Daylight Research Articles

Intelligent solar light electric vehicle moving in hot regions under a hybrid power source strategy

Solar Light Electric Vehicles (ISLEV) have recently gained increasing attention as a promising solution for sustainable transportation. In hot regions, such as the BECHAR region in southwest Algeria, where temperatures can exceed 50 °C, the challenge of maintaining high performance standards while coping with challenging environmental conditions is critical. To address this challenge, this study proposes an intelligent hybrid power source strategy comprising SUN Power solar PV and lithium-ion battery supercapacitors. To optimize the vehicle's performance, a feedforward neural network FF-NN is employed, which regulates the power flow between the hybrid sources. The proposed system's efficiency and effectiveness are assessed through simulations, which reveal its robustness in coping with challenging environmental conditions while maintaining high performance standards. The results show that the proposed system holds con-siderable potential for sustainable and efficient transportation in hot regions and can have broad applications in diverse sectors. Future industrial vehicle designs must incorporate the choice of hybrid power management into their planning process to ensure the efficient use of energy and optimize the vehicle's performance.

Unveiling the power of g-C3N4@CR composite photocatalyst in simulated solar light-assisted degradation of fast green dye and nitrophenol

A novel and efficient method has been developed for synthesizing the g-C3N4@CR composite using a simple mingling and heating technique. This method involves the decoration of one-dimensional carmine (CR) onto graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). The light-harvesting composites produced through this process underwent characterization using various spectroscopic techniques, including UV, XRD, FT-IR, Raman, and XPS spectroscopy. To assess the photocatalytic activity of the g-C3N4@CR Composite, its degradation efficiency was investigated by examining its performance in degrading fast green and nitrophenol dyes under outdoor solar light irradiation. The mechanism of degradation for these dyes by the newly designed g-C3N4@CR composite was elucidated through degradation kinetics analysis, involving the determination of parameters such as half-life time, rate constant, and degradation efficiency.

Troposphere–stratosphere-integrated bromine monoxide (BrO) profile retrieval over the central Pacific Ocean

Abstract. Bromine monoxide (BrO) is relevant to atmospheric oxidative capacity, affecting the lifetime of greenhouse gases (i.e., methane, dimethylsulfide) and mercury oxidation. However, measurements of BrO radical vertical profiles are rare, and BrO is highly variable. As a result, the few available aircraft observations in different regions of the atmosphere are not easily reconciled. Autonomous multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) instruments placed at remote mountaintop observatories (MT-DOAS) present a cost-effective alternative to aircraft, with the potential to probe the climate-relevant yet understudied free troposphere more routinely. Here, we describe an innovative full-atmosphere BrO and formaldehyde (HCHO) profile retrieval algorithm using MT-DOAS measurements at Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO – 19.536° N, 155.577° W; 3401 m a.s.l.). The retrieval is based on time-dependent optimal estimation and simultaneously inverts 190+ individual BrO (and formaldehyde, HCHO) SCDs (slant column densities; SCD = dSCD + SCDRef) from solar stray light spectra measured in the zenith and off-axis geometries at high and low solar zenith angles (92° > SZA > 30°) to derive BrO concentration profiles from 1.9 to 35 km with 7.5 degrees of freedom (DoFs). Two case study days are characterized by the absence (26 April 2017, base case) and presence of a Rossby-wave-breaking double tropopause (29 April 2017, RW-DT case). Stratospheric-BrO vertical columns are nearly identical on both days (VCD = (1.5 ± 0.2) × 1013 molec. cm−2), and the stratospheric-BrO profile peaks at a lower altitude during the RW-DT (1.6–2.0 DoFs). Tropospheric-BrO VCDs increase from (0.70 ± 0.14) × 1013 molec. cm−2 (base case) to (1.00 ± 0.14) × 1013 molec. cm−2 (RW-DT) owing to a 3-fold increase in BrO in the upper troposphere (1.7–1.9 DoFs). BrO at MLO increases from (0.23 ± 0.03) pptv (base case) to (0.46 ± 0.03) pptv (RW-DT) and is characterized by an added time resolution (∼ 3.8 DoFs). Up to (0.9 ± 0.1) pptv BrO is observed above MLO in the lower free troposphere in the absence of the double tropopause. We validate the retrieval using aircraft BrO profiles and in situ HCHO measurements aboard the NSF/NCAR GV aircraft above MLO (11 January 2014) that establish BrO peaks around 2.4 pptv above 13 km in the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS) during a similar RW-DT event (0.83 × 1013 molec. cm2 tropospheric-BrO VCD above 2 km). The tropospheric-BrO profile measured using MT-DOAS (RW-DT case) and using the aircraft agree well (after averaging-kernel smoothing). Furthermore, these tropospheric-BrO profiles over the central Pacific Ocean are found to closely resemble those over the eastern Pacific Ocean (2–14 km) and are in contrast to those over the western Pacific Ocean, where a C-shaped tropospheric-BrO profile shape has been observed.

Design of novel Z-scheme g-C3N4/TiO2/CuCo2O4 heterojunctions for efficient visible light-driven photocatalyic degradation of rhodamine B

One of the most important environmental challenges that needs to be resolved is the industrial discharge of synthetic dyes. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and flower-like copper oxide (CuO)/copper cobaltite (CuCo2O4) nanocomposites were synthesized in order to synthesis an effective visible light driven photocatalyst that could degrade Rhodamin B (Rh.B) dye under simulated solar light irradiation. The SEM and TEM results verifies that the flower-like CuO/CuCo2O4 (CCO) structure and g-C3N4/TiO2 (g-CN/TO) generated a smart hybrid structure with superior g-CN distribution. According to the photocatalytic studies, g- C3N4/TiO2/CuO/CuCo2O4 (g-CN/TO/CCO) shows good photodegradation of Rh.B dye (99.9%) in minmal times (1 h) in CCO: g-CN/TO (2:1) ratio by Z-Scheme mechanism. The enhanced visible light absorption and effective electron-hole pair separation provided by the synergistic dispersion of CuO/CuCo2O4 and g-C3N4 can be attributed to the improved photocatalytic performances. These novel insights into g-CN/TO/CCO based photocatalysts are useful for treating industrial effluent.

Molten-salt-chemistry-assisted synthesis of heterostructured g-C3N4/BiOI nanocomposites with enhanced sunlight absorption properties for efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion

The g-C3N4 nanosheets coupled BiOI (g-C3N4/BiOI) nanocomposites with unique heterojunction structure and excellent wide-spectrum sunlight absorption properties have been developed via molten-salt-chemistry-assisted strategy. The heterostructured g-C3N4/BiOI shows enhanced solar to the thermal effect, improved electron mobility and carrier lifetime for efficient photocatalytic dye degradation. The engineered g-C3N4/BiOI catalyst exhibits outstanding photocatalytic activity for methyl orange (MO) removal with 100 % degradation conversion and excellent stability under solar light irradiation, which is respectively 2.69 and 1.27 times higher than those of g-C3N4 and BiOI counterparts. The broad scope toward other dyes degraded by g-C3N4/BiOI and the generality of the molten-salt-chemistry-assisted strategy for synthesizing g-C3N4/BiOCl and g-C3N4/BiOBr with considerable photodegradation efficiency are proved. The analysis of kinetic behaviors, electron spin resonance, and nanosecond transient absorption spectra for structure-activity relationship, key intermediate of •O2− species, and excited state lifetime of g-C3N4/BiOI heterojunction material in the photocatalytic MO degradation processes are also demonstrated.

Photoelectrochemical response of tin iodide phosphide (SnIP) composites with MoSe2, MoS2, and h‐BN

For a future world fuelled by green energy it is invaluable to develop, test and maximise the catalytic efficiency of new effective water‐splitting materials. In this paper, we further explore the catalytic activity of double‐helical tin iodide phosphide (SnIP), as it features bandgaps in the ideal region for this process. We found that its photoelectrochemical response can be multiplied by forming composites of SnIP with selected 2D materials, focusing on hexagonal boron nitride and the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) MoSe2 and MoS2. These nanocomposites were analysed with Powder‐X‐ray diffraction (P‐XRD), Raman, and UV/VIS bandgap determination. Their photo activity was assessed under simulated solar light through chrono amperometry and linear sweep voltammetry (CA, LSV). The high anisotropy of the involved materials enables efficient charge separation at the 1D/2D interfaces, increasing photoelectrochemical response four‐fold.

Solar driven highly efficient photocatalyst based on Dy2O3 nanorods deposited on reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for methylene blue dye degradation.

In recent years, the demand for rare earth elements has surged due to their unique characteristics and diverse applications. This investigation focuses on utilizing the rare earth element dysprosium oxide (Dy2O3) for the photocatalytic oxidation of model pollutants under solar light irradiation. A novel RGO-Dy2O3 nanocomposite photocatalyst was developed using a solvothermal approach, Dy2O3 nanorods uniformly deposited onto reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including Brunner-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, high resolution - transmittance electron microscopy (HR-TEM), field emission-electron scanning microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy EIS techniques. The UV-visible diffusive reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-DRS) studies revealed a band gap energy of 3.18eV and a specific surface area of 114 m2/g for the fabricated RGO-Dy2O3 nanocomposite. The RGO-Dy2O3 nanocomposite demonstrated a high photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 98.1% at neutral pH for methylene blue (MB) dye for the dye concentration of 10ppm. The remarkable photocatalytic performance was achieved within 60min under solar light irradiation. Reusability tests demonstrated stability, maintaining over 90% photocatalytic efficiency after three cycles. The EPR spectra and quenching experiments confirmed that photogenerated hydroxyl radicals significantly influence the photodegradation processes. The RGO-Dy2O3 nanocomposite photocatalyst, with its green, easy preparation process and recycling capabilities, presents an ideal choice for various applications. It offers a viable alternative for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in real wastewater, contributing to sustainable environmental remediation.

Karakteristik Fisik Arsitektur Islam pada Bangunan Masjid di Kecamatan Curup Tengah Kabupaten Rejang Lebong

This study explores the characteristics of Islamic architecture in Curup Tengah, an area with geographic, cultural, and traditional contexts distinct from the origins of Islamic architecture in Arabia. This study focuses on the adaptation of Islamic architecture to local contexts and community needs, as well as its influence on the appication of Islamic architectural elements in mosques. This study aimed to analyze and describe the characteristics and implementation of Islamic architectural elements, including domes, minarets, calligraphy, geometry, floral motifs, prayer halls, mihrabs, pulpits, porticos, ablution areas, study spaces, ventilation and natural lighting. The methodology employed is qualitative research with a descriptive comparative approach, utilizing data collection through observations, interviews, questionnaires, and relevant literature reviews. The finding indicate that mosques in Curup Tengah generally lack minarets and instead optimize doors and windows for natural ventilation, avoiding the use of artificial cooling systems. The application of Islamic architectural elements in these mosques remains limited, with only eight to twelve of the total thirteen elements being implemented. This research enhances the understanding of how Islamic architectural elements are applied and offers valuable insights for future mosque design in Curup.

Influence of UV irradiation on the luminescence properties of CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots and CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots/PVDF composite film—for white LED application

Perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have been widely investigated for their excellent properties such as high color purity in displays, tunable emission wavelength, and high photoluminescence quantum yield. For device applications, improving the stability is an area of interest. In this study, the effects of UV irradiation on the structural and luminescence properties of CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots (CPB QDs) excited at 365 nm were investigated. To overcome the effects of UV irradiation, a CPB QDs/PVDF composite flexible film was prepared. It exhibits high structural and optical stability under UV irradiation and emits a highly intense green color. The emission wavelength and intensity were observed for three years, and the stability of the temperature-dependent emission intensity up to 400 K has been reported. In addition, it is stable in water. A white LED, fabricated by integrating a blue LED with CPB QDs/PVDF composite film and red phosphor, produces bright natural white light [(CIE x, CIE y) = (0.3704, 0.3611), and CCT = 4177 K] with a color gamut area coverage of 86.4% of the standard NTSC (1953) color space.&#xD.

A visible light-activated azo-fluorescent switch for imaging-guided and light-controlled release of antimycotics

Azo switches are widely employed as essential components in light-responsive systems. Here, we develop an azo-fluorescent switch that is visible light-responsive and its light-responsive processes can be monitored using fluorescence imaging. Visible light irradiation promotes isomerization, accompanied by changes in fluorescence that enable the process to be monitored through fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, we document that the nanocavity size of liposome encapsulated nanoparticles containing azo changes in the isomerization process and show that this change enables construction of a light-responsive nanoplatform for optically controlled release of antimycotics. Also, natural light activation of nanoparticles of the switch loaded with an antimycotic agent causes death of Rhizoctonia solani. The results show that these nanoparticles can double the holding period in comparison to small molecule antimycotics. The strategy used to design the imaging-guided light-controlled nano-antimycotic release system can be applicable to protocols for controlled delivery of a wide variety of drugs.

A Carbazole-based Fluorescent Probe with AIE Performance and a Large Stokes Shift for Peroxynitrite Detection and Imaging in Live Cells.

A carbazole-based fluorescent probe YCN with AIE performance and a large Stokes shift (242nm) shift was synthesized by attaching 4-acetonitrile pyridine to the 3-phenylaldehyde butylcarbazole. Its structure was characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS. Probe YCN has high selectivity and sensitivity toward ONOO-. The addition of ONOO- to the probe YCN solution results in a noticeable color change from pale yellow to colorless under natural light, and a fluorescent color change from bright orange-yellow to bright yellow-green under a 365nm UV lamp, which can be distinguished by the naked eye. The research results on the reaction mechanism showed that when YCN reacted with ONOO-, -C = C- was oxidized and broken into -CHO, and the ICT effect was significantly inhibited, resulting in changes in UV absorption and fluorescence emission phenomenon. The recognition mechanism was verified by 1H NMR, mass spectrometry (MS) and density function theory (DFT) calculations. The experiments of live cells imaging suggested that compound YCN can be used as a fluorescent probe for the detection of ONOO- in HeLa cells. This result indicates that YCN has potential application prospects in the biological aspects.

Enhancing the hole utilization efficiency of Ti–Fe2O3 photoelectrode by decorating CoCu-ZIF for efficient photo-assisted rechargeable zinc air batteries

To enhance the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance of the zinc-air battery (ZAB), reduce charging voltage, and improve energy utilization efficiency, a sunlight-assisted strategy has been implemented. The photo-assisted rechargeable ZAB was proposed, featuring Ti–Fe2O3 decorated with Co0·8Cu0.2-ZIF as the air electrode. Upon illumination, valence band holes were generated in Ti–Fe2O3, oxidizing Co2+ in Co0·.8Cu0.2-ZIF to Co3+/Co4+, enhancing OER performance, reducing the charging voltage from 2 V to 1.3 V and effectively narrowing the charging-discharging voltage gap from approximately 1.15 V–0.45 V. The Ti–Fe2O3/Co0·8Cu0.2-ZIF structure maintains a round-trip efficiency of 65.3% after 300 cycles. This result demonstrates the successful integration of photoelectrochemical principles with ZAB technology, showcasing its efficacy in solar energy storage and light energy conversion.

Automated vision-based concrete crack measurement system

Maintaining and ensuring the safety of ageing infrastructures is becoming of uttermost importance. This is particularly critical in Europe, where several infrastructures like tunnels and bridges are approaching their end-of-life. Such a condition justifies the need for a prompt recognition of the deterioration status of these structures as well as the identification of strategies for effective inspection and monitoring operations. This paper focuses on cracks, and proposes a vision-based measurement system aimed at precisely and accurately detecting cracks on concrete surfaces and measuring their geometric features. The system mainly leverages RGB-D cameras to make the pixel to real world measurement units conversion possible (by assessing the camera to target relative distance and pose), and exploits an image processing pipeline consisting of the following steps: (a) an artificial intelligence-based semantic segmentation model for identifying cracks on the target structure; (b) a ridge detection algorithm for identifying the centre line of the cracks; (c) a geometric feature extraction algorithm to extract key metrics of the crack, like its width and length. Variance analysis of the crack mean width measurement shows a repeatability standard deviation of 0.01 mm and a reproducibility standard deviation of 0.02 mm, with a Type A expanded uncertainty of 0.004 mm. The system performance is discussed in the paper referring both to lab testing activities, targeted to the assessment of its metrological characteristics, and to a real field application, i.e. concrete inspection in a tunnel. This latter application is of particular interests as it is targeted to demonstrate the robustness of the approach in harsh environments (i.e., strong presence of dust, total absence of natural light) and on surfaces whose roughness generates important light gradients and shadows (e.g., sprayed concrete).

Effects of simulated natural light brightness on visual perception in virtual reality forests: An eye-tracking study

Although natural light is essential for human health and well-being, the potential effects of different brightness levels of light on the visual perception of forests have not been discussed. Using controlled eye-tracking experiments, this study explored the impact of seven simulated natural brightness levels, from the darkest to the brightest, on the visual perception of 118 participants in a virtual reality (VR) forest environment. One of the most significant findings of this study was the marginal effect of natural light brightness levels on visual physiological stress in VR forests, with the pupillary unrest index decreasing significantly with the increase of natural light brightness; Secondly, the study analyzed the influence of natural light brightness levels in VR forests on the visual engagement behavior of eye tracking, that is, bright forest environments showed an overall trend associated with longer fixation duration, less saccade duration, and greater fixation direction ratio; Thirdly, in terms of visual perception evaluation, the study found an inverted U-shaped trend of mood, restorative perception, perceived safety, and natural light brightness level in VR forests. In addition, the study also found a significant correlation between visual physiological and psychological indicators in VR forest natural light visual perception experiments. These findings help us understand the visual perception effect of forest nature light exposure as a whole, and provided important clues and a basis for future research on improving the visual comfort of forest natural light.

Unravelling the efficiency of CoAl-LDH / g-C3N4 nanosheets: Type-II heterojunction for photocatalytic hydrogen production and dye degradation under solar light irradiation

The generation of hydrogen fuel, and wastewater treatment according to solar-driven catalysis possesses considerable prospective for establishing a carbon-neutral and ecologically sound power infrastructure. Driven by this problem, we suggest in this study, adopting a simple impregnation method, a customized association of CoAl-LDH and graphitic carbon nitride (CN), a visible light active narrow and wide band gap semiconductors. Several characterization approaches were implemented to understand the CoAl-LDH@g-C3N4 (CACN) composites' physiochemical and optical features. The CACN hetero structural forms exhibited significantly improved solar light-induced photocatalytic H2 generation and dye pollutants decomposition in contrast with pristine materials. The most effective catalyst 5 wt% CoAl-LDH@g-C3N4 (5-CACN) generated the highest hydrogen (∼430.7 μmolg−1h−1), which is 11.9-fold H2 production efficiency compared with CN and depicted significant Brilliant black dye removal efficacy via photocatalytic degradation (up to ∼79%). This was primarily ascribed to the development of the Type-II CACN heterojunctions, which promoted the separation of charges and expanded the abundance of surface-active sites while absorbing the visible spectrum of solar light.

Phase-changing NIPAM-AM/ATO hydrogels for thermochromic smart windows with highly adaptive solar modulation

Improving the solar regulation and reducing the response temperature of thermochromic smart windows are pivotal importance for energy-saving buildings. However, these two strategies are challenging to be integrated into one window. Herein, a novel composite hydrogel based on N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) doped with antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles and acrylamide (AM) was developed for producing a high-performance smart window, which successfully achieved enhanced solar energy regulation and reduced response temperature. This smart window was fabricated by combining a reversible thermoresponsive hydrogel (TAH) that acted as a thermochromic material with a ATO multilayer film that performed as a transparent heater. The as-prepared smart window could modulate solar light over a range from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR) radiation and achieved active responses to high-temperature weather. The smart window showed high luminous transmittance (Tlum, 82.92 %) together with an excellent solar modulation performance (ΔTlum = 73.31 %, ΔTIR = 38.26 %, and ΔTsol = 60.74 %), and a lower critical solution temperature of 32 °C. Even after 120 high- and low-temperature cyclic durability tests, the smart windows still exhibited a high solar modulation capability. In outdoor demonstrations, the as-prepared smart window exhibited a promising temperature regulation ability under strong solar irradiation. Therefore, the present universal modification framework provided some insights for the future design of energy-saving windows.

Robust Natural Light-Absorbable and -Degradable AIE Photosensitizers for Fluorescence Labeling and Efficient Photodynamic Eradication of Algal Pollutants.

Current water pollution caused by the excessive proliferation of harmful algae urges green methods that can efficiently utilize natural light to treat algal pollution. Herein, a series of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizers that can efficiently harness sunshine were synthesized for the environmentally friendly and biocompatible treatment of algal pollution. By tuning the number of thiophene units and the electron conjugation degree, the photosensitizers' absorptions were broadened to cover the whole visible light range. The positive charges guided photosensitizers to aggregate on algal cell surfaces, resulting in a turn-on fluorescence signal and robust reactive oxygen species generation under sunshine, thereby achieving fluorescence labeling and photodynamic eradication of algae. The eradication outcomes demonstrated that the AIE photosensitizers significantly outperformed the commercial algaecide ALG. At 20 ppm photosensitizers, 90.4% and 94.2% killing rates were achieved for C. reinhardtii and C. vulgaris, respectively, 2.8- and 3.6-fold higher than those from the same concentration of ALG. Excellent performances in inhibiting algae growth were also verified with efficiency superior to that of ALG. Importantly, the photosensitizers can self-degrade into biocompatible fragments under irradiation to avoid secondary pollution. The developed photosensitizers that possess sunshine convertibility and degradability provide an efficient tool for algal treatment, showing broad research and application prospects.

Mechanism of Co3O4-TiO2 Nanocomposite Formation with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

TiO2 nanotubes are tubular structures that have garnered significant attention in materials science and engineering due to their unique properties and diverse applications. In this study, highly ordered and well aligned TiO2 nanotubes were successfully synthesized through anodization of Ti foil in ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) containing ammonium fluoride (NH4F) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 60 V for 30 minutes. The effectiveness of TiO2 as a photocatalyst under solar light is limited by its wide band gap and high recombination rate of charge carriers. To address these limitations, TiO2 nanotubes were modified with cobalt oxide. The resulting Co3O4-TiO2 nanocomposite was synthesized using a wet impregnation technique, aiming to enhance the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 nanotubes across a broader range of the solar spectrum. The formation of Co3O4-TiO2 nanocomposite is by immersing the TiO2 nanotubes in the metal salt precursor solution of Co(NO3)2 for a certain soaking period. The soaking cycle was repeated a few times to ensure the deposition of cobalt oxide nanostructures on the TiO2 nanotube samples. This diffusion interstitial process via wet impregnation was time dependent, which altered the amount of cobalt loaded on the nanotube's surface. The addition of cobalt significantly improved the photodegradation activity of the nanotubes under visible light, outperforming bare TiO2 nanotubes. This enhancement is likely due to the cobalt acting as shallow traps, which effectively promote the separation of photogenerated charge carriers.

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants by spray coated Z-scheme TiO2/Bi2WO6 heterostructure electrode under solar light

This study demonstrates that spray deposited layered TiO2/Bi2WO6 heterostructure photoelectrodes exhibit strong interfacial interactions, leading to significant enhancements in photoelectrochemical performance. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectra indicated a prolonged lifetime of photoinduced carriers. The red shift in the absorption edge of TiO2/Bi2WO6 improved the visible light harvesting capability of Bi2WO6. Nyquist plots showed effective charge separation, and the TiO2 layer at the bottom significantly influenced the flat band potential compared to pristine Bi2WO6, as evidenced by Mott-Schottky analysis. This configuration improved the separation of photogenerated charge carriers via a Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism. The TiO2/Bi2WO6 electrode demonstrated a higher efficiency of 94% for methylene blue degradation within 160 min, compared to pure Bi2WO6. Quenching experiments confirmed the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism in the coupled TiO2/Bi2WO6 heterojunction during degradation reactions. This study highlights the benefits of semiconductor coupling with different band potentials, promoting large-scale applications of solar-driven TiO2/Bi2WO6 photoelectrodes for environmental remediation.

Anthocyanin can improve the survival of rice seeds from solar light outside the international space station

A purple-pigmented (purple) rice seeds containing an anthocyanin, a major class of flavonoids, and their isogenic non-pigmented (white) seeds were exposed outside of the international space station (ISS) to evaluate the impact of anthocyanin on seed viability in space. The rice seeds were placed in sample plates at the exposed facility of ISS for 440 days, with the bottom layer seeds exposed to space radiation and the top layer seeds exposed to both solar light and space radiation. Though the seed weight of both purple and white seeds decreased after exposure to outer space, growth percentages after germination of purple and white seeds in the top layer were 55 and 15 %, respectively, compared to those in the bottom layer 100 and 70 %, respectively. RNA analysis revealed that 1,590 and 1,546 seed-stored mRNAs (long-lived mRNAs) were degraded in the white seeds of the top and the bottom layers, respectively, whereas those of the purple seeds in the top and bottom layers were 548 and 303, respectively. These results suggest that anthocyanin protected seeds and safeguarded long-lived mRNAs from solar light and space radiation to increase the seed viability.