Exploring the sensitization properties of thienyl-functionalized tripyrrole Ru(II) complexes on TiO2 (101) surface: a theoretical study

A Series of Planar Phosphorescent Cyclometalated Platinum(II) Complexes as New Anticancer Theranostic Agents That Induce Oncosis

Herein, four planar cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes with a main ligand of enlarged aromatic rings have been assessed as effective anticancer theranostic agents for the first time. With an increased number of aromatic rings in the N∧N ligand, 1a-1d exhibit increased lipophilicity and cytotoxicity selectivity. The intensity of the Pt-Pt interaction of each complex can be indicated by an enhanced near-infrared (NIR) emission in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), their binding activity with biomolecules of bovine serum albumin (BSA) is accompanied by a vivid turn-on green emission, and the intensity gradually decreased from 1a to 1d, which is consistent with the docking of two complexes with BSA. Both "turn-on" NIR and green emission of 1d can be mainly observed in nuclei of living cell within 24 h, while two phosphorescence traces of 1b were recorded in lysosomes by confocal imaging. Moreover, 1d shows the highest efficiency in inducing oncosis of Hela cells, and the relative process was investigated.

A New Type of Architecture of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells as an Alternative Pathway to Outdoor Photovoltaics

The current investigation shows a possible new pathway for more efficient and cost-effective energy-harvesting photovoltaic devices. Our approach could permit all emerging technologies that are currently used for indoors and smart buildings to go a step forward and could be used for outdoor applications. The investigated architecture is a very promising geometry especially for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). It turns their main drawback, the lowering of their efficiency and lifetime when operating at high solar irradiation density, into an asset by increasing the total active area per horizontal unit area for light harvesting, while preserving the active elements from degradation and extending durable lifetime. The investigated architecture is based on a symmetric “U” type geometry, which is constructed by a highly reflective material on the inner surface. Solar irradiation is reflected internally at the bottom of the construction and splits towards two opposite sided solar cells; the two cells form a cavity where the solar light multiplies and is successively absorbed. Consequently, the vertically incoming irradiation is reduced when reaching the vertical internal sides on which the DSSCs are mounted. Thus, the solar cells operate at low light intensities, which provide significant lifetime extension and efficiency enhancement. Interestingly, the electrical energy per effective surface unit, which is produced by the two vertical DSSCs, is at least equal to that of a standalone, vertically irradiated cell. The advantage of the new architecture is that protects DSSCs from their degradation and deterioration, although the entire system operates under high illumination. This makes the cells more efficient outdoors, with a comparable performance to indoor conditions.

The influence of a dye–TiO2 interface on DSSC performance: a theoretical exploration with a ruthenium dye

Slight modification of dye–TiO₂ interface structure induces significant changes in the photo-generated current density.