• Energy Research
• 2021-2025close
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• Russian Academy of Sciences close

The dataset comprises full list of species of macrozoobenthos collected from the Pechora Sea (SE Barents Sea). Grab samples were collected from 10 stations in the Pechora Bay from aboard RV Kartesh in 2020-2021. Macrobenthic invertebrates were identified with the maximum level of certainty through optical microscopy using regional taxonomic keys. All taxonomic names were standardised using the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). All specimens have been counted and weighted (wet biomass) on Ohaus Adventurer scales with reported accuracy to 0.01 g. Bivalve molluscs and gastropods were weighed in shells. Biomass (g. m-2) and abundance (ind m-2) are used to characterise macrozoobenthos. The sampling and identification work was carried out in collaboration with specialists from Lomonosov Moscow State University Marine Research Center and P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology.

This article investigates the impact of the back-surface-field (BSF) thickness variation within a local aluminum contact on the performance of passivated emitter and rear contact solar cells. A significant difference of BSF thickness between contact endings and the center of dash-shaped contacts is verified experimentally by a comprehensive statistical analysis using scanning electron microscopy. The impact of local BSF thickness differences on the cell performance is studied with 3-D technology computer-aided design (TCAD) device simulations. Several device parameters such as BSF thicknesses, the doping concentration in the BSF profile at rear contacts, or the metallized area fraction at the cell rear side are varied. Our simulation study shows that the open-circuit voltage is mainly affected by locally reduced BSF thicknesses, resulting in an efficiency loss up to 0.14%abs or 0.84%abs, respectively, if an area fraction of 1% or 20% within a local contact has reduced BSF thicknesses. This effect can be minimized either by reducing the metallized area fraction at the cell rear side or by increasing the doping concentration in the BSF profile at aluminum rear contacts. In addition, we demonstrate that the 3-D simulations can be approximated with 2-D simulations by applying a single doping profile with an average BSF thickness, calculated with the harmonic mean.

The relatively low energy conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is a key challenge hindering the commercialization of the solar cell. The photochemical performance of the dye used as a photosensitizer for the DSSC greatly determines the efficiency of the solar cell. This study demonstrates the suitability of dye extracted from rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) flowers as a photosensitizer for a DSSC. The natural dye was extracted using the acid water extraction method and was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and UV–vis spectrophotometry. The absorption spectra of the dye were examined to determine the aptness of the dye as a photosensitizer in DSSCs. The IR absorption spectra of the extracted dye confirmed both amine and hydroxyl compounds as functional groups in the natural dye, which established the suitability of the dye as a photosensitizer in DSSCs.The UV-vis absorption spectra of the natural dye within the visible region illustrate that the aqueous extract from rosella flowers has stable absorption of visible light, thus validating the natural dye as a good candidate for photosensitizer in a DSSC. The fabricated DSSC delivered a short-circuit current of 5 ?A and an open-circuit voltage of 0.637 V.

Abstract An overview is given of status of projects for the disposal of radioactive waste in very deep boreholes in crystalline rocks which demonstrates all main pros and cons of this technology. New opportunities offered by drilling long horizontal drillholes in ductile formations can provide the basis for projects that have the potential to overcome many of the disadvantages of deep boreholes. The concept of disposal in horizontal drillholes brings together the technologies of borehole and mined repositories using the advantages of both, and therefore deserves an expert discussion at international level.

Composite electroactive coatings (CEACs) are prepared on the basis of polyaniline (PANI) and manganese compounds (MnOx) by potentiodynamic electrodeposition on activated graphite foil using aniline sulfate solutions in 1 M H2SO4. Manganese ions are incorporated into the CEACs in several ways. The electrochemical behavior of prepared CEACs is fundamentally similar to that of pure PANI in acidic aqueous solutions. However, in the presence of incorporated manganese oxide compounds, the electrochemical capacitance nearly doubles at high current loads (up to 2.0 mA cm–2), while the stability during continuous cycling improves. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies of the manganese oxide compounds incorporated into CEACs reveal their amorphous nature and that manganese atoms are present in CEACs in several oxidation states.

Synopsis Climate change can directly and indirectly affect species distribution. Warming may allow for invasive species, such as apple snails, to migrate to higher latitudes where temperatures are more conducive to their survival and invasion success. Higher temperatures and lower pH ranges have been previously documented to affect the form and function of calcium carbonate shells, which serve many functions, including protection from predators and thermoregulation. This study aimed to quantify differences in the morphology and mechanical properties of invasive apple snail, Pomacea maculata, shells after altering temperature and pH. We mechanically tested shells among three five-week treatments: control, higher temperature, and lower pH. Ultimate Strength increased in shells that were exposed to higher temperatures, but Young’s Modulus and Peak Load did not differ among control, temperature, and pH treatments. Apple snails in higher temperature tanks increased their shell length over the five-week trials. Although snail morphometrics did not differ between sexes, male shells exhibited a higher Peak Load, Young’s Modulus, and Ultimate Strength compared to female shells. Our findings are consistent with previous gastropod studies, in that a lower pH is associated with a decrease in shell size, and higher temperatures yield larger snail shells with a higher ultimate strength. Peak Load did not significantly differ among treatments, which suggests that the cross-sectional area is relatively important when considering this species mechanical performance today and in future climates. Due to the intense nutritional and calcium demands of egg production, female snails may be more susceptible to weakened shells due to low pH environments caused by climate change.