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Efficient organic solar cells were produced through annealing with microwave radiation ͑2.45 GHz͒ within only 8 s. Efficiencies of up to 3% were obtained, similar to those of devices annealed with a hot plate for 300 s. We examined the effect of microwave irradiation on the individual layers of the solar cell architecture. Microwave absorption was found to be related exclusively to the sheet resistance of the layers. As a result, in a polymer solar cell comprising an electrode based on a transparent conducting oxide ͑TCO͒ the microwave annealing is evidenced to be directly linked to the microwave absorption in the TCO layer.

Results of electrochemical anodic oxidation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in 80% sulfuric acid are presented. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, electron microscopy, and Raman spectra, it has been proven that, as a result of anodic oxidation, partially unzipped multi-walled carbon nanotubes were obtained by anodic oxidation. It is shown that the degree of unzipping multi-walled carbon nanotubes depends on the time of electrochemical oxidation of these materials. Using the oxygen electrode as testing electrodes was shown the dependence of the electrochemical characteristics of these materials of the degree of unzipping the multi-walled carbon nanotubes. It is suggested that the controlled synthesis of partially unzipping nanotubes is possible. It is also suggested that it is possible to estimate the degree of unzipping the nanotube based on the study of the electrochemical characteristics of oxygen electrodes. By the electrochemical method obtained partially unzipped multi-walled carbon nanotubes which are promising electrode materials.

Poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) particles of cylindrical and spherical shape were developed as a preparation for tumor treatment or control of hemorrhage by blocking their blood supply. In this report, PHEMA particles were used for the management of hemobilia, that is, bleeding into biliary passages. The origin of hemobilia in 31 patients was localized by selective angiography. With the objective of prophylaxy of hemorrhage, selective embolization with PHEMA particles of the branches of the hepatic artery responsible for the supply of blood to the focus of damage was used in 18 patients. This low-trauma method allowed either a complete control of bleeding or, at least, intraoperative blood loss was reduced more than twice. Histological investigation of the occluded blood vessels showed that the thrombus was attached to the particles and was reinforced by the porous structure of the polymer. A hypercoagulation reaction was observed in the postembolization period. This allowed correction of the hypocoagulation in the hemostasis system.

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