Dye adsorption is one of the most time-consuming processes in the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), typically requiring approximately 24 h at room temperature. In this study, the effect of adsorption temperature and time on photovoltaic performance of DSSCs was investigated in order to reduce processing time and improve device productivity. Nanoporous TiO₂ photoelectrodes were immersed in N719 dye solution at 60°C for 3 h, 10 h, 17 h, and 24 h, and their performance was compared with that of cells sensitized at room temperature for 24 h. Photovoltaic characterization under AM 1.5 illumination showed that DSSCs sensitized at 60°C exhibited improved performance compared to those sensitized at room temperature. The device sensitized at 60°C for 3 h showed comparable or higher conversion efficiency than the reference cell sensitized for 24 h at room temperature. The improvement in device performance is attributed to enhanced dye adsorption kinetics resulting from increased reaction rate between the carboxyl groups of N719 dye molecules and hydroxyl groups on the TiO₂ surface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis revealed reduced recombination resistance at the TiO₂/dye/electrolyte interface for cells sensitized at elevated temperature. UV–Vis absorption analysis confirmed increased dye loading on the TiO₂ surface for the 60°C condition. These results demonstrate that elevated temperature dye adsorption significantly reduces processing time while maintaining photovoltaic performance, providing an effective strategy for improving manufacturing efficiency of DSSCs.

The continuous rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions highlights the urgent need for sustainable air purification technologies. Current Direct Air Capture (DAC) filters often rely on toxic amines, which limit long-term stability and safe application. Here, we report a non-toxic PAN-based nanofiber air filter fabricated by electrospinning and urea-assisted carbonization. Structural analyses confirmed the introduction of nitrogen functionalities that enhanced CO₂ affinity, while SEM and FT-IR revealed graphitic carbon formation. In air-chamber tests, the optimized carbonized nanofiber reduced CO₂ concentration from 25,000 ppm to 2,000 ppm, a level generally regarded as acceptable for indoor environments, while simultaneously removing over 95% of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_0.1 particulates. This dual functionality, combined with facile fabrication and material safety, demonstrates strong potential for PAN-derived carbon nanofiber membranes in DAC systems and eco-friendly air purification devices. These findings suggest a viable pathway toward scalable, sustainable air-filter technologies for carbon-neutral applications.

Oxygen evolution reaction is a critical bottleneck for the development of efficient electrochemical hydrogen production because of its sluggish reaction. Among various catalysts, transition metal-based layered double hydroxide has drawn significant attention due to their excellent catalytic properties and cost-effectiveness. This paper begins with basic crystal structures, and then conventional adsorbate evolution mechanism of layered double hydroxide. Strategies for enhancing catalytic properties based on adsorbate evolution mechanism and lattice oxygen mechanism that could surpass theoretical limit of adsorbate evolution mechanism are discussed. This paper ends with a brief discussion on the challenges and future directions of layered double hydroxide-based oxygen evolution reaction catalysts.

Herein, for the quantitative analysis of the arc beads related to electric fire, we used electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), a measuring device for grain orientation of materials, we compared and analyzed the surface texture of primary and secondary beads according to the difference in cooling rate at ambient temperature. This analysis revealed that the primary beads showed similar distribution at both low and high angles, while the secondary beads showed a higher distribution at low angles than at high angles. Thus, EBSD can be used for quantitative analysis of the beads and can be applied to identify beads in the future.

This paper is designed to find out where power reaches the highest point as the load of solar cells varies. In addition, the current and power were measured when irradiation changes, and the correlation between current and power was investigated. On top of that, experiments were conducted with the light volume kept constant and with the incoming light angle changing in order to figure out the incoming light angle that produces the most power and to conduct analyses. It was ascertained that if the load increases, the current decreases and the voltage increases. Since the power of 0.9828[W] was the highest when measurements were done, it can be said that when a load of 30[%] is applied to the solar cells, they are the most efficient.

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which is one of the contending renewable energy sources, have the problem of low efficiency. To improve the efficiency, the fast electron transport and long electron lifetime are required. In this study, one-dimensional sodium hexatitanate, which is expected to have an advantageous structure for electron transports, was synthesized and the feasibility of the material on DSSC was tested. Its physical properties were characterized by the SEM, XRD, and BET method. The dye adsorption and solar cell properties were also characterized. In addition to the expectation of fast electron transport, sodium hexatitanate showed longer electron lifetime: This means sodium hexatitanate can improve the DSSC efficiency. However, it showed low current and voltage because of the low surface area leading to the low amount of dye adsorbed. Therefore, it should be mixed with titanium oxide with high surface area for the optimal performance.

The adsorption kinetic study of ruthenium complex, N3, onto nanoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) photoanodes has been carried out by measuring dye uptake in-situ. Three simplified kinetic models including a pseudo first-order equation, pseudo second-order equation and intraparticle diffusion equation were chosen to follow the adsorption process. Kinetic parameters, rate constant, equilibrium adsorption capacities and related coefficient coefficients for each kinetic model were calculated and discussed. It was shown that the adsorption kinetics of N3 dye molecules onto porous TiO2 obeys pseudo second-order kinetics with chemisorption being the rate determining step. Additionally the heterogeneous surface and the pore size distribution of porous TiO2 adsorbents were also discussed.