| 1. |
- Li, Jingjing, et al.
(författare)
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Photothermal Aerogel Beads Based on Polysaccharides: Controlled Fabrication and Hybrid Applications in Solar-Powered Interfacial Evaporation, Water Remediation, and Soil Enrichment
- 2022
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Ingår i: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1944-8252 .- 1944-8244. ; 14:44, s. 50266-50279
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Solar-powered interfacial evaporation has emerged as an innovative and sustainable technology for clean water production. However, the rapid, mass and shape-controlled fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) steam generators (SGs) for versatile hybrid applications remains challenging. Herein, composite aerogel beads with self-contained properties (i.e., hydrophilic, porous, photothermal, and durable) are developed and demonstrated for threefold hybrid applications including efficient solar-powered interfacial evaporation, water remediation, and controlled soil enrichment. The rational incorporation of selected polysaccharides enables us to fabricate bead-like aerogels with rapid gelation, continuous processing, and enhanced ion adsorption. The composite beads can attain a high water evaporation rate of 1.62 kg m-2 h-1 under 1 sun. Meanwhile, high phosphate adsorption capacity of over 120 mg g-1 is achieved in broad pH (2.5-12.4) and concentration (200-1000 mg L-1) ranges of phosphate solutions. Gratifyingly, we demonstrate the first example of recycling biomaterials from interfacial SGs for controlled nutrient release, soil enrichment, and sustainable agriculture. The phosphate-saturated beads can be gradually broken down in the soil. Macronutrients (N, P, and K) can be slowly released in 50 days, sustaining the plant germination and growth in a whole growth stage. This work shines light on the mass and controlled fabrication of aerogel beads based on double-network biopolymers, not merely scaling up solar-powered interfacial evaporation but also considering water remediation, waste material disposal, and value-added conversion.
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| 2. |
- Shangguan, Zhichun, et al.
(författare)
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A rechargeable molecular solar thermal system below 0 °C
- 2022
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Ingår i: Chemical Science. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 2041-6539 .- 2041-6520. ; 13:23, s. 6950-6958
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- An optimal temperature is crucial for a broad range of applications, from chemical transformations, electronics, and human comfort, to energy production and our whole planet. Photochemical molecular thermal energy storage systems coupled with phase change behavior (MOST-PCMs) offer unique opportunities to capture energy and regulate temperature. Here, we demonstrate how a series of visible-light-responsive azopyrazoles couple MOST and PCMs to provide energy capture and release below 0 degrees C. The system is charged by blue light at -1 degrees C, and discharges energy in the form of heat under green light irradiation. High energy density (0.25 MJ kg(-1)) is realized through co-harvesting visible-light energy and thermal energy from the environment through phase transitions. Coatings on glass with photo-controlled transparency are prepared as a demonstration of thermal regulation. The temperature difference between the coatings and the ice cold surroundings is up to 22.7 degrees C during the discharging process. This study illustrates molecular design principles that pave the way for MOST-PCMs that can store natural sunlight energy and ambient heat over a wide temperature range.
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| 3. |
- Wang, Zhihang, 1989, et al.
(författare)
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Chip-scale solar thermal electrical power generation
- 2022
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Ingår i: Cell Reports Physical Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-3864. ; 3:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There is an urgent need for alternative compact technologies that can derive and store energy from the sun, especially the large amount of solar heat that is not effectively used for power generation. Here, we report a combination of solution- and neat-film-based molecular solar thermal (MOST) systems, where solar energy can be stored as chemical energy and released as heat, with microfabricated thermoelectric generators to produce electricity when solar radiation is not available. The photophysical properties of two MOST couples are characterized both in liquid with a catalytical cycling setup and in a phase-interconvertible neat film. Their suitable photophysical properties let us combine them individually with a microelectromechanical ultrathin thermoelectric chip to use the stored solar energy for electrical power generation. The generator can produce, as a proof of concept, a power output of up to 0.1 nW (power output per unit volume up to 1.3 W m−3). Our results demonstrate that such a molecular thermal power generation system has a high potential to store and transfer solar power into electricity and is thus potentially independent of geographical restrictions.
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| 4. |
- Bharmoria, Pankaj, et al.
(författare)
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Far-red triplet sensitized Z-to-E photoswitching of azobenzene in bioplastics
- 2022
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Ingår i: Chemical Science. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 2041-6520 .- 2041-6539. ; 13, s. 11904-11911
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report the first example of direct far-red triplet sensitized molecular photoswitching in a condensed phase wherein a liquid azobenzene derivative (Azo1) co-assembled within a liquid surfactant-protein film undergoes triplet sensitized Z-to-E photoswitching upon far-red/red light excitation in air. The role of triplet sensitization in photoswitching has been confirmed by quenching of sensitizer phosphorescence by Z-Azo1 and temperature-dependent photoswitching experiments. Herein, we demonstrate new biosustainable fabrication designs to address key challenges in solid-state photoswitching, effectively mitigating chromophore aggregation and requirement of high energy excitations by dispersing the photoswitch in the trapped liquid inside the solid framework and by shifting the action spectrum from blue-green light (450-560 nm) to the far-red/red light (740/640 nm) region.
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| 5. |
- Dreos, Ambra, 1987, et al.
(författare)
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Exploring the potential of a hybrid device combining solar water heating and molecular solar thermal energy storage
- 2017
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Ingår i: Energy & Environmental Science. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1754-5692 .- 1754-5706. ; 10:3, s. 728-734
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A hybrid solar energy system consisting of a molecular solar thermal energy storage system (MOST) combined with a solar water heating system (SWH) is presented. The MOST chemical energy storage system is based on norbornadiene- quadricyclane derivatives allowing for conversion of solar energy into stored chemical energy at up to 103 kJ mol(-1) (396 kJ kg(-1)). It is demonstrated that 1.1% of incoming solar energy can be stored in the chemical system without significantly compromising the efficiency of the solar water heating system, leading to efficiencies of combined solar water heating and solar energy storage of up to 80%. Moreover, prospects for future improvement and possible applications are discussed.
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| 6. |
- Dreos, Ambra, 1987, et al.
(författare)
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Liquid Norbornadiene Photoswitches for Solar Energy Storage
- 2018
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Ingår i: Advanced Energy Materials. - : Wiley. - 1614-6832 .- 1614-6840. ; 8:18
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Due to high global energy demands, there is a great need for development of technologies for exploiting and storing solar energy. Closed cycle systems for storage of solar energy have been suggested, based on absorption of photons in photoresponsive molecules, followed by on-demand release of thermal energy. These materials are called solar thermal fuels (STFs) or molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage systems. To achieve high energy densities, ideal MOST systems are required either in solid or liquid forms. In the case of the latter, neat high performing liquid materials have not been demonstrated to date. Here is presented a set of neat liquid norbornadiene derivatives for MOST applications and their characterization in toluene solutions and neat samples. Their synthesis is in most cases based on solvent-free Diels-Alder reactions, which easily and efficiently afford a range of compounds. The shear viscosity of the obtained molecules is close to that of colza oil, and they can absorb up to 10% of the solar spectrum with a measured energy storage density of up to 577 kJ/kg corresponding to 152 kJ mol(-1) (calculated 100 kJ mol(-1)). These findings pave the way towards implementation of liquid norbornadienes in closed cycle energy storage technologies.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Dreos, Ambra, 1987, et al.
(författare)
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Three-Input Molecular Keypad Lock Based on a Norbornadiene-Quadricyclane Photoswitch
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1948-7185. ; 9:21, s. 6174-6178
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Copyright © 2018 American Chemical Society. The photo- and acidochromic properties of a new generation norbornadiene derivative have been harnessed for the realization of a three-input keypad lock, where a specific sequence of inputs induces a unique output. Reversible quadricyclane/norbornadiene photoisomerization is reported, and this rare feature allows the first example of a norbornadiene-based molecular logic system. The function of this system is clearly rationalized in terms of the interconversion scheme and the absorption spectra of the involved species.
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| 9. |
- Ghasemi, Shima, 1993, et al.
(författare)
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Pyrene Functionalized Norbornadiene-Quadricyclane Fluorescent Photoswitches: Characterization of their Spectral Properties and Application in Imaging of Amyloid Beta Plaques
- 2024
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Ingår i: Chemistry - A European Journal. - 1521-3765 .- 0947-6539. ; 30:34
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study presents the synthesis and characterization of two fluorescent norbornadiene (NBD) photoswitches, each incorporating two conjugated pyrene units. Expanding on the limited repertoire of reported photoswitchable fluorescent NBDs, we explore their properties with a focus on applications in bioimaging of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques. While the fluorescence emission of the NBD decreases upon photoisomerization, aligning with what has been previously reported, for the first time we observed luminescence after irradiation of the quadricyclane (QC) isomer. We deduce how the observed emission is induced by photoisomerization to the excited state of the parent isomer (NBD) which is then the emitting species. Thorough characterizations including NMR, UV-Vis, fluorescence, X-ray structural analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide a comprehensive understanding of these systems. Notably, one NBD-QC system exhibits exceptional durability. Additionally, these molecules serve as effective fluorescent stains targeting Aβ plaques in situ, with observed NBD/QC switching within the plaques. Molecular docking simulations explore NBD interactions with amyloid, unveiling novel binding modes. These insights mark a crucial advancement in the comprehension and design of future photochromic NBDs for bioimaging applications and beyond, emphasizing their potential in studying and addressing protein aggregates.
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| 10. |
- Jevric, Martyn, 1973, et al.
(författare)
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Norbornadiene-Based Photoswitches with Exceptional Combination of Solar Spectrum Match and Long-Term Energy Storage
- 2018
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Ingår i: Chemistry - A European Journal. - : Wiley. - 1521-3765 .- 0947-6539. ; 24:49, s. 12767-12772
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Norbornadiene-quadricyclane (NBD-QC) photoswitches are candidates for applications in solar thermal energy storage. Functionally, they rely on an intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition reaction, which couples the S0 landscape on the NBD side to the S1 landscape on the QC side of the reaction and vice-versa. This commonly results in an unfavourable correlation between the first absorption maximum and the barrier for thermal back-conversion. This work demonstrates that this correlation can be counteracted by using steric repulsion to hamper the rotational motion of the side groups along the back-conversion path. It is shown that this modification reduces the correlation between the effective back-conversion barrier and the first absorption maximum and also increases the back-conversion entropy. The resulting molecules exhibit exceptionally long half-lives for their metastable forms without significantly affecting other properties, most notably solar spectrum match and storage density.
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