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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Charge transfer in graphene oxide-dye system for photonic applications

The fluorescence of a standard dye Rhodamine 6G (R6G) in solution decreases on addition of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The absorption spectra and lifetime measurements confirm that no excited-state but a ground-state complex formation is responsible for this effect. For silver decorated rGO (Ag-rGO), the quenching efficiency and ground state complex formation process is small. Z-scan measurements have been done to study the optical nonlinearity at 532 nm under ps time scale. Remarkable reduction in the saturable absorption (SA) effect of R6G indicates no nonlinear contribution from the ground state complex. The results have been explained with varying charge transfer rates and non-fluorescence nature of the complex.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

TiO{sub 2} nanospheres and spiny nanospheres for high conversion efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells with gel electrolyte

In this paper, the TiO{sub 2} nanospheres and spiny nanospheres were synthesized as the photoanode films of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with quasi-solid electrolyte for the improvement of solar conversion efficiency. For a given film thickness, the spherical photoanode films have shorter electron transport time and several times slower recombination than those of nanoparticles, indicating that the charge-collection efficiencies of the spherical photoanodes were markedly improved. DSSCs containing the TiO{sub 2} spherical photoelectrode exhibited higher short circuit current because of this specific morphology.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Rapid sintering of TiO{sub 2} photoelectrodes using intense pulsed white light for flexible dye-sensitized solar cells

Intense pulsed white light (IPWL) sintering was carried out at room temperature, which is suitable dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) fabrication process on plastic substrates for the mass production. Five seconds irradiation of IPWL on TiO{sub 2} electrode significantly improves the photocurrent density and power conversion efficiency of DSSCs by more than 110% and 115%, respectively, compared to the DSSCs without IPWL treatment. These improvements were mainly attributed to the enhanced interconnection between the TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles induced by IPWL illumination, which is confirmed by the impedance spectra analysis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Charge transport in zirconium doped anatase nanowires dye-sensitized solar cells: Trade-off between lattice strain and photovoltaic parameters

Zirconium (Zr) is doped up to 5 at. % in anatase TiO{sub 2} nanowires by electrospinning and used as working electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells. Variations observed in the photovoltaic parameters were correlated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, open circuit voltage decay, and X-ray diffraction measurements. Results show that homovalent substitution of Zr in TiO{sub 2} increased the chemical capacitance and electron diffusion coefficient which in turn decreased charge transport resistance and charge transit time. However, lattice strain due to size mismatch between the Zr{sup 4+} and Ti{sup 4+} ions decreased open circuit voltage and fill factor thereby setting a trade-off between doping concentration and photovoltaic properties.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Fluorescence properties of dye doped mesoporous silica

In this paper we present a review of the main results we obtained studying the emission properties of organic-inorganic hybrids obtained combining mesoporous silica and Xantene dyes, in particular the standard reference Rhodamine 6G. The purpose of the review is to show the possibility to efficiently 'dope' the transparent inorganic porous matrix to obtain promising systems for photonic and biomedical applications. The strategies to solve the concentration effect and the leaching phenomenon are discussed within the framework of the single exciton theory.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Enhanced conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells using a CNT-incorporated TiO{sub 2} slurry-based photoanode

A new titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) slurry formulation is herein reported for the fabrication of TiO{sub 2} photoanode for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The prepared TiO{sub 2} photoanode featured a highly uniform mesoporous structure with well-dispersed TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles. The energy conversion efficiency of the resulting TiO{sub 2} slurry-based DSSC was ∼63% higher than that achieved by a DSSC prepared using a commercial TiO{sub 2} slurry. Subsequently, the incorporation of acid-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the TiO{sub 2} slurry was examined. More specifically, the effect of varying the concentration of the CNTs in this slurry on the performance of the resulting DSSCs was studied. The chemical state of the CNTs-incorporated TiO{sub 2} photoanode was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A high energy conversion efficiency of 6.23% was obtained at an optimum CNT concentration of ∼0.06 wt.%. The obtained efficiency corresponds to a 63% enhancement when compared with that obtained from a DSSC based on a commercial TiO{sub 2} slurry. The higher efficiency was attributed to the improvement in the collection and transport of excited electrons in the presence of the CNTs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Design of hybrid nanoheterostructure systems for enhanced quantum and solar conversion efficiencies in dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with an innovative design involving controlled-morphology vertically aligned (VA) ZnO nanowires within mesoporous TiO{sub 2} structures with ultrahigh surface area for implementation as photoanodes are herein reported. Although TiO{sub 2} nanostructures exhibit excellent power conversion efficiency, the electron transport rate is low owing to low electron mobility. To overcome this, ZnO nanowires with high electron mobility have been investigated as potential candidates for photoanodes. However, the power conversion efficiency of ZnO nanowires is still lower than that of TiO{sub 2} owing to their low internal surface area. Consequently, in this work, vertical growth of ZnO nanowires within mesoporous TiO{sub 2} structures is carried out to increase their solar power conversion efficiency. The photovoltaic performance of solar cells using ZnO nanowires, mesoporous TiO{sub 2}, and TiO{sub 2}/ZnO hybrid structures are compared. The VA TiO{sub 2}/ZnO hybrid structures are found to provide direct electron transfer compared with the tortuous pathway of zero-dimensional nanostructures, resulting in an increased conversion efficiency. It is demonstrated that the light scattering of the photoanode film is increased and electron recombination is decreased when an appropriate amount of mesoporous TiO{sub 2} is used as a substrate for ZnO nanowires. The DSSC fabricated with the TiO{sub 2}/ZnO hybrid photoanode prepared with 15.8 wt. % TiO{sub 2} showed the highest conversion efficiency of 7.30%, approximately 5%, 18%, and 40% higher than that of DSSCs fabricated with 3.99 wt. % TiO{sub 2}, pure TiO{sub 2}, and pure ZnO photoanodes, respectively.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Smart photovoltaics based on dye-sensitized solar cells using photochromic spiropyran derivatives as photosensitizers

In this paper, smart photovoltaic (SPV) devices, integrating both functions of solar cells and smart windows, was fabricated based on dye-sensitized solar cells using photochromic spiropyran derivatives SIBT as photosensitizers. SPV devices have self-regulated power conversion efficiency (PCE) and light transmission responding to the incident spectra due to the photoisomerization of SIBT. SIBT isomerize from closed-ring form to open-ring form under UV illumination, accompanied with enhanced visible light absorption and electron delocalization. Therefore, increased PCE and absorption in SPV devices were observed under UV treatment and the devices can be restored gradually to the initial status when kept in dark. The SPV devices have self-regulation of PCE and sunlight transmission responding to the changing sun spectra in different times of a day, providing a proper energy usage and a better sun-shading.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Light collection optimization for composite photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells: Towards higher efficiency

Composite photoanode comprising nanoparticles and one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure is a promising alternative to conventional photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Besides fast electron transport channels, the 1D nanostructure also plays as light scattering centers. Here, we theoretically investigate the light scattering properties of capsule-shaped 1D nanostructure and their influence on the light collection of DSCs. It is found that the far-field light scattering of a single capsule depends on its volume, shape, and orientation: capsules with bigger equivalent spherical diameter, smaller aspect ratio, and horizontal orientation demonstrate stronger light scattering especially at large scattering angle. Using Monte Carlo approach, we simulated and optimized the light harvesting efficiency of the cell. Two multilayer composite photoanodes containing orderly or randomly oriented capsules are proposed. DSCs composed of these two photoanodes are promising for higher efficiencies because of their efficient light collection and superior electron collection. These results will provide practical guidance to the design and optimization of the photoanodes for DSCs.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Broadband transient absorption spectroscopy with 1- and 2-photon excitations: Relaxation paths and cross sections of a triphenylamine dye in solution

1-photon (382 nm) and 2-photon (752 nm) excitations to the S{sub 1} state are applied to record and compare transient absorption spectra of a push-pull triphenylamine (TrP) dye in solution. After 1-photon excitation, ultrafast vibrational and structural molecular relaxations are detected on a 0.1 ps time scale in nonpolar hexane, while in polar acetonitrile, the spectral evolution is dominated by dipolar solvation. Upon 2-photon excitation, transient spectra in hexane reveal an unexpected growth of stimulated emission (SE) and excited-state absorption (ESA) bands. The behavior is explained by strong population transfer S{sub 1} → S{sub n} due to resonant absorption of a third pump photon. Subsequent S{sub n} → S{sub 1} internal conversion (with τ{sub 1} = 1 ps) prepares a very hot S{sub 1} state which cools down with τ{sub 2} = 13 ps. The pump pulse energy dependence proves the 2-photon origin of the bleach signal. At the same time, SE and ESA are strongly affected by higher-order pump absorptions that should be taken into account in nonlinear fluorescence applications. The 2-photon excitation cross sections σ{sup (2)} = 32 ⋅ 10{sup −50} cm{sup 4} s at 752 nm are evaluated from the bleach signal.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

The photocatalytic investigation of methylene blue dye with Cr doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

The present work reports eco-friendly and cost effective sol-gel technique for synthesis of Chromium doped ZnO nanoparticles at room temperature. In this process Zinc nitrate, Chromium nitrate were used as precursor. Structural as well as optical properties of Cr induced ZnO samples were analysed by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), SEM, PL and UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) respectively. XRD analysis shows that the samples have hexagonal (wurtzite) structure with no additional peak which suggests that Cr ions fit into the regular Zn sites of ZnO crystal structure. By using Scherrer’s formula for pure and Cr doped ZnO samples the average grain size was found to be 32 nm. Further band gap of pure and doped ZnO samples have been calculated by using UV-Vis spectra. The photo-catalytic degradation of methyl blue dye under UV irradiation was examined for synthesized samples. The results show that the concentration plays an important role in photo-catalytic activity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Design of binary SnO{sub 2}-CuO nanocomposite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of malachite green dye

Semiconductor mediated photocatalysis has got enormous consideration as it has shown immense potential in addressing the overall energy and environmental issues. To overcome the earlier drawbacks concerning quick charge recombination and limited visible-light absorption of semiconductor photocatalysts, numerous methods have been produced in the past couple of decades and the most broadly utilized one is to develop the photocatalytic heterojunctions. In our work, a series of SnO{sub 2}-CuO nanocomposites of different compositions were synthesized by a combustion method and have been investigated in detail by various characterization techniques, such as wide angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results revealed that the crystal structure and optical properties of the nanocomposites were almost same for all the compositions. FE-SEM images showed that the shape of SnO{sub 2}-CuO was spherical in nature and the 1: 1 Sn/Cu sample had a well-proportioned morphology. The malachite green dye was used for the photocatalytic studies in a photoreactor and monitored with a UV-visible spectrometer for different composition ratio of metal (Sn: Cu) such as 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 1:0.5 and 0.5:1. The 1:1 ratio nanocomposite showed excellent photocatalytic degradation of 96 % compared to pure SnO{sub 2} and CuO. The mechanism of degradation and charge separation ability of the nanocomposite are also explored using photocurrent measurement study.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Improvement of catalytic activity of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/CuO/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites using the combination of ultrasonic and UV light irradiation for degradation of organic dyes

Iron-copper-titania mixed oxides was synthesized with Fe3O4/CuO to various TiO2 molar ratio using sol-gel method at low temperature and the intrinsic characteristics were studied by a variety of techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and BET surface area analyzer. The results demonstrate that all samples contained Fe3O4, CuO and TiO2 structures and exhibited ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. In this study, methylene blue is used as a model of organic dyes. The degradation of methylene blue was observed using sonocatalysis and photocatalysis systems simultaneously. The experimental results showed that kinetic data followed the pseudo-first order model and the apparent rate constant of simultaneously processes of sonocatalysis and photocatalysis is higher than the respective individual processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Comparison of catalytic activities for photocatalytic and sonocatalytic degradation of organic dye in the presence of ternary Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/ZnO/CuO magnetic heteregenous nanocatalyst

The Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/ZnO/CuO nanocatalyst with various CuO loading were synthesized by sol-gel method and were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The findings demonstrate that all samples exhibit ferromagnetic behavior at room temperatureand containa well-crystalline ternary oxide nanocatalyst. Methylene blue was taken as the model of organic dye to evaluate its photocatalytic and sonocatalytic degradation in the presence of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/ZnO/CuO nanocatalyst. The observed degradation activity indicate that the order of degradation of methylene blue issonocatalysis> photocatalysis. Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/ZnO/CuO nanocatalyst with the lowest CuO loading exhibit the highest rate of degradation of methylene blue during the sono- and photocatalytic processes. The experimental data shows that holes are the predominant oxidative species involved in the sono- and photodegradation of methylene blue.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Synthesis and characterization of porous structured ZnO thin film for dye sensitized solar cell applications

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc oxide/eosin yellow (ZnO/EY) thin films were potentiostatically deposited onto fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate. Effect of eosin yellow dye on structural, morphological and optical properties was studied. X-ray diffraction patterns, micro Raman spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra reveal hexagonal wurtzite structure with less atomic defects in 101 plane orientation of the ZnO/EY film. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show flower for ZnO and porous like structure for ZnO/EY thin film, respectively. DSSC was constructed and evaluated by measuring the current density verses voltage curve.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Calculated solvent reorganization entropies, free energies, and fluctuations of the energy gaps for intramolecular electron transfer and excitation of the solvatochromic dye B30

Intramolecular electron transfer between two biphenyl groups linked by an androstane spacer and excitation of the pyridinium-N-phenolate betaine dye B30 to the first excited singlet state are studied by quantum/classical molecular-dynamics simulations at temperatures between 150 and 300 K in solvents with a range of polarities. Temperature dependences of the solvent reorganization energies, free energies, entropies, and the inhomogeneous broadening of B30’s absorption band are examined. The variances of fluctuations of the energy gap between the reactant and product states do not have the direct proportionality to temperature that often is assumed to hold. An explanation for the observations is suggested.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2023

Temperature-dependent solvent reorganization entropies, free energies, and transition dipole strengths for the photoexcitation of Reichardt’s dye B30

Absorption spectra of the solvatochromic dye 2,6-diphenyl-4-2,4,6-triphenyl-1-pyridinophenolate (B30) were measured in seven solvents of varying polarity over temperature ranging from each solvent’s freezing point to 300 K. The excitation energies and their variances allowed calculations of the solvent reorganization energies, reorganization free energies and reorganization entropies as functions of temperature. The entropies of solvent packing around the chromophore are found to make major contributions to the reorganization free energies. The variances of the excitation energies depend only weakly on temperature, in disagreement with an expression that is often used for solvent reorganization free energies. Polar solvents reduce the transition dipole strength of B30’s long-wavelength absorption band, probably because interactions with the solvent enhance the charge-transfer character of the transition. The dipole strength drops further at low temperatures.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2014

Study of diffusion of indocyanine green as a photodynamic dye into skin using backscattering spectroscopy

One of the lines of development of modern medicine is theranostics consisting in simultaneous diagnosis and laser treatment with the use of multifunctional agents such as fluorescent indocyanine green that has photodynamic and photothermal properties. Diffusion of indocyanine green dissolved in water and aqueous solutions of alcohols (glycerol, propylene glycol and ethanol) into the dermis is studied by using backscattering spectroscopy. The coefficients of the dye diffusion into the dermis are obtained for the first time by using these solvents. (laser biophotonics)

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗