Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rikke Linssen, Thomas Slinkert, Cees J. N. Buisman, Johannes B. M. Klok, Annemiek ter Heijne
Summary: Recent discoveries have demonstrated that sulphide oxidising bacteria (SOB) from modern desulphurisation plants can spatially separate sulphide removal and oxygen reduction. However, the underlying mechanisms for electron shuttling are still unknown. This study investigated the anaerobic sulphide removal process of SOB through batch experiments and mathematical models, revealing the importance of both biological activity and chemical processes in sulphide removal.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Avinash C. Mendhe, Sutripto Majumder, Nikila Nair, Babasaheb R. Sankapal
Summary: The design and development of cadmium sulphide core with silver sulphide shell assembly on nanowire surface shows improved performance in photoelectrochemical solar cell applications. The optimized CdS NWs/Ag2S core shell structure exhibits significant enhancements in terms of photocurrent density, photocurrent transient response, and photo stability.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zahra Jamshidi, Narges Asadi-Aghbolaghi, Razieh Morad, Erfan Mahmoudi, Souloke Sen, Malik Maaza, Lucas Visscher
Summary: In the field of quantum plasmonics, plasmonic excitations of silver and gold nanoparticles are used to manipulate light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. This study investigates the effects of varying the separation distance between two nanoparticles on plasmonic excitations using tight-binding approximations and time-dependent density functional theory.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lorenzo Iezzi, Giorgio Vilardi, Giovanna Saviano, Marco Stoller
Summary: In recent years, the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has increased due to their enhanced antibacterial and antiviral properties. To overcome the limitation of reduced active surface when AgNPs are immobilized on supporting surfaces, microporous materials such as zeolites can be used as a support for AgNPs. However, producing AgNPs in zeolite particles (AgNP-Z) presents a challenge as standard coating procedures at the nano-scale are not feasible. This study successfully produced AgNPs separately and embedded them into zeolites using a spinning disk reactor, resulting in AgNP-Z particles with promising properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marco Deiana, Karam Chand, Erik Chorell, Nasim Sabouri
Summary: This study reports the use of parallel DNA guanine quadruplexes (G4s) as supramolecular disaggregating-capture systems capable of activating the fluorescence signal of a zwitterionic fluorine-boron-based dye. The dye selectively disassembles its supramolecular state upon contact with parallel G4s due to its high binding affinity for them compared to nonparallel topologies. This results in a strong and selective disaggregation-induced emission that can be observed by the naked eye and inside cells, making it useful for various affinity-based applications in sensing and imaging systems.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kentaro Doi, Kyohei Yamamoto, Hiroki Yamazaki, Satoyuki Kawano
Summary: This study proposes a novel method to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of electrical signals of single particles using optical tweezers and a microchannel. By trapping a microparticle in a micro-orifice, the electrical signal from a target particle passing by can be sharpened and separated from background noise. By switching the micro-orifice between opening and closing with near-infrared light, target particles can be transported to the sensing section effectively.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Masanori Sakamoto, Ken-ichi Saitow
Summary: Silver nanostructures are important for developing efficient plasmonic materials due to their ability to produce localized surface plasmons and enhance electromagnetic fields. In this study, an optical technique was used to map the plasmons in silver nanohole array and nano-sawtooth structures. The results showed high enhancement factors up to 200 for the nano-sawtooth structure. The fabrication process for the silver nanostructures was straightforward and cost-effective.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mirco Kaponig, Andre Moelleken, Hermann Nienhaus, Rolf Moeller
Summary: The basic process of contact electrification between two metals involves discharge of the sphere upon contact, followed by recharging upon disruption of the electrical contact. The excess charge increases with contact area.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Amit Kumar, N. Mehta, A. Dahshan
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a novel glassy nanocomposite material by nano-structuring g-Se with silver nanoparticles, and characterized it through various analytical techniques. The analysis showed that the material exhibited improved electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties compared to conventional methods, highlighting the potential benefits of using AgNPs for nanostructuring of chalcogenides.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongru Ding, Zhihan Chen, Carolina Ponce, Yuebing Zheng
Summary: Due to their contactless and fuel-free operation, optical rotation techniques have great potential in various fields such as cellular biology, 3D imaging, and micro/nanorobotics. However, the complexity of optics, high power requirements, and limitations in object applicability hinder their broader use. This Feature Article focuses on a new class of optical rotation techniques called optothermal rotation, which utilizes light-mediated thermal phenomena to enable versatile and simpler rotary control of objects with lower power. The article provides an overview of the fundamental thermal phenomena and concepts involved in optothermal rotation and categorizes the techniques based on their rotation modes and thermal phenomena. The potential applications of optothermal manipulation techniques in areas like single-cell mechanics, 3D bio-imaging, and micro/nanomotors are also discussed, along with insights on operating guidelines, challenges, and future directions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinwei Zhu, Jun Huang, Michael Eikerling
Summary: The study investigates the mechanism and kinetics of CO2 reduction to CO on an Ag electrode by considering the local reaction environment determined by a hierarchical model. It reveals insights into the reaction behavior, showing the influence of surface charging and mass transport on the Tafel slope and CO current density at high overpotentials. Additionally, electrolyte properties such as bicarbonate concentration, solvated cation size, and CO2 partial pressure are found to tune the local reaction environment.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rikke Linssen, Annemiek ter Heijne
Summary: In biodesulphurisation processes, sulphide oxidising bacteria (SOB) can release electrons through sulphide shuttling, thereby generating current while removing sulphide. The kinetics of current production by sulphide shuttling bacteria and abiotic sulphide are highly similar.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiuxia Lu, Shijie Xie, Fanyao Qu
Summary: The study introduces a spin diffusion theory to predict unusual pure spin current transport in unintentionally doped organic semiconductors. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of pure spin current transport via polaron hopping at low carrier density. Interestingly, the spin diffusion length (SDL) can be prolonged by controlling molecular geometry structural disorder and reducing reorganization energy, opening up new possibilities for designing organic spintronics devices with long SDL and low carrier density.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adrian Olejnik, Bartlomiej Dec, William A. Goddard, Robert Bogdanowicz
Summary: This study elucidates the mechanisms of charge transport involving hydrogen bonds in molecular junctions. The analysis shows that electron-donating hydroxyl groups in the aromatic linker facilitate electron transfer through hydrogen bonding, while electron-withdrawing carboxyl groups inhibit electron transfer. Moreover, slight variations in the geometry of hydrogen bonding lead to significant changes in energy level alignment and transmission mode positions, resulting in a switch from tunneling to hopping electron transport mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Renzhong Chen, Xuejun Wang, Xin Li, Hongxiang Wang, Mingqian He, Longfei Yang, Qianying Guo, Shen Zhang, Yan Zhao, Yang Li, Yunqi Liu, Dacheng Wei
Summary: A semiconducting photoresist with nano-interpenetrating structure was developed, allowing for high precision patterning and stable molecular stacking through interpenetrating with semiconducting polymers. This technology has the potential for widespread industrial application in the manufacture of organic electronics.
Article
Physics, Applied
Mohammed S. G. Hamed, Jude N. Ike, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: A Cd-doped ZnO nano-composite was synthesized and incorporated into a thin film organic solar cell to enhance photon harvesting. The nano-composite formed different sized nano-structures that improved optical absorption and charge transport in the solar cell. The power conversion efficiency of the solar cell increased by 84% compared to the reference cell.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mpilo W. Dlamini, Xolani G. Mbuyise, Genene T. Mola
Summary: This article investigates the effect of silver doped ZnO nano-particles in the hole transport buffer layer of thin film organic solar cell. The study found that the use of metal nano-particles significantly enhances the absorbency of the solar absorber films in the devices and improves the device performance by enhancing parameters such as the fill-factor and short-circuit current density.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jude N. Ike, Mohammed S. G. Hamed, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: This study investigates the effect of bimetallic plasmonic nanocomposites in thin-film organic solar cells, finding that Ni: Zn nanoparticles can significantly improve power conversion efficiency.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Saheed O. Oseni, Olawale L. Osifeko, Adenike O. Boyo, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: CdTeSe colloidal quantum dot (QD) is used to enhance photon capture in thin film polymer solar cells (TFPSC). The addition of QD at different concentrations in the polymer matrix significantly impacts the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the doped devices. By using solvent additives to disperse the QDs and increase the polymer's crystallinity, the overall performance of the TFPSC is further enhanced.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Abdallah Y. A. Ahmed, Jude N. N. Ike, Mohammed S. G. Hamed, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: Silver doped magnesium (Ag:Mg) bimetallic nanoparticles were successfully synthesized for use in thin-film organic solar cells. The addition of these nanoparticles enhanced the photocurrent collection in the photoactive layer, leading to improved device performance. The highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.11% was achieved at a 1.5 wt% doping level, representing a 79% improvement compared to undoped cells. The localized surface plasmon resonance effect (LSPR) was identified as the key factor for enhancing optical absorption and charge transport processes in the solar cells.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Jude N. Ike, Michael A. Adedeji, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: Silver doped zinc sulfide (ZnS:Ag) metal nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and used as a dopant in thin-film organic solar cells. The presence of localized surface plasmonic resonance effect at the metal/polymer interfaces significantly improved the device performance.
PHYSICA B-CONDENSED MATTER
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yilin Wang, Jingwei Xue, Huaying Zhong, Christopher R. Everett, Xinyu Jiang, Manuel A. Reus, Andrei Chumakov, Stephan Roth, Michael A. Adedeji, Ncedo Jili, Ke Zhou, Guanghao Lu, Zheng Tang, Genene Tessema Mola, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Wei Ma
Summary: Sequential deposition of the active layer using a blade coating technique can overcome the limitations associated with bulk-heterojunction device fabrication. The choice of processing solvent strongly influences the morphology and performance of the organic solar cells. By optimizing the processing solvents, high-efficiency organic solar cells with superior performance can be achieved.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammed S. G. Hamed, Jude N. Ike, Yilin Wang, Ke Zhou, Wei Ma, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: Ag/CuPO4 nanocomposite was successfully synthesized for use in thin-film organic solar cells (TFOSCs) to suppress charge recombination and enhance light absorption. The morphological and optical properties were studied, showing a significant improvement in device performance and a 95% increase in power conversion efficiency. The concentration of the nanocomposite in the absorber layer was found to affect photocurrent measurements. This article discusses the effects of the metal nanocomposite in TFOSCs in terms of local surface plasmon resonance and far-field scattering.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Solomon Ashagre, Abiodun Kazeem Ogundele, Jude N. Ike, Bizuneh Gebremichael, Mulugeta Bekele, Ganesh D. Sharma, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: Potassium sulfide doped with silver (K2S:Ag) nanoparticles were used in organic solar cells to increase photon absorption. The optical and electrical properties of the organic-molecule-blended films were investigated, and the structure and composition of the nanoparticles were examined. The results showed improved solar cell performance, with increased short circuit current, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency, attributed to the localized surface plasmon resonance and light scattering effect of K2S:Ag.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Mohammed S. G. Hamed, Abdallah Ahmed, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: In this study, metal plasmonic nanoparticles were used to suppress charge recombination and energy loss in thin film polymer solar cells (TFPSCs). A trimetallic nano-composite (NC) composed of copper, nickel, and silver (Cu/Ni/Ag) was successfully synthesized and incorporated into polymer-based solar absorber layers. The results showed that the device doped with NC exhibited an 85% improvement in power conversion efficiency compared to the undoped one. The incorporation of tri-metallic NC enhanced optical absorption and improved the collection of photo-current.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Ncedo Jili, Nkosinathi Dlamini, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: This article investigates the impact of solar absorber thickness and metal plasmonic nanoparticles on the charge transport process in organic solar cells (OSC) using the polymer blend P3HT:PCBM. The bulk hetero-junction design of OSC has improved the generation of free charges by increasing the inter-facial area of the acceptor/donor molecules, but the low carrier mobilities in the polymer medium hinder the collection of these charges. The study reveals that Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) metal nanoparticles significantly influence the performance of OSC.
PHYSICA B-CONDENSED MATTER
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jude N. Ike, Ncedo Jili, Amit Kumar, Gaurav Sharma, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: The study investigates the use of silver-cobalt bimetallic nanoparticles to enhance charge transport properties and improve photo-current collection in polymer solar cells. The nanoparticles not only facilitate charge transport processes but also trap light through reflection. Polymer blend of poly-(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):[6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) was used in the fabrication of the solar cells. Experimental results show that the performance of the cells depends on the concentration of Ag/Co in the hole transport layer (HTL). A high-power conversion efficiency value of 4.21% was achieved at a weight concentration of 0.1%, which is 66.4% higher than undoped cells, due to improved photocurrents. The Ag/Co nanocomposite is also found to be more stable under ambient laboratory conditions.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kidan G. Gebremariam, Fikadu G. Hone, Jane Dai, Genene T. Mola, Wendimagegn Mammo, Newayemedhin A. Tegegne
Summary: Degradation is a main factor affecting the lifetime of thin film organic solar cells. This study demonstrates the significant role of ambient environmental conditions in light-induced degradation of solar cells.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Saheed Olanrewaju Oseni, Olawale Lawrence Osifeko, Adenike Omotunde Boyo, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: The role of quantum dot decoration in thin film organic solar cells was investigated. It was found that quantum dots can improve the overall power conversion efficiency of the cells by enhancing energy level tuning, optical absorption, and charge transport process. The use of solvent additives further improves the efficiency by increasing the dispersion of quantum dots and reducing trap sites.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhi Zheng, Enfang He, Xingjian Jiang, Fengyun Guo, Shiyong Gao, Genene Tessema Mola, Yong Zhang
Summary: The low-cost and environment-friendly solvent processing in organic solar cells (OSCs) is critical for commercial applications. In this study, researchers used low-cost polymer donors and a small molecular acceptor to fabricate OSCs, and non-halogenated solvents as the processing solvent. The solubility of the polymers was improved by introducing a specific monomer. The devices processed using this method achieved comparable power conversion efficiencies to those processed using toxic solvents. Furthermore, layer-by-layer processing was also utilized to fabricate efficient devices.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
