Photochemical Properties Research Articles

Construction of loading g-C3N4/TiO2 on waste cotton-based activated carbon S-scheme heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of microplastics: Performance, DFT calculation and mechanism study

In order to achieve the degradation of polyethylene microplastics (PE) in wastewater. The g-C3N4/TiO2/WCT-AC composite photocatalytic materials were prepared by mixed high-temperature thermal polymerization method with the g-C3N4 and the waste cotton based activated carbon (WCT-AC) loaded TiO2 as precursors. The phase morphology, elemental composition, morphology and photochemical properties of the g-C3N4/TiO2/WCT-AC were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum (UV–vis DRS) and photo luminescence (PL). The results of UV–vis DRS and PL showed that the combination of the g-C3N4 and the TiO2/WCT-AC improved the absorption in the visible region, broadened the spectral response range, and the formation of heterojunctions enabled efficient photoelectron-hole separation and improved the photocatalytic activity. Under visible light irradiation for 200 h, catalyst dosage 50 mg, and system pH = 7.0, the highest removal rate of the g-C3N4/TiO2/WCT-AC for PE microplastics reached 67.58 %, and it still showed excellent stability after 5 cycles. The active groups such as ·O2−, ·OH and h+ produced in the g-C3N4/TiO2/WCT-AC system under visible light excitation realized the degradation of PE microplastics. The whole process is a complex oxidation bond breaking process, and the degradation of PE microplastics by g-C3N4/TiO2/WCT-AC follows the S-type charge transfer mechanism.

Nanomaterial-Based Sensors for Coumarin Detection.

Sensors are widely used owing to their advantages including excellent sensing performance, user-friendliness, portability, rapid response, high sensitivity, and specificity. Sensor technologies have been expanded rapidly in recent years to offer many applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, the environment, food safety, and national security. Various nanomaterial-based sensors have been developed for their exciting features, such as a powerful absorption band in the visible region, excellent electrical conductivity, and good mechanical properties. Natural and synthetic coumarin derivatives are attracting attention in the development of functional polymers and polymeric networks for their unique biological, optical, and photochemical properties. They are the most abundant organic molecules in medicine because of their biological and pharmacological impacts. Furthermore, coumarin derivatives can modulate signaling pathways that affect various cellular processes. This review covers the discovery of coumarins and their derivatives, the integration of nanomaterial-based sensors, and recent advances in nanomaterial-based sensing for coumarins. This review also explains how sensors work, their types, their pros and cons, and sensor studies for coumarin detection in recent years.

Design, Synthesis, and Photochemical Properties of Gene‐directed Caged RyR Probes for Photopharmacological Studies

AbstractRyanodine receptor (RyR) is a crucial intracellular Ca2+ channel involved in various physiological processes associated with several diseases. This paper presents the synthesis and evaluation of novel photoactivatable caged compounds for the RyR. We used (6‐bromo‐7‐hydroxycoumarn‐4‐yl)methyl (Bhc) as the photolabile protecting group to develop caged versions of 4‐CmC, a broad‐spectrum RyR agonist, and FLA365, an antagonist. The synthesized compounds, Bhcmoc‐4‐CmC and Bhcmoc‐FLA365, exhibited photoreactivity that enabled spatiotemporal control over the RyR activity. Bhcmoc‐4‐CmC presents a quantum yield of 25 % and a photolysis efficiency of 1,075 M−1 cm−1 under 405 nm light, triggering Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Conversely, Bhcmoc‐FLA365 presents a reduced quantum yield of 0.61 %, which can be attributed to the quenching effects of its tertiary amine structure. We also applied gene‐directed caging, synthesizing β‐galactosidase (β‐Gal) activatable Gal‐Bhcmoc‐4‐CmC and Gal‐Bhcmoc‐FLA365, and porcine liver esterase (PLE)‐activatable CM‐Bhcmoc‐FLA365, to target these probes to the specific cell types. These caged compounds contribute significantly to photopharmacology, providing tools for the precise analysis and manipulation of the RyR functions. Future research objectives involve further optimization and analysis of the photochemical mechanisms of these caged compounds to enhance their applications in biological and medical research.

Exploring the World of Curcumin: Photophysics, Photochemistry, and Applications in Nanoscience and Biology.

Curcumin is a bright yellow naturally occurring polyphenol which is the principal component of turmeric. It is used as herbal supplement, cosmetics ingredient, and food coloring agent. Over the years, the therapeutic properties of the natural product curcumin have gone unexploited but not unnoticed. Curcumin cannot be employed as a drug due to limitations such as low aqueous solubility and limited bioavailability. Many attempts have been made to overcome these limitations by confining the drug in various confined media to enhance its bioavailability. The biomolecule is emissive and undergoes fundamental excited state processes such as solvation dynamics and excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Curcumin based biomaterials and nanomaterials are also a fast advancing field where curcumin is an intrinsic component necessary for formation of these materials and no longer added as an external free drug. In this review, we will summarize the recent research on the photophysical and photochemical properties of curcumin and its excited state dynamics in various bio-mimicking systems. At the same time we wish to also incorporate the various applications of curcumin, especially in biology. Lastly due to the growing importance of materials science, we will briefly discuss some recent advances on curcumin based biomaterials and nanomaterials. We believe such a compilation of recent research surrounding curcumin will provide an overall understanding of its potentialities in different areas.

Drug delivery strategies for porphyrin-based photosensitizers in photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy

In the face of increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the looming threat of a return to a pre-antibiotics era, the exploration of alternative antimicrobial strategies becomes imperative. Among these, Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PACT) stands out as a promising solution due to its multi-target principle, diverging from the key-lock mechanism inherent in conventional antibiotics. However, the hydrophobic nature, non-targeted distribution, stability issues, and limited tissue penetration of photosensitizers (PSs), particularly the extensively studied porphyrin-based compounds, pose structural limitations impacting their bioavailability and effective delivery to target sites. Therefore, various delivery strategies are adopted to improve their effectiveness in PACT. This includes attaching the PS to a variety of delivery vehicles such as nanoparticles, and liposomes, or encapsulating them in nanostructures, such as micelles or dendrimers. This helps protect the PS from degradation, improve their solubility and bioavailability, and enhance their photophysical and photochemical properties, ultimately improving their effectiveness in PACT. In this paper, recent studies focusing on strategies used to improve the delivery of porphyrin-based PS in PACT are reviewed.

Triphenylene diimides: A new class of discotic liquid crystals

Unlike the well-explored perylene diimides and naphthalene diimides, the synthesis and characterization of triphenylene diimides have not been reported to date. In this study, several di(decyloxy)-substituted triphenylene 2,3,6,7-tetracarboxyldiimides with various imide substituents were synthesized and comprehensively analyzed for their photochemical properties and mesophase behavior. It was observed that different imide substituents significantly affect self-assembly in both solution and the liquid-crystalline state. Specifically, diimide 2–1, with two n-octyl chains at the imide nitrogens, exhibits a tendency to self-assembly at relatively high concentrations in CDCl3 and displays a hexagonal columnar (Colh) phase near room temperature. Remarkably, its isomer, diimide 2–2, with two branched 2-ethylhexyl chains, exhibits an enatiotropic Colh phase with an unusually large range of 292 °C, extending from 7 °C to 299 °C. Furthermore, the study also reports two triphenylene monoimide diesters as room temperature liquid crystals, each composed of one imide, two alkoxycarbonyl, and two alkoxy side chains. These findings not only enrich the diversity of aromatic diimides but also highlight the potential applications of these novel diimides in the field of liquid crystals.

DFT simulations of photovoltaic parameters of dye‐sensitized solar cells with new efficient sensitizer of indolo[3, 2‐b]carbazole complexes

AbstractDeveloping economical and high‐performing sensitizers is crucial in advancing dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and optoelectronics. This research paper explores the potential of novel red light‐absorbing organic dyes based on Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (ICZ) as the donor applied in co‐sensitizer‐free DSSCs for breakthroughs in photovoltaic (PV) applications. DFT and TD‐DFT based computational methods were employed to calculate the conduction band levels, electron injection capabilities, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of metal‐free organic dyes (ICZ1–ICZ9) having D‐A‐π‐A architecture. Comprehensive analyses included NBO, DOS, FMO, ICT, MEP, binding energy, and TDM analysis. Quantum chemical calculations of the structural, photochemical, and electrochemical properties, as well as the key parameters, reveals that all the designed dyes could be an excellent candidate for high‐efficiency DSSCs due the small energy gap (2.130–1.947 eV), longer wavelength absorption (759.47–520.63 nm), longer lifetimes (15.65–6.67 ns), a lower ΔGreg (0.29–0.14 eV), a significant dipole moment changes (31.489–16.195D), LHE (0.95‐0.46), the large qCT (0.962–0.689), small DCT (7.657, 4.897 Å), and VOC (1.13–0.86 eV). This quantum simulation showed that, when compared to reference D8, the photovoltaic dyes ICZ8, ICZ2, and ICZ7 are recognized as being eye‐catching. Furthermore, dye@(TiO2)9 cluster model results demonstrate promising prospects for enhancing the photovoltaic (PV) performance of ICZ1–ICZ9 dyes by electron injection and conduction band (CB) engineering. This study will help the experimentalists for developing ICZ‐based PVs as more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

Rhodopsin-based light-harvesting system for sustainable synthetic biology.

Rhodopsins, a diverse class of light-sensitive proteins found in various life domains, have attracted considerable interest for their potential applications in sustainable synthetic biology. These proteins exhibit remarkable photochemical properties, undergoing conformational changes upon light absorption that drive a variety of biological processes. Exploiting rhodopsin's natural properties could pave the way for creating sustainable and energy-efficient technologies. Rhodopsin-based light-harvesting systems offer innovative solutions to a few key challenges in sustainable engineering, from bioproduction to renewable energy conversion. In this opinion article, we explore the recent advancements and future possibilities of employing rhodopsins for sustainable engineering, underscoring the transformative potential of these biomolecules.

Investigation of the substituent effect of indocyanine green derivatives for lymph imaging

Fluorescence lymph imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) is widely utilized as diagnostic tool for lymphatic diseases. While this technique offers numerous advantages, the kinetics of ICG at the injection site can pose challenges for a detailed diagnosis. In this study, we synthesized various ICG derivatives possessing cationic, anionic, or uncharged substituents and examined their photochemical properties, binding affinity to human serum albumin, as well as their correlation to pharmacokinetics in mice. The introduction of different substituents not only affected certain physiochemical properties, but also impacted the pharmacokinetics within the lymph nodes. Immunofluorescence imaging suggested that the extent of uptake of the ICG derivatives by phagocytic cells may affect the retention of the contrast ratios in the lymph nodes. These findings can provide new insights in the pharmacokinetics in lymphatic tissues, which could be useful for the development of novel fluorescent agents for lymph imaging.

A Physiochemical, In Vitro, and In Vivo Comparative Analysis of Verteporfin-Lipid Conjugate Formulations: Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Liposomes.

VisudyneⓇ, a liposomal formulation of verteporfin (benzoporphyrin derivative; BPD), is the only nanomedicine approved to date for photodynamic therapy (PDT). We have previously demonstrated that BPD conjugated to the lysophospholipid 1-arachidoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (BPD-PC) exhibits the greatest physical stability in liposomes, while maintaining cancer cell phototoxicity, from a panel of BPD lipid conjugates evaluated. In this study, we prepared 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC)-based solid lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that stably entrap BPD-PC, which resemble the composition of the SpikevaxⓇ Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and compared them to a DPPC based liposomal formulation (Lipo BPD-PC). We evaluated the photochemical, optical, and phototherapeutic properties of both formulations. We also investigated the in vivo distribution and tumor microdistribution of both formulations. Our results demonstrated that Lipo BPD-PC is able to generate 17% more singlet oxygen than LNP BPD-PC, while interestingly, LNP BPD-PC is able to produce 76% more hydroxyl radicals and/or peroxynitrite anion. Importantly, only 28% of BPD-PC leaches out of the LNP BPD-PC formulation during 7 days of incubation in serum at 37 °C, while 100% of BPD-PC leaches out of the Lipo BPD-PC formulation under the same conditions. Despite these differences, there was no significant difference in cellular uptake of BPD-PC or phototoxicity in CT1BA5 murine pancreatic cancer cells (derived from a genetically engineered mouse model). Interestingly, PDT using LNP BPD-PC was more efficient at inducing immunogenic cell death (calreticulin membrane translocation) than Lipo BPD-PC when using IC25 and IC50 PDT doses. In vivo studies revealed that CT1BA5 tumor fluorescence signals from BPD-PC were 2.41-fold higher with Lipo BPD-PC than with LNP BPD-PC; however, no significant difference was observed in tumor tissue selectivity or tumor penetration. As such, we present LNP BPD-PC as a unique and more stable nanoplatform to carry BPD lipid conjugates, such as BPD-PC, with a potential for future photodynamic immune priming studies and multiagent drug delivery.

New type of UV cured low dielectric naphthalene resin: Structure-activity relationship of different substitution sites

UV-curing low dielectric materials exhibit wide applications in the field of additive manufacturing of electronic packaging, owing to their environmental protection, good thermal stability, low dielectric constant (Dk), and dielectric loss (Df). Wherein, one-step UV curing realizes process simplification of low dielectric materials gradually sparked widespread research. In this work, a series of novel naphthalene-based low dielectric materials were prepared for one-step UV curing. The double bond conversion rate of resins exceeds 90 % in a short time and the resins perform exceptional dielectric properties (Dk < 2.8, Df < 0.009, 110 MHz), high thermal stability (T5% > 270 °C), and hydrophobicity (water contact angle > 95°). Notably, 1,6-naphthalene dimethacrylate/Trihydroxymethylbutyl trimethylacrylate (1,6-NEA/TMPTA) suggests lowest dielectric performance (Dk = 2.19, Df = 0.005) with significant thermal stability (Tg = 190 °C, T5% = 367.4 °C) because the π-π conjugation of the asymmetric structure of 1,6-NEA, which allows for a greater variety of stacking patterns and increases the effective collisions between the reactive sites of the photosensitive monomer and the reactive diluent. This work has revealed the structure-activity relationship between the substituents on naphthalene derivatives and their photochemical properties, providing a novel methodology for the development of low dielectric electronic packaging materials through additive manufacturing techniques.

A Hexaarylbiimidazole‐Terarylene Hybrid: Visible‐to‐NIR‐II Absorption via Sequential Photochromic Reactions

A synergetic interaction between two or more photochromic chromophores has a potential to achieve advanced photochemical properties beyond conventional photochromic molecules and to realize photochemical control of complex systems using only a single molecule. Herein, we report a hybrid photochromic molecule consisting of hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) and terarylene that exhibits multi‐state photochromism. The biphotochrome hybrid shows four‐state photochromic reaction involving sequentially proceeding photoreactions. The UV or visible light irradiation to the biphotochrome leads to the C–N bond breaking reaction of the HABI in preference to the ring‐closing reaction of the 6π‐electron system in the terarylene unit, leading two terarylene radical molecules. The photogenerated terarylene radical further exhibits the 6π‐electrocyclization reaction by UV irradiation. The delocalized π‐radical on the closed‐ring form of the terarylene is efficient to enhance the photosensitivity to the NIR‐I and ‐II region. Furthermore, a recombination reaction of radicals between the open‐ and closed‐ring isomers of terarylene affords an unprecedented photochromic dimer as a structural isomer of the initial molecule. This is a consequence of the sequential hybrid photochromic system involving the HABI and terarylene units.

A Hexaarylbiimidazole-Terarylene Hybrid: Visible-to-NIR-II Absorption via Sequential Photochromic Reactions.

A synergetic interaction between two or more photochromic chromophores has a potential to achieve advanced photochemical properties beyond conventional photochromic molecules and to realize photochemical control of complex systems using only a single molecule. Herein, we report a hybrid photochromic molecule consisting of hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) and terarylene that exhibits multi-state photochromism. The biphotochrome hybrid shows four-state photochromic reaction involving sequentially proceeding photoreactions. The UV or visible light irradiation to the biphotochrome leads to the C-N bond breaking reaction of the HABI in preference to the ring-closing reaction of the 6π-electron system in the terarylene unit, leading to two terarylene radical molecules. The photogenerated terarylene radical further exhibits the 6π-electrocyclization reaction by UV irradiation. The delocalized π-radical on the closed-ring form of the terarylene is efficient to enhance the photosensitivity to the NIR-I and -II region. Furthermore, a recombination reaction of radicals between the open- and closed-ring isomers of terarylene affords an unprecedented photochromic dimer as a structural isomer of the initial molecule. This is a consequence of the sequential hybrid photochromic system involving the HABI and terarylene units.

Photothermal flows activated CsPbBr3 ⊆ Pb-TCPP S-scheme heterojunction: In-situ converted interface for robust CO2 reduction coupling with benzylamine oxidation

By the self-sacrificial conversion approach, the perovskite CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (CPB NCs) are impregnated from a lead-porphyrin metal–organic frameworks (Pb-TCPP). Such rational design not only shapes the firm heterojunction to optimize interface electronic environment and rapid reaction kinetics. The difference on Fermi level between the parent Pb-TCPP and derived CPB dramatically could trigger electron transfer, generating a strong internal electric field. The S-scheme heterojunction not only contributes to promote the photogenerated electron transfer separation, but also endows its excellent photothermal properties, which in turn improve the reoxidation ability of the heterojunction. In-situ experimental characterization and theoretical calculations unveil electron-rich CPB acts as the CO2 activation sites and the Pb-TCPP side plays a vital role in benzylamine (BA) oxidation. The as-transferred 0.1CPB ⊆ Pb-TCPP delivers the outperformed photochemical property with a yield rate of 143.3 μmol·g−1·h−1 of CO and 18.6 μmol·g−1·h−1 of CH4, and BDA productive rate of 21.4 mmol·g−1·h−1. This work puts forward to a luxurious booster to interface phase conversion and photothermal effect in the photosynthetic fields.

Bigger is not Better for Indolino‐Oxazoline Photochemical Properties

AbstractIndolino‐oxazolidine derivatives are a new and pretty confidential family of multimodal molecular switches. Indeed, acid, electrochemical potential, and UV light irradiation can be used to convert these compounds form their colorless closed form to a colorful open form. In this publication, we have investigated the influence of the extension of the π‐conjugated system beared by the indolino moiety on their halo‐, electro‐ and photochromic properties. In this context, we have demonstrated that only their photochemical properties are strongly affected by this structural modification. Moreover, quantum chemistry calculations have allowed to rationalize our experimental observations and, noticeably, evidenced an oxidative quenching process in presence of chlorobenzene, which enhances their photoreactivity.

Dimethyl Dihydrophenazine: A Highly Conjugated Auxochrome in Fluorophores to Improve Photostability, Red-Shift Wavelength, and Enlarge Stokes Shift.

5,10-Dimethyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine (MP) is utilized as an effective auxochrome, leveraging its highly conjugated structure to enhance the photophysical and photochemical properties of fluorophores. As illustrated in the difluoride-boron complex and coumarin fluorophores, the extensive conjugation of MP auxochrome substantially red-shifts the absorption/emission wavelengths and increases Stokes shift due to the intensified intramolecular charge transfer effect; notably, MP auxochrome effectively improves fluorophores' photostability by mitigating photooxidative reactions through enhanced electron density delocalization on nitrogen atoms and increased ionization potential. Importantly, MP-based fluorophores demonstrate applicability in stimulated emission depletion nanomicroscopy, showcasing their utility in lipid droplet labeling.

Interaction of Lyophilic Zinc(II) Porphyrins with Bovine Serum Albumin

Palladium-catalyzed heterylation of monobromophenyl-substituted zinc(II) porphyrin with small heterocycles (benzothiazole, benzoxazole, and N-methylbenzimidazole) was carried out. As a result, unsymmetrical heterylphenyl-substituted zinc(II) porphyrins soluble in organic solvents were obtained. The interaction of heteryl-substituted zinc(II) porphyrins with alpha-helical proteins was studied by spectral methods using bovine serum albumin in aqueous organic solvents. It was found that the titration of the zinc(II) porphyrins with albumin in a sodium phosphate buffer involves a number of equilibria including complexation and aggregation. In the case of porphyrins containing N-methylbenzimidazole and benzoxazole residues, self-aggregation processes initiated by absorption of organic solvent molecules by the protein predominate. It was found that more hydrophobic nature of zinc(II) porphyrin with benzothiazole residue promotes the complex formation with the protein. The photochemical properties of zinc(II) porphyrin with a benzothiazole residue, capacity for the photooxidation of the alpha-helical protein, and the high affinity of protein to this porphyrin make it a promising candidate for the potential applicability for photodynamic inactivation.

Synthesis of Phenol-Hydrazide-Appended Tetraphenylethenes as Novel On-Off-On Cascade Sensors of Copper and Glutathione.

This study reports the synthesis of novel fluorescent probes, phenol-hydrazide-appended tetraphenylethenes (TPEs I and II), and explores their photochemical properties. The probes exhibit aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in increasing water content, as observed using fluorescence spectroscopy. Further investigation with UV-vis and fluorescence techniques revealed their potential as ion sensors. Both TPE I and TPE II act as "turn-off" sensors for Cu2+ ions, showing decreased fluorescence intensity in their presence. Their limit of detection (LOD) and association constant (K a) for Cu2+ were found to be comparable at 747 nM/597 nM, and 2.46 × 105 M-1/2/1.78 × 105 M-1/2, respectively. Moreover, the quantum yields of TPE I and TPE II were also calculated and found to be 0.651 and 0.325, respectively. Interestingly, these probes also function as "turn-on" sensors for glutathione (GSH) in the presence of copper. This means their fluorescence can be reversibly switched off and on by alternating CuCl2 and GSH additions. Moreover, the LOD values for GSH with TPE II-Cu2+ were calculated to be 544 nM. In addition, the investigation also employed visual analysis to assess the color alterations of TPEs on filter paper and in real water samples. Overall, this research introduces promising new probes with potential applications in copper ion detection and biomolecule glutathione sensing in real water samples.

Effects of germanium content on the optical properties of GeO2-based organic-inorganic composite films doped with azobenzene

Organic-inorganic composite materials have great applications in integrated optics due to their good optical performance. In this study, GeO2-based organic-inorganic composite films doped with azobenzene were prepared by combining the solgel technique and the spin-coating method. The optical waveguide properties including the refractive index and film thickness and the optical response properties of the composite films with different germanium contents have been investigated. The results indicate that the refractive index of the film increases, but the film thickness decreases as the germanium content increases. The composite film with 0.2 mol of germanium exhibits the best optical response properties. Further, the optical switching characteristics of the optimal composite film shows good stability and reversibility. The photochemical and structural properties of the film were also investigated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermo-gravimetric analysis. Finally, hexagonal microlens arrays were built in the film by using the UV nanoimprint technique, resulting in neatly arranged structures with good optical imaging performance.

Co-designed dual-ambient energy harvester hydrogel for hydrogen production and electricity generation

In the quest to scavenge and convert environmental energy into useable green power, the development of materials that can efficiently harvest from multiple ambient energy sources remains challenging. Essentially, the reconciliation of differing material and structural requirements necessary for distinct functionalities is still a significant obstacle. In this work, a co-design approach has been taken to tailor a hydrogel capable of meeting the specific demands of two energy conversion processes; solar-induced hydrogen generation and evaporation-induced electricity generation. Specifically, Cu-doped ZnS photocatalysts integrated into a chitosan matrix, featuring internally aligned channels, not only facilitate mass transport but also significantly enhances the hydrogel’s photochemical and electrokinetic properties. Dual functionality is attainted through the harmonious combination of light absorption, charge separation, and fluid transport features within a unified material system, embodying a balance between the photophysical reactions for hydrogen production and the capillary flow essential for electricity generation through the streaming potential phenomenon. Finally, the real-world environmental demonstration achieved a hydrogen generation rate of 17.3 mmol m−2 h−1 under natural sunlight irradiation and a potential output of 192.8 mV. Overall, this study demonstrates strategies applicable to designing other ambient energy harvesters with the potential to convert disparate renewable energy sources for sustainable energy production.