Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry C Recent Review Articles
Electrically conductive covalent organic frameworks: bridging the fields of organic metals and 2D materials
We discuss the recent advances and main approaches towards the design of electrically conductive COFs, highlight some of the challenges in such design and give our views on the future directions of this field.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 10668-10676
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC00750E
Perspectives for polychlorinated trityl radicals
The multifunctional character and stability of PTM radicals makes them appealing in a broad range of fields, from active components in molecular optoelectronics to active agents in bio-applications.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 10610-10623
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02196F
Mid-infrared light-emitting properties and devices based on thin-film black phosphorus
Mid-infrared (MIR) radiation has a wide range of applications in military, environmental monitoring, and medical treatment.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 4418-4424
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TC05384H
Thermally activated delayed fluorescence in an optically accessed soft matter environment
The experimental requirements for reproducible, all-optical and minimally invasive temperature sensing, based on the temperature dependence of the triplet–triplet annihilation photon upconversion (TTA–UC) in a soft matter environment are reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2022,10, 4533-4545
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04915A
An overview of high-performance phthalonitrile resins: fabrication and electronic applications
This review mainly presents the fabrication of phthalonitrile resins and their electronic applications in dielectrics, ray shielding, electromagnetic interference shielding, supercapacitors and magnetoresistance sensors, etc.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2022,10, 2925-2937
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC05715D
Line graph theory reveals hidden spin frustration and bond frustration in molecular crystals with strong isotropy
Line graphs of the strong isotropic lattices, namely honeycomb, K4, and diamond, correspond to kagome, hyper-kagome, and pyrochlore, respectively. This relation indicates “hidden” spin and/or bond frustrations in these materials.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2022,10, 1196-1203
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC05161J
Magnetic cellulose: does extending cellulose versatility with magnetic functionality facilitate its use in devices?
The preparation, properties and use of magnetic cellulose are reviewed with focus on use in devices.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2022,10, 805-818
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02105B
Colloidal quantum dot based infrared detectors: extending to the mid-infrared and moving from the lab to the field
Fabrication approaches, materials, and performance of quantum dot-based infrared photodetectors are reviewed, highlighting opportunities and needs. Device data from 80 articles is provided and analyzed in a publicly available visualization tool.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2022,10, 790-804
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC05359K
Research progress of atomic layer deposition technology to improve the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells
This review summarizes the exploration of the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells using atomic layer deposition.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2022,10, 819-839
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC05035D
Triplet harvesting aryl carbonyl-based luminescent materials: progress and prospective
Aryl carbonyl-based triplet harvesting luminescent materials are reviewed, with special focus on their molecular design strategies and the relationship among their structures, physical properties and performances.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 17233-17264
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04184C
Multipath exciton harvesting in diazine-based luminescent materials and their applications for organic light-emitting diodes
This progress report reviews the advances of diazine-based TADF luminophores for OLEDs, focusing on the structure–property relationship.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 17265-17286
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04397H
Electrochemical construction of functional polymers and their application advances in lithium batteries
Electrochemical methods are commonly used in the preparation of functional polymers on flexible conducting substrates to design and fabricate advanced electronic devices.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 17182-17200
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC05311F
Two-dimensional wide band-gap nitride semiconductor GaN and AlN materials: properties, fabrication and applications
This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress in 2D GaN and 2D AlN structures, their properties, fabrication methods and applications.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 17201-17232
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04022G
Porphyrin-based metal- and covalent-organic frameworks as heterogeneous nanosized photocatalysts in organic synthesis
The porphyrin-containing metal- and covalent-organic frameworks, respectively MOFs and COFs, are quite versatile porous nanomaterials for hetero-photocatalysis.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16885-16910
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04147A
Memristor modeling: challenges in theories, simulations, and device variability
The recent developments of analytical memristive mechanisms and simulation methods/tools for different structures and materials have been reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16859-16884
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04201G
Recent progress on organic exciplex materials with different donor–acceptor contacting modes for luminescent applications
In this review, beside the formation mechanism and emission process of exciplexes, we mainly discuss the donor–acceptor contacting modes and luminescence properties, which are important to develop high-performance and multifunctional optoelectronics.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16843-16858
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04330G
Photoactivated materials and sensors for NO2 monitoring
This review presents the fundamentals of photoactivated gas sensing, materials, and enabling technologies for sensing ppb concentrations of NO2. Literature photoactivated gas sensors show competitive detection limits and form factors.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16804-16827
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04247E
Advances in applying C–H functionalization and naturally sourced building blocks in organic semiconductor synthesis
This review presents the recent advances in the synthesis of organic semiconductors using C–H functionalization and naturally sourced building blocks to facilitate the large-scale production and commercialization of organic semiconductors.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16391-16409
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04128B
Recent advances on metal oxide-based luminescence thermometry
Luminescence thermometry alleviates the difficulties associated with conventional methods for thermal sensing and provides outstanding opportunities for non-contact thermometry with high sensitivity and resolution.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16410-16439
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC03455C
Ionic flexible force sensors and their potential applications
Ionic flexible force sensors based on materials of different ionic electrolyte layers and flexible electrodes and their applications.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16378-16390
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04596B
Multifunctional hydantoins: recent advances in optoelectronics and medicinal drugs from Academia to the chemical industry
This review provides a detailed survey on the structural modifications of hydantoin (TH)/2-thiohydantoin (2TH) derivatives and understanding of their photophysical properties, enabling their potential use in optoelectronics and prototypes.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16341-16377
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04090A
Emerging electronic applications of fullerene derivatives: an era beyond OPV
This review highlights the important role of fullerene derivatives in several emerging research directions beyond OPV and summarizes recent progresses in the development of fullerene derivatives to boost device performance in these new fields.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16143-16163
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04038C
Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles in photovoltaics – more than just upconversion
This review summarizes recent advances in developing high-efficiency upconversion nanoparticles and nanomaterials for photovoltaic application.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16110-16131
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02441H
Metal–organic framework based systems for CO2 sensing
Monitoring CO2 levels in the atmosphere as well as in work place environments is strictly regulated.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16132-16142
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02249K
Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based single molecules in photovoltaic technologies
Diketopyrrolopyrroles stand out due to their chemical and optoelectronic properties. Diketopyrrolopyrrole-single molecules applied in organic, dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells are presented to give clues for future molecular optimizations.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 16078-16109
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01872H
MXene-based gas sensors
In recent days, a new class of 2D materials called MXenes have attracted massive attention. The current review focuses on the synthesis procedure, general properties and gas/VOC sensing performance of MXenes and MXene-based nanocomposites.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 15735-15754
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04085E
Oxide-based resistive switching-based devices: fabrication, influence parameters and applications
The nociceptor system in the human body and a memristor-based artificial nociceptor circuit (threshold switch), treating these nociceptors as a practical material system in a threshold switching-based device, which is beneficial for robotic systems.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 15755-15788
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC03420K
Low-cost materials for organic solar cells
This review summarizes the recent advances in low-cost materials for OSCs from the aspects of the synthetic method, active materials, interfacial materials and processing solution.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 15395-15406
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04097A
Recent advances in humidity sensors for human body related humidity detection
In this review, we summarized the recent progress in a humidity sensor for human body related humidity detections (including respiratory behavior, speech recognition, skin moisture, non-contact switch, and diaper monitoring).
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 14963-14980
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC04180K
A Li3VO4 micro/nanoscale anode with fast ion transportation for advanced lithium-ion batteries: a mini-review
This review provides an in-depth discussion on key progress of Li3VO4 as a promising anode material for LIBs with high electronic conductivity, fast ion transportation and controlled morphology, and highlights its large-scale application in future.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 14981-14996
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC03757A
A progressive journey into 2D-chalcogenide/carbide/nitride-based broadband photodetectors: recent developments and future perspectives
Application of 2D-materials for broadband photodetection has been reviewed, covering synthesis, exfoliation, assembly, device configurations, heterojunction with other 3D/2D materials, along with flexible substrates and self-powered operation.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 14532-14572
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02820K
From nature to organic (bio)electronics: a review on melanin-inspired materials
The progress on melanin's physical–chemical properties, synthesis, processing, and applications is discussed based on recent literature.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 14514-14531
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC03029A
Application of two-dimensional materials in perovskite solar cells: recent progress, challenges, and prospective solutions
Perovskite solar cells (per-SCs) with high performance and cost-effective solution processing have been the center of interest for researchers in the past decade.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 14065-14092
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02407H
Zinc oxide nanoparticles as electron transporting interlayer in organic solar cells
The review summarizes the synthesis, modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles and their application in organic solar cells.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 14093-14114
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC03434K
Compositional engineering solutions for decreasing trap state density and improving thermal stability in perovskite solar cells
Cation compositional engineering in methylammonium lead iodide perovskites results in a controlled defect concentration of 1014 cm −3 and a thermally stable perovskite film. The device retains about 92% of its initial PCE even above 75 °C for more than 1000 h.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 14047-14064
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02315B
Room-temperature phosphorescent organic materials for optical waveguides
This review summarizes recent advances in developing high-efficiency room temperature phosphorescent materials for organic waveguides.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 14115-14132
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC03030B
Design of biodegradable and biocompatible conjugated polymers for bioelectronics
Blueprints for the chemical design of biodegradability and biocompatibility for organic semiconductors. Recent trends and future areas of interest are discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 13543-13556
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC03600A
The magical photoelectric and optoelectronic properties of graphene nanoribbons and their applications
Different boundary configurations can adjust the variable photoelectric characteristics of atomically accurate GNRs. All these make GNRs a promising prospect for potential applications in optics and optoelectronics.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 13600-13616
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02976B
High-throughput virtual screening for organic electronics: a comparative study of alternative strategies
We review how high throughput virtual screening can been used to navigate the landscape of materials for organic electronics.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 13557-13583
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC03256A
Computational techniques for characterisation of electrically conductive MOFs: quantum calculations and machine learning approaches
Computational approaches accelerate design and discovery of conductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 13584-13599
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02543K
Negative electron affinity of the GaN photocathode: a review on the basic theory, structure design, fabrication, and performance characterization.
A comprehensive review is provided on the basic theory, structure design, fabrication, and performance characterization of the NEA GaN photocathode.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 13013-13040
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC03244E
Modern aspects of strategies for developing single-phase broadly tunable white light-emitting phosphors
The latest developments of single-phase white-light-emitting Ba9Lu2Si6O24 (BLSO) silicate phosphors are presented. The emerging approaches to crystal-site engineering and the energy transfer mechanisms are discussed at great length.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 13041-13071
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02952E
Substrate-immobilized noble metal nanoplates: a review of their synthesis, assembly, and application
Single-crystal noble metal nanoplates represent an important nanoscale building block. Substrate surfaces populated with such structures create a powerful platform for realizing photo- and chemically active surfaces of high technological relevance.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 12974-13012
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01494C
Acenaphthylene as a building block for π-electron functional materials
The paper reviews synthetic design and optoelectronic properties of π-conjugated molecules and polymers based on the acenaphthylene building block.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 12448-12461
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02826J
Polymers and interfacial modifiers for durable perovskite solar cells: a review
This review focuses on the advancements in stability of perovskite solar cells under stress from ambient moisture, high temperatures, and UV light exposure.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 12509-12522
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01243F
Peptide-based novel small molecules and polymers: unexplored optoelectronic materials
Optoelectronic devices such as photovoltaics (solar cells), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), thin-film transistors, and electrochromism based on peptide molecular/materials and their strategic design.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 12462-12488
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC03375A
3D printing of biphasic inks: beyond single-scale architectural control
To date, Additive Manufacturing (AM) has come to the fore as a major disruptive technology embodying two main research lines – developing increasingly sophisticated printing technologies and new processable materials.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 12489-12508
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02117F
Latest directions in p-type transparent conductor design
We present an overview of historical and emerging p-type TCMs. We critically assess the p-type halide perovskites returned from high-throughput screening studies. Earth abundant non-oxides are promising candidates for p-type TCM applications.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11995-12009
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02547C
Phenothiazine and phenoxazine sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells – an investigative review of two complete dye classes
A compete statistical review of phenothiazine DSSC dyes, identifying the traits of successful phenothiazine dyes and uncovering inherent molecular limitations.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11974-11994
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC03207K
3D/4D printed tunable electrical metamaterials with more sophisticated structures
Absorbing metamaterials with more sophisticated structures printed using various 3D printers.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 12010-12036
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02588K
Recent development of heavy-atom-free triplet photosensitizers: molecular structure design, photophysics and application
Recent development of the heavy-atom-free triplet photosensitizers is summarized from the perspective of intersystem crossing mechanisms and molecular structure design methods.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11944-11973
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02535J
Nonlinear optical probes of nucleation and crystal growth: recent progress and future prospects
Nonlinear optical techniques are emerging as powerful in-situ probes of crystallization processes due to their inherent sensitivity to crystal structure and morphology.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11553-11568
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02007B
Towards practical and sustainable SERS: a review of recent developments in the construction of multifunctional enhancing substrates
Here, we review the state-of-the-art progress in the construction of smart multifunctional enhancing substrates. These substrates hold the key to achieving sustainability and widespread applications of SERS.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11517-11552
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02134F
Molecular functionalization of 2D materials: from atomically planar 2D architectures to off-plane 3D functional materials
The functionalization of 2D materials (2DMs) holds great promise future applications. Here we review the various ways in which 2DMs can be functionalized and how these methodologies influence the physicochemical properties of resulting 2DM composites.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11569-11587
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01534F
Aggregation-induced emission for the visualization of the structure and properties of polymers
This review summarizes the application of AIE molecules in the study of the structure and property of polymers, and the prospect of development by AIE molecules in the polymer field.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11484-11496
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01531A
Nanoscale molecular layers for memory devices: challenges and opportunities for commercialization
The present review describes recent developments in nanoscale molecular films, and discusses why devices comprising redox-active organic, organometallic, complexes, and biomolecules might hold the potential for next-generation electronic applications.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11497-11516
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01283E
Multifunctional layered hybrid perovskites
Layered hybrid perovskites incorporating organic moieties with enhanced functionalities within the perovskite scaffold enable the development of advanced multifunctional materials.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11428-11443
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01533H
Fermi-level depinning of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide transistors
In this review, we summarize the recent progress on how to circumvent FLP between 2D TMD semiconductors and metals.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11407-11427
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01463C
Thin-film transistors for emerging neuromorphic electronics: fundamentals, materials, and pattern recognition
This review paper provides an overview of the recent successful simulation of pattern recognition with TFT-based artificial synapses from device- to system-level.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11464-11483
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01660A
Solar energy conversion and storage by photoswitchable organic materials in solution, liquid, solid, and changing phases
This review illustrates structural design principles for molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage materials based on photoswitches that operate in different phases or result in a solid–liquid phase transition during their photo-isomerization.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11444-11463
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01472B
Field emission applications of graphene-analogous two-dimensional materials: recent developments and future perspectives
This review provides the basic working principles of field emission, the advantages of 2D materials and various approaches to further tune the performance for cold field emitter devices.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11059-11078
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02054D
Metal–organic framework-based materials for full cell systems: a review
Applications of MOF-based materials in advanced full cell systems of lithium batteries, sodium batteries, aqueous batteries, fuel cells and other secondary batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11030-11058
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01905H
Recent progress in flexible nanocellulosic structures for wearable piezoresistive strain sensors
Superior flexibility and biocompatibility accompanied by superb sensing abilities of nanocellulosic materials have remarkably promoted the application of piezoresistive strain sensors in the area of intelligent wearable and skin-attachable devices.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 11001-11029
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02360H
Solid-solution (alloying) strategies in crystalline molecular conductors
Solid solutions in molecular conductors are key tools for investigating their conducting and magnetic properties, addressing phase transitions, chemical pressure effects and band filling manipulation.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 10557-10572
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02160E
Solution-processing of semiconducting organic small molecules: what we have learnt from 5,11-bis(triethylsilylethynyl)anthradithiophene
Processing strategies and methodologies are reviewed that allow the control and assessment of polymorph formation in semiconducting small molecules using 5,11-bis(triethylsilylethynyl) anthradithiophene (TES ADT) as a model material system.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 10547-10556
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01418H
The quest for single component molecular metals within neutral transition metal complexes
The first Single Component Molecular Metals (SCMM) were reported twenty years ago. This review will address their main design, synthetic routes and physical properties.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 10591-10609
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01407B
Spin-ladder behaviour in molecular materials
Spin-ladders are fascinating quantum magnetic systems. Their structural and magnetic properties and the possibilities offered by molecular units of different nature and crystal engineering tools to prepare molecular spin-ladders are discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 10573-10590
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01576A
A review of functional linear carbon chains (oligoynes, polyynes, cumulenes) and their applications as molecular wires in molecular electronics and optoelectronics
This review presents the multi-faceted applications of oligoynes in molecular electronics and optoelectronics, as well as recent insights for the design and properties of sp-hybridised carbon wires.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 10524-10546
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC01406D
High performance 2D MXene based conducting polymer hybrids: synthesis to emerging applications
This review highlights the recent advances in MXene-conducting polymer hybrids for wearable electronics (e.g., energy storage, pressure sensing, and EMI shielding, etc.). Furthermore, several future research trends have also been envisioned.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 10193-10215
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02240G
Multi length scale porosity as a playground for organic thermoelectric applications
Porous conducting polymers are intriguing heat harvester candidates. This review focuses on the different strategies to vary the porosity range (from micro- to macro-pores) and their impact on thermoelectric properties.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 10173-10192
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC02331D
About this collection
This collection contains recent Review-type articles published by Journal of Materials Chemistry C, the home for high impact applications, properties and synthesis of exciting new materials for optical, magnetic and electronic devices. New articles will be added to this collection as soon as possible after publication.