Solution-grown 3D Cu2O networks for efficient solar water splitting.

We report a facile and large-scale solution fabrication of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanowires/nanorods and 3D porous Cu2O networks and their application as photocathodes for efficient solar water splitting. The growth mechanism and structural characterization of 3D porous Cu2O networks are studied in detail. The photocathodic performance of Cu2O electrodes prepared under different growth conditions is investigated in a pH-neutral medium.

Family of enhanced photoacoustic imaging agents for high-sensitivity and multiplexing studies in living mice.

Photoacoustic imaging is a unique modality that overcomes to a great extent the resolution and depth limitations of optical imaging while maintaining relatively high contrast. However, since many diseases will not manifest an endogenous photoacoustic contrast, it is essential to develop exogenous photoacoustic contrast agents that can target diseased tissue(s). Here we present a family of novel photoacoustic contrast agents that are based on the binding of small optical dyes to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT-dye).