Solution-Processed Earth-Abundant Cu₂BaSn(S,Se)₄ Solar Absorber Using a Low-Toxicity Solvent

Cu2BaSn­(S,Se)4 (CBTSSe) has recently gained substantial attention as an alternative absorber material for photovoltaic (PV) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications due to the abundance of the constituent elements, a large absorption coefficient, tunable band gap ranging from 1.5 to 2 eV, and reduced tendency for antisite disorder relative to Cu2ZnSn­(S,Se)4. In this study, as an alternative to more expensive vacuum-based film-deposition processes, we report a low-toxicity solution-based process for the fabrication of high quality CBTSSe absorber layers with micrometer-scale film thickness and grain size. The facile process involves spin-coating an environmentally benign solution of highly soluble, inexpensive, and commercially available precursors, Ba­(NO3)2, Cu­(CO2CH3)2, and SnI2, followed by sequential sulfurization/selenization annealing. A high-temperature prebaking step under sulfur vapor is needed for each film layer to avoid forming the difficult-to-remove impurity phase, Ba­(SO4), when starting from the soluble Ba­(NO3)2 reagent. The solution-based CBTSSe films have been employed in a Pt/TiO2/CdS/CBTSSe photocathode structure (e.g., for water splitting), exhibiting an ∼10 mA/cm2 current density at 0 VRHE, comparable to that of vacuum-deposited CBTSSe PEC devices. Our approach for the fabrication of CBTSSe absorbers represents a first step in achieving low-cost and large-scale solution-processed solar devices based on this material

Synthesis and Characterization of an Earth-Abundant Cu₂BaSn(S,Se)₄ Chalcogenide for Photoelectrochemical Cell Application

Cu₂BaSnS_4–<i>x</i>Se_<i>x</i> films consisting of earth-abundant metals have been examined for photocathode application. Films with different Se contents (i.e., Cu₂BaSnS_4–<i>x</i>Se_<i>x</i> with <i>x</i> ≤ 2.4) were synthesized using a cosputter system with post-deposition sulfurization/selenization annealing treatments. Each film adopts a trigonal <i>P3</i>₁ crystal structure, with progressively larger lattice constants and with band gaps shifting from 2.0 to 1.6 eV, as more Se substitutes for S in the parent compound Cu₂BaSnS₄. Given the suitable bandgap and earth-abundant elements, the Cu₂BaSnS_4–<i>x</i>Se_<i>x</i> films were studied as prospective photocathodes for water splitting. Greater than 6 mA/cm² was obtained under illumination at −0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode for Pt/Cu₂BaSnS_4–<i>x</i>Se_<i>x</i> films with ∼60% Se content (i.e., <i>x</i> = 2.4), whereas a bare Cu₂BaSnS_4–<i>x</i>Se_<i>x</i> (<i>x</i> = 2.4) film yielded ∼3 mA/cm² at −0.4 V/RHE

Harvesting Ocean Wave Energy via Magnetoelastic Generators for Self-Powered Hydrogen Production

Extracting energy from ocean waves for electrolysis, while highly desirable, poses significant challenges, especially in achieving high current generation for sustainable water splitting. This work introduces an innovative high-current ocean wave energy harvesting system, employing a self-floating magnetoelastic generator (MEG) ball network designed for autonomous seawater electrolysis and on-site hydrogen (H2) production. Leveraging the magnetoelastic effect, the MEG ball network is naturally waterproof and can generate a high current density of 0.24 mA cm–2, paired with a low internal resistance of 9 Ω at a wave frequency of 2 Hz. Its spherical design ensures exceptional mechanical durability, maintaining consistent electrical output even under extremely humid and harsh conditions. In practical applications, this MEG ball network system can continuously produce H2 at a rate of 0.76 × 10–3 mL min–1. These results underscore its potential as a viable technology for on-site seawater electrolysis and large-scale H2 production

Level of evidence (GRADE).

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assessment effects of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy on intractable facial paralysis.MethodsThe articles of EA treatment for intractable facial paralysis were retrieved from seven databases, the publication period was from its inception to November 30, 2022. Primary measure was the total effective rate, and other measures included the cure rate, Portmann scores, House-Brackmann scores, Sunnybrook scores and adverse events. The effect size of meta-analysis was expressed using relative risk (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsA total of 18 studies with 1,119 participants were included, all of them had various aspects of bias risk. Meta-analysis results revealed that EA ways improved total effective rate more effectively compared with non-EA counterparts (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.17–1.31, I2 = 0%, 18 studies, 1119 participants), and improved cure rate more significantly than non-EA groups (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.70–2.44, I2 = 0%, 18 studies, 1119 participants). None of studies reported adverse events.ConclusionEA therapy is more beneficial for patients with intractable facial paralysis than non-EA, but we lack sufficient evidence to evaluate its safety and follow-up effect. Therefore, more clinical trials with high quality methodologies are needed to further verify long-term effects of EA for IFP and improve the level of evidence.Trial registrationRegistration number:CRD42021278541.</div

Forest plots of the cure rate in the EA vs non-EA.

Forest plots of the cure rate in the EA vs non-EA.</p

The PRISMA checklist.

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assessment effects of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy on intractable facial paralysis.MethodsThe articles of EA treatment for intractable facial paralysis were retrieved from seven databases, the publication period was from its inception to November 30, 2022. Primary measure was the total effective rate, and other measures included the cure rate, Portmann scores, House-Brackmann scores, Sunnybrook scores and adverse events. The effect size of meta-analysis was expressed using relative risk (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsA total of 18 studies with 1,119 participants were included, all of them had various aspects of bias risk. Meta-analysis results revealed that EA ways improved total effective rate more effectively compared with non-EA counterparts (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.17–1.31, I2 = 0%, 18 studies, 1119 participants), and improved cure rate more significantly than non-EA groups (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.70–2.44, I2 = 0%, 18 studies, 1119 participants). None of studies reported adverse events.ConclusionEA therapy is more beneficial for patients with intractable facial paralysis than non-EA, but we lack sufficient evidence to evaluate its safety and follow-up effect. Therefore, more clinical trials with high quality methodologies are needed to further verify long-term effects of EA for IFP and improve the level of evidence.Trial registrationRegistration number:CRD42021278541.</div

Assessment of risk of bias graph of included studies using the Cochrane tool.

Assessment of risk of bias graph of included studies using the Cochrane tool.</p

Forest plot of SM1 activation in the brain functional area of the two groups after treatment.

Forest plot of SM1 activation in the brain functional area of the two groups after treatment.</p

Funnel plot of the total effective rate.

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assessment effects of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy on intractable facial paralysis.MethodsThe articles of EA treatment for intractable facial paralysis were retrieved from seven databases, the publication period was from its inception to November 30, 2022. Primary measure was the total effective rate, and other measures included the cure rate, Portmann scores, House-Brackmann scores, Sunnybrook scores and adverse events. The effect size of meta-analysis was expressed using relative risk (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsA total of 18 studies with 1,119 participants were included, all of them had various aspects of bias risk. Meta-analysis results revealed that EA ways improved total effective rate more effectively compared with non-EA counterparts (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.17–1.31, I2 = 0%, 18 studies, 1119 participants), and improved cure rate more significantly than non-EA groups (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.70–2.44, I2 = 0%, 18 studies, 1119 participants). None of studies reported adverse events.ConclusionEA therapy is more beneficial for patients with intractable facial paralysis than non-EA, but we lack sufficient evidence to evaluate its safety and follow-up effect. Therefore, more clinical trials with high quality methodologies are needed to further verify long-term effects of EA for IFP and improve the level of evidence.Trial registrationRegistration number:CRD42021278541.</div