Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells based on ZnO nanoparticle and nanorod array hybrid photoanodes

The effect of ZnO photoanode morphology on the performance of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is reported. Four different structures of dye-loaded ZnO layers have been fabricated in conjunction with poly(3-hexylthiophene). A significant improvement in device efficiency with ZnO nanorod arrays as photoanodes has been achieved by filling the interstitial voids of the nanorod arrays with ZnO nanoparticles. The overall power conversion efficiency increases from 0.13% for a nanorod-only device to 0.34% for a device with combined nanoparticles and nanorod arrays. The higher device efficiency in solid-state DSSCs with hybrid nanorod/nanoparticle photoanodes is originated from both large surface area provided by nanoparticles for dye adsorption and efficient charge transport provided by the nanorod arrays to reduce the recombinations of photogenerated carriers.     

Reflectance and SERS from an ordered array of gold nanorods

The optical properties of arrays of Au nanorods were studied by specular reflectance spectroscopy. The spectra were dominated by the surface plasmon modes of the Au nanoarrays superimposed on the effects of interference through the films. The longitudinal plasmon resonance moved to longer wavelength as the aspect ratio of the nanorods increased. The reflectance spectra were modelled by applying the Maxwell-Garnett approximation to a uniaxial thin film (composite Au/alumina) and this yielded a good match to the experimental data. SERS spectra on the Au nanorod arrays were recorded at different externally applied potentials and significant differences with respect to an electrochemically roughened Au electrode were revealed. These have been attributed to the nature of the composite nanoarrays, both their nanostructuring into rods and the regular arrangement of these rods.     

SERS substrates formed by gold nanorods deposited on colloidal silica films

We describe a new approach to the fabrication of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates using gold nanorod (GNR) nanopowders to prepare concentrated GNR sols, followed by their deposition on an opal-like photonic crystal (OPC) film formed on a silicon wafer. For comparative experiments, we also prepared GNR assemblies on plain silicon wafers. GNR-OPC substrates combine the increased specific surface, owing to the multilayer silicon nanosphere structure, and various spatial GNR configurations, including those with possible plasmonic hot spots. We demonstrate here the existence of the optimal OPC thickness and GNR deposition density for the maximal SERS effect. All other things being equal, the analytical integral SERS enhancement of the GNR-OPC substrates is higher than that of the thick, randomly oriented GNR assemblies on plain silicon wafers. Several ways to further optimize the strategy suggested are discussed.     

Highly efficient and completely flexible fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cell based on TiO2 nanotube array

A type of highly efficient completely flexible fiber-shaped solar cell based on TiO(2) nanotube array is successfully prepared. Under air mass 1.5G (100 mW cm(-2)) illumination conditions, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell approaches 7%, the highest among all fiber-shaped cells based on TiO(2) nanotube arrays and the first completely flexible fiber-shaped DSSC. The fiber-shaped solar cell demonstrates good flexibility, which makes it suitable for modularization using weaving technologies.     

Naturally inspired SERS substrates fabricated by photocatalytically depositing silver nanoparticles on cicada wings

Densely stacked Ag nanoparticles with an average diameter of 199 nm were effectively deposited on TiO₂-coated cicada wings (Ag/TiO₂-coated wings) from a water-ethanol solution of AgNO₃ using ultraviolet light irradiation at room temperature. It was seen that the surfaces of bare cicada wings contained nanopillar array structures. In the optical absorption spectra of the Ag/TiO₂-coated wings, the absorption peak due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag nanoparticles was observed at 440 nm. Strong Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals of Rhodamine 6G adsorbed on the Ag/TiO₂-coated wings were clearly observed using the 514.5-nm line of an Ar⁺ laser. The Ag/TiO₂-coated wings can be a promising candidate for naturally inspired SERS substrates.     

Highly sensitive gas sensors on low-cost nanostructured polymer substrates

SnO₂ thin-film gas sensors have been successfully fabricated on nanospiked polyurethane polymer surfaces, which are replicated by a low-cost soft nanolithography method from silicon nanospike structures formed with femtosecond laser irradiations. Measurements revealed significant response to carbon monoxide (CO) gas at room temperature, which is considerably different from the sensors of SnO₂ thin films coated on smooth surfaces that show no response to CO gas at room temperature. The high area/volume ratio and sharp structures of the nanospikes enhance the sensitivity of SnO₂ at room temperature. This will greatly decrease the electrical power consumption of the gas sensor and the cost for calibrations, and has great potential for application in other sensing systems.     

Detection of cytochrome P450 substrates by using a small-molecule droplet array on an NADH-immobilized solid surface

Seeing below the surface: A small-molecule droplet array platform on an NADH-immobilized solid surface and a biotinylated acetophenone derivative were developed to identify the substrate candidates for soluble P450 enzymes of interest. This methodology is thought to be easily applicable to other class I P450 systems, including those that use NADPH as cofactor.     

A self-powered UV photodetector based on TiO2 nanorod arrays

Large-area vertical rutile TiO₂ nanorod arrays (TNAs) were grown on F/SnO₂ conductive glass using a hydrothermal method at low temperature. A self-powered ultraviolet (UV) photodetector based on TiO₂ nanorod/water solid–liquid heterojunction is designed and fabricated. These nanorods offer an enlarged TiO₂/water contact area and a direct pathway for electron transport simultaneously. By connecting this UV photodetector to an ammeter, the intensity of UV light can be quantified using the output short-circuit photocurrent without a power source. A photosensitivity of 0.025 A/W and a quick response time were observed. At the same time, a high photosensitivity in a wide range of wavelength was also demonstrated. This TNA/water UV detector can be a particularly suitable candidate for practical applications for its high photosensitivity, fast response, excellent spectral selectivity, uncomplicated low-cost fabrication process, and environment-friendly feature.     

PZT ceramics fabricated based on stereolithography for an ultrasound transducer array application

The PZT ceramics with different weight content from 78% to 89% were printed using the stereolithography method. The piezoelectric properties as well as the microstructure of the ceramics were investigated in detail. X-ray patterns and Raman spectra demonstrate that the steady PZT tetragonal phase has already formed in these sintered ceramics. Besides, the piezoelectric constant and dielectric constant were 212–345 pC/N and 760–1390, which were sligthly lower than that of the dry pressing disk. Furthermore, a two-dimensional ultrasound transducer array (8?×?8) was designed and developed to evaluate the properties of the 3D-printed PZT ceramics.     

A catalyst-free and facile route to periodically ordered and c-axis aligned ZnO nanorod arrays on diverse substrates

In this work we present a method for the deposition of periodically ordered, c-axis aligned ZnO nanorod arrays. By using chemical bath deposited films in conjunction with silica templating through nanosphere monolayers, masks suitable for high temperature deposition are created. A vapour phase transport technique is then used to deposit ordered arrays, quickly and inexpensively in a manner ideal for low cost, scalable and reproducible growth on a diverse range of substrates.     

Design of an osteoinductive biodegradable cell scaffold based on controlled release technology of bone morphogenetic protein

Biodegradable gelatin sponges with or without 50 wt% of ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) incorporation were fabricated to design an osteoinductive scaffold that is capable of the controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2. The sponges prepared had an interconnected pore structure with an average pore size of 200 μm, irrespective of the ß-TCP incorporation. When seeded into the sponge by an agitated method, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) isolated from rat bone marrow were homogeneously distributed throughout the sponge. Osteogenic differentiation experiments demonstrated that the in vitro differentiation and proliferation of MSC was enhanced by ß-TCP incorporation. The in vivo osteoinduction activity of gelatin or ß-TCP-incorporated gelatin sponges containing BMP-2 was studied in terms of histological and biochemical examinations following the implantation into the back subcutis of rats. As a result, homogeneous bone formation was histologically observed inside the sponge implanted, although the gelatin sponge exhibited significantly higher osteoinduction activity than that of the gelatin sponge incorporating ß-TCP. The in vivo release test revealed that BMP-2 was released from the sponge in vivo, in a similar time period, whether or not ß-TCP was incorporated. BMP-2 was retained for a time period longer than 28 days. These results suggest that the gelatin sponge with an ability to release BMP-2 is a promising cell scaffold for osteoinduction in vivo, although the effect of ß-TCP incorporation on the osteoinductivity of sponges was different between the in vitro and in vivo systems.     

Highly effective conversion of carbon dioxide to valuable compounds on composite catalysts

The highly effective catalytic conversion of CO₂ into valuable compounds was investigated by multi-functional catalysts composed of base-metal oxides as the main components promoted by a low concentration of precious metals and gallium oxide. The desired reduced state of catalyst metal oxides for exhibiting the optimum catalytic performance could be controlled by both the hydrogen spillover on the precious metal parts and the inverse-spillover from the Ga parts. By applying those principal concepts in the catalyst structure-design, the rapid CO₂ reforming of methane, the rapid CO₂ methanation, the effective synthesis of methanol and/or ethanol from CO₂ and H₂, and selective syntheses of high quality gasoline and/or light olefins by means of one-pass conversion of CO₂-H₂ mixture via methanol as the intermediate product, were respectively realized. Those novel catalytic reactions would have a high potential to moderate the accumulation of CO₂ come from fossil fuel combustion, while compensating the cost of hydrogen as the reducing reagent.     

Efficient PbS/CdS co-sensitized solar cells based on TiO2 nanorod arrays

Narrow bandgap PbS nanoparticles, which may expand the light absorption range to the near-infrared region, were deposited on TiO₂ nanorod arrays by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method to make a photoanode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). The thicknesses of PbS nanoparticles were optimized to enhance the photovoltaic performance of PbS QDSCs. A uniform CdS layer was directly coated on previously grown PbS-TiO₂ photoanode to protect the PbS from the chemical attack of polysulfide electrolytes. A remarkable short-circuit photocurrent density (approximately 10.4 mA/cm²) for PbS/CdS co-sensitized solar cell was recorded while the photocurrent density of only PbS-sensitized solar cells was lower than 3 mA/cm². The power conversion efficiency of the PbS/CdS co-sensitized solar cell reached 1.3%, which was beyond the arithmetic addition of the efficiencies of single constituents (PbS and CdS). These results indicate that the synergistic combination of PbS with CdS may provide a stable and effective sensitizer for practical solar cell applications.     

Highly refractory' material based on magnesia spinel

Conclusions An increase in the content of commercial alumina in magnesite refractory body to a ratio of MgOAl₂O₃ =1.3, corresponds to an increase in the refractoriness-under-load and 4% compression, increases the spalling resistance with a certain reduction in refractoriness.Formation of spinel in bodies with a ratio of MgOAl₂O₃ from 31 to 13 occurs at 1600–1650°C.The refractory material KM-3 on the basis of magnesia-alumina spinel is suitable for making, by the semidry pressing method, saggers, rods, supports, and other components intended for firing ceramic and refractory articles at Temperatures up to 1950°C.Translated from Ogneupory, No. 7. pp. 58–60, July, 1966.     

Bioactive layers based on black glasses on titanium substrates

Black glasses are amorphous materials based on silicon oxycarbide. The use of precursors in the form of ladder‐like silsesquioxanes enables the control of the amount of carbon ions in the glass network by adjusting ratios of T to D structural units in precursors. In this study, four different sols precursors of four different layers of black glasses on titanium substrates were prepared. The materials were analyzed with the use of various spectroscopic and microscopic methods. Formation of continuous and hermetic layers resistant to corrosion was proven. The black glasses layers were examined as materials for biomedical applications. Therefore, preliminary tests of their bioactivity and biocompatibility were performed. The best results were obtained for the material of lower contribution of carbon ions.     

High‐performance electromagnetic interference shielding material based on an effective mixing protocol

A facile and economic method is developed for the fabrication of new lightweight materials with high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance, good mechanical properties and low electrical percolation threshold through melt mixing. Electrical properties, DC conductivity, EMI shielding performance and mechanical properties of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites with varying filler loading of MWCNTs were investigated. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to determine the distribution of MWCNTs in the PTT matrix. The newly developed nanocomposites show excellent dielectric and EMI shielding properties. Theoretical electrical percolation threshold was achieved at 0.21 wt% loading of MWCNTs, due to the high aspect ratio and the three‐dimensional network formation of MWCNTs. Experimental DC conductivity values were compared with those of theoretical models such as the Voet, Bueche and Scarisbrick models, which showed good agreement. The PTT/3% MWCNT composite showed an EMI shielding value of ～38 dB (99.99% attenuation) with a sample thickness of 2 mm. Power balance was used to determine the actual contribution of reflection, absorption and transmission loss to the total EMI shielding value. The nanocomposites showed good tensile and impact properties and the composite with 2% MWCNTs exhibited an improvement in tensile strength of as much as 96%. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

High selectivity and response H2 sensors based on ZnO@ZIF-71@Ag nanorod arrays

Hydrogen (H₂) is widely used in industrial and medical, however its flammable and explosive nature requires economical and effective monitoring to ensure safety. In this work, ZnO@ZIF-71@Ag nanorod arrays were synthesized to provide an effective adsorption response to H₂ through size effect and high catalytic activity by immobilizing Ag nanoparticles (NPs) into the pores of ZIF-71. The results of the gas sensitivity tests showed that the nanorod arrays were significantly more selective towards H₂. Moreover, the response of ZnO@ZIF-71@Ag to 50 ppm H₂ was 11 times higher than that of ZnO@ZIF-71 at a lower operating temperature (150°C). The size of the Ag NPs was demonstrated to be below 10 nm by TEM characterization, suggesting that Ag in the form of quantum dots (QDs) to bring an unignorable catalytic effect for breaking hydrogen molecule (H₂) into highly active atoms ([H]). In addition, the result of Density Function Theory (DFT) calculation revealed that the adsorption energy of Ag-catalyzed [H] (−8.255 eV) was much higher than that of H₂ (−4.222 eV) on ZnO (100), which results in elevated charge transfer to promote hydrogen sensing performance of ZnO@ZIF-71@Ag. In this study, a novel hydrogen sensor based on pore sieving and catalytic sensing mechanisms was obtained, which provides a new reference for the development of hydrogen sensors.     

Influence of N2O plasma treatment on PET-based flexible bending sensors with ZnO nanorod array cross-linked with interdigitated electrode structures

We present a highly sensitive bending sensor fabricated with hydrothermally grown zinc oxide nanorod (NR) arrays cross-linked with interdigitated electrode patterns on polyethylene terephthalate substrates. To examine the effects of microstructural change in NR arrays on the device characteristics, N₂O plasma treatment (PT) was carried out for 3 and 6 min for the seed layers. Negative resistance change (ΔR) was obtained in the case of convex bending, while positive ΔR was measured under the concave bending from every device prepared under different PT conditions, which is due to the change in the number of cross-linkings between the NRs. The device with no PT condition showed the highest gauge factor of 196 at a bending strain of 1.75% in the convex direction.     

One-pot diastereoselective assembly of helicates based on a chiral salen scaffold

The one-pot reaction of (1S,2S)-(+)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, 3-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and Zn(OAc)₂·1.5H₂O in methanol under reflux gives the diastereoselective formation of the first zinc(II)-salen double helicate, P-(S, S)-1, which adopts a right-handed helicity. The stereochemistry of the helicates can be readily tuned through varying the chiral diamine backbone.     

Large-area high-performance SERS substrates with deep controllable sub-10-nm gap structure fabricated by depositing Au film on the cicada wing

Noble metal nanogap structure supports strong surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) which can be used to detect single molecules. However, the lack of reproducible fabrication techniques with nanometer-level control over the gap size has limited practical applications. In this letter, by depositing the Au film onto the cicada wing, we engineer the ordered array of nanopillar structures on the wing to form large-area high-performance SERS substrates. Through the control of the thickness of the Au film deposited onto the cicada wing, the gap sizes between neighboring nanopillars are fine defined. SERS substrates with sub-10-nm gap sizes are obtained, which have the highest average Raman enhancement factor (EF) larger than 2 × 10⁸, about 40 times as large as that of commercial Klarite® substrates. The cicada wings used as templates are natural and environment-friendly. The depositing method is low cost and high throughput so that our large-area high-performance SERS substrates have great advantage for chemical/biological sensing applications.