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Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , Enhancing interfacial charge transport in Gold Nanoparticle@Polyaniline hybrids via N-heterocyclic carbene linkersN-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have emerged as a unique class of ligands for gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), combining strong metal binding with intrinsic electronic conductivity. Yet over the past decade, studies on Au NP@NHC systems have primarily focused on their stability, while the conductivity of NHCs has remained largely unexplored due to synthesis challenges. Here, we present a synthetic strategy that addresses this gap by employing amino-functionalized NHC-Au complexes with in situ oxidative polymerization of polyaniline (PANI) to yield electronically coupled Au NP@NHC-PANI hybrids in aqueous media. This strategy enables both a controlled PANI shell growth and introduction of an electronically active NHC interlayer. Single-particle scattering spectroscopy reveals that NHCs improve the interfacial electronic coupling as evidenced by pronounced plasmonic linewidth broadening. Conductivity measurements further confirm that NHCs enhance charge transport: conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) shows an increase in contact current from 14.6 to 99.4 pA under a 300-mV bias, while lateral four-probe conductance increases from 0.17 to 3.5 nS. These results provide the first direct experimental evidence of the conductive role of NHCs in hybrid NP-polymer systems, establishing a new interface-engineering strategy for the rational design of electronically delocalized nanostructures and their applications in nanoelectronics.Publicationtype: Journal Article57 13 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Nanoparticles in printed photovoltaics: materials, methods and potentialIn recent years, with the increase in global energy demand, photovoltaic (PV) technology has developed rapidly. The third generation of PV technology, especially flexible and semi-transparent solar cells prepared via solution processing, has gradually attracted attention. The incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) has become an important strategy to address the challenges of light absorption and efficiency in these solar cells. This paper reviews the latest progress in the field of photovoltaics using different types of NPs such as metals, oxides, silicon-based and quantum dots. The mechanisms and effects of NPs in enhancing light absorption and improving charge extraction efficiency are analyzed and common characterization methods for evaluating NPs in PV devices are introduced. Integration strategies based on different coating and printing techniques are discussed. Although these technologies have shown advantages like low cost and high yield, they still face challenges like NP synthesis upscaling, particle consistency and stability. Finally, this paper emphasizes that future research directions should focus on solving batch consistency and surface chemistry control in large-scale synthesis of NPs, optimizing coating processes to improve film uniformity, and developing sustainable materials to promote the industrial application of NP-enhanced printed PV technology.Publicationtype: Journal Article32 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , Boosting OECT performance with PEGylated gold nanoparticles in hydrophobic channelsOrganic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) require organic mixed ion-electron conductors (OMIECs) (i.e., hydrophilic materials supporting electron and ion transportation) as active materials. However, high-performance OMIECs grafted with hydrophilic side chains are difficult to synthesize and purify, and often suffer from swelling during operation. In contrast, the synthetic pathways toward a broad range of hydrophobic polymeric semiconductors used in classic organic-field-effect transistors are well established, and several are even commercially available. Yet, these hydrophobic materials do not intrinsically support ionic transport, limiting their application in OECTs. Here, poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG)-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNP) are incorporated into conventional hydrophobic polymeric semiconductors like poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT), improving not only ionic but also electronic transport. The hydrophilic AuNPs modify P3HT crystallite orientation, shorten lamellar and π–π distances, and create pathways for ion penetration, as evidenced by GIWAXS and AFM studies. With 5 wt% AuNP loading, OECTs achieve µC* of 98 F cm−1 V−1 s−1, comparable to hydrophilic materials. The strategy also works for other polymer systems, offering a facile method to utilize hydrophobic materials in OECTs and boost their performance.Publicationtype: Journal Article38 21