In this study, activated carbon was derived from polypyrrole (PPY) using a K2CO3 activating agent with varying mass ratios of the activating agent to PPY polymer (AA:PP), for the optimization of the hierarchical pore structure necessary for improved electrochemical performance. The textural study of the as-synthesized samples (AC-PPY) displayed an increase in the specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume with increase in the amount of the activating agent up to a threshold for AA:PP of 6:1. The increase in the SSA was due to the presence of hierarchical pores in the material structure for efficient ion penetration. Initial half-cell electrochemical tests performed on the different activated carbon samples with varying SSA revealed superior charge storage capability for the 6:1 sample in both negative and positive operating potentials. The highest current response value was obtained from the signatory EDLC-type cyclic voltammogram, along with the longest discharge time from the chronopotentiometry plot as a result of the lowest ion diffusion length for successful fast ion transport reported from the impedance spectroscopy analysis. A full symmetric device (AC-PPY-6) assembled from the best material using KNO3 neutral electrolyte yielded a specific capacitance of 140 F g⁻¹, 12.4 Wh kg⁻¹ energy density at 0.5 A g⁻¹ gravimetric current. An energy density of 7.12 Wh kg⁻¹ was still maintained at a specific current of 2 A g⁻¹. Interestingly, after the ageing test to ascertain device stability, the device energy density increased back to 12.2 Wh kg⁻¹ as a result of the creation of additional active pores within the nanostructured material for charge storage via voltage holding tests which also led to the enhancement in specific capacitance to 137.5 F g⁻¹ at 2 A g⁻¹. A 99.0% capacitance retention was recorded even after 10000 cycles at a moderate specific current of 2 A g⁻¹. A substantial approach was used to elucidate the degradation phenomena from the device self-discharge profile, which showcased the device retaining up to 70% of its operating potential after 80 h (> 3 days) on open circuit. The results obtained demonstrate the potential of adopting the AC-PPY material in potential device for energy storage purposes.

The short life span of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell in an ambient laboratory condition is one of the challenges hindering the realization of organic-based devices. The presence of moisture and oxygen in conjugated polymer matrix is the major factor responsible for the degradation of organic molecules. The chemical degradation of OPV cell generally depends on the nature of the semiconductor polymer used in the preparation of the devices. However, the lifespan of unprotected OPV cells often ranges in the order of few hours in simple laboratory environment. We are reporting here the lifetime of organic photovoltaic cell in ambient laboratory condition whose active layer is composed of PTB7:PCBM blend.

Objective: HIV and HCV share routes of infection. Co-infection and its complications are therefore emerging as a major concern as patients on HAART have longer life expectancy. These complications have been well documented. It is necessary to determine in our environment what epidemiological factors are associated. This is expected to improve treatment protocols leading to increase quality of life and prolonged lifespan. Liver enzymes may be useful to monitor therapy. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study. Seventy age and sex matched co-infected patients participated. Sera of the participants were subjected to anti-HCV antibody (IgG) screening using third generation ELISA kit from DIA.PRO, Italy. The epidemiological variables were determined and depicted using bar charts and tables. HIV was determined by detecting the antibodies using two different kits. Determine and Unigold. Results: There were 14 males and 56 females in the co-infected group. While there was a definite raise in Liver enzymes in the co-infected patients, only ALT was significantly raised in both sexes and not only the male sex. The majority of patients were above thirty years of age (mean 35.84). Among mono infected and co-infected patients age was the only statistically significant variable. Conclusion: It is vital to determine the HCV status of HIV positive patients at any point of entry into a particular health care facility. This would further improve the quality of life and life span of individuals as a result of improved treatment protocols. INTRODUCTION Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) was first discovered by Gallo 1 . Hitherto it was described in homosexual men in California and New York in 1981 2 who presented with Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP). The prevalence in Africa and especially Nigeria and South Africa have become alarming over time. Sub-Saharan