Design and Optimization of High-Performance Novel RbPbBr3-Based Solar Cells with Wide-Band-Gap S-Chalcogenide Electron Transport Layers (ETLs).

Inorganic cubic rubidium-lead-halide perovskites have attracted considerable attention owing to their structural, electronic, and unique optical properties. In this study, novel rubidium-lead-bromide (RbPbBr3)-based hybrid perovskite solar cells (HPSCs) with several high-band-gap chalcogenide electron transport layers (ETLs) of In2S3, WS2, and SnS2 were studied by density functional theory (DFT) and using the SCAPS-1D simulator. Initially, the band gap and optical performance were computed using DFT, and these results were utilized for the first time in the SCAPS-1D simulator. Furthermore, the impact of different major influencing parameters, that is, the thickness of the layer, bulk defect density, doping concentration, and defect density of interfaces, including the working temperature, were also investigated and unveiled. Further, a study on an optimized device with the most potential ETL (SnS2) layer was performed systematically. Finally, a comparative study of different reported heterostructures was performed to explore the benchmark of the most recent efficient RbPbBr3-based photovoltaics. The highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) was 29.75% for the SnS2 ETL with Voc of 0.9789 V, Jsc of 34.57863 mA cm-2, and fill factor (FF) of 87.91%, while the PCEs of 21.15 and 24.57% were obtained for In2S3 and WS2 ETLs, respectively. The electron-hole generation, recombination rates, and quantum efficiency (QE) characteristics were also investigated in detail. Thus, the SnS2 ETL shows strong potential for use in RbPbBr3-based hybrid perovskite high-performance photovoltaic devices.

Sustainable remediation of dye-contaminated wastewater using novel cross-linked Hex-CCP-co-PPT microspheres.

The presence of dyes in contaminated water poses substantial dangers to the health of both humans and aquatic life. A process called precipitation polymerization was used to create unique cross-linked hexa-chlorocyclotriphosphazene-co-phenolphthalein (Hex-CCP-co-PPT) microspheres for the purpose of this research. Advanced methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) were used to characterise these microspheres. In a simulated solution, the performance of Hex-CCP-co-PPTs as a sorbent for removing MB dye was investigated, and the results showed an unprecedentedly high removal rate of 88.4% for MB. Temperature of 25 °C, a Hex-CCP-co-PPTs dose of 40 mg, an MB concentration of 20 ppm, an MB solution volume of 20 mL, a contact time of 40 min, and a pH of 9 were found to be the optimal experimental conditions. According to the results of the kinetic and adsorption analyses, the PSO and Langmuir adsorption models are the best ones to use. These models favour the chemi-sorption nature and mono-layered adsorption of MB in comparison to Hex-CCP-co-PPTs. Importantly, the thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that the process of removing MB by utilizing Hex-CCP-co-PPTs was endothermic and occurred spontaneously. These findings highlight the potential application of Hex-CCP-co-PPT microspheres in Algal Membrane Bioreactors (AMBRs) for the efficient and sustainable removal of dye from wastewater. This would contribute to the protection of ecosystems as well as the public's health.

Novel asymmetrical azines appending 1,3,4-thiadiazole sulfonamide: synthesis, molecular structure analyses, in silico ADME, and cytotoxic effect.

Toward finding potential and novel anticancer agents, we designed and prepared novel differently substituted unsymmetrical azine-modified thiadiazole sulfonamide derivatives using the "combi-targeting approach". An efficient procedure for synthesizing the designed compounds starts with 5-acetyl-3-N-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)-2-imino-1,3,4-thiadi-azoline 4. The E/Z configuration for compound 5 was investigated based on spectral analysis combined with quantum mechanical calculation applying the DFT-B3LYP method and 6-31G(d) basis set. The computational results found that the E isomer was energetically more favorable than the Z isomer by 2.21 kcal mol-1. Moreover, 1H and 13C chemical shifts for the E and Z isomers in DMSO were predicted using the GIAO-B3LYP/6-31G(d) computations and IEF-PCM solvation model. The computed chemical shifts for both isomers are consistent with those observed experimentally, indicating that they exist in the solution phase. Moreover, the E/Z configuration for the synthesized azines 7a-c, 9, 11, 13, 15a and 15b was also studied theoretically using the DFT-B3LYP/6-31G(d) calculations. In silico prediction for the biological activities was reported regarding the HOMO-LUMO energy gaps and molecular reactivity descriptors besides the ADMT/drug-likeness properties. The cytotoxic effect of the synthesized compounds has been assayed via the determination of their IC50.

Co(ii), Ni(ii), Cu(ii) and Cd(ii)-thiocarbonohydrazone complexes: spectroscopic, DFT, thermal, and electrical conductivity studies.

New and stable coordinated compounds have been isolated in a good yield. The chelates have been prepared by mixing Co(ii), Ni(ii), Cu(ii), and Cd(ii) metal ions with (1E)-1-((6-methyl-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)methylene)thiocarbonohydrazide (MCMT) in 2 : 1 stoichiometry (MCMT : M2+). Various techniques, including elemental microanalyses, molar conductance, thermal studies, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, UV-Vis, and XRD spectral analyses, magnetic moment measurements, and electrical conductivity, were applied for the structural and spectroscopic elucidation of the coordinating compounds. Further, computational studies using the DFT-B3LYP method were reported for MCMT and its metal complexes. MCMT behaves as a neutral NS bidentate moiety that forms octahedral complexes with general formula [M(MCMT)2Cl(OH2)]Cl·XH2O (M = Cu2+; (X = ½), Ni2+, Co2+; (X = 1)); [Cd(MCMT)2Cl2]·½H2O. There is good confirmation between experimental infrared spectral data and theoretical DFT-B3LYP computational outcomes where MCMT acts as a five-membered chelate bonded to the metal ion through azomethine nitrogen and thiocarbonyl sulphur donors. The thermal analysis is studied to confirm the elucidated structure of the complexes. Also, the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the thermal decomposition steps were evaluated. The measured optical band gap values of the prepared compounds exhibited semiconducting nature. AC conductivity and dielectric properties of the ligand and its complexes were examined, which showed that Cu(ii) complex has the highest dielectric constant referring to its high polarization and storage ability.

Synthesis, Conformational Analysis, Infrared, Raman and UV-Visible Spectra of Novel Schiff Bases compiled with DFT Calculations.

OBJECTIVE: Two novel Schiff bases named, 2-((2-Hydroxybenzylidene)amino)-4,5,6,7- tetrahydrobenzo[b] thiophene-3-carbonitrile (BESB1) and 2-((Furan-2-ylmethylene)amino)-4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-benzo[b]thiophene-3-carbonitrile (BESB2) were synthesized. METHODS: The structures were characterized based on CHN elemental analysis, mid-infrared (400- 4000 cm-1), Raman (100-4000 cm-1), 1H NMR, mass and UV-Vis spectroscopic measurements. In addition, quantum mechanical calculations using DFT-B3LYP method at 6-31G(d) basis set were carried out for both Schiff bases. Initially, we have carried out complete geometry optimizations followed by frequency calculations for the proposed conformational isomers; BESB1 (A-E) and BESB2 (F-J) based on the orientations of both CN and OH groups against the azomethine lonepair (NLP) in addition to the 3D assumption. RESULTS: The computational outcomes favor conformer A for BESB1 in which the C≡N and OH moieties are cis towards the NLP while conformer G is preferred for BESB2 (the C≡N/furan-O are cis/trans towards the NLP) which was found consistent with the results of relaxed potential energy surface scan. Aided by normal coordinate analysis of the Cartesian coordinate displacements, we have suggested reliable vibrational assignments for all observed IR and Raman bands. Moreover, the electronic absorption spectra for the favored conformers were predicted in DMSO solution using TD-B3LYP/6-31G(d) calculations. Similarly, the 1H NMR chemical shifts were also estimated using GIAO approach implementing PCM including solvent effects (DMSO-d6). CONCLUSION: Proper interpretations of the observed electronic transition, chemical shifts, IR and Raman bands were presented in this study.

Raman and DRIFT spectra, vibrational assignments and quantum mechanical calculations of centrosymmetric meso-2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid.

The Raman spectrum (3700-100cm-1) of meso-2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (meso-DMSA; C4H6O4S2) was recorded in the solid phase using 514.5 and 785nm excitation lines. Whereas, the DRIFT spectrum (4000-400cm-1) of the sample powdered in KBr was obtained. Moreover, DFT-B3LYP/6-31G(d) geometry optimization and frequency calculations were carried out for centrosymmetric trans (Ci), gauche (C1; G+/G-) and eclipsed (Cs; Ef and C1; E+/E-) rotational isomers in favor of a trans conformation, the least energy with real frequencies. However, other conformers were found at either local minima or local maxima as a result of the rotation of carboxyl, hydroxyl and thiol groups according to a potential energy surface scan. Moreover, an imaginary wavenumber was predicted; therefore, they are considered transition states. On the other hand, the mass spectrum of the sample dissolved in an acetonitrile/methanol mixture reveal 4-6% dimer through intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions via the dicarboxylic groups. Therefore, we have modeled the complex structure obeying Ci restricted symmetry for an isolated dimer unit using DFT-B3LYP/6-31G(d) and for two molecules per unit cell in the solid phase implementing DFT-PBE functional. Thus, the meso-DMSA forms long strands in which individual molecules are bonded together at each termini through hydrogen bonding. Aided by normal coordinate analysis, complete vibrational assignments were provided herein which support Ci configuration of meso-DMSA in the solid state which found consistent with the observed broadening, composite, split bands, and the mutual exclusion rule.

Raman, infrared and NMR spectral analysis, normal coordinate analysis and theoretical calculations of 5-(methylthio)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2(3H)-thione and its thiol tautomer.

Raman (3400-100 cm(-1)) and infrared (4000-200 cm(-1)) spectra of 5-(methylthio)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2(3H)-thione (C3H4N2S3; MTT) were measured in the solid state, and the (1)H/(13)C NMR spectra were obtained in DMSO-d6. Initially, twelve structures were proposed as a result of thiol-thione tautomerism and the internal rotation about the C-S bonds. The energies and vibrational frequencies of the optimized structures were calculated using the 6-31G(d) basis set with the methods of MP2 and DFT/B3LYP with Gaussian 98 quantum calculations. Additionally, (1)H/(13)C NMR chemical shifts were predicted for the thiol (structure 5) and thione (structure 9) tautomers by means of B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) calculations utilizing the GIAO approximation and the PCM solvation model. After complete relaxation of twelve candidate isomers, the thione tautomer (structure 9) was favored owing to its low energy and its predicted real spectral frequencies. These results agree with the recorded infrared and Raman results, in addition to the observed/calculated (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra. Aided by normal coordinate analysis and potential energy distributions (PEDs), complete vibrational assignments have been proposed for all observed fundamentals for the thione tautomer. With the aid of MP2/6-31G(d) potential surface scans, CH3, CH3S, and SH barriers to internal rotations were estimated with the optimized structural parameters from the MP2 method with the 6-31G(d) basis set. The results are discussed herein and compared with similar model compounds whenever appropriate.

Synthesis, antimicrobial activity, structural and spectral characterization and DFT calculations of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Pd(II) complexes of 4-amino-5-pyrimidinecarbonitrile.

Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Pd(II) complexes of 4-amino-5-pyrimidinecarbonitrile (APC) have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, mass spectrometry, infrared (4000-200 cm(-1)), UV-Visible (200-1100 nm), (1)H NMR and ESR spectroscopy as well as TGA analysis. The molar conductance measurements in DMSO imply non-electrolytic complexes, formulated as [M(APC)2Cl2] where M=Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Pd(II). The infrared spectra of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes indicate a bidentate type of bonding for APC through the exocyclic amino and adjacent pyrimidine nitrogen as donors whereas APC coordinated to Pd(II) ion as a monodentated ligand via a pyrimidine nitrogen donor. The magnetic measurements and the electronic absorption spectra support distorted octahedral geometries for Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes however a square planar complex was favored for the Pd(II) complex (C2h skeleton symmetry). In addition, we carried out B3LYP and ω-B97XD geometry optimization at 6-31G(d) basis set except for Pd(II) where we implemented LanL2DZ/6-31G(d) combined basis set. The computational results favor all trans geometrical isomers where amino N, pyrimidine N and Cl are trans to each other (structure 1). Finally, APC and its divalent metal ion complexes were screened for their antibacterial activity, and the synthesized complexes were found to be more potent antimicrobial agents than APC against one or more microbial species.

Infrared and NMR spectra, tautomerism, vibrational assignment, normal coordinate analysis, and quantum mechanical calculations of 4-amino-5-pyrimidinecarbonitrile.

The infrared (4000-200 cm(-1)) spectrum for 4-amino-5-pyrimidinecarbonitrile (APC, C5H4N4) was acquired in the solid phase. In addition, the (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of APC were obtained in DMSO-d6 along with its mass spectrum. Initially, six isomers were hypothesized and then investigated by means of DFT/B3LYP and MP2(full) quantum mechanical calculations using a 6-31G(d) basis set. Moreover, the (1)H and (13)C NMR chemical shifts were predicted using a GIAO approximation at the 6-311+G(d,p) basis set and the B3LYP method with (and without) solvent effects using PCM method. The correlation coefficients showed good agreement between the experimental/theoretical chemical shift values of amino tautomers (1 and 2) rather than the eliminated imino tautomers (3-6), in agreement with the current quantum mechanical calculations. Structures 3-6 are less stable than the amino tautomers (1 and 2) by about 5206-8673 cm(-1) (62.3-103.7 kJ/mol). The MP2(full)/6-31G(d) computational results favor the amino structure 1 with a pyramidal NH2 moiety and calculated real vibrational frequencies, however; structure 2 is considered a transition state owing to the calculated imaginary frequency. It is worth mentioning that, the calculated structural parameters suggest a strong conjugation between the amino nitrogen and pyrimidine ring. Aided by frequency calculations, normal coordinate analysis, force constants and potential energy distributions (PEDs), a complete vibrational assignment for the observed bands is proposed herein. Finally, NH2 internal rotation barriers for the stable non-planar isomer (1) were carried out using MP2(full)/6-31G(d) optimized structural parameters. Our results are discussed herein and compared to structural parameters for similar molecules whenever appropriate.

Analysis of UV and vibrational spectra (FT-IR and FT-Raman) of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene based on normal coordinate analysis, MP2 and DFT calculations.

The Raman (1400-100 cm(-1)) and infrared (4000-400 cm(-1)) of solid hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene, P(3)N(3)Cl(6) (HCCTP) were recorded. The conformational energies were calculated using MP2 and DFT (B3LYP and B3PW91) methods utilizing a variety of basis sets up to 6-311+G(d). On the basis of D(3h) symmetry, the simulated vibrational spectra of P(3)N(3)Cl(6) from MP2 and DFT methods were in excellent agreement with those obtained experimentally. Additionally, Frontier Molecular Orbitals and electronic transitions were predicted using steady state and time dependent DFT(B3LYP)/PCM calculations respectively, each employing the 6-311+G(d,p) optimized structural parameters. The predicted wavelengths were in excellent agreement with experimental values when CH(2)Cl(2) was used as solvent. The (14)N and (31)P chemical shifts were predicted with B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p) calculations using the GIAO technique with solvent effect modeled using the PCM method. The computed structural parameters of the planar P(3)N(3)Cl(6) (D(3h)) agree well with experimental values from both X-ray and electron diffraction data with slight distortions observed due to lattice defects in the solid phase. The experimental/computational results favor a slightly distorted D(3h) symmetry for the title compound in the gas and solid phases and in solution (τPNPN and τNPNP ranged from 0.018° to 0.90°). Aided by normal coordinate analysis, and the simulated vibrational spectra utilizing MP2, B3LYP and B3PW91 methods at 6-31G(d) basis set, revised and complete vibrational assignments for all fundamentals are provided herein.

Infrared, 1H and 13C NMR spectra, structural charcterization and DFT calculations of novel adenine-cyclodiphosp(V)azane derivatives.

Adenine tetrachlorocyclodiphospha(V)zane derivatives (III(a-c)) were prepared by the reaction of hexachlorocyclodiphospha(V)zane derivatives (I(a-c)) and adenine (II) as precursors. The synthesized compound's and their structures (III(a-c)) were firmly characterized (based on the presence of an inversion center) using FT-IR (4000-200 cm(-1)), UV-vis. (190-800 nm), (1)H, (13)C NMR and Mass spectral measurements in addition to C, H, N, P elemental analysis. The compounds (III(a-c)) were found to be a 1:2 molar ratio of (I(a-c)) and adenine (II) adducts, respectively. Confident and complete vibrational assignments are proposed for nearly all fundamental vibrations, along with detailed interpretation for all observed signals in both (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of the investigated phospha(V)zanes (III(a-c)). In addition, unconstrained geometry optimization of III(a-c) were carried out by means of DFT-B3LYP/3-21G(d) calculations to provide new insight into the structural parameters and molecular geometries of compounds III(a-c). The results are reported herein and compared with similar molecules whenever appropriate.