| 1. |
- Li, Jingjing, et al.
(author)
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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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In: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1944-8252 .- 1944-8244. ; 14:44, s. 50266-50279
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)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. |
- Liu, Cheng, et al.
(author)
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Tuning the composition of heavy metal-free quaternary quantum dots for improved photoelectrochemical performance
- 2021
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In: Journal of Materials Chemistry A. - : Royal Society of Chemistry. - 2050-7488 .- 2050-7496. ; 9:9, s. 5825-5832
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are promising building blocks towards the development of cost-effective and high-efficiency photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells. Unfortunately, the frequent use of QDs possessing heavy metals (e.g. Cd and Pb) in state-of-the-art QD-based PEC technologies is a major obstacle regarding their future commercial perspective. In this work, we synthesized heavy metal-free quaternary CuZnInS3 (CZIS) with variable Cu : Zn ratios and fabricated corresponding QDs-PEC devices via a facile chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique. It is revealed that the tuned CZIS (1Zn) QDs (i.e. Cu : Zn ratio of 1 : 1) can result in optimized optical properties including enhanced quantum yield, suppressed nonradiative recombination and extended excitonic lifetime. Accordingly, as-fabricated CZIS (1Zn) QD-based photoanodes demonstrated increased charge transfer rate and decreased electron transport resistance for improved PEC performance. The results indicate that tuning the composition of heavy metal-free multinary QDs is one of the promising pathways to achieve eco-friendly and high-performance PEC systems for solar hydrogen production.
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| 3. |
- Long, Zhihang, et al.
(author)
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Near-infrared, eco-friendly ZnAgInSe quantum dots-sensitized graphene oxide-TiO2 hybrid photoanode for high performance photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation
- 2021
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In: Chemical Engineering Journal. - : Elsevier. - 1385-8947 .- 1873-3212. ; 426
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are promising building-blocks for the manufacture of cost-effective photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells towards efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion. Nevertheless, the state-of-the-art QDs-based PEC systems still suffer from the frequent utilization of highly toxic elements in QDs (Cd and Pb), hindering their future practical applications and potential commercialization. Here, we report a PEC device fabricated using eco-friendly, near-infrared (NIR) ZnAgInSe (ZAISe) QDs and hybrid TiO2/graphene oxide (GO) film. Based on the synergistic effect of QD’s broad light absorption and excellent charge extraction/transport properties of TiO2/GO film, as-assembled QDs-photoanode exhibits an outstanding saturated photocurrent density of ∼6.7 mA/cm2 with good stability under standard 1 sun illumination. The introduction of functional GO can lead to the reduced charge transfer resistance, suppressed charge recombination, and enhanced electron transport within the QDs-TiO2 photoanodes. The results offer a facile and effective method to enhance the performance of environmentally friendly QDs-based PEC devices and shed light on the development of low-cost, “green” and high-efficiency solar-to-hydrogen conversion system.
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| 4. |
- Shangguan, Zhichun, et al.
(author)
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A rechargeable molecular solar thermal system below 0 °C
- 2022
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In: Chemical Science. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 2041-6539 .- 2041-6520. ; 13:23, s. 6950-6958
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)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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| 5. |
- Wang, Zhihang, 1989, et al.
(author)
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Chip-scale solar thermal electrical power generation
- 2022
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In: Cell Reports Physical Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-3864. ; 3:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)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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| 6. |
- Bharmoria, Pankaj, et al.
(author)
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Far-red triplet sensitized Z-to-E photoswitching of azobenzene in bioplastics
- 2022
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In: Chemical Science. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 2041-6520 .- 2041-6539. ; 13, s. 11904-11911
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)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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| 7. |
- Dreos, Ambra, 1987, et al.
(author)
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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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In: Energy & Environmental Science. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1754-5692 .- 1754-5706. ; 10:3, s. 728-734
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)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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| 8. |
- Dreos, Ambra, 1987, et al.
(author)
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Liquid Norbornadiene Photoswitches for Solar Energy Storage
- 2018
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In: Advanced Energy Materials. - : Wiley. - 1614-6832 .- 1614-6840. ; 8:18
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)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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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Dreos, Ambra, 1987, et al.
(author)
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Three-Input Molecular Keypad Lock Based on a Norbornadiene-Quadricyclane Photoswitch
- 2018
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In: Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1948-7185. ; 9:21, s. 6174-6178
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)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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