No abstract

The depletion of fossil fuels is a worldwide problem that has led to the discovery of alternative energy sources. Solar energy is the focus of numerous studies due to its huge potential power and environmentally friendly nature. Furthermore, one such area of study is the production of hydrogen energy by engaging photocatalysts using the photoelectrochemical (PEC) method. 3-D ZnO superstructures are extensively explored, showing high solar light-harvesting efficiency, more reaction sites, great electron transportation, and low electron-hole recombination. However, further development requires the consideration of several aspects, including the morphological effects of 3D-ZnO on water-splitting performance. This study reviewed various 3D-ZnO superstructures fabricated through different synthesis methods and crystal growth modifiers, as well as their advantages and limitations. Additionally, a recent modification by carbon-based material for enhanced water-splitting efficiency has been discussed. Finally, the review provides some challenging issues and future perspectives on the improvement of vectorial charge carrier migration and separation between ZnO as well as carbon-based material, using rare earth metals, which appears to be exciting for water-splitting.

<p><span><span lang="EN-US">P</span><span>enelusuran potensi komposit TiO₂-SiO₂ (sumber silika dari abu sekam padi) sebagai material <em>coating</em> untuk pembuatan masker kain yang hidrofobik dan memiliki sifat antivirus merupakan tujuan utama dalam penelitian ini. Metode yang digunakan untuk sintesis komposit TiO₂-SiO₂ adalah metode sol-gel. Adapun proses <em>coating</em> dilakukan dengan metode <em>dip coating</em>. Hasil karakterisasi PSA menyatakan bahwa rata-rata ukuran partikel silika dari abu sekam padi yang terbentuk adalah 202,98 nm. Tipe kristal komposit TiO₂-SiO₂ yang terkonfirmasi XRD adalah campuran fase anatase dan <em>brookite</em>. Hasil SEM memperlihatkan bahwa komposit yang telah disintesis menempel kuat di serat-serat kain, yang mengindikasikan bahwa proses <em>coating</em><em> </em>berjalan sempurna. Hasil pengujian sudut kontak menunjukkan bahwa kain hasil <em>coating</em> bersifat hidrofobik karena memiliki nilai sudut 110,4°</span><span lang="EN-US">. Suhu permukaan kain hasil <em>coating</em><em> </em>yang dikarakterisasi dengan <em>thermal camera</em> menunjukkan hasil yang baik karena hanya dalam kurun waktu 10 menit iradiasi sinar UV-C, suhu permukaannya sudah melebihi </span><span>40 °C. Oleh karena itu, kain hasil <em>coating</em> memiliki potensi besar untuk diaplikasikan menjadi masker antivirus karena <em>receptor binding</em> motif dari protein <em>spike</em> SARS-CoV-2 mulai mengalami penutupan konformasi pada suhu 40 °C. </span> </span></p><p><strong>TiO₂-SiO₂ Composite Coating on Polyester Fabrics using Dip Coating Method for Antivirus Hydrophobic Mask Fabrication. </strong>Exploring the potential of TiO₂-SiO₂ composite (a silica source obtained from rice husk ash) as a <em>coating</em> material for the manufacture of hydrophobic and antiviral fabric masks is the main goal of this study. The sol-gel method is used in the manufacture of TiO₂-SiO₂ composites. The coating process is carried out using a dip coating method. The results of PSA characterization show that the average silica particle size formed was 202.98 nm. The XRD confirmed that the TiO₂-SiO₂ composite crystal type is a mixture of anatase and brookite phases. The SEM shows that that the synthesized composite adheres strongly to the fabric fibers, indicating that the coating process runs perfectly because it is clearly seen. The results of the contact angle test show that the coated fabric is hydrophobic because it has an angle value of 110.4°. The surface temperature of the coated fabric characterized by a thermal camera shows good results because in just 10 minutes of UV-C irradiation, the surface temperature has exceeded 40 °C. Therefore, the coated fabric has a great potential to be applied as an antiviral mask because the receptor binding motif of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein begins to undergo conformational closure at 40 °C.</p>

Electron excitation created in situ S,N-GQDs under visible light irradiation transported to the ZnO Nanopencil spontaneously and improving its PEC water splitting performance.