New hybrid core–shell star-like architectures made of poly(n-butyl acrylate) grown from well-defined titanium oxo-clusters. This paper reports for the first time the design of a hybrid star-like architecture by post-modification of a titanium oxo-cluster with polymer chains using two different strategies. The two routes are referred to as “grafting onto” and “grafting from”. The team behind this research say it demonstrates that titanium oxo-clusters are versatile nanobricks for the preparation of well-defined architectures such as star shaped hybrids. (J. Mater. Chem., 2011, DOI:10.1039/C0JM04047A Advance Article)
Photochemical stability of π-conjugated polymers for polymer solar cells: a rule of thumb. This hot paper reports a comparative photochemical stability study of a wide range of π-conjugated polymers relevant to polymer solar cells. The behaviour of each material has been investigated under simulated sunlight and ambient atmosphere. Based on this data the team from the Technical University of Denmark propose general rules for polymer structure–stability relationships. (J. Mater. Chem., 2011, DOI:10.1039/C0JM03105D Advance Article)
Controlled synthesis and optical characterization of multifunctional ordered Y2O3 : Er3+ porous pyramid arrays. Y2O3 is an important industrial compound widely used in antireflective coatings and transparent ceramics. In this hot paper, Xiangfu Wang, Xiaohong Yan and Caixia Kan synthesise Y2O3 : Er3+ porous pyramid arrays with a honeycomb micropore structure and investigate their optical characteristics. The team from China say that Y2O3 : 5%Er3+, 5%Li+ porous pyramid arrays could be used to decrease the reflection and transmission loss for C–Si solar cells. (J. Mater. Chem., 2011, DOI:10.1039/C0JM03761C Advance Article)
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