Sachin Kumar Singh

Bio: Sachin Kumar Singh is an academic researcher from Banaras Hindu University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Mesophase & Liquid crystal. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 26 publications receiving 274 citations. Previous affiliations of Sachin Kumar Singh include Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati & Schiller International University.

Metal Containing Liquid Crystalline Polymers

Abstract: Design and synthesis of multifunctional single molecules stabilizing liquid-crystalline phases are significant from both fundamental research and application point of views. This task seems to be fulfilled, in part, by metallomesogenic polymers or metal containing liquid crystal polymers (MLCPs) due to two promising elements- liquid crystallinity and metal centre in a single molecular unit with the processability of polymers. The variety of readily available metals incorporated into these mesogenic polymers introduces new physical properties and, consequently, new applications in the field of polymeric materials traditionally based on a few elements (C, H, N, O, halogens, S, P). In recent years enormous growth has occurred in the field of science and technology of metallomesogenic polymers as evident from a large number of publications on these materials.

Low-Temperature In Situ Amino Functionalization of TiO2 Nanoparticles Sharpens Electron Management Achieving over 21% Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells.

Abstract: Titanium oxide (TiO2 ) has been commonly used as an electron transport layer (ETL) of regular-structure perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and so far the reported PSC devices with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) over 21% are mostly based on mesoporous structures containing an indispensable mesoporous TiO2 layer. However, a high temperature annealing (over 450 °C) treatment is mandatory, which is incompatible with low-cost fabrication and flexible devices. Herein, a facile one-step, low-temperature, nonhydrolytic approach to in situ synthesizing amino-functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles (abbreviated as NH2 -TiO2 NPs) is developed by chemical bonding of amino (-NH2 ) groups, via TiN bonds, onto the surface of TiO2 NPs. NH2 -TiO2 NPs are then incorporated as an efficient ETL in n-i-p planar heterojunction (PHJ) PSCs, affording PCE over 21%. Cs0.05 FA0.83 MA0.12 PbI2.55 Br0.45 (abbreviated as CsFAMA) PHJ PSC devices based on NH2 -TiO2 ETL exhibit the best PCE of 21.33%, which is significantly higher than that of the devices based on the pristine TiO2 ETL (19.82%) and is close to the record PCE for devices with similar structures and fabrication procedures. Besides, due to the passivation of the surface trap states of perovskite film, the hysteresis of current-voltage response is significantly suppressed, and the ambient stability of devices is improved upon amino functionalization.

Nanomaterial-based optical sensors for mercury ions

Abstract: As one of the most toxic heavy metals, mercury ion (Hg 2+ ) has become a concern focus for its severe threats to environment and human health. As a result, it is of great importance to develop novel methods to realize the recognition and quantification of Hg 2+ . The past decades witness the development of nanomaterial-based optical sensors for Hg 2+ detection, showing the benefits of simplicity, rapidity, high sensitivity and selectivity, and cost-effectiveness. The reported methods have allowed the detectability down to nanomolar concentrations or much lower levels, and proved their practical applications for detecting and quantifying Hg 2+ in synthetic solutions or natural water samples. In this review, we summarize the published innovations in nanomaterial-based optical sensors for the detection of Hg 2+ according to different sensing strategies, including colorimetric, fluorescent and surface enhanced Raman scattering detection. Moreover, some challenges and significant attempts related to these methods are also discussed.

Portable and smart devices for monitoring heavy metal ions integrated with nanomaterials

Abstract: With increasing concerns of ecological environment, safe drinkable water and healthy food, the detection for heavy metal ions (HMIs) becomes an attractive research field. On the basis of optical, electrical and other signals from nanomaterials, many interesting methods and portable devices for detection of HMIs are growing flourishingly. In this review, we focus on the portable and smart devices integrated with nanomaterials for monitoring HMIs. The interesting design of the miniaturization, portability, and commercialization of HMIs detection devices are summarized and introduced comprehensively.