Theta solvent

Summary

In a polymer solution, a theta solvent (or θ solvent) is a solvent in which polymer coils act like ideal chains, assuming exactly their random walk coil dimensions. Therefore, the Mark–Houwink equation exponent is 1/2 in a theta solvent. Thermodynamically, the excess chemical potential of mixing between a polymer and a theta solvent is zero. Physical interpretation The conformation assumed by a polymer chain in dilute solution can be modeled as a random walk of monomer subunits using a freely jointed chain model. However, this model does not account for steric effects. Real polymer coils are more closely represented by a self-avoiding walk because conformations in which different chain segments occupy the same space are not physically possible. This excluded volume effect causes the polymer to expand. Chain conformation is also affected by solvent quality. The intermolecular interactions between polymer chain segments and coordinated solvent molecules have an

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theta_solvent

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Revealing the Perovskite Film Formation Using the Gas Quenching Method by In Situ GIWAXS: Morphology, Properties, and Device Performance

Ulf Anders Hagfeldt, Sandy Sanchez Alonso, Rodrigo Szostak

The optoelectronic properties, morphology, and consequently the performance of metal halide perovskite solar cells are directly related to the crystalline phases and intermediates formed during film preparation. The gas quenching method is compatible with large-area deposition, but an understanding of how this method influences these properties and performance is scarce in the literature. Here, in situ grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering is employed during spin coating deposition to gain insights on the formation of MAPbI(3)and Cs(x)FA(1-)(x)Pb(I0.83Br0.17)(3)perovskites, comparing the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 2-methyl-n-pyrrolidone (NMP) as coordinative solvents. Intermediates formed using DMSO depend on the perovskite composition (e.g., Cs content), while for NMP the same intermediate [PbI2(NMP)] is formed independently on the composition. For MAPbI(3)and Cs(x)FA(1-)(x)Pb(I0.83Br0.17)(3)with a small amount of Cs (10% and 20%), the best efficiencies are achieved using NMP, while the use of DMSO is preferred for higher (30% and 40%) amount of Cs. The inhibition of the 2H/4H hexagonal phase when using NMP is crucial for the final performance. These findings provide a deep understanding about the formation mechanism in multication perovskites and assist the community to choose the best solvent for the desired perovskite composition aiming to perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells.

2020

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Optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy have been used to investigate the morphology of polylactide (PLA)/microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) composites prepared by: compression molding of wet-comingled MFC and PLA latex or powder, twin-screw extrusion of the wet-comingled compounds, and solvent mixing of PLA with MFC or acetylated MFC. Compression molding of wet-comingled MFC and PLA latex or powder compounds resulted in a cellular MFC network, whereas solvent-cast films showed a more uniform dispersion of MFC fibers. Somewhat lower aggregate diameters observed in the acetylated MFC were assumed to be due to decreased MFC hydrophilicity and improved chemical affinity with the PLA matrix. The MFC networks in the commingled compounds were severely disrupted after twin-screw extrusion. This confirmed the limited deformability of the networks inferred from the extensive syneresis during the initial compression molding step, and accounted for substantial losses in stiffness reinforcement by the MFC after extrusion.

Springer Berlin Heidelberg2013