Tip-induced directional charge separation on one-dimensional BiVO4 nanocones for asymmetric light absorption

One dimensional(1D)semiconductor is a class of extensively attractive materials for many emerging solar energy conversion technologies.However,it is still of shortage to assess the impact of 1D structural symmetry on spatial charge separation and understand its underlying mechanism.Here we take controllably-synthesized 1D BiVO_(4)nanocones and nanorods as prototypes to study the influence of 1D symmetry on charge separation.It is found that the asymmetric BiVO_(4)nanocones enable more effective charge separation compared with the symmetric nanorods.The unexpected spatial charge separation on the nanocones is mainly ascribed to uneven light absorption induced diffusion-controllable charge separation due to symmetry breaking of 1D nanostructure,as evidenced by spatial and temporal resolved spectroscopy.Moreover,the promotion effect of charge separation on the nanocones was quantitatively evaluated to be over 20 times higher than that in BiVO_(4)nanorods.This work gives the first demonstration of the influence of 1D structural symmetry on the charge separation behavior,providing new insights to design and fabricate semiconductor materials for efficient solar energy conversion.

Effect of Sm doping into CuInTe_(2) on cohesive energy before and after light absorption

The effects of Sm doping into CuInTe_(2) chalcopyrite on the cohesive energy before and after light absorption are systematically investigated by the empirical electron theory(EET) of solids and molecules.The results show that the static energy of CuIn_(1-x)Sm_(x)Te_(2) decreases with Sm content increasing due to the valence electronic structure modulated by doping Sm into CuIn_(1-x)Sm_(x)Te_(2).The calculated optical absorption transition energy from the static state to the excited energy level in CuIn_(1-x)Sm_(x)Te_(2) accords well with the experimental absorption bandgap of CuIn_(1-x)Sm_(x)Te_(2).Moreover,it is found that the energy bandgap of CuIn_(1-x)Sm_(x)Te_(2) is significantly widened with Sm content increasing due to its special valent electron structure,which is favorable for enhancing the light absorption in a wider range and also for the potential applications in solar cells.

Variability in the Light Absorption Coefficient by Phytoplankton,Non-Algal Particles and Colored Dissolved Organic Matter in the Northern Gulf of California

Variability of the optical properties of the northern Gulf of California (México) were analyzed for the first time based on six cruises performed from spring to summer (March to September) between 2008 and 2013. The changes observed in the absorption by three seawater components (phytoplankton, detritus and chromophoric dissolved organic matter or CDOM) were analyzed in relation to changes in bio-optical regions and composition of the phytoplankton community (determined based on phytoplankton pigments). Two regions with unique bio-optical characteristics were identified separated by a narrow transition zone: the Upper Gulf of California (UGC) and Northern Gulf of California (NGC). Despite the temporal changes in their spatial distribution they maintained particular characteristic. UGC is characterized by an average Chla of 1.78 mg/m3, the dominance of microphytoplankton (diatoms and dinoflagellates) and a stronger contribution of detritus to total light absorption. NGC is characterized by an average Chla of 0.7 mg/m3 and the predominance of picophytoplankton, characterized by the dominance of zeaxanthin (marker pigment for cyanobacteria) and/or chlorophyll b (marker pigment for green algae), along with a co-dominium by CDOM and phytoplankton to light absorption. Results indicate that Case II waters can be very different when evaluating the individual contribution by phytoplankton, detritus and CDOM to total light absorption what has to be considered for the selection of bio-optical models for each specific region what can also help to a better definition of the related uncertainties.

Optimizing intrinsic cocatalyst activity and light absorption efficiency for efficient hydrogen evolution of 1D/2D ReS_(2)-CdS photocatalysts via control of ReS_(2)nanosheet layer growth

The visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution is extremely important,but the poor charge transfer capa-bility,a sluggish evolution rate of hydrogen,and severe photo-corrosion make photocatalytic hydrogen evolution impractical.In this study,we present 1D/2D ReS_(2)-CdS hybrid nanorods for photocatalytic hy-drogen evolution,comprised of a ReS_(2)nanosheet layer grown on CdS nanorods.We found that precise control of the contents of the ReS_(2)nanosheet layer allows for manipulating the electronic structure of Re in the ReS_(2)-CdS hybrid nanorods.The ReS_(2)-CdS hybrid nanorods with optimal ReS_(2)nanosheet layer content dramatically improve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity.Notably,photocatalytic hydro-gen evolution activity(64.93 mmol g^(−1)h^(−1))of ReS_(2)-CdS hybrid nanorods with ReS_(2)nanosheet layers(Re/Cd atomic ratio of 0.051)is approximately 136 times higher than that of pure CdS nanorods under visible light irradiation.Furthermore,intimated coupling of the ReS_(2)nanosheet layer with CdS nanorods reduced the surface trap-site of the CdS nanorods,resulting in enhanced photocatalytic stability.The de-tailed optical and electrical investigations demonstrate that the optimal ReS_(2)nanosheet layer contents in the ReS_(2)-CdS hybrid nanorods can provide improved charge transfer capability,catalytic activity,and light absorption efficiency.This study sheds light on the development of photocatalysts for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Dual-symmetry-perturbed all-dielectric resonant metasurfaces for high-Q perfect light absorption

We demonstrate a high-Q perfect light absorber based on all-dielectric doubly-resonant metasurface.Leveraging bound states in the continuum(BICs)protected by different symmetries,we manage to independently manipulate the Q factors of the two degenerate quasi-BICs through dual-symmetry perturbations,achieving precise matching of the radiative and nonradiative Q factors for degenerate critical coupling.We achieve a narrowband light absorption with a>600 Q factor and a>99%absorptance atλ_(0)=1550 nm on an asymmetric germanium metasurface with a 0.2λ_(0)thickness.Our work provides a new strategy for engineering multiresonant metasurfaces for narrowband light absorption and nonlinear applications.

Design and tailoring of patterned ZnO nanostructures for perovskite light absorption modulation

Lithography is a pivotal micro/nanomanufacturing technique,facilitating performance enhancements in an extensive array of devices,encompassing sensors,transistors,and photovoltaic devices.The key to creating highly precise,multiscale-distributed patterned structures is the precise control of the lithography process.Herein,high-quality patterned ZnO nanostructures are constructed by systematically tuning the exposure and development times during lithography.By optimizing these parameters,ZnO nanorod arrays with line/hole arrangements are successfully prepared.Patterned ZnO nanostructures with highly controllable morphology and structure possess discrete three-dimensional space structure,enlarged surface area,and improved light capture ability,which achieve highly efficient energy conversion in perovskite solar cells.The lithography process management for these patterned ZnO nanostructures provides important guidance for the design and construction of complex nanostructures and devices with excellent performance.

Concentrations and light absorption properties of PM_(2.5) organic and black carbon based on online measurements in Lanzhou, China

To elucidate the variations in mass concentrations of organic carbon(OC)and black carbon(BC)in PM_(2.5) and their light absorption characteristics in Lanzhou,we conducted one-year online measurements by using a newly developed total carbon analyzer(TCA08)coupled with an aethalometer(AE33)from July 2018 to July 2019.The mean OC and BC concentrations were 6.4±4.4 and 2.0±1.3μg/m^(3),respectively.Clear seasonal variations were observed for both components,with winter having the highest concentrations,followed by autumn,spring,and summer.The diurnal variations of OC and BC concentrations were similar throughout the year,with daily two peaks occurring in the morning and evening,respectively.A relatively low OC/BC ratio(3.3±1.2,n=345)were observed,indicating that fossil fuel combustion was the primary source of the carbonaceous components.This is further substantiated by relatively low biomass burning contribution(f_(biomass):27.1%±11.3%)to BC using aethalometer based measurement though f_(biomass) value which increased significantly in winter(41.6%±5.7%).We estimated a considerable brown carbon(BrC)contribution to the total absorption coefficient(b_(abs))at 370 nm(yearly average of 30.8%±11.1%),with a winter maximum of 44.2%±4.1%and a summer minimum of 19.2%±4.2%.Calculation of the wavelength dependence of total b_(abs) revealed an annual mean AAE_(370-520) value of 4.2±0.5,with slightly higher values in spring and winter.The mass absorption cross-section of BrC also exhibited higher values in winter,with an annual mean of 5.4±1.9 m^(2)/g,reflecting the impact of emissions from increased biomass burning on BrC concentrations.

Carbonaceous aerosol transport from the Indo-Gangetic Plain to the Himalayas:Carbon isotope evidence and light absorption characteristics

The Indo-Gangetic Plain(IGP)is a major regional and global emitter of atmospheric pollutants,which adversely affect surrounding areas such as the Himalayas.We present a comprehensive dataset on carbonaceous aerosol(CA)composition,radiocarbon(D14C)-based source apportionment,and light absorption of total suspended particle(TSP)samples collected over a 3-year period from high-altitude Jomsom in the central Himalayas.The 3-year mean TSP,organic carbon(OC),and elemental carbon(EC)concentrations were 92.0±28.6,9.74±6.31,and 2.02±1.35 lg m^(3),respectively,with the highest concentrations observed during the pre-monsoon season,followed by the post-monsoon,winter,and monsoon seasons.The △^(14)C analysis revealed that the contribution of fossil fuel combustion(ffossil)to EC was 47.9%±11.5%,which is consistent with observations in urban and remote regions in South Asia and attests that EC likely arrives in Jomsom from upwind IGP sources via long-range transport.In addition,the lowest f_(fossil)(38.7%±13.3%)was observed in winter,indicating large contributions in this season from local biomass burning.The mass absorption cross-section of EC(MACEC:8.27±1.76 m^(2)/g)and watersoluble organic carbon(MACWSOC:0.98±0.45 m^(2)/g)were slightly higher and lower than those reported in urban regions,respectively,indicating that CA undergo an aging process.Organic aerosol coating during transport and variation of biomass burning probably led to the seasonal variation in MAC of two components.Overall,WSOC contributed considerably to the light absorption(11.1%±4.23%)of EC.The findings suggest that to protect glaciers of the Himalayas from pollution-related melting,it is essential to mitigate emissions from the IGP.

Light absorption properties and potential sources of brown carbon in Fenwei Plain during winter 2018–2019

A distinctive kind of organic carbon aerosol that could absorb ultraviolet-visible radiation is called brown carbon(Br C),which has an important positive influence on radiative budget and climate change.In this work,we reported the absorption properties and potential source of Br C based on a seven-wavelength aethalometer in the winter of 2018–2019 at an urban site of Sanmenxia in Fenwei Plain in central China.Specifically,the mean value of Br C absorption coefficient was 59.6±36.0 Mm^(-1) at 370 nm and contributed 37.7%to total absorption,which made a significant impact on visibility and regional environment.Absorption coefficients of Br C showed double-peak pattern,and Br C had shown small fluctuations under haze days compared with clean days.As for the sources of Br C,Br C absorption coefficients expressed strong correlations with element carbon aerosols and primary organic carbon aerosols,indicating that most of Br C originated from primary emissions.The linear correlations between trace metal elements(K,As,Fe,Mn,Zn,and Pb)and Br C absorption coefficients further referred that the major sources of Br C were primary emissions,like coal burning,biomass burning,and vehicle emissions.The moderate relationship between Br C absorption coefficients and secondary organic aerosols suggested that secondary production of Br C also played an important role.The 120 hr backward air mass trajectories analysis and concentration-weighted trajectories analysis were also used to investigate potential sources of Br C in and around this area,which inferred most parts of Br C were derived from local emissions.

Seasonality of carbonaceous aerosol composition and light absorption properties in Karachi,Pakistan

Characteristics of carbonaceous aerosol(CA)and its light absorption properties are limited in Karachi,which is one of the most polluted metropolitan cities in South Asia.This study presents a comprehensive measurement of seasonality of CA compositions and mass absorption cross-section(MAC)of elemental carbon(EC)and water-soluble organic carbon(WSOC)in total suspended particles(TSP)collected from February 2015 to March 2017 in the southwest part of Karachi.The average TSP,organic carbon(OC),and EC concentrations were extremely high with values as 391.0±217.0,37.2±28.0,and 8.53±6.97μg/m3,respectively.These components showed clear seasonal variations with high concentrations occurring during fall and winter followed by spring and summer.SO42-,NO3-,K+,and NH4+showed similar variations with CA,implying the significant influence on atmospheric pollutants from anthropogenic activities.Relatively lower OC/EG ratio(4.20±2.50)compared with remote regions further indicates fossil fuel combustion as a primary source of CA.Meanwhile,sea salt and soil dust are important contribution sources for TSP.The average MAC of EC(632 nm)and WSOC(365 nm)were 6.56±2.70 and 0.97±0.37 m2/g,respectively.MACEC is comparable to that in urban areas but lower than that in remote regions,indicating the significant influence of local emissions.MACwsoc showed opposite distribution with EC,further suggesting that OC was significantly affected by local fossil fuel combustion.In addition,dust might be an important factor increasing MACwsoc particularly during spring and summer.

Comparison of light absorption and oxidative potential of biodiesel/diesel and chemicals/diesel blends soot particles

Soot particles,mainly coming from fuel combustion,affect climate forcing through absorbing light and also result in adverse human health outcomes.Though biodiesel or additives blending with diesel was considered environmentally friendly,the understanding on absorbing and oxidative capacity of soot emitted from them are still unclear.The watersoluble organic carbon(WSOC)content,surface chemical structure,light absorption and oxidative potential(OPDTT)of soot from biodiesel/diesel and chemicals/diesel blends were investigated utilizing total organic carbon analyzer,X-ray photoelectron spectrometer,ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry and dithiothreitol(DTT)assay.The differences and correlations between soot properties were statistically analyzed.Chemicals/diesel blends soot owned significantly higher WSOC content,ratio of mass absorbing efficiency(MAE)in250 and 365 nm(E2/E3),OPDTT,and higher surface carbonyl content.Coconut biodiesel/diesel blends soot contained evidently higher aromatic carbon–oxygen single bond(ArC–O)content,and higher MAE365.The individual comparison of biodiesel/diesel blends showed20%coconut biodiesel blend owned the lowest WSOC,E2/E3 and OPDTT,while highest ArC–O and MAE365,representing strongest absorbing properties.Association analysis showed OPDTTwas significantly positively correlated with WSOC.Further,the evident negative correlation between MAE365 and OPDTT was observed.Our results showed coconut biodiesel/diesel blends soot induced lower levels of oxidative potential,whereas absorption of light was higher,which have far reaching consequences on climate forcing.Therefore,it is important to evaluate the balance point between light-absorbing properties and oxidative potential,under the wide use of biodiesel.

Perfect light absorption in monolayer MoS;empowered by optical Tamm states

We present the perfect light absorption of monolayer molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2))in a dielectric multilayer system with two different Bragg mirrors.The results show that the strong absorption of visible light in monolayer MoS_(2) is attributed to the formation of optical Tamm states(OTSs)between two Bragg mirrors.The MoS_(2) absorption spectrum is dependent on the layer thickness of Bragg mirrors,incident angle of light,and the period numbers of Bragg mirrors.Especially,the nearly perfect light absorption(99.4%)of monolayer MoS_(2) can be achieved by choosing proper period numbers,which is well analyzed by the temporal coupled-mode theory.

Dissolved organic carbon fractionation in wet deposition and its potential impact on radiative forcing in the central Tibetan Plateau

As an important component of carbonaceous matters,dissolved organic carbon(DOC)can absorb and scatter the solar radiation at ultraviolet and blue wavelengths.The wet deposition process has great impact on the con-centration and light absorption ability of precipitation DOC,affecting the climatic effect caused by DOC in the atmosphere.In this study,light absorption and fluorescence characteristics of precipitation DOC was investigated in the central Tibetan Plateau(TP).The results showed that the mean DOC concentration and mass absorption cross-section measured at 365 nm(MAC_(365)) in Tanggula(TGL)station were 0.59±0.42 mg/L and 0.37±0.19 m^(2)/g,respectively,while both values showed much higher volatilities than those of aerosols.DOC concentrations had significant negative correlation with the precipitation amount,while MAC_(365) values increase with the precipitation amount in TGL station.Therefore,DOC with high light-absorbing ability was preferred to be retained in the atmosphere during wet deposition.In this study,precipitation DOC contained three fluorescent components(one humic-like component and two tyrosine-like components)mainly from local biomass burning sources.DOC concentration showed a negative relationship with MAC_(365) value in TGL station.The wet deposition of DOC with low light-absorbing ability can reduce the strong negative radiative forcing caused by secondary organic aerosol due to high proportion of DOC in secondary organic carbon.Similar phenomenon was also found in Nam Co,Lulang and Everest stations of previous study,which may have a potential impact on radiative forcing in the atmosphere of TP.

Ultra-Thin Carbon-Doped Bi_(2)WO_(6) Nanosheets for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO_(2) Reduction

The photocatalytic reduction of CO_(2) is a promising strategy to generate chemical fuels.However,this reaction usually suf-fers from low photoactivity because of insuffi cient light absorption and rapid charge recombination.Defect engineering has become an eff ective approach to improve the photocatalytic activity.Herein,ultra-thin(~4.1 nm)carbon-doped Bi_(2)WO_(6) nanosheets were prepared via hydrothermal treatment followed by calcination.The ultra-thin nanosheet structure of the cata-lyst not only provides more active sites but also shortens the diff usion distance of charge carriers,thereby suppressing charge recombination.Moreover,carbon doping could successfully extend the light absorption range of the catalyst and remarkably promote charge separation,thus inhibiting recombination.As a result,the as-prepared Bi_(2)WO_(6) photocatalyst with ultra-thin nanosheet structure and carbon doping exhibits enhanced photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction performance,which is twice that of pristine ultra-thin Bi_(2)WO_(6) nanosheet.This study highlights the importance of defect engineering in photocatalytic energy conversion and provides new insights for fabricating effi cient photocatalysts.

Optical management in organic photovoltaic devices

Due to their potentials in light‐weight,flexible,and semitransparent devices,organic photovoltaics are of great significance in the field of renewable energy.However,the narrow intrinsic absorption spectrum of organic materials hinders the full utilization of solar energy.To fabricate a highly efficient opaque solar cell,it is greatly necessary to modify the optical properties of the device to improve light absorption.In addition,the growing interest in building‐integrated photovoltaics drives the development of semitransparent devices.The preparation of semitransparent solar cells with excellent performance imposes high requirements on the high efficiency and appropriate visible light transmittance of effective optical management.In this review,the recent research progress of optical management in organic photovoltaics is reviewed,including the design of light‐absorbing materials,the modification of different layers,adding a lighttrapping structure,and changing the light absorption capabilities of specific materials,so as to provide strategies of how to improve the performance of organic photovoltaic devices and present the prospect of the area.

Recent process of plasma effect in organic solar cells

Due to the compromise between exciton diffusion length and light absorption, the active layer thickness of organic solar cells(OSCs) is limited. As we all know, embedding metal nanostructures into OSCs can improve the performance of OSCs by triggering surface plasma resonance, scattering, and other effect without increasing the physical thickness of light trapping layer. Besides, the plasma response and other roles will distinguish when metal nanostructures are embedded into different position of OSCs, which are equally important to the performance of OSCs. In this paper, the enhancement mechanisms of various metal nanostructures in different layers of OSCs are summarized from the electricity and optics aspects.This review also further highlights the progress of plasma effect and their working mechanism in OSCs,and it is expected to provide more perspective of plasma effect for performance enhancement of OSCs.

Pyrolysis of Rice Husk in a Fluidized Bed Reactor:Evaluate the Characteristics of Fractional Bio-Oil and Particulate Emission of Carbonaceous Aerosol(CA)

Bio-oil production via pyrolysis is one of promising technologies for renewable energy production from bio-wastes.However,the complicated biooil is still a challenge for high-valued application and during biomass pyrolysis,the emission of non-cleaned aerosol,the potential emission,namely carbonaceous aerosol(CA)increased the difficulty of the commercial promotion.In this study,Rice husk pyrolysis was performed in a semi-continuous fluidized bed reactor coupled with fractional condensers.The effects of pyrolysis and condensation temperature on the properties of bio-oil and emission of CAwere investigated systemically.Results indicated that the in-situ separation of vapors was accomplished via condensers of different temperatures(85℃and−10℃).The bio-oil with different physiochemical properties were obtained in the high content of phenols and lower acids of BO1 and high content of acids and better liquidity.The size distribution of CA was found primarily classified as sub-micrometer grade particles,which have a diameter of less than 1.1μm.In particular,CA existed in three representative forms:bead,granular aggregate,and liquidoid.The results of light absorption of total organic carbon(TOC)and non-volatile organic carbon(NVOC)indicated that the absorption per mass increased in the single temperature with the decrement of wavelength and it improved as the pyrolysis temperature increased at the specified wavelength.The absorption per mass was to maximum value(3.7 m^(2)/g)at 360 nm wavelength and 600℃.TOC demonstrated a strong light absorption and a wide spectral range dependence(AAE:5.08-10.05)which enhanced the light absorption in the ultra-violet and low-visible regions.

Integrated Photothermal Nanoreactors for Effi cient Hydrogenation of CO_(2)

To alleviate the energy crisis and global warming,photothermal catalysis is an attractive way to effi ciently convert CO_(2)and renewable H_(2) into value-added fuels and chemicals.However,the catalytic performance is usually restricted by the trade-off between the dispersity and light absorption property of metal catalysts.Here we demonstrate a simple SiO 2-protected metal-organic framework pyrolysis strategy to fabricate a new type of integrated photothermal nanoreactor with a comparatively high metal loading,dispersity,and stability.The core-satellite structured Co@SiO_(2)exhibits strong sunlight-absorptive abil-ity and excellent catalytic activity in CO_(2)hydrogenation,which is ascribed to the functional separation of diff erent sizes of Co nanoparticles.Large-sized plasmonic Co nanoparticles are mainly responsible for the light absorption and conversion to heat(nanoheaters),whereas small-sized Co nanoparticles with high intrinsic activities are responsible for the catalysis(nanoreactors).This study provides a new concept for designing effi cient photothermal catalytic materials.

Vacancy-engineering-mediated activation of excitonic transition for boosting visible-light-driven photocatalytic oxidative coupling of amines

The light absorption properties of semiconductor-based photocatalysts to a large extent determine the relevant catalytic performance.Traditional strategies in broadening the light absorption range are usually accompanied with unfavorable changes in redox ability and dynamics of photoinduced species that would confuse the comprehensive optimization.In this work,we propose a nontrivial excitonic transition regulation strategy for gaining sub-bandgap light absorption in low-dimensional semiconductor-based photocatalysts.Using bismuth oxybromide(BiOBr)as a model system,we highlight that the light absorption cut-off edge could be effectively extended up to 500 nm by introducing Bi vacancies.On the basis of theoretical simulations and spectroscopic analyses,we attributed the broadening of light absorption to the promotion of excitonic transition that is generally forbidden in pristine BiOBr system,associated with Bi-vacancy-induced excited-state symmetry breaking.In addition,Bi vacancy was demonstrated to implement negligible effects on other photoexcitation properties like excited-state energy-level profiles and kinetics.Benefiting from these features,the defective sample exhibits a notable advantage in gaining visible-light-driven photocatalytic reactions.

Self-assembled core-shell polydopamine@MXene with synergistic solar absorption capability for highly efficient solar-to-vapor generation

As a renewable and environment-friendly technology for seawater desalination and wastewater purification,solar energy triggered steam generation is attractive to address the long-standing global water scarcity issues.However,practical utilization of solar energy for steam generation is severely restricted by the complex synthesis,low energy conversion efficiency,insufficient solar spectrum absorption and water extraction capability of state-of-the-art technologies.Here,for the first time,we report a facile strategy to realize hydrogen bond induced self-assembly of a polydopamine(PDA)@MXene microsphere photothermal layer for synergistically achieving wide-spectrum and highly efficient solar absorption capability(≈96%in a wide solar spectrum range of 250–1,500 nm wavelength).Moreover,such a system renders fast water transport and vapor escaping due to the intrinsically hydrophilic nature of both MXene and PDA,as well as the interspacing between core-shell microspheres.The solar-to-vapor conversion efficiencies under the solar illumination of 1 sun and 4 sun are as high as 85.2%and 93.6%,respectively.Besides,the PDA@MXene photothermal layer renders the system durable mechanical properties,allowing producing clean water from seawater with the salt rejection rate beyond 99%.Furthermore,stable light absorption performance can be achieved and well maintained due to the formation of ternary TiO2/C/MXene complex caused by oxidative degradation of MXene.Therefore,this work proposes an attractive MXene-assisted strategy for fabricating high performance photothermal composites for advanced solar-driven seawater desalination applications.