Singlet oxygen formation from photoexcited P3HT:PCBM films applied in oxidation reactions

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) thin films containing carbon-based nanostructures, i.e. fullerenes such as Buckminsterfullerene (C60) or phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), or single-walled carbon nanotubes, were investigated as heterogeneous photosensitizers producing singlet oxygen...

Thermochemical cycle based on solid intermediates for hydrogen storage and on-demand production

Thermochemical water splitting processes based on Sulfur-Iodine cycle can be conveniently improved using solid intermediates, in order to increase the global yield and avoid the use of concentrated acid at high temperatures. In this context, an innovative process has been conceived, where a metal oxide, namely NiO, is reduced into oxygen and the correspondent metal, which can be suitably stored and reacted with steam into hydrogen when and where necessary. Data previously obtained and published, together with the integration of experimental results have been used to evaluate the technical feasibility and the heat duties of each step of the proposed cycle. The starting point was a Nickel compounds based process already extensively characterized, which has been modified using low toxic Iron (III) species as intermediates for oxygen formation. Based on the theoretical and experimental analysis carried out, the resulting cycle thermal efficiency is quite promising, about 19%, also taking into account the hydrogen generation step.

Unraveling the Photodynamic Activity of Cationic Benzoporphyrin-Based Photosensitizers against Bladder Cancer Cells

In this study, we report the preparation of new mono-charged benzoporphyrin complexes by reaction of the appropriate neutral benzoporphyrin with (2,2′-bipyridine)dichloroplatinum(II) and of the analogs’ derivatives synthesized through alkylation of the neutral scaffold with iodomethane. All derivatives were incorporated into polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) micelles. The ability of the resultant formulations to generate reactive oxygen species was evaluated, mainly the singlet oxygen formation. Then, the capability of the PVP formulations to act as photosensitizers against bladder cancer cells was assessed. Some of the studied formulations were the most active photosensitizers causing a decrease in HT-1376 cells’ viability. This creates an avenue to further studies related to bladder cancer cells.