Carbon nanotube (CNT) based biosensors are recognized to be a next generation building block for ultra-sensitive and ultra-fast biosensing systems. This article provides an overview on the recent expansion of research in the field of CNT-based biosensors. We start by first introducing the material structures and properties of CNTs. The basic and some new developed synthetic methods of CNTs are presented. This is followed by a collection of working principle and performance of different CNT-based biosensors. The roles and the processing methods of functionalized CNTs are summarized. After that, some of the practical applications and concerns in the field are addressed. What is more, the scientific and technological challenges in the field are discussed at the end of this review.

Carbon nanotube based biosensors

Transforming waste into carbon-based nanomaterials

Recent development on carbon based heterostructures for their applications in energy and environment: A review

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a type of photovoltaic device that have received widespread attention in recent years. In comparison with silicon photovoltaic cells, DSSCs exhibit some specific advantages including easy fabrication procedures, low manufacturing cost and compatibility with flexible substrates. In spite of the advantages mentioned, from the industrial point of view, the efficiency and the long term stability of the DSSCs system have been subject of concern during the past years of development of this technology. In order to solve these problems, numerous research efforts have been devoted to the engineering and manufacturing of devices that could meet the standards of the photovoltaic cells market for various applications, but the low efficiency and stability have remained as the major challenges in development of DSSCs over the past 25 year. This review focuses on the obstacles and restrictions in the fabrication and commercialization of DSSCs. Losses-in-potential as a limiting efficiency and degradation processes are discussed and external effective factors on the stability of DSSC such as thermal and light soaking stresses, environmental conditions and issues related to the sealing have been investigated in detail. Also, commercial photovoltaic technology of DSSCs in term of efficiency, stability and lifetime is compared to the different types of photovoltaic solar cells. Results indicate that despite the many attractive features of this technology, the transition from laboratory to industry and outdoor applications has been hampered by a number of issues.

An overview of the Challenges in the commercialization of dye sensitized solar cells

Energy crisis is the worldwide main concern since fossil fuels are facing rapid depletion and its consumption contributes to the rise in the average global temperature. Among the challenges to be embedded lately with agricultural activities is to explore clean and renewable energy resources. Electrical energy generation via solar technology, or known also as photovoltaic (PV) technology, has been the most economical viable green resource, especially in tropical-based countries. The most notable problem revealed by conventional PV in greenhouses, however, is due to the antagonistic factor lying in both photovoltaic roofs and plants. As such, the divergence subsequently decreases the growth and productivity of the cultivated crops. The Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) is thus of great importance to human as it possesses several attractive features. For instance, the fabrication of DSSC is cheap. It is also flexible, transparent, and sensitive to low light levels. Besides its easiness to be used in larger applications, makes DSSC an ideal candidate that could function greatly as energy buildings. This review article aims to explore the DSSC technology's potential and its effectiveness as a shading greenhouse. Further, in-depth understanding on the uniqueness and advantages of this technology is thoroughly assessed. In comparison to conventional PV, the DSSC technology especially on solar radiation manipulation through the optimum choice of photosensitizer is well described. This paper also consolidates all the materials employed for DSSC fabrication for greenhouse shading. Detailing photosensitizer and light harvesting within PAR wavelength for sustenance growth have been provided. This technology has the potential to improve farming productivity while contribute to a significant reduction of CO2 emission.

/pdf/dye-sensitized-solar-cell-dssc-greenhouse-shading-new-1hs3jss018.pdf

Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) greenhouse shading: New insights for solar radiation manipulation

Synthesis of branched, nano channeled, ultrafine and nano carbon tubes from PET wastes using the arc discharge method

Carbon nanohorns based counter electrodes developed by spray method for dye sensitized solar cells

Aligning carbon nanotubes, synthesized using the arc discharge technique, during and after synthesis

Influence of pre-oxidation, versus post-oxidation of carbon nanohorns in TiO2 nanohybrid for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are of significant research interest due to their significant electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical and thermal properties. This enables CNT to be used in advanced bio-medical, electronics and materials technological applications. CNTs can be synthesized by various methods such as Arc-discharge, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Laser ablation etc. Still challenge exists when it comes to the yield. In general CNTs are commercially synthesized by Arc-discharge and CVD techniques. In both the cases the defect intensity differs according to the atmosphere which prevails in the production chamber. In the case of CVD the defect intensity is mainly due to pentagons of carbon, which cause curved faces whereas in the case of arc discharge, broken bonds can result at the surfaces.

A. Joseph Berkmans

Papers

Synthesis of branched, nano channeled, ultrafine and nano carbon tubes from PET wastes using the arc discharge method

Carbon nanohorns based counter electrodes developed by spray method for dye sensitized solar cells

Aligning carbon nanotubes, synthesized using the arc discharge technique, during and after synthesis

Influence of pre-oxidation, versus post-oxidation of carbon nanohorns in TiO2 nanohybrid for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

High yield formation of carbon nanotubes using arc discharge assisted with a nitrogen jet