This study proposes a concentrating photovoltaic (PV) device that generates power solely through the scattering of incident light. Due to its translucent or opaque nature, this system is uniquely suited for building-integrated photovoltaics, such as power-generating frosted glass. A key advantage is the facile fabrication of light-scattering structures using a simple sol–gel method. Monolithic silica plates were easily synthesized from an aqueous tetramethylammonium silicate solution. Two approaches to induce light scattering were demonstrated: transferring surface roughness from abrasive paper during molding, and dispersing high-refractive-index TiO₂ nanoparticles within the silica matrix. Edge-mounted monocrystalline silicon PV module was evaluated under the simulated solar irradiation. Compared to a device using a flat silica plate as control (short-circuit current, I_SC = 11.6 mA), the rough-surfaced silica significantly enhanced the photocurrent, achieving an I_SC of 18.2 mA in a face-down configuration due to improved light-trapping and confinement efficiencies. Similarly, dispersing TiO₂ nanoparticles at a low concentration of 0.07 wt % increased the I_SC to 25.6 mA. This simple sol–gel strategy offers a highly practical and environmentally friendly pathway for developing translucent solar-harvesting building materials.

The preparation process of silica nanoparticles incorporating multiple hydrophobic CdSe-based quantum dots (QDs) was further developed. By adjusting the amount of partially hydrolyzed silane coupling agent and reaction time, silica nanoparticles with various photoluminescence wavelengths from green to red were prepared in one-pot with photoluminescent efficiency up to 65 % of the initial value with high yield (more than 80 %). The simpler and faster synthesis than ever presents a guideline for encapsulating various types of hydrophobic QDs into silica nanoparticles especially for biomedical applications.

This study investigates the synergistic effects of adding calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) micro-fillers and applying CO₂ curing to mortars blended with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Calcium Silicate Cement (CSC). Specimens were prepared according to ASTM C109 and, after demolding, were subjected to CO₂ curing for 12 h under conditions specified by ASTM C1910 (70 ± 5 % CO₂, 30 ± 3 °C, 80 ± 10 % RH). The results showed that the Cc₅ specimen, containing 30 wt.% OPC and 70 wt.% CSC with CaCO₃ replacing fine aggregate (approx. 5 wt.%), exhibited a favorable balance of performance. Its compressive strength increased by 122 %, from 12.5 to 27.8 MPa, after 12 h of curing, with a net CO₂ uptake of 8.3 wt.%. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that this performance enhancement was due to the CaCO₃ filler acting as nucleation sites for carbonate formation, which simultaneously accelerated the carbonation of both OPC hydrates (portlandite, C–S–H) and non-hydraulic CSC phases (wollastonite, rankinite). The resulting dense microstructure was identified as the key factor for the improved strength and high CO₂ sequestration capacity. These findings highlight the significant potential of the OPC-CSC blended binder system for developing CO₂-utilized and low-carbon construction materials.

Conventional solid-state reactions for synthesizing metal oxides at high temperatures often result in high energy consumption and significant carbon emissions, posing potential environmental burdens. In response to the growing demand for low-carbon-emitting processing, this study employs a water-assisted solid-state reaction (WASSR) method combined with microwave irradiation to synthesize LiMnO₂ under relatively low-temperature conditions. This lithium-rich oxide can be used as a cathode material for lithium batteries. This synthesis route represents a sustainable approach in inorganic chemistry. According to the thermodynamic assessment, the Gibbs free energy difference for the synthesis of LiMnO₂ using LiOH as the lithium source is lower than that using Li₂CO₃ as the reactant. The WASSR approach may effectively facilitate the LiOH-based endothermic reaction, thereby promoting the formation of LiMnO₂ under relatively mild conditions. A comparative analysis indicates that the WASSR method reduces carbon emissions by two orders of magnitude compared to a conventional method. The nanostructure of the synthesized powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction to determine phase composition and purity. The crystallite size was estimated using the Scherrer equation. The local structure on the surface of nano-powders was studied by Raman spectroscopy, and the surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The sample obtained using deionized water at a Li/Mn molar ratio of 0.27 % yielded LiMnO₂ with the highest purity of 78 % and a crystallite diameter of 41 nm. The WASSR microwave-assisted technique not only enables low-temperature synthesis and crystallinity control of oxide materials but also offers substantial carbon reduction potential, making it suitable for the development of sustainable materials such as lithium battery cathodes.

Drying is a critical process involved in ceramic manufacturing because it strongly affects defect formation and the dimensional stability of green bodies. However, direct experimental observation of particle-level behavior during slurry drying remains limited in practical applications. In this technical report, an operando observation technique based on laser microscopy is introduced to analyze slurry drying behavior at the submicron particle scale. An aqueous alumina slurry with a typical composition was prepared, and green bodies simulating sheet forming were dried in air under atmospheric pressure with controlled relative humidities of 35, 50, and 75 % at 20 °C. During drying, local particle motion was continuously observed using laser microscopy, while macroscopic shape deformation and weight change were evaluated under identical environmental conditions. Particle image velocimetry analysis was applied to quantify particle velocity, migration direction, and displacement in the thickness direction. Drying progressed from the outer region toward the center of the green body under all relative humidities. Lower relative humidity (RH) resulted in higher initial drying rates and faster particle motion. At RH 35 %, the maximum particle velocity reached 0.9 µm/s during the initial drying stage. A transient increase in particle flow velocity was observed under all conditions, accompanied by enhanced thickness shrinkage. Although the final thickness reduction was ∼100 µm regardless of humidity, the timing and rate of shrinkage showed clear dependence on humidity. Furthermore, particle motion was accelerated after passing through a macroscopic convex deformation region, while the particle migration velocity did not coincide with the macroscopic deformation rate. These results demonstrate that combined operando observation of microscopic particle behavior and macroscopic deformation provides valuable insight into slurry drying behavior. The proposed technique should serve as a practical tool for evaluating drying processes and supporting slurry design in ceramic processing.

This study investigates silica growth processes using homogenous silica spheres and heterogeneous magnetite nanoparticles as seeds. For silica seed particles, growth occurred through the condensation of hydrolyzed tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) onto the silanol groups present on the particle surface. This mechanism resulted in a consistent increase in sphere diameter, with the growth rate plateauing after several regrowth cycles, likely due to the depletion of active surface silanol groups. In contrast, a distinct growth behavior was observed for magnetite seeds. Electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged silica precursors and positively charged magnetite particles, confirmed by zeta potential measurements, induced heterocoagulation. This process reduced the number of effective nucleation sites, leading to the formation of significantly larger composite spheres compared to the neat silica system.