Scope of surface-modified molecular and nanomaterials in gel/liquid forms for developing mechanically flexible DSSCs/QDSSCs.

The advanced lifestyle of the human race involves heavy usage of various gadgets which require copious supplies of energy for uninterrupted functioning. Due to the ongoing depletion of fossil fuels and the accelerating demand for other energy resources, renewable energy sources, especially solar cells, are being extensively explored as viable alternatives. Flexible solar cells have recently emerged as an advanced member of the photovoltaic family; the flexibility and pliability of these photovoltaic materials are advantageous from a practical point of view. Conventional flexible solar cell materials, when dispersed in solvents, are usually volatile and create severe stability issues when incorporated in devices. Recently, non-volatile, less viscous functional molecular liquids/gels have been proposed as potential materials for use in foldable device applications. This perspective article discusses the scope of surface-modified non-volatile molecular and nanomaterials in liquid/gel forms in the manufacturing and deployment of flexible photovoltaics.

Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of electroactive IoNanofluids with high dielectric constants from hydrated ferrous sulphate.

An iron oxide based-electroactive IoNanofluid with a high dielectric constant, high stability and low viscosity was synthesized from ferrous sulphate heptahydrate via a facile microwave assisted one-step route in 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium chloride. The IoNanofluid exhibited CE coupled faradaic redox reactions involving reversible chemical reaction and reversible electron transfer steps. A transition from diffusion controlled to surface controlled capacitive processes was observed at varying scan rates. The efficiency of the charge-discharge process was greater than 94% even after 100 cycles.