Decrease In Transmittance Research Articles

Comparative study of dynamic thermal performance of photovoltaic double skin façades influenced by glass transmittance and natural ventilation

As a promising facade technology for building energy efficiency, the overall performance of double skin façade integrated with semi-transparent photovoltaic glass (STPV-DSF) was affected by multiple factors. The combined effects of two important factors, namely glass transmittance (τ) and natural ventilation, on the dynamic thermophysical behaviors of STPV-DSF were investigated in detail. Three parallel DSF cells, including two STPV-DSFs (τ = 20% and τ = 40%) and one clear glass DSF, combined with three ventilation modes (i.e. non-ventilation, external circulation and noontime external-internal circulation) were adopted for in-situ experiments on a test rig in both summer and winter. Results showed that both factors would affect the solar heat transmission through DSFs and the influence of natural ventilation was not as significant as that of glass transmittance in summer daytime. The influence of natural ventilation on thermal transmittance became more significant during nighttime, causing lower U-values. The lowest SHGC was achieved by τ = 20% STPV-DSF under external circulation in summer of merely 0.053 and the highest was for the clear glass DSF with non-ventilation in winter of 0.534. By employing the external-internal circulation only around noontime in winter, fresh air was preheated through the cavity to a temperature of 22–27 °C, which can be introduced indoors without increasing the heating load. Impact of lowered operation temperature of CdTe PV modules by natural ventilation on the improvement of power output efficiency was found insignificant. The energy efficiency potential of STPV-DSF may be weakened with the decrease of glass transmittance regarding the accentuated imbalance of the reduced cooling load and the increased heating load between the two seasons compared with that of the clear glass DSF.

64‐4: Invited Paper: High Contrast Ratio ADS LCD Using Negative Liquid Crystal Material

Mini‐LED technology is becoming a mainly driving force in the development of LCD industry. Only using excellent spatial viewing angle characteristics, high picture quality and high contrast ratio LCD panel, Mini‐LED can maximize its effectiveness in improving image quality and has the strength to challenge the dominance of OLED in the high‐end market. As we known, ADS technology belongs to plane field switching display mode, taking into account the excellent wide‐angle characteristics and excellent image quality, has been widely used in mobile phone, tablet, notebook, monitor and TV, the only shortcoming is the low contrast ratio (CR), just at 1000‐1200:1. This paper aims to introduce the development of ultra‐high contrast ADS LCD panel and its implementation method. By using low scattering coefficient negative liquid crystal, fine rubbing alignment process, and fine calibrated POL attachment process, an ultra‐high contrast ratio of CR 3000‐3500:1 is achieved for the first time on ADS panel. The slow response time of negative liquid crystal is improved by balancing the operating voltage (Vop) and adjusting the Cell gap, while the decrease in transmittance caused by lower Cell gap can be overcome by the spectral aperture pixel (SAP) design. All the techniques described in this paper are applicable to various types of plane field switching panels. The paper also concludes with a discussion and outlook on how to further improve the contrast ratio of ADS‐like panel.

Effects of irradiance and nitrate on photosynthesis in the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa

The effects of temperature, irradiance, and other environmental variables on photosynthesis in seagrasses are well understood. However, little information is available regarding the effects of the nitrate concentration in seawater on the photosynthetic characteristics of marine vegetation. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of the nitrate concentration in seawater on the effective quantum yield of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa. Cymodocea nodosa shoots were incubated under different irradiance levels and with different nitrate concentrations. In contrast, a decrease in transmittance and an exponential increase in the absorptance of the shoots were observed as a function of increasing nitrate levels. Furthermore, the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) in C. nodosa shoots increased exponentially as the nitrate concentration in the media increased. The ΦPSII values in the shoots decreased as irradiance increased and reached minimum values at solar noon or 2 h afterward. However, the decrease of ΦPSII values was 4-fold greater in shoots incubated under full solar radiation (100% natural incident irradiance, Eo) compared to those of shoots incubated with 20% Eo. The ΦPSII values decreased to almost zero in shoots pre-incubated with no nitrate (0 μM NO3–), whereas ΦPSII values in shoots pre incubated with 25 and 100 μM NO3– decreased by approximately 25% of their initial values. Collectively, these results indicate that nitrogen levels in seawater regulate the effective quantum yield values of C. nodosa, which suggests that the photosynthetic characteristics of this seagrass might be regulated by fluctuating nitrate levels in the water column such as those that are observed in upwelling regions.

Novel phosphorus-free and core–shell structured ZIF-67 for simultaneously endowing epoxy resin with excellent fire safety, corrosion and UV resistance

Two novel and eco-friendly phosphorus-free ZIF-based core–shell nanomaterials were prepared and employed to enhance fire safety of epoxy resins (EPs), which interestingly possessed both anti-corrosion and UV resistance properties. ZIF-based nanomaterials were firstly constructed by growing zinc hydroxystannate (ZHS) on surface of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) to generate core by a simple etching method (ZIF-67@ZHS), and the sol–gel technique was then used to form shells on the surfaces (ZIF-67@ZHS@TiO2 and ZIF-67@ZHS@SiO2). After incorporation of the prepared nanomaterials into the EP, the introduced TiO2 and SiO2 shells effectively weakened the negative impact on the EP matrix because of abundant metallic elements exposed by the ZIF-67@ZHS core. In particular, the EP composite sample (EP/5ZIF-67@ZHS@SiO2) with the addition of 5 wt% ZIF-67@ZHS@SiO2 showed a better cone calorimeter combustion test result with a 32.0 % reduction in peak heat release rate (PHRR) compared to pure EP. Additionally, the EP composites containing 5 wt% ZIF-67@ZHS@TiO2 and ZIF-67@ZHS@SiO2 demonstrated a significant reduction in the release of toxic gases, specifically the peak CO production (COP) decreased by 17.2 % and 34.5 % relative to pure EP, respectively. Besides, both EP/5ZIF-67@ZHS@TiO2 and EP/5ZIF-67@ZHS@SiO2 coatings showed an order of magnitude improvement in impedance modulus at 0.01 Hz compared to pure EP, with EP/5ZIF-67@ZHS@SiO2 exhibiting no significant decline over 15 days. In addition, all EP composites containing modified ZIF-67 showed a decrease in UV transmittance, especially the UV transmittance of EP/5ZIF-67@ZHS@TiO2 between 350 - 400 nm decreased to below 1.8 %. This preparation strategy exhibits prominent potentials in application as a multifunctional advanced epoxy composite.

In-orbit recalibration of Longwave Infrared Camera onboard Akatsuki

Akatsuki has been in operation since Venus orbit insertion-revenge 1 (VOI-R1) in December 2015 and has been making observations of Venus’ cloud-top temperature with Longwave Infrared Camera (LIR) since the start of nominal observations in April 2016. LIR was originally designed to maintain its performance for at least 4 years after the VOI originally planned in December 2010. Although the operation time of LIR has exceeded its designed lifetime as of August 2022, it is still functioning normally. The mechanical shutter plate has been kept at a normal temperature and used as a hot reference in determining the brightness temperature of objects when in the closed position. Since the observed temperature of the background deep space is merely a value representing the output for no radiation input, it should be the same in any observation. This was around 180 K just after the launch of Akatsuki in May 2010; however, it has gradually increased to approximately 200 K by February 2022. Average Venus disk temperatures also show a slight increasing trend. The increases of the background and Venus’ disk temperatures are most likely due to degradation of the sensitivity of the bolometer array used in LIR as an image sensor. These temperatures have apparently been increasing since LIR was activated in October 2016. While LIR is activated, the bolometer temperature is kept at 40 °C and a moderate baking effect may have accelerated degassing in the bolometer package, and the resulting increase of thermal conductivity or decrease of transmittance of the window contaminated by evaporated components may have degraded the sensitivity of the bolometer. A sensitivity degradation of 5% from October 2016 to February 2022 is estimated from the increasing trend of the background temperature. A correction has been made to the LIR data to keep the background temperature constant. The corrected data show no increasing trend in either the background or Venus’ disk temperature. The corrected data are open to the public as a more reliable dataset for investigating the long-term variability of thermal condition at cloud-top altitudes.Graphical

Theoretical study on the optical properties of a phase change material blind in a double skin facade system

The use of a phase change material (PCM) blind system has great potential in mitigating overheating issues in double skin facade (DSF) systems while maintaining their optical and thermal benefits. However, there is a lack of research information available regarding the optical properties of such systems. This paper establishes a solar radiation model of PCM blinds for use in a DSF system that integrates the optical path of sunlight. The influences of the solar incidence angle, slat inclination angle, the ratio of slat distance to slat width, and slat surface material on the optical coefficient of the blind system are analyzed. The results indicate slat inclination angle significantly affects diffuse absorptance and diffuse transmittance, while solar incidence angle has little impact. Diffuse absorptance gradually increases with increasing slat inclination angle, reaching a peak at 90°, while diffuse transmittance decreases. The optical coefficient of the blind is closely related to the ratio of slat distance to slat width. The smaller the slat inclination angle, the more noticeable the difference in absorptance or transmittance of direct/diffuse solar radiation. The reflectance of the blind surface material has a significant effect on the optical coefficient. As the reflectance of the slat surface material increases, both direct absorptance and diffuse absorptance of the slat show a decreasing trend. Our results suggest that this method could be used for optical properties measurement in PCM blind system. The results of this study provide effective references for the final selection of PCM and the estimation of component dosage.

CuInS2 Nanocrystals Embedded PMMA Composite Films: Adjustment of Polymer Molecule Weights and Application in Remote-Type White LEDs.

The commercial application of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals has been realized owing to the development of composite film technology. Here, we demonstrated the fabrication of green and red emissive CuInS2 nanocrystals embedded polymer composite films of equal thickness by using a precise solution casting method. The impacts of polymer molecular weight on the dispersibility of CuInS2 nanocrystals were then systematically studied through evaluating the decrease in transmittance and red shift of emission wavelength. The composite films made from PMMA of small molecular weights exhibited higher transmittance. Applications of these green and red emissive composite films as color converters in remote-type light-emitting devices were further demonstrated.

Changes in canopy microclimate of faba bean under intercropping at controlled nitrogen levels and their correlation with crop yield.

The relationship between the microclimate of the intercropping faba bean canopy and yield, and its response to nitrogen application, was studied in the crop canopy to clarify that intercropping and nitrogen application changed the microclimate of the faba bean canopy and affected the yield. In field experiments in Eshan and Xundian, the growth index, light transmittance, interception rate of photosynthetic effective radiation, temperature, relative humidity, and yield of the faba bean were determined using three planting methods (wheat monoculture, faba bean monoculture, and wheat-faba bean intercropping) and four nitrogen application levels, N0 (0 kg/hm2 ), N1 (45 kg/hm2 ), N2 (90 kg/hm2 ), and N3 (180 kg/hm2 ). The results showed that the application of nitrogen improved the growth index of monoculture and intercropping broad beans significantly, reduced the canopy light transmittance and temperature significantly, and increased the interception rate and relative humidity of photosynthetic effective radiation significantly. Compared with N0, the yield of broad bean in both places was the highest in N1, which increased by 14% (Eshan) and 15% (Xundian). Multiple linear stepwise regression and path analysis showed that the decrease in canopy light transmittance during the faba bean pod-setting stage and the interception rate of photosynthetic effective radiation during pod-bulging stage, caused by excessive nitrogen application, were the main climatic and ecological factors limiting the increase in the intercropping faba bean yield in Eshan and Xundian respectively. The optimum nitrogen application rate recommended in production is 45kg/hm2 , to reduce the nitrogen application rate and maximize the productivity of the wheat and faba bean system. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Preparation of Nanofluids from Inorganic Nanostructures Doped PEG: Characteristics and Energy Storage Applications

Polymeric nanocomposites have drawn a lot of interest when it comes to innovative materials because of their enhanced optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. These materials have a high rising modulus, are flame resistant, and may also halt oxidation and agglomeration. These improvements in properties are related to interactions between nanoparticles and polymers. The addition of nanoparticles to polymers prolongs their life, changes their surface via passivation defect levels, and provides low cost, simple device manufacture, as well as adjustable electrical and optical properties. This study examines the properties and potential uses of nanofluids made from inorganic nanostructures doped with PEG. The results demonstrate that when the concentration of ZrO2/SiC NPs increased to 12wt%, the electrical conductivity of nanofluids increased by roughly 43.6%. Additionally, when the concentration of ZrO2/SiC nanoparticles increases, the melting time reduces. Additionally, when the concentration of ZrO2/SiC NPs increases from 3 weight percent to 12 weight percent within 15 minutes, the growth of melting time reaches 51.2%, and the absorbance increases by approximately 80.3% while transmittance decreases by about 82.5%.

Metafilms for visible and infrared compatible camouflage of high-temperature targets

With the rapid development of multispectral detection, infrared and visible compatible camouflage becomes necessary. Metafilms with dielectric/metal/dielectric (D/M/D) structures can be highly transparent in visible band (380 ∼ 780 nm) and highly reflective in infrared atmospheric windows (3 ∼ 5 μm, 8 ∼ 14 μm). The metafilm can be deposited on the equipment surface, and the high visible transmittance can make the original camouflage coating continue to achieve visible camouflage, while the low infrared emissivity can inhibit the infrared signal to achieve infrared camouflage. Compatible camouflage is urgently needed by high-temperature targets such as exhaust pipes and engine cabins. Therefore, the thermal stability of multilayer structure is very important. In this study, a D/M/D-structured metafilm with improved thermal performance is proposed. Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) is selected as the material of the dielectric layers due to good thermal stability, and high visible transmittance is realized through the mechanism of admittance matching. Ag is selected as the material of the metal layer to increase infrared reflectance. The metafilm with the structure of AZO/Ag/AZO is rigorously designed and fabricated. The results from Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and spectrophotometer show that the integrated visible transmittance and infrared emissivity at room temperature is higher than 0.87 and lower than 0.05, respectively. The camouflage performance of the metafilm is demonstrated on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The camouflage performance of metafilm samples at 20 ∼ 140 °C is tested on a model cabin. The metafilm does not affect the original camouflage coating, so it can achieve visible camouflage. The radiation temperature of the metafilm is approximately 80 °C lower than that of the control surface, and the infrared signature is significantly attenuated. In order to further investigate the thermal stability and thermal fatigue resistance of the metafilm, metafilm deposited on quartz substrate is continuously heated and periodically heated at different temperatures. It is found that the sample can withstand continuous heating at 450 °C for 4 h or repeated heating for 20 cycles. SEM (scanning electron microscope) and EDS (energy dispersive spectrometer) scanning shows that if heated at higher temperature or for more cycles, the AZO layer becomes blocky, and the proportion of Ag and O changes significantly. This leads to the decrease of visible transmittance and the increase of infrared emissivity of samples.

Nonanal Gas Sensors Using Porous Glass as a Reaction Field for Ammonia-Catalyzed Aldol Condensation.

Transmittance in porous-glass gas sensors, which use aldol condensation of vanillin and nonanal as the detection mechanism for nonanal, decreases because of the production of carbonates by the sodium hydroxide catalyst. In this study, the reasons for the decrease in transmittance and the measures to overcome this issue were investigated. Alkali-resistant porous glass with nanoscale porosity and light transparency was employed as a reaction field in a nonanal gas sensor using ammonia-catalyzed aldol condensation. In this sensor, the gas detection mechanism involves measuring the changes in light absorption of vanillin arising from aldol condensation with nonanal. Furthermore, the problem of carbonate precipitation was solved with the use of ammonia as the catalyst, which effectively resolves the issue of reduced transmittance that occurs when a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide, is used as a catalyst. Additionally, the alkali-resistant glass exhibited solid acidity because of the incorporated SiO2 and ZrO2 additives, which supported approximately 50 times more ammonia on the glass surface for a longer duration than a conventional sensor. Moreover, the detection limit obtained from multiple measurements was approximately 0.66 ppm. In summary, the developed sensor exhibits a high sensitivity to minute changes in the absorbance spectrum because of the reduction in the baseline noise of the matrix transmittance.

The study of the Resultant of Attenuation in laser Radiance by Humidity Effecting on using two Types of water

This research sheds the light on the effects of one weather factors the humidity which are got from vaporing two rinds of water Tigress water and distilled water so they affect laser beams transmittance and change of humidity ranges. The laser of continuous CO2 with wave length 10.6 µm with power reads 0.8 mw and the laser of He-Ne laser with wave length of 632 nm with power reads 2.04 mw The beams of laser in the cell attenuation and measuring laser by using power sensor 's then using the effect factors after going on 2m. Then transmittance decrease with high humidity . The relation between transmittance ranges for beams of laser and humidity depend on spectrum of water vapor absorption, wave light of lasers, powers of. Therefore the effect of humidity that is got by vaporing water that this process becomes more effective on, the transmittance of laser than using other kinds of water. The reason is that, rivers water contains many melted elements which may vapor through increasing temperature to boiling and eventually it affects transmittance.

The effect of deposition cycles on structural, morphological, optical and gas detection properties of Mg doped ZnO thin films

In this study, Mg doped ZnO thin films were successfully prepared using the modified SILAR approach throughout various numbers of deposition cycles. XRD data shows the prepared films have a ZnO wurtzite hexagonal structure. The crystalline size and crystallinity were found to be increased by increasing the number of deposition cycles. FESEM showed there are nanoparticles and nanorods on the surface, with random distribution in the case of the sample synthesized with 30 cycles, while the agglomeration of nanoparticles to form a maize-like structure and flower-like morphology was predominant in the case of the sample with 40 cycles. The UV-VIS transmittance spectra showed a decrease in transmittance by increasing the number of deposition cycles, and the increment of energy band gap by increasing the number of deposition cycles was found. The response of the samples towards NO2 gas at 200 °C operating temperature was found to be enhanced in the case of the sample prepared at 40 cycles as compared to the sample prepared at 30 cycles.

Synergic Effect of CdS Nano Additives and UV Exposure on Properties of PVA/CdS Nanocomposite

PVA/CdS nanocomposites with varying amounts of CdS NPs in PVA were synthesized by chemical reduction method and these were UV irradiation for different time. Absorption peak around 450 nm observed in these films indicates presence of CdS NPs in PVA. UV irradiation causes red shift in wavelength in absorption spectra which suggests increase of particle size after UV exposure. Decrease in transmittance of PVA after embedding NPs and further with UV exposure suggests that these can be used for UV-blocking devices. Band gap of PVA was noticed to decrease with increase in amount of NPs and UV exposure time. Increase in refractive index of PVA after embedding CdS NPs was observed which further increases with increasing concentration of NPs and with increase of UV exposure. Structural induced changes in PVA after embedding NPs and with UV exposure were analyzed by FTIR. FE-SEM and EDS analysis confirmed presence and distribution of NPs. Photoluminescence spectrum exhibits quantum confinement effect of CdS NPs embedded in polymer matrix. Thermal nature of nanocomposite films was investigated by DSC and TG. Dependence of electrical parameters on concentration of NPs and UV exposure time were studied and explained on the basis of formation charge-transfer complexes inside matrix.

Cross-linked films based on N-hydrophobic-O-hydrophilic chitosan derivatives: Preparation, properties and application in banana storage

Two kinds of N -hydrophobic-O-hydrophilic chitosan derivatives, N-2-hydroxypropyl-3-butyl ether-O-carboxymethyl chitosan (HBCC) and N-2-hydroxypropyl-3-(2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether)-O-carboxymethyl chitosan (H2ECC) were synthesized and cross-linked with glutaraldehyde to prepare HBCC and H2ECC films. The properties of the cross-linked films, including microstructure, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, swelling property, light transmission, wettability, thermal stability, antibacterial property, and biocompatibility were characterized. The uncross-linked HBCC and H2ECC films were used as controls. The results showed that the cross-linked films had tight structures, low water vapor permeability, strong water resistance, high UV light resistance, a slight decrease in visible light transmittance, and a small contact angle. The cross-linked films showed strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli , non-toxicity to endothelial cells, and good biodegradability. Also, the cross-linked films can effectively prolong the fresh-keeping time of bananas by delaying the formation of soluble polysaccharides and malondialdehyde (MDA) in bananas. These results indicate that HBCC and H2ECC cross-linked filmsare potential biodegradable materials for fruit preservation. • The 3D internal structure improves Glu cross-linked film physical properties. • The films show nontoxicity, strong antibacterial properties. • The degradation degrees of the films are more than 63% at 35th day. • The films extend fresh life of bananas by 6 days at room temperature.

ZnO/Ag multilayer for enhancing the catalytic activity against 4-nitrophenol

A multilayer thin film from zinc oxide and silver (ZnO/Ag multilayer thin film) has been synthesized via the technique of pulsed infrared laser deposition at 600 °C to be used as a portable catalyst for the degradation of 4-nitrophenol. The multilayer thin film was formed by two steps; the first one was making a thin film with a 300 nm thickness, followed by a 100 nm thin film from Ag, which was characterized by different characterization techniques. The XRD data demonstrated the presence of hexagonal Ag on ZnO in the formation of ZnO thin films and ZnO/Ag thin films. Also, it showed that crystallite size is decreasing as the Ag concentration rises because of the difference in atomic radius between Zn and Ag atoms in the crystal structure formation of ZnO coated with Ag. The crystal quality of ZnO and Ag was evaluated using photoluminescence (PL). The optical investigation showed the decrease in transmittance after coating ZnO film with Ag was due to ZnO films including more voids than ZnO/Ag films. From SEM images, the morphology of ZnO films was modified by the appearance of brilliant spots, which was related to the coating of the Ag layer as confirmed by elemental analysis. Then, based on the findings of catalytic experiments against 4-nitrophenol, the ZnO/Ag multilayer thin film shows an exceptional potential enhancement in compared to that of ZnO thin film.

The size effect on the optical-electrical properties of Cu2S/CdS thin film towards the performance on Ag/p-Cu2S/n-CdS/ATO heterojunction diode

Here we report, room temperature deposition of Cu2S/CdS thin film on antimony doped tin oxide(ATO) substrate through spray pyrolysis and dip coating technique. The effect of size on the deposited Cu2S/CdS thin films and its heterojunction parameters are extensively investigated. The sizes of the thin film are estimated through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The optical properties of the Cu2S/CdS thin film are studied using UV–Vis–NIR spectrometer. It is found that increase in the size, the transmittance decreases, consequently the band-gap energy decreases from 2.92eV to 2.86eV. The refractive index and the dielectric constant are calculated from the optical measurements. In addition, the dispersion of the refractive index is discussed in terms of the Wemple-DiDomenico single-oscillator model. The oscillator parameters such as optical dispersion energies, dielectric constant, the average value of oscillator strength, wavelength of single oscillator, plasma frequency and lattice energy are evaluated. To examine the size-dependent electrical parameters of Cu2S/CdS thin film, high-quality vacuum evaporated silver (Ag) is used as front contact. The current-voltage (I–V) curves of the Ag/p-Cu2S/n-CdS/ATO/glass heterojunction device are measured under dark mode at standard testing conditions (STC). The dark measurements of the fabricated device are investigated through the conventional I–V method, Norde method, and Cheung method. It is observed that the potential height of the heterojunction device decreases from 0.89 to 0.76 with an increment of the size of Cu2S/CdS thin films. It is observed that the size strongly influenced the diode parameters viz. ideality factor, saturation current, barrier height, series, and shunt resistance performance.

An enhanced system for the combined seismic and energy retrofit of masonry buildings

The Italian existing building stock is characterized by low-performance levels in terms of energy efficiency and seismic safety. The development of retrofit solutions fulfilling both targets is therefore of strong interest, as proven by a series of fiscal incentives recently approved, in Italy, to encourage the implementation of both energy and seismic intervention. Nevertheless, energy and seismic retrofitting techniques often present specific features that make it difficult to pursue both objectives. In this framework, an innovative solution is proposed, focused on the enhancement of unreinforced masonry buildings using expanded-clay blocks infill walls. Expanded-clay block walls technique has proven to provide excellent energy performance and ensure high seismic safety in new buildings. This technique's feasibility and efficiency as a retrofit solution were analysed when applied to a representative case-study building, analysed in the current condition and after the application of the retrofit system. Dynamic thermal simulations were carried out to evaluate the hygrothermal performance, showing a general decrease in the overall thermal transmittance and an improvement in the indoor thermal comfort for the retrofitted configuration. The seismic behaviour was assessed according to actual standards, showing an increased capacity of the building towards horizontal actions post-retrofit application.

Effect of precursor concentration on stoichiometry and optical properties of spray pyrolyzed nanostructured NiO thin films

In this study, spray pyrolysis was used to produce nanostructured NiO thin films from high purity nickel acetate (Ni(CH3COO)2.3H2O) precursors on pre-heated ultrasonically cleaned soda-lime glass substrates. The metallic constituent concentrations in the films were varied, and the precursors were produced in distilled water at various molarities ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 M. In the study, the field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) results strongly confirmed adherence of the films to the glass substrate at 350 °C. The presence of Ni and O in the samples was confirmed using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). For the 0.1 M NiO thin films, the thickness was approximately 43 nm, and for the 0.2 M, 0.3 M, and 0.4 M films, the thickness was 46 nm, 47 nm, and 49 nm, respectively. The XRD findings were supported by the increased Raman intensity peaks with increased precursor concentration, which confirmed the films' improved crystallinity. For the same number of passes of films deposition, as the molar concentration increases, the films thickness increases. The amount of nickel in NiO thin films increases as the molarity increases, but the amount of oxygen in NiO thin films decreases as the molarity increases. It was discovered that as molarity increases, the optical transmittance decreases and the optical band gap narrows. The qualities of NiO discovered in this study suggest the films’ potentials for usage as window layer and buffer material in thin film solar cells.

Characteristics of inceptisol ameliorated with rice husk biochar to glyphosate adsorption

<p>As an ameliorant, rice husk biochar (RHB) can improve soil quality and long-term carbon absorption and interaction with glyphosate during adsorption. This study investigated the ability of Inceptisol ameliorated with RHB to absorb glyphosate. Inceptisol ameliorated with 40<sup>-t</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup> RHB increased the soil surface charge (ΔpH) by improving soil pH H<sub>2</sub>O, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and soil organic matter. Linear and nonlinear models showed that fitting Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms is suitable for this study. The isotherm adsorption of glyphosate sequentially occurs in the Freundlich and Langmuir models (Inceptisol + 40<sup>-t</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup> RHB > Inceptisol), where the Freundlich model (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.938) is dominated by glyphosate adsorption on Inceptisol + 40<sup>-t</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup> RHB with n of 0.46 and KF of 1.747 mg kg<sup>-1</sup>, whereas the Langmuir model (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.8608) with Qm of 30.01 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> and KL of 0.08 L mg<sup>-1</sup> at a concentration level of 100 ppm and pH of the glyphosate solution 5.20 units. The glyphosate adsorption was also supported by changes in functional groups, where Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows a decrease in transmittance in the O-H; C=C; C-O; C-H, and mineral groups, indicating an increase in the adsorption capacity in Inceptisol ameliorated with 40<sup>-t</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup> RHB. This study indicated that the physicochemical properties of Inceptisol are important in controlling the glyphosate adsorption ability of RHB in soils.</p>