We have tested simple Graetzel-type solar cells using semiconductor thin films consisting of TiO 2 nanoparticles and some electron injecting dyes. The possibility of using xanthenes (rhodamine 101, fluorescein and 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein) and selected azo dyes (alizarin yellow R, alizarin yellow 2G and carboxyaesenazo) as sensitizers has been explored. Fluorescence and electronic absorption measurements revealed complex formation between the chosen dyes and the surface of the colloidal TiO 2 . The apparent association constants (K app ) of the surface complexes have been estimated and are correlated with the dyeinduced negative shifts of the reduction potential of colloidal TiO 2 nanoparticles. Moreover, due to its utmost importance, photostability of the organic dyes in absence and presence of colloidal TiO 2 nanoparticles and the influence of the used electrolyte have been examined. The results point to a remarkable enhancement of photostability in the presence of the electrolyte (I 3 − /I − ), which is attributed to fast regeneration of the neutral dye via the redox couple of the electrolyte. Furthermore, photocurrent action spectrum of the fabricated and tested DSC shows the origin of photoelectric output to be optical absorption of the dye used.

A new dual‐functional Cu(II) complex and its nanohybrid form encapsulated into NaY zeolite cavities were synthesized. The synthesized compounds were characterized using elemental analyses, X‐ray fluorescence, infrared, 1H NMR, electronic, electron spin resonance and mass spectra, powder X‐ray diffraction, surface area and transmission electron microscopy in addition to conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The encapsulated Cu(II) complex was catalytically tested for degradation of industrial wastewater. The decolorization and mineralization results indicate that the Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite host is an effective heterogeneous catalyst for real industrial wastewater remediation. In addition, both free and encapsulated Cu(II) complexes were tested as anti‐microbial and anti‐tumour agents. The results show that the Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite has a high activity (IC50 = 14.4 μg ml−1). The results of in vivo toxicity experiments indicate that the Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite is a less toxic biocompatible material (LD50 = 1245 mg kg−1). The catalytic properties, cytotoxicity and toxicity of the new nanohybrid Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite make it a promising eco‐friendly and biocompatible material for water remediation and biomedical applications.

No abstract

Electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra of anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (ANCA) were studied in different homogeneous solvents, binary protic/aprotic solvent mixtures and in heterogeneous solutions of the cationic cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) micelle. Different chemical species of ANCA were identified spectroscopically in different media. The results are discussed on the basis of a mechanism that involves two equilibria: acid-base equilibrium and monomer-dimer equilibrium. These equilibria were found to be very sensitive to the nature of the medium and the concentration of ANCA.Moreover, while it is photostable in most solvents studied, the ANCA was found to be photolabile in aqueous media of different pHs. The acid-base catalyzed photodegradation rate was studied by following up absorption and/or fluorescence intensities as a function of illumination dose. The determined rate of the photochemical degradation of ANCA depends on the nature of the medium. The first order degradation rate constant is remarkably enhanced in heterogeneous medium of CTAB. As expected, the determined activation energy is low (∼3.2 kJ.mol-1). This result favors photooxidation process. Anthraquinone was the main photodegradation product obtainedvia9,9′-dicarboxylic head-to-head dimer of anthracene that was identified by GC-Mass technique.

No abstract