Colorants

This study investigates the effects of varying CuO doping concentrations on the performance of titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based or zinc oxide (ZnO)-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). TiO₂ or ZnO mixed with CuO at different weight percentages (0–50 wt %) was employed as photoanodes in DSSCs, prepared via mechanical mixing. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the structural changes, showing that as the CuO content increased in the hybrid, the CuO peaks (notably at 35.5° and 38.7°) became more prominent. Morphological and elemental characterizations were conducted using SEM and XRF, respectively. The solar cells were photosensitized by Vitis lasbrusca (V.L.) extract and N3 dye. The presence of anthocyanin molecules in the extracted V.L. was confirmed using UV-VIS and FTIR spectroscopy. The electrochemical characterization demonstrated optimal solar conversion efficiencies at a 20% doping level for both photosensitizers. Specifically, in the V.L. dye, TiO₂-CuO achieved a conversion efficiency of 7.18%, and ZnO-CuO reached 5.77%. In the N3 dye, TiO₂-CuO showed an efficiency of 11.34%, and ZnO-CuO, 9.55%. Notably, undoped photoanodes displayed a significantly lower photovoltaic performance: for V.L. dye, TiO₂ showed 1.12% and ZnO 0.87%; for N3 dye, TiO₂ showed 6.02% and ZnO 4.39%. Doping was therefore effective, yielding up to a seven-fold increase in performance in the case of V.L. with TiO₂, compared to undoped DSSCs. The results demonstrate that using the hybrid photoanode led to a considerable increase in performance compared to using only TiO₂ or ZnO photoanodes, highlighting the potential of DSSCs as sustainable energy sources. Full article

This work addresses the implementation of the co-sensitization technique to increase the energy efficiency of organic dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Fluorescent dyes derived from boron complexes— (BORANIL) and (BODIPY)— were successfully synthesized and used as co-sensitizers in different volume percentage ratios to verify the most effective concentration for photon capture through these sensitizers. The dyes were optically characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), analyzing them through the optical performance of each hybrid combination of dyes, an optimization of the photon collection capacity in the tests performed in a volume percentage ratio of 25:75 or 1:3. The morphology and surface roughness of the electrodes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Through electrochemical characterizations, it was found that the highest photovoltaic conversion efficiency was obtained with the ATH1005 (D) dye mixed with ATH032 (G) in the proportion of 25%:75% or DG 1:3, with efficiency (η) of 3.45%, against 2.43% and 1.90% for DG 1:1 and DG 3:1 cells, respectively. Cells with BODIPY dyes also present higher conversion efficiencies compared to BORANIL cells. The results corroborate the presentation of organic solar cells as a viable option for electricity generation. Full article

Hybrid pigments were obtained by combining zinc oxide with the anionic dye Congo red (CR), a breakthrough with significant environmental implications. By adjusting the ratio of solid mass to dye concentration, it is possible to obtain pigments with pink hues from a white solid (ZnO) through its adsorption of CR. The process involved using ZnO, prepared at 800 °C using cassava starch suspension as a suitable fuel. The oxide was characterized using XRD, SEM, and BET, and the results showed that the textural properties are typical of nanoparticles, with a size of 50.5 nm, a pore size of 3.48 nm, and a surface area of 3.03 nm, making it suitable for molecular dye removal. Controlling the adsorbent mass (in grams) and dye concentration (in mg L⁻¹) makes it possible to consistently produce hybrid pigments in various shades of pink that exhibit good thermal resistance. When dispersed in white waterborne paint, they are chemically stable in different solvents, have excellent painted surface coverage, and resist photochemical degradation. The results demonstrate technical feasibility and compatibility with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 6, 11, 12, 14, 15, and 17, offering a promising solution for a more sustainable future. Full article

With the increasing awareness of socio-environmental issues, a global trend has emerged emphasizing the valorization of natural ingredients that promote health and well-being within sustainable production systems, such as microalgae-based carotenoids. Currently, little is understood about the correlation between biomass productivity and carotenoid content, which is a fundamental parameter for facilitating the immediate expansion of microalgae bioprocesses and ensuring the availability and industrial viability of these compounds. In this context, this study aims to investigate the carotenoid profile of Chlorella vulgaris through growth curve experiments conducted under photoautotrophic and heterotrophic regimes. Additionally, a trade-off analysis was performed for the production of carotenoids from microalgae. Carotenoids were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and mass spectrometry detectors (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS). The performance of kinetic phases and energy demands across growth regimes was assessed to provide insights into production trade-offs. The results indicated that a total of 22 different carotenoids were identified in all the extracts. The all-trans-lutein and all-trans-β-carotene were the majority compounds. The total carotenoid content of Chlorella vulgaris revealed significant differences in the kinetic phases of carotenoid production, indicating that carotenoid volumetric production is only viable if the cultures are conducted until the log and stationary phases, based on the function of the biomass volumetric production (weight.volume⁻¹). Therefore, the best trade-off for the process was to provide photoautotrophic growth until the exponential phase (log). Under this condition, the maximum carotenoid and lutein content was 2921.70 µg.L⁻¹, reaching a maximum cell biomass of 1.46 g.L⁻¹. From an environmental/economic point of view, the energy demand was 7.74 kWh.L⁻¹. Finally, the scientific advances achieved in this study provide a holistic view of the influence of the main cultivation methods on the production of microalgae carotenoids, suggesting a viable initial direction for different industrial applications. Full article

(1) Background: This work evaluated the optical characterization of aqueous fluorescent chitosan-based carbon dots (or carbon nanoparticles CNPs) embedded in natural dye for potential functional packaging applications. Chitosan-based materials are nontoxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, bactericidal, and produced from renewable polymer sources. Anthocyanins are pigments of different colors with a large range of potential applications, such as in bioindicators and biomonitoring; (2) Methods: The CNPs were synthetized in aqueous solutions using chitosan as a carbon source. The natural dye was extracted from the leaves of Tradescantia pallida Purpurea in aqueous solutions. The fluorescence quantum efficiency (η) and fluorescence lifetime (τ) were determined using the mode-mismatched pump–probe thermal lens (TL) technique and time-resolved fluorescence lifetimes (TRFL) measurements, respectively; (3) Results: The η and τ were measured for CNPs embedded in natural dye solution at different concentrations (5.2, 12.09, and 21.57 mass percentage composition). The η and τ photophysical parameters obtained for CNPs embedded in natural dye were compared with those of other CNPs synthesized using different carbon sources, such as leaves, seeds, and protein; (4) Conclusions: Fluorescence spectra and time-resolved fluorescence measurements corroborate the TL results, and relatively high values of η were obtained for the CNP synthesized and embedded in natural dye. Full article

This perspective presents an account of the underlying features associated with the photofading of organic colorants. Photofading is commonly known to the scientific community as photodegradation or photooxidation, while in earlier times the more grandiose term “light fastness” was commonplace. This is a subject of immense diversity and significance, but there are many challenges to be faced when attempting mechanistic reasoning. The text is illustrated by descriptions of several systems taken from the scientific literature, together with anecdotes related to the principal researchers. The chemical challenges to be overcome in order to design photostable materials are outlined and reference is made to the natural world. It is stressed that the journal Colorants would welcome submissions in this field. Full article

Inorganic cool pigments are widely used as cooling agents in residential coatings due to their ability to achieve near-infrared reflectance. These coatings can be designed to exhibit a variety of colors independent of their reflectivity and absorption properties. Recent studies have highlighted the development of novel near-infrared (NIR) blue pigments, with an increasing emphasis on environmentally sustainable options that demonstrate high NIR reflectivity. This trend highlights the importance of creating novel and eco-friendly NIR reflective blue pigments. This study presents the synthesis of cobalt aluminates with varying concentrations of coloring ions (Co²⁺), achieved through the recycling of aluminum can seals via chemical precipitation. The formation of the spinel phase was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), and a colorimetric analysis was performed in the CIEL*a*b* color space. The synthesized pigments exhibited high near-infrared solar reflectance, with R% values ranging from 34 to 54%, indicating their potential as energy-efficient color pigments for use in coatings. Full article

This study presents a simple, low-cost, and efficient route to obtain zinc oxide by adopting the thermal decomposition method of zinc acetate at 300 (Gr@ZnO_300), 400 (Gr@ZnO_400), 500 (Gr@ZnO_500), and 600 °C (Gr@ZnO_600) for 1 h. The diffraction patterns collected for the samples indicated the majority formation of the hexagonal phase (P63mc) for zinc oxide and residual amounts for graphitic carbon, which has a hexagonal structure of space group P63/mmc. The images collected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the formation of sub-microcrystals with elongated rod-shaped morphology, with dimensions between 0.223 and 1.09 μm. The optical and colourimetric properties of the obtained materials indicate the presence of graphitic carbon in the samples, corroborating the analysis by XRD and Raman spectroscopy, with an optical bandgap close to 3.21 eV, and energies of the valence (E_VB) and conduction (E_CB) bands of 2.89 eV and −0.31 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic performance at 20 min of exposure time under UV light of all prepared samples in the decolourisation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye solutions follows the order Gr@ZnO_300 (95.6%) > Gr@ZnO_600 (92.8%) > Gr@ZnO_400 (84.0%) > Gr@ZnO_500 (78.1%), where the photocatalytic performance of Gr@ZnO_300 sample was 16.5 times more effective than the photolysis test. Moreover, the results confirmed that the best performance was archived at pH = 10, and the holes (h⁺) and superoxide (O₂^•−) radicals are the main species involved in the discolouration of RhB dye molecules in an aqueous medium. Finally, the reusability experiment shows high stability of the Gr@ZnO_300 sample as a solid photocatalyst and cycling capability, which obtained total discolouration of RhB of a solution under five cycling experiments of 60 min of exposure to UV light at room temperature. Full article

This study explored the synthesis and application of BODIPY-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the sensitive detection of biothiols via an indicator displacement assay coupled with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) techniques, alongside their efficacy for in vitro cancer cell imaging. Moreover, the assay allowed for the visible colorimetric detection of biothiols under normal and ultraviolet light conditions. The BODIPY (boron-dipyrromethene) fluorophores were strategically conjugated to the surface of gold nanoparticles, forming a robust nanohybrid that leverages the plasmonic properties of AuNPs for enhanced spectroscopic sensitivity. The detection mechanism exploited the displacement of the BODIPY indicator upon interaction with biothiols, triggering a measurable change in fluorescence and SERS signals. This dual-mode sensing approach provides high selectivity and sensitivity for biothiol detection, with detection limits reaching nanomolar concentrations using fluorescence and femtomolar concentration for cysteine using SERS. Furthermore, the BODIPY-AuNP complexes demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and photostability, facilitating their use in the fluorescence imaging of biothiol presence within cellular environments and highlighting their potential for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in biomedical research. Full article

Novel far-red sensitive symmetric squaraine (SQ) dyes with terminal alkyl chain modifications were designed, synthesized, and characterized, aiming towards imparting multifunctionalities such as photosensitization, dye aggregation prevention, and source of electrolyte components. The dye sensitizer SQ-80 with alkyl chain terminal modifications consisting of 1-methylimidazolium iodide was designed and synthesized as a new dye sensitizer for DSSCs based on symmetric SQ-4 without any terminal modification used as reference. Upon adsorption on the mesoporous TiO₂ surface, SQ-80 demonstrated reduced dye aggregation and stronger binding to the TiO₂ surface, leading to enhanced durability of DSSCs. Apart from the most common photosensitization behavior, the newly designed dye demonstrated multifunctionalities such as aggregation prevention and electrolyte functionality, utilizing iodine-based redox electrolytes in the presence and absence of I₂ and LiI additives. In the absence of LiI and I₂, a mixture of SQ-77 with alkyl chain terminal modifications consisting of iodide and SQ-80 demonstrated a photoconversion efficiency of 1.54% under simulated solar irradiation, which was about six times higher compared with the reference dye SQ-4 (0.24%) (having no alkyl chain terminal modification). Full article

To protect skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, there has been a resurgence in the use of natural dyes with metal mordants to reduce contamination by advanced chemicals. This study achieved natural dyeing in violet and yellow colors from Gromwell red roots and Cape jasmine seeds for UV-protective materials. The dyed fabrics were subjected to zinc oxide (ZnO) and polyphenol treatments, as well as copper post-mordanting. The SEM, TEM, and XRD tests showed that the ZnO nanoparticles, with hexagonal crystal structures, stuck to the fiber surfaces, and twisted strands resulted in the K/S reduction. First, this study found that the untreated cotton in violet, despite the highest K/S, faded the most intensely when exposed to UV. The color variation of untreated polyester was narrow, with little change in L, a*, and K/S. The color change of yellow-dyed samples treated with ZnO/polyphenol was not considerable in yellowness (b*: 28.838), while the violet fabrics displayed a significant decrease in K/S and an increase in b*. The combination of ZnO and polyphenol treatment improved UV absorption at 350 to 250 nm. Among the Cu-mordanted fabrics after ZnO/phenols treatment, the violet cotton turned reddish from blueish (negative to positive b*), with a hue change of 316° to 59° and the highest ΔE (25.90 ± 4.34) after UV exposure. In this study, the combination of ZnO/polyphenol with Cu-mordants allowed the Cape jasmine-dyed polyester to achieve a minimum ΔE as well as to keep its chroma and hue after UV exposure. Full article

Transition metal complexes have historically played a pivotal role in creating vibrant pigments utilized across artistic mediums such as ceramics, paintings, and glass mosaics. Despite their extensive historical use, our understanding of the mechanisms governing transition metal complex behavior has predominantly emerged in recent times, leaving numerous aspects of this process ripe for exploration. These complexes exhibit striking color variations under diverse conditions when employed in pigment formulations. This review utilizes a bottom-up scientific approach, spanning from microscopic to macroscopic scales, to unravel the molecular origins of the colors generated by transition metal complexes in pigments and ceramic glazes. Advanced spectroscopy techniques and computational chemistry play pivotal roles in this endeavor, highlighting the significance of understanding and utilizing analytical data effectively, with careful consideration of each technique’s specific application. Furthermore, this review investigates the influence of processing conditions on color variations, providing valuable insights for artists and manufacturers aiming to enhance the precision and quality of their creations while mitigating environmental impact. Full article

Magnesium oxide is typically white and can be colorized with transition metal insertion by doping. We present the preparation of a green-colored hydroxide by the exchange of Mg²⁺ on the crystalline lattice with Ni²⁺ in MgO, using three nickel salts. MgO_st was prepared by the colloidal starch suspension method, using cassava starch. The oxides and hydroxides, before and after, were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and show that a phase change occurs: a transition from periclase (MgO) to brucite (Mg(OH)₂) due to the incorporation of nickel ions from different salts (acetate, chloride, and nitrate), resulting in the solid solution [Ni_xMg_1−x(OH)₂]. The FTIR spectrum corroborates the crystallographic structure identified through XRD patterns, confirming the formation of a crystal structure resembling brucite. The new samples present a green color, indicative of the incorporation of the Ni²⁺ ions. The antimicrobial activity of products resulting from the doping of magnesium oxide with nickel and the precursor MgO_st was assessed through the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. The evaluation included three bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Salmonella gallinarum (ATCC 9184), and a yeast strain, Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). The obtained results were promising; the tested samples exhibited antimicrobial activity, with a MIC ranging from 0.312 to 0.625 μg.μL⁻¹. The nickel compound, derived from the precursor chloride salt, demonstrated superior MIC activity. Notably, all tested samples displayed bactericidal activity against the S. aureus strain and exhibited a broad spectrum of inhibition, encompassing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Only the nickel compounds derived from precursors with acetate and nitrate anions demonstrated antimicrobial activity against C. albicans, exhibiting a fungistatic behavior. Based on the conducted studies, [Ni_xMg_1−x(OH)₂] has emerged as a promising antimicrobial agent, suitable for applications requiring the delay or inhibition of bacterial growth. Full article

Structural hydroxide groups in layered magnesium–aluminum double hydroxides were partially replaced by fluoride ions. Fluorinated and fluorine-free materials were used as hosts for two dyes, carminic acid and hydroxyl naphthol blue, resulting in a hybrid pigment color palette. The pigments were produced by two ways, either incorporating chromophore during the synthesis of the layered double hydroxide or in a post-synthesis step through the memory effect of the LDHs. Additionally, the pigments were protected with a magnesium hydroxide phase to prevent the color from fading over time. The pigments were stable for periods as long as 10 years. The color properties of the pigments were significantly influenced by the host of dye since the presence of fluorine directly influences the acid–base properties of the layered double hydroxides. The pigments conferred their color to white cream in the preparation of colored creams. The colored creams acquired the color of the layered pigment. Full article

The ceramic pastes of ca. 31 samples recovered from the Almaraz archaeological site, located in the south bench of Tagus River, were studied in detail using XRF, micro-Raman and GSDR spectroscopies, as well as the XRD technique. The ceramic sherds could be grouped into six categories, red slip tableware, decorated tableware, yellow slip tableware, grey tableware, common tableware, and handmade pottery. Our studies of the mineralogic composition of the sherds’ body indicate all ceramics were produced locally, using siliceous clays in most cases and calcareous clays in a few ones. Micro-Raman and ground state diffuse reflectance absorption spectroscopy provided useful information regarding the materials used to produce the coloured ceramics: hematite and brookite for the red slip and decorated ceramics, jacobsite or carbon black for the black decoration or grey ceramics. For the yellow slip tableware, a simple engobe rich in yellow clay was used. XRF spectroscopic studies provided the elemental composition of all samples, and biplots of the potassium (K) versus calcium (Ca) contents, normalized to the silicon content of each ceramic paste, clearly show Pliocene and Miocene local clays sources were used to produce most ceramics. Only one sherd can be considered a Lisbon production. Full article

Herein, we present the preparation of solid-state photoactive starches with a large Stokes shift, along with the resulting materials. In this investigation, 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzazole derivatives responsive to intramolecular proton transfer in the excited state (ESIPT) were covalently bonded to the polymeric structure of starch through a reaction involving an isothiocyanate group and the hydroxyl groups of starch. These compounds exhibit absorption at approximately 350 nm, which is related to fully spin- and symmetry-allowed π → π* electronic transitions, and solid-state fluorescence at approximately 500 nm, which features a significant separation between the absorption and emission maxima (~9000 cm⁻¹). Due to the minimal use of fluorophores in functionalized starch preparation, this modification does not affect the original properties of the starch. Finally, photoactive starch-based films with significantly high transparency were successfully produced. Full article

Smart solvatochromic isocyano-aminoarenes (ICAArs) have been gaining attention owing to their unique photophysical, antifungal and anticancer properties. Using a simple dehydration reaction with in situ-generated dichlorocarbene, we prepared 2-amino-7-isocyanofluorene (2,7-ICAF). We studied the effect of the longer polarization axis provided by the fluorene core on the spectral properties and we also compared it to those of the starting diamine. 2,7-ICAF shows a clear solvatochromic behavior close to the blue part (370–420 nm) of the visible spectrum. Quantum chemical calculations show internal charge transfer (ICT) between the donor amino and the electron-withdrawing isocyano groups. 2,7-ICAF has high molar absorptivity (ε = 15–18·10³ M⁻¹cm⁻¹) and excellent quantum yield (Φ_f = 70–95%) in most solvents; however, its fluorescence is completely quenched in water. The high brightness (ε·Φ_f) and close to zero quantum yield in water may be favorable in biolabeling applications, where background fluorescence should be kept minimal. Overall, 2,7-ICAF shows enhanced photophysical properties compared to its previously investigated relative 4-amino-4′-isocyano-1,1′-biphenyl (4,4′-ICAB). Full article

Effluents from the textile industry are an active problem in the sector and one of the world’s main environmental problems. The conventional treatments applied are not always efficient in terms of compliance with legislation, and, in many cases, the efficiency of treatment is guaranteed by the enormous energy expenditure involved, camouflaging the momentary problem and not effectively treating it. In this work, batch reactors with immobilized biomass of Aspergillus niger AN400 were arranged in series for the treatment of real textile wastewater containing approximately 20 mg/L of indigo carmine. Sucrose was added as a co-substrate in concentrations of 1 g/L and 0.5 g/L, in the first and second reactors, respectively, over 19 cycles of 48 h. The highest decolorization rate in the system was (93 ± 4) %, with the largest amount removed in the first reactor (90 ± 6) %, occurring mainly by biological means. The production of aromatic by-products from the initial degradation of the dye molecule was reflected in the lower removal efficiency of dissolved organic matter: 52% in the first reactor, and 25% in the second reactor. The number of colonies of fungi was higher than that of bacteria, 2.24:1 and 2.44:1 in the first and second reactors, respectively. The treated effluent in the system showed less toxicity than the raw effluent, and this demonstrates the potential of this technology in the treatment of textile effluents containing indigo carmine. Full article