Double Fence Porphyrins that are Compatible with Cobalt(II/III) Electrolyte for High-Efficiency Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

A series of new double fence porphyrin dyes bJS1-bJS3, with eight long alkoxyl chains attached to four ß-phenyl groups, have been designed and synthesized. The single fence meso-substituted counterparts mJS1-mJS3 were also prepared as reference dyes. Dyes bJS1-bJS3 and mJS1-mJS3 exhibit power conversion efficiencies of 8.03-10.69 % and 2.33-6.69 %, respectively. Based on photovoltaic studies, the remarkable cell performance of double fence porphyrin sensitizers can be attributed to reduced dye aggregation and a decreased charge-recombination rate. Notably, porphyrins bJS2 and bJS3 exhibit better efficiency than the benchmark YD2-o-C8 (9.83 % in this work), demonstrating that the double fence structure is a promising design strategy for efficient porphyrin sensitizers in high-performance DSSCs.

The photolysis of α-hydroperoxycarbonyls.

In this work, we theoretically elucidated the mechanism and predicted the major products of the photolysis of α-hydroperoxycarbonyls, known to be products of the atmospheric oxidation of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) and components of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in rural and remote areas. Using 2-hydroperoxypropanal OCHCH(OOH)CH3 as a model compound, we show that the likely major photolysis mechanism is a fast 1,5 H-shift in the initially excited singlet S1 state followed by spontaneous elimination of singlet oxygen to yield an enol HOCH[double bond, length as m-dash]CHCH3, while intersystem crossing (ISC) to the triplet T1 state and C-C scission into HC˙O + HOOC˙HCH3 followed by expulsion of a hydroxyl radical from the unstable HOOC˙HCH3 is another product channel. The direct S1 reaction was found to occur at such a high rate that the quantum yield in atmospheric conditions is expected to approach unity. In the atmosphere, the enol should generally react with OH radicals or tautomerize into the more stable carbonyl O[double bond, length as m-dash]CH-CH2CH3. Vinylalcohol is shown to be a major end product of the photolysis of hydroperoxyacetaldehyde, an isoprene oxidation product. Taking into account also the important enhancement of the absorption cross sections over those of the constituent monofunctional compounds as observed for the analogous ß-ketohydroperoxides, (F. Jorand et al., J. Photochem. Photobiol. A: Chem., 2000, 134, 119-125) the atmospheric photolysis rate of α-hydroperoxycarbonyls was estimated to be in the range of (1 to 5) × 10-4 s-1, generally faster than the rate of their OH reactions.

Theoretically derived mechanisms of HPALD photolysis in isoprene oxidation.

In this work we identified and theoretically quantified two photolysis mechanisms of HPALDs (hydroperoxy aldehydes) that result from the isomerization of peroxy radicals in the atmospheric oxidation of isoprene at low/moderate NOx. As a first photolysis mechanism, we show that a fraction of the initially excited S1-state HPALDs isomerizes by a near-barrierless 1,5 H-shift at a rate approaching 1012 s-1 - competing with the ∼equally fast intersystem crossing to the T2 triplet state - forming an unstable biradical that spontaneously expels an OH (hydroxyl) radical. A second mechanism is shown to proceed through the activated T2 triplet biradical - formed from S1 - undergoing a concerted ring-closure and OH-expulsion, yielding an oxiranyl-type co-product radical that quickly ring-opens to enoxy radicals. In both mechanisms, subsequent chemistry of the co-product radicals yields additional first-generation OH. The combined HPALD-photolysis quantum yield by these two mechanisms - which may not be the only photolysis routes - is estimated at 0.55 and the quantum yield of OH generation at 0.9, in fair accordance with experimental data on an HPALD proxy (Wolfe et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 7276-7286).

Fast (E)-(Z) Isomerization Mechanisms of Substituted Allyloxy Radicals in Isoprene Oxidation.

Unusually rapid (E) ⇌ (Z) isomerization mechanisms are proposed and theoretically quantified for substituted allyloxy radicals, R'RC═CH-CH2O(•), with R and R' alkyl or oxygenated substituents, termed below ß,γ-enoxy radicals. These conversions are shown to occur by a sequence of (i) ring closure to nearly isoergic oxiranyl-C(•)RR' radicals, (ii) internal rotation of the oxiranyl-moiety over 180°, and (iii) oxiranyl-ring reopening to yield the (E) ⇌ (Z)-isomerized oxy radicals. The barriers for all three steps were computed at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//QCISD/6-311(d,p) level of theory to be only ≈5 ± 2 kcal mol(-1), and the rate constants at 298 K for the overall reactions were evaluated using transition-state theory to be in the range of 10(8)-10(9) s(-1). Specifically, and of relevance to the isoprene oxidation mechanism, it is predicted that the (E)-δ-hydroxy-isoprenyloxy radicals resulting from isoprene oxidation at high NO levels should isomerize to their (Z)-analogues at a rate of about 1.5 × 10(9) s(-1), much faster than the competing 1,5-H shift that was proposed earlier as the major fate of these (E)-oxy radicals ( Dibble, T. S. J. Phys. Chem. A 2002, 106, 6643-6650 ). It is concluded that under high-NO conditions the (E)- and (Z)-δ-hydroxy-isoprenylperoxy precursors should yield identical and therefore indistinguishable C5-hydroxycarbonyls as main products.

Hydroxyl radical recycling in isoprene oxidation driven by hydrogen bonding and hydrogen tunneling: the upgraded LIM1 mechanism.

The Leuven isoprene mechanism, proposed earlier to aid in rationalizing the unexpectedly high hydroxyl radical (OH) concentrations in isoprene-rich, low-nitric-oxide (NO) regions ( Peeters ; et al. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys . 2009 , 11 , 5935 ), is presented in an upgraded and extended version, LIM1. The kinetics of the crucial reactions in the proposed isoprene-peroxy radical interconversion and isomerization pathways are re-evaluated theoretically, on the basis of energy barriers computed at the much higher CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//QCISD/6-311G(d,p) level of theory, and using multiconformer partition functions obtained at the M06-2X/6-311++G(3df,2p) level that, different from the B3LYP level used in our earlier work, accounts for the crucial London dispersion effects in the H-bonded systems involved. The steady-state fraction of the specific Z-δ-OH-peroxy radical isomers/conformers that can isomerize by a 1,6-H shift is shown to be largely governed by hydrogen-bond strengths, whereas their isomerization itself is found to occur quasi-exclusively by hydrogen atom tunneling. The isomer-specific Z-δ-OH-peroxy 1,6-H-shift rate coefficients are predicted to be of the order of 1 s(-1) at 298 K, but the experimentally accessible bulk rate coefficients, which have to be clearly distinguished from the former, are 2 orders of magnitude lower due to the very low Z-δ-OH-peroxy steady-state fractions that are only around or below 0.01 at low to moderate NO and depend on the peroxy lifetime. Two pathways subsequent to the peroxy radical 1,6-H shift are identified, the earlier predicted route yielding the photolabile hydroperoxy-methylbutenals (HPALDs), and a second, about equally important path, to dihydroperoxy-carbonyl peroxy radicals (di-HPCARP). Taking this into account, our predicted bulk peroxy isomerization rate coefficients are about a factor 1.8 higher than the available experimental results for HPALD production ( Crounse ; et al. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2011 , 13 , 13607 ), which is within the respective uncertainty margins. We also show that the experimental temperature dependence of the HPALD production rates as well as the observed kinetic isotope effect for per-deuterated isoprene support quantitatively our theoretical peroxy interconversion rates. Global modeling implementing LIM1 indicates that on average about 28% of the isoprene peroxys react via the 1,6-H-shift isomerization route, representing 100-150 Tg carbon per year. The fast photolysis of HPALDs we proposed earlier as primary OH regeneration mechanism ( Peeters and Muller . Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys . 2010 , 12 , 14227 ) found already experimental confirmation ( Wolfe ; et al. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2012 , 14 , 7276 ); based on further theoretical work in progress, reaction schemes are presented of the oxy coproduct radicals from HPALD photolysis and of the di-HPCARP radicals from the second pathway following peroxy isomerization that are both expected to initiate considerable additional OH recycling.

Theoretical study of the decomposition of formamide in the presence of water molecules.

Formamide (NH2CHO, FM) has been considered an active key precursor in prebiotic chemistry on early Earth. Under certain conditions such as dry lagoons, FM can decompose to produce reactants that lead to formation of more complex biomolecules. Specifically, FM decomposition follows many reactive channels producing small molecules such as H2, CO, H2O, HCN, HNC, NH3, and HNCO with comparable energy barriers in the range of 73-82 kcal/mol. Due to the likely presence of water on prebiotic Earth and the intrinsic presence of water following FM decomposition, we explore the effects of water oligomers, (H2O)n with n = 1-3, on its dehydration, dehydrogenation, and decarbonylation reactions using quantum chemical computations. Geometries are optimized using MP2/aug-cc-pVxZ calculations (x = D,T), and relative energies are evaluated using coupled-cluster theory CCSD(T) with the aug-cc-pVxZ basis sets (x = D, T, Q). Where possible the coupled-cluster energies are extrapolated to the complete basis set limit (CBS). Water classically acts as an efficient bifunctional catalyst for decomposition. With the presence of one water molecule, the dehydration pathway leading to HCN is favored. When two and three water molecules are involved, dehydration remains energetically favored over other channels and attains an energy barrier of ~30 kcal/mol.

Decomposition pathways of the neutral and protonated formamide in some lower-lying excited states.

Unimolecular decompositions of neutral (NH2CHO) and protonated (NH3CHO(+)) formamide, an active precursor of biomolecules in prebiotic chemistry, are investigated in the ground (S0) and first triplet (T1) and singlet (S1) excited states. Different decomposition channels including the homolytic bond dissociations, dehydration, decarbonylation, dehydrogenation, etc., are explored using coupled-cluster theory (CCSD(T)/CBS method) for both S0 and T1 states and RASPT2(18,15)/6-31G(d,p) computations for the S1 state. On S1 and T1 energy surfaces, formamide preferentially follows C-N homolytic bond cleavages forming NH2 + HCO radical pairs. Formation of HCN and HNC from dehydration of neutral and protonated formamide via formimic acid and aminohydroxymethylene isomers has higher energy barriers. A strong stabilization upon triplet excitation of the two latter isomers significantly facilitates the interconversions between isomers, and thus considerably reduces the energy barriers for dehydration pathways. The most probable pathways for HCN and HNC generation are found to be dehydration of formamide in the T1 state. Dehydration pathways from the neutral S1 and protonated T1 forms lead to stable complexes of HCN and HNC with water but are associated with large energy barriers. Overall, in the lower-lying excited states of either neutral or protonated formamide, dehydration is not competitive with homolytic C-N bond cleavages, which finally lead to formation of CO.

Absolute rate coefficient of the gas-phase reaction between hydroxyl radical (OH) and hydroxyacetone: investigating the effects of temperature and pressure.

The rate coefficient (k1) of the reaction between hydroxyl radical and hydroxyacetone, which remained so far controversial, was determined over the temperature range 290-500 K using pulsed-laser photolysis coupled to pulsed-laser induced fluorescence (PLP-PLIF). Hydroxyl radical was generated by pulsed photolysis of H2O2 at 248 nm. The results show that at a pressure of 50 Torr He, the rate coefficient obeys a negative temperature dependence k1(T) = (1.77 ± 0.19) × 10(-12) exp((353 ± 36)/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) for temperatures between 290 and 380 K, in good agreement with the results of Dillon et al. (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2006, 8, 236) at 60 Torr He. However, always at 50 Torr He but for the higher temperature range 410-500 K, a positive temperature dependence was found: k1(T) = (1.14 ± 0.25) × 10(-11) exp(-(378 ± 102)/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), close to the expression obtained by Baasandorj et al. (J. Phys. Chem. A 2009, 113, 10495) for pressures of 2 and 5 Torr He but at lower temperatures, 280-360 K, where their k1(T) values are well below these of Dillon et al. and of this work. Moreover, the rate coefficient k1(301 K) determined as a function of pressure, from 10 to 70 Torr He, shows a pronounced decrease once the pressure is below ∼40 Torr He, thus explaining the disparity between the higher-pressure data of Dillon et al. and the lower-pressure results of Baasandorj et al. The pressure dependence of k1 and of its temperature-dependence below ∼400 K is rationalized by the reaction proceeding via a hydrogen-bonded prereactive complex (PRC) and a submerged transition state, such that at high pressures collisionally thermalized PRCs contribute additional reactive flux over and through the submerged barrier. The high-pressure rate coefficient data both of Dillon et al. and of this work over the combined range 230-500 K can be represented by the theory-based expression k1(T) = 5.3 × 10(-20) × T(2.6) exp(1100/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1).

Experimental and theoretical study of the reaction of the ethynyl radical with nitrous oxide, C2H + N2O.

We investigated the rate constants and reaction mechanism of the gas phase reaction between the ethynyl radical and nitrous oxide (C(2)H + N(2)O) using both experimental methods and electronic structure calculations. A pulsed-laser photolysis/chemiluminescence technique was used to determine the absolute rate coefficient over the temperature range 570 K to 836 K. In this experimental temperature range, the measured temperature dependence of the overall rate constants can be expressed as: k(T) (C(2)H + N(2)O) = 2.93 × 10(-11) exp((-4000 ± 1100) K/T) cm(3) s(-1) (95% statistical confidence). Portions of the C(2)H + N(2)O potential energy surface (PES), containing low-energy pathways, were constructed using the composite G3B3 method. A multi-step reaction route leading to the products HCCO + N(2) is clearly preferred. The high selectivity between product channels favouring N(2) formation occurs very early. The pathway corresponds to the addition of the terminal C atom of C(2)H to the terminal N atom of N(2)O. Refined calculations using the coupled-cluster theory whose electronic energies were extrapolated to the complete basis set limit CCSD(T)/CBS led to an energy barrier of 6.0 kcal mol(-1) for the entrance channel. The overall rate constant was also determined by application of transition-state theory and Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) statistical analyses to the PES. The computed rate constants have similar temperature dependence to the experimental values, though were somewhat lower.

Cultural and Structural Humility and Addressing Systems of Care Disparities in Mental Health Services for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Youth.

This article draws into focus the role of cultural and structural humility in shaping a mental health system that can address the mental health disparities for BIPOC youths. In an era of growing diversity in the United States population and a calling out of racism and discrimination on an interpersonal and systemic level, the commitment to a lifelong engagement of cultural awareness and an openness to reflect and critique, is whereby mutual partnerships between professionals, patients, and clinician themselves can strengthen. This hallmark tenet of cultural humility is actively being adopted into community programs and academic health care institutions as ways to improve the mental health understanding and needs of BIPOC youths.

Esketamine-A quick-acting novel antidepressant without the disadvantages of ketamine.

Esketamine, which is an S-enantiomer of ketamine, is better than conventional antidepressants and even better than R-ketamine. This article discusses the mechanism of action of Esketamine, how different it is from other antidepressants, its side effect profile, indications for use, various routes of administration and the review of existing literature on Esketamine.

Formation and hydrogen release of hydrazine bisborane: transfer vs. attachment of a borane.

The reactivity of hydrazine in the presence of diborane has been investigated using ab initio quantum chemical computations (MP2 and CCSD(T) methods with the aug-cc-pVTZ basis set). Portions of the relevant potential energy surface were constructed to probe the formation mechanism of the hydrazine diborane (BH(3)BH(3)NH(2)NH(2)) and hydrazine bisborane (BH(3)NH(2)NH(2)BH(3)). The differences between both adducts are established. The release of hydrogen molecules from hydrazine bisborane adducts has also been characterized. Our results suggest that the BH(3)NH(2)NH(2)BH(3) adduct, which has been prepared experimentally, is formed from the starting reactants hydrazine + diborane. The observed adduct is produced by a transfer of a BH(3) group from BH(3)BH(3)NH(2)NH(2) rather than by the direct attachment of a separate BH(3) group, generated by predissociation of diborane, to BH(3)NH(2)NH(2).

Theoretical study of formamide decomposition pathways.

The chemical transformations of formamide (NH(2)CHO), a molecule of prebiotic interest as a precursor for biomolecules, are investigated using methods of electronic structure computations and Rice-Rampserger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory. Specifically, quantum chemical calculations applying the coupled-cluster theory CCSD(T), whose energies are extrapolated to the complete basis set limit (CBS), are carried out to construct the [CH(3)NO] potential energy surface. RRKM theory is then used to systematically examine decomposition channels leading to the formation of small molecules including CO, NH(3), H(2)O, HCN, HNC, H(2), HNCO, and HOCN. The energy barriers for the decarboxylation, dehydrogenation, and dehydration processes are found to be in the range of 73-78 kcal/mol. H(2) loss is predicted to be a one-step process although a two-step process is competitive. CO elimination is found to prefer a two-step pathway involving the carbene isomer NH(2)CHO (aminohydroxymethylene) as an intermediate. This CO-elimination channel is also favored over the one-step H(2) loss, in agreement with experiment. The H(2)O loss is a multistep process passing through a formimic acid conformer, which subsequently undergoes a rate-limiting dehydration. The dehydration appears to be particularly favored in the low-temperature regime. The new feature identifies aminohydroxymethylene as a transient but crucial intermediate in the decarboxylation of formamide.

Choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents as effective electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells.

Electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells remain a challenge for large-scale production and commercialization, hindering the wide application of solar cells. We have developed two new electrolyte-based deep eutectic solvents using a mixture of choline chloride with urea and with ethylene glycol for dye-sensitized solar cells. The prominent features of the two deep eutectic solvent electrolytes are simple preparation for large-scale production with inexpensive, available, and nontoxic starting materials and biodegradability. The solar cell devices proceeded in a safe manner as the two deep eutectic solvents afforded low-cost technology and comparative conversion efficiency to a popular ionic liquid, namely 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetracyanoborate. Results showed that devices with choline chloride and urea electrolyte exhibited improved open circuit voltage values (V OC), while the ones with choline chloride and ethylene glycol showed an increase in the short circuit current (I sc). Characterization of the devices by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy helped explain the effects of their molecular structures on the enhancement of either V OC or I sc values. These new solvents expand the electrolyte choices for designing dye-sensitized solar cells, especially for the purpose of using low-cost and eco-friendly materials for massive production.

Fast reactions of hydroxycarbenes: tunneling effect versus bimolecular processes.

Different uni- and bimolecular reactions of hydroxymethylene, an important intermediate in the photochemistry of formaldehyde, as well as its halogenated derivatives (XCOH, X = H, F, Cl, Br), have been considered using high-level CCSD(T)/CBS quantum chemical methods. The Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) and Eckart approximations were applied to estimate the tunneling rate constant of isomerization of trans-HCOH to H(2)CO, and the WKB procedure was found to perform better in this case. In agreement with recent calculations and experimental observations [Schreiner et al., Nature 2008, 453, 906], the half-life of HCOH at the low temperature limit in the absence of bimolecular processes was found to be very long (approximately 2.1 h). The corresponding half-life at room temperature was also noticeable (approximately 35 min). Bimolecular reactions of trans-hydroxymethylene with parent formaldehyde yield primarily more thermodynamically favorable glycolaldehyde via the specific mechanism involving 5-center transition state. The most preferable reaction of cis-hydroxymethylene with formaldehyde yields carbon monoxide and methanol. Due to very low activation barriers, both processes occur with nearly a collision rate. If the concentration of HCOH (and its halogenated analogues XCOH as well) is high enough, the bimolecular reactions of this species with itself become important, and H(2)CO (or X(H)CO) is then formed with a collision rate. The singlet-triplet energy separation of trans-HCOH is confirmed to be approximately -25 kcal/mol.

tert-Butylpyridine Coordination with [Cu(dmp)2]2+/+ Redox Couple and Its Connection to the Stability of the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell.

Cu(I)/(II) complex redox couples in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) are of particular interest because of their low reorganization energy between Cu(I) and Cu(II), which minimizes the potential loss during sensitizer regeneration, thus allowing the open-circuit voltage of the device to go over 1.0 V. However, Cu(I)/(II)-based redox couples are reported to coordinate with 4-tert-butylpyridine (TBP), which is a standard additive in the electrolyte, and this is believed to account for the poor durability of a Cu(I)/(II)-based DSSCs. Despite TBP coordination on Cu(I)/(II) complexes are confirmed in the literature, its detailed mechanism is yet to be directly proven. In addition, how TBP coordination with Cu(I)/(II) complexes affects the stability of the device is never reported. Here, we choose bis(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) copper(I)/(II) ([Cu(dmp)22+/+]) as the modeling redox couple to investigate its interaction with TBP. It is found that [Cu(dmp)2+] is resistive to TBP coordination but could form three new TBP-coordinated compounds. Moreover, it is also confirmed their electrochemical activity on Pt catalyst and mass transfer capability are both demoted significantly. As a result, serious fill factor loss is observed on the stability trail while short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage are relatively unaffected. This unique degradation pattern may resemble a feature of Cu(I)/(II)-based redox couple after TBP poisoning.

Production of hydrogen from reactions of methane with boranes.

The reactions of methane with different hydrides have been investigated using quantum chemical calculations (MP2 and CCSD(T) methods with the aug-cc-pVnZ one-electron functions extrapolated to the basis set limits). The hydrides of the elements of the second and third row, and also GaH(3), with an electronegativity smaller than the value of hydrogen (LiH, Li(2)H(2), BeH(2), NaH, MgH(2), BH(3), AlH(3), B(2)H(6), Al(2)H(6), SiH(4), PH(4) and GaH(3)) have been considered. Reactions of CH(4) with either BH(3) or LiH are characterized by the lowest energy barriers. Reactions using the known methylated derivatives of boranes with methane follow a similar mechanism. Calculated results strongly suggest the possible use of boranes as reagents in the reactions with methane to produce molecular hydrogen.

Reactions of diborane with ammonia and ammonia borane: catalytic effects for multiple pathways for hydrogen release.

High-level electronic structure calculations have been used to construct portions of the potential energy surfaces related to the reaction of diborane with ammonia and ammonia borane (B2H6 + NH3 and B2H6 + BH3NH3)to probe the molecular mechanism of H2 release. Geometries of stationary points were optimized at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level. Total energies were computed at the coupled-cluster CCSD(T) theory level with the correlation-consistent basis sets. The results show a wide range of reaction pathways for H2 elimination. The initial interaction of B2H6 + NH3 leads to a weak preassociation complex, from which a B-H-B bridge bond is broken giving rise to a more stable H3BHBH2NH3 adduct. This intermediate, which is also formed from BH3NH3 + BH3, is connected with at least six transition states for H2 release with energies 18-93 kal/mol above the separated reactants. The lowest-lying transition state is a six-member cycle, in which BH3exerts a bifunctional catalytic effect accelerating H2 generation within a B-H-H-N framework. Diborane also induces a catalytic effect for H2 elimination from BH3NH3 via a three-step pathway with cyclic transition states. Following conformational changes, the rate-determining transition state for H2 release is approximately 27 kcal/mol above the B2H6 + BH3NH3 reactants, as compared with an energy barrier of approximately 37 kcal/mol for H2 release from BH3NH3. The behavior of two separated BH3 molecules is more complex and involves multiple reaction pathways. Channels from diborane or borane initially converge to a complex comprising the H3BHBH2NH3adduct plus BH3. The interaction of free BH3 with the BH3 moiety of BH3NH3 via a six-member transition state with diborane type of bonding leads to a lower-energy transition state. The corresponding energy barrier is approximately 8 kcal/mol, relative to the reference point H3BHBH2NH3 adduct + BH3. These transition states are 27-36 kcal/mol above BH3NH3 + B2H6, but 1-9 kcal/mol below the separated reactants BH3NH3 + 2 BH3. Upon chemical activation of B2H6 by forming 2 BH3, there should be sufficient internal energy to undergo spontaneous H2 release. Proceeding in the opposite direction, the H2 regeneration of the products of the B2H6 + BH3NH3reaction should be a feasible process under mild thermal conditions.

Internal energy effects on the ion/molecule reactions of ionized methyl isocyanide.

Electron ionization of methyl isocyanide in various chemical ionization conditions is reported and, depending on the energy conditions used, different ion/molecule reactions are observed. It is proposed, on the basis of combined quantum chemical (DFT) calculations and tandem mass spectrometric experiments, that a common intermediate could be a cumulenic ionized dimer dissociating in the ion source following two energy depending competitive channels, a loss of a hydrogen atom and a loss of a methyl group. Proposed structures for new cumulenic ions are supported by collision experiments in the high (collisional activation) or/and low (collision- induced dissociations) translational energy regime.

1-Alkenyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ionic liquids: novel and low-viscosity ionic liquid electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells.

Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSCs) based on ruthenium complex N719 as sensitizer have received much attention due to their affordability and high efficiency. However, their best performance is only achieved when using volatile organic solvents as electrolyte solutions, which are unstable under prolonged thermal stress. Thus, we developed a new series of 1-alkenyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ionic liquids used as robust DSC electrolytes. These ionic liquids exhibit low viscosity, high conductivity, and thermal stability. The implementation of 1-but-3-enyl-3-methyl-imidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate, [ButMIm]OTf, into DSCs gave the best photovoltaic performance. The results are fairly comparable to those reports for other popular ionic liquid electrolytes currently used in DSC field. An insightful discussion on the relationship between the structure of these new ionic liquids and the J-V characterization as well as electrochemical impedance measurement of DSCs will give more interesting information. The results are useful for large-scale outdoor application of DSCs.