Molecular-weight-dependent nanoscale morphology in silole-containing cyclopentadithiophene polymer and fullerene derivative blends

We have investigated the effect of polymer molecular weight (MW) on the morphology and efficiency of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells comprised of poly[(4,4′-bis(2-ethylhexyl)dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]silole)-2,6-diyl-alt-(5,5′-thienyl-4,4′-dihexyl-2,2′-bithiazole)-2,6-diyl] (Si-PCPDTTBT) and [6,6]-phenyl C₆₁ butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Striking morphological changes are observed in BHJ films upon the change of the polymer MW. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies suggest that high MW polymer generated high degree of phase separation, leading to formation of an interpenetrating network for carrier transport. The X-ray diffraction investigation indicated that increased π–π stacking in Si-PCPDTTBT with increasing polymer MWs results in an increase in hole mobility of Si-PCPDTTBT and electron mobility of PCBM as well as the red shift absorption spectrum in BHJ films. The solar cells based on PCBM with high-MW Si-PCPDTTBT deliver power conversion efficiencies of 3.33%.     

Electrochemical properties of ZnO anode materials with MicNo® morphology

ZnO-based anodes are currently possessing drawbacks such as their low cyclic stability, high capacity fade, and relatively low electronic conductivity that prevent their widespread use in commercial batteries. A commercially available, patented MicNo morphology of ZnO is known to adopt the advantages of nanosize into bulk in the field of semiconductor and cosmetic technology. In this study, the electrochemical performance of ZnO having MicNo morphology and its potential use in Li-ion batteries were investigated. After 100 galvanostatic cycles at constant 100 mA/g current density, the retained capacity of MicNo is higher than nanosized ZnO-the starting powder for MicNo ZnO. On the contrary, at higher current densities of 500 or 1000 mA/g, the nano-ZnO showed better cyclability and lower capacity fade compared to MicNo ZnO. In cyclic voltammetry results, reduction in ZnO, LiZn, and Li₂Zn₃ formation was dominant during formation cycle of MicNo ZnO along with excellent reversibility. After lithiation, phase change from crystalline ZnO into metallic Zn and amorphous ZnO was observed from transmission electron microscopy analysis. Improved Li⁺ diffusion in SEI and pore channels, better charge-transfer characteristics, poor electronic contact, and high EDL capacitance are other features of MicNo ZnO according to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.     

Comparison of the effects of oven- and microwave-roasting on the physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of tomato seeds and oils

The tomato processing industry generates a significant amount of a by-product (pomace), which is a mixture of peels and seeds. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of conventional oven-roasting (at 120°C, 150°C, and 180°C for 25 min) and innovative microwave-roasting (at 240, 388, and 536 W for 3 min) pretreatments on the physicochemical properties, fatty acid profiles, bioactive contents, and aroma profiles of tomato seeds and their hexane-extracted oils. The total flavonoids contents (TFCs) of the seeds decreased from 258.40 to 141.20 mg quercetin equivalent (QE) per kg after roasting. All roasting treatments improved the extractability of both α- and γ-tocopherols. The amounts of total tocopherols in the seeds increased from 917.61 to 1256.25 mg kg^–1 after pretreatment. Luteolin was found to be the most abundant phenolic in seed oils, increasing from 10.68 to 91.72 mg kg^–1, followed by quercetin, ferulic acid, and catechin. Within each roasting technique, the ones treated at 150°C and 338 W yielded the oils with the highest concentrations of aroma compounds, 418 and 92 mg kg^–1, respectively. The detrimental effect of microwave-roasting on these compounds was more pronounced. In conclusion, microwave-roasting at shorter times than conventional roasting produced tomato seed oils with well-preserved bioactive components and few unfavorable changes. Industrial relevance: Conventional oven-roasting has been widely applied to oilseeds to improve oil yield as well as to obtain desirable sensory characteristics of extracted oils for years. However, longer roasting times may also cause detrimental changes in the properties of oils. On the other side, microwave-assisted applications as an emerging technology provide homogenous and well-controlled heat distribution, shorter treatment times, and considerable energy savings for the processing of various foods. Microwave technology has been easily scaled up and is currently employed for sterilization, drying, pasteurization, precooking, and extraction by the food and chemistry industries. Therefore, the present research suggests the use of microwaves for comparatively short roasting times to produce edible oils with enhanced physicochemical attributes and bioactives contents, and well-maintained sensory properties. This promising innovative technology has the potential to be industrialized for a cost-effective seed roasting process.     

Evaluation of plant-based oils for production of offset printing ink

The oils and solvents are the main components of the printing ink, and the chemical composition of the ink could be harmful or toxic to human health and the environment. Therefore, there is an increasing demand to develop inks containing green, biobased, sustainable, and renewable raw materials instead of petrochemical substances. In this study, flaxseed oil (FO), pomegranate seed oil, plum kernel oil (PKO), and grape seed oil (GSO) were selected to produce offset printing inks. Pinus pinaster (P. pinaster) resin was also used in the formulation of inks to examine the effects of natural resin on ink together with vegetable oils. The phenolic content was analyzed for the resin and oils to figure out their potential antioxidant and bioactive characteristics. Optical and rheological tests were applied to evaluate the printability of the inks. L*a*b*, ΔE, density, and gloss tests were performed for optical evaluation. The viscosity, tack, and rub resistance tests were applied to perform rheological analysis. The biobased, environmental friendly, and self-drying (cold set) offset printing inks were obtained using natural pine resin and three different plant-based oils FO, PKO, and GSO. The printability analysis of the inks figured out the potential usage of plant-based oils in the offset printing ink formulation.