Planar D-π-A Configured Dimethoxy Vinylbenzene Based Small Organic Molecule for Solution-Processed Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells
, M. Shaheer Akhtar 2, Abdullah 1,3, Eun-Bi Kim 1, Hyung-Shik Shin 1,4,* and Sadia Ameen 3,*Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Nice paper on planar D-pi-A dyes for BHJ solar cells.
A few minor details can be imporved, see line nr as reference:
59 push-pull
63 an ethylene system
95-96 poured into an aqueous
96 The organic layer
99 eluent followed
100 of the obatined product
101 collected as pale yellow solid product.
110 Then the reaction
123-124 rephrase, not logic as written.
124 of the resultant
125 using a rotatory evoprator
Author Response
Responses to Reviewers#1
Dated: August 11th, 2020
Editorial Office,
MDPI, Applied Sciences
Dear Ms. Andy Yang
Thank you very much for forwarding the reviewer’s comments about our manuscript entitled “Planar D-π-A configured dimethoxy vinylbenzne based small organic molecule for solution-processed bulk heterojunction organic solar cells” by S. Alam et al. Please find attached herewith the revised manuscript along with the reply sheet to honorable reviewers. You have kindly given us an opportunity for the revision after doing the needful modifications as per given suggestions. Now, we have carefully revised and compensated all the comments. The corrected parts are highlighted by yellow background in the revised manuscript.
We hope that we have satisfactorily addressed all the valuable comments given by the reviewers.
While thanking you in anticipation, I am looking forward a favorable reply.
Best Regards
Professor Sadia Ameen
Advanced Materials and Devices Laboratory,
Department of Bio-Convergence Science,
Jeonbuk National University,
Jeongeup Campus, 56212, Republic of Korea
Phone: +82-63-530-7612, Fax: +82-63-530-7619
Responses to Reviewers #1
Nice paper on planar D-pi-A dyes for BHJ solar cells.
A few minor details can be imporved, see line nr as reference:
Reply: Thank you for pointing this out. All typo-errors and spelling mistakes have been corrected in the revised manuscript.
60 push-pull; now corrected.
63 an ethylene system; now corrected.
95-96 poured into an aqueous; now corrected.
96 The organic layer; now corrected.
99 eluent followed; now corrected.
100 of the obtained product; now corrected.
101 collected as pale yellow solid product; now corrected.
110 Then the reaction; now corrected.
123-124 rephrase, not logic as written:-Sentences are now rephrased in the revised manuscript as “The intermediate 2 (0.642 g, 2.01 mmol), trans-2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl) vinylboronic acid pinacol ester (0.875g, 3.01 mmol), and a catalyst of 5 mol% Pd(PPh3)4 were mixed in anhydrous toluene (25 ml), followed by the addition of 5 ml of 2 M potassium carbonate ( K2CO3) and refluxed at 110 °C for 24 h. After refluxing, the next step was pouring with deionized (DI) water, washed with brine, DI. (Page-4)
124 of the resultant; now corrected
127 using a rotatory evoprator; now corrected
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
This study demonstrated the synthesis of a new D-π-A configured small organic molecule for organic photovoltaics. The idea is interesting and the conclusions can be supported by the experimental data. Thus, I recommend the publication of this work after a minor revision to address the following comments.
- What is the excitation wavelength for measuring the PL spectra shown in Fig. 3(b)?
- In Fig. 3(b), the PL signal of DVB-T-ID can be quenched after mixing with PCBM. With a ratio of 1:2, the PL signal can be totally quenched. However, why does the PL signal show up again when an increased ratio (1:3) was used?
- Did the authors observe any charge-transfer band in UV-vis spectra?
- With a blending ratio of 1:2, the photovoltaic performance is better than the cell with the blending ratio of 1:1. Why? Please provide the possible reasons and mechanisms. Also, how about the ratio of 1:3? Did the authors try the photovoltaic with it?
- Probably due to the issues of the submitting/reviewing system, I can not see the supplementary file (SI) during the reviewing process. Please make sure with the editors that you do upload the SI file during the submission of the revision.
Author Response
Responses to Reviewers#2
Dated: August 11th, 2020
Editorial Office,
MDPI, Applied Sciences
Dear Ms. Andy Yang
Thank you very much for forwarding the reviewer’s comments about our manuscript entitled “Planar D-π-A configured dimethoxy vinylbenzne based small organic molecule for solution-processed bulk heterojunction organic solar cells” by S. Alam et al. Please find attached herewith the revised manuscript along with the reply sheet to honorable reviewers. You have kindly given us an opportunity for the revision after doing the needful modifications as per given suggestions. Now, we have carefully revised and compensated all the comments. The corrected parts are highlighted by yellow background in the revised manuscript.
We hope that we have satisfactorily addressed all the valuable comments given by the reviewers.
While thanking you in anticipation, I am looking forward a favorable reply.
Best Regards
Professor Sadia Ameen
Advanced Materials and Devices Laboratory,
Department of Bio-Convergence Science,
Jeonbuk National University,
Jeongeup Campus, 56212, Republic of Korea
Phone: +82-63-530-7612, Fax: +82-63-530-7619
Responses to Reviewer#2
This study demonstrated the synthesis of a new D-π-A configured small organic molecule for organic photovoltaics. The idea is interesting and the conclusions can be supported by the experimental data. Thus, I recommend the publication of this work after a minor revision to address the following comments.
- What is the excitation wavelength for measuring the PL spectra shown in Fig. 3(b)?
Answer: Thank you for the valuable comments. The excitation wavelength for measuring the PL spectra is now incorporated in the revised manuscript as “The UV-Vis (V-670 (JASCO)) and photoluminescence (PL, FP-6500 fluorometer, excitation wavelength: 400 nm) spectroscopies were utilized for investigating the optical behavior of SOMs”. (Page-4)
- In Fig. 3(b), the PL signal of DVB-T-ID can be quenched after mixing with PCBM. With a ratio of 1:2, the PL signal can be totally quenched. However, why does the PL signal show up again when an increased ratio (1:3) was used?
Answer: Thank you for the useful suggestions. In Figure 3 (b) the PL signal of DVB-T-ID with a blending ratio of (1:2 w/w) shows a complete quenching after mixing with PC61BM which might be related to randomly arranged donor and acceptor domains, resulting in the higher exciton separation. Sometimes, a high amount of PCBM in blend thin film might create large domain in the form of aggregates grains, resulting in reduced compromise of the acceptor nature of DVB-T-ID. In other words, these large aggregates might be more difficult to intercalate with DVB-T-ID donor domain which can not necessarily favor in proper charge transfer in 1:3 ratio. This phenomenon might pose slightly a high PL intensity as compared to 1:1 and 1:2 blend thin films.
- Did the authors observe any charge-transfer band in UV-vis spectra?
Answer: Thank you for the useful comment. We have elaborated the explanation of UV-vis results in the revised manuscript as “In chloroform, the prominent absorption band at ~483 nm and a weak absorption at ~315 nm are detected by DVB-T-ID, as summarized in Table 1. These absorption bands basically represent π-π∗ (weak absorption) and n-π∗ (strong absorption) transitions, which might beneficial for the charge transfer process [34]. As compared to the solution sample, the significant red shift with absorption band at ~515 nm is observed in DVB-T-ID solid thin film, suggesting the presence of strong intramolecular interaction, backbone planarity and π-π stacking in solid state [35, 36].”(Page-5)
- With a blending ratio of 1:2, the photovoltaic performance is better than the cell with the blending ratio of 1:1. Why? Please provide the possible reasons and mechanisms. Also, how about the ratio of 1:3? Did the authors try the photovoltaic with it?
Answer: Thank you for this comment. BHJ-OSC with 1:3, w/w blend film is now incorporated. The description about the photovoltaic part is elaborated in the revised manuscript as “High Jsc of BHJ-OSCs is ascribed to the broad wavelength in visible region and good light scattering properties of DVB-T-ID:PC61BM thin film. Herein, low Voc value might attribute to a higher LUMO (~-3.26 eV) value of DVB-T-ID donor as compared to LUMO energy level of PC61BM (~-4.37 eV). It is notable that the fabricated BHJ-OSC exhibits relatively a high FF, without an addition of an additives or promotors in an active layer. Generally, FF in organic solar cells (OSCs) relies on the surface properties of semiconducting materials like charge mobility and the impact of morphology of the active layer [38, 39]. Herein, a considerable advancement in the morphology of active layer of DVB-T-ID:PC61BM (1:2, w/w) at nanoscale level delivers a high FF, as discussed in AFM studies.”(Page-8)
- Probably due to the issues of the submitting/reviewing system, I can not see the supplementary file (SI) during the reviewing process. Please make sure with the editors that you do upload the SI file during the submission of the revision.
Answer: Thank you for this comment. Supplementary file has been has been uploaded along with the revised manuscript.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
The manuscript "Planar D-π-A configured dimethoxy vinylbenzene based small organic molecule for solution-processed bulk heterojunction organic solar cells" by Hyung-Shik Shin et al. reports the results of experimental studies devoted to the synthesis and characterization of small-donor organic molecule DVB-T-ID which later has been mixed in different proportions with PCBM to obtain the active layers for organic solar cells. The device construction and the measures of device performance have been undertaken as well, and the reasonable power conversion efficiency of ~3.1% has been demonstrated for the mixing ratio 1:2 (D:A w/w).
In my opinion, this manuscript represents an important contribution to the field of organic electronics, since it reports on the synthesis of nowel material suitable for solution-processed bulk-heterojunction solar cells since the solubility in many common organic solvents is an important factor for the device construction. The synthesis is well documented, each stage and intermediates are properly characterized, and the yields are provided.
The part of the manuscript related to the preparation of the device and its characterization is well documented as well. The number and the type of characterization methods represent a gold standard for the tasks set in the introduction.
I recommend the publication of this manuscript after a minor revision. The comments are provided below:
- Please replace 5 hours by 8 hours on Scheme 1, reaction 1. Otherwise, the text and Scheme 1 give different synthesis time.
- Please provide the description of the panels (e) and (f) in Figure 6 caption.
Author Response
Responses to Reviewers#3
Dated: August 11th, 2020
Editorial Office,
MDPI, Applied Sciences
Dear Ms. Andy Yang
Thank you very much for forwarding the reviewer’s comments about our manuscript entitled “Planar D-π-A configured dimethoxy vinylbenzne based small organic molecule for solution-processed bulk heterojunction organic solar cells” by S. Alam et al. Please find attached herewith the revised manuscript along with the reply sheet to honorable reviewers. You have kindly given us an opportunity for the revision after doing the needful modifications as per given suggestions. Now, we have carefully revised and compensated all the comments. The corrected parts are highlighted by yellow background in the revised manuscript.
We hope that we have satisfactorily addressed all the valuable comments given by the reviewers.
While thanking you in anticipation, I am looking forward a favorable reply.
Best Regards
Professor Sadia Ameen
Advanced Materials and Devices Laboratory,
Department of Bio-Convergence Science,
Jeonbuk National University,
Jeongeup Campus, 56212, Republic of Korea
Phone: +82-63-530-7612, Fax: +82-63-530-7619
Responses to Reviewer#3
The manuscript "Planar D-π-A configured dimethoxy vinylbenzene based small organic molecule for solution-processed bulk heterojunction organic solar cells" by Hyung-Shik Shin et al. reports the results of experimental studies devoted to the synthesis and characterization of small-donor organic molecule DVB-T-ID which later has been mixed in different proportions with PCBM to obtain the active layers for organic solar cells. The device construction and the measures of device performance have been undertaken as well, and the reasonable power conversion efficiency of ~3.1% has been demonstrated for the mixing ratio 1:2 (D:A w/w).
In my opinion, this manuscript represents an important contribution to the field of organic electronics, since it reports on the synthesis of new material suitable for solution-processed bulk-heterojunction solar cells since the solubility in many common organic solvents is an important factor for the device construction. The synthesis is well documented, each stage and intermediates are properly characterized, and the yields are provided.
The part of the manuscript related to the preparation of the device and its characterization is well documented as well. The number and the type of characterization methods represent a gold standard for the tasks set in the introduction.
I recommend the publication of this manuscript after a minor revision. The comments are provided below:
- Please replace 5 hours by 8 hours on Scheme 1, reaction 1. Otherwise, the text and Scheme 1 give different synthesis time.
Answer: Thanks for pointing this out. The correction has been made in scheme 1.
- Please provide the description of the panels (e) and (f) in Figure 6 caption.
Answer: Thank you for valuable comment. The description of the panels (e) and (f) in Fig. 6 are now mentioned in the revised manuscript.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 4 Report
The manuscript titled 'Planar D-pi-A configured...' by H-S Shin and S Ameen describes the synthesis of an organic planar molecule with acceptor and donor moieties as a HJ-OSCs material. The first recommendation is to explain the abbreviation as they are encountered in text, for example for line 35-explain what is PCE (any other abbreviation should be detailed first). The second recommendation is not to make an excessive use of such abbreviation-this will make the text more readable and easy to be understood. The experimental part is well done and detailed. The device fabrication and characterization is also good. Thermal and optical properties are presented in a correct way. Electro-chemical and photovoltaic properties need a better and cleaner description, and this can be achieved by putting separately the equations used for the energy levels calculations. A comparison with other literature data is appropriated, although the references section is well represented. Based on these evidences, the manuscript can be accepted for publication after small improvements.
Author Response
Responses to Reviewers#4
Dated: August 11th, 2020
Editorial Office,
MDPI, Applied Sciences
Dear Ms. Andy Yang
Thank you very much for forwarding the reviewer’s comments about our manuscript entitled “Planar D-π-A configured dimethoxy vinylbenzne based small organic molecule for solution-processed bulk heterojunction organic solar cells” by S. Alam et al. Please find attached herewith the revised manuscript along with the reply sheet to honorable reviewers. You have kindly given us an opportunity for the revision after doing the needful modifications as per given suggestions. Now, we have carefully revised and compensated all the comments. The corrected parts are highlighted by yellow background in the revised manuscript.
We hope that we have satisfactorily addressed all the valuable comments given by the reviewers.
While thanking you in anticipation, I am looking forward a favorable reply.
Best Regards
Professor Sadia Ameen
Advanced Materials and Devices Laboratory,
Department of Bio-Convergence Science,
Jeonbuk National University,
Jeongeup Campus, 56212, Republic of Korea
Phone: +82-63-530-7612, Fax: +82-63-530-7619
Responses to Reviewer#4
The manuscript titled 'Planar D-pi-A configured...' by H-S Shin and S Ameen describes the synthesis of an organic planar molecule with acceptor and donor moieties as a HJ-OSCs material.
- The first recommendation is to explain the abbreviation as they are encountered in text, for example for line 35-explain what is PCE (any other abbreviation should be detailed first).
Answer: Thank you for the needful comment. To avoid the confusion, the complete term of all abbreviations are now included in the revised manuscript.
- The second recommendation is not to make an excessive use of such abbreviation-this will make the text more readable and easy to be understood.
Answer: Thanks for the useful suggestion. To avoid the confusion, the complete term of all abbreviations are now included in the revised manuscript.
- The experimental part is well done and detailed. The device fabrication and characterization is also good. Thermal and optical properties are presented in a correct way.
Answer: We are thankful to the reviewer for appreciating our work.
- Electro-chemical and photovoltaic properties need a better and cleaner description, and this can be achieved by putting separately the equations used for the energy levels calculations.
Answer: Thank you for the useful comment. As per reviewer’s suggestion, the equations for energy level calculations are presented as two separate equations. Moreover, the description of electrochemical properties is modified in the revised manuscript. (Page-7)
- A comparison with other literature data is appropriated, although the references section is well represented.
Answer: We are thankful to the reviewer for appreciating our work.
Based on these evidences, the manuscript can be accepted for publication after small improvements.
Answer: We are thankful to the reviewer for appreciating our work.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
