fullerene-c70 and titanium-dioxide

[70]Fullerene is presented as an efficient alternative electron-selective contact (ESC) for regular-architecture perovskite solar cells (PSCs). A smart and simple, well-described solution processing protocol for the preparation of [70]- and [60]fullerene-based solar cells, namely the fullerene saturation approach (FSA), allowed us to obtain similar power conversion efficiencies for both fullerene materials (i.e., 10.4 and 11.4 % for [70]- and [60]fullerene-based devices, respectively). Importantly, despite the low electron mobility and significant visible-light absorption of [70]fullerene, the presented protocol allows the employment of [70]fullerene as an efficient ESC. The [70]fullerene film thickness and its solubility in the perovskite processing solutions are crucial parameters, which can be controlled by the use of this simple solution processing protocol. The damage to the [70]fullerene film through dissolution during the perovskite deposition is avoided through the saturation of the perovskite processing solution with [70]fullerene. Additionally, this fullerene-saturation strategy improves the performance of the perovskite film significantly and enhances the power conversion efficiency of solar cells based on different ESCs (i.e., [60]fullerene, [70]fullerene, and TiO2 ). Therefore, this universal solution processing protocol widens the opportunities for the further development of PSCs.

Topics: Calcium Compounds; Electric Power Supplies; Electron Transport; Fullerenes; Oxides; Solar Energy; Titanium

Efficient photocatalytic disinfection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 was achieved by using a C70 modified TiO2 (C70-TiO2) hybrid as a photocatalyst under visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. Disinfection experiments showed that 73% of E. coli O157:H7 died within 2 h with a disinfection rate constant of k = 0.01 min(-1), which is three times that measured for TiO2. The mechanism of cell death was investigated by using several scavengers combined with a partition system. The results revealed that diffusing hydroxyl radicals play an important role in the photocatalytically initiated bacterial death, and direct contact between C70-TiO2 hybrid and bacteria is not indispensable in the photocatalytic disinfection process. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of bacteria have little effect on the disinfection efficiency. Analyses of the inhibitory effect of C70-TiO2 thin films on E. coli O157:H7 showed a decrease of the bacterial concentration from 3 × 10(8) to 38 cfu mL(-1) in the solution with C70-TiO2 thin film in the first 2 h of irradiation and a complete inhibition of the growth of E. coli O157:H7 in the later 24 h irradiation.

Topics: Catalysis; Disinfection; Escherichia coli O157; Fullerenes; Light; Microbial Viability; Microscopy, Electron; Time Factors; Titanium; X-Ray Diffraction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. The pathogenesis of AD is associated with beta-amyloid (Abeta) fibrillation. Nanoparticles have large surface area and can access the brain. But no investigation has been made to study the relationship between nanoparticles and AD. In our study, we observed Abeta fibril formation in the presence of six kinds of nanoparticles and found that TiO2 nanoparticles can promote Abeta fibrillation by shortening nucleation process, which is the key rate-determining step of fibrillation. Hereby the interaction between Abeta and nanoparticles may contribute to AD etiology.

Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Cerium; Environmental Exposure; Fullerenes; Humans; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Nanoparticles; Peptide Fragments; Silicon Dioxide; Titanium; Zirconium