Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells using BTR:PC71BM show promising power conversion efficiency of >28% under 1000 lux generating 78.2 μW cm−2, outperforming Si based PV cells and comparable to GaAs PV cells. This result suggests that OPV cells have excellent potential for indoor applications.
Smart contact lenses attract extensive interests due to their capability of directly monitoring physiological and ambient information. However, previous demonstrations usually lacked efficient sensor modalities, facile fabrication process, mechanical stability, or biocompatibility. Here, we demonstrate a flexible approach for fabrication of multifunctional smart contact lenses with an ultrathin MoS
2
transistors-based serpentine mesh sensor system. The integrated sensor systems contain a photodetector for receiving optical information, a glucose sensor for monitoring glucose level directly from tear fluid, and a temperature sensor for diagnosing potential corneal disease. Unlike traditional sensors and circuit chips sandwiched in the lens substrate, this serpentine mesh sensor system can be directly mounted onto the lenses and maintain direct contact with tears, delivering high detection sensitivity, while being mechanically robust and not interfering with either blinking or vision. Furthermore, the
in vitro
cytotoxicity tests reveal good biocompatibility, thus holding promise as next-generation soft electronics for healthcare and medical applications.
The photoconversion efficiency of state-of-the-art organic solar cells has experienced a remarkable increase in the last few years, with reported certified efficiency values of up to 8.3%. This increase has been due to an improved understanding of the underlying physics, synthetic discovery and the realization of the pivotal role that morphological optimization plays. Advances in nanometre scale characterization have underpinned all three factors. Here we give an overview of the current understanding of the fundamental processes in organic photovoltaic devices, on optimization considerations and on recent developments in nanometre scale measuring techniques. Finally, recommendations for future developments from the perspective of characterization techniques are set forth.
Rational
design of the morphology and complementary compounding
of electrode materials have contributed substantially to improving
battery performance, yet the capabilities of conventional electrode
materials have remained limited in some key parameters including energy
and power density, cycling stability, etc. because of their intrinsic
properties, especially the restricted thermodynamics of reactions
and the inherent slow diffusion dynamics induced by the crystal structures.
In contrast, preintercalation of ions or molecules into the crystal
structure with/without further lattice reconstruction could provide
fundamental optimizations to overcome these intrinsic limitations.
In this Perspective, we discuss the essential optimization mechanisms
of preintercalation in improving electronic conductivity and ionic
diffusion, inhibiting “lattice breathing” and screening
the carrier charge. We also summarize the current challenges in preintercalation
and offer insights on future opportunities for the rational design
of preintercalation electrodes in next-generation rechargeable batteries.
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