Search Results (4,625)

The escalating concerns about global warming and energy shortages have presented an urgent need for efficient and environmentally sustainable hydrogen production methods. This work presents an efficient Ni₃S₂/ZnIn₂S₄ (ZIS) composite photocatalyst synthesized via a hydrothermal process, demonstrating enhanced performance for hydrogen evolution and benzyl alcohol oxidation under visible-light irradiation. Specifically, the optimized 3.2% Ni₃S₂/ZIS composite achieves hydrogen and benzaldehyde production rates of 4.342 mmol g^–1 h^–1 and 4.213 mmol g^–1 h^–1, respectively, 1.79 and 1.76 times greater than those of pristine ZIS. The system exhibits excellent selectivity, producing benzaldehyde as the sole by-product, and maintains stability over multiple reaction cycles. Mechanistic studies reveal that Ni₃S₂ facilitates charge separation and accelerates reaction dynamics by providing conductive channels and enhancing catalytic activity at the ZIS interface. These findings highlight the potential of Ni₃S₂/ZIS composites as cost-effective, scalable, and noble-metal-free photocatalysts for hydrogen production and green chemical synthesis, offering a promising pathway toward energy sustainability. Full article

Organic phase change materials (OPCMs) offer high energy density for thermal storage but suffer from crystallization kinetics dependent on ambient temperature, leading to uncontrolled heat release and limited storage lifetime. Although doping OPCMs with azobenzene (Azo) derivatives enables optically controlled energy storage and release, existing systems require UV irradiation for E-to-Z isomerization. This UV dependency seriously hinders their development in practical solar applications. Herein, we develop a visible-light-responsive Azo@OPCM composite by doping tetra-ortho-fluorinated azobenzene into eicosane. Systematic characterization of composites with different dopant ratios via UV–visible spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry reveals that green-light irradiation drives E-to-Z isomerization, achieving 97–99% Z-isomer conversion. This photoisomerization could introduce supercooling through photo-responsive energy barriers generated by Z-isomer, allowing thermal energy storage at lower temperatures. Subsequent blue-light irradiation triggers Z-to-E reversion to eliminate supercooling and enable optically controlled heat release. Additionally, by regulating the molar ratios of dopant, the optimized composites achieved 280.76 J/g energy density at 20% molar doping ratio, which surpassed that of pure eicosane and the reported Azo-based photothermal energy storage system. This work establishes a complete visible-light-controlled energy harvesting–storage–release cycle with significant potential for near-room-temperature solar thermal storage applications. Full article

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) panels in greenhouses enables dual land use, combining crop production with electricity generation. However, PV installations can reduce both the intensity and uniformity of light at the canopy level, potentially affecting crop growth. This study employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to evaluate the effects of different layouts of commercial-size thin PV modules—both opaque and semi-transparent—installed at gutter height in greenhouses on irradiance and, in particular, on its distribution within the greenhouse. Achieving a homogeneous distribution of light is critical for effective plant growth beneath photovoltaic systems. The influence of greenhouse size and roof shape on the intensity and uniformity of visible radiation was investigated as well. The results showed that during winter (21 December), irradiance in a mono-span tunnel greenhouse was 4–6% higher than in a multi-span large structure; in summer (21 June), this difference increased to 10–13%. Among the opaque PV layouts tested, the north–south (NS) straight-line arrangement provided the most uniform light distribution, outperforming the checkerboard and east–west (EW) layouts. The EW straight-line layout was the least effective regarding light uniformity. Roof shape (arched vs. pitched) had minimal impact on radiation distribution. Semi-transparent PV modules consistently resulted in 17% higher irradiance and more uniform light distribution than opaque ones. These findings can inform efficient PV deployment strategies in greenhouses to enhance both energy yield and crop productivity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The laser beam absorption and thermal relaxation time (TRT) in oral tissues are key to optimizing treatment parameters. The aim of this study is to (1) evaluate, in an ex vivo study, the percentage of attenuation and transmittance of each wavelength as a function of tissue thickness; (2) determine the global absorption coefficient, α, of pig gingival tissue for the most commonly used wavelengths in dentistry; (3) calculate the thermal relaxation time (TRT) of oral tissue for these wavelengths; and (4) determine their corresponding penetration depths. Methods: We measured the transmission of different laser wavelengths through pig oral gingival tissues (Mandibular labial gingiva). We placed each tissue sample between two glass slides with minimal light attenuation. The input and output powers were measured after irradiating the tissue at different specific wavelengths: 450 nm, 480 nm, 532 nm, 632 nm, 810 nm, 940 and 980 nm, 1064 nm, 1341, 2780 nm and 2940 nm. After calculating the transmittance values, we plotted transmittance curves for each wavelength. Using the Beer–Lambert law, we then calculated the absorption coefficient (α) of each wavelength in the oral gingival tissue. Absorption coefficients were then used to calculate the TRT and penetration depth for each wavelength. Results: Among the tested wavelengths, 810 nm exhibited the lowest absorption in ex vivo porcine gingival tissue (α = 9.60 cm⁻¹). The 450 nm blue laser showed moderate absorption (α = 26.8 cm⁻¹), while the Er:YAG laser at 2940 nm demonstrated the highest absorption (α = 144.8 cm⁻¹). We ranked the wavelengths from most absorbed to least absorbed by porcine oral gingival mucosa as follows: 2940 nm > 2780 nm > 450 nm > 480 nm > 532 nm > 1341 nm > 632 nm > 940 nm > 980 nm > 1064 nm > 810 nm. Conclusions: Absorption and the TRT vary significantly across wavelengths. Erbium lasers are characterized by the highest absorption and minimal light penetration. Infrared diodes, particularly the 810 nm wavelength, showed the lowest absorption and deepest tissue penetration and exhibited the highest thermal relaxation time. The 480 nm laser demonstrated greater absorption by porcine gingival tissue compared to the 532 nm laser. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for wavelength selection in dental treatments and photobiomodulation, enabling improved precision, safety, and therapeutic efficacy in clinical practice. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of red and blue laser irradiation on the development and reproduction of the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)) under controlled laboratory conditions, aiming to explore its potential for non-chemical pest control. Larvae were exposed to laser light at different wavelengths and intensities, and key biological parameters—including egg hatching, larval duration, pupation, adult emergence, and oviposition—were assessed. Red laser light slightly delayed egg hatching but had minimal effects on subsequent developmental stages. In contrast, blue laser irradiation significantly prolonged the larval period and reduced pupation rates. Combined red–blue treatments produced similar inhibitory effects to blue light alone, suggesting that blue wavelengths were the primary factor driving developmental delays. These findings demonstrate that blue and red–blue laser irradiation can effectively interfere with the life cycle of O. furnacalis, offering a promising approach for sustainable, light-based pest management strategies. Full article

A high-performance Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalytic compound, ZnBiGdO₄/SnS₂ (ZS), was prepared for the first time using a microwave-assisted solvothermal method. ZS significantly improved the separation efficiency of photoinduced carriers and effectively broadened the response range to visible light through the unique mechanism of the Z-type heterojunction. Therefore, ZS exhibited an excellent photocatalytic performance during the degradation process of tinidazole (TNZ). Specifically, the removal rate of TNZ by ZS reached 99.63%, and the removal rate of total organic carbon (TOC) reached 98.37% with ZS as catalyst under visible light irradiation (VLIN). Compared to other photocatalysts, the photocatalytic performance of ZS was significantly better than that of ZnBiGdO₄, SnS₂, or N-doped TiO₂ (N-T). The removal rate of TNZ by ZS was 1.12 times, 1.26 times, or 2.41 times higher than that by ZnBiGdO₄, SnS₂, or N-T, respectively. The mineralization efficiency of TNZ for TOC with ZS as a catalyst was 1.15 times, 1.28 times, or 2.57 times higher than that with ZnBiGdO₄, SnS₂, or N-T as a catalyst, respectively. Free radical scavenging experiments and the electron paramagnetic resonance experiments confirmed that ZS could generate multiple reactive species such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide anions (•O₂⁻), and photoinduced holes (h⁺) during the photocatalytic degradation process of TNZ. The photocatalytic degradation performance of ZS on TNZ under VLIN was evaluated, concurrently, the reliability, reproducibility, and stability of ZS were verified by five cycle experiments. This study explored the degradation mechanism and degradation pathway of TNZ with ZS as a catalyst under VLIN. This study not only provides new ideas for the design and preparation of Z-type heterojunction photocatalysts but also lays an important foundation for the development of efficient environmental remediation technologies for TNZ pollution. Full article

This study explores the visible-light-driven photolysis of Ferrioxalate complexes for the degradation of Toluidine Blue (TB), a persistent phenothiazine dye, using a 1 L recirculating batch-loop photoreactor. The reactor system incorporated two tubular photochemical units (35 cm × 3 cm each) in series: the first equipped with an immersed blue fluorescent lamp (12 W, 30 cm-tube), and the second with dual external blue LED lamps (18 W total, 30 cm) encasing a double-walled glass cell. Continuous flow between the units was maintained via a peristaltic pump. Experimental investigations were used to evaluate the effects of key parameters such as Fe(III) and oxalate concentrations, initial TB load, pH, light source, flow rate, ligand type, dissolved gas type, external H₂O₂ addition, and the presence of various inorganic ions. The results demonstrate efficient dye degradation, with ~75% TB removal within 1 h under combined fluorescent and LED irradiation, where each reactor contributing comparably. The optimal performance was achieved at pH 4, with a 10 oxalate-to-Fe(III) molar ratio (1 mM:0.1 mM) and a flow rate of 25 mL s⁻¹. Among various ligands tested (oxalate, acetate, citrate, EDTA), oxalate proved to be the most effective. The presence and type of anions significantly influenced degradation efficiency due to their potential scavenging effects. Although the process achieved high dye removal, TOC analysis indicated only moderate mineralization, suggesting the accumulation of non-colored intermediates. External H₂O₂ addition moderately improved TOC removal, likely due to enhanced hydroxyl radical generation via the Fenton mechanism. These findings highlight the promise of Ferrioxalate-based photochemical systems under visible light for dye removal, while also emphasizing the need for further research into by-product identification, mineralization enhancement, and toxicity reduction to ensure safe effluent discharge. Full article

Light attenuation and excess handling of light-cured luting agents create problems in bonding veneer restorations. The aim of the present study was to assess the curing capacity of light-cured veneer luting agents (VLA) [Choice 2 (CH2), G-Cem Veneer (GCV), Panavia LC Veneer (PNV), PermaCem LC Veneer (PMS), and Variolink Esthetic LC (VEV)] under lithium disilicate veneers, in the presence or absence of touch-cure primers (Adhese Universal Bond DC for VEV, G Premio Bond + DCA Activator for GCV, and V5 Tooth Primer V5 for PNV) and to evaluate material setting under two tack-curing irradiation modes (contact, distant). The methods used were ATR–FTIR spectroscopy and Vickers hardness (VHN) tests (n = 5/product and test). According to the results, all materials cured under the ceramic demonstrated significantly lower DC% from the controls, with a ranking of VEV, CH2 > GCV, PMS, PNV. The primers improved DC% by 4–13% only in the veneer groups. Tack-curing in contact mode demonstrated conversion and hardness values ranging from 37% to 78% and 31% to 57% of the controls respectively, corresponding to a vitreous state. For the distant mode, very low conversion values were found (0–7% of the controls), with untraceable indentations. It can be concluded that low translucency veneers reduce conversion of VLAs, which can be improved by using touch-cure activators. Tack-curing, as instructed, creates vitrified materials, resulting in difficult removal of set excess, which implies the need for better standardization of the procedure. Full article

Cavitation has been widely explored to enhance physical and chemical processes across various applications. This study aimed to model the key characteristics of a cavitation jet, induced by a triangular-orifice nozzle, using both experimental and numerical methods. Optical instrumentation, a pressure transducer and the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations were employed. Optical instrumentation and high-speed photography detected the two-phase flow generated by water vaporization, revealing a mean decay pattern. Irradiance fluctuations and photographic evidence provided results about the light transmission dynamics through cavitating jets. Pressure fluctuations exhibited similar growth and decay, supporting optical instrumentation as a viable method for assessing cavitation intensity. Experimental data showed a strong relationship between irradiance and flow rate (R² = 0.998). This enabled the correlation of the standard deviation of instantaneous pressure measurements and normalized flow rate (R² = 0.977). Furthermore, vapor volume fraction and normalized flow rate reached a correlation coefficient of 0.999. On the simulation side, the SSG-RSM turbulence mode showed better agreement with experimental data, with relative deviations ranging from 2.1% to 6.6%. The numerical results suggest that vapor jet length is related to vapor fraction through a power law, enabling the development of new equations. These results demonstrated that anisotropic turbulence modeling is essential to reproduce experimental observations compared to mean flow properties. Based on the agreement between the numerical model and the experimental data for mean flow quantities, a formulation is proposed to estimate the jet length originating from the nozzle, offering a predictive approach for cavitating jet behavior. Full article

Lanthanide-doped inorganic luminescent materials have been extensively studied and applied in X-ray detection and imaging, anti-counterfeiting, and optical information storage. However, many reported rare-earth-based luminescent materials show only single-mode optical responses, which limits their applications in complex scenarios. Here, we report a novel Na₃KMg₇(PO₄)₆:Eu phosphor synthesized by a simple high-temperature solid-state method. The multi-color luminescence of Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions in a single matrix of Na₃KMg₇(PO₄)₆:Eu, known as radio-photoluminescence, is achieved through X-ray-induced ion reduction. It demonstrated a good linear response (R² = 0.9897) and stable signal storage (storage days > 50 days) over a wide range of X-ray doses (maximum dose > 200 Gy). In addition, after X-ray irradiation, this material exhibits photochromic properties ranging from white to brown in a bright field and shows remarkable bleaching and recovery capabilities under 254 nm ultraviolet light or thermal stimulation. This dual-modal luminescent phosphor Na₃KMg₇(PO₄)₆:Eu, which combines photochromism and radio-photoluminescence, presents a dual-mode X-ray detection and imaging strategy and offers a comprehensive and novel solution for applications in anti-counterfeiting and optical information encryption. Full article

Constructing heterojunction photocatalysts with efficient interfacial charge transfer is critical for solar-driven hydrogen evolution. In this study, a highly dispersed MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ composite was successfully synthesized via a stirring-assisted hydrothermal in situ growth strategy. The introduction of stirring during synthesis significantly enhanced the uniform dispersion of MoS₂ nanosheets and exposed abundant edge sites, leading to well-integrated heterojunctions with enhanced interfacial contact. Comprehensive structural and photoelectronic characterizations (XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS mapping, UV–Vis, TRPL, EIS, EPR) confirmed that the composite exhibited improved visible-light absorption, accelerated charge separation, and suppressed recombination. Under simulated solar irradiation with triethanolamine (TEOA) as a sacrificial agent, the optimized 24% MoS₂/g-C₃N₄-S catalyst achieved a high hydrogen evolution rate of 14.33 mmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹ at a catalyst loading of 3.2 mg, significantly outperforming the unstirred and pristine components, and demonstrating excellent cycling stability. Mechanistic studies revealed that the performance enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effects of Type-II heterojunction formation and edge-site-rich MoS₂ co-catalysis. This work provides a scalable approach for non-noble metal interface engineering and offers insight into the design of efficient and durable photocatalysts for solar hydrogen production. Full article

The persistence of pharmaceutical pollutants such as ciprofloxacin (CIP) in aquatic environments represents a critical environmental threat due to their potential to induce antimicrobial resistance. Photocatalysis using TiO₂-based materials offers a promising solution for their mineralization; however, the limited visible-light response of TiO₂ and charge carrier recombination restricts its overall efficiency. In this study, Nb-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol–gel method, incorporating Nb⁵⁺, ions into the TiO₂ lattice to modulate the structural and electronic properties of TiO₂ to enhance its photocatalytic performance for CIP degradation under UV and visible irradiation. Comprehensive structural, morphological, and optical analyses revealed that Nb incorporation stabilizes the anatase phase, reduces particle size (from 21.42 nm to 10.29 nm), and induces a slight band gap widening (from 2.85 to 2.87 eV) due to the Burstein–Moss effect. Despite this blue shift, Nb-TiO₂ exhibited significantly improved photocatalytic activity under visible light, achieving 86% CIP degradation with a reaction rate 16 times higher than that of undoped TiO₂. This enhancement was attributed to improved charge separation and higher hydroxyl radical (^•OH) generation, driven by excess conduction band electrons introduced by Nb doping. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations further elucidated the electronic structure modifications responsible for this behavior, offering molecular-level insights into Nb dopant-induced property tuning. These findings demonstrate how targeted doping strategies can engineer multifunctional nanomaterials with superior photocatalytic efficiencies, especially under visible light, highlighting the synergy between experimental design and theoretical modeling for environmental applications. Full article

This paper is a result of the search for design assumptions for a sensor to detect oil dispersed in the sea waters (oil-in-water emulsions). Our approach is based on analyzing changes in the underwater solar radiance (L) field caused by the presence of oil droplets in the water column. This method would enable the sensor to respond to the presence of oil contaminants dispersed in the surrounding environment, even if they are not located directly at the measurement point. This study draws on both literature sources and the results of current numerical modeling of the spread of solar light in the water column to account for both downward and upward irradiance (Es). The core principle of the analysis involves simulating the paths of a large number of virtual solar photons in a seawater model defined by spatially distributed Inherent Optical Properties (IOPs). The IOPs data were taken from the literature and pertain to the waters of the southern Baltic Sea. The optical properties of the oil used in the model correspond to crude oil extracted from the Baltic shelf. The obtained results were compared with previously published spectral analyses of an analogous polluted sea model, considering vertical downward radiance, vertical upward radiance, and downward and upward irradiance. It was found that the optimal wavelength ratio of 555/412, identified for these quantities, is also applicable to scalar irradiance. The findings indicate that the most effective way to determine this index is by measuring it using a sensor with its window oriented in the direction of upward-traveling light. Full article

Photobiomodulation (PBM) consists of applying low-level laser light to biological tissues, leading to modulation of cellular functions. PBM has recently gained much attention in the field of regenerative dentistry thanks to its powerful effect on tissue repair and regeneration. Dental pulp mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (DP-MSCs) represent the ideal targets in regenerative dentistry due to their ability to stimulate the regeneration of mineralized and soft tissues and the paracrine factors that they produce. Although there have been several studies evaluating the influence of PBM on DP-MSCs’ regenerative capacity, the results are conflicting, and there are few studies on the influence of PBM on the paracrine factors released by DP-MSCs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PBM, using different energy doses of laser irradiation, on the osteogenic capacity of DP-MSCs, focusing on changes in gene expression, mineralizing ability, and release of pro-osteogenic factors. DP-MSCs were irradiated in vitro and differentiated into an osteogenic phenotype. A cell viability assay, alizarin red staining, and TEM analysis were carried out to evaluate the effect of PBM on cell activity, morphology, and mineralization ability. The expression of the main osteogenesis-related markers Runx2, Col1A1, ALP, and BMP was measured to evaluate the influence of PBM on the ability of DP-MSCs to differentiate toward an osteogenic phenotype. The release of IL-6 and IL-8, which are mainly involved in bone remodeling processes, was investigated in the cell medium following PBM irradiation. The results showed a high level of cell viability, suggesting a lack of phototoxicity under the tested conditions. Furthermore, PBM had a significant effect on mineral deposition, IL-6 and IL-8 release, and expression of osteogenic markers. TEM analysis showed intracellular modifications linked mainly to mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, and autophagic vesicles after PBM treatment. These findings demonstrated that the impact of PBM on the osteogenic potential of DP-MSCs is energy dose-dependent, supporting its potential as an effective strategy in regenerative dentistry, particularly for enhancing bone remodeling. Full article

The tension in the relationship between water and energy seriously restricts the harmonious coexistence between man and the ecological environment. The solar-powered interface evaporation technology emerging in recent years has shown good application prospects in high-salt wastewater treatment for achieving the zero-discharge treatment of wastewater. In this review, advanced solar-driven interfacial evaporation is primarily focused on its mechanisms, photothermal materials optimization, and the structure of solar evaporators for salt removal. The high wide-spectrum solar absorption rate of photothermal materials determines the total energy that can be utilized in the evaporation system. The light-to-heat conversion capacity of photothermal materials directly affects the efficiency and performance of solar interface evaporators. We highlight the microstructures enabled by the nanophotonic designs of photothermal material-based solar absorbers, which can achieve highly efficient light harvesting across the entire solar irradiance spectral range with weighted solar absorptivity. Finally, based on current research, existing problems, and future development directions for high-salt wastewater evaporation research are proposed. The review provides insights into the effective treatment of high-salt wastewater. Full article