5 Hidden Health Benefits of Alcohol

The pillars of good health: diet, exercise, and strawberry daiquiris. OK, maybe not. But it’s not as far off as you’d think.

“One of the most consistent findings in recent nutrition research is that moderate alcohol consumption can improve health and lead to a longer life,” says Eric Rimm, Sc.D., associate professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

But before you down an entire bottle of celebratory bubbly, bear in mind that moderation is the key to booze’s benefits. That means one drink a day on average for women and two drinks a day for men (beyond that, you up your risk of a whole host of diseases). Stay within that saucy sweet spot, and the side effects of alcohol benefit your body in some surprising ways. Here are five good reasons to raise a glass.

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Protect Your Ticker

Red wine has long been considered the elixir of heart health. But you don’t have to crack a bottle of Merlot to drink to your heart’s content, Rimm says. Moderate intake of any boozy beverages can cut your risk of heart disease by up to 40 percent, according to a review of more than 100 prospective studies from the Harvard School of Public Health.

HOW IT WORKS: Much of alcohol’s benefit to heart health has to do with its ability to raise good (HDL) cholesterol, lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, and reduce blood problems that can lead to clogged arteries (and the heart attacks they cause).

DRINK THIS: Pinot Noir. It contains more disease-fighting antioxidants than any other alcoholic beverage. Just be sure to put a cork in it after one glass if you’re a woman, two if you’re a man.http://www.ebiochem.com/

Beat Belly Bulge

Forget the ill-fated beer belly—when regularly consumed in moderation, alcohol can actually help fight fat. A 2010 study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine found that women who had one or two drinks a day were less likely to gain weight than those who shunned the sauce.http://www.ebiochem.com/

HOW IT WORKS: Researchers believe that the bodies of long-term moderate drinkers somehow adapt to metabolize alcohol differently than those who concentrate their cocktails into the occasional big night out. Plus, women who drink moderate amounts of alcohol tend to eat less food, particularly carbohydrates, according to Lu Wang, lead researcher on the study and an instructor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

DRINK THIS: A bottle of light beer. The women in the Archives study were served no more than two 4-ounce glasses of wine or two 1.5-ounce shots of liquor a day, which is a lot less than you’ll get from most bartenders or waitresses. Sipping from a bottle makes it easy to keep portions under control. Sam Adams Light, Michelob Ultra, and Guinness Draught all keep calories in check without sacrificing flavor.

Reduce Risk of Diabetes

A drink a day keeps diabetes away? Surprisingly, it can help. A 2005 report published in Diabetes Care found that moderate amounts of alcohol—up to a drink a day for women, up to two drinks a day for men—reduces risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 30 percent.

HOW IT WORKS: Alcohol increases levels of a hormone that improves insulin sensitivity. In other words, it makes it easier for your body to process glucose and use it as energy. This helps reduce the amount of sugar in the bloodstream and ultimately reduces risk for developing diabetes.http://www.ebiochem.com/

DRINK THIS: Bloody Mary. You’ll be completely satisfied by just one serving and the antioxidant lycopene in tomato juice offers a heart-healthy bonus.

Boost Brainpower

Your brain’s probably familiar with the downsides of drinking (Karaoke was such a great idea… until a video of your performance showed up on Facebook), but if you sip smart, a little tipple can help prevent cognitive decline. Researchers from Loyola University found that moderate drinkers were 23 percent less likely to develop cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia compared to non-drinkers.

HOW IT WORKS: Researchers hypothesize that since moderate drinking raises good cholesterol, it can improve blood flow to the brain. Alcohol could also “toughen” brain cells by stressing them a little, preparing them to cope with major stresses later in life that could cause dementia.http://www.ebiochem.com/

DRINK THIS: Wine. It was found to be more beneficial than beer or hard liquor for boosting brainpower, according to the Loyola researchers.

Say Goodbye to Gallstones

Gallstones—hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder and are generally made up of hardened cholesterol—might cause pain or cramping in the pit of your stomach. Avoid that unfortunate feeling by adding a little alcohol to your daily diet. Research shows that regular moderate alcohol consumption (5-7 days per week) reduces risk of gallstones. In contrast, infrequent alcohol intake (1-2 days per week) showed no significant association with risk.http://www.ebiochem.com/

HOW IT WORKS: Remember how alcohol increases good cholesterol in your bloodstream? Well, it affects cholesterol in the gallbladder too. Plus, being overweight is one of the main risk factors for developing gallstones, so moderate drinking can reduce your risk by helping you maintain a healthy weight.

DRINK THIS: Eppa Sangria. It’s the first certified organic sangria and delivers twice as many antioxidants as a glass of red wine. Plus, one glass only sets you back 120 calories.

Ginger Benefits for Men

Whether in tea, ginger ale or eaten with food, ginger has been used to treat nausea, indigestion and diarrhea for thousands of years. In addition to its traditional use as a digestive aid, ginger is a good source of some vitamins and minerals that are essential to men’s health. Potentially helping to prevent colorectal cancer, heart disease and diabetes, ginger can play a vital role in ensuring that men live long, healthy lives.

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Heart Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death among American men. Ginger may help to prevent heart disease, as it is a good source of vitamin B-6, magnesium and potassium, with 0.1 mg, 5 mg and 46 mg in 5 fresh slices, respectively. While vitamin B-6 helps lower your risk of heart disease, magnesium and potassium can help to lower your blood pressure. As high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease, these three compounds all help ginger to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. http://www.ebiochem.com/

Infertility and Erectile Dysfunction

In addition to its potassium, magnesium and vitamin B-6 content, ginger also contains manganese. This trace mineral, found throughout the body, is essential to neurological health. By helping to form and trigger the release of the sex hormone testosterone, manganese is vital to your sex drive and sperm production. While the University of Maryland Medical Center states that it is rare to develop a manganese deficiency, having insufficient amounts in your diet may lead to infertility and erectile disorders.

Colorectal Cancer

The CDC states that colorectal, or colon, cancer causes the second highest number of cancer-related deaths in the United States. As colon cancer affects men more than women, ginger’s potential to prevent colon cancer is vital to a man’s health. In a study published in the July 2009 issue of “Cancer Research,” a team led by Chul-Ho Jeong at the University of Minnesota state that gingerol, the compound that gives ginger its spicy flavor, may help to treat and prevent cancer. Based on these findings, the National Institutes of Health are currently conducting clinical trials exploring ginger’s use in chemoprevention for colon cancer. http://www.ebiochem.com/

Diabetes

Diabetes affects nearly 12 percent of men over the age of 20 in the United States. As part of a healthy diet, ginger may play a role in the treatment of diabetes due to its manganese and magnesium content. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that these minerals help to regulate blood sugar in both diabetic and non-diabetic men, with blood concentrations of these minerals lower than average in people with diabetes. As such, ginger may be essential to preventing both the development of and complications that may arise from diabetes in men.http://www.ebiochem.com/

Read more: http://www.ebiochem.com/

Drinking Hot Water & Lemon in the Morning

Consider swapping your standard cup of coffee for a glass of hot water and lemon first thing in the morning, recommends nationally known nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, author of “Fat Flush for Life” and other books. The combination can benefit your body in numerous ways, including helping you to lose weight and keep hydrated, improving your digestion and upping your vitamin C intake. You can even spice up this morning drink to boost its benefits.http://www.ebiochem.com/

Types

Gittleman recommends combining the juice of half a lemon with 1 cup hot water. If you don’t want to squeeze your own lemons, you can substitute 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Make sure to use 100-percent organic lemon juice. You can spice up this drink and further rev your metabolism by adding a pinch of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground ginger, Gittleman says. Lemons will keep for up to 10 days at room temperature, so you can shop for them weekly. You also can store fresh lemon juice in an ice cube tray without losing any of its potency.http://www.ebiochem.com/

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Function

Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning stimulates your digestive system, according to Louise Atkinson’s “Daily Mail” article, “Lose Weight for Christmas with the Lemon Juice Diet.” This improves your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Poor absorption of nutrients can cause you to feel hungry, even when you are not.http://www.ebiochem.com/

Effects

Lemon water cleanses your palate on the way down. Once in your body, it helps to gently flush your kidneys and your liver of wastes and toxins, says Gittleman. It also can help cleanse your lymphatic system, another body system that eliminates toxins.

Significance

Both lemons and water are on Gittleman’s list of fat flush foods. Water helps you stay hydrated. Your body stores more fat when you are dehydrated because your kidneys need help from your liver to function when your body is in this state. This hampers the liver’s ability to burn fat. Water also is a natural appetite suppressant. Being dehydrated, in contrast, can cause feelings of hunger. Lemons may help reduce cellulite because they stimulate blood flow to your skin and help your body flush out waste. Lemon also boosts your body’s ability to metabolize fat, Gittleman says.http://www.ebiochem.com/

Benefits

Lemon juice provides a high amount of Vitamin C, notes Atkinson. One lemon gives 30.7 mg vitamin C, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The recommended daily amount is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. People who consume more vitamin C have more efficient digestive systems than people who don’t. Lemon also increases acidity of your digestive system, which helps you better absorb calcium. Calcium absorption helps you lose weight, says Atkinson, because calcium is stored in fat cells. The more calcium in your fat cells, the easier it is to stimulate their burn. Vitamin C also boosts your immune system, helps prevent coronary heart disease, and lowers your risk for stroke, cataracts and gout. This antioxidant vitamin also may help lower cancer risk when consumed via fresh fruits, according to Oregon State University.

Potential

Adding a tablespoon of lemon juice along with some of the lemon’s zest can provide 1,600 oxygen radical absorbency capacity, or ORAC, units to your diet, according to “Women’s Health” magazine. An ORAC unit is a measurement developed by the National Institutes of Health to measure a food’s antioxidant capacity. The higher the value, the higher the antioxidant benefits, such as fighting cell-damaging free radicals. One antioxidant lemon juice provides is eriocitrin, which may protect against oxidative stress in the liver.

Fruits and Vegetables Containing Folic Acid

Folate and folic acid are the same thing, according to the National Women’s Health Information Center. Folic acid is a manmade supplement, while folate occurs naturally in some foods. Folate is part of the B vitamin complex, and is a particularly important part of the diet for pregnant women. The website BabyCenter reports that folate can help prevent serious birth defects of the neural tube, which forms very early in pregnancy. Most people need 400 micrograms of folate daily, while pregnant women need slightly more — 600 micrograms. Several fruits and vegetables help you achieve your intake goal.

Citrus Fruits

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Oranges offer 31.5 mcg of folate per 1-cup serving, according to the USDA National Nutrition Database for Standard Reference. The U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements indicates that one small orange offers 8 percent of your daily value. Grapefruit supplies 21.0 mcg folate in a 1-cup serving.

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Other Fruits 

4fa3f2f45e6ccOne large banana will give you 27.0 mcg of folate, according to the National Nutrition Database. Peaches contain folate, too, but in much lesser quantity: 7.0 mcg in one large fruit.

http://www.ebiochem.com/

Peas and Beans

fotolia_4026243_XSPeas are one of the best vegetable sources for folate. The National Nutrition Database reports that a 1-cup serving provides 94.0 mcg of folate. The Ohio State University Fact Sheet for folate indicates that a 1/2-cup serving of lentils is even better: 180.0 mcg, or 45 percent of your daily value.http://www.ebiochem.com/

Salad Vegetables

photos.demandstudios.com_getty_article_178_42_78036767_XSOpt for romaine for your salads instead of iceberg lettuce. Both contain folate, but romaine has 64.0 mcg per 1-cup serving, according to the National Nutrition Database. Cucumbers also contain folate: 4.0 mcg for a 1/2-cup serving, unpeeled.

Spinach, asparagus and broccoli are all excellent sources of folate. According to the Office of Dietay Supplements, spinach provides 60.0 mcg and 15 percent of your daily value per 1-cup serving. Four asparagus spears, cooked, have 85.0 mcg and will meet 20 percent of your daily requirement. Broccoli supplies 45.0 mcg for 10 percent of your daily value for two raw spears.http://www.ebiochem.com/

Complete List of Foods That Help Absorb Iron

Iron is an essential mineral needed by the body to take oxygen to muscles and organs. Without enough iron, you may become anemic. Iron is found in red meat, fish, poultry, dried fruits, leafy green vegetables, seeds, nuts and fortified cereals. Layering the iron with other nutrients can aid in the absorption. Some of the combinations provide a synergistic effect. However, other foods that are rich with polyphenols, such as cola, tea or coffee will block and prevent some absorption of iron. Soy protein with plant sources of iron and bran may also decrease absorption of the mineral.87534182_XS

Citrus Fruits

Adding citrus fruit boosts the body’s ability to absorb iron. For example, to increase the benefits of iron in a spinach salad, serve it with mandarin oranges or other citrus fruit. A glass of orange juice with a breakfast of iron fortified cereal does the same thing. Another delicious and nutritious combination is a poached egg and enriched whole wheat toast with a side of all natural citrus marmalade.

http://www.ebiochem.com/

The Best Brain Food in the World

 

The brain has many nutritional requirements that help it perform its roles. It requires glucose as an energy source, a compound that is easily metabolized from carbohydrates. Various vitamins and antioxidants help protect the brain from injury, while certain vitamins and fatty acids also carry out specific roles that help brains cells function. The best brain foods contain many of these important nutrients in an easily digestible form.

WHOLE-GRAIN BREADS

Cooked and ground whole grains, such as wheat, oatmeal, barley and millet, are healthy carbohydrates that can be digested quickly to yield glucose sugar. A convenient way to consume whole grains is as baked breads, although crackers and cereals can be just as nutritious. Information described in “Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism” points to glucose as the main fuel for the brain, with daily consumption of at least 100 g of carbohydrates needed to provide enough glucose to power brain functions. Whole grains are also good sources of B vitamins, selenium and soluble fiber. Soluble fiber can regulate blood cholesterol levels, which reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases and brain injury, such as stroke.

FATTY FISH

Fatty fish — such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines — are rich sources of essential fatty acids. Perhaps the most important of these are omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain and nervous system function. A study in “Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition” reports that omega-3 fatty acids are required for myelin synthesis; myelin is the protective sheath around nerves that allows for speedy flow of brain impulses. Further, omega-3 fatty acids play crucial roles in behavior and cognition; deficiencies have been associated with depression, dyslexia and attention-deficit disorders.

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ANTIOXIDANT-RICH BERRIES

Blueberries are especially rich in antioxidants, which act to protect blood vessels and the brain from the oxidative stress created by free radicals. One of the antioxidants is vitamin E, which can combat age-related loss of cognitive abilities. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Barcelona, Spain, and published in “Nutritional Neuroscience” in 2005 found that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved the learning capacity, memory and motor skills of aging rats. Further, the anthocyanins in blueberries were found to promote new neuron growth in the amygdala region of the brain.

NUTS AND SEEDS

Many nuts and seeds are good sources of protein, minerals, vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids and some essential amino acids. As an example, pumpkin and sesame seeds are both rich in tyrosine, the amino acid required for dopamine synthesis. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and coordinates movement. Many nuts and seeds are good sources of B vitamins. Information published in “Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health” indicates that vitamin B-6 is needed to produce dopamine and serotonin, which are both essential for communication between neurons. Folic acid is needed by the brain to maintain memory and concentration. Vitamin B-12 is associated with higher brain functions, and its deficiency leads to symptoms very similar to Alzheimer’s disease. Examples of particularly healthy nuts and seeds include walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, flaxseeds and sunflower seeds.

Read more:http://www.ebiochem.com/

Top Ten Health Benefits of Bananas

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Children and adults alike love sweet, nutritious bananas. Since bananas come neatly packed in their own wrapper, they are very portable. They may be eaten in their whole form, sliced into fruit salad or mashed and added to muffin and bread recipes. Frozen bananas can be added to smoothies in place of yogurt or ice cream. A serving size is one peeled medium-sized banana, about 7 inches long.

Calories

By eating a banana you can Indulge your sweet tooth without ruining your diet. A banana averages about only 110 calories.

Fat and Cholesterol

Bananas are naturally fat and cholesterol free. Use mashed bananas to substitute for some or all of the butter or oil when making cookies, for example, for a healthier treat.

Potassium

Bananas are known for their high potassium content, with over 400 mg potassium in a single medium-size banana. According to Colorado State University Extension, potassium is necessary for good nerve and muscle function as well as for maintaining a healthy balance of fluids in the body. The potassium in bananas can help prevent muscle cramps after exercise.

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Vitamin C

As with many fruits, bananas contain a good amount of vitamin C. One banana provides about 10 mg of vitamin C, or about 15 percent of your daily recommended amount. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and cell health and improves the absorption of other nutrients such as iron.

Vitamin B-6

Since B vitamins are more commonly found in animal products, it may come as a surprise that bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B-6, also called pyridoxine. One banana supplies 35 percent of your daily B-6 requirement. Your body uses vitamin B-6 to grow new cells.

Manganese

Bananas are a good source of manganese, with one medium banana providing about .3 mg. Adults need between 1.8 and 2.3 mg of manganese daily. Manganese is necessary for bone health and metabolism.

Fiber

According to the USDA, one banana has about 3 g of fiber. Dietary fiber can help you feel fuller longer and also keep your digestive processes running smoothly.

Other Nutrients

Bananas also deliver small amounts of other vitamins and minerals. A banana provides some iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus as well as vitamins A and E, folate, carotene and choline. Bananas also contain trace amounts of many amino acids.

Carbohydrates

Your body uses carbohydrates as a primary source of energy. Eat a banana after a workout to refuel. A banana with breakfast will start your day off right and will give you the energy to make it through to lunch without snacking.

Digestibility

Bananas are easy to digest. When you’re sick with a virus or indigestion, bananas can be an appealing way to get some important nutrients into your system without upsetting your stomach. Mashed bananas are also often used as an introduction to solid foods for babies.

Read more: http://www.ebiochem.com/product/common-banana-juice-powder-13346

How to Use Aloe as a Pore Minimizer Mask

Aloe vera is a plant that grows primarily in hot, dry climates. Its medicinal properties are recognized by many cultures across the globe. The sap secreted from aloe leaves is used for a variety of health purposes including as a digestive tonic, for healing wounds and sunburns, and moisturizing the skin. It’s astringent properties make it an excellent substance for reducing pore size on your face.

Aloe Vera

The best source of pure aloe extract is from the plant itself. It’s easy to obtain, simply by cutting the tip of a leaf and squeezing it to encourage the sap to ooze. You can also buy bottled aloe juice from health food and specialty stores. Some commercial products are mixed with other ingredients and are not as highly concentrated in pure aloe juice as you might like. Aloe acts not only as an astringent to tighten pores, but also moisturizes and soothes sun-damaged skin. It helps reduce swelling from acne sores and removes toxins released through the skin.

Straight Aloe Gel

Use aloe gel straight as a facial mask. Its natural astringent and emollient properties will help cleanse and reduce pore size as well as moisturize your skin. Simply squeeze the gel from one or two leaves and rub it gently with your fingers across your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes until it dries and then rinse well with cool water and pat your face dry.

Aloe and Egg White

Egg whites are an excellent base for a toning mask and are found in many homemade facial formulas. Their skin-tightening properties help to reduce pore size and extract oils and other impurities from the skin. Mix the white of one egg with 1/4 cup of aloe gel or aloe juice and smooth the mixture on your face. Allow it to dry fully until your skin feels tight. Rinse your skin with cool water to remove the mask and pat dry with a soft towel.

Aloe and Cucumber

Aloe gel and cucumber makes an excellent mask that helps to add moisture, reduce facial swelling and shrink pore size. Cucumber is very soothing to the skin. It helps hydrate and nourish the skin and acts as an astringent, drying oils and cleansing pores. The pH in cucumber is the same as the skin, so it helps restore the skin’s acid mantle, according to the book, “Natural Beauty at Home”. Remove the seeds and peel from the cucumber. Mix thoroughly in a blender, 1/4 medium cucumber, 5 fresh mint or basil leaves, 1/4 cup aloe gel or juice. Beat 1 egg white separately until it has stiff peaks and then fold it into the cucumber mixture. Apply to your face and leave the mixture on for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat your face dry with a soft towel.

Moisturizing

After applying any type of facial mask, be sure to moisturize your skin. Most masks remove oils from the skin and your face may feel tight afterwards. Apply your favorite moisturizing cream to retain moisture and soften skin. Add a few drops of pure aloe gel or aloe juice to your moisturizer to continue to benefit from its medicinal properties after your mask is complete.

Read more:http://www.ebiochem.com/product/aloe-vera-200-1-65447

How to Store Peeled Garlic Cloves Without Olive Oil

The taste of fresh garlic flavors foods in a way that jarred garlic can’t begin to match. Unpeeled garlic stores in a cool, dark, dry, well-ventilated location for three to five months, says food safety specialist Linda Harris of the University of California-Davis, but peeled garlic cloves will spoil faster. Olive oil does not make a good storage liquid for garlic. Left at room temperature or in the refrigerator for too long, garlic in olive oil provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria that cause botulism. Fortunately, you have alternatives for safe garlic storage.

Olive Oil Risks

Clostridium botulinum spores infect many foods, especially low-acid vegetables such as garlic, according to Harris. But because the bacteria needs oxygen to reproduce, it generally doesn’t causes any problems. When you submerge peeled garlic cloves in oil, however, you cut off the oxygen supply. This allows the spores to reproduce, producing a toxin that doesn’t change the look, smell or taste of the food. Refrigeration slows the growth of spores but won’t stop it altogether; the longer you store the peeled cloves in the refrigerator, the higher the chance that the spores will grow.

Storing Peeled Cloves in Liquid

Store peeled garlic cloves in vinegar, wine or wine vinegar. You can safely store peeled garlic cloves in vinegar at room temperature; garlic in wine or a wine-vinegar mix requires refrigeration. Discard if you notice any mold or yeast growth on the garlic, according to Washington State University Extension.

Refrigerating Peeled Cloves

You can safely store peeled garlic cloves by refrigerating in clear plastic containers at temperatures of between 32 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit for up to two to three weeks, according to Marita Cantwell of the University of California-Davis. Storage above these temperatures can cause the cloves to discolor or to develop roots or sprouts.

Commercial Garlic in Oil

You might wonder how commercial manufacturers produce garlic cloves in oil without increasing the risk of botulism. The answer lies in the preservatives they add to acidify their products such as citric or phosphorus acid, Harris explains. It’s difficult if not impossible to acidify garlic at home. Follow manufacturers direction for safe storage of these products. Do not purchase or use homemade garlic-in-oil, even if sold in specialty stores.

Read more: http://www.ebiochem.com/

Infiltration of spiro-OMeTAD into mesoporous TiO2

A recent research shows that the pore filling of spiro-OMeTAD (2,2(,7,7(-tetrakis-(N,N-di-pmethoxyphenylamine) 9,9(-spirobifluorene) in mesoporous TiO2 films is quantified for the first time using XPS depth profiling and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. We have developed procedures to measure pore filling quantitatively using XPS depth profiling and absorption spectroscopy.We found that solution infiltration of spiro-OMeTAD in mesoporous TiO2 films effectively penetrates the entire depth of the film. The filling fraction is as high as 60–70% for films with thickness< 3 mm; however, as the film thickness increases, the filling fraction goes down, which may be the cause of poor efficiency of thick ss-DSCs.We have used a lower spin coating speed and higher spiro-OMeTAD solution concentration to increase the filling fraction and consequently the efficiency of ss-DSCs. Development of >10% efficient ss-DSCs will most likely require >5-mm-thick TiO2 films, and such significant increase in thickness will require both reduction in recombination and improvement in pore filling.http://www.ebiochem.com

It is shown that spiro-OMeTAD can penetrate the entire depth of the film, and its concentration is constant throughout the film. We determine that in a 2.5-mm-thick film, the volume of the pores is 60–65% filled. The pores become less filled when thicker films are used. Such filling fraction is much higher than the solution concentration because the excess solution on top of the film can act as a reservoir during the spin coating process. Lastly, we demonstrate that by using a lower spin coating speed and higher spiro-OMeTAD solution concentration, we can increase the filling fraction and consequently the efficiency of the device.http://www.ebiochem.com