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XYG3-type doubly hybrid (xDH) approximations have gained widespread recognition for their accuracy in describing a diverse range of chemical and physical interactions. However, a recent study [Song et al., J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 12, 800–807 (2021)] has highlighted the limitation of xDH methods in calculating the dissociation of NaCl molecules. This issue has been related to the density and orbitals used for evaluating the energy in xDH methods, which are obtained from lower-rung hybrid density functional approximations (DFAs) and display substantial density errors in the dissociation limit. In this work, we systematically investigate the influence of density on several challenging datasets and find that xDH methods are less sensitive to density errors compared to semi-local and hybrid DFAs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the self-interaction corrected SCAN density approach offers superior accuracy compared to the self-consistent SCAN density and Hartree–Fock density approaches, as evidenced by performing charge analysis on the dissociation of heterodimers, such as NaCl and LiF. Building on these insights, we propose a five-parameter xDH method using the SCAN density and orbitals corrected by the PZ-SIC scheme. This new xDH@SCAN(SIC) method provides a balanced and accurate description across a wide range of challenging systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess PbI2 has been deemed as indispensable component to boost the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the random aggregation of PbI2 crystals seriously disturbs the transport behavior of the carrier and accelerates the degradation of perovskite film. Herein, an effective strategy to in situ disperse excess PbI2 crystals via the columnar liquid crystal (T6TE) is developed. Rapid self‐assembly induced by intermolecular π–π interaction enables T6TE to form the ordered columnar phase with "edge‐on" orientation in perovskite. The columnar T6TE can efficiently disperse excess PbI2 crystals with the merits of strong negative electrostatic potential and highly steric hindrance. Target perovskite deserves preferable crystallization and reconstructed surface, leading to reduced defects density, less residual stress, and efficient carrier transport. Besides, the T6TE significantly impedes the degradation of perovskite film and the formation of Pb0 defects. Resultant T6TE‐assisted PSCs achieve the champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.27% for mixed Cs+‐FA+‐MA+ perovskite. The PCE of a larger area (1 cm2) device reaches to 21.50%. The unencapsulated device maintains ≈85% of the initial PCE after 1500 h storage in the atmosphere with 40–60% relative humidity. This work provides a new strategy to in situ disperse excess PbI2 by incorporating columnar liquid crystal for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While extensive investigations have been devoted to the study of genetic pathways related to fatty liver diseases, much less is known about epigenetic mechanisms underlying these disorders. DNA methylation is an epigenetic link between environmental factors (e.g., diets) and complex diseases (e.g., non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease). Here, it is aimed to study the role of DNA methylation in the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism. A dynamic change in the DNA methylome in the liver of high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice is discovered, including a marked increase in DNA methylation at the promoter of Beta‐klotho (Klb), a co‐receptor for the biological functions of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)15/19 and FGF21. DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) 1 and 3A mediate HFD‐induced methylation at the Klb promoter. Notably, HFD enhances DNMT1 protein stability via a ubiquitination‐mediated mechanism. Liver‐specific deletion of Dnmt1 or 3a increases Klb expression and ameliorates HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis. Single‐nucleus RNA sequencing analysis reveals pathways involved in fatty acid oxidation in Dnmt1‐deficient hepatocytes. Targeted demethylation at the Klb promoter increases Klb expression and fatty acid oxidation, resulting in decreased hepatic lipid accumulation. Up‐regulation of methyltransferases by HFD may induce hypermethylation of the Klb promoter and subsequent down‐regulation of Klb expression, resulting in the development of hepatic steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: A mixed GAI and MAI (MGM) treatment modulating the bulk and interfacial defects simultaneously is reported. The devices' performance is enhanced to ~24.5% in 0.12 cm2 and ~18.7% in 64 cm2 with improved stability. The MGM treatment can be applied to a wide range of perovskite compositions. Here, we report a mixed GAI and MAI (MGM) treatment method by forming a 2D alternating-cation-interlayer (ACI) phase (n = 2) perovskite layer on the 3D perovskite, modulating the bulk and interfacial defects in the perovskite films simultaneously, leading to the suppressed nonradiative recombination, longer lifetime, higher mobility, and reduced trap density. Consequently, the devices' performance is enhanced to 24.5% and 18.7% for 0.12 and 64 cm2, respectively. In addition, the MGM treatment can be applied to a wide range of perovskite compositions, including MA-, FA-, MAFA-, and CsFAMA-based lead halide perovskites, making it a general method for preparing efficient perovskite solar cells. Without encapsulation, the treated devices show improved stabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite Solar Cells In article number 2303166, Hongli Liu and co‐workers developed a columnar liquid crystal, in situ dispersing the excess PbI2 component in perovskite. Target perovskite gains optimal crystallization, released residual stress, and less defects with no aggregated PbI2 crystals, leading to efficient carrier transfer. The optimized perovskite solar cells achieve a power conversion efficiency of 24.27% with preferable stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on new functional layer materials and optimization of fabrication in organic light-emitting diode (OLED) has been continuously concerned. In this work, phosphotungstic acid solution used as a precursor is spin-coated onto ITO anode, and then a phosphorus-tungsten oxide (WO 3 -P 2 O 5 ) film is obtained after annealing treatment. Various parameters which include film composition, surface morphology, work function and optical property are measured. It suggests that the film has the composition of 24 WO 3 ·P 2 O 5 annealed at 200 °C, which exhibits work function of 5.55 eV, surface root mean square (RMS) roughness value of 1.525 nm and optical transmittance of over 92%. The WO 3 -P 2 O 5 film is used as hole injection layer (HIL), and the OLED with the structure of [ITO/ WO 3 -P 2 O 5 / TPD/ Alq 3 / LiF/ Al] is fabricated. The performance of device shows turn-on voltage of 2.6 V, maximum luminance of 13553 cd/m 2 , maximum current efficiency of 5.87 cd/A and maximum power efficiency of 3.44 lm/W, respectively. The results provide a new way to deposit HIL based on solution-processed metal oxide in efficient OLED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two alcohol-soluble electron-transport materials (ETMs), diphenyl(4-(1-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)phenyl) phosphine oxide (pPBlPO) and (3,5-bis(1-phenyl-1H-benzo[ d]imidazol-2-yl)phenyl)diphenylphosphine oxide (mBPBIPO), have been synthesized. The physical properties of these ETMs were investigated and they both exhibited high electron-transport mobilities (1.67 x 10-4 and 2.15 x 10-4 cm2V-1 s-1), high glass-transition temperatures (81 and 110 °C), and low LUMO energy levels (-2.87 and -2.82 eV, respectively). The solubility of PBIPO in n-butyl alcohol was more than 20mgmL-1, which meets the requirement for fully solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Fully solution-processed green-phosphorescent OLEDs were fabricated by using alcohol-soluble PBIPO as electron-transport layers (ETLs), and they exhibited high current efficiencies, power efficiencies, and external quantum efficiencies of up to 38.43 cdA-1, 26.64 lmW-1, and 10.87%, respectively. Compared with devices that did not contain PBIPO as an ETM, the performance of these devices was much improved, which indicated the excellent electrontransport properties of PBIPO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High performance with color stability and simplified device structure with uncomplicated fabrication processes are research focuses in white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs). But it is not easy to simultaneously combine these characteristics into WOLEDs. Herein, efficient and color-stable WOLEDs with double light-emitting layer are constructed. The double light-emitting layer structure is composed of a red-green (RG) emitting light which originate from incomplete energy transfer from the host of tris-(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3) to guest of 4-(Dicyanomethylene)-2-tert-butyl-6-(1,1,7,7-tetramethyljulolidin-4-yl-vinyl)−4 H -pyran (DCJTB), and a blue-green emitting light from ( E )-9-(4-(2-(anthracen-9-yl)vinyl)phenyl)-10-(naphthalen-1-yl)anthracene (APEAn1N). In these WOLEDs, the different doping concentrations of DCJTB in Alq3 were optimized. Finally, a WOLEDs with relatively simple preparation was obtained with a maximum brightness of 9296 cd m −2 , maximum current efficiency (CE) of 10.17 cd A −1 , maximum power efficiency (PE) of 5.80 lm W −1 , maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 4.09%, Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinate of (0.41, 0.46) and color rendering index (CRI) of 75 (85), respectively. And the chromaticity coordinate is stable at (0.41, 0.46) with increasing operation voltage. These results reveal that the fluorescent WOLEDs possess simplified fabrication, low cost, relatively high efficiency, acceptable CRI and stable color, simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercialization of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been impeded by their structural instability and susceptibility towards moisture. We demonstrate the fabrication of mixed cation lead mixed halide FA 0.8 Cs 0.2 PbI 2.68 Br 0.32 perovskite solar cells with long-term stability by addition of the Pb(SCN) 2 additive. The introduction of Pb(SCN) 2 improves the crystallinity of perovskite to promote the generation of high-quality film. The perovskite films with Pb(SCN) 2 exhibit large grain-size, less pinholes, reduced trap density and prolonged charge carrier lifetime. The PSCs with 2 mol % Pb(SCN) 2 fabricated in ambient environment have showed notable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.0% with less hysteresis and remarkably high moisture stability. The PCE of unsealed devices maintained 85.1% of the initial value under ambient environment (60 ± 5% RH) after 45 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aryl-substituted phenanthroimidazoles (PIs) have attracted tremendous attention in the field of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), because they are simple to synthesize and have excellent thermal properties, high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), and bipolar properties. Herein, a novel blue-green emitting material, ( E)-2-{4′-[2-(anthracen-9-yl)vinyl]-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl}-1-phenyl-1 H-phenanthro[9,10- d]imidazole (APE-PPI), containing a t-APE [1-(9-anthryl)-2-phenylethene] core and a PI moiety was designed and synthesized. Owing to the PI skeleton, APE-PPI possesses high thermal stability and a high PLQY, and the compound exhibits bipolar transporting characteristics, which were identified by single-carrier devices. Nondoped blue-green OLEDs with APE-PPI as the emitting layer show emission at λ=508 nm, a full width at half maximum of 82 nm, a maximum brightness of 9042 cd m−2, a maximum current efficiency of 2.14 cd A−1, and Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.26, 0.55). Furthermore, a white OLED (WOLED) was fabricated by employing APE-PPI as the blue-green emitting layer and 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2- tert-butyl-6-(1,1,7,7-tetramethyljulolidin-4-yl-vinyl)-4 H-pyran (DCJTB) doped in tris-(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3) as the red-green emitting layer. This WOLED exhibited a maximum brightness of 10029 cd m−2, a maximum current efficiency of 16.05 cd A−1, CIE coordinates of (0.47, 0.47), and a color rendering index (CRI) of 85. The high performance of APE-PPI-based devices suggests that the t-APE and PI combination can potentially be used to synthesize efficient electroluminescent materials for WOLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) has become a widely applied therapeutic approach for many hematologic and nonhematologic diseases. Adequate PBSC mobilization is critical to the success of ASCT. However, many factors can contribute to poor mobilization. Plerixafor is an effective yet costly adjunct agent that has been increasingly used to improve mobilization in a variety of diagnoses and clinical settings. However, to achieve both optimal cell collection yields and cost-effectiveness, the role of plerixafor in PBSC mobilization needs to be well defined in terms of triggers for initiating its use and criteria for monitoring response. As one of the largest hematopoietic transplant centers in the country, we have developed an approach to PBSC mobilization and collection that incorporates patient laboratory assessments, monitoring of the collection yields, and judicious use of plerixafor as well as various patient support and education programs. These measures have resulted in an increase in our collection success rate and a decrease in the mean number of collection days. In this article we describe our approach to autologous PBSC mobilization and collection. Pertinent reports in the literature are also reviewed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report for the first time on both interface modification and co-sensitization by using novel asymmetry 7-coumarinoxy-4-methyltetrasubstituted metallophthalocyanines in a heterojunction solar cell. The short circuit photocurrent of mesoscopic heterojunction solar cell exhibits an improvement of more than 8%, while the PCEs give an increase of more than 28% compared to CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 -sensitized devices, and the power conversion efficiencies reached at 13.96% most. The introduction of novel asymmetry metallophthalocyanines can not only favor crystal growth of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 leading to a better carrier collection and retardation of charge recombination but also improve the light harvesting ability of perovskite resulting in a faster electron injection. Moreover, it can also reduce the hysteresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, fluorinated copper phthalocyanines (F x CuPc, x = 4, 8, 12, 16) were synthesized and their energy levels were tuned to function as single-component p-, ambipolar and n-type semiconductors for single-component organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). The influence of number of fluorine atoms on molecule geometries, frontier molecular orbitals, thin film morphology and microstructure as well as molecular aggregation patterns is systematically investigated by quantum calculation, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). OTFTs were fabricated to evaluate the semiconducting and charge transport properties of F x CuPc. Perfluorinated copper phthalocyanines (F 16 CuPc) exhibited an electron mobility of 0.27 cm 2 V −1 s −1 . In particular, F 12 CuPc OTFT device were revealed to show an ambipolar performance with carrier mobilities of 0.005 cm 2 V −1 s −1 for holes and 0.006 cm 2 V −1 s −1 for electrons in air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective approach had been developed for the preparation of Fe-doped TiO 2 red hollow nanospheres via template method using PMMA-BA copolymers as the core template by a two-step hydrolysis process. The nanospheres were rarely displayed fragmentation and exhibited hollow structures with uniform size and shape. Then, the multicomponent Fe/Co/Al-doped TiO 2 hollow nanospheres were produced with Co and Al as tinting metal ions so as to endow them with higher color saturation and brightness. The average diameter of the hollow spheres coated with a layer of α-Fe 2 O 3 was approximately 300 nm and the thickness of the layer was roughly 50 nm. The electrophoretic mobility and zeta potential of two kinds of hollow particles were about −1.0 × 10 −5 cm 2 v −1 s −1 and −100 mV, respectively. Finally, the electrophoretic inks prototype device was successfully assembled using dispersion of the obtained red hollow nanospheres in a mixed dielectric solvent with TiO 2 white particles as contrast. Under an applied bias voltage of 30 V, the response time of the simple EPD device was 1121 ms and the max contrast was 3.173, which had shown great potential for practical application in a vivid chromatic electrophoretic display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The cold crystallization behavior of TPB and TTB powder and their π–π aggregation in film were studied for the first time. [•] Both TPB and TTB could form smooth film and effective π–π interactions with edge-on orientations. [•] Annealing process is propitious to the formation of more ordered microstructure, resulting in improved carrier mobility. [•] The cold crystallization character of HTMs could be employed to predict their film structural order degree and charge carrier mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the main function of white adipose tissue (WAT) is to store surplus of energy as triacylglycerol, that of brown adipose tissue (BAT) is to burn energy as heat. Epigenetic mechanisms participate prominently in both WAT and BAT energy metabolism. We previously reported that the histone demethylase ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide (Utx) is a positive regulator of brown adipocyte thermogenesis. Here, we aimed to investigate whether Utx also regulates WAT metabolism in vivo. We generated a mouse model with Utx deficiency in adipocytes (AUTXKO). AUTXKO animals fed a chow diet had higher body weight, more fat mass and impaired glucose tolerance. AUTXKO mice also exhibited cold intolerance with an impaired brown fat thermogenic program. When challenged with high-fat diet (HFD), AUTXKO mice displayed adipose dysfunction featured by suppressed lipogenic pathways, exacerbated inflammation and fibrosis with less fat storage in adipose tissues and more lipid storage in the liver; as a result, AUTXKO mice showed a disturbance in whole body glucose homeostasis and hepatic steatosis. Our data demonstrate that Utx deficiency in adipocytes limits adipose tissue expansion under HFD challenge and induces metabolic dysfunction via adipose tissue remodeling. We conclude that adipocyte Utx is a key regulator of systemic metabolic homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone/methotrexate, cytarabine (Hyper-CVAD) chemotherapy exerts deleterious effects on peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization. We retrospectively reviewed the use of plerixafor to salvage mobilization in 18 Hyper-CVAD treated patients who initially mobilized poorly with chemotherapy and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). After plerixafor administration the median peripheral blood (PB) CD34 + count rose from 3.74/μL (0-17/μL) to 6.85/μL (0-47.2/μL). The patients collected a median of 1.64 (0.21-5.56) × 106 CD34 + cells/kg with a median number of 3 (1-4) doses in the same collection cycle, and 11 patients reached the 2.0 × 106 CD34 + cells/kg minimum required for transplant. Six patients were remobilized later with G-CSF and plerixafor, and three additional patients reached this goal. For these 14 patients the median number of doses of plerixafor required to reach 2.0 × 106 CD34 + cells/kg was 3 (range 1-4). In conclusion, plerixafor can be utilized successfully in many cases to overcome the effects of Hyper-CVAD on PBSC mobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel small-molecule hole transporting materials (HTMs) with a linear π-conjugated structure have been synthesized. The perovskite solar cell based on 2TPA-2-DP as the HTM exhibits an encouraging power conversion efficiency of 9.1% under AM 1.5 G (100 mW cm−2) illumination, which is the first demonstration of an effective perovskite solar cell using a linear structured HTM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four novel blue luminescent hole transporting materials with N,N′-di(p-tolyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine as the core, containing triphenylamine units and olefinic linkers were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR and HRMS. Their optical, electrochemical and thermal properties were investigated. Quantum-chemical calculations were performed to obtain their optimized structures and the electron distribution of the molecular orbital energy levels, and the experimental findings suggest that monosubstituted compounds have a similar energy gap to the bisubstituted compounds. The UV–Vis and photoluminescence spectra indicate that these compounds are blue luminescent materials. Cyclic voltammetry measurements show that the four compounds embody suitable highest occupied molecular orbital levels (in a range of −5.08 ∼ −5.14 eV) for hole injection. All of the compounds have excellent thermal stability, with decomposition temperatures above 400 °C and glass transition temperatures above 100 °C, which is of benefit to form stable amorphous glassy states. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two new blue luminescent hole transporting materials (HTM) containing triphenylamine, carbazole units and olefinic linkers (TM1 and TM2) were synthesized via Wittig reaction and characterized by 1H NMR, FT-IR, and HRMS. The compounds show good solubility in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran and dimethyl formamide. Their optical, electrochemical and crystalline properties were investigated by using UV–Vis, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Quantum-chemical calculation was performed to obtain their optimized structures and the electron distribution of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels. The UV–Vis absorption and PL spectra of the two compounds in solid state were found to be similar to that when they were in dilute THF, which suggests that these compounds remain as an amorphous state in solid films. CV measurements show that the two compounds embody suitable HOMO levels (in a range of −5.28 to −5.23eV) for hole injection, which is consistent with the calculation consequence. Two compounds possess high glass-transition temperature (Tg ) at 96.61 and 90.74°C for TM1 and TM2, respectively, suggesting the two compounds could form stable amorphous glassy states. The experimental results show that the synthesized compounds have great potential for application in organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The absent photo‐response in near‐infrared (NIR) light (>800 nm) of lead‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) limits the further improvement of their power conversion efficiency (PCE). Here, a narrow bandgap p‐type phthalocyanine derivative (Copper(II) 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24‐octakis((4‐(bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino)phenyl)ethynyl)phthalocyanine –8TPAEPC) with NIR absorption is synthesized to extend the photovoltaic response of perovskite to 850 nm. After doping the 8TPAEPC into the perovskite photoactive layer, the perovskite crystal quality is improved, resulting in its good electrical conductivity and less surface defects. Furthermore, the molecules stacking on the grain boundaries construct the charge transportation paths, as well as the p–n bulk heterojunction with enhanced built‐in potential. The target PSCs are optimized with notably enhanced PCE from 20% up to 22.10%, and excellent stability that is over 80% of the initial level at 70–80% relative humidity can be maintained for more than 500 h, benefiting from the improved hydrophobicity of 8TPAEPC. In addition, 8TPAEPC also serves as a dopant‐free, highly carrier‐mobile, and moreover, NIR‐responsive hole transport layer (HTL) with boosted PCE of 20.42% that reaches state of the art level among the dopant‐free metal phthalocyanines HTL‐based PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we reported an effective approach for fabrication of hollow TiO2 as electrophoretic particles. In this approach, the copolymer was first synthesized via emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization using the cationic initiator. Subsequently, the core-shell structure was successfully formed by deposited titanium dioxide and calcination resulted in spherical shells composed of a dense arrangement. The whole process didn''t require any surfactant or surface modification. The result showed that high efficiency hollow TiO2 nanospheres were obtained with the average diameter of approximately 230nm. Furthermore, we investigated freeze drying process of core-shell structure; this kind of process could effectively reduce the fragmentation and break during the calcination. To the best of our knowledge, using freeze drying process to prevent breaking the hollow spheres was seldom mentioned in related paper. Without extra surface modification, low density hollow TiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed into medium then filled into micro-cup device. The obtained high efficiency hollow TiO2 nanospheres were fit for electronic paper display at low voltage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An air-stable n-channel semiconductor material, CuPcF16, was synthesized in a slightly modified procedure and characterized by infrared (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis and fluorescence spectra. CuPcF16 showed a monomer characteristic in THF and pyridine while exhibited an aggregation property in DMF. The CuPcF16/p-6p (CuPcF16 on p-6p) organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) using CuPcF16 as an active layer and p-6p as an inducing layer was fabricated by the physical vapor deposition technique. Charge carrier field-effect mobility (μ), I on /I off and threshold voltage (V T ) of the CuPcF16/p-6p OTFTs were 0.07cm2/Vs, 105 and 5.28V, respectively. The charge mobility of the OTFTs was two or even three times higher than that of the conventional single layer CuPcF16-based OTFTs. The improved performance was attributed to the introduction of p-6p to form a highly oriented and continuous film of CuPcF16 with the molecular π–π conjugated direction parallel to the substrate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The anatase TiO2 hollow spheres with a diameter of approximately 250nm were synthesized by a chemical template method. Compared to conventional P25 nanocrystalline particles, the TiO2 hollow structured materials not only have a low density, high specific surface areas, and hierarchically porous structures but also exhibit high light-scattering efficiency and fast motion of the charge carriers. A photoelectrode consisting of TiO2 hollow spheres for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is prepared, and the nanostructure and the performance of DSSCs with an ionic liquid electrolyte are investigated. Improved performance of the DSSCs (Jsc=8.0mAcm−2, Voc=0.732V, FF=65%, and η =3.79%) is obtained compared with the P25 TiO2 nanocrystalline DSSCs (Jsc=7.25mAcm−2, Voc=0.702V, FF=59%, η =2.96%, and measured at 100mWcm−2, AM 1.5G). The improved performance is primarily due to the enhanced light scattering by the TiO2 hollow spheres and the highly porous structure of the hollow sphere electrode, allowing the highly viscous non-volatile electrolytes to thoroughly penetrate the electrode. The results show that the structure of the TiO2 hollow sphere photoelectrode can greatly improve the performance of the DSSCs with non-volatile electrolytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel low density TiO–TiO2–carbon black composite was synthesized, which involved the deposition of inorganic coating on the surface of core–shell latex particles and subsequent removal of latex particles by calcination in high-purity nitrogen. The morphology and interior structure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The images exhibited the composite had spherical shape and smooth surface, and the interior structure was hollow or porous. X-ray diffraction peaks (XRD) were mostly in agreement with the standard diffraction patterns of rutile TiO2. In addition, the observed peaks at 2θ of 43.5°, 50.6° and 74.4° can be indexed to (111), (200) and (220) planes of cubic phase TiO. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated that composite consisted of carbon black, TiO and TiO2. The apparent density of the composite was suitable to 1.62gcm−3, due to density matching with suspending media. Glutin–arabic gum microcapsules containing TiO–TiO2–carbon black composite electrophoretic liquid were prepared via complex coacervation. The particles in the microcapsules showed excellent electrophoretic mobility under a DC field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In nematodes, the ETS-family transcription factor ast-1 regulates multiple genes comprising the dopamine (DA) neuron phenotype, including biosynthetic enzymes and transporters. ETS transcription factors are hypothesized to play a similar role in vertebrates, and based on its expression in the adult mouse midbrain, Etv5/ERM has been proposed as a regulator of DA gene expression in the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Here we show that Etv5 expression is not detectable until postnatal stages in the midbrain, well after development of the DA system, and that Etv5 knock-out and control mice show comparable tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter expression in the embryonic and adult midbrain. Other known members of the ETS family do not have expression patterns that are consistent with a role in DA gene regulation in the SN/VTA. These findings suggest that the ETS factors, while required for the generation of the DA phenotype in nematodes, do not play such a role in the mouse midbrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The habenula is a dorsal diencephalic structure consisting of medial and lateral subnuclei and a principal output tract, the fasciculus retroflexus, which together form a link between the limbic forebrain and ventral midbrain. Here, we have used microarray and bioinformatic approaches in the mouse to show that the habenula is a distinctive molecular territory of the CNS, with a unique profile of neurotransmitter, ion channel, and regulatory factor expression. Neurons of the medial habenula and part of the lateral habenula express the transcription factor Brn3a/Pou4f1, and Brn3a-expressing habenular neurons project exclusively to the interpeduncular nucleus in the ventral midbrain. In Brn3a mutant embryos, the fasciculus retroflexus is directed appropriately, but habenular neurons fail to innervate their targets. Microarray analysis of Brn3a null embryos shows that this factor regulates an extensive program of habenula-enriched genes, but not generic neural properties. The orphan nuclear receptorNurr1/Nr4a2is coexpressed with Brn3ainthe developing habenula, is downstream of Brn3a, and mediates expression of a subset of Brn3a-regulated transcripts. Together, these findings begin to define a gene regulatory pathway for habenula development in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hollow TiO X nanospheres have been successfully prepared using hollow core–double shell latex particles (poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (abbreviated in poly(St-co-MMA-co-BA-co-MAA)) as template, which involves the deposition of inorganic coating on the surface of hollow core–shell latex particles and subsequent removal of the latex by calcinations in air or ammonia gas. Ti(OBu)4 was used as precursor for the preparation of hollow TiO X nanospheres. TEM of white hollow core–double shell polymers particles with an aperture of approximately 225nm displays the perfect characteristic hollow nanospheres structure of primary core–double shell particles. The formation of TiO X was confirmed by XRD analysis and hollow structure of the particles was revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). When the calcined temperature was at 800°C, hollow TiO2 nanospheres were arranged regularly with the diameter range of 130–170nm. The electrophoretic properties were characterized by JS94J micro-electrophoresis apparatus. The electrophoretic mobility of white TiO2 and black TiO hollow spheres in tetrachloroethylene were 1.09×10−5 and 3.12×10−5 cm2/Vs, and the zeta potentials were 7.10 and 20.24mV, respectively. The results show that white TiO2 particles and black TiO hollow nanoparticles are suitable as electrophoretic particles and possess the application potential in the future electrophoretic display. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel core–double shell particles with poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) (PMMA-co-BA) as the cores, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (PMMA-co-BA-co-MAA) as the inner shells, poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) (PS-co-MMA) as the outer shells were prepared by soap-free emulsion polymerization. The acid–alkali osmotic swelling processes were made before the outer shells wrapped for bigger aperture. The optimal experiment conditions were summarized. The morphology and size of the hollow latex particles were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the uniform sizes of the hollow latex particles were about 230nm. The electrophoretic mobility of them in tetrachloroethylene was 0.91×10−10 m2 V−1 s−1, and the Zeta-potential was 5.87mV. The results showed that the hollow polymer particles can used as background particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) innervation into brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been viewed as an impetus for brown fat thermogenesis. However, we surprisingly discovered that BAT SNS innervation is dispensable for mice to maintain proper body temperature during a prolonged cold exposure. Here we aimed to uncover the physiological factors compensating for maintaining brown fat thermogenesis in the absence of BAT innervation. After an initial decline of body temperature during cold exposure, mice with SNS surgical denervation in interscapular BAT gradually recovered their temperature comparable to that of sham-operated mice. The surgically denervated BAT also maintained a sizable uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) protein along with basal norepinephrine (NE) at a similar level to that of sham controls, which were associated with increased circulating NE. Furthermore, the denervated mice exhibited increased free fatty acid levels in circulation. Indeed, surgical denervation of mice with CGI-58 deletion in adipocytes, a model lacking lipolytic capacity to release fatty acids from WAT, dramatically reduced BAT UCP1 protein and rendered the mice susceptible to cold. We conclude that circulating fatty acids and NE may serve as key factors for maintaining BAT thermogenic function and body temperature in the absence of BAT sympathetic innervation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown that motor recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI) is task-specific. However, most consequential conclusions about locomotor functional recovery from SCI have been derived from quadrupedal locomotion paradigms. In this study, two monkeys were trained to perform a bipedal walking task, mimicking human walking, before and after T8 spinal cord hemisection. Importantly, there is no pharmacological therapy with nerve growth factor for monkeys after SCI; thus, in this study, the changes that occurred in the brain were spontaneous. The impairment of locomotion on the ipsilateral side was more severe than that on the contralateral side. We used information theory to analyze single-cell activity from the left primary motor cortex (M1), and results show that neuronal populations in the unilateral primary motor cortex gradually conveyed more information about the bilateral hindlimb muscle activities during the training of bipedal walking after SCI. We further demonstrated that, after SCI, progressively expanded information from the neuronal population reconstructed more accurate control of muscle activity. These results suggest that, after SCI, the unilateral primary motor cortex could gradually regain control of bilateral coordination and motor recovery and in turn enhance the performance of brain–machine interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing energy expenditure through activation of brown fat thermogenesis is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of obesity. Epigenetic regulation has emerged as a key player in regulating brown fat development and thermogenic program. Here, we aimed to study the role of DNA methyltransferase 3b (Dnmt3b), a DNA methyltransferase involved in de novo DNA methylation, in the regulation of brown fat function and energy homeostasis. We generated a genetic model with Dnmt3b deletion in brown fat-skeletal lineage precursor cells (3bKO mice) by crossing Dnmt3b-floxed (fl/fl) mice with Myf5-Cre mice. Female 3bKO mice are prone to diet-induced obesity, which is associated with decreased energy expenditure. Dnmt3b deficiency also impairs cold-induced thermogenic program in brown fat. Surprisingly, further RNA-seq analysis reveals a profound up-regulation of myogenic markers in brown fat of 3bKO mice, suggesting a myocyte-like remodeling in brown fat. Further motif enrichment and pyrosequencing analysis suggests myocyte enhancer factor 2C (Mef2c) as a mediator for the myogenic alteration in Dnmt3b-deficient brown fat, as indicated by decreased methylation at its promoter. Our data demonstrate that brown fat Dnmt3b is a key regulator of brown fat development, energy metabolism and obesity in female mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bisazo compounds were prepared by coupling diazotized 2,5-bis(4-aminophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole with 3-hydroxy-N-phenyl-2-naphthalenecarboxamide (Naphthol AS) and its derivants. These compounds were analysed by IR spectra and element analysis. The X-ray diffraction patterns were used to determine their crystal structure. The relationships between treatment methods and crystal structures of the compounds, and the effects of crystal structure on photoconductivity were also studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A latent pigment which was a derivative of C.I. Pigment Yellow 151 was prepared. The conversion from latent pigment to parent pigment was studied and proved by UV and IR spectrum. Its application in PVC coloring was also involved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hybridized local and charge‐transfer (HLCT) with the utilization of both singlet and triplet excitons through the “hot excitons” channel have great application potential in highly efficient blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The proportion of charge‐transfer (CT) and locally excited (LE) components in the relevant singlet and triplet states makes a big difference for the high‐lying reverse intersystem crossing process. Herein, three novel donor (D)‐acceptor (A) type HLCT materials, 7‐([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl(9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)amino)‐3‐phenyl‐1H‐isochromen‐1‐one (pPh‐7P), 7‐([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl(9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)amino)‐3‐methyl‐1H‐isochromen‐1‐one (pPh‐7M), and 6‐([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl(9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)amino)‐3‐methyl‐1H‐isochromen‐1‐one (pPh‐6M), were rationally designed and synthesized with diphenylamine derivative as donor and oxygen heterocyclic coumarin moiety as acceptors. The proportions of CT and LE components were fine controlled by changing the connection site of diphenylamine derivative at C6/C7‐position and the substituent at C3‐position of coumarin moiety. The HLCT characteristics of pPh‐7P, pPh‐7M, and pPh‐6M were systematically demonstrated through photophysical properties and density functional theory calculations. The solution‐processed doped OLEDs based on pPh‐6M exhibited deep‐blue electroluminescence with the maximum emission wavelength of 446 nm, maximum luminance of 8755 cd m−2, maximum current efficiency of 5.83 cd A−1, and maximum external quantum efficiency of 6.54 %. The results reveal that pPh‐6M with dominant 1LE and 3CT components has better OLED performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter is presented in response to the article "Rapid mobilization of murine and human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist," by H. E. Broxmeyer and colleagues in the 2005 issue.

Background: Studies have suggested that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with incomplete hematologic recovery undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) had inferior overall survival (OS). Study Design and Methods: This single‐center, retrospective study of AML patients evaluated the relationship between red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) transfusion requirements during the first 30 days and long‐term outcomes after allo‐HSCT through multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 692 AML patients received peripheral blood stem cells (89.2%), marrow (5.6%), or umbilical cord (5.2%) from matched related (37.4%), unrelated (49.1%), or haploidentical (8.2%) donors in 2011–2017. Transfusion requirements during the first 30 days for RBC (89.5% transfused, median 3, range 1–18 units) or PLT (98.2% transfused, median 6, range 1–144 units) were variable. By Day 30, 56.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 52.8–60.3%) and 86.1% (95% CI: 83.2–88.5%) had achieved RBC and PLT transfusion independence, respectively. Median follow‐up among survivors (n = 307) was 7.1 years (range: 2.7–11.8). Lack of RBC transfusion independence by Day 30 was strongly and independently associated with worse 5‐year OS (39.2% vs. 59.6%, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.83, 95% CI: 1.49–2.25), leukemia‐free survival (35.8% vs. 55.5%, HR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.43–2.14), and NRM (29.7% vs. 13.7%, HR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.45–2.89) (p <.001). There was no difference in relapse rates among patients who achieved or did not achieve RBC (p =.34) or PLT (p =.64) transfusion independence. Conclusion: Prolonged RBC dependence predicted worse survival and NRM rates, but not increased relapse. Posttransplant surveillance of such patients should be adjusted with more attention to non‐relapse complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotube reinforced natural rubber composites (CNT/NRs) have been increasingly used in industry. However, due to the large aspect ratio and high curling of CNTs, the traditional theoretical models that have been used for inclusion-reinforced composites cannot be applied to CNT/NRs directly. Therefore, a longer time is needed to predict the elastic properties of CNT/NRs in experiments. In this work, the classical macroscopic model and mesoscopic method were used to predict the elastic performance of CNT/NRs prepared by the latex blending method. Three types of phenomenological models were employed: Mooney–Rivlin, Ogden, and Yeoh. A comparison with the experimental results shows that the Ogden model describes the constitutive behavior of CNT/NRs more accurately. In addition, at the mesoscale, the Halpin–Tsai equation, Mori–Tanaka model, and finite element method were employed to predict the elastic modulus based on the persistent length theory. The stress-strain curves under large deformations were compared with those of the experimental results. Therefore, the applicability of the three mesoscale models were verified for the CNT/NRs studied in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a three-dimensional (3D) surface topography measurement method based on digital holography is proposed that changes the observation vector by rotating a charge-coupled device(CCD). Two digital holograms with different observation vectors were recorded by rotating the CCD at a small angle. In this paper, the 3D surface topographies of an irregular spheres with a radius of 16 mm and an surface relief denture with a dimensional of 10 mm × 10 mm were obtained. The results matches well with the real value of the hemisphere, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed method. At the same time, the surface topography measurement of the denture crown reflects its contour information well and can be used to guide dentists in the process of restorative teeth and denture making. • A three-dimensional (3D) surface topography measurement method based on digital holography is proposed. The approach is based on changing the observation vector by rotating recording plane. • The 3D surface topography information is obtained using the relationship between the unwrapped phase difference and height. • In the medical field, such information can assist dentists in the tasks of tooth repair and denture fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients who respond inadequately to plerixafor salvage during autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection are frequently remobilized with plerixafor to collect additional stem cells. However, in patients who fail remobilization, it is unclear whether additional mobilization efforts with plerixafor are useful.Study Design and Methods: We retrospectively examined the PBSC collections of 15 consecutive patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma who underwent three mobilizations with plerixafor.Results: Of the 821 patients who underwent autologous stem cell collections, 15 patients were mobilized three times with plerixafor (1.8%), which enabled 11 (73.3%) patients to reach 2.0 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg or greater. Among patients who eventually collected successfully the median yields from the three collection attempts were 0.46, 0.76, and 1.54 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg, respectively. Among those who collected less than 2.0 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg cumulatively, the median yields were 0.14, 0.33, and 0.22 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg from the three collection attempts. The combined collection yields from the first two mobilization attempts were significantly lower (p = 0.003; range, 0.09-0.73 vs. 0.63-1.84; median, 0.51 vs. 1.36) in those who failed collection.Conclusions: The majority (73.3%) of patients who underwent three mobilization attempts were eventually able to collect enough cells to permit autologous transplantation. Extremely low peripheral blood CD34+ count after the first dose of plerixafor and collection yields during the first two attempts were associated with a poor collection yield on the third attempt. The risks and benefits of a third mobilization should be weighed to facilitate judicious use of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probe electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PESI-MS) has been demonstrated to be a useful in situ and online analytical technique for monitoring of various reactions. In this work, PESI-MS with a surface-modified probe was adopted and applied to in situ monitoring of photocatalytic reactions. Typical reactions of semiconductor photocatalysts, namely TiO2, SnO2, WO3, SiC and ZnS catalyzed methylene blue (MB) and brilliant green (BG) degradation, were selected to demonstrate the potential of PESI-MS to monitor heterogeneous photocatalytic reactions occurring in suspensions. Surface modification of the probe ensures increased wettability during the whole monitoring process. PESI-MS could provide continuous sampling and real-time MS results without time-consuming and cumbersome sample pretreatments. This method has other merits including good reproducibility and stability (time scale > 60 min), convenience of operation, low sample consumption, high time resolution and high tolerance to suspended photocatalyst particles. Time-resolved mass spectra and ion chromatograms of every chemical species e.g. the substrate and reactive intermediates could be obtained, which is helpful for a better understanding of the photocatalytic reaction process. Thus, PESI-MS could be a versatile analytical technique for in situ photocatalytic reaction analysis and could be an alternative means for the evaluation of photocatalyst performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries are considered to have the best development prospect for electric vehicles. But enhancing the cycling performance of Li–S batteries is necessary and urgent. Mesoporous MgO particles (MMgO) are prepared by surfactant templating method and used to prepare cathode materials for the first time. The prepared MMgO has a hexagonal flake-like structure with a thickness of 50–80 nm, a transverse length of 150–350 nm, a processing area of 181.56 m2/g, an average pore diameter of 3.11 nm and a pore volume of 0.26 cc/g. MMgO shows low intensity and slightly broader diffraction peaks in the XRD pattern, indicating the presence of lattice distortion, defects, dislocations or unsaturated valence bonds. MMgO particles are uniformly distributed on the sulfur surface to provide high surface area, many active sites and interconnected channel structure, which makes more sulfur contact with MMgO to be adsorbed, activated and participated in charge and discharge reaction. The Li–S battery containing sulfur/MMgO composite at weight ratio 90:10 shows the best cyclic stability with capacity retention rate 84.7% after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. The initial specific capacity of a Li–S battery with sulfur/MMgO composite at weight ratio 70:30 can reach 1062 mAh/g at 0.2 C, which is much higher than sulfur/commercial MgO at the same weight ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A simple and efficient graphene patterned method has been demonstrated. • Patterned graphene possesses favorable graphic accuracy and optical/electrical properties. • The OLEDs array with patterned graphene electrode is fabricated. • Corresponding device exhibits bright and uniform light emission. A simple method for the preparation of patterned graphene electrodes by applying patterned copper film as the masking layer is demonstrated. As-prepared graphene pattern shows well-defined and straight boundary line. High-quality patterned graphene electrode possesses a low average sheet resistance of 556 Ω/sq meanwhile its transmittance exceeds 96% at 550 nm. The 4 × 2 organic light-emitting diodes array with patterned graphene electrode further proves the practical application of this simple patterned technology. Corresponding device exhibits a maximum luminance of 44 k cd/m2 at 15 V and current efficiency of 24 cd/A at 6 V. This patterned graphene electrodes also have great potential in application of flexible printed electronics and display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The scaly bark-like Ni-Mo-S/MoO x composite on Ni foam is successfully prepared. • The sample functions as an efficient HER electrocatalyst. • The sample requires an overpotential of 180 mV to generate 50 mA cm−2. • Na 2 MoO 4 ·H 2 O significantly improves the HER performance of the Ni 3 S 2 /NF. Abstract This work reports a facile one-step solvothermal synthesis of scaly bark-like Ni-Mo-S/MoO x composite on Ni foam (denoted as NF) with the assistance of a small amount of sodium molybdate dihydrate. The as-obtained Ni-Mo-S/MoO x /NF presents high electrocatalytic activity and excellent durability for HER in 1 M KOH. More specifically, the as-obtained sample requires an overpotential of only 180 mV to attain the current density of 50 mA cm−2, with remarkable stability for 50 h. The good performance of the Ni-Mo-S/MoO x /NF electrocatalyst can be attributed to its high conductivity and unique structural features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing carrier injection efficiency is an important way to improve the performance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this work, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were formed on indium tin oxide (ITO) anodes with different aromatic carboxylic acids. The relationship between the molecular structure and its effect on modification was investigated. The presence of monolayers was verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Water contact angle tests show that the surface energy of ITO has decreased after SAM modification which is beneficial to obtain a flat film of organic functional materials on ITO. In addition, the data of ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy reveal that the work function of SAM-ITO with different molecules modified has increased to varying degrees. Therefore, a no-hole injection layer (HIL) device whose structure is ITO/SAMs/α-naphthyphenylbiphenyldiamine (NPB) (25 nm)/tris(8-hydroxyquindino) aluminum (III) (Alq3) (60 nm)/LiF (1 nm)/Al (100 nm) was designed to explore the impact of SAMs on OLEDs. OLED performance shows SAMs of 9H-carbazole-2-carboxylic acid (CzCA) facilitating the device to obtain superior luminescence performance, with a turn-on voltage of 2.6 V and a maximum luminance of 30 418 cd·m−2. In order to study the mechanism, the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and other information of SAM molecules were calculated by Gaussian 09. According to the result, the HOMO of CzCA appears as a special "through-band," which is beneficial to the hole transport. It is considered that when the HOMO of the SAM molecule is in a shape favorable for hole transport, hole injection will be facilitated and the performance of the OLEDs will be improved greatly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The new materials of T-6TPA with high hole mobility of 2.06 × 10−3 cm2V−1s−1 was synthesized for dopant‐free HTL. • The infiltration strategies can further improve the interface hole extraction and transport between HTL and perovskite. • Anti-solvent drip strategy can construct a more effective charge transport channel in the perovskite. • The PCE of PSC with dopant-free T-6TPA HTL has increased from 18.5% to 20.3% with the assistance of antisolvent dripping. • The PSCs with T-6TPA dopant-free HTL presents good long-term stability in both humid air and high temperature of 60 °C. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with dopant‐free hole transporting layers (HTLs) deserved extensive research by merits of their outstanding hydrophobicity and stability. However, the low carrier mobility and poor interfacial hole extraction lead to the inferior power conversion efficiency (PCE) than that of conventional Li+ doped Spiro-OMeTAD. Here, a design of triphenylamine groups grafted triphenylene derivative (T-6TPA) as dopant-free HTLs has been presented. The larger π-conjugation in T-6TPA give rise to high hole mobility of 2.06 × 10−3 cm2V−1s−1. Moreover, the interfacial hole extraction of T-6TPA was significantly promoted when the molecules were infiltrated into perovskite before HTL deposition. The infiltration method of anti-solvent dripping (An) strategy increased PCE from 18.5% up to 20.3%, which is superior to another additive doping strategy (Ad-strategy, 19.3%). The effectiveness of An-strategy can be attributed to the construction of a coherent and homogeneous hole transport channel. The hydrophobicity and high glass transition temperature of T-6TPA also granted excellent moisture and thermal stabilities that the initial PCE could remain 80% for 60 days in air or 600 h at 60 °C. This work highlights the synergistical optimization by design of highly hole-mobile materials as well as the interfacial network construction for charge transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α‐phase formamidine lead iodine (α‐FAPbI3) as a competitive candidate to pursue high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs) suffers from the weakness of random nucleation and disordered growth in chasing high‐grade polycrystalline films. Here, single‐crystal seeds crystallization (SCSC) method is proposed to obtain high‐quality α‐FAPbI3 perovskite films for the first time. Six single‐crystals seeds (CsPbBr3, CsPbI3, FAPbBr3, FAPbI3, MAPbBr3, and MAPbI3) are employed to regulate α‐FAPbI3 perovskite crystallization. These seeds act as nucleation sites and allow the perovskite to grow directly. The rapid crystallization significantly improves the crystallinity of perovskite films with uniform morphology, large grain size, and less defects. Of particular note, FAPbBr3 seed prefers to grow α‐FAPbI3 epitaxially from FAPbBr3@PbI2 heterostructure through a halogen anion exchange process. The average grain size of FAPbBr3‐perovskite film is boosted to 2.6 µm, and the trap density reduced by 11 times. The resultant FAPbBr3‐PSCs achieve a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.84% with a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.18 V. The unencapsulated PSC retains 91% of the initial PCE after 3000 h of storage at ≈30–50% relative humidity and preserves 98.5% of the original value after 155 h illumination with maximum power point tracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) employing inorganic oxides as carrier transport layer can further improve the performances of OLEDs, such as power efficiency, reduce turn-on voltage and enhance stability. Vacuum thermal evaporating (VTE) and ultrasonic spray coating (USC) molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3 ) films with the thickness of 60 nm are used as hole transport layer (HTL) to realized hybrid OLEDs. USC-MoO 3 based OLED performs much better than VTE-MoO 3 based OLED. Atom forces microscope images shows that both VTE-MoO 3 film and emitting layer deposited on it have an extremely rough surface, offering convenient entrance ports for the intrusion of oxygen and water vapor into organic function layer. Nevertheless, USC MoO 3 film and emitting layer deposited on it exhibit much smoother surface so that oxygen and water vapor must completely destroy the metal cathode before they intrude in the organic function layers. Besides, to prevent MoO 3 quenching excitons, host material with excellent hole transport property is used to restrict exciton recombination region at the interface between emitting layer and electron transport layer. As a result, hybrid OLEDs employing USC-MoO 3 as HTL are realized with low turn-on voltage, improved efficiency and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]