Photoelectrochemical Research Articles

Moisture Accumulation During Summer Tillage of Fallow Fields

The paper emphasizes that the primary objective of fallow field tillage in summer and pre-sowing soil preparation is to create the most favorable conditions for moisture retention and accumulation within soil layers. (Research purpose) The study aimed to investigate the process of moisture accumulation within soil layers as influenced by the type of working bodies used for continuous tillage of fallow fields. (Materials and methods) The research was conducted in field conditions using an experimental model of a steam cultivator equipped with a roller having a working width of 3 meters, as well as a standard KSOP-4 cultivator for continuous tillage. (Results and discussion) Observations from June to August confirmed that the experimental steam cultivator with a roller effectively prevented the displacement of wet soil layers to the surface, maintaining a volumetric moisture content of 16.42-17.37 percent in the 5-centimeter layer. Moisture accumulation was recorded at various soil depths, with volumetric moisture levels recorded at 28.40-30.48 in the 10-centimeter layer, 30.18-32.82 percent in the 15-centimeter layer, and 26.90-29.38 percent in the 20-centimeter layer. For comparison, continuous tillage using a standard cultivator resulted in the displacement of wet soil layers to the surface, with volumetric moisture levels of 22.62-25.14 percent in the 5-centimeter layer. Moisture accumulation in deeper soil layers decreased, showing 18.57-21.57 percent in the 10-centimeter layer, 14.09-15.58 percent in the 15-centimeter layer, and 22.75-22.21 in the 20-centimeter layer. (Conclusions) The study demonstrated that using specific working bodies for continuous soil cultivation in summer ensures moisture retention within the soil layers. This approach facilitates shallow cultivation to a depth of 4-6 centimeters without exposing wet layers to the surface.

Anchoring group regulation in semiconductor/molecular complex hybrid photoelectrode for photoelectrochemical water splitting

AbstractRational interface engineering via regulating the anchoring groups between molecular catalysts and light‐absorbing semiconductors is essential and emergent to stabilize the semiconductor/molecular complex interaction and facilitate the photocarriers transport, thus realizing highly active and stable photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. In this mini review, following a showcasing of the fundamental details of hybrid PEC systems containing semiconductor photoelectrodes and molecular catalysts for water splitting, the state‐of‐the‐art progress of anchoring group regulation at semiconductor/molecular complex interface for efficient and stable PEC water splitting, as well as its effect on charge transfer kinetics, are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, potential research directions aimed at building high‐efficiency hybrid PEC water splitting systems are summarized.

Autologous Cell-Free Fat Extract: A Novel Approach for Infraorbital Rejuvenation-A Pilot Study.

CEFFE (Cell-free fat extract) treatment for periocular fine lines requires thorough clinical evaluation to determine its efficacy and safety in enhancing skin quality. The research enrolled 10 healthy female participants aged 31-58, focusing on skin texture, elasticity, and barrier function. CEFFE treatment demonstrated significant benefits, with notable improvements observed as early as 3 months posttreatment, which continued throughout the 12-month follow-up period. Objective assessments revealed reductions in SEr% and SEw%, indicative of reduced skin roughness and wrinkles, particularly pronounced after the third month of treatment. Enhanced skin elasticity, as indicated by improvements in R2%, R5%, and R7%, was observed, with the most significant enhancements noted at the 6-month follow-up. Furthermore, TEWL decreased consistently, highlighting CEFFE's potential in maintaining the skin's barrier function and moisture retention. High patient satisfaction levels, with 70% expressing satisfaction ranging from satisfied to very satisfied, underscored CEFFE's clinical significance. CEFFE demonstrates potential as an effective and safe intervention for addressing periocular fine lines, providing a solution for fine lines while ensuring skin health (ChiCTR1900024329).

Solar-Driven Hydrogen Peroxide Production via BiVO4-Based Photocatalysts.

Solar hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production has garnered increased research interest owing to its safety, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and sustainability. The synthesis of H2O2 relies mainly on renewable resources such as water, oxygen, and solar energy, resulting in minimal waste. Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) stands out among various oxide semiconductors for selective H2O2 production under visible light via direct two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and two-electron water oxidation reaction (WOR) pathways. Significant advancements have been achieved using BiVO4-based materials in solar H2O2 production over the last decade. This review explores advancements in BiVO4-based photocatalysts for H2O2 production, focusing on photocatalytic powder suspension (PS) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems, representing the main approaches for heterogenous artificial photosynthesis. An overview of fundamental principles, performance assessment methodologies, photocatalyst and photoelectrode development, and optimization of reaction conditions is provided. While diverse strategies, such as heterojunction, doping, crystal facet engineering, cocatalyst loading, and surface passivation, have proven effective in enhancing H2O2 generation, this review offers insights into their similar and distinct implementations within the PS and PEC systems. The challenges and future prospects in this field are also discussed to facilitate the rational design of high-performing BiVO4-based photocatalysts and photoelectrodes for H2O2 generation under visible light.

Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo var. sunny house) in Response to Organic and Inorganic Mulching Materials at Rampur, Chitwan

Mulching, a widely employed agricultural practice, has been recognized for its influence on soil moisture retention, temperature regulation, and weed suppression, thereby improving growth and yield of crops. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of mulching materials on growth and yield attributes of summer squash under water constraint condition during March to May 2023 in Chitwan, Nepal. The experiment was laid in single factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four different mulches (rice straw, wheat straw, rice husk and silver on black plastic mulch 30 microns) and control replicated 4 times. All the Plant growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves per plant and plant spread, were highest in silver plastic mulch and the poorest in the un-mulched plots. Mulching also significantly influenced floral characters, with plastic mulch demonstrating superiority in traits such as days to flowering, number of flowers per plant, and sex ratio compared to organic mulches and the control. Fruit length, diameter, and weight exhibited the highest values under plastic mulch and the lowest values under the control, while all organic mulches showed similar results. The highest yield of 41.44 Mt ha-1 was achieved with silver plastic mulch, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing crop productivity, while the lowest yield of 11.77 Mt ha-1 was recorded in the control plots. Despite its higher cost, silver pastic mulch exhibited highest net return and benefit-cost ratio. Rice husk mulch, with the second highest benefit-cost ratio and relatively low cost of production, emerged as promising alternative. Although mulching did not notably affect the soil pH, the varying soil organic matter percentages were observed, with the highest on rice straw mulch and the lowest on silver plastic mulch. The study suggests that while plastic mulch can significantly boost productivity during water scarcity, rice husk mulch offers a cost-effective alternative with substantial economic benefit.

Solution Process–Based Facile Flame–Boosted Low‐Valence Transition Metal Doping on Pristine Oxide for Highly Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Solar Water Oxidation Reaction

ABSTRACTAs for the high sustainable solar hydrogen production via water splitting, transition metal doping on an oxide photoanode in photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells has been recognized as an effective approach. However, conventional thermal‐diffusion‐mediated doping strategies face the challenge of resolving sluggish catalytic kinetics for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and its practical utilization for the synthesis of photoanode films. Herein, we introduce facile ultrafast flame‐boosted doping of Mo into a BiVO4 (FL MoBVO) film for 20 s to achieve an efficient PEC OER. Mo elements in a low‐valence state (i.e., Mo6−δ) and Mo6+ are successfully doped into the photoanode, which manipulate the energy band structure, facilitating the downward shift of band edges and promoting the surface catalytic kinetics. Consequently, the flame‐boosted Mo‐doping results in superior PEC performance in a mild environment with neutral electrolyte without introducing any other additives or co‐catalysts, where the photocurrent density at 1.23 VRHE under 1 sun illumination in pH 7 is outstandingly enhanced, over 9‐fold higher than that of a pristine BiVO4. The flame‐boosted doping induces significantly enhanced photoexcited charge transport and catalytic reaction kinetics performances simultaneously. Our report provides the effective strategy boosting both the thermodynamic and kinetic charge migration properties for sustainable materials.

Maximizing Oxygen Evolution Performance of NiFeOx Semitransparent Electrocatalysts Applicable to Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Device

AbstractIn photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, semiconductor‐based photoelectrodes can improve reaction rates and durability by incorporating cocatalysts that serve as active sites for the water splitting process. However, achieving both high light transmittance and efficient catalytic activity is essential for these cocatalysts. This study aimed to optimize the surface loading of semitransparent NiFeOx thin‐film electrocatalysts to enhance the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) rates while maintaining high light transmittance. NiFeOx thin films were deposited on fluorine‐doped SnO2 (FTO) transparent conductive substrates, and the relationship between the NiFeOx loading amount (Γ) and the OER rate was examined using electrochemical techniques. The OER rate of NiFeOx on FTO (NiFeOx/FTO) was the highest at a Γ value of 0.20 μmol cm−2. To further explore the connection between this optimized Γ and PEC activity, the impact of Γ on the PEC OER performance of visible‐light‐absorbing α‐Fe2O3 semitransparent photoanodes was evaluated as a model system. Applying the optimized Γ of NiFeOx to modify the α‐Fe2O3 surface also led to enhanced PEC OER performance. These findings highlight the critical role of surface design, specifically the optimization of cocatalyst loading and electrocatalytic activity, in improving PEC water splitting efficiency, providing valuable guidelines for future semitransparent photoelectrode development.

Tailoring Non-Covalent Interaction Via Single Atom to Boost Interfacial Charge Transfer Toward Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for hydrogen generation holds immense potential for addressing environmental and energy crises. Tailoring non-covalent interaction via a single atom is anticipated to realize prominent hole extracting facilitating PEC performance, but it has never been reported. In this study, single atom Co-N4 is coordinated with 5-fluoroanthranilic acid (FAA) molecules, then used as a non-covalent hole-extracting layer on a BiVO4 substrate. Experiments including X-ray absorption fine spectra, Kelvin probe force microscopy, transient absorption, and theoretical calculation demonstrate the FAA coordination alters the local configuration of the central Co atom, adjusting the interfacial non-covalent interaction, thereby reducing the barrier of charge transfer between BiVO4 and the hole-extracting layer. Consequently, photogenerated carriers are more effectively separated, and the PEC water oxidation performance is significantly enhanced with the photocurrent density of 5.47mA cm-2 at 1.23V versus RHE, much higher than those of previously reported BiVO4 photoanodes composited with porphyrin-based compounds. Experiments and theoretical simulation confirm that the boosted PEC performance originates from exceptional interfacial charge transfer rather than surface catalysis dynamic. This study provides an efficient strategy for tailoring non-covalent interaction by regulating single-atom coordination and promoting hole extract to boost PEC water oxidation activity.

Flexible Strain Sensor Based on a Dual Crosslinked Network of PAMgA/GL/PANI Antifreeze Conductive Hydrogel

AbstractConductive hydrogels possess excellent flexibility, conductivity, and sensing properties, making them important carrier materials for flexible strain sensors. They show promising application prospects in fields such as human motion detection and artificial intelligence. This paper introduces polyaniline (PANI) and glycerol (GL) into the magnesium acrylate (AMgA) monomer and prepares the polymagnesium acrylate/glycerol/polyaniline (PAMgA/GL/PANI) hydrogel by free radical polymerization method. When the addition of PANI is 9 wt.%, the PAMgA/GL/PANI hydrogel exhibits good mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 0.385 MPa, an elongation at break of up to 505%, a compressive strength of 1.04 MPa, and its room temperature conductivity is 1.437 S m−1. Even after freezing at −20 °C, its conductivity can still reach 1.254 S m−1. When the tensile deformation of this conductive hydrogel reaches 500%, the gauge factor (GF) reaches 10.33. In addition, the PAMgA/GL/PANI hydrogel also has good self‐healing, adhesion, and moisture retention. These excellent characteristics make it suitable as a flexible strain sensor that can not only accurately monitor human joint movements and subtle physiological signals but also serve as an encrypted information transmission medium.

Comprehensive and Sensitive Analysis of Total PAEs Using a Label-Free Zero-Voltage Photoelectrochemical Biosensor.

The sensing of phthalate esters (PAEs) is vital for people's health and environmental protection. This study aimed to develop a highly sensitive and selective photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor for PAEs analysis in complex samples. The biosensor is based on a CdS nanoparticle/TiO2 nanotube (CdS NP/TiO2 NT) electrode substrate and a truncated PAEs aptamer (PAEs-apt). By exploiting spatial variations in the potential resistance of the sensing interface, the biosensor achieved superior sensitivity in determining the concentration of PAEs compared to the SELEX aptamer. It exhibited a linear correlation in the range of 0.005 to 1 ng/mL with a detection limit of 1.67 ng/L. Furthermore, the biosensor displayed excellent selectivity for PAEs, with an analysis error factor below 0.277 when the concentration of interfering species was 100 times that of the target. The high performance of the biosensor was attributed to the excellent photoelectronic properties of CdS NPs/TiO2 NTs, high density of PAEs-apt for PAEs, high affinity of PAEs-apt for PAEs, and specific recognition of PAEs. Notably, this PEC biosensor could be used for the PAEs assay in urine and water samples, providing a sensitive and simple analytical method for detecting the same class of compounds with similar chemical structures in complex samples.

Detection of Aβ40 in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of Alzheimer's disease patients using photoelectrochemical biosensors.

Anultra-sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor for amyloid-beta 40 (Aβ40), a biomarker forAlzheimer's disease (AD), was developed using g-C₃N₄ modified with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to form Au-C₃N₄. This was further combined with TiO₂ to create a tightly bonded TiO₂/Au-C₃N₄ heterojunction, leading to a highly responsive photocatalytic process. Furthermore, the incorporation of noble metal Au NPs not only enhances photocurrent generation but also securely immobilizes the aptamer through Au-S bonds, providing additional surface binding sites. This significantly increases the sensor's capture efficiency. The sensor exhibited excellent performance, featuring a linear detection range from 10-15 to 10-11 g/mL and a remarkably low detection limit (LOD) of 0.33 fg/mL. Moreover, the validation in clinical settings demonstrated the successful detection in real cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma, from AD patients and non-AD controls. These results strongly suggest that PEC biosensors possess significant potential as cost-effective and highly sensitive tools for detecting ultra-trace substances in human body fluids, which offers promising opportunities for the early screening of high-risk populations for AD.

A Cd‐Free Electron Transport Layer Simultaneously Enhances Charge Carrier Separation and Transfer in Sb2Se3 Photocathodes for Efficient Solar Hydrogen Production

AbstractEfficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a pivotal technique to achieve sustainable hydrogen production, driving the exploration for high‐performance photoelectrodes. Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) semiconductor has received significant attention due to its cost‐effectiveness, eco‐friendly nature, and favorable photoelectric properties. However, traditional Sb2Se3‐based photocathodes typically employ cadmium sulfide (CdS) as an electron transport layer (ETL), which introduces toxicity and stability issues, hindering their commercial application potential. This study develops a versatile method to improve the PEC performance of Sb2Se3‐based photocathodes by incorporating Cd‐free (Zn,Sn)O ETL. Comprehensive investigations demonstrate remarkable improvement in surface and heterojunction interface properties, leading to charge carrier dynamics optimization with highly interesting carrier separation efficiency of 96.5% and transfer efficiency of 93.6%. As a result, the champion Mo/Sb2Se3/(Zn,Sn)O/TiO2/Pt photocathode delivers a notable photocurrent density (Jph) of 31.8 mA cm−2 (close to its theoretical value), and a half‐cell solar‐to‐hydrogen (HC‐STH) conversion efficiency of 4.32%. This advancement highlights a promising pathway toward large‐scale and environmentally friendly solar hydrogen production applications.

Photo-electrochemical decomplexation of cobalt complexes and enhanced cobalt recovery through electrified membranes

The increasing presence of cobalt-chelated species in semiconductor manufacturing poses significant challenges for wastewater treatment because of their structural stability and high solubility. Efficient decomplexation of these metal–ligand complexes is critical for mitigating heavy metal pollution and enabling resource recovery. This study investigates the (photo)electrochemical decomplexation of cobalt-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Co-EDTA) complexes using a TiO2-encapsulated electrified carbon membrane, with a focus on cobalt recovery. Compared to electrochemical oxidation alone, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) system with 365 nm UV-LED illumination demonstrated better performance, achieving over 90 % EDTA-Na2 removal within 20 min and approximately 50 % Co-EDTA decomposition within 180 min. Kinetic analysis confirmed enhanced reaction rates under PEC conditions, and system robustness was validated across varying applied voltages and electrolyte concentrations, as well as real-world semiconductor wastewater. Mechanistic studies revealed that the PEC process is driven by the generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), formed through the interaction of photoinduced electron-hole pairs with surface hydroxyl groups on the TiO2 membrane. These radicals facilitate stepwise decomplexation, breaking down Co-EDTA complexes and releasing cobalt ions. This work highlights the potential of TiO2 electrified membrane-based photo-electrochemical systems for efficient decomplexation and cobalt recovery, offering a sustainable solution for advanced wastewater treatment and resource recovery.

Core-shell nanorods film of p-CuZnS/n-TiO2 with boosting interfacial charge separation for sensitive photoelectrochemical photodetector

Copper zinc sulphide (CZS) due to high conductivity, fast photoresponse and good stability has attracted rising attention in optoelectronic field. Constructing heterojunctions with rational energy bands alignment can accelerate carrier separation to improve the performance of CZS-based photoelectric device. Herein, p-CZS/n-TiO2 core-shell nanorods heterojunction film was successfully fabricated for the first time. CZS nanoparticles (NPs) were directly loaded on the surface of TiO2 nanorods (NRs) through a simple chemical bath deposition. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetector based on CZS/TiO2 composite film was designed and interfacial charge kinetics has also been investigated. The CZS/TiO2 PEC device exhibits fast response speed of 95/56 ms, high responsivity of 7.1 mA W-1 and detectivity of 5.6 × 1012 Jones at a bias voltage of 1 V. The light on/off ratio of self-powered CZS/TiO2 PEC device achieves 5.6 × 103, nearly 30.4 times higher than bare CZS PEC device. Furthermore, the photodetection performance of the CZS/TiO2 PEC device can be effectively regulated by light power density and environment conditions, promoting its adaptability in multifarious practical applications. The findings suggest that CZS/TiO2 heterostructure film devices have great potential for high-performance and energy-efficient PEC photodetectors.

Visible light-activated signal amplification PEC aptasensor for ultrasensitive zearalenone detection based on double Z-type BiOI/g-C3N4@Au/Bi2S3 heterojunctions

Zearalenone (ZEN), also known as F-2 toxin, can enter the body through the food chain and accumulate, leading to DNA break and an abnormal number of chromosomes. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a facile and sensitive method for detecting ZEN. Herein, a visible light-activated signal amplification photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of ZEN has been successfully constructed, exploiting the synergistic effect of the Z-type BiOI/g-C3N4/Au heterojunctions, Bi2S3 as a signal enhancer, and the remarkable affinity and specificity of aptamers. The PEC properties and electron transfer mechanism of the double Z-type heterojunctions were thoroughly investigated. When the aptamers captured the ZEN molecules, Bi2S3 and cDNA departed from the electrode, resulting in a reduction in the photocurrent signal. Therefore, the concentration of ZEN can be quantitatively analyzed by measuring the change in the photocurrent response. The constructed PEC aptasensor exhibited exceptional sensitivity and selectivity for ZEN in the concentration range of 0.1 fg⋅mL−1 ––1.0 ng⋅mL−1, with a detection limit of 0.087 fg⋅mL−1 (S/N = 3). Finally, the PEC aptasensor was successfully applied to detect ZEN in actual coix seed samples, providing some guidance for the development of PEC aptasensors for practical medicine monitoring.

Justification of the operating parameters of the soil mill for the formation of a ridge

Abstract This paper presents the development and justification of operating parameters for a soil milling machine designed to form ridges for the pre-sowing preparation of industrial crops. The study focuses on determining the optimal parameters of the working bodies and operating modes of the cutter, emphasizing the importance of reducing undesirable soil fractions to enhance seed germination. Experimental results demonstrate that the use of organomineral complexes significantly improves soil structure, leading to better moisture retention and reduced vibrations during sowing. The machine’s design incorporates four sections, each equipped with milling drums, ridge formers, and compaction rollers, allowing for efficient soil preparation in a single pass. Key findings indicate that increasing the number of knives on the milling drum enhances soil crumbling efficiency, with optimal configurations yielding significant improvements in grain weight and overall crop quality. The research highlights the effectiveness of the developed machine in achieving high-quality tillage while conserving resources, thereby contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Corrigendum to: Review on Hydrogel Based Systems and their use in Drug Delivery for Wound Healing & Wound Management

<p>It was observed that the authors and publishers inadvertently omitted the paragraph titled "Review on Hydrogel" in the article. “Based Systems and their Use in Drug Delivery for Wound Healing & Wound Management” published in Current Materials Science, 2024, 17(4), 336-357 [1]. </p> <p> Details of the error and a correction are provided here. </p> <p> Original: </p> <p> excellent moisture retention, supplying moisture to the wound site, maintaining a moist environment for cell migration, and encouraging cell proliferation [55]. </p> <p> Corrected: </p> <p> Chemical hydrogel has better mechanical properties than hydrogel, which is physically cross-linked. It has exceptional moisture retention, supplies moisture to the affected area, maintains a moist environment to support cell migration, and encourages cell proliferation [54, 55]. </p> <p> We regret the error and apologize to readers. </p> <p> The original article can be found online at https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/132833</p>

Solutal Marangoni effect influencing bubble dynamics with varied electrolyte compositions

In the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting system, the intricate interplay between bubble evolution and charge transfer at the electrode-electrolyte interface underscores the paramount importance of studying electrolyte properties. In this paper, the bubble dynamics and gas-liquid interface mass transfer on TiO2 nanorod and nanotube film electrodes are investigated by changing the cation types (K+, Na+, Li+) and concentrations (0.1 M-1.5 M) in alkaline electrolytes. The results indicate that the photocurrent and gas production follow the order of K+ > Na+ > Li+ under the same concentration, which is affected by the solvation of metal cations in aqueous solution and the adsorption on the photoanode surface. Compared with the nanotube electrode, the nanorod electrode enables the bubble to detach at a smaller size and faster rate. The trend of bubble detachment diameter variation with concentration in different cation electrolytes is the same, and follows the order of K+ > Na+ > Li+, which indicates that the force caused by Marangoni effect shows similar rules. The results reveal that the surface tension variation rate induced by ion concentration gradient varies significantly under different cation concentrations, while the variation rate driven by temperature gradient remains notably stable. This confirms that the bubble growth and detachment depend on the solutal Marangoni effect caused by the surface tension variation rate of different alkaline electrolytes with concentration. Therefore, the suitable choice of electrolyte composition is pivotal for regulating the bubble evolution at the electrode-electrolyte interface and improving the PEC system efficiency.

Fabrication of C and N co-doped CdS semiconductor photocatalysts derived from a novel Cd-MOF for enhancing photocatalytic performance

The narrow bandgap value and long lifetime of photo generated charges make CdS exhibit higher photocatalytic activity compared to other semiconductor catalysts. Given the excellent optoelectronic properties of CdS, a novel 2D cadmium-organic framework (Cd-MOF) was obtained by solvothermal method, which was served as a precursor template in this paper. C and N co-doped CdS-T (T = 600/800/1000) semiconductor materials were successfully prepared by chemical deposition method under different high temperatures. The as-prepared materials had been characterized in detail. Furthermore, the Cd-MOF and CdS-T were used to conduct the photocatalytic activity of organic dyes. Among them, CdS-800 showed excellent photocatalytic degradation effects on five organic dyes, especially on RB with the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 98.87 %, which was significantly improved 6.5 times compared to Cd-MOF (58.23 %). Free radical capture experiments have shown that •O2− play a dominant role in the photocatalytic process. In addition, UV–vis diffuse reflection, photoluminescence (PL), photoelectrochemical (PEC) testing and density functional theory (DFT) calculations had shown that CdS-800 could effectively delay the recombination of photo generated charges, improve the rapid migration and separation of photo generated carriers, and enhance photocatalytic activity. This work provides new ideas for the preparation of efficient and recyclable CdS semiconductor photocatalytic materials.

Self-driven photoelectrochemical sensor based on Z-type perovskite heterojunction for profenofos detection in milk and cabbage

With growing public concern about the accumulation of pesticide residues in food and their potential impacts on health and the environment, the demand for advanced detection technologies has become more critical. To address this need, we have developed an innovative self-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor, utilizing a Z-type heterojunction structure. This sensor exploited the synergistic interactions between the carbonyl groups in polyvinylpyrrolidone and the Pb2+ ions in the perovskite, and was further enhanced by the strong hydrogen bonds formed between polyethylene glycol and MA+. To optimize the sensor's performance, we incorporated perylene tetracarboxylic acid, which enhanced interface adhesion and promotes charge separation, elements crucial for the visible light-driven PEC process. This strategic design resulted in a sensor with high sensitivity and stability, which was capable of detecting profenofos residues in complex food matrices such as milk and cabbage. The sensor demonstrated a linear detection range from 0.1 to 107ngL-1 and an exceptional detection limit of 0.033ngL-1. When applied to real samples, the sensor achieved recovery rates ranging from 96.68% to 107.2%, with relative standard deviations between 1.08% and 4.54%. In light of these results, the sensor not only showed high efficiency in real-time monitoring of pesticide contamination, but also highlights its significant potential for broader application in the field of food safety.