. Utilizing the GGAI-3 and GGAIT-1 membranes as electrolytes, proton batteries were constructed and observed to have the pseudocapacitive behaviour; as the electrodes experience surface limited redox reaction at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The PEMFC cell using the GGAI- 3 and GGAIT-1 as proton exchange membrane exhibits the OCV of 646 mV and 682 mV respectively. Their performances were analyzed using the I-V polarization curve resulted with the power density of 0.14 mW/cm2and 0.34 mW/cm2 respectively.

Biodegradable copper-iodide clusters modulate mitochondrial function and suppress tumor growth under ultralow-dose X-ray irradiation

Both copper (Cu2+/+) and iodine (I−) are essential elements in all living organisms. Increasing the intracellular concentrations of Cu or I ions may efficiently inhibit tumor growth. However, efficient delivery of Cu and I ions into tumor cells is still a challenge, as Cu chelation and iodide salts are highly water-soluble and can release in untargeted tissue. Here we report mitochondria-targeted Cu-I cluster nanoparticles using the reaction of Cu+ and I− to form stable bovine serum albumin (BSA) radiation-induced phosphors (Cu-I@BSA). These solve the stability issues of Cu+ and I− ions. Cu-I@BSA exhibit bright radioluminescence, and easily conjugate with the emission-matched photosensitizer and targeting molecule using functional groups on the surface of BSA. Investigations in vitro and in vivo demonstrate that radioluminescence under low-dose X-ray irradiation excites the conjugated photosensitizer to generate singlet oxygen, and combines with the radiosensitization mechanism of the heavy atom of iodine, resulting in efficient tumor inhibition in female mice. Furthermore, our study reveals that BSA protection causes the biodegradable Cu-I clusters to release free Cu and I ions and induce cell death by modulating mitochondrial function, damaging DNA, disrupting the tricarboxylic acid cycle, decreasing ATP generation, amplifying oxidative stress, and boosting the Bcl-2 pathway.

Polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene polymer gel electrolyte‐enabled dye‐sensitized solar cell for sustainable energy

AbstractDeveloped specifically to address leakage and stability concerns inherent in liquid electrolytes, this study presents a significant advancement in polymer gel electrolyte (PGE) formulation by combining potassium iodide (KI), ammonium iodide (AI) salts, and polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐co‐HFP) as a host polymer. The tape casting method was employed to deposit the standard TiO2 paste as the photoanode and platinum paste as the counter electrode. N3 dye was incorporated, and PVDF‐co‐HFP was used as the PGE between the electrodes. The conductivity of PGE was measured by using a digitized conductivity meter. The quasi solid‐state solar cell (QS‐DSSC) assembled using single salts (KI, and AI), and mixed cations PGE was examined via photocurrent–voltage characteristics, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The augmented ionic conductivity directly influences the efficiency of DSSCs. Notably, incorporating a mixed salt (KI + AI) within the PGE enhances ionic conductivity compared to single‐salt‐based counterparts. The resultant DSSCs using mixed salt PGE exhibit a Voc of 600 mV, Jsc of 1.01 mA/cm2, FF of 0.6089, and an efficiency of 0.369%, outperforming those using KI or AI. This highlights the perceptible advantages of employing this innovative electrolyte composition to enhance solar cell performance.

Anion-pairing effect in Cd(II) coordination with a tetrabenzotetraza-crown macrocyclic ligand

Three new complexes of a tetrabenzotetraza-crown ether macrocyclic ligand (L) with Cd(II) chloride (1), iodide (2), and acetate (3) salts were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, elemental microanalysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 has the formula [Cd(L)Cl]2 [CdCl4] with two square pyramidal [Cd(L)Cl]+ subunits interconnected through the CdCl42− counter anion. Meanwhile, the reaction with CdI2 produces the discrete complex [Cd(L)I]I (2) with an octahedral geometry about the Cd(II) center. A distorted six-coordinated asymmetric unit was observed for [Cd(L)OAc]2(OAc·H2O)2 (3), wherein two [Cd(L)OAc]+ subunits are held together by a flat (OAc·H2O)2 acetate-water cluster. Hirshfeld Surface calculations were applied to confirm the dominant interactions in 1–3, namely π–π, and X⋯H/H⋯X (X-H, C, O, and halogen) interactions as the main factors for their structural differences. At the same time, the structure of [Cd(L)L′]+ (L′ = Cl, I, and OAc) core remained almost unchanged. The Cd(II) coordination with L in the presence of different Cd(II) salts was followed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. All three Cd(II) salt displays 1:1 stoichiometry, with binding constants in the order CdCl2 < CdI2 < Cd(OAc)2.

Sequestration of Dyes from Water into Poly(α-Olefins) Using Polyisobutylene Sequestering Agents

Trace concentrations of dyes are often present in textile wastewater streams and present a serious environmental problem. Thus, these dyes must be removed from wastewater either by degradation or sequestration prior to discharge of the wastewater into the environment. Existing processes to remove these wastewater contaminants include the use of solid sorbents to sequester dyes or the use of biochemical or chemical methods of dye degradation. However, these processes typically generate their own waste products, are not necessarily rapid because of the low dye concentration, and often use expensive or non-recyclable sequestrants or reagents. This paper describes a simple, recyclable, liquid–liquid extraction scheme where ionic dyes can be sequestered into poly(α-olefin) (PAO) solvent systems. The partitioning of anionic and cationic dyes from water into PAOs is facilitated by ionic PAO-phase anchored sequestering agents that are readily prepared from commercially available vinyl-terminated polyisobutylene (PIB). This is accomplished by a sequence of reactions involving hydroboration/oxidation, conversion of an alcohol into an iodide, and conversion of the resulting primary alkyl iodide into a cationic nitrogen derivative. The products of this synthetic sequence are cationic nitrogen iodide salts which serve as anionic sequestrants that are soluble in PAO. These studies showed that the resulting series of cationic PIB-bound cationic sequestering agents facilitated efficient extraction of anionic, azo, phthalein, and sulfonephthalein dyes from water into a hydrocarbon PAO phase. Since the hydrocarbon PAO phase is completely immiscible with water and the PIB derivatives are also insoluble in water, neither the sequestration solvent nor the sequestrants contaminate wastewater. The effectiveness and efficiency of these sequestrations were assayed by UV–visible spectroscopy. These spectroscopic studies showed that extraction efficiencies were in most cases &gt;99%. These studies also involved procedures that allowed for the regeneration and recycling of these PAO sequestration systems. This allowed us to recycle the PAO solvent system for at least 10 sequential batch extractions where we sequestered sodium salts of methyl red and 4′,5′-dichlorofluorescein dyes from water with extraction efficiencies of &gt;99%. These studies also showed that a PIB-bound derivative of the sodium salt of 1,1,1-trifluoromethylpentane-2,4-dione could be prepared from a PIB-bound carboxylic acid ester by a Claisen-like reaction and that the sodium salt of this β-diketone could be used to sequester cationic dyes from water. This PIB-bound anion rapidly and efficiently extracted &gt;99% of methylene blue, malachite green, and safranine O from water based on UV–visible and 1H NMR spectroscopic assays.

Salting-out and Competitive Adsorption of Ethanol into Lipid Bilayer Membranes: Conflicting Effects of Salts on Ethanol-Membrane Interactions Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Small amphiphilic molecules, such as ethanol, disturb the structure of lipid bilayer membranes to increase the membrane permeability, which is important for applications such as drug delivery, disinfection, and fermentation. To investigate how and the extent to which coexisting salts affect membrane disturbance, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on lipid bilayer membranes composed of zwitterionic lipids in aqueous ethanol solutions containing 0-631 mM NaCl, KCl, and KI salts. The addition of salts at low concentrations induced cationic adsorption on the lipid membrane, which competes with ethanol adsorption, thereby reducing the hydrogen bonds between ethanol and lipid molecules. This competitive adsorption mitigated the membrane disturbance and decreased the permeation of ethanol molecules into the membrane. In contrast, higher salt concentrations enhanced the membrane disturbance and permeability, which was caused by the salting-out of ethanol from the aqueous phase to the lipid bilayer. These conflicting effects appearing at different concentrations were stronger with the chloride salts than with the iodide salt. Among the two chloride salts, NaCl and KCl, the latter showed a greater enhancement in ethanol permeation at high concentrations. This seeming anti-Hofmeister salting-out behavior resulted from greater Na+ adsorption, preventing the ethanol-lipid interactions.

Supramolecular Gels Based on C3-Symmetric Amides: Application in Anion-Sensing and Removal of Dyes from Water.

We modified C3-symmetric benzene-1,3,5-tris-amide (BTA) by introducing flexible linkers in order to generate an N-centered BTA (N-BTA) molecule. The N-BTA compound formed gels in alcohols and aqueous mixtures of high-polar solvents. Rheological studies showed that the DMSO/water (1:1, v/v) gels were mechanically stronger compared to other gels, and a similar trend was observed for thermal stability. Powder X-ray analysis of the xerogel obtained from various aqueous gels revealed that the packing modes of the gelators in these systems were similar. The stimuli-responsive properties of the N-BTA towards sodium/potassium salts indicated that the gel network collapsed in the presence of more nucleophilic anions such as cyanide, fluoride, and chloride salts at the MGC, but the gel network was intact when in contact with nitrate, sulphate, acetate, bromide, and iodide salts, indicating the anion-responsive properties of N-BTA gels. Anion-induced gel formation was observed for less nucleophilic anions below the MGC of N-BTA. The ability of N-BTA gels to act as an adsorbent for hazardous anionic and cationic dyes in water was evaluated. The results indicated that the ethanolic gels of N-BTA successfully absorbed methylene blue and methyl orange dyes from water. This work demonstrates the potential of the N-BTA gelator to act as a stimuli-responsive material and a promising candidate for water purification.

Electrical energy efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells by polymer electrolyte

This research aims to prepare by mixtures method with dope carbon black as a working electrode and the apply it to the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The thin film of titanium dioxide nanocrystalline semi - conductor with dope carbon black, the cells were coated on to transparent conducting oxide glass sheet by means of the doctor blade technique as a working electrode. But the polymer electrolyte were prepare by adding potassium iodide and iodine salts with a ratio of KI:I2 was 10:1, into a polymer electrolyte composed of poly-ethylene glycol, ethylene carbonate and poly(styrene–co–acrylonitrile). The polymer electrolyte mixtures became homogeneous and stirring at a temperature of 80 °C. Found that efficiency for the DSSCs by polymer electrolyte based on yielded an overall light to electrical energy conversion efficiency ( ) of the DSSCs was 5.5095%, An open-circuit voltage of 0.58 V, voltage at the point of maximum power output of 0.42 V, short-circuit current density of 11.11 mA.cm–2, current density at the point of maximum power output of 10.50 mA.cm–2 fill factor of 0.684 under an irradiation of 80 mW.cm–2. And the long-term stability test of the DSSCs with a polymer electrolyte is evidently superior to the DSSCs with liquid electrolyte based on the observation period lasting for 90 days. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS prepare by mixtures method with dope carbon black as a working electrode The efficiency for the DSSCs by polymer electrolyte based on yielded an overall light to electrical energy conversion

Regulating the perovskite/C60 interface via a bifunctional interlayer for efficient inverted perovskite solar cells

Inverted perovskite solar cells are promising candidates in photovoltaic fields due to their low-temperature processing, simplified fabrication, and enhanced stability when compared with the conventional configuration. However, the significant non-radiative recombination losses and energy alignment mismatch at the perovskite/C60 interface limit the device's performance and long-term stability. To overcome this drawback, we introduced trifluoromethoxy-functionalized phenethylammonium iodide salts with high polarity between the perovskite and C60 electron transporting layer. This bifunctional interlayer not only effectively passivates the perovskite surface and interface but also reduces the minority carriers through the band rearrangement at this interface, thus significantly suppressing the deteriorating interfacial non-radiative recombination. The modified interlayer also facilitates electron extraction by reducing the offset between the perovskite and C60, contributing to an improved photocurrent and fill factor. The resultant inverted perovskite solar cell based on a Cs0.05FA0.85MA0.10Pb(I0.95Br0.05)3 composition reveals a power conversion efficiency of 24.7 % at the reverse scan and shows negligible efficiency loss after 600 h of maximum power point tracking under one-sun illumination. Overall, this feasible deposition of ammonium-based interlayer establishes a successful demonstration of efficient and stable inverted devices to accelerate the commercialization of perovskite photovoltaics.

Behavior change intervention to sustain iodide salt utilization in households in Ethiopia and study of the effect of iodine status on the growth of young children: community trial.

Monitoring systems in a broad range of countries are a notable effort to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs). This study aimed to gather data on the amount of iodide present in table salt and how household consumption patterns affect children's iodine status and its effect on their growth. A single treatment arm community trial study design was designed. Lower community units (LCUs) were chosen at random from districts assigned either intervention or control. From a list of LCUs, 834 mothers and their paired children were chosen randomly. Urine and table salt samples were collected and examined in the national food and nutrition laboratory. The deference between arms was determined using a t test, and the generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to forecast parameters. The mean iodide content in the table salt samples of 164 (98.1%) was 45.3 ppm and a standard deviation (SD) of 14.87, which were above or equal to the recommended parts per million (ppm). Between the baseline survey and the end-line survey, the mean urine iodine concentration (UIC) was 107.7 µg/L (+/- 8.64 SD) and 260.9 µg/L (+/- 149 SD). Children's urine iodine excretion (UIE) had inadequate iodine in 127 (15.2%) children at the beginning of the study, but only 11 (2.6%) of the intervention group still had inadequate iodine at the end. The childrens' mean height (Ht) was 83.1 cm (+/-10 SD) at baseline and 136.4 cm (+/-14 SD) at the end of the survey. Mothers knew a lot (72%) about adding iodized salt to food at the end of cooking, and 183 (21.9%) of them did so regularly and purposefully. A total of 40.5% of children in the intervention group had stunted growth at baseline, which decreased to 15.1% at the end of the study but increased in the control group to 51.1%. The mean difference (MD) of urine iodine concentration (UIC) between intervention and control groups was 97.56 µg/L, with a standard error (SE) of 9.83 (p=0.001). The end-line Ht of children in the intervention group was increased by 7.93 cm (β=7.93, p=0.005) compared to the control group. Our research has shown that mothers who embraced healthy eating habits had perceived improvements in both the iodine status and height growth of their children. In addition to managing and using iodine salt, it has also introduced options for other healthy eating habits that will also play a significant role in their children's future development. This sort of knowledge transfer intervention is essential for the sustainability of society's health. Therefore, this trial's implications revealed that the intervention group's iodine status and growth could essentially be improved while the control group continued to experience negative effects. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT048460 1.

Regio‐ and Chemoselectivity of Tandem N‐Ketoalkylation/Cyclization of 2‐Thioxoimidazoline‐4‐One

AbstractThe reaction of 2‐thioxoimidazolidin‐4‐one (thiohydantoin) with aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic α‐iodomethylketones has been investigated in the absence of bases or catalysts. The reaction proceeds as N‐alkylation with subsequent intramolecular dehydrative cyclization. A series of new mono‐ and fused bicyclic iodide and triiodide salts was obtained based on the 5‐oxo‐2‐thioxoimidazolidin‐1‐ium and imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazolium cations. The observed regioselectivity has been rationalized and the mechanism was proposed.

Improved efficiency and stability of dye-sensitized solar cells by using iodide-based electrolyte with high viscosity solvent

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performance with a liquid electrolyte depends strongly on the choice of electrolyte solvent. Acetonitrile (AN) is the most widely used organic solvent due to its low viscosity and good solubility to dissolve iodide salts. However, the stability has become critical due to the high vapor pressure of AN. In this study, the efficiency and stability of DSSC using iodide-based electrolyte were observed by using high viscosity solvents namely dimethylformamide (DMF) and γ-butyrolactone (GBL). The cell using DMF shows the best performance with an efficiency of 7.69 %, higher than that of the cell with commercial AN-based electrolyte with an efficiency of 7.14 %. Impedance spectroscopy measurement to the cell using DMF reveals a relatively low charge transfer resistance, both at TiO2-dye/electrolyte and counter electrode/electrolyte interfaces, compared to other solvents. Furthermore, the efficiency is retained at 76 % after 4 weeks of storage under ambient air, the best among various solvents tested in the present study.

Photoinduced Triphenylphosphine and Iodide Salt Promoted Reductive Decarboxylative Coupling.

The transient electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex has been an emerging area in the photoinduced organic synthesis field, generating radicals without exogenous transition-metal or organic dye-based photoredox catalysts. The catalytic platform to form suitable photoactive EDA complexes for photochemical reduction reactions remains underdeveloped. Herein, a general photoinduced reductive alkylation via the EDA complex strategy is described. A simple yet multifunctional system, triphenylphosphine and iodide salt, promotes the photoinduced decarboxylative hydroalkylation, and reductive defluorinative decarboxylative alkylation of trifluoromethyl alkenes, to access trifluoromethyl alkanes and gem-difluoroalkenes. Moreover, decarboxylative hydroalkylation can be applied to more kinds of electron-deficient alkenes as a general Giese addition reaction.

Surface ligand manipulation enables ∼15% efficient MAPbI3 perovskite quantum dot solar cells.

We reported a surface ligand manipulation strategy for hybrid MAPbI3 perovskite quantum dots (PeQDs) using methylamine iodide (MAI), methylamine thiocyanate (MASCN) and methylamine acetate (MAAc) salts. After MAI salt post-treatment, a record high efficiency of 14.98% was obtained for MAPbI3 PeQD solar cells together with enhanced ambient stability.

Guanidinium iodide salts as single component catalysts for CO2 to epoxide fixation

In this study, we present the synthesis, characterization and catalytic reactions of a new family of one-component catalysts based on guanidinium salts.