Cleaning Solution Research Articles

Photothermal Induced Dual-Interface: Accelerating Sustainable Hydrogen Evolution from Formic Acid.

Formic acid (FA), a liquid hydrogen storage carrier, can release hydrogen via photothermal catalysis, providing a clean and sustainable solution toward a carbon-neutral energy cycle. Despite recent advances in the design of efficient catalysts, the development of advanced systems with high H2 yield, stability, and durability remains challenging due to the inefficient photothermal conversion and mass transfer in the traditional liquid-solid bulk system, as well as the trade-off between hydrogen storage density and dehydrogenation rate. Here, we address these challenges by creating a photothermal-induced dual-interface characterized by high spectral absorption and low heat loss, a facile supply of FA, and vaporization of FA to minimize the energy barrier of the reaction. As a result, a record hydrogen evolution rate (200.9 mmol g-1 h-1) is achieved in a high concentration (26 M) of FA, which is about 15 times higher than the liquid-solid bulk system. In addition, it can be operated continuously for more than 192 h without additive addition and energy consumption, providing a strategy for accelerating interfacial mass transfer to improve catalytic activity, and also presents a reference for sustainable hydrogen production.

In-situ growth of FeCo layered double hydroxide nanorods on MXene for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes

In the pursuit of clean energy solutions, supercapacitors have gained attention due to their exceptional energy storage capabilities. Layered double hydroxide (LDH), a notable material in this field, faces some challenges such as slow charge transfer speed and volumetric expansion. To tackle these issues, a novel FeCo-LDH/MXene composite was synthesized through in-situ hydrothermal growth of FeCo layered double hydroxide (FeCo-LDH) nanorods on MXene using ionic self-assembly, forming a three-dimensional (3D) composite with enhanced rate capability and cycling stability due to the synergetic coupling of MXene and LDH. The FeCo-LDH/MXene electrode significantly improves surface capacitance control performance and exhibits exceptional electrochemical performance, achieving a specific capacitance of 2058.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and maintaining 1732.7 F g−1 at 10 A g−1, with 82.4 % capacity retention. Furthermore, the assembled supercapacitor delivers an energy density of 48.8 Wh kg−1 at 750 W kg−1 and 25.7 Wh kg−1 at 15000 W kg−1, demonstrating excellent rate performance, as well as 80.3 % capacitance after 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1, highlighting its durability. This advancement not only overcomes the specific capacitance challenge of MXene electrodes but also enhances the conductivity and cyclic stability of LDH, making FeCo-LDH/MXene a promising candidate for future high-performance energy storage applications.

Mechanisms of Multiple Functional Groups in Post-CMP Cleaning Solutions for Co Interconnects

Mechanisms of Multiple Functional Groups in Post-CMP Cleaning Solutions for Co Interconnects

Health implications of cooking energy transition: Evidence from rural China

Abstract The transition towards advanced residential energy sources is a pressing priority for many countries. Despite this, solid fuels remain the dominant form of cooking energy for rural households in developing countries. This study investigates the physical and mental health impacts of cooking energy choices by using endogenous switching models to address selection bias associated with cooking energy adoption and to distinguish the health impacts of different types of cooking energy. Using a country-representative household survey data in China, our results indicate that adopting advanced forms of energy, not only enhances physical health in terms of reducing the rates of chronic diseases but also improves mental health. We further delve into the heterogenous impacts of advanced energy adoption across different groups and find that women, old adults, and economically disadvantaged groups are more likely to experience greater mental health benefits compared to their counterparts, while the opposite results are observed for the physical health. Additionally, we differentiate the health impacts by distinguishing between various energy types. This study provides insights for policy making aimed at improving public health and promoting health equality, contributing to efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals by prioritizing clean and efficient residential energy solutions.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Vehicles: Current Situation and Future Prospects

Hydrogen is emerging as a pivotal player in sustainable transportation, with hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (HFCEVs) gaining substantial traction. Despite the higher production costs compared to petroleum, hydrogen boasts a higher energy content by weight and produces zero toxic emissions. Advances in hydrogen storage, including cryogenic, pressurized tanks, and metal-organic frameworks, are overcoming density-related challenges. HFCEVs are making significant strides globally, particularly in South Korea, the United States, and China. By 2030, fuel cell prices are expected to be comparable with internal combustion engines due to advancements in technology. Enhanced control strategies, evolving safety measures, and supportive government policies are fostering the adoption of hydrogen as a viable clean power solution for future conveyance needs. Additionally, investments in infrastructure, such as hydrogen refueling stations, are expanding, further supporting the growth of HFCEVs. This paper explores the current advancements, challenges, and future outlook of hydrogen fuel cells in the automotive industry, highlighting their potential to revolutionize sustainable transport and contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Micro/Meso‐Porous Double‐Shell Hollow Carbon Spheres through Spatially Confined Pyrolysis for Supercapacitors and Zinc‐Ion Capacitor

AbstractEnergy storage in supercapacitors and hybrid zinc ion capacitors (ZIC) using porous carbon materials offers a promising alternative method for clean energy solutions. The unique combination of hierarchical porous structure and nitrogen doping in these materials has demonstrated significant capacity for energy storage. Nevertheless, the full potential of these materials, particularly the relationship between pore structure configuration and performance, remains underexplored. Herein, a confined pyrolysis strategy based on the polymerization characteristics of polydopamine (PDA) was developed to construction of hollow carbon spheres with microporous/mesoporous dual shell structure. The depth of micropores and cavity can be controlled by adjusting the duration of heat treatment and hydrothermal treatment, in accordance with the decomposition and polymerization characteristics of PDA. Due to the elasticity of this structure, the relationship between the micro/mesoporous depth of the prepared carbon spheres and the energy storage performance in supercapacitors and ZIC is established. Through optimizing the ion transport capacity of carbon spheres and considering the influence of its internal cavity structure on energy storage, the resulting carbon spheres exhibit high specific capacitance of 389 F g−1 in supercapacitor and specific capacitance of 260 F g−1 and excellent stability with 99.3 % retention after 30000 chare/discharge cycles in ZIC.

Rare-Earth Metal-Based Materials for Hydrogen Storage: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.

Rare-earth-metal-based materials have emerged as frontrunners in the quest for high-performance hydrogen storage solutions, offering a paradigm shift in clean energy technologies. This comprehensive review delves into the cutting-edge advancements, challenges, and future prospects of these materials, providing a roadmap for their development and implementation. By elucidating the fundamental principles, synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and performance enhancement strategies, we unveil the immense potential of rare-earth metals in revolutionizing hydrogen storage. The unique electronic structure and hydrogen affinity of these elements enable diverse storage mechanisms, including chemisorption, physisorption, and hydride formation. Through rational design, nanostructuring, surface modification, and catalytic doping, the hydrogen storage capacity, kinetics, and thermodynamics of rare-earth-metal-based materials can be significantly enhanced. However, challenges such as cost, scalability, and long-term stability need to be addressed for their widespread adoption. This review not only presents a critical analysis of the state-of-the-art but also highlights the opportunities for multidisciplinary research and innovation. By harnessing the synergies between materials science, nanotechnology, and computational modeling, rare-earth-metal-based hydrogen storage materials are poised to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable hydrogen economy, ushering in a new era of clean energy solutions.

The effect of attachment systems and denture cleaning methods on microbial biomass and composition in implant-supported overdentures: an experimental study

ObjectiveThis research endeavors to scrutinize the influence of attachment systems and denture cleaning methodologies on microbial biomass and composition within the realm of implant-supported overdentures, a crucial consideration for patients with dentition defects necessitating such prosthetic solutions.Subjects and methodsEmploying five polymethyl methacrylate specimens designed to emulate the fitting surfaces of traditional dentures and implant-supported overdentures. Following the polishing of each specimen and the quantification of its roughness, co-cultivation with three distinct microbial strains ensued, culminating in ultrasonic cleaning in water. The bar-clip group, differentiated by the depth of attachment, underwent cleaning employing four diverse methods. Biomass quantities were meticulously recorded both pre and post cleaning interventions, with subsequent data analysis via t-testing and one-way ANOVA, maintaining a significance level of α = 0.05.ResultsThe bar-clip groups demonstrated an elevated degree of microbial adhesion, with the deeper locator group exhibiting heightened biomass residue post-cleaning, indicative of increased cleaning complexity. Ultrasonic cleaning predominantly targeted biofilm and deceased bacteria, whereas chemical cleaners primarily reduced the quantity of viable bacteria. The synergistic application of ultrasonics and chemical cleaning treatments yielded the minimal biomass residue.ConclusionIn contemplating the utilization of dentures milled by dental computer-aided design/manufacturing systems, meticulous pre-use surface polishing is imperative. The extent of biofilm adhesion correlates with the chosen attachment system. This study advocates for the incorporation of ultrasonic cleaning in conjunction with chemical cleaning solutions to optimize the removal of biofilm and live cellular entities in the context of implant-supported overdentures.

Numerical optimization of inorganic p-Sb2Se3/n-ZrS2 heterojunction solar cells: achieving high efficiency through SCAPS-1D simulation

p-Sb2Se3 and n-ZrS2 materials show strong potential for cost-effective photovoltaic applications. This study presents a detailed numerical analysis of p-Sb2Se3/n-ZrS2 heterojunction solar cells using SCAPS-1D, focusing on how key parameters such as layer thickness, doping density, and bandgap have affected device performance. Critical photovoltaic metrics, such as built-in voltage (Vbi), carrier lifetime, depletion width (Wd), recombination rates, and photogenerated current, were examined. Our findings demonstrate that optimizing the p-Sb2Se3 absorber layer with a 1.0 eV bandgap, 5000 nm thickness, and doping density of 1020 cm−3 leads to a maximum efficiency of 32.14%, with a fill factor (FF) of 84.57%, short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 47.61 mA cm−2, and open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.792 V. For the ZrS2 buffer layer, the best performance was achieved with a 1.2 eV bandgap, 200 nm thickness, and doping density below 1 × 1020 cm−3. These optimized parameters significantly enhanced carrier separation and minimized recombination losses, leading to improved power conversion efficiency. In addition to theoretical optimization, this study emphasizes the practical potential of these materials for real-world applications. The combination of Sb2Se3 and ZrS2 offers a low-cost fabrication process suitable for scalable commercial solar cell production while maintaining high efficiency. These results underscore the viability of p-Sb2Se3/n-ZrS2 heterojunctions as promising candidates for next-generation clean energy solutions.

Space–Time Analysis of Refueling Patterns of Alternative Fuel Vehicles Using GPS Trajectory Data and Machine Learning

ABSTRACTThe urgency to combat climate change has led countries worldwide to embrace clean energy solutions across various sectors, including transportation, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This shift is evident in the growing popularity and adoption of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), such as natural gas vehicles and electric vehicles. AFVs have significantly lower carbon footprints compared to conventional petrol‐powered vehicles with internal combustion engines. Consequently, there arises a need to gain a deeper understanding of AFV refueling demand to optimize the distribution of refueling stations. To address this, our research proposes an innovative space–time method that integrates GPS trajectory data with the support vector machine technique to accurately identify and analyze patterns in AFV refueling behavior. The results highlight distinct space–time patterns, notably the clustering of refueling activities in areas like Shuiguohu, Shouyilu, Houhu, Hanshuiqiao, Zhoutou, and Yongfeng around noon, influenced by taxi drivers' breaks. This underscores the importance of increasing staff levels at refueling stations in these areas during peak refueling periods, forming alliances with local eateries, and coordinating taxi shift hours to evenly distribute refueling demand throughout the day, ultimately reducing congestion during peak refueling periods in these areas. The proposed method by this research is applicable to urban contexts worldwide and equips policymakers and planners with a powerful tool for effective planning of future AFV refueling stations.

Direct Membrane Filtration (DMF) of municipal wastewater – A study on the prevention and remediation of fouling

Direct membrane filtration (DMF) has gained a lot of attention in recent years because of its potential to treat low-strength and low temperature wastewater, where biological based treatments are inefficient. However, fouling is a major concern which keeps this technique from being more widely used. The main aim of this study was to investigate membrane fouling, its mitigation approaches and the organic/nutrient retention during DMF of municipal wastewater by adjusting operational parameters and pretreating the sewage. In a laboratory-scale setup employing crossflow to mitigate fouling, both ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes were utilized. Physicochemical pre-treatment of sewage with polyaluminum chloride and polyamide significantly inhibited membrane fouling and improved organics/nutrient retention. Subsequent experiments with physiochemically pre-treated sewage, using microfiltration and ultrafiltration separately, revealed that (i) an increase in crossflow velocity from 1 to 2 m s −1 improved filtration performance by reducing irreversible fouling, (ii) elevating transmembrane pressure from 0.18 to 0.4 bar increased both reversible and irreversible fouling, and (iii) periodic relaxation increased the extent of irreversible fouling, contributing to higher overall fouling in ultrafiltration. When employing DMF for sewage concentration, ultrafiltration demonstrated superior filtration performance and organics retention compared to microfiltration. Furthermore, through pre-precipitation and microsieving (100 μm) followed by DMF with ultrafiltration membranes, a remarkable removal efficiency of 92 % for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 98 % for total phosphorus (TP), and 100 % for total suspended solids (TSS) was achieved. By cleaning the fouled membranes using an alkaline cleaning solution (Ultrasil-10) at 50 °C, combined with a crossflow of 1 m s−1, the permeability was completely restored. Overall, this study demonstrates that by optimizing operational settings and cleaning conditions, a sustainable DMF process for wastewater treatment with controlled membrane fouling and improved resource recovery can potentially be developed for upscaling. Short abstractThis study investigated the effectiveness of direct membrane filtration for municipal wastewater treatment. It was found that physicochemical pre-treatment with polyaluminum chloride and polyamide significantly reduced membrane fouling and improved nutrient retention. Ultrafiltration membranes demonstrated superior performance and nutrient retention compared to microfiltration membranes. By optimizing operational parameters and cleaning conditions, a sustainable direct membrane filtration process with controlled fouling and improved resource recovery can be developed for wastewater treatment.

Hyperbranched polymer wrapped UIO-66-NH2 as covalent intermediate layer to enhance polyamide membrane for Li+/Mg2+ separation and acid/alkaline stability

Herein, hyperbranched polyamide covalently wrapped UIO-66-NH2 nanoparticles (PA-UIO-66-NH2) were designed and synthesized via the in-situ self-condensation polymerization of 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid. Mixed matrix intermediate layer thus was prepared by doping it into the diazotization-coupling reaction, to tune the pore size and hydrophilic of the polysulfone (PSF) support. The interfacial polymerized polyamide (PA) nanofilm formed on modified PSF support exhibited optimized improved size exclusion and Donnan effect on separation of Li+/Mg2+. Experimental data showed that the Li+/Mg2+ separation factor (32.24 at Mg2+/Li+ ratio of 15.3) of the PA/m-PSF-2 membrane tuned with such intermediate layer reached 13.27 times that of the controlled PA/PSF-0, and surpassed some commercial PA (NF 270, DL, and DK) and literature reported membranes. Moreover, the related LiCl/water flux enhanced from 1.39 to 1.88 times compared with that of the PA/PSF-0 membrane, up to 244.25 kg m−2 h−1. Such mixed matrix intermediate layer can adsorb and isolate acidic or alkaline cleaning solutions, significantly reducing the impact of cleaning solutions on the rejection rate and water flux of the PA nanofilm during actual application. This work demonstrated that the mixed matrix covalent intermediate layer was an effective approach to construct the fine-tuned structural and robust PA nanofiltration (NF) composite membrane.

Promoting the Renewable Energy Zones by implementing the photovoltaic panels in an industrial building

Abstract Environmental protection depends on energy production and use, which are responsible for ∼94% of carbon emissions. The lack of sufficient energy resources has led EU countries to alternatives for Green Energy production. Albania’s national response to climate change has been limited to some small changes mainly in the sector of the integrated water and environmental management legislation. However, in terms of changing the energy law, no effort has been made to prioritize green energy production. Doing so it is expected to contribute to the overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the integration of clean energy solutions. The paper is referred to a specific case study focused on renewable energy using photovoltaic panels in an industrial building in Saranda, as the city with the most hours of sunshine per year in Albania. To support renewable energy initiatives, it is being emphasized with the help of statistical methods that Saranda has strong potential to invest in energy production through solar panels, which give rise to long-term renewable energy solutions. In summary, there are being identified three main factors that seemed to contribute to the results of national renewable energy solutions: 1) Creating renewable energy zones, 2) Installing solar panels for electricity generation 3) Enforcing regulations. In such conditions when energy of any kind is the most demanded product, green energy is the best way to manage it. It is being used in any country, but especially in Albania, which has a high average of sunny days, compared to other European countries, is an immediate requirement and, as such it should be stripped of it all useless bureaucracies to enable a higher production of it, even with state subsidies. But development will also have to overcome the above issue by adapting to energy production in small units where bureaucratic hurdles are even smaller.

Large Eddy simulation on the Lead-Bismuth Eutectic jet at reactor core outlet

The Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) Cooled Fast Reactor (LFR) represents a promising Generation-IV technology, anticipated to offer a sustainable, safe, and clean energy solution. LBE fluid from LFR assemblies varies in temperature, causing violent temperature oscillations during the jet mixing that may contribute to structural fatigue, threatening LFR safety. This study focuses on investigating the critical thermal–hydraulic phenomena occurring at the core outlet of the LFR by modeling the assembly head in a realistic reactor configuration. Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is employed to explore the LBE jet characteristics in a three-head model with varying inlet parameters. The analysis includes the fluctuation patterns of both the flow and temperature fields downstream of the assembly head. The results show that the influence area of the assembly head is mainly in the range of about 0–175 mm downstream of the outlet of the assembly head. The temperature fluctuation frequency is the highest near the assembly head, typically within 20 Hz, and the temperature fluctuation frequency in other areas is lower. These findings provide valuable insights for designing LFRs and understanding the flow and heat transfer behavior of liquid metals.

Revealing the mechanism of bifunctional PtLa electrocatalyst for highly efficient methanol oxidation, hydrogen evolution, and coupling reaction

The development of clean energy solutions, such as fuel cells and hydrogen energy, is crucial for addressing the global energy shortage. Platinum (Pt)-based catalysts are widely used in fuel cells and hydrogen energy generation (for example, via water electrolysis). However, reducing the amount of Pt used while maintaining the catalytic performance of such catalysts is essential. Herein, PtLa catalysts (PtxLay/C) doped with rare earth element lanthanum (La) with different Pt/La atomic ratios were synthesized using a simple chemical reduction method, resulting in Pt65La35/C, Pt78La22/C, Pt97La3/C, and Pt100/C. These PtxLay/C catalysts exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability in methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and their coupling reaction as MOR||HER under alkaline conditions. The mechanism by which La doping enhances the electrocatalytic properties and stability of Pt-based catalysts was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-STEM), in-situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and operando Raman spectroscopy. For HER, La doping facilitated the adsorption and activation of H2O at Pt sites, improving water dissociation and *OH desorption and reducing Pt poisoning by *OH. This enhances both the catalytic performance and stability of PtxLay/C for HER. Pt78La22/C exhibited a considerably lower overpotential of only 111 mV at 100 mA cm−2 compared to commercial 20 wt% Pt/C (Pt/C-Johnson Matthey (JM)), which requires 153 mV. For MOR, La promotes CO bond cleavage and reduces CO adsorption at the Pt sites, thereby enhancing both the performance and stability of the catalysts. The mass activity (MA) of Pt78La22/C for MOR is 4.44 A mg−1Pt, which is 12.33 times higher than that of Pt/C-JM (0.36 A/mgPt), and surpasses those of Pt65La35/C, Pt97La3/C, and Pt100/C (2.93, 0.24, and 2.91 A mg−1Pt, respectively). Additionally, Pt78La22/C exhibited outstanding catalytic performance for MOR||HER, with a current density of 20 mA cm−2 at 1.030 V, demonstrating good stability with negligible voltage changes after a 15 h chronoamperometry (CA) testing. This study provides a new strategy for synthesizing Pt-based catalysts with enhanced efficiency and low-energy input for HER||MOR.

Phase equilibria and guest gas occupancy characteristics of H2-DIOX sII hydrates based on calorimetric and Raman analysis

Hydrogen (H2) as the most abundant element offers a clean energy solution for a sustainable future. Thermodynamic hydrate promoters can enhance hydrate-based H2 storage under mild pressure conditions. 1,3-dioxolane (DIOX) as a low-toxicity promoter has attracted attention for its potential to improve H2 hydrate kinetics. However, the phase equilibria of H2-DIOX in the presence of DIOX and its thermodynamic promotion mechanism are not fully elaborated and warrant thorough investigation. In this study, the phase equilibria of H2-DIOX hydrates were measured for DIOX concentrations (CDIOX) ranging from 2.0 mol% to 5.56 mol%. The equilibrium temperature of H2-DIOX hydrate shifted rightward by 2.3 K at 15.0 MPa for 5.56 mol% DIOX compared to 2.0 mol% DIOX. The measured thermodynamic data were validated by fitting the H2-DIOX hydrate phase equilibira using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. The cage occupancy of H2 and DIOX in H2-DIOX sII hydrates was revealed through Raman spectroscopy and DSC thermal analysis. Two types of hydrates (DIOX and H2-DIOX) were observed for all CDIOX. Single H2 molecules were enclathrated in the 512 cages of H2-DIOX hydrates and increasing CDIOX effectively enhanced DIOX molecules enclathration in the 51264 cages but had limited effect on the H2 molecules in the 512 cages. The findings of this study provide fundametnal thermodynamic data and cage occupancy charateristics for H2-DIOX sII hydrates below 15.0 MPa. The results provide guidance on the optimal thermodynamic promoter concentrations for future large-scale hydrate-based H2 storage application.

Application of surfactants for the resolution of emulsions and suspensions in slop oil storage tanks, cleaning, and final disposal

AbstractIn order to provide environmental solutions for the treatment of oily residues (slop oil) from refineries, formulations with surfactants were proposed according to the type of dispersed system of the slop (crude oil emulsified with water and/or solid particles). Samples were collected in 12 tanks located at the Oxialquilados Venezolanos C.A., Barcelona Plant (Anzoátegui, Venezuela), performing physicochemical tests for the identification of the dispersed system (solubility, wettability, stability, water content) and microscopic observations (morphology and particle size). The results indicated heterogeneous slop samples with a water content of 2%–60% vol/vol consisting of single or multiple emulsions, with droplet sizes between approximately 10 and 30 micron; others formed by sludge or suspension (solids/oil/water). For the destabilization of these systems, aqueous and organic cleaning solutions were designed, determining the percentage of oil separated in the bottle tests at optimal and simulated field conditions. Field tests with volume scaling of the slop tank reported efficiencies of 63%, 85%, and 100% when treating the slop TK‐17, TK‐36, EE, respectively; for the mixture (Pulmon‐2) an efficiency of 47%. By combining heat treatment and two demulsifiers was possible to treat the slop TK‐17 (multiple emulsion). A considerable volume of water can be drained from the tanks for use in the plant. In conclusion, the surfactant formulas were effective in the recovery of a significant amount of crude oil, making it feasible to return it to the generating entity.

Advances of Perovskite Solar Cells

To address the challenge posed by the growing global energy demand, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) present a sustainable and clean solution with the advantage of low cost, high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and easy processing features [...]

Influence of various cleaning solutions on the geometry, roughness, gloss, hardness, and flexural strength of 3D-printed zirconia

This study aimed to investigate the impact of various cleaning solutions on the geometry, roughness, gloss, hardness, and flexural strength of 3D-printed zirconia. Cleaning solutions, including isopropyl alcohol (IPA, 99.9%), ethyl alcohol (EtOH, 99.9%), and tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM, ≥ 97.5%), were diluted to a concentration of 70% and categorized into six groups: IPA99, EtOH99, TPM97, IPA70, EtOH70, and TPM70. Zirconia discs, printed via digital light processing, were sintered after cleaning. The geometry, roughness, gloss, hardness, and flexural strength were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). The thickness of TPM70 was the highest. The diameter of TPM70 was significantly larger than that of EtOH99 and IPA70 (p < 0.05). The weight of the TPM groups was significantly higher than that of IPA70 (p < 0.05). The roughness Ra of TPM70 was significantly greater than that of IPA99, EtOH99, and EtOH70 (p < 0.05). The differences in surface gloss, hardness, and flexural strength among the different groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Different cleaning solutions did not affect the surface gloss, hardness, and flexural strength of 3D-printed zirconia. High and low concentrations of the same cleaning solution did not affect the surface gloss, hardness, and flexural strength. IPA70, TPM97, and EtOH can be considered viable post-printing cleaning alternatives to the traditional gold standard, IPA99.

Photoelectrochemical Technology for Solar Fuel: Green Hydrogen, Carbon Dioxide Capture, and Ammonia Production

AbstractPhotoelectrochemical (PEC) technology is a promising strategy that can directly convert sunlight into chemical energy. Direct solar water splitting through the PEC process is a desirable method for green hydrogen (H2) production. This technology has also the potential to capture CO2 and convert it into fuels using sunlight and water, besides converting N2 and H2O to produce ammonia (NH3), which acts as transportable H2 storage. The cracking of NH3 to produce H2 can also be accomplished using PEC technology. Despite improved PEC performance having been shown, stability, efficiency, and scalability issues still need to be resolved. Even so, PEC technology has much potential as a clean and sustainable solution for addressing global energy and environmental challenges.