Spectral Response of Opal-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Herein we present an experimental study of the spectral dependence of the photogenerated current of opal-based solar cells. We analyze the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) for dye-sensitized solar cells in which colloidal crystals are introduced in different configurations. We prove that a dye-sensitized nanocrystalline titanium oxide electrode moulded in the shape of an inverse…

Permanent magnetism in thiol capped nanoparticles, gold and ZnO

In spite of the diamagnetic behavior exhibited by bulk ZnO and Au, a ferromagnetic-like behavior is induced in nanoparticles of both systems by appropriate surface functionalization. By capping with thiol derivatized molecules, magnetic hysteresis is observed even at room temperature, whereas the magnetization has a very little temperature dependence. Capping induces an alteration of their…

Apatite and Portland/apatite composite cements obtained using a hydrothermal method for retaining heavy metals

Apatite and Portland/apatite composite cements containing steelwork dusts have been prepared using a low temperature hydrothermal method (200° C, 48 h). The produced solids were characterized by means of XRD, IR, and SEM-EDX, and the remaining liquid was analyzed by ICP. The results clearly show the capability of these cements to inertise the heavy metals contained…

Influence of amine template on the photoactivity of TiO2 nanoparticles obtained by hydrothermal treatment

TiO2 nanoparticles have been prepared by amine template-assisted sol-gel precipitation and further hydrothermal treatment. We have investigated the effect of different amines (hydrazine and triethylamine) in the final surface and structural properties. It has been stated that the different amounts of amine could act as an interesting template upon hydrothermal treatment. Further thermal treatment also…

Thermal Behavior of Ground Talc Mineral

Microstructure development and thermal behavior of ground talc mineral samples (from locality Puebla de Lillo,Spain) was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy(SEM),surface area measurements differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry and emanation thermal analysis (ETA). A vibratory mill and grinding time 5 min. was used to prepare the ground talc sample. It was found that grinding…