Tetrasodium Salt Research Articles

Managing Defects Density and Interfacial Strain via Underlayer Engineering for Inverted CsPbI2 Br Perovskite Solar Cells with All-Layer Dopant-Free.

Inorganic perovskite CsPbI2 Br has advantages of excellent thermal stability and reasonable bandgap, which make it suitable for top layer of tandem solar cells. Nevertheless, solution-processed all-inorganic perovskites generally suffer from high-density defects as well as significant tensile strain near underlayer/perovskite interface, both leading to compromised device efficiency and stability. In this work, the defect density as well as interfacial tensile strain in inverted CsPbI2 Br perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) is remarkably reduced by using a bilayer underlayer composed of dopant-free 2,2',7,7'-tetrakis(N,N-dip-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9'-spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD) and copper phthalocyanine 3,4',4″,4'″-tetrasulfonated acid tetrasodium salt (TS-CuPc) nanoparticles. As compared to control devices with pristine Spiro-OMeTAD, devices based on Spiro-OMeTAD/TS-CuPc exhibit remarkably improved photovoltaic performance and enhanced thermal/humidity stability due to the better perovskite crystallization, improved interfacial passivation, and hole-collection as well as efficient interfacial strain release. As a result, a champion efficiency of 14.85% can be achieved, which is approaching to the best reported for dopant-free and inverted all-inorganic PeSCs. The work thus provides an efficient strategy to simultaneously regulate the defects density and strain issue related to inorganic perovskites.

Spray drift deposition comparison of fluorimetry and analytical confirmation techniques.

Tracer dyes are often used as surrogates to characterize pesticide spray drift and it is assumed that they accurately reflect analytical measurement of active ingredients; however, the validity of this assumption remains inconclusive. Consequently, the influence of measurement technique on the magnitude of deposition of spray drift was investigated using spray drift samples evaluated by traditional analytical techniques (HPLC-MS/MS) and fluorimetry (1,3,6,8-pyrene-tetra sulfonic acid tetrasodium salt dye tracer). The experiment was conducted in a low-speed wind tunnel under controlled meteorological conditions. The herbicide mesotrione was sprayed through three spray air induction nozzles (anvil deflector flat fan TTI11004; flat fan AI11004; flat fan AIXR11003). Spray drift deposition samples were collected using stainless steel discs pairs placed side by side in the center of the wind tunnel at distances of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 ft (1.5, 3.1, 6.1, 9.1, and 12.2m) from the spray nozzle. The analytical technique determined pesticide concentration on one disc per pair, and the other was evaluated by fluorimetry. The experimental results, analyzed using the linear split-split plot model, revealed that median deposition concentrations were 15% higher using the tracer dye fluorescence method relative to the analytical method, potentially due in part to procedural recovery inefficiencies of the analytical method (the mean overall procedural recovery result and RSD was 87% ± 6.4% (n=12). This relationship was consistent and held true for the three nozzle types at all distances within the wind tunnel. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Air-engaged fabrication of nitrogen-doped carbon skeleton as an excellent platform for ultrafine well-dispersed RuNi alloy nanoparticles toward efficient hydrolysis of ammonia borane

Functional carbons that can provide abundant anchoring sites for metal nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great promise in boosting the catalytic activity for hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB), while the synthetic recipes for some of them are complicated, time-consuming and hazardous together with a low yield. Herein, we develop a facile and easily scalable one-pot synthetic strategy to nitrogen-doped carbon skeleton (NCS) via direct pyrolysis of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid tetra-sodium salt in air. Attributing to the anchoring sites from abundant nitrogen-dopant and nanoporous structure of NCS, ultrasmall RuNi alloy NPs are highly distributed on NCS. The as-prepared RuNi/NCS can be used as a highly active catalyst for hydrogen production from AB hydrolysis at room temperature. Specifically, the optimal Ru1Ni1.90/NCS delivers an excellent catalytic activity with a very high turnover frequency of 1017 min−1 in basic solution, superior to many previous results. The kinetic studies indicate that AB hydrolysis catalyzed by Ru1Ni1.90/NCS is first-order and zero-order in terms of Ru and AB concentrations, respectively. Additionally, the isotopic analysis reveals that the O–H bond cleavage of water is the rate-determining step. The high catalytic activity of Ru1Ni1.90/NCS can be assigned to the ultrasmall RuNi nanostructure, highly nanoporous carbon matrix, and abundant N-dopant and the synergistic catalysis between the two metals. This study offers a simple synthetic protocol for construction of metal-carbon hybrid toward hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of chemical storage materials.

Anticonvulsant Action of GluN2A-Preferring Antagonist PEAQX in Developing Rats.

The GluN2A subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors becomes dominant during postnatal development, overgrowing the originally dominant GluN2B subunit. The aim of our study was to show changes of anticonvulsant action of the GluN2A subunit-preferring antagonist during postnatal development of rats. Possible anticonvulsant action of GluN2A-preferring antagonist of NMDA receptors P = [[[(1S)-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethyl]amino](1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2,3-dioxo-5-quinoxalinyl)methyl]phosphonic acid tetrasodium salt (PEAQX) (5, 10, 20 mg/kg s.c.) was tested in 12-, 18-, and 25-day-old rats in three models of convulsive seizures. Pentylenetetrazol-induced generalized seizures with a loss of righting reflexes generated in the brainstem were suppressed in all three age groups in a dose-dependent manner. Minimal clonic seizures with preserved righting ability exhibited only moderately prolonged latency after the highest dose of PEAQX. Anticonvulsant action of all three doses of PEAQX against cortical epileptic afterdischarges (generated in the forebrain) was found in the 25-day-old animals. The highest dose (20 mg/kg) was efficient also in the two younger groups, which might be due to lower specificity of PEAQX and its partial affinity to the GluN2B subunit. Our results are in agreement with the postero-anterior maturation gradient of subunit composition of NMDA receptors (i.e., an increase of GluN2A representation). In spite of the lower selectivity of PEAQX, our data demonstrate, for the first time, developmental differences in comparison with an antagonist of NMDA receptors with a dominant GluN2B subunit.

Water-soluble multimode fluorescent thermometers based on porphyrins photosensitizers

Anti-cancer treatment efficiency can be significantly enhanced by the synergistic effect of the combined phototherapy that nowadays is under intensive preclinical and clinical studies. To minimize collateral damage, the combined phototherapy should be accompanied by a real-time thermal sensing. However, it is still challenging to develop multifunctional agent which combines therapy and temperature control. In the present study, contactless fluorescent thermometry based on ratiometric and lifetime approaches was realized using water-soluble anionic meso-tetrasulfonatophenylporphyrinate (tetra sodium salt) TSPH2 and cationic meso-mono(4-pyridyl)-triphenylporphyrinato)phosphorus(V) bromide MPyPP(OH)2 porphyrins photosensitizers. Both sensing techniques provide simple linear calibration curves in the biological temperature range. Thermometric performance of the suggested porphyrins was evaluated in terms of relative sensitivity, temperature resolution and repeatability and was found to be in upper range among porphyrin-based thermometers reaching 1% K−1 and 0.1 °C. The relative sensitivity was enhanced from 2 to 7 times by using peak-to-valley ratio compared to usual peak-to-peak ratio. Porphyrins' cytotoxicity was studied in vitro both in dark and blue-light activated conditions. Exposure-dependent cell viability showed that porphyrins could be used as molecular thermometers for phototherapy to avoid heat-induced adverse effects or as promising photosensitizers depending on chosen laser power.

A Pyrene Fluorescent Probe for Rapid Detection of Ferric Ions.

The 1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt (PTSA) is a pyrene derivative with high fluorescence characteristics and is widely used in fluorescence tracer. This study aims at investigating a simple and fast fluorescence detection method for determining the concentration of ferric ion by using PTSA, which the principle is that the fluorescence quenching of PTSA by ferric ions. Theoretical and experimental methods were adopted to deeply analyze its detection performance and characteristics. The fluorescence quenching phenomena under different pH conditions and the effect of the different interfering metal ions on PTSA/Fe3+ system was studied. The results showed that the PTSA was quite promising for the fluorescence detection of trace ferric ions, and the limit of detection is 9μg/L. This study is envisioned to provide inspirational insights on trace detection of iron ions, opening new routes for water monitoring use fluorescence properties.

Development of the methods for determination of the active components in acidic and alkaline detergents

The goal of the study is to develop methods for determination of the active components in acidic and alkaline detergents of complex composition. The objects of analysis are acidic (KATELON 202 – 208) and alkaline (KATELON 111 – 115) detergents of complex composition, which, in addition to easily detectable components (KOH and/or NaOH, HNO3, and H3PO4), contain weak organic acids (lactic, glycolic, acetic), including polybasic acids — aminotrimethylenephosphonic and diethylenetriaminepenta (methylenephosphonic) acids or salts — tetrasodium salt of glutamic acid N,N-diacetate, trisodium salt of methylglycine diacetic acid. An acid-base potentiometric titration was carried out for each of the listed objects and calculation formulas were derived to determine the concentration of the active substances (except for KATELON 115) in terms of nitric or phosphoric acid for acidic detergents or sodium or potassium hydroxide for alkaline detergents, respectively. A specific titration procedure (with indication of the sample weight, the pH value at the end of titration and corresponding calculation formula) is given in the application data sheet for each detergent along with the metrological characteristics of the methods.

Identification of the metabolites of tofacitinib in liver microsomes by liquid chromatography combined with high resolution mass spectrometry.

Tofacitinib is an orally available Janus kinase inhibitor. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolism of tofacitinib in mouse, rat, monkey, and human liver microsomes fortified with β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate tetrasodium salt and uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid. The biotransformation was executed at a temperature of 37°C for 60 min, and the samples were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) operated in positive electrospray ionization mode. The structures of the metabolites were elucidated according to their retention times, accurate masses, and MS/MS spectra. Under the current conditions, a total of 13 metabolites, including 1 glucuronide conjugate, were detected and structurally proposed. Oxygenation of the pyrrolopyrimidine ring, oxygenation of piperidine ring, N-demethylation, oxygenation of piperidine ring side chain, and glucuronidation were the primary metabolic pathways of tofacitinib. Among the tested species, tofacitinib showed significant species difference. Compared with other species, rat showed similar metabolic profiles to those of humans. The present study provides some new information regarding the metabolism of tofacitinib in animals and humans, which would bring us considerable benefits for the subsequent studies focusing on the pharmacological effect and toxicity of this drug.

High‐resolution mass spectrometry‐based approach for the identification and profiling of the metabolites of taletrectinib formed in liver microsomes

Taletrectinib is a potent, orally active, and selective ROS1/NTRK kinase inhibitor. The aim of this study was to study the metabolism of taletrectinib in rat, dog, and human liver microsomes. The biotransformation of taletrectinib was carried out using rat, dog, and human liver microsomes supplemented with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate tetrasodium salt (NADPH) and uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid (UDPGA). The microsomal incubations were conducted at 37°C for 60min. The formed metabolites were identified by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) using electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode. They were identified by accurate masses and MS/MS spectra and based on their fragmentation pathways. With UHPLC-HRMS, a total of 10 metabolites including one glucuronide conjugate (M7) were structurally identified. M9 and M10 were unambiguously identified as taletrectinib alcohol and taletrectinib ketone, respectively, using reference standards. The phase I metabolic pathways of taletrectinib involved N-dealkylation, O-dealkylation, oxidative deamination, and oxygenation; the phase II metabolic pathways referred to glucuronidation. The current study investigated the in vitro metabolic fate of taletrectinib in animals and human species, which would bring us considerable benefits for the subsequent studies focusing on the pharmacological effect and toxicity of this drug.

Interface Engineering of Perovskite/Hole Transport Layer Using Nano‐Network Formation in Small Molecule–Polymer Blend for Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractInterface engineering is critical for reducing trap states present in various device interfaces and improving the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This study introduces the blending effect of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) into metal‐phthalocyanine−tetrasulfonated acid tetrasodium salt (TS‐MPc) used as a hole transport layer (HTL) in organic–inorganic hybrid PSCs. PEDOT:PSS with a low pH induces the self‐assembly and formation of mesh‐like nano‐networks in a TS‐MPc layer, which is confirmed by atomic force microscopy and elemental mapping using energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. Compared with pure TS‐MPc, nano‐networked TS‐MPc with PEDOT:PSS exhibits higher crystallinity by grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. The nano‐network formation contributes to ≈30% enhancement in the power conversion efficiency (14.65%) of device with PEDOT:PSS‐assisted TS‐CuPc as HTL, compared with device using conventional PEDOT:PSS (11.02%). In addition, the device with PEDOT:PSS‐assisted TS‐MPc shows a significant improvement in stability owing to the reduced pH of the HTL compared with the device using pristine PEDOT:PSS.

Aqueous solution processed tetrasulphonated copper phthalocyanine (TS-CuPc):MoO3 as an efficient hole transporting layer in organic solar cells

An environment-friendly hole-transporting interfacial layer for organic solar cells is introduced with aqueous solution-processed MoO3 and Copper phthalocyanine-3,4ʹ,4ʺ,4‴-tetra-sulfonated acid tetrasodium salt (TS-CuPc). Power conversion efficiencies of organic solar cells greatly improved when the hole transporting layer, MoO3 was modified by mixing with TS-CuPc at an optimum ratio. The enhanced performance is explained using atomic force microscopy, impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, contact angle measurements, and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. Impedance spectra of devices were fitted to an electric circuit model to analyze the influence of buffer layers on the charge transport in the devices. The improved efficiency of optimized device is traced to the lower series and charge transport resistances, lesser recombination, and higher lifetime of mobile charge carriers caused by the minute concentrations of TS-CuPc in the hole transport layer. Furthermore, the incorporation of TS-CuPc in MoO3 was found to enable uniform film growth which leads to higher performance of solar cells.

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of dumbbell-like mesoporous ZnO micro-nanomaterials with tetrasulfonatomethyl-n-hexyl calix [4]resorcinarene tetrasodium salt as hard-soft template

Dumbbell-like ZnO micro-nanomaterials with uniform morphology were prepared with tetrasulfonatomethyl-n-hexyl calix [4]resorcinarene tetrasodium salt (THCRT) by a simple reflux method. The ZnO samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller technique, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectra, and Photoluminescence. The as-prepared ZnO micro-nanomaterials with a hexagonal wurtzite structure exhibited dumbbell-like morphology with a length of 700–900 nm and a hemisphere diameter of 500–700 nm. The THCRT was involved in the formation of ZnO nanostructure framework during the assembly and stacking of ZnO nanoparticles. The as-obtained dumbbell-like micro-nanomaterials possessed obvious mesoporous structure after the calcination at 500 °C and 650 °C, which is due to the rigid hydrophobic cavity of THCRT as hard template. The effects of the zinc sources, amount of THCRT, surfactants and amount of ammonia on the size and morphology of the ZnO samples were studied. The results indicate that THCRT with multi-head and multi-tail as soft template has a good protective effect on the growth of ZnO crystals. This study shows that the as-prepared ZnO product has a dumbbell-like mesoporous micro-nanostructure due to the special structure of THCRT which consists of rigid cup cavity, hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails. The evolution process of the dumbbell-like ZnO micro-nanostructures was investigated by FE-SEM, and a possible formation mechanism was proposed. The as-prepared ZnO micro-nanomaterials exhibited good adsorption capacity without calcination and excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of methyl violet after calcination. Due to the excellent properties of micro-nanoscale, suitable pore size, high specific surface and good photoabsorption, the as-prepared dumbbell-like mesoporous ZnO micro-nanomaterials exhibit potential application as photocatalyst.

Sulfonated Phthalocyanine Redox Flow Cell for High-Performance Electrochemical Water Desalination

A reliable clean water supply is now one important and challenging issue for the human society. With the facts that only 0.4% of the water on earth is readily drinkable and 98% of the water is saltwater, water desalination for clean water production has become a key strategic solution to satisfy the increasing global water demand. Over the years, different saltwater desalination technologies were researched and developed, including reverse osmosis membrane desalination (RO), electrodialysis (ED), capacitive desalination (CDI) and multi-effect distillation (MED). However, some inherent technical issues, like high operation cost, large capital cost and/or low desalination capacity, associate with these existing technologies that lead to a high clean water production cost and limit their applications. Thus, there is a need of new water desalination technology that can purify saltwater with low cost and high efficiency.In this work we report a new water-soluble nickel phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt (NiPcTATS)-based redox flow desalination battery (RFDB) for safe, effective and efficient water-salt separation. The fabricated RFDB cell exhibited a high desalination rate at 3.4 gNaCl/(molNiPcTATS∙hr) even with a low 0.5 V cell voltage and required as low as 11.5 kJ/mol salt in energy consumption. The cell showed excellent reversibility and durability for long-term operation, benefiting from the fast-redox kinetics and chemical stability of the redox couple. With no consumption of the redox couple and energy recovery during the salination process, this new method provides a continuous desalination capability with unlimited salt removal capacity. We also demonstrated the use of simple solar panel for effectively driving the RFDB cell, proving it a promising and practical technology for clean water production in remote places like islands and ships.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of indolylglyoxylamide bisphosphonates, antimitotic microtubule-targeting derivatives of indibulin with improved aqueous solubility

Indibulin (D-24851) derivatives with bisphosphonate fragment connected to the N1 atom of imidazole ring were synthesized by alkylation of (indolyl-3)methylglyoxylates with ethylenebisphosphonate. Biological evaluation of targeted compounds 4a–d using the phenotypic sea urchin embryo assay provided evidence that replacing of p-chlorobenzene ring in indibulin by bisphosphonate group did not eliminate antimitotic microtubule destabilizing activity. The most active molecule, tetraacid 5a, at physiological pH formed tetrasodium salt 6a with aqueous solubility value of at least 10 mg/mL. Molecule 5a was more potent in the sea urchin embryo assay than the parent indibulin. This compound also exhibited pronounced cytotoxicity against A549 lung carcinoma and A375 melanoma cell lines.

Sulfonated nickel phthalocyanine redox flow cell for high-performance electrochemical water desalination

With clean water availability raising a great technological and social challenge, saltwater desalination has become a key strategic solution. Herein, we report a nickel phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt (NiPcTATS)-based redox flow desalination cell (RFDC) that allows safe, efficient and continuous water-salt separation. With the new, water-soluble NiPcTATS/NiPcTATS+ redox couple as electrolyte, the RFDC effectively desalinates saltwater and achieves a high average salt removal rate of 3.11 gNaCl/(molNiPcTATS·h) and a low energy consumption of 15.0 kJ/molNaCl at 0.5 V cell voltage. The cell exhibits excellent reversibility and durability for long-term operation, benefiting from the fast-redox kinetics and chemical stability of the redox couple. Efficient solar-driven RFDC for water desalination is demonstrated by powering the cell with a solar panel. This RFDC method provides a low-cost, efficient and safe strategy to purify saltwater, and the findings with NiPcTATS-based redox couple offer new opportunities of utilizing metal phthalocyanines and derivatives in water desalination research.

Preparation of 1, 3, 6, 8-Pyrenesulfonic Acid Tetrasodium Salt Dye-Doped Silica Nanoparticles and Their Application in Water-Based Anti-Counterfeit Ink.

In order to improve the luminescent stability of water-based anti-counterfeit ink, a new fluorescent material is prepared by doping dye into silica nanoparticles. Water soluble anionic dye 1, 3, 6, 8-pyrenesulfonic acid sodium salt (PTSA) is selected as the dopant. In this work, PTSA is successfully trapped into silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) by the reverse microemulsion method using cationic polyelectrolyte poly (dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride; PDADMAC) as a bridge. The UV absorption spectra, fluorescence emission spectra and fluorescent decay curves are used to describe the luminescent properties of the PTSA-doped silica nanoparticles (PTSA-SiNPs). In addition, the as-prepared PTSA-SiNPs and polyurethane waterborne emulsion are used to prepare water-based anti-counterfeit ink, and fluorescent patterns are successfully printed through screen-printing. The samples printed by the ink exhibit desirable fluorescence properties, heat stability, robust photostability, and a fluorescent anti-counterfeit effect, which makes the PTSA-SiNPs promising luminescent materials for anti-counterfeit applications.

Removal of lead and other toxic metals in heavily contaminated soil using biodegradable chelators: GLDA, citric acid and ascorbic acid

In this study, we investigated the level of contamination of agricultural soil near an old recycling lead smelter in Vietnam and proposed an effective treatment for the remediation of the soil. The analysis of soil samples using an ICP-MS method revealed that the soil in the area was heavily contaminated by heavy metals, especially lead (Pb) with concentrations in surface soil of >3000 μg g−1. High concentrations of metals, including Pb, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), were found in whole soil profile. The FE-EPMA and Laser-Raman spectrometer results suggested that iron minerals and carbon materials in the soil are the important hosts of the toxic metals. Subsequently, a series of washing experiment were performed on the soil using biodegradable chelators, including N, N-dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid tetrasodium salt (GLDA), ascorbic acid and citric acid. The results showed that the mixture of GLDA-ascorbic (100 mM: 100 mM) can be considered as a potential candidate for Pb and Zn removal, which removes approximately 90% of Pb and 70% of Zn. Meanwhile, a mixture of GLDA-citric would be preferred for Cu removal based on its greater extraction efficiency compared to other mixtures.

Air-mediated construction of O, N-rich carbon: An efficient support of palladium nanoparticles toward catalytic formic acid dehydrogenation and 4-nitrophenol reduction

Oxygen and nitrogen-rich functional groups which are generally present in carbon materials may significantly affect their catalytic properties. The development of O, N-rich functional carbon materials with a simplified and low-budget strategy is of great importance for practical application. Herein, we describe a facile and straightforward method to prepare high contents of nitrogen and oxygen-rich carbon derived from ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid tetra-sodium salt (Na4EDTA) by one-step carbonization in muffle furnace without inert gas protection. Compared with the carbon (EC-N700) synthesized in an argon atmosphere, the carbon (EC-A700) synthesized in an air-rich condition was more conducive to the formation of edge defects and topological defects and possessed higher contents of N and O elements. Consequently, the O, N-rich carbon EC-A700 was used as an efficient support of palladium nanoparticles toward catalytic formic acid dehydrogenation and nitroarene reduction. The catalyst Pd/EC-A700 achieved outstanding activity for formic acid dehydrogenation with a turnover frequency (TOF) up to 7039 h−1 at 60 °C. At the same time, the obtained catalyst Pd/EC-A700 also demonstrated exceptional catalytic performance in the 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction with corresponding rate constant k of 0.72 min−1 under mild reaction conditions, which proved that the prepared catalyst Pd/EC-A700 has potentially applied in catalytic hydrogenation. This low-cost and simple approach breaks the tradition in mind that pyrolysis should always operate under inert conditions and provides a straightforward route to construct O, N-rich carbon as appealing materials for a wide variety of applications.

Novel Integration of Nickel Phthalocyanine/Nickel Oxide-Based Photocathodes and Copper-Encapsulated Carbon-Dot-Cosensitized Photoanodes in Tandem for a Highly Efficient Solar Cell

A notable strategy to achieve a dramatically high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.76% for a tandem photovoltaic device has been implemented by the use of a nickel phthalocyanine-tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt (NiPcTs) dye-sensitized p-type nickel oxide (NiO) semiconductor-based photocathode supported over carbon (C)-fabric paired with a photoanode scaffold comprising luminescent and conducting core/shell copper@carbon dots (Cu@C-dots) anchored to cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots tethered to n-type titanium oxide (TiO2). The PCE yielded for the n-type quantum dot-sensitized solar cell (n-QDSC) or photoanode-based half-cell (TiO2/CdS/Cu@C-dots-nS2-/Sn2-C-fabric) is 6.82% with a significant contribution from the light-harvesting capability of the plasmonic Cu core encased within the C-dot shell. In spite of the long-wavelength light-harvesting NiPcTs enabling easier reduction of the polysulfide electrolyte because of the additional photoexcited charge transfer, the p-type solar cell (p-SC) or photocathode-based half-cell (NiO/NiPcTs-nS2-/Sn2-C-fabric) delivers a relatively lower PCE of 0.039%, but on coassembling the p- and n-half solar cells in a tandem design (TiO2/CdS/Cu@C-dots-nS2-/Sn2-NiPcTs/NiO/C-fabric) the cell efficiency gets an immense boost under 1 sun illumination in consequence of the maximized range of light absorption afforded by CdS-Cu@C-dots on one side and NiPcTs on the other. This work rationalizes the synergism between the photoanode and photocathode elaborately to obtain a hitherto unmatched solar energy conversion in tandem solar cells.

Protective effect of d-tetramannuronic acid tetrasodium salt on UVA-induced photo-aging in HaCaT cells

UVA radiation from the sun is the main external stimulus in the pathogenesis of skin photo-aging. This process is associated with cellular oxidative stress. Here we aim at showing the protective effect of d-Tetramannuronic Acid Tetrasodium Salt (M4), a natural product, against UVA (30J/cm2) irradiation-induced oxidative stress and photo-aging in HaCaT cells, and to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the protective efficacy. M4 pretreatment significantly increased HaCaT cell viability and MMP, suppressing UVA-induced ROS generation. Moreover, M4 treatment prevented the UVA-induced photo-aging of HaCaT cells (the reduction of cell viability, mitochondria dysfunction, and SIRT1/pGC-1α deregulation). Notably, the anti-photo-aging potential of M4 was directly associated with the increased expression of MMP and SIRT1, which was followed by the up-regulation of pGC-1α, D-LOOP, and Mt-TFA, and the transcriptional activation of NRF1/NRF2. Therefore, M4 is useful for the protection of skin cells from UVA-induced photo-aging.