Broad-spectrum Light Research Articles

A Comparison of LED with Fluorescent Lighting on the Stress, Behavior, and Reproductive Success of Laboratory Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata).

There are limited evidence-based husbandry recommendations for laboratory zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), including appropriate light sources. Light-emitting diode (LED) technology has been shown to improve circadian regulation and reduce stress in some laboratory animal species, such as mice and rats, when compared with cool-white fluorescent (CWF) lighting, but the effects of LED lighting on zebra finches have not been published. We compared the effects of broad-spectrum, blue-enriched (6,500 Kelvin) CWF and flicker-free LED lighting on the behavior, stress, and reproductive outcomes of indoor-housed zebra finches. Using breeding pairs housed in cubicles illuminated with either CWF or LED lighting, we compared the reproductive output as determined by clutch size, hatching rate, and hatchling survival rate. We also compared the behavior of group-housed adult males, first housed under CWF followed by LED lighting, using video recordings and an ethogram. Fecal samples were collected from these males at the end of each recording period, and basal fecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) levels were compared. A FCM assay for adult male zebra finches was validated for efficacy and accuracy using a capture-restraint acute stress response and parallelism analysis, respectively. The breeding pairs had no significant difference in the clutch size or percent hatching rate, but percent hatchling survival improved under LED with an increased proportion achieving 100% survival. There was no significant difference in FCM between the lighting treatments. However, the activity budgets of the birds were altered, with a reduction in flighted movement and an increase in enrichment manipulation under LED. Overall, these results support the use of blue-enriched, broad-spectrum flicker-free LED as a safe alternative to CWF lighting for breeding and nonbreeding indoor-housed zebra finches.

Field comparison of broad-spectrum white LED-baited traps with narrow-spectrum green LED-baited traps in the capture of Anopheles mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae).

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have been effective light sources in attracting Anopheles mosquitoes, but the broad-spectrum white light, even with a wide-ranging application in lighting, have not been evaluated yet. In this study, the white light was field evaluated against the green one in the light trapping of anopheline mosquitoes by using two non-suction Silva traps and two CDC-type suction light traps. Anopheline mosquitoes were captured for two 21-night periods of collecting (2022 and 2023). In the first period, two LEDs were used per Silva trap, but three were used in the second one to increase the luminance/illuminance at traps. A CDC-type suction light trap equipped with an incandescent lamp was used in 2022 and a CDC-type suction light trap equipped with a 6 V-white light (higher luminance/illuminance) in 2023. A total of eight species and 3,289 specimens were captured in both periods. The most frequent species were Anopheles triannulatus s.l., An. goeldii, An. evansae and An. argyritarsis. In 2022, white LEDs were less attractive to anopheline mosquitoes than the other light sources, but without statistical difference among treatments (F = 2.703; P = 0.0752; df = 2). In 2023, even with an increased luminance/illuminance at traps, no statistical difference was found between the two LED-baited Silva traps (F = 6.690; P = 0.0024; df = 2), but rather between the 6 V-white-baited CDC-type suction light trap and green-baited Silva traps. Due to some drawbacks and the lower abundance of individuals caught by using white LEDs, the narrow-banded green LEDs is preferable to white ones for attracting anophelines.

Larval swimming in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis is sensitive to a broad light spectrum and exhibits a wavelength-dependent behavioral switch.

In nearly all animals, light-sensing mediated by opsin visual pigments is important for survival and reproduction. Eyeless light-sensing systems, though vital for many animals, have received relatively less attention than forms with charismatic or complex eyes. Despite no single light-sensing organ, the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis has 29 opsin genes and multiple light-mediated behaviors throughout development and reproduction, suggesting a deceptively complex light-sensing system. To characterize one aspect of this light-sensing system, we analyzed larval swimming behavior at high wavelength resolution across the ultraviolet and visual spectrum. N. vectensis larvae respond to light at least from 315 to 650 nm, which is a broad sensitivity range even compared to many animals with complex eyes. Planktonic swimming is induced by ultraviolet (UV) and violet wavelengths until 420 nm. Between 420 and 430 nm a behavioral switch occurs where at wavelengths longer than 430 nm, larvae respond to light by swimming down. Swimming down toward the substrate is distinct from light avoidance, as animals do not exhibit positive or negative phototaxis at any wavelength tested. At wavelengths longer than 575 nm, animals in the water column take increasingly longer to respond and this behavior is more variable until 650 nm where larval response is no different from the dark, suggesting these longer wavelengths lie outside of their sensitivity range. Larval swimming is the only motile stage in the life history of N. vectensis, and increased planktonic swimming could lead to greater dispersal range in potentially damaging shallow environments with short-wavelength light exposure. Longer wavelength environments may indicate more suitable substrates for metamorphosis into the polyp stage, where the individual will remain for the rest of its life. Future work will test whether this robust behavior is mediated by multiple opsins.

Photo-responsive polypropylene/zinc oxide/polydopamine-TEMPO composite membranes with light-induced self-sterilization

Face masks play a pivotal role in preventing infection transmission. However, the capture of infection-sourced particles in face masks poses challenges related to reuse, necessitating proper disposal. We developed a self-sterilizable polypropylene-based membrane for face masks to address challenges associated with infection transmission prevention. The membrane, created using 3D printing, underwent functionalization with zinc oxide (ZnO) and polydopamine (PDA)-TEMPO to achieve broad-spectrum light absorption and facilitate self-sterilization through photocatalytic and photothermal effects upon light exposure. The hydrophobic surface (water contact angle: 133 ± 2 °) minimized moisture accumulation, and the membrane exhibited robust mechanical properties, including shear strength (1.25 ± 0.5 kPa) and peel resistance strength (112.8 ± 11.2 kPa). The evaluation demonstrated stability in airflow (0 to 500 cm3/s) and excellent aerosol filtration efficiency (94.8 ± 0.6 %) for particles (PM 0.3, PM 2.5, PM 10), comparable to commercial masks. The membrane showed antibacterial efficacy over five uses in a simulated respiratory environment. Safety assessments confirmed biocompatibility through cytocompatibility and skin irritation assays. In conclusion, this membrane offers efficient filtration and photo-triggered sterilization, presenting a promising solution for next-generation face masks to address concerns related to reuse, disposal, and infection control.

Insight into the photodegradation of o,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane in a broad spectrum of irradiation light

Photolysis is the main pathway for the degradation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Most investigations, however, have been limited to the ultraviolet or visible region, and the reaction mechanism of infrared (IR) light is still unclear. In this study, the photodegradation of o,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (o,p'-DDT) on the silica (SiO2)/air interface under different irradiation light sources was systematically investigated. Interestingly, for the first time, effective degradation of o,p'-DDT under IR light irradiation was observed, which was ascribed to the anti-Stokes Raman scattering process of SiO2. Moreover, desert sands could also serve as a vector for the photodegradation of o,p'-DDT. The lower removal efficiency of desert sands compared to pure SiO2 was a combined effect of differences in Fe3+ component and SiO2 content. It is worth noting that direct photodegradation plays a dominant role in the photodegradation of o,p'-DDT on SiO2. Besides, indirect photodegradation resulted mainly from •OH (25.0%), O2•− (6.9%), and 1O2 (5.6%) generated in the reaction system. In addition to hydroxylation and dechlorination products, the formation of four novel silicon-based products was observed, which resulted from the direct reaction of silyl radicals with o,p'-DDT. This study revealed that the specific Raman scattering effect of SiO2 played a vital role in the self-purification process of POPs upon SiO2-based environmental matrices. The light-mediated decontamination system upon SiO2 constructed in this study could provide critical information for addressing POPs contamination on sands.

Chinese yam-derived aerogel as a versatile platform for efficient freshwater production and pollution remediation

Water scarcity and pollution have become major obstacles to sustainable global development. The development of a versatile platform that can simultaneously produce clean water and remediate pollutants from water is highly desirable but still difficult to realize. Herein, to address this challenge, we have developed a CY@PPy@Ag aerogel with excellent photothermal and photocatalytic capabilities through a freeze-drying process, followed by polypyrrole coating and Ag deposition. The excellent characteristics, including broad-spectrum light absorption (97.2%), localization of converted heat, rapid water transport, and porous open microchannels, enabled it to act as an advanced solar evaporator for efficient and continuous steam generation without salt crystallization. Moreover, the high evaporation rate (1.51 kg m−2 h−1) was maintained even in high concentrations of brine and real seawater. Taking advantage of its enhanced photocatalytic performance, organic dyes in water could be rapidly and completely decomposed by the CY@PPy@Ag aerogel under solar irradiation, and this photodegradation process was significantly accelerated with the help of NaBH4. This work is expected to provide a one-stone-two-birds strategy to simultaneously achieve clean water harvesting and pollution remediation, which holds great promise in the fields of solar energy harvesting, wastewater treatment, and seawater desalination.

Direct-ink-write cross-linkable bottlebrush block copolymers for on-the-fly control of structural color

Additive manufacturing capable of controlling and dynamically modulating structures down to the nanoscopic scale remains challenging. By marrying additive manufacturing with self-assembly, we develop a UV (ultra-violet)-assisted direct ink write approach for on-the-fly modulation of structural color by programming the assembly kinetics through photo-cross-linking. We design a photo-cross-linkable bottlebrush block copolymer solution as a printing ink that exhibits vibrant structural color (i.e., photonic properties) due to the nanoscopic lamellar structures formed post extrusion. By dynamically modulating UV-light irradiance during printing, we can program the color of the printed material to access a broad spectrum of visible light with a single ink while also creating color gradients not previously possible. We unveil the mechanism of this approach using a combination of coarse-grained simulations, rheological measurements, and structural characterizations. Central to the assembly mechanism is the matching of the cross-linking timescale with the assembly timescale, which leads to kinetic trapping of the assembly process that evolves structural color from blue to red driven by solvent evaporation. This strategy of integrating cross-linking chemistry and out-of-equilibrium processing opens an avenue for spatiotemporal control of self-assembled nanostructures during additive manufacturing.

Optimizing speed breeding and seed/pod chip based genotyping techniques in pigeonpea: A way forward for high throughput line development

BackgroundThe challenge of pigeonpea breeding lies in its photosensitivity and seasonal specificity. This poses a problem to the breeder, as it restricts to single generation advancement in a year. Currently, the cross to cultivar gap is twelve to thirteen years resulting in a limited number of varietal releases over the past six decades. Shortening the breeding cycle was need of the hour, unlikely achieved by conventional breeding. To overcome these hindrances speed breeding was a necessary leap. An experiment was planned to optimize the speed breeding coupled with single seed descent and seed or pod chip-based genotyping to shorten the breeding cycle in pigeonpea at ICRISAT, Hyderabad. Monitored photoperiod, light wavelength, temperature and crop management regime were the indicators attributing to the success of speed breeding.ResultA photoperiod of 13 h: 8 h: 13 h at vegetative: flowering and pod filling stages is ideal for shortening the breeding cycle. Broad spectrum light (5700 K LED) hastened early vegetative growth and pod formation. Whereas far-red (735 nm) light favoured early flowering. A significant difference between the photoperiods, genotypes as well as photoperiod x genotype interaction for both days to flowering and plant height was noted.ConclusionThe optimized protocol serves as a road map for rapid generation advancement in pigeonpea. Deploying this protocol, it is possible to advance 2–4 generations per year. The breeding cycle can be reduced to 2–4 years which otherwise takes 7 years under conventional breeding. Single Seed Descent and seed or pod chip-based genotyping for early generation marker assisted selection, strengthened the precision of this technique aiding in high throughput line development.

Construction of CdS@g–C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst for highly efficient degradation of gaseous toluene

Exploring efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of VOCs under visible light is a challenge. CdS@g–C3N4 heterojunction photocatalytic materials were developed in this study using a microwave-assisted sol-gel process. CdS@g–C3N4(0.2) photocatalyzed the maximum degradation of gaseous toluene under visible light irradiation, and the time required to achieve the same degradation rate was reduced by 270 min when compared to pure CdS. The morphological characterization, photoelectric property analysis, and DFT calculations all verified that the CdS nanoparticles were uniformly disseminated on the surface of g–C3N4, and that the interfaces were closely contacted to form a heterojunction interface with a built-in field. This enhances charge transfer from CdS to g–C3N4 while successfully decreasing electron-hole pair recombination caused by light. Furthermore, the energy band structure was altered to absorb longer wavelengths of light and extend the absorption spectral range, improving the photocatalytic material's efficacy for broad-spectrum light such as sunshine. This paper proposes methods for predicting and optimizing the surface structure of catalysts, as well as developing high-performance multi-heterojunction photocatalysts for the degradation of indoor VOCs.

Fabricating a scattering–fluorescent luminescent solar concentrator synchronously to achieve broad-spectrum solar energy utilization and light pollution inhibition

A scattering–fluorescent luminescent solar concentrator is fabricated with the synergistic function of reducing the light pollution and improving the photoelectric conversion.

Biomimetic Photothermal Actuator Exhibits Robust Motion and Omnidirectional Phototropism

Organisms in the natural world receive signals from the external environment and exhibit continuous propulsion. However, creating artificial systems that can rapidly track energy sources in real-time without human intervention and electronic circuit programming poses a significant challenge. Here, we have developed a soft actuator that mimics the phototropism of plants and possesses autonomous sensing and driving capabilities. The soft actuator is based on a thermo responsive PNIPAAM hydrogel, and its uniform incorporation of light-absorbing agents imparts photothermal response characteristics. Our preparation method involves a combination of ice templating and UV cryo-polymerization techniques, utilizing water as the primary solvent. This process results in the formation of substantial microscopic pores within the PNIPAAM hydrogel, greatly enhancing the rate at which water enters and exits the polymer network. The rapid response and recovery properties of the hydrogel soft actuator allow it to quickly track and align with a stimulus light source. Moreover, it can bend to 90° and undergo continuous oscillations, representing a substantial enhancement in performance compared to conventional composite PNIPAAM hydrogels. Furthermore, the soft actuator exhibits a low dependence on the type of incident light, as it can respond not only to pinpoint laser beams but also to broad-spectrum white light. This intelligent soft actuator holds promising applications in non-contact soft robotics, underwater propulsion systems, and various other fields.

Phenotypic Variability for Leaf and Pod Color within the Snap Bean Association Panel

The color of vegetables is an important factor in consumer food choices and in cultivar choice by growers and processors for production. In absorbing a broad spectrum of light, leaves support plant development by influencing factors such as biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, and reproductive growth. The edible organ of the snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the pod, and its color is not only one of the most important traits for commercial consideration, but also influences phytonutrient content. Although chlorophyll provides the base color, other compounds such as carotenoids and flavonoids may affect leaf and pod color. Darker yellow- or blue-green pods are preferred for processing, but there is more leeway for fresh market, with lighter-colored pods being acceptable. This research characterized leaf and pod color variation in the 378-member Snap Bean Association Panel. Leaf and pod colors were measured with a colorimeter using the L*a*b* scale, which was then transformed to L* (lightness), C* (chroma), and H° (hue angle) for analysis. Both green and wax bean accessions had predominantly green leaves, even though both exterior and interior colors of pods varied by accession. The leaves at the upper level in the canopy were lighter than lower and middle-level leaves. C* of leaves was similar across environments but leaves from the field were greener than leaves of greenhouse-grown plants when converted to Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) values, even though they had similar H°. L* did not differ for corresponding leaf positions of both field and greenhouse leaves. Purple pods were darker (lowest L*) and yellow pods were lighter (highest L*). Although wax beans had similar exterior and interior colors, accessions with purple exterior of pods had green interiors. Green pods were generally two times higher for L* and lower in C* compared with leaves. Pod interior L* was darker than exterior in both years. Pod exterior L* was not significantly different among accessions, whereas pod interior L* differed significantly between years. Broad sense heritabilities ranged from 0.69 to 0.88 for L*, 0.12 to 0. 87 for C*, and 0.81 to 0.89 for H°. Although greater variation was observed in pods than leaves, lower heritability was determined. Moderate correlations between leaf L* and the interior and exterior pod L* implies that it would be possible to select for pod color on the basis of leaf color, with verification using standard cultivars.

Pressure induced mechanical, elastic, and optoelectronic characteristics of Cd0.75Zn0.25Se alloy.

The change in composition and pressure, both of which lead to new desired properties by altering the structure, is particularly important for improving device performance. Given this, we focused here on the mechanical, elastic, and optoelectronic characteristics of the Cd0.75Zn0.25Se alloy using density functional theory at various pressures from 0GPa to 20GPa. It is found that the bulk modulus of the material rises with increasing pressure and exhibits mechanical stability as well as cubic symmetry. In addition, the increased pressure leads to a rise in the direct bandgap energy of the material from 2.03eV to 2.48eV. The absorption coefficient of the alloy also increases as the pressure increases, where the effective range of absorption covers the broad spectrum of light in the visible range from orange to cyan. This is due to the electronic transitions caused by the altered pressure. The optical parameters, including optical conductivity, extinction coefficient, reflection, and refractive index, are also analyzed under the influence of pressure. Based on this research, effective applications of the Cd substituted Zn-chalcogenides (CdZnSe) alloys in the fields of optoelectronics and photovoltaics are outlined, especially concerning fabricating solar cells, photonic devices, and pressure sensors for space technology.

Computer simulation of a solar multi-effect distillation multi-stage flash effluent purification system

Abstract This study integrates multi-effect distillation (MED), multi-stage flash (MSF) evaporation, and solar interface evaporation technologies to enhance water purification processes. We evaluate the material and performance of interface evaporators, with a particular focus on managing the energy balance in solar water evaporation. The research further develops thermal regulation in photothermal materials to maximize light absorption, minimize heat loss, and speed up steam conversion. We employ a novel approach using corn starch and ionic liquid-modified silica hydrogels, noted for their hydrophilicity and broad-spectrum light absorption. The goal is to assess these hydrogels for photothermal conversion efficiency and salt resistance, examining their evaporation performance across various media—pure water, highly saline water, and oily wastewater—and their effectiveness in purifying industrial sewage. Monomer [VEIm]Br and cross-linking agent polymerization occurred to prepare the obtained SiO 2 – PILs.Ag / PPy / SiO 2 – PILs surface of polypyrrole and Ag particles presenting a three-dimensional porous structure is able to enhance the light absorption performance, between 200-2500 nm range of light absorption rate as high as 90%. Experiments proved the introduction of ionic liquid grafted silica on the introduction of the mechanism to improve the thermal insulation and salt resistance for the actual wastewater purification to provide a strategy.

An Azulene-Based Crystalline Porous Covalent Organic Framework for Efficient Photothermal Conversion.

The designed synthesis of a crystalline azulene-based covalent organic framework (COF-Azu-TP) is presented and its photothermal property is investigated. Azulene, a distinctive 5-7 fused ring non-benzenoid aromatic compound with a large intramolecular dipole moment and unique photophysical characteristics, is introduced as the key feature in COF-Azu-TP. The incorporation of azulene moiety imparts COF-Azu-TP with broad-spectrum light absorption capability and interlayer dipole interactions, which makes COF-Azu-TP a highly efficient photothermal conversion material. Its polyurethane (PU) composite exhibits a solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency (97.2%) and displays a water evaporation rate (1.43kg m-2 h-1) under one sun irradiation, even at a very low dosage of COF-Azu-TP (2.2wt%). Furthermore, COF-Azu-TP is utilized as a filler in a polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) composited shape memory material, enabling rapid shape recovery under laser stimulation. A comparison study with a naphthalene-based COF isomer further emphasizes the crucial role of azulene in enhancing photothermal conversion efficiency. This study demonstrates the significance of incorporating specific building blocks into COFs for the development of functional porous materials with enhanced properties, paving the way for future applications in diverse fields.

Polyphenol-Mediated Liquid Metal Composite Architecture for Solar Thermoelectric Generation.

The development of advanced solar energy technologies, which efficiently convert solar energy to heat and then to electricity, remains a significant challenge in the pursuit of clean energy production. Here, this challenge is addressed by designing a photothermal absorber composed of liquid gallium particles and a natural polyphenol-based coordination ink. The design of this composite takes advantage of the tuneable light absorption properties of the polyphenol inks and can also be applied onto flexible substrates. While the ink utilizes two types of coordination complexes to absorb light at different wavelengths, the liquid gallium particles with high thermal and electrical properties provide enhanced thermoelectric effect. As such, the photothermal composite exhibits a broad-spectrum light absorption and highly efficient solar-to-heat conversion. A thermoelectric generator coated with the photothermal composite exhibits an impressive voltage output of ≈185.3mV when exposed to 1Sun illumination, without requiring any optical concentration, which sets a new record for a power density at 345.5µWcm-2 . This work showcases the synergistic combination of natural compound-based light-absorbing coordination complexes with liquid metals to achieve a strong photothermal effect and their integration into thermoelectric devices with powerful light harvesting capabilities.

Recent Advances in Black Phosphorous-Based Photocatalysts for Degradation of Emerging Contaminants.

The recalcitrant nature of emerging contaminants (ECs) in aquatic environments necessitates the development of effective strategies for their remediation, given the considerable impacts they pose on both human health and the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Semiconductor-based photocatalytic technology is recognized for its dual benefits in effectively addressing both ECs and energy-related challenges simultaneously. Among the plethora of photocatalysts, black phosphorus (BP) stands as a promising nonmetallic candidate, offering a host of advantages including its tunable direct band gap, broad-spectrum light absorption capabilities, and exceptional charge mobility. Nevertheless, pristine BP frequently underperforms, primarily due to issues related to its limited ambient stability and the rapid recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. To overcome these challenges, substantial research efforts have been devoted to the creation of BP-based photocatalysts in recent years. However, there is a noticeable absence of reviews regarding the advancement of BP-based materials for the degradation of ECs in aqueous solutions. Therefore, to fill this gap, a comprehensive review is undertaken. In this review, we first present an in-depth examination of the fabrication processes for bulk BP and BP nanosheets (BPNS). The review conducts a thorough analysis and comparison of the merits and limitations inherent in each method, thereby delineating the most auspicious avenues for future research. Then, in line with the pathways followed by photogenerated electron-hole pairs at the interface, BP-based photocatalysts are systematically categorized into heterojunctions (Type I, Type II, Z-scheme, and S-scheme) and hybrids, and their photocatalytic performances against various ECs and the corresponding degradation mechanisms are comprehensively summarized. Finally, this review presents personal insights into the prospective avenues for advancing the field of BP-based photocatalysts for ECs remediation.

Fabrication of g-C3N4/CuS heterostructures for efficient visible light-driven photocatalysts

The g-C3N4/CuS heterojunction was synthesized using a wet impregnation process. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), High resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), and Photoluminescence (PL) were employed to examine the crystalline structure, morphology, elemental configuration, optical absorption characteristics, electron hole recombination, and charge transfer property of the prepared materials, respectively. The specific surface area and pore volume of the produced materials were calculated using N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms and BET studies. Rhodamine B (RhB) is broken down by the catalysts in the presence of visible light. In 40 min, the catalyst showed quick photocatalytic degradation of the RhB dye (98.6 %). The synthesized catalyst performs at the highest level for photocatalytic degradation due to its low e-h recombination rate, broad spectrum of absorption light, increased photo-generated electrons, and larger specific surface area. Higher photocatalytic activity might be a result of the matched overlapping band structure and the interaction between CuS and g-C3N4. The photoluminescent spectra show that the interaction of g-C3N4 and CuS would not only boost the optical absorption property of g-C3N4, but would also produce more interfaces for the efficient transfer of photo-generated electron-hole pairs to limit recombination. The repeatability experiment's results unequivocally demonstrate that the developed catalyst has a high photo-stability. The results of the degrading efficiency tests were competitive with numerous photocatalysts that had already been published.

Mercury Chalcogenide Colloidal Quantum Dots for Infrared Photodetectors

In recent years, mercury chalcogenide colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted widespread research interest due to their unique electronic structure and optical properties. Mercury chalcogenide CQDs demonstrate an exceptionally broad spectrum and tunable light response across the short-wave to long-wave infrared spectrum. Photodetectors based on mercury chalcogenide CQDs have attracted considerable attention due to their advantages, including solution processability, low manufacturing costs, and excellent compatibility with silicon substrates, which offers significant potential for applications in infrared detection and imaging. However, practical applications of mercury-chalcogenide-CQD-based photodetectors encounter several challenges, including material stability, morphology control, surface modification, and passivation issues. These challenges act as bottlenecks in further advancing the technology. This review article delves into three types of materials, providing detailed insights into the synthesis methods, control of physical properties, and device engineering aspects of mercury-chalcogenide-CQD-based infrared photodetectors. This systematic review aids researchers in gaining a better understanding of the current state of research and provides clear directions for future investigations.

Light-driven phase change microcapsules modified by TiN/CNTs nanocomposites for enhancement of solar energy storage and solar photocatalytic efficiency

The development of microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) integrating solar photothermal conversion and storage holds significant for solar energy utilization. Herein, this study developed an efficient light-driven phase change microcapsule system by encapsulating paraffin within a brookite TiO2 shell through sol-gel interfacial polymerization, followed by wrapping titanium nitride (TiN)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposites on the shell surface. The microcapsule system exhibited a regular spherical core-shell structural morphology. The encapsulation of TiO2 and the introduction of the highly thermal conductivity enhancement phase increased the thermal conductivity of the microcapsule system by approximately 151.5 % compared to pure paraffin while maintaining latent heat of over 135 J·g−1. Furthermore, TiN/CNTs were combined with the microcapsule shell through hydrogen bonds and shared electron pairs, constructing localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-enhanced heterojunction. The microcapsule system demonstrated excellent broad-spectrum light absorption capacity, resulting in a remarkable 112.01 % enhancement in the optimum photothermal conversion efficiency. Concurrently, the degradation rate of MB was increased by 59.52 % due to the synergistic catalytic action of photothermal, semiconductor, and LSPR effects. The microcapsule system also exhibited excellent thermal and cycling stability, with only 1.6 % latent heat loss after 500 thermal cycles. This study provides a promising strategy for developing energy storage microcapsule composite PCMs for the efficient collection and utilization of solar energy.