Fullerene Nucleating Agents: A Route Towards Thermally Stable Photovoltaic Blends

The bulk‐heterojunction nanostructure of non‐crystalline polymer:fullerene blends has the tendency to rapidly coarsen when heated above its glass transition temperature, which represents an important degradation mechanism. We demonstrate that fullerene nucleating agents can be used to thermally arrest the nanostructure of photovoltaic blends that comprise a non‐crystalline thiophene‐quinoxaline copolymer and the widely used fullerene derivative [6,6]‐phenyl‐C₆₁‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). To this end, C₆₀ fullerene is employed to efficiently nucleate PCBM crystallization. Sub‐micrometer‐sized fullerene crystals are formed when as little as 2 wt% C₆₀ with respect to PCBM is added to the blend. These reach an average size of only 200 nanometers upon introduction of more than 8 wt% C₆₀. Solar cells based on C₆₀‐nucleated blends indicate significantly improved thermal stability of the bulk‐heterojunction nanostructure even after annealing at an elevated temperature of 130 °C, which lies above the glass transition temperature of the blend. Moreover, we find that various other compounds, including C₇₀ fullerene, single‐walled carbon nanotubes, and sodium benzoate, as well as a number of commercial nucleating agents—commonly used to clarify isotactic polypropylene—permit to control crystallization of the fullerene phase.     

Fully exohydrogenated Si60 fullerene cage

Using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory, we demonstrate that Si₆₀ fullerene cage can be stabilized by exohydrogenated method. In contrast to previous theoretical studies that Si₆₀ fullerene geometry construction will be seriously distorted when it is bare or encapsulated by metal atom clusters, exohydrogenated scheme shows that Si₆₀H₆₀ cage will be able to keep perfect fullerene structure similar to C₆₀.     

The effect of C-vacancy on hydrogen storage and characterization of H2 modes on Ti functionalized C60 fullerene A first principles study

Density functional theory calculations were performed to examine the effect of a C vacancy on the physisorption of H₂ onto Ti-functionalized C₆₀ fullerene when H₂ is oriented along the x-, y-, and z-axes of the fullerene. The effect of the C vacancy on the physisorption modes of H₂ was investigated as a function of H₂ binding energy within the energy window (?0.2 to ?0.6 eV) targeted by the Department of Energy (DOE), and as functions of a variety of other physicochemical properties. The results indicate that the preferential orientations of H₂ in the defect-free (i.e., no C vacancy) C₆₀TiH₂ complex are along the x- and y-axes of C₆₀ (with adsorption energies of ?0.23 and ?0.21 eV, respectively), making these orientations the most suitable ones for hydrogen storage, in contrast to the results obtained for defect-containing fullerenes. The defect-containing (i.e., containing a C vacancy) C₅₉TiH₂ complex do not exhibit adsorption energies within the targeted energy range. Charge transfer occurs from Ti 3d to C 2p of the fullerene. The binding of H₂ is dominated by the pairwise support–metal interaction energy E(i)^Cn...Ti, and the role of the fullerene is not restricted to supporting the metal. The C vacancy enhances the adsorption energy of Ti, in contrast to that of H₂. A significant reduction in the energy gap of the pristine C₆₀ fullerene is observed when TiH₂ is adsorbed by it. While the C _n fullerene readily participates in nucleophilic processes, the adjacent TiH₂ fragment is available for electrophilic processes.

Cage opening and fragmentation of C60 fullerene induced by an ultrashort laser pulse

Response of C₆₀ fullerene to a 40 fs full-width at half-maximum laser pulse with a photon energy of 2.0 eV and different laser intensities is studied by semiclassical dynamics simulation technique. The simulation results show that soon after the irradiation with a strong laser pulse, many C–C bonds abruptly break but no fragments are produced. The breaking of multiple C–C bonds induces a quick increase in the kinetic energy and potential energy and a decrease in electronic energy. These results suggest that the opening of the C₆₀ cage is an effective channel for the conversion of electronic energy to kinetic energy for the electronically excited C₆₀ fullerene.     

Effect of fullerenes C<Subscript>60</Subscript> on X-protein amyloids

The inhibitory effect of hydrated fullerene C₆₀ and the sodium salt of the fullerene polycarboxylic derivative C₆₀Cl(C₆H₄CH₂COONa)₅ on the formation of amyloid fibrils by X-protein in vitro has been studied by electron microscopy. It is shown that these compounds not only destroy mature amyloid fibrils but also prevent the formation of new fibrils. This property of fullerenes, which are nanoparticles, can be used to develop a novel medical nanotechnology in the therapy for amyloidoses.     

Polymerization of miniature fullerenes in the cavity of nanotubes

The polymerization of four fullerenes C₂₈ in the cavity of closed single-walled carbon nanotube C₇₄₀ was investigated. It was shown that the formation of the oligomer of four C₂₈ fullerenes is observed at the pressure of 37.73 GPa, which is created by means of the charged fullerene C₆₀. Fullerene C₆₀ moves under the influence of an external electric field.     

Effect of the β-amyloid peptide Aβ<Subscript>25–35</Subscript> and fullerene C<Subscript>60</Subscript> on the activity of enzymes in erythrocytes

The effect of the β-amyloid peptide Aβ_25–35 and fullerene C₆₀ on the activity of the cytoplasmic enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutathione peroxidase (GLP), and membrane-bound phosphofructokinase (PFK) and Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase in human erythrocytes has been studied. When used in combination, the cytotoxins decrease the activity of LDH and PFK in a nonadditive manner; in this case, Aβ_25–35 protects PFK against the inhibitory effect of C₆₀. The activity of LDH, GLP, and PFK decreases within the first 2–20 min of incubation of erythrocytes with Aβ_25–35 in the absence of glucose. The addition of glucose sharply decreases the inhibitory action of Aβ_25–35 on LDH and GLP but does not affect the fourfold decrease in activity of PFK; the activity of membrane-bound Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase does not depend on the presence of glucose. Possible mechanisms of interaction of Aβ_25–35 and fullerene C₆₀ with the erythrocyte membrane and enzymes are discussed.     

The Role of Exciton Ionization Processes in Bulk Heterojunction Organic Photovoltaic Cells

To realize efficient photoconversion in organic semiconductors, photogenerated excitons must be dissociated into their constituent electronic charges. In an organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell, this is most often accomplished using an electron donor–acceptor (D–A) interface. Interestingly, recent work on MoO_x/C₆₀ Schottky OPVs has demonstrated that excitons in C₆₀ may also undergo efficient bulk‐ionization and generate photocurrent as a result of the large built‐in field created by the MoO_x/C₆₀ interface. Here, it is demonstrated that bulk ionization processes also contribute to the short‐circuit current density (J_SC) and open‐circuit voltage (V_OC) in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) OPVs with fullerene‐rich compositions. Temperature‐dependent measurements of device performance are used to distinguish dissociation by bulk‐ionization from charge transfer at the D–A interface. In optimized fullerene‐rich BHJs based on the D–A pairing of boron subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc)–C₆₀, bulk‐ionization is found to be responsible for ≈16% of the total photocurrent, and >30% of the photocurrent originating from C₆₀. The presence of bulk‐ionization in C₆₀ also impacts the temperature dependence of V_OC, with fullerene‐rich SubPc:C₆₀ BHJ OPVs showing a larger V_OC than evenly mixed BHJs. The prevalence of bulk‐ionization processes in efficient, fullerene‐rich BHJs underscores the need to include these effects when engineering device design and morphology in OPVs.     

Computational study of enantioselective interaction between C<Subscript>60</Subscript> fullerene and its derivatives with L-histidine

The mechanism of the enantioselective binding of L-histidine with C₆₀ fullerene and its derivatives, (1,2-methanofullerene C₆₀)-61-carboxylic acid, diethyl (1,2-methanofullerene C₆₀)-61-61-dicarboxylate and tert-butyl (1,2-methanofullerene C₆₀)-61-carboxylate based chiral selectors was studied by quantum chemical calculations. All the molecules were fully optimized at RHF/6-31G* basis set. Relative energies between the different complexes were subsequently estimated with single-point electronic energies computed using Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2). Stability and feasibility of all the generated structures were supported by their respective energy minima and fundamental frequencies. It was observed that interaction of fullerene derivatives with L-histidine is due to the existence of hydrogen bonding forces during the complex formation. The intermolecular forces, flow of atomic charges, binding energy, hardness, dipole moment and localization of electrostatic potential are in agreement with enantioselective interaction of L-histidine with C₆₀ fullerene and its derivatives. It is found that theoretical evaluation to be consistent with the experimental data.     

Molecular dynamics simulations of structural instability of fullerene family under tension force

Fullerene molecules are cage-like nanoscopic structures with pentagonal and hexagonal faces. In practical applications such as fullerene-reinforced nanocomposites (FRNCs), these structures may be subjected to tension force. In this research, we employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to compute the behaviour and deformation of different fullerene molecules, ranging from C₆₀ to C₂₀₀₀, under tension force. To model the interactions between carbon atoms in the MD simulations, the adaptive intermolecular reactive bond order (AIREBO) force field is used. The displacement–force and the displacement–strain energy curves are obtained. It is observed that a new type of structural instability occurs in the fullerene molecules when the applied tension force increases. This abnormal structural instability in the fullerenes is investigated for the first time in the literature. The critical tensile forces and the corresponding mode shapes are determined for different fullerenes. The results indicate that the critical forces and deformations strongly depend upon the number of carbon atoms.     

Study of cytotoxicity of fullerene C60 derivatives

We investigated the cytotoxicity of the fullerene C₆₀ derivatives. We showed that complexes of C₆₀ fullerene with polyvinylpyrrolidone (m.w. of polyvinylpyrrolidone 10000 and 25000), C₆₀-NO₂-proline and C₆₀-alanine had no toxic effect on HEp-2 cells. Sodium salt of polycarboxylic derivative of fullerene C₆₀ exerted a pronounced toxic effect on this cell culture.     

Toxic effect of Aβ<Subscript>25–35</Subscript> and fullerene C<Subscript>60</Subscript> on erythrocytes

Using light microscopy and spectrophotometry, it has been shown that amyloid β-peptide Aβ_25–35 and water-soluble fullerene C₆₀ cause lysis of human and rat erythrocytes. Both fullerene C₆₀ and Aβ_25–35 partly inhibited the activities of membrane-associated phosphofructokinase and cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase in erythrocytes.     

Interaction between epoxidised estradiol and fullerene (C60): possible anticancer activity

In this article, the antioxidant activity of fullerene is theoretically studied by applying the density functional theory (DFT) method in terms of its protective effects against the derivatives of estrone that constitute species known to exhibit carcinogenic activity. Several reactions involving fullerene C₆₀ in different possible reactive centres of estradiol and epoxidised estradiol were studied. Surprisingly, the ring that supports the epoxide group is able to react with fullerene by means of a 2+2 cycloaddition, forming a very stable compound. This new compound has the potential to avoid known reactions between the epoxidised molecule and DNA fragments causing the mutagenic process of breast cancer. Therefore, fullerene C₆₀ represents the possibility of a new agent for combating this disease.     

Electron microscopic study of the effect of fullerene on the formation of amyloid fibrils by the Aβ25–35 peptide

The antiamyloidogenic effect of hydrated fullerence C₆₀ HyFn was shown by electron microscopy. It was found that fullerene binds to growing fibrils formed by the [beta]-amyloid peptide Aβ_25–35 and thus prevents their further growth and interferes with the formation of new fibrils. Instead of long broad helically twisted ‘ribbons’ formed by Aβ_25–35 in the absence of fullerene, short narrow protofibrils form in its presence. These results suggest that fullerenes can be useful in treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.     

Quantitative analysis of C60 fullerene in blood and tissues by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array and mass spectrometric detection

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay method for C₆₀ fullerene, in blood, liver and spleen using photodiode-array detection or mass spectrometric detection (LC–MS) and C₇₀ fullerene, as the internal standard, is described. The recovery from mouse blood and tissues spiked with micronized C₆₀ exceeds 90%. The method is linear from 0.05 to 200 mg of C₆₀ per liter of blood and from 0.05 to 5.00% of C₆₀ per tissue weight. The limit of detection of the method is 0.1 ng of C₆₀ per injection. This method was applied to mouse blood and tissue samples after intraperitoneal administration of a micronized C₆₀ suspension.     

Molecular dynamics study of changes in physico-chemical properties of DMPC lipid bilayers by addition of nonionic surfactant C12E10

Changes in physico-chemical properties of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) lipid bilayers caused by the addition of 9.4 mol% nonionic surfactant decaoxyethylene monododecyl ethers (C₁₂E₁₀) have been investigated by molecular dynamics calculations. In spite of addition of single chain C₁₂E₁₀, the lipid bilayers showed an increase of membrane area. Isothermal area compressibility, which is a measure of membrane softness in lateral direction, also increased by 50% for DMPC/C₁₂E₁₀ mixed bilayers. Furthermore, the order parameter of C–H vector for DMPC acyl tails decreased. We found that these changes are caused by the hydrophilic head groups of C₁₂E₁₀ which are located near the glycerol backbone of the DMPC molecules and have bulky random coil conformation without any preferential ordered structures.     

Antiamyloid properties of fullerene C<Subscript>60</Subscript> derivatives

A comparative estimation of the ability of complexes of fullerene C₆₀ with polyvinylpyrrolidone and fullerene C₆₀ derivatives (the sodium salt of the polycarboxylic derivative of fullerene C₆₀, sodium fullerenolate), has been carried out. The fullerenes destroyed amyloid fibrils of the Aβ(1–42) peptide of the brain and the muscle X-protein. A study of the effect of fullerenes on muscle actin showed that complexes of fullerene C₆₀ with polyvinylpyrrolidone and sodium fullerenolate did not prevent the filament formation of actin, nor did they destroy its filaments in vitro. Conversely, sodium salt of the polycarboxylic derivative of fullerene C₆₀ destroyed actin filaments and prevented their formation. It was concluded that sodium fullerenolate and complexes of fullerene C₆₀ with polyvinylpyrrolidone are the most effective antiamyloid compounds among the fullerenes examined.     

Light‐Induced Degradation of Polymer:Fullerene Photovoltaic Devices: An Intrinsic or Material‐Dependent Failure Mechanism?

Although degradation mechanisms in organic photovoltaic devices continue to receive increased attention, it is only recently that the initial light‐induced failure, or so‐called burn‐in effect, has been considered. Both prototypical polythiophene:fullerene and polycarbazole:fullerene systems exhibit an exponential performance loss of ≈40% upon 150 h of continuous solar illumination. While the decrease in both the short‐circuit current (J_SC) and open‐circuit voltage (V_OC) is the origin of performance loss in poly(3‐hexylthiophene):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PC₆₀BM), in poly(N‐9′‐hepta‐decanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole)):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCDTBT:PC₇₀BM) the decline of the fill factor dominates. By systematic variation of the interface layers, active layer thickness, and acceptor in polythiophene:fullerene cells, the loss in J_SC is ascribed to a degradation in the bulk of the P3HT:PC₆₀BM, while the drop in V_OC is reversible and arises from charge trapping at the contact interfaces. By replacing the C₆₀ fullerene derivative with a C₇₀ derivative, or by modifying the electron transport layer, the J_SC or V_OC, respectively, are stabilized. These insights prove that the burn‐in process stems from multiple concurrent failure mechanisms. Comparing the ageing and recovery processes in P3HT and PCDTBT blends results in the conclusion that their interface failures differ in nature and that burn‐in is a material dependent, rather than an intrinsic, failure mechanism.     

Co-Exposure with Fullerene May Strengthen Health Effects of Organic Industrial Chemicals

In vitro toxicological studies together with atomistic molecular dynamics simulations show that occupational co-exposure with C₆₀ fullerene may strengthen the health effects of organic industrial chemicals. The chemicals studied are acetophenone, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, m-cresol, and toluene which can be used with fullerene as reagents or solvents in industrial processes. Potential co-exposure scenarios include a fullerene dust and organic chemical vapor, or a fullerene solution aerosolized in workplace air. Unfiltered and filtered mixtures of C₆₀ and organic chemicals represent different co-exposure scenarios in in vitro studies where acute cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity of C₆₀ and organic chemicals are tested together and alone by using human THP-1-derived macrophages. Statistically significant co-effects are observed for an unfiltered mixture of benzaldehyde and C₆₀ that is more cytotoxic than benzaldehyde alone, and for a filtered mixture of m-cresol and C₆₀ that is slightly less cytotoxic than m-cresol. Hydrophobicity of chemicals correlates with co-effects when secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α is considered. Complementary atomistic molecular dynamics simulations reveal that C₆₀ co-aggregates with all chemicals in aqueous environment. Stable aggregates have a fullerene-rich core and a chemical-rich surface layer, and while essentially all C₆₀ molecules aggregate together, a portion of organic molecules remains in water.     

Interfacing Pristine C60 onto TiO2 for Viable Flexibility in Perovskite Solar Cells by a Low‐Temperature All‐Solution Process

A low‐temperature solution‐processed strategy is critical for cost‐effective manufacture of flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Based on an aqueous‐processed TiO₂ layer, and conventional fullerene derivatives replaced by a pristine fullerene interlayer of C₆₀, herein a facile interface engineering for making all‐solution‐processed TiO₂/C₆₀ layers in flexible n‐i‐p PSCs is reported. Due to the improvement of the perovskite grain quality, promotion of interfacial charge transfer and suppression of interfacial charge recombination, the stabilized power conversion efficiency for the flexible PSCs reaches as high as 16% with high bending resistance retention (≈80% after 1500 cycles) and high light‐soaking retention (≈100% after 100 min). In addition, the stabilized efficiency is over 19% for the rigid TiO₂/C₆₀‐based PSCs. The present work with the facile low‐temperature solution process renders the practicability for high‐performance flexible PSCs applied to wearable devices, portable equipment, and electric vehicles.