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During the last decades, therapeutical proteins have risen to great significance in the pharmaceutical industry. As non-human proteins that are introduced into the human body cause a distinct immune system reaction that triggers their rapid clearance, most newly approved protein pharmaceuticals are shielded by modification with synthetic polymers to significantly improve their blood circulation time. All such clinically approved protein-polymer conjugates contain polyethylene glycol (PEG) and its conjugation is denoted as PEGylation. However, many patients develop anti-PEG antibodies which cause a rapid clearance of PEGylated molecules upon repeated administration. Therefore, the search for alternative polymers that can replace PEG in therapeutic applications has become important. In addition, although the blood circulation time is significantly prolonged, the therapeutic activity of some conjugates is decreased compared to the unmodified protein. The reason is that these conjugates are formed by the traditional conjugation method that addresses the protein's lysine side chains. As proteins have many solvent exposed lysines, this results in a somewhat uncontrolled attachment of polymer chains, leading to a mixture of regioisomers, with some of them eventually affecting the therapeutic performance.
This thesis investigates a novel method for ligating macromolecules in a site-specific manner, using enzymatic catalysis. Sortase A is used as the enzyme: It is a well-studied transpeptidase which is able to catalyze the intermolecular ligation of two peptides. This process is commonly referred to as sortase-mediated ligation (SML). SML constitutes an equilibrium reaction, which limits product yield. Two previously reported methods to overcome this major limitation were tested with polymers without using an excessive amount of one reactant.
Specific C- or N-terminal peptide sequences (recognition sequence and nucleophile) as part of the protein are required for SML. The complementary peptide was located at the polymer chain end. Grafting-to was used to avoid damaging the protein during polymerization. To be able to investigate all possible combinations (protein-recognition sequence and nucleophile-protein as well as polymer-recognition sequence and nucleophile-polymer) all necessary building blocks were synthesized. Polymerization via reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) was used to achieve a narrow molecular weight distribution of the polymers, which is required for therapeutic use.
The synthesis of the polymeric building blocks was started by synthesizing the peptide via automated solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) to avoid post-polymerization attachment and to enable easy adaptation of changes in the peptide sequence. To account for the different functionalities (free N- or C-terminus) required for SML, different linker molecules between resin and peptide were used.
To facilitate purification, the chain transfer agent (CTA) for reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization was coupled to the resin-immobilized recognition sequence peptide. The acrylamide and acrylate-based monomers used in this thesis were chosen for their potential to replace PEG.
Following that, surface-initiated (SI) ATRP and RAFT polymerization were attempted, but failed. As a result, the newly developed method of xanthate-supported photo-iniferter (XPI) RAFT polymerization in solution was used successfully to obtain a library of various peptide-polymer conjugates with different chain lengths and narrow molar mass distributions.
After peptide side chain deprotection, these constructs were used first to ligate two polymers via SML, which was successful but revealed a limit in polymer chain length (max. 100 repeat units). When utilizing equimolar amounts of reactants, the use of Ni2+ ions in combination with a histidine after the recognition sequence to remove the cleaved peptide from the equilibrium maximized product formation with conversions of up to 70 %.
Finally, a model protein and a nanobody with promising properties for therapeutical use were biotechnologically modified to contain the peptide sequences required for SML. Using the model protein for C- or N-terminal SML with various polymers did not result in protein-polymer conjugates. The reason is most likely the lack of accessibility of the protein termini to the enzyme. Using the nanobody for C-terminal SML, on the other hand, was successful. However, a similar polymer chain length limit was observed as in polymer-polymer SML. Furthermore, in case of the synthesis of protein-polymer conjugates, it was more effective to shift the SML equilibrium by using an excess of polymer than by employing the Ni2+ ion strategy.
Overall, the experimental data from this work provides a good foundation for future research in this promising field; however, more research is required to fully understand the potential and limitations of using SML for protein-polymer synthesis. In future, the method explored in this dissertation could prove to be a very versatile pathway to obtain therapeutic protein-polymer conjugates that exhibit high activities and long blood circulation times.
Die vorliegende Arbeit thematisiert die Synthese und die Polymerisation von Monomeren auf der Basis nachwachsender Rohstoffe wie zum Beispiel in Gewürzen und ätherischen Ölen enthaltenen kommerziell verfügbaren Phenylpropanoiden (Eugenol, Isoeugenol, Zimtalkohol, Anethol und Estragol) und des Terpenoids Myrtenol sowie ausgehend von der Rinde einer Birke (Betula pendula) und der Korkeiche (Quercus suber). Ausgewählte Phenylpropanoide (Eugenol, Isoeugenol und Zimtalkohol) und das Terpenoid Myrtenol wurden zunächst in den jeweiligen Laurylester überführt und anschließend das olefinische Strukturelement epoxidiert, wobei 4 neue (2-Methoxy-4-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)phenyldodecanoat, 2-Methoxy-4-(3-methyl-oxiran-2-yl)phenyldodecanoat, (3-Phenyloxiran-2-yl)methyldodecanoat, (7,7-Dimethyl-3-oxatricyclo[4.1.1.02,4]octan-2-yl)methyldodecanoat) und 2 bereits bekannte monofunktionelle Epoxide (2-(4-Methoxybenzyl)oxiran und 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-methyloxiran) erhalten wurden, die mittels 1H-NMR-, 13C-NMR- und FT-IR-Spektroskopie sowie mit DSC untersucht wurden. Die Photo-DSC Untersuchung der Epoxidmonomere in einer kationischen Photopolymerisation bei 40 °C ergab die maximale Polymerisationsgeschwindigkeit (Rpmax: 0,005 s-1 bis 0,038 s-1) sowie die Zeit (tmax: 13 s bis 26 s) bis zum Erreichen des Rpmax-Wertes und führte zu flüssigen Oligomeren, deren zahlenmittlerer Polymerisationsgrad mit 3 bis 6 mittels GPC bestimmt wurde. Die Umsetzung von 2-Methoxy-4-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)phenyldodecanoat mit Methacrylsäure ergab ein Isomerengemisch (2-Methoxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-(methacryloyloxy)propyl)phenyldodecanoat und 2-Methoxy-4-(2-(methacryl-oyloxy)-3-hydroxypropyl)phenyldodecanoat), das mittels Photo-DSC in einer freien radikalischen Photopolymerisation untersucht wurde (Rpmax: 0,105 s-1 und tmax: 5 s), die zu festen in Chloroform unlöslichen Polymeren führte.
Aus Korkpulver und gemahlener Birkenrinde wurden selektiv 2 kristalline ω-Hydroxyfettsäuren (9,10-Epoxy-18-hydroxyoctadecansäure und 22-Hydroxydocosansäure) isoliert. Die kationische Photopolymerisation der 9,10-Epoxy-18-hydroxyoctadecansäure ergab einen nahezu farblosen transparenten und bei Raumtemperatur elastischen Film, welcher ein Anwendungspotential für Oberflächenbeschichtungen hat. Aus der Reaktion von 9,10-Epoxy-18-hydroxyoctadecansäure mit Methacrylsäure wurde ein bei Raumtemperatur flüssiges Gemisch aus zwei Konstitutionsisomeren (9,18-Dihydroxy-10-(methacryloyloxy)octadecansäure und 9-(Methacryloyloxy)-10,18-dihydroxyoctadecansäure) erhalten (Tg: -60 °C). Die radikalische Photopolymerisation dieser Konstitutionsisomere wurde ebenfalls mittels Photo-DSC untersucht (Rpmax: 0,098 s-1 und tmax: 3,8 s). Die Reaktion von 22-Hydroxydocosansäure mit Methacryloylchlorid ergab die kristalline 22-(Methacryloyloxy)docosansäure, welche ebenfalls in einer radikalischen Photopolymerisation mittels Photo-DSC untersucht wurde (Rpmax: 0,023 s-1 und tmax: 9,6 s).
Die mittels AIBN in Dimethylsulfoxid initiierte Homopolymerisation der 22-(Methacryloyloxy)docosansäure und der Isomerengemische bestehend aus 2-Methoxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-(methacryloyloxy)propyl)phenyldodecanoat und 2-Methoxy-4-(2-(methacryl-oyloxy)-3-hydroxypropyl)phenyldodecanoat sowie aus 9,18-Dihydroxy-10-(methacryloy-loxy)octadecansäure und 9-(Methacryloyloxy)-10,18-dihydroxyoctadecansäure ergab feste lösliche Polymere, die mittels 1H-NMR- und FT-IR-Spektroskopie, GPC (Poly(2-methoxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-(methacryloyloxy)propyl)phenyldodecanoat / 2-methoxy-4-(2-(methacryloyloxy)-3-hydroxypropyl)phenyldodecanoat): Pn = 94) und DSC (Poly(2-methoxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-(methacryloyloxy)propyl)phenyldodecanoat / 2-methoxy-4-(2-(methacryloyloxy)-3-hydroxypropyl)phenyldodecanoat): Tg: 52 °C; Poly(9,18-dihydroxy-10-(methacryloyloxy)-octadecansäure / 9-(methacryloyloxy)-10,18-dihydroxyoctadecansäure): Tg: 10 °C; Poly(22-(methacryloyloxy)docosansäure): Tm: 74,1 °C, wobei der Schmelzpunkt mit dem des Photopolymers (Tm = 76,8 °C) vergleichbar ist) charakterisiert wurden.
Das bereits bekannte Monomer 4-(4-Methacryloyloxyphenyl)butan-2-on wurde ausgehend von 4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-on hergestellt, welches aus Birkenrinde gewonnen werden kann, und unter identischen Bedingungen für einen Vergleich mit den neuen Monomeren polymerisiert. Die freie radikalische Polymerisation führte zu Poly(4-(4-methacryloyloxyphenyl)butan-2-on) (Pn: 214 und Tg: 83 °C). Neben der Homopolymerisation wurde eine statistische Copolymerisation des Isomerengemisches 2-Methoxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-(methacryl-oyloxy)propyl)phenyldodecanoat / 2-Methoxy-4-(2-(methacryloyloxy)-3-hydroxypropyl)-phenyldodecanoat mit 4-(4-Methacryloyloxyphenyl)butan-2-on untersucht, wobei ein äquimolarer Einsatz der Ausgangsmonomere zu einem Anstieg der Ausbeute, der Molmassenverteilung und der Dispersität des Copolymers (Tg: 44 °C) führte. Die unter Verwendung von Diethylcarbonat als „grünes“ Lösungsmittel mittels AIBN initiierten freien radikalischen Homopolymerisationen von 4-(4-Methacryloyloxyphenyl)butan-2-on und von Laurylmethacrylat ergaben vergleichbare Polymerisationsgrade der Homopolymere (Pn: 150), welche jedoch aufgrund ihrer Strukturunterschiede deutlich unterschiedliche Glasübergangstemperaturen hatten (Poly(4-(4-methacryloyloxyphenyl)butan-2-on): Tg: 70 °C, Poly(laurylmethacrylat) Tg: -49 °C. Eine statistische Copolymerisation äquimolarer Stoffmengen der beiden Monomere in Diethylcarbonat führte bei einer Polymerisationszeit von 60 Minuten zu einem leicht bevorzugten Einbau des 4-(4-Methacryloyloxyphenyl)butan-2-on in das Copolymer (Tg: 17 °C). Copolymerisationsdiagramme für die freien radikalischen Copolymerisationen von 4-(4-Methacryloyloxyphenyl)butan-2-on mit n-Butylmethacrylat beziehungsweise 2-(Dimethylamino)ethylmethacrylat (t: 20 min bis 60 min; Molenbrüche (X) für 4-(4-Methacryloyloxyphenyl)butan-2-on: 0,2; 0,4; 0,6 und 0,8) zeigten ein nahezu ideales azeotropes Copolymerisationsverhalten, obwohl ein leicht bevorzugter Einbau von 4-(4-Methacryloyloxyphenyl)butan-2-on in das jeweilige Copolymer beobachtet wurde. Dabei korreliert ein Anstieg der Ausbeute und der Glasübergangstemperatur der erhaltenen Copolymere mit einem zunehmenden Gehalt an 4-(4-Methacryloyloxyphenyl)butan-2-on im Reaktionsgemisch. Die unter Einsatz der modifizierten Gibbs-DiMarzio-Gleichung berechneten Glasübergangstemperaturen der Copolymere stimmten mit den gemessenen Werten gut überein. Das ist eine gute Ausgangsbasis für die Bestimmung der Glasübergangstemperatur eines Copolymers mit einer beliebigen Zusammensetzung.
This thesis presents a comprehensive exploration of the application of DNA origami nanofork antennas (DONAs) in the field of spectroscopy, with a particular focus on the structural analysis of Cytochrome C (CytC) at the single-molecule level. The research encapsulates the design, optimization, and application of DONAs in enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of Raman spectroscopy, thereby offering new insights into protein structures and interactions.
The initial phase of the study involved the meticulous optimization of DNA origami structures. This process was pivotal in developing nanoscale tools that could significantly enhance the capabilities of Raman spectroscopy. The optimized DNA origami nanoforks, in both dimer and aggregate forms, demonstrated an enhanced ability to detect and analyze molecular vibrations, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of protein dynamics.
A key aspect of this research was the comparative analysis between the dimer and aggregate forms of DONAs. This comparison revealed that while both configurations effectively identified oxidation and spin states of CytC, the aggregate form offered a broader range of detectable molecular states due to its prolonged signal emission and increased number of molecules. This extended duration of signal emission in the aggregates was attributed to the collective hotspot area, enhancing overall signal stability and sensitivity.
Furthermore, the study delved into the analysis of the Amide III band using the DONA system. Observations included a transient shift in the Amide III band's frequency, suggesting dynamic alterations in the secondary structure of CytC. These shifts, indicative of transitions between different protein structures, were crucial in understanding the protein’s functional mechanisms and interactions.
The research presented in this thesis not only contributes significantly to the field of spectroscopy but also illustrates the potential of interdisciplinary approaches in biosensing. The use of DNA origami-based systems in spectroscopy has opened new avenues for research, offering a detailed and comprehensive understanding of protein structures and interactions. The insights gained from this research are expected to have lasting implications in scientific fields ranging from drug development to the study of complex biochemical pathways. This thesis thus stands as a testament to the power of integrating nanotechnology, biochemistry, and spectroscopic techniques in addressing complex scientific questions.
Global warming, driven primarily by the excessive emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, has led to severe and detrimental environmental impacts. Rising global temperatures have triggered a cascade of adverse effects, including melting glaciers and polar ice caps, more frequent and intense heat waves disrupted weather patterns, and the acidification of oceans. These changes adversely affect ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies, threatening food security, water availability, and livelihoods. One promising solution to mitigate the harmful effects of global warming is the widespread adoption of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. Solar cells harness sunlight to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or other pollutants. By replacing fossil fuel-based energy sources, solar cells can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, a significant contributor to global warming. This transition to clean, renewable energy can help curb the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, thereby slowing down the rate of global temperature rise.
Solar energy’s positive impact extends beyond emission reduction. As solar panels become more efficient and affordable, they empower individuals, communities, and even entire nations to generate electricity and become less dependent on fossil fuels. This decentralized energy generation can enhance resilience in the face of climate-related challenges. Moreover, implementing solar cells creates green jobs and stimulates technological innovation, further promoting sustainable economic growth. As solar technology advances, its integration with energy storage systems and smart grids can ensure a stable and reliable energy supply, reducing the need for backup fossil fuel power plants that exacerbate environmental degradation.
The market-dominant solar cell technology is silicon-based, highly matured technology with a highly systematic production procedure. However, it suffers from several drawbacks, such as: 1) Cost: still relatively high due to high energy consumption due to the need to melt and purify silicon, and the use of silver as an electrode, which hinders their widespread availability, especially in low-income countries. 2) Efficiency: theoretically, it should deliver around 29%; however, the efficiency of most of the commercially available silicon-based solar cells ranges from 18 – 22%. 3) Temperature sensitivity: The efficiency decreases with the increase in the temperature, affecting their output. 4) Resource constraints: silicon as a raw material is unavailable in all countries, creating supply chain challenges.
Perovskite solar cells arose in 2011 and matured very rapidly in the last decade as a highly efficient and versatile solar cell technology. With an efficiency of 26%, high absorption coefficients, solution processability, and tunable band gap, it attracted the attention of the solar cells community. It represented a hope for cheap, efficient, and easily processable next-generation solar cells. However, lead toxicity might be the block stone hindering perovskite solar cells’ market reach. Lead is a heavy and bioavailable element that makes perovskite solar cells environmentally unfriendly technology. As a result, scientists try to replace lead with a more environmentally friendly element. Among several possible alternatives, tin was the most suitable element due to its electronic and atomic structure similarity to lead.
Tin perovskites were developed to alleviate the challenge of lead toxicity. Theoretically, it shows very high absorption coefficients, an optimum band gap of 1.35 eV for FASnI3, and a very high short circuit current, which nominates it to deliver the highest possible efficiency of a single junction solar cell, which is around 30.1% according to Schockly-Quisser limit. However, tin perovskites’ efficiency still lags below 15% and is irreproducible, especially from lab to lab. This humble performance could be attributed to three reasons: 1) Tin (II) oxidation to tin (IV), which would happen due to oxygen, water, or even by the effect of the solvent, as was discovered recently. 2) fast crystallization dynamics, which occurs due to the lateral exposure of the P-orbitals of the tin atom, which enhances its reactivity and increases the crystallization pace. 3) Energy band misalignment: The energy bands at the interfaces between the perovskite absorber material and the charge selective layers are not aligned, leading to high interfacial charge recombination, which devastates the photovoltaic performance. To solve these issues, we implemented several techniques and approaches that enhanced the efficiency of tin halide perovskites, providing new chemically safe solvents and antisolvents. In addition, we studied the energy band alignment between the charge transport layers and the tin perovskite absorber.
Recent research has shown that the principal source of tin oxidation is the solvent known as dimethylsulfoxide, which also happens to be one of the most effective solvents for processing perovskite. The search for a stable solvent might prove to be the factor that makes all the difference in the stability of tin-based perovskites. We started with a database of over 2,000 solvents and narrowed it down to a series of 12 new solvents that are suitable for processing FASnI3 experimentally. This was accomplished by looking into 1) the solubility of the precursor chemicals FAI and SnI2, 2) the thermal stability of the precursor solution, and 3) the potential to form perovskite. Finally, we show that it is possible to manufacture solar cells using a novel solvent system that outperforms those produced using DMSO. The results of our research give some suggestions that may be used in the search for novel solvents or mixes of solvents that can be used to manufacture stable tin-based perovskites.
Due to the quick crystallization of tin, it is more difficult to deposit tin-based perovskite films from a solution than manufacturing lead-based perovskite films since lead perovskite is more often utilized. The most efficient way to get high efficiencies is to deposit perovskite from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which slows down the quick construction of the tin-iodine network that is responsible for perovskite synthesis. This is the most successful approach for achieving high efficiencies. Dimethyl sulfoxide, which is used in the processing, is responsible for the oxidation of tin, which is a disadvantage of this method. This research presents a potentially fruitful alternative in which 4-(tert-butyl) pyridine can substitute dimethyl sulfoxide in the process of regulating crystallization without causing tin oxidation to take place. Perovskite films that have been formed from pyridine have been shown to have a much-reduced defect density. This has resulted in increased charge mobility and better photovoltaic performance, making pyridine a desirable alternative for use in the deposition of tin perovskite films.
The precise control of perovskite precursor crystallization inside a thin film is of utmost importance for optimizing the efficiency and manufacturing of solar cells. The deposition process of tin-based perovskite films from a solution presents difficulties due to the quick crystallization of tin compared to the more often employed lead perovskite. The optimal approach for attaining elevated efficiencies entails using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a medium for depositing perovskite. This choice of solvent impedes the tin-iodine network’s fast aggregation, which plays a crucial role in the production of perovskite. Nevertheless, this methodology is limited since the utilization of dimethyl sulfoxide leads to the oxidation of tin throughout the processing stage. In this thesis, we present a potentially advantageous alternative approach wherein 4-(tert-butyl) pyridine is proposed as a substitute for dimethyl sulfoxide in regulating crystallization processes while avoiding the undesired consequence of tin oxidation. Films of perovskite formed using pyridine as a solvent have a notably reduced density of defects, resulting in higher mobility of charges and improved performance in solar applications. Consequently, the utilization of pyridine for the deposition of tin perovskite films is considered advantageous.
Tin perovskites are suffering from an apparent energy band misalignment. However, the band diagrams published in the current body of research display contradictions, resulting in a dearth of unanimity. Moreover, comprehensive information about the dynamics connected with charge extraction is lacking. This thesis aims to ascertain the energy band locations of tin perovskites by employing the kelvin probe and Photoelectron yield spectroscopy methods. This thesis aims to construct a precise band diagram for the often-utilized device stack. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis is performed to assess the energy deficits inherent in the current energetic structure of tin halide perovskites. In addition, we investigate the influence of BCP on the improvement of electron extraction in C60/BCP systems, with a specific emphasis on the energy factors involved. Furthermore, transient surface photovoltage was utilized to investigate the charge extraction kinetics of frequently studied charge transport layers, such as NiOx and PEDOT as hole transport layers and C60, ICBA, and PCBM as electron transport layers. The Hall effect, KP, and TRPL approaches accurately ascertain the p-doping concentration in FASnI3. The results consistently demonstrated a value of 1.5 * 1017 cm-3. Our research findings highlight the imperative nature of autonomously constructing the charge extraction layers for tin halide perovskites, apart from those used for lead perovskites.
The crystallization of perovskite precursors relies mainly on the utilization of two solvents. The first one dissolves the perovskite powder to form the precursor solution, usually called the solvent. The second one precipitates the perovskite precursor, forming the wet film, which is a supersaturated solution of perovskite precursor and in the remains of the solvent and the antisolvent. Later, this wet film crystallizes upon annealing into a full perovskite crystallized film. In our research context, we proposed new solvents to dissolve FASnI3, but when we tried to form a film, most of them did not crystallize. This is attributed to the high coordination strength between the metal halide and the solvent molecules, which is unbreakable by the traditionally used antisolvents such as Toluene and Chlorobenzene. To solve this issue, we introduce a high-throughput antisolvent screening in which we screened around 73 selected antisolvents against 15 solvents that can form a 1M FASnI3 solution. We used for the first time in tin perovskites machine learning algorithm to understand and predict the effect of an antisolvent on the crystallization of a precursor solution in a particular solvent. We relied on film darkness as a primary criterion to judge the efficacy of a solvent-antisolvent pair. We found that the relative polarity between solvent and antisolvent is the primary factor that affects the solvent-antisolvent interaction. Based on our findings, we prepared several high-quality tin perovskite films free from DMSO and achieved an efficiency of 9%, which is the highest DMSO tin perovskite device so far.
With the many challenges facing the agricultural system, such as water scarcity, loss of arable land due to climate change, population growth, urbanization or trade disruptions, new agri-food systems are needed to ensure food security in the future. In addition, healthy diets are needed to combat non-communicable diseases. Therefore, plant-based diets rich in health-promoting plant secondary metabolites are desirable. A saline indoor farming system is representing a sustainable and resilient new agrifood system and can preserve valuable fresh water. Since indoor farming relies on artificial lighting, assessment of lighting conditions is essential. In this thesis, the cultivation of halophytes in a saline indoor farming system was evaluated and the influence of cultivation conditions were assessed in favor of improving the nutritional quality of halophytes for human consumption. Therefore, five selected edible halophyte species (Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia, Cochlearia officinalis, Atriplex hortensis, Chenopodium quinoa, and Salicornia europaea) were cultivated in saline indoor farming. The halophyte species were selected for to their salt tolerance levels and mechanisms. First, the suitability of halophytes for saline indoor farming and the influence of salinity on their nutritional properties, e.g. plant secondary metabolites and minerals, were investigated. Changes in plant performance and nutritional properties were observed as a function of salinity. The response to salinity was found to be species-specific and related to the salt tolerance mechanism of the halophytes. At their optimal salinity levels, the halophytes showed improved carotenoid content. In addition, a negative correlation was found between the nitrate and chloride content of halophytes as a function of salinity. Since chloride and nitrate can be antinutrient compounds, depending on their content, monitoring is essential, especially in halophytes. Second, regional brine water was introduced as an alternative saline water resource in the saline indoor farming system. Brine water was shown to be feasible for saline indoor farming
of halophytes, as there was no adverse effect on growth or nutritional properties, e.g. carotenoids. Carotenoids were shown to be less affected by salt composition than by salt concentration. In addition, the interaction between the salinity and the light regime in indoor farming and greenhouse cultivation has been studied. There it was shown that interacting light regime and salinity alters the content of carotenoids and chlorophylls. Further, glucosinolate and nitrate content were also shown to be influenced by light regime. Finally, the influence of UVB light on halophytes was investigated using supplemental narrow-band UVB LEDs. It was shown that UVB light affects the growth, phenotype and metabolite profile of halophytes and that the UVB response is species specific. Furthermore, a modulation of carotenoid content in S. europaea could be achieved to enhance health-promoting properties and thus improve nutritional quality. This was shown to be dose-dependent and the underlying mechanisms of carotenoid accumulation were also investigated. Here it was revealed that carotenoid accumulation is related to oxidative stress.
In conclusion, this work demonstrated the potential of halophytes as alternative vegetables produced in a saline indoor farming system for future diets that could contribute to ensuring food security in the future. To improve the sustainability of the saline indoor farming system, LED lamps and regional brine water could be integrated into the system. Since the nutritional properties have been shown to be influenced by salt, light regime and UVB light, these abiotic stressors must be taken into account when considering halophytes as alternative vegetables for human nutrition.
The remarkable antifouling properties of zwitterionic polymers in controlled environments are often counteracted by their delicate mechanical stability. In order to improve the mechanical stabilities of zwitterionic hydrogels, the effect of increased crosslinker densities was thus explored. In a first approach, terpolymers of zwitterionic monomer 3-[N -2(methacryloyloxy)ethyl-N,N-dimethyl]ammonio propane-1-sulfonate (SPE), hydrophobic monomer butyl methacrylate (BMA), and photo-crosslinker 2-(4-benzoylphenoxy)ethyl methacrylate (BPEMA) were synthesized. Thin hydrogel coatings of the copolymers were then produced and photo-crosslinked. Studies of the swollen hydrogel films showed that not only the mechanical stability but also, unexpectedly, the antifouling properties were improved by the presence of hydrophobic BMA units in the terpolymers.
Based on the positive results shown by the amphiphilic terpolymers and in order to further test the impact that hydrophobicity has on both the antifouling properties of zwitterionic hydrogels and on their mechanical stability, a new amphiphilic zwitterionic methacrylic monomer, 3-((2-(methacryloyloxy)hexyl)dimethylammonio)propane-1-sulfonate (M1), was synthesized in good yields in a multistep synthesis. Homopolymers of M1 were obtained by free-radical polymerization. Similarly, terpolymers of M1, zwitterionic monomer SPE, and photo-crosslinker BPEMA were synthesized by free-radical copolymerization and thoroughly characterized, including its solubilities in selected solvents.
Also, a new family of vinyl amide zwitterionic monomomers, namely 3-(dimethyl(2-(N -vinylacetamido)ethyl)ammonio)propane-1-sulfonate (M2), 4-(dimethyl(2-(N-vinylacetamido)ethyl)ammonio)butane-1-sulfonate (M3), and 3-(dimethyl(2-(N-vinylacetamido)ethyl)ammonio)propyl sulfate (M4), together with the new photo-crosslinker 4-benzoyl-N-vinylbenzamide (M5) that is well-suited for copolymerization with vinylamides, are introduced within the scope of the present work. The monomers are synthesized with good yields developing a multistep synthesis. Homopolymers of the new vinyl amide zwitterionic monomers are obtained by free-radical polymerization and thoroughly characterized. From the solubility tests, it is remarkable that the homopolymers produced are fully soluble in water, evidence of their high hydrophilicity. Copolymerization of the vinyl amide zwitterionic monomers, M2, M3, and M4 with the vinyl amide photo-crosslinker M5 proved to require very specific polymerization conditions. Nevertheless, copolymers were successfully obtained by free-radical copolymerization under appropriate conditions.
Moreover, in an attempt to mitigate the intrinsic hydrophobicity introduced in the copolymers by the photo-crosslinkers, and based on the proven affinity of quaternized diallylamines to copolymerize with vinyl amides, a new quaternized diallylamine sulfobetaine photo-crosslinker 3-(diallyl(2-(4-benzoylphenoxy)ethyl)ammonio)propane-1-sulfonate (M6) is synthesized. However, despite a priori promising copolymerization suitability, copolymerization with the vinyl amide zwitterionic monomers could not be achieved.
We live in an era driven by fossil fuels. The prevailing climate change suggests that we have to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The only way forward is to use renewable energy sources. Among those, solar energy is a clean, affordable, and sustainable source of energy. It has the potential to satisfy the world’s energy demand in the future. However, there is a need to develop new materials that can make solar energy usable. Photovoltaics (PV) are devices that convert photon energy into electrical energy. The most commonly used solar cells are based on crystalline silicon. However, the fabrication process for silicon solar cells is technologically difficult and costly. Solar cells based on lead halide perovskites (PSCs) have emerged as a new candidate for PV applications since 2009. To date, PSCs have achieved 26% power-conversion-efficiency (PCE) for its single junction, and 33.7% PCE for tandem junction devices. However, there is still room for improvement in overall performance. The main challenge for the commercialization of this technology is the stability of the solar cells under operational conditions. Inorganic perovskite CsPbI3 has attracted researchers’ interest due to its stability at elevated temperatures, however, inorganic perovskites also have associated challenges, e.g. phase stability, larger voltage loss compared to their organic-inorganic hybrid counterparts, and interface energy misalignment. The most efficient inorganic perovskite solar cell is stable for up to a few hundred hours while the most stable device in the field of inorganic PSCs reported so far is at 17% PCE. This suggests the need for improvement of the interfaces for enhanced open circuit voltage (VOC), and optimization of the energy alignment at the interfaces. This dissertation presents the study on interfaces between the perovskite layer and hole transport layer (HTL) for stable CsPbI3 solar cells.
The first part of the thesis presents an investigation of the CsPbI3 film annealing environment and its subsequent effects on the perovskite/HTL interface dynamics. Thin films annealed in dry air were compared with thin films annealed in ambient air. Synchrotron-based hard X-ray spectroscopy (HAXPES) measurements reveal that annealing in ambient air does not have an adverse effect; instead, those samples undergo surface band bending. This surface band modification induces changes in interface charge dynamics and, consequently, an improvement in charge extraction at the interfaces. Further, transient surface photovoltage (tr-SPV) simulations show that air-annealed samples exhibit fewer trap states compared to samples annealed in dry air. Finally, by annealing the CsPbI3 films in ambient air, a PCE of 19.8% and Voc of 1.23 V were achieved for an n-i-p structured device.
Interface engineering has emerged as a strategy to extract the charge and optimize the energy alignment in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). An interface with fewer trap states and energy band levels closer to the selective contact helps to attain improved efficiencies in PSCs. The second part of the thesis presents a design for the CsPbI3/HTM interface. In this work, an interface between CsPbI3 perovskite and its hole selective contact N2,N2,N2′,N2′,N7,N7,N7′,N7′-octakis(4-methoxyphenyl)-9,9′-spirobi[9H-fluorene]-2,2′,7,7′-tetramine(Spiro-OMeTAD), realized by trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), a dipole molecule is introduced. On top of a perovskite film well-passivated by n-octyl ammonium Iodide (OAI), it created an upward surface band-bending at the interface byTOPO that optimizes energy level alignment and enhances the extraction of holes from the perovskite layer to the hole transport material. Consequently, a Voc of 1.2 V and high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 19% were achieved for inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells. In addition, the work also sheds light on the interfacial charge-selectivity and the long-term stability of CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells.
The third part of the thesis extends the previous studies to polymeric poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) as HTL. The CsPbI3/P3HT interface is critical due to high non-radiative recombination. This work presents a CsPbI3/P3HT interface modified with a long-chain alkyl halide molecule, n-hexyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HTAB). This molecule largely passivates the CsPbI3 perovskite surface and improves the charge extraction across the interface. Consequently, a Voc of over 1.00 V and 14.2% PCE were achieved for CsPbI3 with P3HT as HTM.
Overall the results presented in this dissertation introduce and discuss methods to design and study the interfaces in CsPbI3-based solar cells. This study can pave the way for novel interface designs between CsPbI3 and HTM for charge extraction, efficiency and stability.
The reliance on fossil fuels has resulted in an abnormal increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, contributing to the global climate crisis. In response, a rapid transition to renewable energy sources has begun, particularly lithium-ion batteries, playing a crucial role in the green energy transformation. However, concerns regarding the availability and geopolitical implications of lithium have prompted the exploration of alternative rechargeable battery systems, such as sodium-ion batteries. Sodium is significantly abundant and more homogeneously distributed in the crust and seawater, making it easier and less expensive to extract than lithium. However, because of the mysterious nature of its components, sodium-ion batteries are not yet sufficiently advanced to take the place of lithium-ion batteries. Specifically, sodium exhibits a more metallic character and a larger ionic radius, resulting in a different ion storage mechanism utilized in lithium-ion batteries. Innovations in synthetic methods, post-treatments, and interface engineering clearly demonstrate the significance of developing high-performance carbonaceous anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. The objective of this dissertation is to present a systematic approach for fabricating efficient, high-performance, and sustainable carbonaceous anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. This will involve a comprehensive investigation of different chemical environments and post-modification techniques as well.
This dissertation focuses on three main objectives. Firstly, it explores the significance of post-synthetic methods in designing interfaces. A conformal carbon nitride coating is deposited through chemical vapor deposition on a carbon electrode as an artificial solid-electrolyte interface layer, resulting in improved electrochemical performance. The interaction between the carbon nitride artificial interface and the carbon electrode enhances initial Coulombic efficiency, rate performance, and total capacity. Secondly, a novel process for preparing sulfur-rich carbon as a high-performing anode material for sodium-ion batteries is presented. The method involves using an oligo-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene precursor for high sulfur content hard carbon anode to investigate the sulfur heteroatom effect on the electrochemical sodium storage mechanism. By optimizing the condensation temperature, a significant transformation in the materials’ nanostructure is achieved, leading to improved electrochemical performance. The use of in-operando small-angle X-ray scattering provides valuable insights into the interaction between micropores and sodium ions during the electrochemical processes. Lastly, the development of high-capacity hard carbon, derived from 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, is examined. This carbon material exhibits exceptional performance at both low and high current densities. Extensive electrochemical and physicochemical characterizations shed light on the sodium storage mechanism concerning the chemical environment, establishing the material’s stability and potential applications in sodium-ion batteries.
Im Rahmen einer explorativen Entwicklung wurde in der vorliegenden Studie ein Konzept zur Wissenschaftskommunikation für ein Graduiertenkolleg, in dem an photochemischen Prozessen geforscht wird, erstellt und anschließend evaluiert. Der Grund dafür ist die immer stärker wachsende Forderung nach Wissenschaftskommunikation seitens der Politik. Es wird darüber hinaus gefordert, dass die Kommunikation der eigenen Forschung in Zukunft integrativer Bestandteil des wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens wird. Um junge Wissenschaftler bereits frühzeitig auf diese Aufgabe vorzubereiten, wird Wissenschaftskommunikation auch in Forschungsverbünden realisiert.
Aus diesem Grund wurde in einer Vorstudie untersucht, welche Anforderungen an ein Konzept zur Wissenschaftskommunikation im Rahmen eines Forschungsverbundes gestellt werden, indem die Einstellung der Doktoranden zur Wissenschaftskommunikation sowie ihre Kommunikationsfähigkeiten anhand eines geschlossenen Fragebogens evaluiert wurden. Darüber hinaus wurden aus den Daten Wissenschaftskommunikationstypen abgeleitet. Auf Grundlage der Ergebnisse wurden unterschiedliche Wissenschaftskommunikationsmaßnahmen entwickelt, die sich in der Konzeption, den Rezipienten, sowie der Form der Kommunikation und den Inhalten unterscheiden.
Im Rahmen dieser Entwicklung wurde eine Lerneinheit mit Bezug auf die Inhalte des Graduiertenkollegs, bestehend aus einem Lehr-Lern-Experiment und den dazugehörigen Begleitmaterialien, konzipiert. Anschließend wurde die Lerneinheit in eine der Wissenschaftskommunikationsmaßnahmen integriert. Je nach Anforderung an die Doktoranden, wurden die Maßnahmen durch vorbereitende Workshops ergänzt.
Durch einen halboffenen Pre-Post-Fragebogen wurde der Einfluss der Wissenschaftskommunikationsmaßnahmen und der dazugehörigen Workshops auf die Selbstwirksamkeit der Doktoranden evaluiert, um Rückschlüsse darauf zu ziehen, wie sich die Wahrnehmung der eigenen Kommunikationsfähigkeiten durch die Interventionen verändert. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass die einzelnen Wissenschaftskommunikationsmaßnahmen die verschiedenen Typen in unterschiedlicher Weise beeinflussen. Es ist anzunehmen, dass es abhängig von der eigenen Einschätzung der Kommunikationsfähigkeit unterschiedliche Bedürfnisse der Förderung gibt, die durch dedizierte Wissenschaftskommunikationsmaßnahmen berücksichtigt werden können.
Auf dieser Grundlage werden erste Ansätze für eine allgemeingültige Strategie vorgeschlagen, die die individuellen Fähigkeiten zur Wissenschaftskommunikation in einem naturwissenschaftlichen Forschungsverbund fördert.
Lanthanide based ceria nanomaterials are important practical materials due to their redox properties that are useful in technology and life sciences. This PhD thesis examined various properties and potential for catalytic and bio-applications of Ln3+-doped ceria nanomaterials. Ce1-xGdxO2-y: Eu3+, gadolinium doped ceria (GDC) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) nanoparticles were synthesized by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) and studied, followed by 15 % CexZr1-xO2-y: Eu3+|YSZ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanocomposites. Furthermore, Ce1-xYb xO2-y (0.004 ≤ x ≤ 0.22) nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomposition and characterized. Finally, CeO2-y: Eu3+ nanoparticles were synthesized by a microemulsion method, biofunctionalized and characterized. The studies undertaken presents a novel approach to structurally elucidate ceria-based nanomaterials by way of Eu3+ and Yb3+ spectroscopy and processing the spectroscopic data with the multi-way decomposition method PARAFAC. Data sets of the three variables: excitation wavelength, emission wavelength and time were used to perform the deconvolution of spectra.
GDC nanoparticles from FSP are nano-sized and of roughly cubic shape and crystal structure (Fm3̅m). Raman data revealed four vibrational modes exhibited by Gd3+ containing samples whereas CeO2-y: Eu3+ displays only two. The room temperature, time-resolved emission spectra recorded at λexcitation = 464 nm show that Gd3+ doping results in significantly altered emission spectra compared to pure ceria. The PARAFAC analysis for the pure ceria samples reveals two species; a high-symmetry species and a low-symmetry species. The GDC samples yield two low-symmetry spectra in the same experiment. High-resolution emission spectra recorded at 4 K after probing the 5D0-7F0 transition revealed additional variation in the low symmetry Eu3+ sites in pure ceria and GDC. The data of the Gd3+-containing samples indicates that the average charge density around the Eu3+ ions in the lattice is inversely related to Gd3+ and oxygen vacancy concentration.
The particle crystallites of the 773 K and 1273 K annealed Yb3+ -ceria nanostructure materials are nano-sized and have a cubic fluorite structure with four Raman vibrational modes. Elemental maps clearly show that cluster formation occurs for 773 K annealed with high Yb3+ ion concentration from 15 mol % in the ceria lattice. These clusters are destroyed with annealing to 1273 K. The emission spectra observed from room temperature and 4 K measurements for the Ce1-xYb xO2-y samples have a manifold that corresponds to the 2F5/2-2F7/2 transition of Yb3+ ions. Some small shifts are observed in the Stark splitting pattern and are induced by the variations of the crystal field influenced by where the Yb3+ ions are located in the crystal lattices in the samples. Upon mixing ceria with high Yb3+ concentrations, the 2F5/2-2F7/2 transition is also observed in the Stark splitting pattern, but the spectra consist of two broad high background dominated peaks. Annealing the nanomaterials at 1273 K for 2 h changes the spectral signature as new peaks emerge. The deconvolution yielded luminescence decay kinetics as well as the accompanying luminescence spectra of three species for each of the low Yb3+ doped ceria samples annealed at 773 K and one species for the 1273 K annealed samples. However, the ceria samples with high Yb3+ concentration annealed at the two temperatures yielded one species with lower decay times as compared to the Yb3+ doped ceria samples after PARAFAC analysis.
Through the calcination of the nanocomposites at two high temperatures, the evolution of the emission patterns from specific Eu3+ lattice sites to indicate structural changes for the nanocomposites was followed. The spectroscopy results effectively complemented the data obtained from the conventional techniques. Annealing the samples at 773 K, resulted in amorphous, unordered domains whereas the TLS of the 1273 K nanocomposites reveal two distinct sites, with most red shifted Eu3+ species coming from pure Eu3+ doped ZrO2 on the YSZ support.
Finally, for Eu3+ doped ceria, successful transfer from hydrophobic to water phase and subsequent biocompatibility was achieved using ssDNA. PARAFAC analysis for the Eu3+ in nanoparticles dispersed in toluene and water revealed one Eu3+ species, with slightly differing surface properties for the nanoparticles as far as the luminescence kinetics and solvent environments were concerned. Several functionalized nanoparticles conjugated onto origami triangles after hybridization were visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Putting all into consideration, Eu3+ and Yb3+ spectroscopy was used to monitor the structural changes and determining the feasibility of the nanoparticle transfer into water. PARAFAC proves to be a powerful tool to analyze lanthanide spectra in crystalline solid materials and in solutions, which are characterized by numerous Stark transitions and where measurements usually yield a superposition of different emission contributions to any given spectrum.