Iodide Ions Research Articles

Electrophoretic deposition of ceramic coatings from modified suspensions of microsized powders of doped BaCeO3 and BaCeO3–BaZrO3 proton-conducting electrolytes

This work investigates the influence of molecular iodine introduced as a charging agent into the suspensions based on the BaCe0.8Sm0.19Cu0·01O3 (BCSCuO), BaCe0·5Zr0·3Y0.1Yb0.1O3-δ (BCZYYbO) and BaCe0.89Gd0.1Cu0·01O3-δ (BCGCuO) proton-conducting electrolytes at concentrations up to 1.0 g/L on their electrokinetic properties. The peculiarities of changes in zeta potential, pH, conductivity of the suspensions, the thickness and morphology of the coatings depending on the amount of iodine added are determined. It has been established that when the iodine concentration increases to 1 g/L, the electrical charge of the particles and the sign of the zeta potential undergo a reversal. Additionally, there is a natural decrease in the pH value towards the acidic side and a corresponding increase in the suspension conductivity. The research has demonstrated that in the suspension with a high iodine content (1 g/L), cathodic and anodic deposition can occur simultaneously under electrophoretic deposition (EPD) conditions at low voltage values (below 8 V). However, as the voltage increases, only cathodic deposition occurs. Therefore, the impact of altering the type of the EPD is threshold in nature relative to the magnitude of the EPD voltage. It has been shown that in order to practically implement EPD of ceramic coatings from modified suspensions of microsized powders of doped BaCeO3 and BaCeO3–BaZrO3 proton-conducting electrolytes, it is necessary to select a small amount of added iodine (0.1–0.2 g/L) to initiate a stable deposition process and to ensure continuity and uniformity of the coatings. This article discusses possible mechanisms of zeta potential inversion, electrophoretic mobility, and the EPD nature under conditions of high concentrations of iodide ions in the suspension bulk. The experiments have demonstrated the viability of the EPD process for the formation of a uniform BCSCuO coating (∼10 μm) on a supporting NiO–BCSCuO anode substrate using an iodine-modified suspension. This coating was subsequently sintered into a dense ceramic film at 1450 °C. In addition to the fundamental significance, the study results have implications for the practical use to improve and simplify the thin-film SOFC technology.

4-(1H-2,3-Dihydronaphtho-[1,8-de][1,3,2]di-aza-borinin-2-yl)-1-ethylpyridin-1-ium iodide monohydrate.

The cation of the title hydrated salt, C17H17BN3 +·I-·H2O, is a di-aza-borinane featuring substitution at the 1, 2, and 3 positions in the nitro-gen-boron six-membered heterocycle. The cation is approximately planar with a dihedral angle between the pyridyl ring and the di-aza-borinane ring system of 5.40 (5)°. In the crystal, the cations stack along [100] in an alternating head-to-tail manner, while the iodide ion and water mol-ecule form one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded chains beside the cation stack. The cation stacks and I--water chains are crosslinked by N-H⋯I and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

4-(1H-2,3-Dihydro-naphtho-[1,8-de][1,3,2]di-aza-borinin-2-yl)-1-ethylpyridin-1-ium iodide.

The title compound, C17H17BN3I, is a type of di-aza-borinane featuring substitution at the 1, 2, and 3 positions of the nitro-gen-boron six-membered heterocycle. The organic mol-ecule has a planar structure, the dihedral angle between the pyridyl ring and the fused ring system being 3.46 (4)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are stacked in a head-to-tail manner. The iodide ion makes close contacts with three organic mol-ecules and supports the alternating stack.

Insights into the generation of multiple reactive species in UV254/PMS/I− system and their roles for degradation of phenolic and non-phenolic pollutants

An innovative technology for the removal of phenolic and non-phenolic organic pollutants from aqueous solution was developed by combining UV254 irradiation, peroxymonosulfate (PMS), and iodide ions (I−). Effects of pH, ratio of [I−]/[PMS], initial concentration of pollutant, dissolved organic matter (DOM) and typical inorganic constituents of environmental water on the degradation of studied pollutants with UV254/PMS/I− system were examined. The results showed that pH and [I−]/[PMS] exhibited significant impact on the degradation of pollutants during UV254/PMS/I− process. As the ratio of [I−]/[PMS] increased from 0.1 to 10.0, the removal efficiencies of phenolic pollutants remarkably increased, but those of non-phenolic pollutants decreased. The DOM at high concentration obviously inhibited the degradation of pollutants during UV254/PMS/I− process. Meanwhile, the occurrence of NO3− can slightly enhance the degradation of pollutants, and SO42−, Cl−, and HCO4− ions had no significant effects on UV254/PMS/I− system. The abundant reactive species including OH, SO4−, and I/I2− during UV254/PMS/I− process were generated based on electron spin resonance, fluorescence spectroscopy and steady-state concentration analysis. Quenching experimental results indicated that I/I2− can selectively degrade phenolic pollutants via one-electron oxidation. This study provided a reference for the application of reactive radicals involved oxidative technique in water purification.

Dynamic Reversible Oxidation-Reduction of Iodide Ions for Operationally Stable Perovskite Solar Cells under ISOS-L-3 Protocol.

Despite rapid advancements in the photovoltaic efficiencies of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), their operational stability remains a significant challenge for commercialization. This instability mainly arises from light-induced halide ion migration and subsequent oxidation into iodine (I2). The situation is exacerbated when considering the heat effects at elevated temperatures, leading to the volatilization of I2 and resulting in irreversible device degradation. Mercaptoethylammonium iodide (ESAI) is thus incorporated into perovskite as an additive to inhibit the oxidation of iodide anion (I-) and the light-induced degradation pathway of FAPbI3→FAI+PbI2. Additionally, the formation of a thiol-disulfide/I--I2 redox pair within the perovskite film provides a dynamic mechanism for the continuous reduction of I2 under light and thermal stresses, facilitating the healing of iodine-induced degradations. This approach significantly enhances the operational stability of PSCs. Under the ISOS-L-3 testing protocol (maximum power point (MPP) tracking in an environment with relative humidity of ≈50% at ≈65°C), the treated PSCs maintain 97% of their original power conversion efficieney (PCE) after 300 h of aging. In contrast, control devices exhibit almost complete degradation, primarily due to rapid thermal-induced I2 volatilization. These results demonstrate a promising strategy to overcome critical stability challenges in PSCs, particularly in scenarios involving thermal effects.

Growth of millimeter-sized 2D metal iodide crystals induced by ion-specific preference at water-air interfaces

Conventional liquid-phase methods lack precise control in synthesizing and processing materials with macroscopic sizes and atomic thicknesses. Water interfaces are ubiquitous and unique in catalyzing many chemical reactions. However, investigations on two-dimensional (2D) materials related to water interfaces remain limited. Here we report the growth of millimeter-sized 2D PbI2 single crystals at the water-air interface. The growth mechanism is based on an inherent ion-specific preference, i.e. iodine and lead ions tend to remain at the water-air interface and in bulk water, respectively. The spontaneous accumulation and in-plane arrangement within the 2D crystal of iodide ions at the water-air interface leads to the unique crystallization of PbI2 as well as other metal iodides. In particular, PbI2 crystals can be customized to specific thicknesses and further transformed into millimeter-sized mono- to few-layer perovskites. Additionally, we have developed water-based techniques, including water-soaking, spin-coating, water-etching, and water-flow-assisted transfer to recycle, thin, pattern, and position PbI2, and subsequently, perovskites. Our water-interface mediated synthesis and processing methods represents a significant advancement in achieving simple, cost-effective, and energy-efficient production of functional materials and their integrated devices.

Suppressing Ion Migration by Synergistic Engineering of Anion and Cation toward High-Performance Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules.

Ion migration-induced intrinsic instability and large-area fabrication pose a tough challenge for the commercial deployment of perovskite photovoltaics. Herein, an interface heterojunction and metal electrode stabilization strategy is developed by suppressing ion migration via managing lead-based imperfections. After screening a series of cations and nonhalide anions, the ideal organic salt molecule dimethylammonium trifluoroacetate (DMATFA) consisting of dimethylammonium (DMA+) cation and trifluoroacetate (TFA-) anion is selected to manipulate the surface of perovskite films. DMA+ enables the conversion of active excess and/or unreacted PbI2 into stable new phase DMAPbI3, inhibiting photodecomposition of PbI2 and ion migration. Meanwhile, TFA- can suppress iodide ion migration through passivating undercoordinated Pb2+ and/or iodide vacancies. DMA+ and TFA- synergistically stabilize the heterojunction interface and silver electrode. The DMATFA-treated inverted perovskite solar cells and modules achieve a maximum efficiency of 25.03% (certified 24.65%, 0.1 cm2) and 20.58% (63.74 cm2), respectively, which is the record efficiency ever reported for the devices based on vacuum flash evaporation technology. The DMATFA modification results in outstanding operational stability, as evidenced by maintaining 91% of its original efficiency after 1520 h of maximum power point continuous tracking.

Kornblum Oxidation Reaction-Induced Collective Transformation of Lead Polyhalides for Stable Perovskite Photovoltaics.

The iodide vacancy defects generated during the perovskite crystallization process are a common issue that limits the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Although excessive ionic iodides have been used to compensate for these vacancies, they are not effective in reducing defects through modulating the perovskite crystallization. Moreover, these iodide ions present in the perovskite films can act as interstitial defects, which are detrimental to the stability of the perovskite. Here, an effective approach to suppress the formation of vacancy defects by manipulating the coordination chemistry of lead polyhalides during perovskite crystallization is demonstrated. To achieve this suppression, an α-iodo ketone is introduced to undergo a process of Kornblum oxidation reaction that releases halide ions. This process induces a rapid collective transformation of lead polyhalides during the nucleation process and significantly reduces iodide vacancy defects. As a result, the ion mobility is decreased by one order of magnitude in perovskite film and the PSC achieves significantly improved thermal stability, maintaining 82% of its initial power conversion efficiency at 85°C for 2800h. These findings highlight the potential of halide ions released by the Kornblum oxidation reaction, which can be widely used for achieving high-performance perovskite optoelectronics.

Efficient removal of radioactive iodide from contaminated seawater by radiation-resistant Ag+-doping polypropylene nonwoven adsorbents

For the efficient removal of radioactive iodide ions from medium and low radioactive contaminated water, an Ag-doped adsorbent was designed via radiation grafting method and chemical modification and applied based on the solid–liquid adsorption method. The silver loading content in the adsorbents could be flexibly decided by adjusting the sulfhydryl content. SEM/EDS, ATR, XPS, and XRD characterization methods were used to determine the features of the new adsorbents. With the silver content 67.9 mg/g and 125.6 mg/g in the adsorbents PGM25%-Ag+ and PGM220%-Ag+ respectively, the maximum I− adsorption capacities were varied at 29.92 mg/g and 100.82 mg/g. In wide pH conditions (pH7-11), PGM25%-Ag+ was sufficient to achieve 131I removal efficiency of over 92 %, and the removal efficiency was almost unaffected in the coexistence of high concentration (10 mmol/L) of anions and complex real contaminated seawater, highlighting the applicability and selectivity of the adsorbent. The adsorption behavior conformed to the Langmuir isothermal model and pseudo-second-order kinetics model. XPS analysis confirmed that excellent adsorption capacity and selectivity were attributed to the chemical adsorption mechanism of ion exchange and complexation occurs between I− and Ag on the solid–liquid interface, where AgI precipitation formed. In addition, the Ag+-doping adsorbent withstood the harsh conditions of 200 kGy irradiation by observing the ATR structure, thermal stability, and 131I removal property. This study provides a feasible solution for the treatment of low and medium-radioactive contaminated seawater.

Sensitive determination of iodide at graphitic carbon nitride-chitosan composite modified screen-printed electrode in urine and salt using cathodic stripping voltammetry

Iodide is an important constituent in various biological processes; hence its determination is important. A simple voltammetric method has been investigated for iodide determination using disposable screen-printed electrode modified with graphitic carbon nitride-chitosan composite (gCN-Chit/SPE). The sensor presented excellent electrocatalytic response towards iodide sensing. The SEM analysis of the modified electrode showed a rough and sheet like morphology. The EDX analysis showed the high content of nitrogen elements in the composite layer of the modified electrode which is crucial for iodide ion sensing. Various parameters such as electrolyte concentration, deposition potential, deposition time etc. were optimized for iodide sensing. The use of low concentration of electrolyte favored the electro-oxidation of iodide. Under the suitable experimental conditions, the gCN-Chit/SPE exhibited good linear performance for iodide in the concentration range from 0.075 to 200 µM with a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.9946 and the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 µM. The electrode presented interference free effect for iodide in the presence of relatively high concentration of other substances. The sensor was applied to determine iodide in real samples such as urine, tap water and table salt. In real sample analysis good recoveries in percent was achieved using the developed electrode. Further, the composite layer at the electrode surface provided good mechanical stability and thus could be reused for several determinations. The results confirmed that the design electrochemical sensor could be successfully employed for real sample applications with highly sensitive iodide determination.

0-D and 1-D Perovskite-like Hybrid Bismuth(III) Iodides.

Low-dimensional hybrid bismuth halide perovskites have recently emerged as a class of non-toxic alternative to lead perovskites with promising optoelectronic properties. Here, we report three hybrid bismuth(III)-iodides: 0-D (H2DAC)2Bi2I10 ⋅ 6H2O (H2DAC_Bi_I), 0-D (H2DAF)4Bi2I10 ⋅ 2I3 ⋅ 2I ⋅ 6H2O (H2DAF_Bi_I), and 1-D (H2DAP)BiI5 (H2DAP_Bi_I) (where H2DAC=trans-1,4-diammoniumcyclohexane; H2DAF=2,7-diammoniumfluorene and H2DAP=1,5-diammoniumpentane). Their synthesis, single-crystal X-ray structures, and photophysical properties are reported. The first two compounds comprise edge-sharing [Bi2I10]4- dimers, while the last compound has cis-corner-sharing 1-D chains of [BiI6]3- octahedra. Intercalation of triiodide (I3 -) and iodide (I-) ions enhance electronic coupling between the [Bi2I10]4- of H2DAF_Bi_I, leading to enhanced optical absorption, compared to H2DAC_Bi_I which lacks such intercalants. Furthermore, calorimetric and variable temperature X-ray diffraction measurements suggest a centrosymmetric to non-centrosymmetric phase transition (monoclinic P212121↔orthorhombic Pnma) of H2DAP_Bi_I at 448 K (in heating step) and at 443 K (in cooling step).

Covalent organic framework with extraordinary intrinsic catalytic activity for electrochemical sensing of iodide ions

Environmental conservation and food safety have aroused enormous concerns owing to their close relationship with human health. Iodide ion (I−) could result in serious diseases in mankind. Thus, it is challenging and essential to develop an effective approach to capture and detect I−. Herein, the TT-COF(Zn) material prepared using 2,3,6,7-tetra (4-formyl phenyl) tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(para-aminophenyl) porphyrin Zinc (II) (TPZ) as building blocks were designed directly as electrode modified material for electrochemical sensing of I−. Combining the meritsofTPZ and TTF to construct the intrinsic efficient electron-transfer pathways, as well as the advantages of porous channel and single-site catalysis of COF, TT-COF(Zn) material-modified electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic performance towards the redox reaction of I−, which makes it a sensitive sensing platform for the electrochemical quantification of I−. After a series of optimization experiments, the I− sensor demonstrated a wide linear range (0.02–15 mM), low detection limit (3.15 μM), as well as other good sensing features. The proposed sensor also performed well in the determination of I− in real river samples. This work not only offers a simple method to assay I− effectively but also paves a way for the strategical design and synthesis of COFs for electrochemical sensing applications.

Enhanced fill factor and stability of perovskite solar cells with a multifunctional additive of starch-iodine complex

The efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) can be greatly affected by various factors such as passivating the perovskite film, oxidizing the hole-transport material of 2,2′,7,7′-tetras(N,N-p-methoxyaniline)-9,9′-spirodifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD), and inhibiting the iodide migration. Here we introduce a multifunctional starch-iodine complex in the perovskite film to enhance the fill factor and stability of PSCs. Results demonstrate that the starch-iodine complex from the perovskite film can release iodine molecules to gently oxidize the Spiro-OMeTAD, which can significantly increase the PSC's fill factor. Moreover, the remaining starch can effectively passivate the perovskite film to obviously improve the PSC's long-term stability. Furthermore, the starch-iodine complex can absorb and store the iodide ions to generate a starch-triiodide complex, which can release iodide ions to promote iodide defect self-healing and suppress iodide migration in the perovskite films, resulting in a further enhancement of the PSC's long-term stability. As a result, the PSC based on the starch-iodine complex obtains a superior cell efficiency of 22.60% with a high fill factor of 79.54%, and keeps 91.12% of its original efficiency after 1500 h.

Observations of cyanogen bromide (BrCN) in the global troposphere and their relation to polar surface O3 destruction

Abstract. Bromine activation (the production of Br in an elevated oxidation state) promotes ozone destruction and mercury removal in the global troposphere and commonly occurs in both springtime polar boundary layers, often accompanied by nearly complete ozone destruction. The chemistry and budget of active bromine compounds (e.g., Br2, BrCl, BrO, HOBr) reflect the cycling of Br and affect its environmental impact. Cyanogen bromide (BrCN) has recently been measured by iodide ion high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (I− CIMS), and trifluoro methoxide ion time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CF3O− CIMS) during the NASA Atmospheric Tomography Mission second, third, and fourth deployments (NASA ATom), and could be a previously unquantified participant in active Br chemistry. BrCN mixing ratios ranged from below the detection limit (1.5 pptv) up to as high as 36 pptv (10 s average) and enhancements were almost exclusively confined to the polar boundary layers in the Arctic winter and in both polar regions during spring and fall. The coincidence of BrCN with active Br chemistry (often observable BrO, BrCl and O3 loss) and high CHBr3/CH2Br2 ratios imply that much of the observed BrCN is from atmospheric Br chemistry rather than a biogenic source. Likely BrCN formation pathways involve the heterogeneous reactions of active Br (Br2, HOBr) with reduced nitrogen compounds, for example hydrogen cyanide (HCN/CN−), on snow, ice, or particle surfaces. Competitive reaction calculations of HOBr reactions with Cl−/Br− and HCN/CN− in solution, as well as box model calculations with bromine chemistry, confirm the viability of this formation channel and show a distinct pH dependence, with BrCN formation favored at higher pH values. Gas-phase loss processes of BrCN due to reaction with radical species are likely quite slow and photolysis is known to be relatively slow (BrCN lifetime of ∼ 4 months in midlatitude summer). These features, and the lack of BrCN enhancements above the polar boundary layer, imply that surface reactions must be the major loss processes. The fate of BrCN determines whether BrCN production fuels or terminates bromine activation. BrCN reactions with other halogens (Br−, HOCl, HOBr) may perpetuate the active Br cycle; however, preliminary laboratory experiments showed that BrCN did not react with aqueous bromide ion (< 0.1 %) to reform Br2. Liquid-phase reactions of BrCN are more likely to convert Br to bromide (Br−) or form a C–Br bonded organic species, as these are the known condensed-phase reactions of BrCN and would therefore constitute a loss of atmospheric active Br. Thus, further study of the chemistry of BrCN will be important for diagnosing polar Br cycling.

A "Pincer" Type of Acridine-Triazole Fluorescent Dye for Iodine Detection by Both 'Naked-Eye' Colorimetric and Fluorometric Modes.

Iodine, primarily in the form of iodide (I-), is the bioavailable form for the thyroid in the human body. Both deficiency and excess intake of iodide can lead to serious health issues, such as thyroid disease. Selecting iodide ions among anions has been a significant challenge for decades due to interference from other anions. In this study, we designed and synthesized a new pincer-type acridine-triazole fluorescent probe (probe 1) with an acridine ring as a spacer and a triazole as a linking arm attached to two naphthol groups. This probe can selectively recognize iodide ions in a mixed solvent of THF/H2O (v/v, 9/1), changing its color from colorless to light yellow, making it suitable for highly sensitive and selective colorimetric and fluorescent detection in water systems. We also synthesized another molecular tweezer-type acridine-triazole fluorescent probe (probe 2) that exhibits uniform detection characteristics for iodide ions in the acetonitrile system. Interestingly, compared to probe 2, probe 1 can be detected by the naked eye due to its circulation effect, providing a simple method for iodine detection. The detection limit of probe 1 is determined to be 10-8 mol·L-1 by spectrometric titration and isothermal titration calorimetry measurements. The binding stoichiometry between probe 1 and iodide ions is calculated to be 1:1 by these methods, and the binding constant is 2 × 105 mol·L-1.

Iodide retention characteristics on oxidized Cu coupon in saline and alkaline environments: Perspectives on high-level radioactive waste disposal

Radioactive iodine, particularly 129I, is one of the most hazardous radioisotopes found in deep geological repositories for high-level radioactive waste (HLW). This study investigated the iodide retention capacity of Cu coupons, simulating Cu canisters, under potential repository conditions. In saline environments (0.1 M NaCl + 0.01 M MgSO4), iodide was immobilized through CuI(s) formation on the oxidized surface of Cu coupons. This process was facilitated by the favorable affinity between Cu+ oxidized from the Cu coupons and I−. The iodide retention capacity of Cu coupons exhibited notable sensitivity to the pH and chemical composition of the solutions. Cu+ remained stably complexed with Cl− under saline conditions, leading to the CuI(s) formation. However, in distilled water, iodide retention decreased over time due to the transformation of CuI to CuO through Cu oxidation. In an alkaline solution (0.1 M KOH), iodide retention was negligible. These results indicate that radioactive iodide ions, released in the event of canister failure, can be effectively immobilized, and their migration to the ecosystem can be impeded through CuI(s) formation on oxidized Cu canisters in saline conditions. Consequently, Cu canisters can serve as an effective barrier against radioactive iodide migration and as a long-term isolation medium for HLW, particularly under saline conditions.

Exploring Tunable Properties, Solvent-Modulated Dynamics, and Novel C(sp3)-H Activation Mechanisms in Electron Donor-Acceptor Complexes.

Electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex photochemistry has emerged as a vibrant area in visible-light-mediated synthetic radical chemistry. However, theoretical insights into the reaction mechanisms remain limited. Our study investigates the influence of solvent polarity and halogen atom types on radical reaction pathways in EDA complexes. We demonstrate that solvent polarity modulates the charge transfer and spatial arrangement within EDA complexes, thereby influencing their stability and reaction kinetics. Iodide ions play a crucial role in facilitating free radical generation and stabilizing reaction intermediates. Different halogen atom types exhibit distinct effects on radical reactions. Variations in radical concentration and solvent environment further affect the pathway selectivity. Additionally, light conditions influence the free radical generation and pathway selectivity. Our findings enhance the understanding of EDA complex photochemistry and radical reactions, offering insights for organic synthesis and photochemistry applications.

Hollow mushroom nanomaterials for potentiometric sensing of Pb2+ ions in water via the intercalation of iodide ions into the polypyrrole matrix

Abstract Herein, the synthesis of a sensor for the determination of lead (Pb2+) ions via the intercalation of iodide ions into the polypyrrole matrix is performed. It demonstrated a Nernstian slope of 31.7 mV/decade, indicating a linear response within the concentration range of 10−5–10−1 M. The detection limit achieved is 9.10−6 M, indicating the sensor’s sensitivity to low concentrations of Pb2+. The effectiveness of the Ppy/I− sensor in Pb2+ sensing is confirmed through cyclic voltammetry, where a peak potential of −0.2 V is observed. The sensitivity of the sensor for Pb2+ detection is measured to be 2 µA/M. Moreover, the Ppy/I− sensor exhibits a negative response to interfering ions, which enhances its selectivity for Pb2+ detection. Furthermore, when tested with natural water samples such as tap or underground water, which are typically free of lead ions, the sensor demonstrates a negative response to normal interfering ions commonly found in such samples. The Ppy/I− sensor offers several advantages, including the ability to detect Pb2+ ions at very low concentrations, a flexible and adaptable design, and a cost-effective preparation technique. These features make it a promising tool for accurate and efficient detection of Pb2+ ions.

Highly morphological behavior AgI/P1HP intercalated with iodide ions in the polymer chains as a promising photocathode for the hydrogen generation from Red Sea water

Highly morphological behavior AgI/P1HP intercalated with iodide ions in the polymer chains as a promising photocathode for the hydrogen generation from Red Sea water

Synthesis and characterization of small molecular electrolyte as an interlayer and its application in organic solar cells

A small molecule electrolyte (SME) based on the iodide ion (FN-NDI-I) was synthesized for organic solar cells as interlayers based on fullerene and non-fullerene systems. The utilization of ITO/ZnO/SME enhances the PCE of the fullerene-based device, with an increase observed from 8.63% (pristine ZnO) to 9.06%. In the non-fullerene case, the PCE of the device based on pristine ITO/ZnO reaches 14.9%. However, due to leakage current, the performance of the device using the ITO/ZnO/SME interlayer decreases to 11.5%. When ITO/SME is employed, the device attains a PCE of 14.5%, which closely approximates the performance of the non-fullerene device based on ITO/ZnO.