Homogeneous Light Distribution Research Articles

Design a novel internally illuminated mirror photobioreactor to improve microalgae production through homogeneous light distribution

In this study, a novel internally illuminated mirror photobioreactor (IIM-PBR) was designed to improve microalgae biomass production through providing a homogenous light distribution in cultivation medium. The performance of the IIM-PBR was compared with internally illuminated control photobioreactor (IIC-PBR) and externally illuminated control photobioreactor (EIC-PBR) in terms of cell growth, wastewater treatment and bioproducts generation. Compared with the IIC-PBR and EIC-PBR, the IIM-PBR increased microalgae growth rate up to 60 % and 30%, respectively. Municipal wastewater treatment revealed that the IIM-PBR could significantly improve nutrients removal as the final removal efficiencies of 90%, 95% and 90% were obtained for nitrate, phosphate and COD, respectively. Moreover, the IIM-PBR increased the total bioproducts production by 89% and 46% compared to in the IIC-PBR and EIC-PBR, respectively. Based on the energy consumption calculation, the mirror's light-reflective properties of the IIM-PBR resulted in a significant reduction of total energy consumption (∼10 times).

Multicompartment polymeric colloids from functional precursor Microgel: Synthesis in continuous process

Raspberry-like poly(oligoethylene methacrylate-b-N-vinylcaprolactam)/polystyrene (POEGMA-b-PVCL/PS) patchy particles (PPs) and complex colloidal particle clusters (CCPCs) were fabricated in two-, and one-step (cascade) flow process. Surfactant-free, photo-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation transfer (RAFT) precipitation polymerization (Photo-RPP) was used to develop internally cross-linked POEGMA-b-PVCL microgels with narrow size distribution. Resulting microgel particles were then used to stabilize styrene seed droplets in water, producing raspberry-like PPs. In the cascade process, different hydrophobicity between microgel and PS induced the self-assembly of the first formed raspberry particles that then polymerized continuously in a Pickering emulsion to form the CCPCs. The internal structure as well as the surface morphology of PPs and CCPCs were studied as a function of polymerization conditions such as flow rate/retention time (Rt), temperature and the amount of used cross-linker. By performing Photo-RPP in tubular flow reactor we were able to gained advantages over heat dissipation and homogeneous light distribution in relation to thermally-, and photo-initiated bulk polymerizations. Tubular reactor also enabled detailed studies over morphological evolution of formed particles as a function of flow rate/Rt.

Photocatalytic ceramic membrane: Effect of the illumination intensity and distribution

The principles and application of heterogeneous photocatalytic processes have gained wide attention, especially to the effectiveness of the process. In this work a mono and a multi-LED lamp are used to study the impact of the UV light intensity and distribution on the semiconductor surface during the degradation of organic compounds in water. A well-defined scan of the electromagnetic radiation profile on the surface of the membrane was obtained and evaluated. Comparing two lamp configurations with a total photon flux of 210 W.m−2 and using a filtration rate of 9.7 L.m−2.h−1, resulted in 20 % more degradation for the most homogeneous light distribution. Furthermore, the reaction rate relation to the photon flux was also studied, with a surface reaction model that includes possible mass transfer limitations. The surface reaction constant increased linearly with the irradiation intensity for the complete studied range [50 to 550 W.m−2] for the most homogeneous illumination distribution. A less uniform distribution resulted in a less than proportional reaction rate constant with respect to the incident photon flux between 100 and 210 W.m−2. This work adds valuable information to the photocatalysis field to improve the light efficiency in a photoreactor to enhance the degradation of pollutants.

Influence of a budget single-peak light-curing unit on the microhardness and bond strength of bulk-fill resin composites to the gingival floor of proximal class II cavity preparations

ObjectiveTo evaluate the Vickers microhardness (VH) and long-term microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs) at the bottom of the proximal boxes of Class II restorations when photo-cured using two different light-curing units (LCUs). MethodsMesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavities were prepared in 99 third molars (n = 7 per group) and restored with Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-Fill (TNC, Ivoclar), Filtek Bulk-Fill Flow (FBF, 3 M ESPE), or SDR flow+ (SDR, Dentsply Sirona). The RBCs were photo-cured with a dual-peak (Bluephase 20i, Ivoclar) or a single-peak budget LCU (Rainbow Curing Light, SML). The energy delivered by the lights were similar. The amount of light transmitted (% of maximum transmission) through the RBCs and the light beam profile through the restored teeth were recorded (n = 5). VH values were measured at the periphery of the RBC in the proximal box. After 24-h storage in water or after additional thermocycling, the teeth were sectioned to make 1 mm2 sticks. The μTBS of bulk-fill RBCs to the dentin on the gingival floor of the proximal boxes was then measured. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and 2-way ANOVA were used to analyze the VH and μTBS data, respectively, and Bonferroni's post-hoc test (α = 5%). No comparisons were made among RBCs. ResultsWhen the bonding agent was photo-cured with the budget light, all the specimens failed. Therefore, the Bluephase 20i photo-cured all the bonding resins and the budget light was only used to photo-cure the RBCs. The Bluephase 20i delivered a more homogeneous and wider light distribution through the restored teeth, higher VH values for TNC and SDR groups (p < 0.05), and higher μTBS in the TNC group (p < 0.05) than those produced by the single-peak budget LCU. The μTBS values to the dentin at the gingival floor of the proximal boxes decreased after thermocycling in the SDR group (p < 0.05). ConclusionWhen the bonding agent was photo-cured with the budget light, all the specimens failed. Photo-curing the RBC with a single-peak, budget LCU compared to the Bluephase 20i reduced the VH and μTBS values of bulk-fill RBCs to the gingival floor.

Modelling Nannochloropsis gaditana Growth in Reactors with Different Geometries, Determination of Kinetic Parameters and Biochemical Analysis in Response to Light Intensity

Microalgae are unicellular and photosynthetic microorganisms which grow thanks to inorganic salts, CO2 and light, and find applications in several fields thanks to their variety. The industrial application of microalgae has not often been fully exploited because of a lack of information about how microalgae respond to inputs and to different growth environments. In the present work a model able to predict the microalgae growth in reactors with different geometries was developed. We combined a Monod-like model for the specific growth rate with the Lambert-Beer law of homogeneous light distribution in thick photobioreactors. Kinetic parameters related to the cultivation of the microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana were obtained, for the first time through batch cultivation under different photon flux densities inside a quasi-isoactinic photobioreactor, in order to obtain a practically homogeneous light distribution. The maximum specific growth rate and saturation constant resulted, respectively as µmax = 0.0256 h−1 and Ik = 15.28 µE s−1m−2. These parameters were applied to the model to obtain data on microalgae growth in different geometries. Model simulation results are presented and discussed. Furthermore, biochemical analysis was performed on the biomass obtained at the end of each batch cultivation, grown both under different light intensities and in reactors with different configurations. Results indicated that lipid content increases with increasing average photon flux density. The fatty acid and carotenoids profiles markedly shift when the average light intensity varies: the PUFA content decreases and the SFA content increases when the average light intensity rises, and an accumulation of carotenoids at lower photon flux densities is observed. In conclusion, the model resulted in a useful tool, able to predict the growth of the microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana in reactors with different configurations.

Breeding effects on canopy light attenuation in maize: a retrospective and prospective analysis.

The light attenuation process within a plant canopy defines energy capture and vertical distribution of light and nitrogen (N). The vertical light distribution can be quantitatively described with the extinction coefficient (k), which associates the fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (fPARi) with the leaf area index (LAI). Lower values of k correspond to upright leaves and homogeneous vertical light distribution, increasing radiation use efficiency (RUE). Yield gains in maize (Zea mays L.) were accompanied by increases in optimum plant density and leaf erectness. Thus, the yield-driven breeding programs and management changes, such as reduced row spacing, selected a more erect leaf habit under different maize production systems (e.g., China and the USA). In this study, data from Argentina revealed that k decreased at a rate of 1.1% year-1 since 1989, regardless of plant density and in agreement with Chinese reports (1.0% year-1 since 1981). A reliable assessment of changes in k over time is critical for predicting (i) modifications in resource use efficiency (e.g. radiation, water, and N), improving estimations derived from crop simulation models; (ii) differences in productivity caused by management practices; and (iii) limitations to further exploit this trait with breeding.

The Effect of Diffuse Film Covers on Microclimate and Growth and Production of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in a Mediterranean Greenhouse

The efficient use of light is one of the most important factors for the development of greenhouse crops. It is increasingly necessary to use film covers that enhance transmittance and the proportion of diffuse light to generate a more homogeneous light distribution. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect that an experimental film cover with high transmittance and high light diffusivity produces on the microclimate and the growth and yield of tomato crops (Solanum lycopersicum L.), compared with a commercial thermal film cover. The trial was developed during a spring–summer growing cycle in a multispan greenhouse divided into two compartments (sectors) separated by a vertical polyethylene sheet. In the East sector, a commercial film was installed (transmittance of 85% and diffusivity of 60%) and in the West sector, an experimental film was used (transmittance of 90% and diffusivity of 55%). The results show an increase in the marketable yield of 0.25 kg·m−2 in the sector with the experimental film, which represents 3.2% growth with respect to the commercial film. The photosynthetic activity measured in tomato leaves was 21.5% higher in plants growing in the sector with the experimental film, with had the highest transmittance. The increase in radiation transmittance of 14% produced greater photosynthetic activity without generating a higher inside air temperature at the crop level (at the height of 2 m above the floor). However, the mean temperature of the soil surface was statistically higher on the side with the diffuse experimental cover film, as a logical consequence of the higher level of intercepted solar radiation.

State-of-the-art and current challenges for TiO2/UV-LED photocatalytic degradation of emerging organic micropollutants.

The development of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LED) opens new possibilities for water treatment and photoreactor design. TiO2 photocatalysis, a technology that has been continuously drawing attention, can potentially benefit from LEDs to become a sustainable alternative for the abatement of organic micropollutants (OMPs). Recently reported data on photocatalytic degradation of OMPs and their parameters of influence are here critically evaluated. The literature on OMP degradation in real water matrices, and at environmentally relevant concentrations, is largely missing, as well as the investigations of the impact of photoreactor design in pollutant degradation kinetics. The key factors for reducing UV-LED treatment technology costs are pointed out, like the increase in external quantum and wall-plug efficiencies of UV-LEDs compared to other technologies, as well as the need for an appropriate design optimizing light homogeneity in the reactor. Controlled periodic illumination, wavelength coupling and H2O2 addition are presented as efficiency enhancement options. Although electrical energy per order (EEO) values for UV-LED photocatalysis have decreased to the range of traditional mercury lamps, values are still not low enough for practical employment. Moreover, due to the adoption of high initial OMP concentration in most experiments, it is likely that most literature EEO values are overestimated. Given the process characteristics, which are favoured by translucent matrices and small diameters for more homogenous light distribution and better transportation of radicals, innovative reactor designs should explore the potential of point-of-use applications to increase photocatalysis applicability at large scale.

Interpretation and Evaluation of Electrical Lighting in Plant Factories with Ray-Tracing Simulation and 3D Plant Modeling

In plant factories, light is fully controllable for crop production but involves a cost. For efficient lighting, light use efficiency (LUE) should be considered as part of light environment design. The objectives of this study were to evaluate and interpret the light interception, photosynthetic rate, and LUE of lettuces under electrical lights using ray-tracing simulation. The crop architecture model was constructed by 3D scanning, and ray-tracing simulation was used to interpret light interception and photosynthesis. For evaluation of simulation reliability, measured light intensities and photosynthetic rates in a growth chamber were compared with those obtained by simulation at different planting densities. Under several scenarios modeling various factors affecting light environments, changes in light interception and LUE were interpreted. The light intensities and photosynthetic rates obtained by simulation showed good agreement with the measured values, with R2 &gt; 0.86. With decreasing planting density, the light interception of the central plant increased by approximately 18.7%, but that of neighboring plants decreased by approximately 5.5%. Under the various scenarios, shorter lighting distances induced more heterogenetic light distribution on plants and caused lower light interception. Under a homogenous light distribution, the light intensity was optimal at approximately 360 μmol m−2 s−1 with an LUE of 6.5 g MJ−1. The results of this study can provide conceptual insights into the design of light environments in plant factories.

A Small-Scale Setup for Algal Toxicity Testing of Nanomaterials and Other Difficult Substances.

Ecotoxicity data is a requirement for pre- and post-market registration of chemicals by European and international regulations (e.g., REACH). The algal toxicity test is frequently used in regulatory risk assessment of chemicals. In order to achieve high reliability and reproducibility the development of standardized guidelines is vital. For algal toxicity testing, the guidelines require stable and uniform conditions of parameters such as pH, temperature, carbon dioxide levels and light intensity. Nanomaterials and other so-called difficult substances can interfere with light causing a large variation in results obtained hampering their regulatory acceptance. To address these challenges, we have developed LEVITATT (LED Vertical Illumination Table for Algal Toxicity Tests). The setup utilizes LED illumination from below allowing for a homogenous light distribution and temperature control while also minimizing intra-sample shading. The setup optimizes the sample volume for biomass quantification and does at the same time ensure a sufficient influx of CO2 to support exponential growth of the algae. Additionally, the material of the test containers can be tailored to minimize adsorption and volatilization. When testing colored substances or particle suspensions, the use of LED lights also allows for increasing the light intensity without additional heat generation. The compact design and minimal equipment requirements increase the possibilities for implementation of the LEVITATT in a wide range of laboratories. While compliant with standardized ISO and OECD guidelines for algal toxicity testing, LEVITATT also showed a lower inter-sample variability for two reference substances (3,5-Dicholorophenol and K2Cr2O7) and three nanomaterials (ZnO, CeO2, and BaSO4) compared to Erlenmeyer flasks and microtiter plates.

The Effect of Low-Haze Diffuse Glass on Greenhouse Tomato and Bell Pepper Production and Light Distribution Properties.

Diffuse greenhouse glass can increase the production and growth of several crops, by scattering the incoming direct sunlight, which results in a better and more homogeneous light distribution in the crop canopy. Tomato and bell pepper growers in Belgium tend to install low-haze diffuse glass with a double anti-reflection (AR) coating. These glass types have a limited diffuse effect but have a higher light transmission compared to standard float glass. Therefore, tomato growers often increase stem density to maximize light interception. However, a denser crop could counteract the positive effects of diffuse glass on the vertical light distribution. In this study, the effect of low-haze diffuse glass with an AR coating was evaluated for different cropping densities for tomato and bell pepper taking into account the vertical light distribution throughout the crop canopy. Tomato plants with two stem densities (3.33 and 3.75 stems.m−2) and bell pepper plants (with only one stem density of 7.1 stems.m−2) were evaluated in a greenhouse compartment with diffuse and reference float glass during a full growing season. For tomato, a significant production increase of 7.5% was observed under diffuse glass during the second half of the growing season but only for the low stem density. The benefit of diffuse glass appears most relevant during sunny clear skies and on the sun-side-facing rows of the crop. For bell pepper, no significant production increases were noted between regular float or diffuse glass, because a bell pepper crop is typically covered with thermal screens to prevent sunburn on the fruits during sunny days. The vertical light distribution and the usefulness of AR-coated diffuse glass depends on the crop type and should be optimized accordingly by altering the stem density, leaf pruning strategy, row orientation, or crop variety.

Investigation of non-uniformly emitting optical fiber diffusers on the light distribution in tissue.

The influence of inhomogeneities in the emission characteristics of optical fiber diffusers on the light distribution within biological tissue was evaluated by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and by experiments on optical phantoms. Due to the strong scattering of light within biological tissue, inhomogeneities in the emission profile become blurred within a short light propagation distance, so that the light distribution within the tissue approaches that of a homogeneous diffuser. The degree of feature vanishing in the light distribution is mainly determined by the width of the inhomogeneities. It was shown that the influence of local inhomogeneities on top of a homogeneous light distribution fades away very effectively within 1 mm of tissue depth, which results in a light distribution very close to that for a homogeneously emitting diffuser. Emission profiles composed of multiple narrow peaks distributed over the full diffuser length with a peak-to-peak distance of less than 2 mm result in an almost homogeneous light distribution after approximately 1 mm of tissue depth. While this article is focused on the impact of diffuser inhomogeneities on the light distribution within the tissue, the importance of further investigations on the related thermal effects is also discussed.

Overcoming limitations in photochemical UVC/H2O2 systems using a mili-photoreactor (NETmix): Oxytetracycline oxidation

This study focuses on the intensification of a photochemical UVC/H2O2 system using a mili-photoreactor (NETmix) for a better and faster elimination of oxytetracycline (OTC) from urban wastewater. This mili-photoreactor comprises a network of small cylindrical chambers and prismatic transport channels sealed by a UVC transparent quartz slab allowing unique properties. Since light has a profound effect on the photochemical process, UVC photons distribution over the reaction medium was investigated using a multiple UVC lamp design (4, 6 or 11 W) allocated in parallel or perpendicular to the solution movement. In addition, the effect of other operating variables, such as oxidant dosage (100–900 mg L−1), oxidant feed configuration (single entry or continuous multi-injection) and flow rate (50–100 L h−1) was studied. A kinetic model able to describe the OTC oxidation by the UVC/H2O2 photochemical system in the mili-photoreactor was also developed. Moreover, matrix effect was evaluated by spiking OTC in a secondary effluent from an urban WWTP. In this case, OTC degradation was inhibited in about 2 to 3 times due to the presence of organic/inorganic substances (soluble and particulate), inherent to the real matrix, that act as scavenger of oxidant species and as UVC light filter. The NETmix mili-photoreactor presented high photochemical space time yield (PSTY) values when compared with a conventional tubular photoreactor. This highlights the NETmix capacity to enhance UVC/H2O2 processes through an homogeneous light distribution over the entire reaction medium.

Overhead supplemental far-red light stimulates tomato growth under intra-canopy lighting with LEDs

Far-red (FR) light regulates phytochrome-mediated morphological and physiological plant responses. This study aims to investigate how greenhouse tomato morphology and production response to different durations of FR light during daytime and at the end of day (EOD). High-wire tomato plants were grown under intra-canopy lighting consisting of red (peak wavelength at 640 nm) and blue (peak wavelength at 450 nm) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 144 µmol m–2 s–1 at 10 cm away from the lamps, and combined with overhead supplemental FR light (peak wavelength at 735 nm) with PPFD of 43 µmol m–2 s–1 at 20 cm below the lamps. Plants were exposed to three durations of FR supplemental lighting including: 06:00–18:00 (FR12), 18:00–19:30 (EOD-FR1.5), 18:00–18:30 (EOD-FR0.5), and control that without supplemental FR light. The results showed that supplemental FR light significantly stimulated stem elongation thereby resulting in longer plants compared with the control. Moreover, FR light altered leaf morphology toward higher leaf length/width ratio and larger leaf area. The altered plant architecture in FR supplemented plants led to a more homogeneous light distribution inside the canopy. Total plant biomass was increased by 9–16% under supplemental FR light in comparison with control, which led to 7–12% increase in ripe fruit yield. Soluble sugar content of the ripe tomato fruit was slightly decreased by longer exposure of the plants to FR light. Dry matter partitioning to different plant organs were not substantially affected by the FR light treatments. No significant differences were observed among the three FR light treatments in plant morphology as well as yield and biomass production. We conclude that under intra-canopy lighting, overhead supplemental FR light stimulates tomato growth and production. And supplementary of EOD-FR0.5 is more favorable, as it consumes less electricity but induces similar effects on plant morphology and yield.

Effect of light curing units on the polymerization of bulk fill resin-based composites

ObjectiveTo determine the potential effect of four different light curing units (LCUs) on the curing profile of two bulk fill resin-based composites (RBCs). MethodsFour LCUs (Bluephase 20i, Celalux 3, Elipar DeepCure-S and Valo Grand) were used to light cure two RBCs (Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative and Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill). The effective tip diameter, radiant power, radiant emittance, emission spectrum and light beam profile of the LCUs were measured. Knoop microhardness was measured at the top and bottom surfaces of RBC specimens that were 12-mm in diameter and 4-mm deep (n=5). The distribution of the spectral radiant power that was delivered to the surface of the specimen and the light transmission through the 4-mm thick specimens was measured using an integrating sphere. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05) were applied. ResultsThe Valo Grand produced the most homogeneous microhardness across the surfaces of the RBCs (p>0.05). When the Celalux 3, Bluephase 20i and Elipar DeepCure-S lights were used, the center of the specimens achieved greater hardness values compared to their outer regions (p<0.05). Approximately 10% of the radiant power delivered to the top reached the bottom of the specimen, although almost no violet light passed through 4mm of either RBC. A positive correlation was observed between the radiant exposure and microhardness. SignificanceThe characteristics of the LCUs influenced the photoactivation of the RBCs. The use of a wide tip with a homogeneous light distribution is preferred when light curing RBCs using a bulk curing technique.

Photodynamic therapy of human biliary cancer cell line using combination of phosphorus porphyrins and light emitting diode

A series of phosphorus porphyrin complexes ([(RO)2P(tpp)]Cl, tpp = tetraphenylporphyrinato group, R = −(CH2CH2O)m(CH2)nH; 1a: m = 2, n = 2; 1b: m = 2, n = 4; 1c: m = 2, n = 6; 1d: m = 3, n = 6) were used for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of human biliary cancer cell line (NOZ) when exposed to the irradiation of light emitting diodes (LEDs). A Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) containing NOZ cells (2000 cell well−1) and 1 (0–100 nM) was introduced into a 96-well microplate and incubated for 24 h to accumulate 1 into the NOZ cells and to multiply the NOZ cells until the cell number reached 104 cells well−1. After replacing the DMEM medium containing 1 with a fresh DMEM medium without 1, the plates were irradiated for 30 min at 610 nm. After incubation was performed for 24 h in dark conditions, the cell viability of the NOZ cells was determined using the MTT assay. The half maximum inhibitory concentrations 50 (IC50) of 1a–1d were found to be in the range of 33.7–58.7 nM for NOZ. These IC50 values for the NOZ were one hundredth the IC50 value (7.57 μM) for mono-l-aspartyl chlorin e6 (laserphyrin®). Thus, it was found that the PDT activity of 1a–1d was much higher than the mono-l-aspartyl chlorin e6. Similarly, IC50 vales of 1a–1d for HeLa cells were found to be 27.8–52.5 nM. This showed that 1a–1d had high photodynamic activity in cancer cells. At the same time, it was speculated that an LED is a useful light source for deactivating the cancer cells because it can excite the sensitizers with peak width in their absorption spectra using the light of the specified wave length with band width of 10–20 nm; LEDs provide a homogeneous light distribution for the target cells.

Influence of light distribution on the performance of photocatalytic reactors: LED vs mercury lamps

UV LED technology has revolutionized the photocatalytic processes due to their significant advantages over traditional mercury-based illumination sources, specifically its higher energy efficiency. However, the use of LED also introduces important changes in the light distribution achieved inside a photocatalytic reactor that has to be considered. In this study an exhaustive comparison of three different UV-A sources (a mercury fluorescent lamp, a 8-LED based system and a 40-LED based system) with different light distribution has been carried out. Theoretical distribution of the light was modeled in Ansys Fluent v14.5. The results of photocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation show that a homogeneous light distribution allows achieving a higher photonic efficiency. The diffuse and uniform emission of the fluorescent mercury lamp partially compensates its lower energy efficiency, leading to similar results than the 8-LED system. This fact can be explained taking in consideration that electron-hole recombination is enhanced in the areas with higher radiation intensities, decreasing the overall efficiency. In the case of the 40 LED due to the improvement of the light homogeneity and energy efficiency, higher reaction rates per kWh were achieved. These results show that despite the advantages of LED, if light distribution is not optimized it can result in lighting systems less effective than traditional ones. On the opposite, for bacterial inactivation the results show that there is no clear difference when using different lighting sources. The existence of a highly non-uniform radiation field with regions of the reactor with very high intensities seems to enhance the efficiency of the direct bacterial inactivation when LED are used, compensating the decrease in the charge transfer efficiency of the semiconductor based photocatalytic process.

Latest technologies of homogeneous light distribution for photodynamic therapy of non-planar anatomical surfaces

Latest technologies of homogeneous light distribution for photodynamic therapy of non-planar anatomical surfaces

Slot-die coating of organic thin films for active-matrix organic light-emitting diode displays

We investigate solution coating of organic thin films for the fabrication of active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. For blanket layers, an aqueous polymer-based hole injection layer (HIL) and non-aqueous polymer-based hole transport layer (HTL) are fabricated by slot-die coating and also by spin coating for comparison. Thin organic films coated on a substrate with a pixel-defining layer (bank) exhibit the concave profile due to capillary rise. With an attempt to suppress it and thus obtain thin films with high conformity, we carry out solution coating by varying the pixel size, solvent, and drying condition. As the pixel size increases, the overall film thickness increases by an enhancement in the filling of a solution into the cells. We have found that spin coating provides more conformal thin films for the aqueous polymer HIL. When a high-boiling-point solvent and vacuum drying are used for the non-aqueous polymer HTL, however, the film conformity by slot-die coating is higher than that by spin coating. It is attributed that an evaporation-induced convective flow (microflow) occurs from the pixel edge to the center. It also enables the formation of homogeneous light distribution over the emission area of OLED pixels.

An enclosed rotating floating photobioreactor (RFP) powered by flowing water for mass cultivation of photosynthetic microalgae.

BackgroundThe design of photobioreactor (PBR) for outdoor mass cultivation of microalgae determines the distribution of solar irradiance among cells in the culture, mode of agitation, mass transfer efficacy, and energy consumption, thus determines the productivity of the system and the cost of production. In this study, the concept of a floating photobioreactor with rotation function is proposed. Dunaliella tertiolecta, a model microalga, cultured in the attached vessels was evaluated.ResultsThe rotation of the photobioreactor was powered by flowing water, in this case waves generated through a paddle wheel in an outdoor raceway pond for proof of concept. The rotating floating PBR (RFP) could be powered by natural flowing stream, river, and tidal waves, thus there could be no energy cost for agitation of the cultures in maintaining the cells in suspension. This RFP is characterized by its energy-saving and temperature control properties as well as more homogenous light distribution in the culture as compared to conventional culture systems, such as raceway pond. Maximal cell concentration of 8.38 × 106 cells mL−1, biomass productivity of 3.10 g m−2 day−1, and photosynthetic efficiency of 4.61 % (PAR) were achieved. In addition, satisfactory productivities of D. tertiolecta metabolites including carotenoids, mycosporine-like amino acids and lipids were also obtained.ConclusionsThe RFP, powered by flowing water, creates an innovative culture technology for economical cultivation of microalgal cells and production of microalgal metabolites.