Photodegradation of Methylorange over Zirconia Doped TiO2 Using Solar Energy

The heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of methylorange over TiO2 is studied and is found to be cost effective. Effect of Zirconium metal incorporation over titania system is investigated. Photocatalytic degradation of methylorange using solar radiation is found to be highly economical when compared with the processes using artificial UV radiation, which require substantial electrical power input. The characterization of titania as well as modified zirconium metal doped titania systems are done using XRD, FTIR and EDAX measurements. The catalytic activities of different systems are also compared and is tried to correlate with the crystallite size and presence of dopant metal.

Efficient and low cost devices for solar energy conversion: Efficiency and stability of some natural-dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells, named by us Dye-Cells, are one of the most promising devices for solar energy conversion due to their reduced production cost and low environmental impact, especially those sensitized by natural dyes. The efficiency and stability of devices based on natural sensitizers such as mulberry (Morus alba Lam), blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus Lam), and jaboticaba`s skin (Mirtus cauliflora Mart) were investigated. Dye-Cells prepared with aqueous mulberry extract presented the highest P(max) value (1.6 mW cm(-2)) with J(sc) = 6.14 mA cm(-2) and V(oc) = 0.49 V, Photoelectrochemical parameters of 16 cm(2) active area devices sensitized by mulberry dye were constant for 14 weeks of continuous evaluation. Moreover, the cell remained stable even after 36 weeks with a fairly good efficiency. Therefore, mulberry dye opens up a perspective of commercial feasibility for inexpensive and environmentally friendly Dye-Cells. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solar energy exhibits at the popular science park Teknoland

The new Popular Science Park TEKNOLAND in Falun contains a number of interactive solar energy exhibits, including The Solar Heated Chess Board, The Solar Electric Playhouse, The Sudanese Solar Oven, and Solar Collector Optics. The TeknoTrix tutored children activities include solar thermal activities. Some related interactive exhibits are planned to be included during the summer and during coming years.

Teknoland - popular science park with solar energy exhibits

The new Popular Science Park TEKNOLAND in Falun contains a number of interactive solar energy exhibits, including The Solar Heated Chess Board, The Solar Electric Playhouse, The Sudanese Solar Oven, and Solar Collector Optics. The TeknoTrix tutored children activities include solar thermal activities. Some related interactive exhibits are planned to be included during the summer and during coming years.

Solar energy studies and extramural learning

Extramural learning refers to the educational process that takes place outside the walls of the school (or the university). Extramural learning that takes place in a science center is characterized by hands-on and interactivity. Interactive solar energy exhibits are particularly well suited for out-door science centers. The paper presents some solar energy hands-on exhibits and extramural activities that the author has initiated and participated in.

Solar energy in asia, in Kobe, Japan, september 1989 : Reports from ISES solar world congress and from study visits in India and Pakistan

The ISES Solar World Congress Clean and Safe Energy Forever was held in Kobe, Japan, September 4-8, 1989. Short impressions from the conference and the simultaneous exhibition are given. On our (separate) ways to Kobe, Eriksson visited institutions in the Bombay, India area, and Broman one institution in Islamabad, Pakistan. Accounts of these visits are given. Three papers presented in Kobe are included in an Appendix.