Solar Radiation Spectrum Research Articles

A challenge in paediatrics: concurrent atopic dermatitis and vitiligo

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common dermatoses globally. It has been established that it can often be associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases. Vitiligo is one of such comorbidities. This concurrent combination is most often found in paediatric practice, as an early onset is typical for both diseases. Early onset of vitiligo and involvement of a larger area of skin have been shown to be associated with higher odds of atopic dermatitis. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is characterized by altered immune responses, and genetic factors also counts. It has been shown that some of these mechanisms are shared with the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, but the issue warrants further study. Oxidative stress triggering melanocytes destruction is believed to be a key factor in the development of vitiligo. In this regard, patients with vitiligo are advised to use photoprotective agents. Today, the study of effects of visible light on the skin is a very topical issue, specifically, particular attention is paid to blue light (400-500 nm). Studies show that it is this wavelength that has a more pronounced negative effect on the skin. However, research findings are contradictory, as this spectrum radiation is used in the treatment of various dermatoses, including atopic dermatitis. Thus, the concurrent vitiligo and atopic dermatitis place certain restrictions on the choice of therapy, care products and photoprotective agents. A photoprotective agent for such difficult patients should protect the skin from exposure to as wide solar radiation spectrum as possible and at the same time not contain potentially allergenic components that can aggravate the course of atopic dermatitis.

A 16-year global climate data record of total column water vapour generated from OMI observations in the visible blue spectral range

Abstract. We present a long-term data set of 1∘×1∘ monthly mean total column water vapour (TCWV) based on global measurements of the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) covering the time range from January 2005 to December 2020. In comparison to the retrieval algorithm of Borger et al. (2020), several modifications and filters have been applied accounting for instrumental issues (such as OMI's “row anomaly”) or the inferior quality of solar reference spectra. For instance, to overcome issues related to low-quality reference spectra, the daily solar irradiance spectrum is replaced by an annually varying mean earthshine radiance obtained in December over Antarctica. For the TCWV data set, we only consider measurements with an effective cloud fraction less than 20 %, an air mass factor (AMF) greater than 0.1, a snow- and ice-free ground pixel, and an OMI row that is not affected by the row anomaly over the complete time range of the data set. The individual TCWV measurements are then gridded to a regular 1∘×1∘ lattice, from which the monthly means are calculated. The investigation of sampling errors in the OMI TCWV data set shows that these are dominated by the clear-sky bias and cause on average deviations of around −10 %, which is consistent with the findings of previous studies. However, the spatiotemporal sampling errors and those due to the row-anomaly filter are negligible. In a comprehensive intercomparison study, we demonstrate that the OMI TCWV data set is in good agreement with the global reference data sets of ERA5 (fifth-generation ECMWF atmospheric reanalysis), RSS SSM/I (Remote Sensing Systems Special Sensor Microwave Imager), and CM SAF/CCI TCWV-global (COMBI): over ocean the orthogonal distance regressions indicate slopes close to unity with very small offsets and high coefficients of determination of around 0.96. However, over land, distinctive positive deviations of more than +10 kg m−2 are obtained for high TCWV values. These overestimations are mainly due to extreme overestimations of high TCWV values in the tropics, likely caused by uncertainties in the retrieval input data (surface albedo, cloud information) due to frequent cloud contamination in these regions. Similar results are found from intercomparisons with in situ radiosonde measurements from version 2 of the Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive (IGRA2) data set. Nevertheless, for TCWV values smaller than 25 kg m−2, the OMI TCWV data set shows very good agreement with the global reference data sets. Furthermore, a temporal stability analysis proves that the OMI TCWV data set is consistent with the temporal changes in the reference data sets and shows no significant deviation trends. As the TCWV retrieval can be easily applied to further satellite missions, additional TCWV data sets can be created from past missions, such as the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-1 (GOME-1) or the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CartograpHY (SCIAMACHY); under consideration of systematic differences (e.g. due to different observation times), these data sets can be combined with the OMI TCWV data set in order to create a data record that would cover a time span from 1995 to the present. Moreover, the TCWV retrieval will also work for all missions dedicated to NO2 in the future, such as Sentinel-5 on MetOp-SG. The Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC) OMI total column water vapour (TCWV) climate data record (CDR) is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7973889 (Borger et al., 2023).

Assessment of the technological viability of photoelectrochemical devices for oxygen and fuel production on Moon and Mars

Human deep space exploration is presented with multiple challenges, such as the reliable, efficient and sustainable operation of life support systems. The production and recycling of oxygen, carbon dioxide (CO2) and fuels are hereby key, as a resource resupply will not be possible. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices are investigated for the light-assisted production of hydrogen and carbon-based fuels from CO2 within the green energy transition on Earth. Their monolithic design and the sole reliance on solar energy makes them attractive for applications in space. Here, we establish the framework to evaluate PEC device performances on Moon and Mars. We present a refined Martian solar irradiance spectrum and establish the thermodynamic and realistic efficiency limits of solar-driven lunar water-splitting and Martian carbon dioxide reduction (CO2R) devices. Finally, we discuss the technological viability of PEC devices in space by assessing the performance combined with solar concentrator devices and explore their fabrication via in-situ resource utilization.

Construction of electron donor–acceptor Z-scheme heterojunction for boosting photocatalytic H2 production

Enhancing the solar energy conversion of metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) based photocatalyst remains a great challenge. Herein, a novel Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst is constructed by in-situ anchoring Pt6 NCs on carbon self-doping g-C3N4 (CCN/Pt6 NCs) for boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution activity. Remarkably, the optimized CCN/Pt6 NCs photocatalyst exhibits high H2 evolution rate of 6.32 mmol·h−1·g−1 and 36.25 mmol·h−1·g−1, which is ≈150.5 and ≈412 times than that of pristine CN under visible light (λ > 420 nm) and full solar spectrum irradiation, respectively, outperforming majority of the reported g-C3N4-based photocatalysts. Systematic characterizations have revealed that CCN with delocalized electrons and larger the work function is deemed to be a preferable electron-acceptor. Meanwhile, Pt6 NCs with appropriate HOMO-LUMO level is regarded as an electron-donor. Theoretical and experimental works reveal that the favorable photocatalytic performance of CCN/Pt6 NCs heterojunction is mainly attributed to the giant internal electric field induced donor–acceptor interaction, which achieves Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism. This work opens up new insights for rational fabrication of metal-free g-C3N4 based photocatalysts to boost the solar energy conversion.

Ab Initio Study of Optical Properties of Hybrid Films Based on Bilayer Graphene and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

In recent years, the possibility of combining graphene and carbon nanotubes has attracted much attention from researchers attempting to obtain new multifunctional hybrid materials with promising properties. Optoelectronics shows potential as a field of application for such hybrid structures. The variety of existing structural configurations of graphene-nanotube hybrids requires preliminary detailed studies of their optical properties by computer simulation methods. In this paper, we consider island-type graphene-nanotube hybrid films formed by AB-stacked bilayer graphene and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). In this case, bilayer graphene is located above the surface of the nanotube, forming areas with an increased density of carbon atoms, creating so-called “islands.” To meet the conditions of a real experiment, we chose chiral SWCNTs (12,6) with a diameter of 1.2 nm, which are most often synthesized in real experiments. All constructed atomistic models of bilayer graphene-chiral SWCNT films were tested for thermodynamic stability at room temperature and proved their suitability for research. Using Kubo-Greenwood formalism, we calculated the complex optical conductivity tensor and absorbance coefficient in the wavelengths of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared radiations. The photocurrent spectra are calculated based on the obtained absorption spectra and solar radiation spectra on the earth’s surface (AM1.5) and outside the earth’s atmosphere (AM0). The results of calculations revealed regularities in the influence of structural parameters (nanotube diameter, graphene width) on the optical and optoelectronic properties of graphene-chiral SWCNT (12,6) with an island structure.

Data mining techniques for novel local reference solar irradiance spectra calculations: A case study in Beijing

The established reference spectrum (ASTM AM1.5) based on mid-latitudes is still the most frequently used standard in design and simulation in various fields worldwide, however, the solar spectrum varies with climate and time, which significantly affects the evaluations of solar energy utilization. This study proposes a novel reference spectrum analysis method to establish several local reference spectra, in this case, based on 147,374 spectra in Beijing, which can characterize solar resources throughout the year. The dataset consists of spectra of direct normal irradiance, and a deep learning autoencoder is adopted to extract the intrinsic features of each spectrum for clustering. 10 clusters are finally divided by agglomerative hierarchical clustering, and 10 local reference spectra were identified from each cluster by correlation analysis. The results show that the shape of new reference spectra shifts to the short wave as the irradiance increases, and the average photon energy increases from 1.069 eV to 1.456 eV. The new local reference spectra are compared with the standard spectrum AM1.5D to show the influence of shape variations, and it reveals 61% maximum differences among photovoltaic applications. The superiority verified new reference spectra could be further used to optimize local solar technologies design and guide photovoltaic material development.

Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) as insensitive porphyrinoid to solar LED irradiation

Cobalamins are cobalt corrin complexes (vitamin B12) with typical porphyrinoid structure and absorption which partly overlaps with the solar spectrum of irradiation. This highly conjugated structure is assumed to have not only the well-known curative action as co-factor and vitamin, but also phototoxicity on dysfunctional, and, in a low extent, on normal cells. Moreover, the cobalamin can have properties as a photosensitizer at appropriate light conditions. The present study aims at characterization of the cyanocobalamin (CNCbl) as a synthetic cobalamin under solar-spectrum irradiation. The photo- and dark cytotoxicity studies were carried out on a normal cell line (BALB/c 3T3, A31) showing no effect due to light application. The photodynamic action of CNCbl due to its porphyrinoid-like structure was not observed. The results on two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) versus a non-tumorigenic cell line (MCF-10) showed similar values for cytotoxicity. A complete loss of viability was observed at approx. 10-4 M CNCbl after 24-hs incubation and soft irradiation (10 J/cm2) for the spectral range 360-960 nm of a LED Helios-iO solar simulator. The cobalt corrin complex showed non-photodynamic ability to reduce the viability of both breast tumor cells depending on the nature of the cell line but not on the light application.

Update on the GOSAT TANSO–FTS SWIR Level 2 retrieval algorithm

Abstract. The National Institute for Environmental Studies has provided the column-averaged dry-air mole fraction of carbon dioxide and methane (XCO2 and XCH4) products (L2 products) obtained from the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) for more than a decade. Recently, we updated the retrieval algorithm used to produce the new L2 product, V03.00. The main changes from the previous version (V02) of the retrieval algorithm are the treatment of cirrus clouds, the degradation model of the Thermal And Near-infrared Spectrometer for carbon Observation–Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO–FTS), solar irradiance spectra, and gas absorption coefficient tables. The retrieval results from the updated algorithm showed improvements in fitting accuracies in the O2 A, weak CO2, and CH4 bands of TANSO–FTS, although the residuals increase in the strong CO2 band over the ocean. The direct comparison of the new product obtained from the updated (V03) algorithm with the previous version V02.90/91 and the validations using the Total Carbon Column Observing Network revealed that the V03 algorithm increases the amount of data without diminishing the data qualities of XCO2 and XCH4 over land. However, the negative bias of XCO2 is larger than that of the previous version over the ocean, and bias correction is still necessary. Additionally, the V03 algorithm resolves the underestimation of the XCO2 growth rate compared with the in situ measurements over the ocean recently found using V02.90/91 and V02.95/96.

Cooling of Concentrated Photovoltaic Cells—A Review and the Perspective of Pulsating Flow Cooling

This article presents a review to provide up-to-date research findings on concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) cooling, explore the key challenges and opportunities, and discuss the limitations. In addition, it provides a vision of a possible future trend and a glimpse of a promising novel approach to CPV cooling based on pulsating flow, in contrast to existing cooling methods. Non-concentrated photovoltaics (PV) have modest efficiency of up to around 20% because they utilise only a narrow spectrum of solar irradiation for electricity conversion. Therefore, recent advances employed multi-junction PV or CPV to widen the irradiation spectrum for conversion. CPV systems concentrate solar irradiation on the cell’s surface, producing high solar flux and temperature. The efficient cooling of CPV cells is critical to avoid thermal degradation and ensure optimal performance. Studies have shown that pulsating flow can enhance heat transfer in various engineering applications. The advantage of pulsating flow over steady flow is that it can create additional turbulence and mixing in the fluid, resulting in a higher heat transfer coefficient. Simulation results with experimental validation demonstrate the enhancement of this new cooling approach for future CPV systems. The use of pulsating flow in CPV cooling has shown promising results in improving heat transfer and reducing temperature gradients.

Simulation of Anti-Reflective TiO2/SiO2 Coating for Silicon Photovoltaic Application by Ray Tracing

n solar systems, anti-reflective coatings are used to reduce reflection and increase efficiency. However, the front surface on the solar cells alone is not effective because most of the light from the sun is reflected and very less energy absorption into the solar cells occur. An anti-reflective coating (ARC) of a sufficient thickness can greatly reduce front surface reflectance. Nanoscale surface texturing, on the other hand, can efficiently capture a higher ratio of incident light to boost optical absorption. In this study, the light trapping scheme within the wavelength of 300 to 1200 nm was used to improve the overall efficiency of silicon solar cells. A thin layer of TiO2 and SiO2 anti-reflective coating with different thicknesses was stacked alternatingly due to their different refractive index with TiO2 having a high refractive index and SiO2 with a low refractive index. Solar irradiance spectrum AM1.5G at normal incidence was used in this present work. For the ray-tracing simulation, the front planar with multilayer ARC with different thicknesses were investigated to obtain the optimum value for optical properties and current density. All the four combination arrangements of SiO2 and TiO2 were evaluated and the maximum potential photocurrent density (Jmax) was calculated. The Jmax value of thin crystalline silicon, c-Si (without ARC) was 24.93 mA/cm2 and increased to 30.28 mA/cm2when ARC was used on the front surface. This represents an increasing of 21.46 % enhancement compared to the Jmax of the c-Si reference. Simulation of Anti-Reflective TiO2/SiO2 Coating for Silicon Photovoltaic Application by Ray TracingImran Al-Haqeem Bin Jaffar1, Siti Hajar Mohmad Salleh2*, Mohd Zaki Mohd Yusoff31,2Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Perlis, Campus Arau, 02600 Perlis, Malaysia3Faculty of Applied Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia*Corresponding author’s E-mail: sitiha2902@uitm.edu.myReceived: 08 August 2022 Accepted: 17 February 2023Online First: 17 March 2023

HETEROLOGY OF MEGASCIENCE SYSTEMS

The relevance is due to insufficient knowledge of the processes leading to a decrease in the efficiency of complex hybrid systems of the «human» – «artificial intelligence» type. The work is aimed to study factors that reduce efficiencyof heterogeneous supercomplex systems based on a modern interdisciplinary approach that allows to exceed the scope of available knowledge related to fundamental science and provides new opportunities for technology development. The research was based on the methodology of nature-like systems developed by the Academician Kovalchuk M.V., as the grounds for civilization development in XXI century. The materials of human health research in the modern natural environment, taking into account the effects of the entire solar radiation spectrum, as well as the activity of the sun and the radiation fluxes of deep space were used. Climate, homeostasis and immunity models were used as examples. The research results are aimed at developing the theory of heterology in the field of ensuring the effectiveness of complex hybrid systems such as «human»– «artificial intelligence». A method of disease prevention in order to maintain homeostasis based on nature-like wave technologies is also offered.

Full spectrum solar hydrogen production by tandems of perovskite solar cells and photothermal enhanced electrocatalysts

Among various methods of hydrogen production, water splitting driven by perovskite solar cell (PSC) is highly desirable due to the abundance of solar energy and low material cost. The key to achieve higher solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency is to reduce the overpotential of water splitting and enhance the solar energy utilization of the system. Herein, we demonstrate a photothermal enhanced oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst by depositing NiFe layer double hydroxide (NiFe LDH) on a three-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) scaffold. The CNTs can serve double functions, first as a conductive support of the catalyst to effectively transport charge, second as a photon absorber to induce photothermal effect to enhance OER activity. The photothermal enhancement of OER is demonstrated with infrared irradiation, part of the solar spectrum that is normally wasted in a conventional photovoltaic-electrolysis water splitting system. Based on the superior OER activity and photothermal properties, an unbiased water splitting system is constructed by integrating a CNTs@NiFe LDH//Pt/C electrochemical cell (EC) with a semitransparent perovskite solar cell (ST-PSC) mini-module in tandem configuration. The ST-PSC module provides voltage to drive water splitting and transmits infrared light to the rear CNTs@NiFe LDH electrode to induce the photothermal effect. The integrated PSC-EC system improves the STH efficiency from 11.7% to 13.2% with assistance of the photothermal effect and demonstrates a new strategy to harvest the full spectrum of solar irradiation for hydrogen production.

Solar Irradiance Spectra from the Compact SOLSTICE (CSOL) Experiment: Instrument Design, FUV Calibration, Measurements, and Comparison of the 2018 Rocket Flight

The Compact SOLSTICE, a compact far and mid ultraviolet (FUV and MUV) spectrograph, flew on a sounding rocket on 18 June 2018 to validate and potentially calibrate the SOLar STellar Irradiance Comparison Experiment (SOLSTICE) onboard the Solar Radiation Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft. This article reports the instrument design, the calibration of the FUV channel, and the FUV irradiance measurements. Irradiance measurements are compared to SOLSTICE showing agreement within the combined instrumental uncertainties at most wavelengths, including the H Lyman-alpha emission at 121.6 nm. Some unexplained differences in line ratios between 130.5 nm and 147.5 nm are observed.

A critical review on core/shell-based nanostructured photocatalysts for improved hydrogen generation

Photocatalytic water splitting into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of semiconductor photocatalysts under a visible spectrum of solar irradiation is one of the most promising processes for plummeting energy demands and environmental pollution. Among the successful photocatalytic materials, the core/shell nanostructures show promising results owing to their fascinating morphology that protects the surface features of the core besides the effective separation of photo-excitons resulting in an enhanced rate of hydrogen production up to 162 mmol h−1g−1cat, which is a notable highest value reported in the literature. In this review, we have focused on the basic characteristics of the core-shell structure-based semiconductor photocatalytic systems and their efficient water-splitting reactions under light irradiation. Comprehensive detail on various synthesis methods of core-shell nanostructures, shell thickness-dependent properties, charge-transfer reaction mechanisms, and photocatalytic stability are highlighted in this review. Core-shell nanostructured materials have been extensively used as a photocatalyst, co-catalyst, and by coupling with supporting materials to improve the apparent quantum efficiency up to 45.6%. Besides, important photocatalytic properties that influence the redox reactions i.e., effective exciton separation, the effect of different light sources/wavelengths, surface charge modeling, photocatalytic active sites, and turnover frequency (TOF) have also been focused on and extensively described. Finally, the present and future prospects of the core-shell nanostructured photocatalysts for solar energy conversion into green hydrogen production have been expounded.

Overhead photoselective shade films mitigate effects of climate change by arresting flavonoid and aroma composition degradation in wine.

Overhead photoselective shade films installed in vineyards improve berry composition in hot grape-growing regions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the flavonoid and aroma profiles and composition of wines from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) treated with partial solar radiation exclusion. Experimental design consisted in a randomized experiment with four shade films (D1, D3, D4, D5) with differing solar radiation spectra transmittance and compared to an uncovered control (C0) performed over two seasons (2021 and 2022) in Oakville (CA, USA). Berries were collected by hand at harvest and individual vinifications for each treatment and season were conducted in triplicates. Then, wine chemical composition, flavonoid and aromatic profiles were analyzed. The wines from D4 treatment had greater color intensity and total phenolic index due to co-pigmentation with anthocyanins. Shade film wines D5 and D1 from the 2020 vintage demonstrated increased total anthocyanins in the hotter of the two experimental years. In 2021, reduced cluster temperatures optimized total anthocyanins in D4 wines. Reduced cluster temperatures modulated anthocyanin acylation, methylation and hydroxylation in shade film wines. Volatile aroma composition was analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GCMS) and D4 wines exhibited a more fruity and pleasant aroma profile than C0 wines. Results provided evidence that partial solar radiation exclusion in the vineyard using overhead shade films directly improved flavonoid and aroma profiles of resultant wines under hot vintage conditions, providing a tool for combatting air temperatures and warmer growing conditions associated with climate change.

Design of asymmetric-structured metasurfaces for smart windows

Smart windows with high visible transmission can control the absorption or transmission spectrum of solar irradiation based on seasonal variations and personal preferences, allowing buildings to save energy. However, it is a considerable challenge to design a metasurface with high solar modulation ability (ΔAsol), integral luminous transmittance (Tlum), transmission light's color rendering index (Ra) and simple structure for smart windows. In this work, we design and optimize the asymmetric-structured multilayer and micro-nano array by applying the method of scanning parameters and fully-connected network methods. The optimization results show that ΔAsol and Tlum negatively correlate when the transmitted light of these two structures has a high Ra. This conclusion of designing high-performance asymmetric-structured metasurfaces provides essential guidance for designing future smart windows.

Construction of full solar-spectrum available S-scheme heterojunction for boosted photothermal-assisted photocatalytic H2 production

The development of photocatalysts that maximize the use of solar spectra for photocatalysis for obtaining more efficient photocatalysts is urgently needed. Herein, the core–shell Co3O4@ZnIn2S4 S-scheme heterojunction was synthesized for achieving high-efficient photothermal-assisted photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) performance under full solar-spectrum irradiation. Notably, photocatalytic H2 production tests indicate that the as-prepared optimal Co3O4@ZnIn2S4 sample (CO@ZIS-20) exhibits impressive H2 production rates of about 18.9 and 9.8 mmol h−1 g−1 under AM 1.5G and real sunlight irradiation, respectively. The effect of the reaction solution temperature induced by the photothermal effect on the photocatalytic activity in solid–liquid reactions was also investigated. Furthermore, the results of the characterization analysis revealed that high-frequency photons dominate photocatalytic reactions while low-frequency photons are converted into heat to improve photocatalytic reactions. This study provides effective design ideas of developing high-activity photothermal-assisted photocatalysts for realizing solar energy conversion.

Secondary solar heat gain modelling of spectral-selective glazing based on dynamic solar radiation spectrum

Secondary solar heat gain modelling of spectral-selective glazing based on dynamic solar radiation spectrum

Photodegradation and Its Effect on Plant Litter Decomposition in Terrestrial Ecosystems: A Systematic Review

Photodegradation is an important mechanism that affects carbon and nutrient cycling; a significant amount of data has been reported previously. The present review includes the effect of a wider spectrum of solar radiation (sun light, UV, and visible light) on plant litter decay in terrestrial ecosystems. Although the positive effect of photodegradation on decomposition is most common, a substantial number of studies reports contrasting results. Litter from 148 plant species, from 41 families, have been used in photodegradation studies, representing functional groups of trees (33%), graminoids (30%), shrubs (23%), forbs (11%), and peat (1%). Although the majority of studies focused on mass loss, a growing number focuses on nutrient release. Positive effects on mass loss are most common across different climate regions and laboratory studies, whereas “positive” influence and “no effect” on nitrogen and lignin release are equally common in temperate and sub-tropical environments. This may potentially be due to other decomposition processes which increase in relevance with increasing moisture and can facilitate microbial activity, leaching, and fractioning by soil fauna. In addition to climate region, initial litter quality influences photodegradation. Field-based and laboratory experiments frequently obtain contrasting results, suggesting that the mechanisms controlling the responses are unclear and might be dependent on several interactions, and/or the differences in experimental approaches (such as UV filters), or coverage by particles. Future research should focus on interactions between different factors, and on conducting experiments that test specific relationships such as the potential interaction between photodegradation, soil moisture, microbial communities, soil fauna, and their effects on litter decomposition (both mass loss and nutrient release). Furthermore, the topic would benefit from international studies applying the same experimental approach, as has successfully been conducted in other fields.

Z-scheme WOx/Cu-g-C3N4 heterojunction nanoarchitectonics with promoted charge separation and transfer towards efficient full solar-spectrum photocatalysis

Construction of Z-scheme heterojunctions has been considered one superb method in promoting solar-assisted charge carrier separation of carbon-based materials to achieve efficient utilization of solar energy in hydrogen production and CO2 reduction. One interesting concept in nanofabrication that has become trend recent years is nanoarchitectonics. A heterostructure photocatalyst constructed based on the idea of nanoarchitectonics using the combination of g-C3N4, metal and an additional semiconducting nanocomposite is investigated in this paper. Z-scheme tungsten oxide incorporated copper modified graphitic carbon nitride (WOx/Cu-g-C3N4) heterostructures are fabricated via immobilization of WOx on Cu nanoparticles modified superior thin g-C3N4 nanosheets. Mechano-chemical pre-reaction and a two-step high-temperature thermal polymerization process are the keys in attaining homogeneous distribution of Cu nanoparticles in g-C3N4 nanosheets. The horizontal growth of homogeneously distributed WOx nanobelts on Cu modified g-C3N4 (Cu-g-C3N4) base via solvothermal synthesis is achieved. The photocatalytic performances of the heterostructures are evaluated through water splitting and CO2 photoreduction measurements in full solar spectrum irradiation condition. The presence of Cu nanoparticles in the composite system improves charge transport between g-C3N4 and WOx and thus enhances the photocatalytic performances (H2 generation and CO2 photoreduction) of the composite material, while the presence of WOx nanocomposites enhances light absorption of the composite material in the near infrared range. The synthesized heterostructure with optimized WOx to Cu-g-C3N4 ratio and in case of no co-catalyst addition exhibits enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution (4560 μmolg-1h−1) as well as excellent CO2 reduction rate (5.89 μmolg-1h−1 for CO generation).