Krzysztof Artur Bogdanowicz

The main goal of this review is to comprehensively present the properties of silicon, germanium, and silicon-germanium systems and analyze current possibilities of producing fibers based on them for applications as a photovoltaic fabric for a future soldier. The vision of the future is to produce a feather-light photovoltaic optic fiber, exhibiting mechanical properties typical of Kevlar, enabling power/recharging of portable electric devices while simultaneously protecting against mechanical damage and explosions. This article analyzes, in detail, issues such as the occurrence and mobility of germanium in the environment, the life cycle of SiGe photovoltaic fabrics, ecotoxicological and human health implications, sustainable development strategies and policy implications, and analytical challenges due to low concentrations in the environment. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of silicon-based solar cells are analyzed, taking into account various factors, including environmental factors. Finally, the soldier of the future is analyzed.

Current scientific and technological developments indicate that the need for dendrimers and nanomaterials should be taken into account in aspects such as the detection and remediation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) contamination. To evaluate the benefits of dendrimers in CBRN contamination, different characterization methods, toxicological evaluation, and recyclability must be used. The aim of this article is to systematize knowledge about selected nanomaterials and dendrimers as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards in accordance with the principles of green chemistry, engineering, technology and environmental safety. So far, many review articles on dendrimers and nanomaterials have focused on biomedical applications or environmental remediation. In this article, we discuss this topic in more detail, especially in relation to the integration of dendrimers with artificial intelligence and remote sensing technologies. We highlight interdisciplinary synergies—artificial intelligence for smarter design and remote sensing for deployment—that could bridge the gap between nanoscale innovation and real CBRN countermeasures.

The main idea of this work is to implement organic nanomaterials, such as thiophosphoryl-PMMH dendrimers, for the potential detection and remediation of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) contamination. An IR–thermal technique for determining the material specific surface morphology and defects of a thiophosphoryl-PMMH dendrimers is presented. Optical (UV-Vis), thermal (DSC), and electrical (dielectric spectroscopy and thermal imaging) characterizations show that the generation and number of surface groups influence the properties of the investigated dendrimers. Finally, general guidelines and procedures of thiophosphoryl-PMMH dendrimers with various generations are proposed for both civilian and military users.

In this work, we present a new graphene-based sensor designed to monitor a set of photovoltaic panels on a sound-absorbing screen in terms of their potential mechanical damage. The innovative design of the photovoltaic module and consequently its sound-reflecting and sound-absorbing parameters play a vital role. The light transmittance of the sensor layer composed of graphene flakes in a cellulose matrix, confirmed by optical studies, allows its use directly over the photovoltaic cells. All the sensors are interconnected with metallic connections to reduce their internal resistance on larger surfaces. The sensor state is monitored through the resistance value as a zero-one operation/damaged response. Two sensor damage, scenarios, repetitive scratching, and cutting-out were described. The sensor measurements were performed in the potential ranging from 2.1 to 51.1 V, and the current response allowed to calculate the total resistance. The change in sensor resistance ranged between 9.3 and 24.1%, depending on the damaged area. The resistance for the scratched surface oscillated between 25 and 26 Ω, whereas the cut-out surface showed values more than 1.5 times higher. The proposed sensor based on graphene, cellulose, and ethylene–vinyl acetate allows the registration of immediate information about the destruction or theft of a power node.

We present the first known room-temperature LC DTCP derivatives, where non-planar molecular interactions drive LC phase formation, enabling photochromic response, fast switching, and tunable optical properties.

The main idea of this work is based on the latest achievements in the commercialization of sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries, which constitute a basis of analysis for military applications as energy storage systems. Technical, engineering, and ecological aspects were analyzed to find the optimal solution for using Na-ion batteries for military purposes. When selecting batteries for military applications, the following criteria are required: (a) they are more durable than standard batteries, (b) resistant to fire, (c) cannot explode, (d) cannot emit heat so as not to reveal their position, (e) equipped with safety elements and protective circuits to ensure safety, and (f) have the highest possible energy density, defined as the ratio of capacity to weight. The advantages and challenges of Na-ion batteries are discussed and compared to typical lithium-ion batteries, and also lithium iron phosphate, Ni-Cd, and Ni-MH batteries. The prospects for expanding the practical applications of Na-ion batteries in the military are presented. The unique properties of Na-ion batteries, such as their lower risk of ignition, more excellent thermal stability, and ability to work in extreme conditions, are essential from the point of view of military operations. Additionally, when considering environmental and logistical aspects, sodium-ion batteries may offer more sustainable and cost-effective solutions for the military. Therefore, this work aims not only to present the technological potential of these systems but also to draw attention to their strategic importance for the future of military operations. Battery discharge can result from leaving current receivers switched on or even from a drop in temperature. The discharge current should not exceed 1/10 of the battery capacity (1C). Discharging below the discharge voltage may result in irreversible damage. Sodium-ion batteries are safer to use than their lithium counterparts and allow for discharge to 0 V, eliminating the possibility of uncontrolled thermal discharge due to a short circuit (explosion, ignition), which is particularly important in the military.

This paper mainly aimed to construct a solar charger with power pack on camouflage fabric (280 × 305 × 3 mm) for military and civil use in mining and reconnaissance set. The solar charger includes a photovoltaic panel, supercapacitor module (composed of 8 supercapacitors XV series), converter (B10-1224-05) and connectors (SP1312/S2 and SP1312/S4). The constructed solar charger was tested in laboratory and field conditions. In the first stage of our work, we tailored the solar charger based on the receiver the BATTERY Start 400 power bank requirements, portability and modular construction. We performed field trials performance studies in the second stage to confirm the laboratory results. The obtained results of the charger efficiency were satisfactory during unfavourable weather conditions (temporary rainfall, total cloud cover), and we obtained η ≈ 0.9 with periodic cloud cover. The energy delivered during one day of charging t = 9 h was E_PB ≈ 38 Wh. This was confirmed by laboratory tests where approximately 80 Ah was stored during 18 h of charging the BATTERY Start 400 energy storage. It was confirmed that the 50 F capacitance of the supercapacitor module allowed the charging of BATTERY start 400 power bank – receiver for up to 22 min when fully charged. Finally, it was shown that the charging and discharging experiments of the proposed system demonstrate the stability against highly volatile weather conditions.

The main goal of this review paper is to show the advantages and challenges of photovoltaic cells/modules/panels and scintillators towards carbon footprint reduction for ecological safety. Briefly, the various types of solar-driven CO₂ conversion processes are shown as a new concept of CO₂ reduction. The health toxicity and environmental effects of scintillators, along with risks associated with use and disposal, are presented, taking into consideration inorganic and organic materials. Factors affecting the durability and lifespan of scintillators and the carbon footprint of solar cell production are analysed, considering CO₂ emission. Moreover, the technology of recycling photovoltaic modules and scintillators, along with a SWOT analysis of scintillation material toxicity, is presented to find the best solutions for clean technology and ecological safety. Finally, we offer recommendations for the areas where the most significant reductions in CO₂ emissions are expected to be implemented in the future of green energy in industry, including ESG strategies.

This paper proposes molecular and supramolecular concepts for potential application in perovskite solar cells. New air-stable symmetrical imine, with thiadiazole moieties PPL2: (5E,6E)-N2,N5-bis(4-(diphenylamino)benzylidene)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-diamine), as a hole-transporting material was synthesised in a single-step reaction, starting with commercially available and relatively inexpensive reagents, resulting in a reduction in the cost of the final product compared to Spiro-OMeTAD. Moreover, camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) in both enantiomeric forms was used to change the HOMO-LUMO levels and electric properties of the investigated imine-forming complexes. Electric, optical, thermal, and structural studies of the imine and its complexes with CSA were carried out to characterise the new material. Imine and imine/CSA complexes were also characterised in depth by the proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ¹H NMR method. The position of nitrogen in the thidiazole ring influences the basicity of donor centres, which results in protonation in the imine bond. Simple devices of ITO/imine (with or without CSA(−) or CSA(+))/Ag/ITO architecture were constructed, and a thermographic camera was used to find the defects in the created devices. Electric behaviour was also studied to demonstrate conductivity properties under the forward current. Finally, the electrical properties of imine and its protonated form with CSA were compared with Spiro-OMeTAD. In general, the analysis of thermal images showed a very similar response of the samples to the applied potential in terms of the homogeneity of the formed organic layer. The TGA analysis showed that the investigated imine exhibits good thermal stability in air and argon atmospheres.