Physical Review B

Electrochromics for smart windows: Oxide-based thin films and devices

Oxide electrochromics: An introduction to devices and materials

Spectral beam splitting is a promising method to achieve high efficiency solar energy conversion. Its potential applications include multi-junction PV receivers, hybrid collectors and even biomass production. Although spectral splitting receivers can achieve high theoretical conversion efficiencies, they have not yet evolved to the commercial level. In this paper, we provide a review on the recently published research in this field and discuss the drawbacks associated with practical applications. Suggestions are made which we believe will lead to improvements in optical efficiency (including geometrical limitations) and the fabrication costs of spectrally splitting solar receivers.

Spectral beam splitting for efficient conversion of solar energy - A review

Advances in chromogenic materials and devices

Optical properties of sputter deposited transparent and conducting TiO2:Nb films

http://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:381981/FULLTEXT02.pdf

Transparent and conducting TiO2:Nb films made by sputter deposition: Application to spectrally selective solar reflectors

Optical filters have received much attention currently due to the increasing demand in various applications. Spectral filters block specific wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths and transmit the rest of the spectrum. This paper reports on the simulated TiO2 - SiO2 optical filters. The design utilizes a high refractive index TiO2 thin films which were fabricated using spray Pyrolysis technique and low refractive index SiO2 obtained theoretically. The refractive index and extinction coefficient of the fabricated TiO2 thin films were extracted by simulation based on the best fit. This data was then used to design a five alternating layer stack which resulted into band pass with notch filters. The number of band passes and notches increase with the increase of individual layer thickness in the stack.

http://www.naturalspublishing.com/files/published/qzw85g193mzz66.pdf

Optical Properties of TiO2 Based Multilayer Thin Films: Application to Optical Filters.

This article outlines the preparation of manganese-doped copper nanoparticles (Mn + Cu NPs) using Vinca rosea (L.) leaf extract as a convenient and environmentally friendly substance. UV–vis, FT–IR, XRD, SEM–EDAX, and DLS instrumental techniques were employed to describe the physical and chemical properties of synthesized V. rosea extract-mediated Vr-Mn + Cu NPs. The synthesized Vr-Mn + Cu NPs were observed to be monodispersed and spherical, with an average size of 412 nm. The plant extract includes a variety of phytochemical components. The Vr-Mn + Cu NPs also have potential antioxidant and antibacterial properties against selected pathogens. The green synthesized Vr-Mn + Cu NPs showed a maximum inhibition zone of 16.33 ± 0.57 mm against E. coli. For dye degradation, MR, EBT, and MO showed the highest degradation percentage capabilities with Vr-Mn + Cu NP-based adsorbents, which were determined to be 78.54 ± 0.16, 87.67 ± 0.06, and 69.79 ± 0.36. The results clearly show that biosynthesized Vr-Mn + Cu NPs may be employed as an antioxidant, antibacterial, photocatalytic dye degradation, and catalytic agent, as well as being ecologically benign.

/pdf/green-synthesis-of-mn-cu-bimetallic-nanoparticles-using-up787vhf.pdf

Green Synthesis of Mn + Cu Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Vinca rosea Extract and Their Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Catalytic Activities

The research sought to investigate the surface roughness parameter ( ) and wind shear exponent of Kisii region (elevation 1710m above sea level, 0.68°S, 34.79°E). A six-month experiment was set at three sites of Kisii region. Two PRO AcuRite 01036 Wireless Weather Stations with pro+ 5-in-1 Sensors were placed at different hub heights above the ground and data were sent and received by a display board set at a room through remote sensing at an interval of 12 minutes. Data was collected from the display board through the pc connect software, grouped into discrete data and then calculated to represent mean wind speed, diurnal variation, daily variation, and monthly variations. The calculated averages of wind speeds at hub heights of 10m and 13m were then used to determine the wind shear exponent and surface roughness parameter of the sites. The wind shear exponents were found to be 0.92, 0.41, and 0.54 for Nyamecheo, Kisii University, and Ikobe stations, respectively, with an average of 0.64. The roughness parameter was also calculated and found to be 3.75, 1.32, and 1.96 for Nyamecheo, Kisii University (KSU), and Ikobe, respectively, with an average of 2.35.

/pdf/determination-of-the-surface-roughness-parameter-and-wind-4utha3jsxj.pdf

C. M. Maghanga

Papers

Optical properties of sputter deposited transparent and conducting TiO2:Nb films

Transparent and conducting TiO2:Nb films made by sputter deposition: Application to spectrally selective solar reflectors

Optical Properties of TiO2 Based Multilayer Thin Films: Application to Optical Filters.

Green Synthesis of Mn + Cu Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Vinca rosea Extract and Their Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Catalytic Activities

Determination of the Surface Roughness Parameter and Wind Shear Exponent of Kisii Region from the On-Site Measurement of Wind Profiles