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Enhancing the quantum efficiency of a silicon solar cell using one dimensional thin film interferometry

Ahuja et al. | May 03, 2024

Enhancing the quantum efficiency of a silicon solar cell using one dimensional thin film interferometry
Image credit: American Public Power Association

Here, recognizing the need to improve the efficiency of the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy, the authors used MATLAB to mathematically simulate a multi-layered thin film with an without an antireflective coating. They found that the use of alternating ZnO-SiO2 multilayers enhanced the transmission of light into the solar cell, increasing its efficiency and reducing the reflectivity of the Si-Air interface.

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Modular mimics of neuroactive alkaloids - design, synthesis, and cholinesterase inhibitory activity of rivastigmine analogs

Yu et al. | Sep 12, 2022

Modular mimics of neuroactive alkaloids - design, synthesis, and cholinesterase inhibitory activity of rivastigmine analogs

Naturally occurring neuroactive alkaloids are often studied for their potential to treat Neurological diseases. This team of students study Rivastigmine, a potent cholinesterase inhibitor that is a synthetic analog of physostigmine, which comes from the Calabar bean plant Physostigma venenosum. By comparing the effects of optimized synthetic analogs to the naturally occurring alkaloid, they determine the most favorable analog for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) to terminate neuronal transmission and signaling between synapses.

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Impact of light intensity and electrolyte volume on performance of photo-electrochemical (PEC) solar cell

Patel et al. | Mar 14, 2022

Impact of light intensity and electrolyte volume on performance of photo-electrochemical (PEC) solar cell

Here, seeking to develop more efficient solar cells, the authors investigated photo-electrochemical (PEC) solar cells, specifically molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) based on its high resistance to corrosion. They found that the percentage efficiency of these PEC solar cells was proportional to light intensity–0.9 and that performance was positively influenced by increasing the electrolyte volume. They suggest that studies such as these can lead to new insight into reaction-based solar cells.

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Efficacy of Rotten and Fresh Fruit Extracts as the Photosensitive Dye for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Jayasankar et al. | Jan 16, 2019

Efficacy of Rotten and Fresh Fruit Extracts as the Photosensitive Dye for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) use dye as the photoactive material, which capture the incoming photon of light and use the energy to excite electrons. Research in DSSCs has centered around improving the efficacy of photosensitive dyes. A fruit's color is defined by a unique set of molecules, known as a pigment profile, which changes as a fruit progresses from ripe to rotten. This project investigates the use of fresh and rotten fruit extracts as the photoactive dye in a DSSC.

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Legacy mercury, reservoir dynamics, and dredging effects on methylmercury in San Francisco Bay

Silver et al. | Aug 24, 2026

Legacy mercury, reservoir dynamics, and dredging effects on methylmercury in San Francisco Bay

This study analyzes over two decades of monitoring data (1999-2022) to investigate how legacy mining, reservoir water releases, and dredging activities influence toxic methylmercury (MeHg) levels in San Francisco Bay. The findings reveal a significant delayed correlation between river flow and San Francisco Bay MeHg, and counter to the authors' hypothesis, a strong association between increased MeHg concentrations in the bay and both total annual dredging volume and beneficial sediment reuse / upland sediment disposal.

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A 3D printed triboelectric nanogenerator for bridge vibration energy harvesting and sensing

Walavalkar et al. | Jul 19, 2026

A 3D printed triboelectric nanogenerator for bridge vibration energy harvesting and sensing
Image credit: Jakub Żerdzicki

This study strongly illustrates that optimizing 3D printing parameters would enhance a triboelectric nanogenerator's performance. The design improvements substantiate the potential of optimized, 3D-printed TENGs for developing scalable, cost-effective solutions for powering low-energy electronics, particularly in applications such as structural health monitoring.

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