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Raman spectroscopy has been successfully used to study the microscopic nature of the structural and morphological properties of nanopowders. Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) are essential parts of dye-sensitized solar cells and materials for catalysis. Dye-sensitized solar cells are advantageous alternatives to conventional solid-state photovoltaic devices because of performance, environmental compatibility, and cost. Grain size and thickness of TiO2 film show a dominant effect on the efficiency of the photovoltaic devices. We have investigated commercial TiO2 nanopowders with different sizes using Raman spectroscopy. The conservation of momentum for light scattering from the phonons means that the only modes at the center of Brillouin Zone (q = 0) are Raman active. The localization of phonons in nanoscale materials leads to the relaxation of this selection rule. It gives rise to an increase in the number of Raman active modes away from the center of the Brillouin zone, and, therefore, results in peak shifts and broadening. This study presents and compares the details of the evolution of the Eg band at 142.9 cm-1 from different nanopowders. This research likewise discusses experimental results in the frame of the model of confined phonons. It was found that the Raman spectra of nanopowders are very sensitive to methods and preparation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on perovskite solar cells, a new solar cell technology comprising of low cost and impressive performance thrust. It informs about a solar cell based on high-purity crystalline silicon, having top-notch photovoltaic performance, whose performance is costly, whereas perovskite solar cells follows a more radical course. Information on perovskite photovoltaics holding well-studied devices known as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is also presented.

The article discusses about the strategic review by Aluchemie owners Rio Tinto and Hydro has determined it is not viable to make the ongoing investments needed to continue operating the stand-alone anode production facility in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The article presents information on a Cardiff, Wales based company called G24 Innovations (G24i) specializing in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and highlights the potential use of DSCs in replacing silicon photovoltaic panels on rooftops. According to a report of the U.S. market research firm Pike Research the market for DSCs will be worth more than 9 billion U.S. dollars by 2015. It highlights that G24i's DSC is effective in the diffuse lighting conditions found indoors.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the articles "DOE Loan Program Scrutinized" by Jeff Johnson and "Better Dye Yields Better Solar Cell" by Steve Ritter, both published in the November 7, 2011 issue.

The article reports on the cooperation of Merck KGaA and Dyesol for the development of electrolytes for dye solar cells. It notes that dye solar cells are an alternative technology for solar energy generation. Merck is the leading producer of ionic liquids, essential ingredients for dye solar-cell electrolytes production, while Dyesol is the major manufacturer of the said cells.

The article looks at the three most-cited chemistry research papers published in 2005 issue of the periodical focusing on discoveries in the field of solar cells. Topics discussed include development of a dye-sensitized solar cell in which photoexcitation occurs, purification of three dyes commonly used in dye-sensitized solar cells, and discovery of low-cost polymer-based solar cell.

The article focuses on chemical researches published in various journals in 2014. It discusses a study by Justin C. Williams and Xiuling Li, from the journal "ACS Nano," on the growth of neurons using silicon nitride microtubes, research by Lidong Qin and others, from "Journal of the American Chemical Society," on the development of a three-dimensional assay that mimics cancer cell invasion, and a study by Takashi Kato and others, from "Chemistry of Materials," on dye-sensitized solar cells.

The article informs that Michael Gratzel, a professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Lausanne, has claimed that he has developed a solid-state dye solar cell (DSC) with an efficiency for converting sunlight to electricity.

Several corrections to articles on topics including hair loss treatment, dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC), and use of corrosive chemicals in defrosting techniques that were published during May-July 2012 issues of the periodical are presented.

The article offers information on the study which provides a new way to explore and optimize the anode properties of dye-sensitized solar cells and other types of devices.

The article reports that researchers at the Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania are considering titania nanotubes to replace the particulate coatings in dye-sensitive solar cells. The researchers believe that a 15 percent conversion rate of solar energy to electricity is achievable. The process used turns the opaque coating of titanium into a transparent coating of nanotubes, and the array is coated in a commercially available dye.