Daylight Research Articles

Colour Psychology in Interior Design for Geriatric Spaces

The psychological impact of colour significantly influences the design of therapeutic and functional spaces for the geriatric population. As aging brings sensory and cognitive changes, carefully curated interior design can enhance emotional comfort, cognitive function, and overall well-being. This concept note delves into the application of colour psychology to create aging-friendly environments that promote mental health and safety. Warm, soothing colours can reduce stress and create a sense of familiarity, while brighter hues aid in improving mood and cognitive alertness. Conversely, muted tones may mitigate overstimulation, particularly in individuals with dementia or sensory sensitivities. Proper contrast and colour differentiation can also improve spatial orientation, reducing fall risks and enhancing safety. The paper underscores the need for evidence-based design principles tailored to the unique needs of the elderly. It highlights actionable strategies for interior designers, including the mindful selection of colour palettes, the integration of natural lighting, and the use of texture and contrast to improve navigation and engagement. By prioritizing the psychological and functional aspects of colour, designers can create spaces that foster comfort, safety, and emotional well-being for older adults. This exploration emphasizes how thoughtful design can contribute to a supportive and enriching environment for the aging population.

Determining the efficiency of restored photovoltaic modules under natural lighting conditions

The object of this study is thin-film photovoltaic modules without physical damage, manufactured by CIGS technology, affected by potential-induced degradation, after restoration. The possibility of improving the efficiency of the array of restored photovoltaic modules of the Q.SMART UF L 105 type has been established experimentally, under natural lighting conditions, up to 50 % and higher with respect to the new reference photovoltaic panel. An expression for evaluating the efficiency of restored photovoltaic panels has been derived. It is proposed to use a relative indicator – the efficiency index, which is calculated based on the specific generation data of photovoltaic modules. During the experiment, photovoltaic panels were connected to the OpenSCADA dispatch control and data collection system. Experimental studies were carried out in the autumn-winter period under three weather scenarios: clear day, variable cloudiness, continuous cloudiness. The specific monthly generation of photovoltaic modules was defined as the amount of energy produced during the month per unit of power, which is 100 W. During the experiment, minute and hourly fluctuations in the generation of photovoltaic modules were recorded. Based on the results of calculating the efficiency index, it was concluded that the generation of electrical energy by exhausted photovoltaic modules after restoration under real operating conditions allows for the possibility of their secondary application. The results of the research could be used as a basis for evaluating the efficiency of restored photovoltaic modules while the resulting statistical data on their performance could be used to devise rules and standards for the secondary application of exhausted photovoltaic panels

Gliding Arc Plasma Induced One-Step Millisecond Synthesis of Highly Crystalline Mesoporous TiO2 Homojunctions for Robust Photocatalytic H2 Production.

One of the major challenges in photocatalytic hydrogen production lies in the charge separation and transfer. Herein, a one-step millisecond synthesis of highly crystalline mesoporous TiO2 homojunction nanostructures through the gliding arc plasma is developed toward efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production. The unique non-thermal plasma environment uniquely enables the concurrent attainment of high crystallinity, well-defined mesoporosity, and homojunction formation within millisecond. The synthesized TiO2 predominantly comprises an anatase phase (≈80%), with the remainder being a rutile phase. By varying the gas flow rate, there is a noticeable transition in particle morphology from spherical to non-spherical, accompanied by a gradual reduction in particle size. The mechanism underlying the one-step synthesis of mesoporous TiO2 homojunctions through gliding arc plasma has been elucidated using in situ emission spectroscopy and band-pass filter imaging. The optimized TiO2 homojunctions exhibited exceptional photocatalytic hydrogen production rate, 4.32mmol g-1h-1 under simulated solar light irradiation, corresponding excellent stability, and reusability. This work not only demonstrates the potential of gliding arc plasma technology for advanced material synthesis but also opens new avenues for the scalable production of high-performance photocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.

Solar Light-Driven Efficient Degradation of Organic Pollutants Mediated by S-Scheme MoS2@TiO2-Layered Structures.

This study focuses on achieving high photocatalytic activity using MoS2/TiO2 heterostructures (MOT). To this end, MoS2 and TiO2 were synthesized by employing hydrothermal synthesis techniques, and then MoS2/TiO2 heterostructures were synthesized by using 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 ratios of MoS2 and TiO2, respectively. While the structural and electronic changes for the 1:2 and 1:3 ratios were relatively minor, significant modifications in bandgaps and morphology were observed for the 1:1 and 1:4 ratios. Thus, this study presents a comparative analysis of the photocatalytic performance of the 1:1 (MOT11) and 1:4 (MOT14) heterostructures. The formation of these heterostructures was confirmed through Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Notably, the bandgaps of MOT11 and MOT14 were red-shifted to 1.66-1.25 eV and 1.01-1.68 eV, respectively, indicating improved visible-light absorption capabilities. The photocatalytic activity of MOT11 and MOT14 was evaluated through the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated solar irradiation. MOT11 demonstrated a high degradation efficiency of 98.9% within 60 min, while MOT14 achieved 98.21% degradation after 90 min of irradiation. The significance of this study lies in its demonstration that a facile synthesis route and a small proportion of MoS2 in the heterostructure can achieve excellent photocatalytic degradation performance under solar light. After MS-analysis, S-Scheme has been suggested, which has also been complimented by the scavenger tests. Additionally, the improved photocatalytic properties of MOT11 and MOT14 suggest their potential for future applications in hydrogen generation and water splitting, offering a pathway towards sustainable and clean energy production.

Efficacy of Natural β-Carotene Chewable Tablets Derived from Banana (Musa AA) Pulp in Reducing UV-Induced Skin Erythema.

UV radiation is a primary cause of skin damage and photoaging. β-carotene, a potent antioxidant, aids in mitigating UV-induced oxidative stress and enhancing skin photoprotection. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a nutraceutical product designed to prevent photoaging. The product consists of a blend of hemp seed oil and banana (Musa AA), formulated as a chewable tablet. Healthy male participants aged 35-50 years were enrolled in a randomized, parallel, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants received either the chewable nutraceutical (five tablets after meals in the morning and evening, equivalent to 8 ± 2 mg/day of β-carotene and 400 mg/day of PUFA) or a chewable placebo for 16 weeks. A total of thirty-six participants successfully completed the entire 16-week study. Administration of the nutraceutical resulted in a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in UV solar light stimulator-induced erythema on the dorsal skin at week 4, with a mean value of 3.76 ± 0.46 AU, compared to the initial value of 4.88 ± 0.62 AU at week 0. Additionally, serum β-carotene concentration significantly increased from 0.45 ± 0.02 µg/mL at week 0 to 0.61 ± 0.06 µg/mL at week 16 (p < 0.05). Moreover, skin intensity in the sun-exposed arm area also significantly improved at week 16, increasing from 71.33 ± 3.50 at week 0 to 81.80 ± 4.45 (p < 0.05). The results indicate that the developed nutraceutical may offer effective protection against erythema, making it a promising option for preventing photoaging.

Models of ecological renovation of industrial buildings for the creation of shopping, entertainment or recreational complexes

The article examines the key features of the functional planning and spatial architectural treatment of the typological group of public buildings and structures during renovation of industrial buildings in coastal areas in order to create promising models of two different types of multifunctional spaces: a shopping and entertainment complex, and a public park. Both approaches exploit the structural and spatial advantages of these buildings and modern architectural-ecological techniques, such as: adaptive reuse, structural reinforcement, and integration of natural light and environmentally friendly materials. The key differences lie in their focus: shopping and entertainment centers emphasize commercial activities and leisure through a dynamic shopping environment, while public parks give preference to green areas and outdoor recreation, integrating extensive landscape design and environmental sustainability methods into the project. Overall, these renovation models not only improve the urban environment, but also contribute to the well-being of the population and restoration of the environment in the area.

Sunlight-Drivable Composite Film Using Carbon Nanopowder-doped PVDF and Liquid Crystal Polymer Network.

Actuators based on liquid crystals have garnered significant attention due to their potential applications in wearable technology and bionic soft robots. Composite films composed of liquid crystal polymer networks (LCNs) and other stimulus-responsive materials exhibit the capability to convert external stimuli into mechanical deformation. However, the development of sunlight-driven actuators presents significant challenges, primarily due to the relatively low intensity of sunlight and the limited conversion efficiency of photothermal materials. In this paper, we present a composite film fabricated using poly(vinylidene fluoride) doped with carbon nanopowders (PC) as a photothermal conversion material combined with a hybrid-alignment liquid crystal polymer network film. Under the midday sun during summer, the composite film is heated from room temperature to 74.5 °C quickly, resulting in a substantial angle change of 235°. Additionally, the actuators fabricated by this composite film can demonstrate phototactic and light-avoiding rolling behaviors. This sunlight-drivable composite film shows considerable promise for the research and development of bionic devices powered by natural light.

Molybdenum Trioxide/Poly Vinyl Alcohol Polymer Nanocomposites: An Investigation of Structural, Optical, Mechanical and Photochromic Properties for Application in Smart Windows

ABSTRACTThe current work elucidates the investigation of optical, mechanical and photochromic behavior of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (MoO3/PVA) nanocomposites (NCs) under the effect of changing UV exposure time as well as increasing wt% of nanofiller. For synthesizing self‐supporting and flexible MoO3/PVA NCs, solution‐casting technique was employed while MoO3 was synthesized using hydrothermal treatment. X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) confirms the orthorhombic phase while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrates the sheet‐like morphology of MoO3. The calculated optical band gap (Eg) of PVA decreases from 4.83 0.16 eV to 2.77 0.06 whereas the refractive index (n) increases from 1.46 to 2.04 after embedding 10 wt% of MoO3. The young's modulus for PVA was found to increase from 102.33 to 192.68 MPa after incorporation of 10 wt% of nanofiller. The photochromic studies reveal that the maximum optical modulation (relative reflectance % value ~19.08) and maximum coloration efficiency (~0.0916) corresponds to 10 wt% MoO3/PVA NC. Thus, the ability of fabricated NCs to modulate solar light transmittance automatically in response to UV exposure and reduce energy consumption by adjusting the indoor atmosphere makes them a highly sought‐after choice for ‘photochromic smart windows’.

Designing an Interior Residential House with an Ecological Concept Approach (Friendly Environment)

The design of residential interiors with an ecological concept aims to create living spaces that are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and support the well-being of their occupants. This approach integrates ecological principles in material selection, space design, and green technology to minimize environmental impacts and optimize energy efficiency. The study examined strategies such as the use of recycled and natural materials, optimization of natural lighting and ventilation, and energy-saving technologies. Materials such as certified wood, bamboo, and VOC-free paint were selected to improve indoor air quality and sustainability (Digitalcommons@usu &amp; Platt, 2007). The design of the space prioritizes natural lighting and air circulation through windows, skylights, and cross ventilation. Indoor plants and energy-efficient equipment such as LED lights are used to beautify the room and reduce energy consumption. Green technologies such as solar panels and rainwater collection systems are applied to reduce dependence on conventional resources. The design results show that the ecological concept in the interior of the house creates a healthier, more comfortable, and more sustainable environment.

Potential of Tebalan Shells from Tuban Beach as Active Material in Perovskite Solar Cells

One source of environmentally friendly renewable energy that has begun to be widely developed is PSC (Perovskite Solar Cell) made from natural ingredients. PSC is a new breakthrough strategic mineral processing technology as an alternative to silicon in the industry of solar power safety and stability. PSCs are easier to manufacture compared to silicon-based solar cells. The PSC material in this research is perovskite CaTiO3 which is made from the reaction between calcium carbonate (CaCO3) which is obtained from the Tebalan shell powder of Tuban beach and titanium dioxide (TiO2). The method used in this research is substrate preparation, synthesis of Perovskite CaTiO3, making TiO2 paste2, electrolyte solution preparation, counter electrode preparation, fabrication perovskite solar cell (PSC), as well as testing, characterization and data analysis. The tests and characterization that will be carried out are: Crystal structure of powdered materials used in making perovskite solar cells using XRD (X-ray Diffractometer) type X-Pert3 Powder, testing electric current with a potentiometer, and measuring light with a lux meter. The results of XRD testing on the calcined powder showed that the structure of calcium titanate perovskite (CaTiO3) was as much as 68.2%. Meanwhile, the characteristic values ​​of the electrical properties of Tebalan clam shell perovskite solar cells from the lamp light source data obtained show that Vm and Im Daylight lamps have a greater value than warm white lamps and the efficiency value of the solar light source is highest when shown Air Mass 1.5, which is 0.000127%.

Porphyrin-Based Supramolecular Self-Assemblies: Construction, Charge Separation and Transfer, Stability, and Application in Photocatalysis.

As a key means to solve energy and environmental problems, photocatalytic technology has made remarkable progress in recent years. Organic semiconductor materials offer structural diversity and tunable energy levels and thus attracted great attention. Among them, porphyrin and its derivatives show great potential in photocatalytic reactions and light therapy due to their unique large-π conjugation structure, high apparent quantum efficiency, tailorable functionality, and excellent biocompatibility. Compared to unassembled porphyrin molecules, supramolecular porphyrin assemblies facilitate the solar light absorption and improve the charge transfer and thus exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance. Herein, the research progress of porphyrin-based supramolecular assemblies, including the construction, the regulation of charge separation and transfer, stability, and application in photocatalysis, was systematically reviewed. The construction strategy of porphyrin supramolecules, the mechanism of charge separation, and the intrinsic relationship of assembling structure-charge transfer-photocatalytic performance received special attention. Surfactants, peptide molecules, polymers, and metal ions were introduced to improve the stability of the porphyrin assemblies. Donor-acceptor structure and co-catalysts were incorporated to inhibit the recombination of the photoinduced charges. These increase the understanding of the porphyrin supramolecules and provide ideas for the design of high-performance porphyrin-based photocatalysts.

Automation of I-V curve measurement for photovoltaic modules: a practical approach

A photovoltaic (PV) module's efficiency is influenced by factors such as environmental conditions (Solar light intensity, temperature) and the load. These modules can encounter various problems that significantly impact their power output, leading to poor overall system performance. The Current-Voltage (I-V) curve is a graphical representation that illustrates the characteristics of a PV module (MPV). Measuring this curve in real-time is essential for diagnosing faults and analyzing PV installations. It offers a quick way to test modules and identify issues like shading, mismatching... This paper presents an experimental system designed to measure the I-V curve of a PV module under real operating conditions. The measurement process is automated and serves to assess the module’s health, degradation, and overall performance. An Arduino card is used to control the measurements, which are conducted in situ, in real time. The effectiveness of this method is validated through experimental data collected from a PV module. The developed system provides a visual display of the module's electrical characteristics and shows solar solar light intensity and temperature in real time on an LCD screen. All results are also displayed on PC. Experimental results are presented.

Removal of cetirizine dihydrochloride from different matrices waters using Bi2O3/TiO2 photocatalyst under simulated solar irradiation: Kinetics, mechanism, and effect of environmental media.

In this study, the photodegradation of cetirizine dihydrochloride (CET) by Bi2O3/TiO2 heterojunctions under simulated solar light irradiation (300-800nm) was examined in detail for the first time. A hydrothermal synthesis of the photocatalyst was carried out, and several analytical techniques were used to characterize the product. The resulting Bi2O3/TiO2 photocatalyst effectively removed CET from an aqueous solution. The Bi2O3/TiO2 (5.0%/95.0%) ratio exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance for CET degradation, degrading 75.85% of CET after 60 min of irradiation, with a high pseudo-first-order rate constant (kapp = 0.022 min-1; t1/2 = 31.50 min; natural pH). Moreover, TOC decreased by 40.45% after 420 min of irradiation. The Bi2O3/TiO2 photocatalyst has also been proven effective in degrading CET in different real aqueous matrices (Seawater (99.89%) > spring water (68.44%) > tap water (52.62%)), and the degradation under natural solar irradiation is more effective and faster than under artificial irradiation. Additionally, the Bi2O3/TiO2 photocatalyst demonstrated excellent photo-stability in a five-cycle photocatalytic experiment. The influence of various parameters showed that the removal of CET was heightened with a dose of 1 g/L of the Bi2O3/TiO2 and enhanced under acidic conditions (pH = 2.3). Moreover, the involvement of different reactive species was investigated by introducing diverse scavengers, revealing that hydroxyl radicals and photo-holes were the main reactive species involved in the CET photodegradation process over the Bi2O3/TiO2 photocatalyst. The primary photodegradation byproducts were identified using HPLC-MS analysis, and a possible mechanism was proposed.

The Photocatalytic Degradation of Enrofloxacin Using an Ecofriendly Natural Iron Mineral: The Relationship Between the Degradation Routes, Generated Byproducts, and Antimicrobial Activity of Treated Solutions.

The use of ecofriendly natural minerals in photocatalytic processes to deal with the antimicrobial activity (AA) associated with antibiotics in aqueous systems is still incipient. Therefore, in this work, the capacity of a natural iron material (NIM) in photo-treatments, generating reactive species, to remove the antibiotic enrofloxacin and decrease its associated AA from water is presented. Initially, the fundamental composition, oxidation states, bandgap, point of zero charge, and morphological characteristics of the NIM were determined, denoting the NIM's feasibility for photocatalytic processes. Consequently, the effectiveness of different advanced processes such as using solar light with the NIM (Light-NIM) and solar light with the NIM and H2O2 (Light-NIM-H2O2) to reduce AA was evaluated. The NIM acts as a semiconductor under solar light, effectively degrading enrofloxacin (ENR) and reducing its AA, although complete elimination was not achieved. The addition of hydrogen peroxide (NIM-Light-H2O2) enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby increasing the elimination of ENR and AA. The role of ROS, specifically O2•- and HO●, in the degradation of enrofloxacin was distinguished using scavenger species and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis. Additionally, the five primary degradation products generated during the advanced processes were elucidated. Furthermore, the relationship between the structure of these products and the persistence or elimination of AA, which was differentiated against E. coli but not against S. aureus, was discussed. The effects of the matrix during the process and the extent of the treatments, including their capacity to promote disinfection, were also studied. The reusability of the natural iron material was examined, and it was found that the NIM-Light-H2O2 system showed an effective reduction of 5 logarithmic units in microbiological contamination in an EWWTP and can be reused for up to three cycles while maintaining 100% efficiency in reducing AA.

Research upon Self-Cleaning Ability of Organic Stains on TiO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Coated Cotton Fabric under Different Light Conditions

Cotton fabric is a textile material that is valued for its strength, breathability, absorbency, and potential for many textile products. In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) was synthesized by the sol-gel method, and cotton fabric was coated with TiO2 by the dip-coating method in an ultrasonic bath for self-cleaning applications. The characteristics of the coated cotton fabric were determined by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray, and tensile strength. The photocatalytic activity of cotton fabric treated with TiO2 nanoparticles was followed by the degradation of three organic compounds, such as tea, coffee, and red wine, under solar, UV, and xenon light conditions. The results showed that stains of organic compounds were successfully decomposed by more than 50%, and the light conditions significantly affected the self-cleaning ability of fabric. The higher energy of light leads to improved degradation of stains on the treated fabric. With the ability to self-clean, cotton fabric may have great potential for commercialization in the textile industry for high-end products.

Wavelength Sensitive Plastic Photodissolution: Elucidating Quantum Yield Trends for Solar Activation Spectra.

Plastic photodissolution into dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a key proposed loss pathway for plastic in aquatic environments. However, the specific solar excitation wavelengths that drive photodissolution remain unknown, limiting our ability to model and predict photodissolution rates in natural aquatic environments. To better understand the impact of solar excitation wavelength on plastic photodissolution rates, we measured the wavelength sensitivity of photodissolution for a variety of transparent and semitransparent commercial and postconsumer plastic films with wide-spanning polymer chemistries. We irradiated plastic films using custom-built light-emitting diode (LED) photoreactors that emit light in the range of 275 to 445 nm and found that plastics exhibit a strong wavelength sensitivity, producing the highest DOC release rates for short wavelength ultraviolet (UV) light. We additionally calculated photodissolution quantum yield trends for transparent plastic films and then calculated photodissolution activation spectra. We found that solar UV light between 300-350 nm is responsible for most of the plastic photodissolution for all plastic compositions and predicted plastic photodissolution rates within water columns. Results advance our ability to model plastic photodissolution in natural aquatic environments.

Construction of a 0D-2D-2D Sandwich-like Ag/g-C3N4/MoS2 Photocatalyst with Bidirectional Electron Transfer Channels for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Hydrogen (H2) production technology has sparked a boom in research aimed at alleviating environmental pollution and the pressure of nonrenewable energy sources. A key factor in this technology is the use of efficient photocatalysts. In this work, we successfully synthesized a 0D-2D-2D sandwich-like Ag/g-C3N4/MoS2 catalyst with bidirectional electron transfer channels via a calcination-hydrothermal method. The H2 evolution reaction of the Ag/g-C3N4/MoS2 catalyst under simulated solar light irradiation conditions revealed that it achieved a maximum H2 evolution rate of 1061.13 μmol·g-1·h-1, representing a 43.12-fold improvement over pristine g-C3N4. Based on systematic characterization with a combination of theoretical simulations, time-resolved photoluminescence, and electron spin resonance spectra, we demonstrate that the remarkable improvement in photocatalytic performance was ascribed to the bidirectional electron transport channels and 0D-2D-2D structure of the ternary catalyst. This unique structure, which was characterized by a large specific surface area, provided numerous active sites for photocatalytic reactions. Bidirectional electron transfer channels expedited the migration of photogenerated electrons reaching cocatalysts MoS2 and Ag from the conduction band of g-C3N4, consequently enhancing the photocatalytic activity. This study highlights the effectiveness of the bidirectional electron transfer channels in promoting charge carrier migration and suppressing charge carrier recombination for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and provides an efficient strategy for the actual application of g-C3N4-based photocatalysts.

Conceptualized Technological Solutions to Maximize the Use of Natural Daylight and Provide a Sustainable Environment for Vehicle Transportations in Modern Underground Cities: A Review

As urban populations burgeon and available surface space becomes scarce, the concept of underground cities gains traction as a viable technological solution. The movement of people, purchases, and recreational trips using vehicles has also become more intensive and requires new concepts to operate in a safe environment, especially in modern underground cities. However, a major challenge faced in subterranean environments is the limited access to natural daylight. This research explores the pivotal role of engineering technology in enhancing the quality of natural daylight within underground urban spaces. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the study investigates advanced lighting utilizing, architectural design strategies with sustainable transportation, and innovative materials to mitigate the inherent constraints of subterranean living. The research assesses the effectiveness of technological interventions to provide comfortable living and safe, sustainable transportation. It therefore addresses the design of light wells, utilize of smart materials, and the incorporation of cutting-edge lighting systems to optimize the distribution of natural light. Additionally, the study evaluates the psychological and physiological impacts of enhanced daylight exposure on residents, emphasizing the importance of human-centric design in subterranean environments. Key findings highlight the significance of daylight simulations in the planning phase, emphasizing the need for architects and urban planners to utilize state-of-the-art engineering utilizing to predict sunlight patterns to achieve great benefit in providing conceptual solutions to provide a suitable environment for vehicle operation. The research also emphasizes the importance of incorporating modern technology systems as atriums, light wells, and reflective surfaces to maximize natural light penetration. Furthermore, the research investigates the energy implications of relying on artificial lighting in conjunction with natural daylight. It explores sustainable energy conceptualized technological solutions, such as solar technology and vehicle transportation according to implementation considerations, to minimize the environmental impact of energy consumption in modern underground cities.

Facile Fabrication of Novel S-scheme Ag3PO4/g-C3N4/Zeolite Photocatalyst for Boosting Photocatalytic Tetracycline Degradation and Hydrogen Production.

This study presents a novel ternary Ag3PO4/g-C3N4/zeolite composite for photocatalytic H2 production and TC degradation through S-scheme electron transport. The S-scheme Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 heterojunction was successfully constructed on zeolite surface through calcination and precipitation processes. The results indicated that Ag3PO4/g-C3N4/zeolite-50 % presented dramatically enhanced photocatalytic TC degradation performance, and the TC degradation efficiency was up to 92.86 % in 180 min under visible light. The corresponding reaction rate constant was 0.01205 min-1 which was 2.18 and 7.48 times greater than those of pure Ag3PO4 (0.00554 min-1) and g-C3N4 (0.00161 min-1), respectively. Meanwhile, the highest H2 production rate (2748.6 μmol g-1 h-1) was achieved over Ag3PO4/g-C3N4/zeolite-50 % under simulated solar light which was around 26.5 and 5.6 times higher than that of g-C3N4 and Ag3PO4, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the ternary composite was mainly due to the synergistic effect of S-scheme Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 heterojunction and zeolite support which endowed the composite with excellent adsorption activity, enhanced light response ability, and efficient separation of photoinduced carriers. TC degradation mechanism and pathways were proposed based on quenching experiment and HPLC-MS results. Overall, this study proposes a promising strategy for significantly improving photocatalytic activity and applying in photocatalytic pollutant degradation and hydrogen production.

3D Ordered Macroporous Mn, Zr-Doped CaCO3 Nanomaterials for Stable Thermochemical Energy Storage.

Developing high-performance Ca-based materials that can work for long-term heat transfer and storage in concentrated solar power plants is crucial to achieve the large-scale conversion of solar photon fluxes to dispatchable electricity. This work demonstrates that a series of Mn, Zr co-doped CaCO3 nanomaterials with the 3D ordered macroporous (3DOM) skeletons are successfully prepared by a novel strategy of templated metal salt co-precipitation. The characterization results indicate that a majority of Zr and Mn are atomically dispersed into the highly-crystallized CaCO3 framework, whereas a minor amount of Mn is present in the form of CaMnO3 nanoparticles (NPs). The optimal 3DOM material made by templating with PS microspheres with a diameter of ≈350nm, 3DOM-Ca80Mn10Zr10, shows a solar light absorptance of ≈74.1% and an initial energy storage density of 1706.4 kJkg-1. Importantly, it gives an impressive energy storage density loss of <6.0% and maintains above 1600kJ kg-1 after 125 cycles. The density functional theory calculations reveal that the co-doping of Mn and Zr into the CaO crystal lattice offers a strong affinity to [Ca4O4] clusters, as a result, the anti-sintering of CaO NPs is significantly enhanced under high temperature.