3′-Deoxy-3-azidothymidine (AZT, zidovudine) is a nucleoside-analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor, successfully used against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Its structure contains an azide function, which makes it a useful substrate for 1,2,3-triazole synthesis, using the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, the flagship reaction of ‘click chemistry’. Herein we present the synthesis and spectral characterization of its 1,2,3-triazole derivative containing a fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (fmoc) fluorescent fragment. The preparation and characteristics of a novel fluorescent probe, 9 H -fluoren-9-ylmethyl prop-2-yn-1-yl carbonate (propargyl-fmoc) is also presented.

Gallium nitride (GaN) has emerged as one of the most promising wide-bandgap semiconductors for next-generation space photovoltaics. In contrast to conventional III–V compounds such as GaAs and InP, which are highly efficient under terrestrial conditions but suffer from radiation-induced degradation and thermal instability, GaN offers an exceptional combination of intrinsic material properties ideally suited for harsh orbital environments. Its wide bandgap, high thermal conductivity, and strong chemical stability contribute to superior resistance against high-energy protons, electrons, and atomic oxygen, while minimizing thermal fatigue under repeated cycling between extreme temperatures. Recent progress in epitaxial growth—spanning metal–organic chemical vapor deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, hydride vapor phase epitaxy, and atomic layer deposition—has enabled unprecedented control over film quality, defect densities, and heterointerface sharpness. At the device level, InGaN/GaN heterostructures, multiple quantum wells, and tandem architectures demonstrate outstanding potential for spectrum-tailored solar energy conversion, with modeling studies predicting efficiencies exceeding 40% under AM0 illumination. In this review article, the current state of knowledge on GaN materials and device architectures for space photovoltaics has been summarized, with emphasis placed on recent progress and persisting challenges. Particular focus has been given to defect management, doping strategies, and bandgap engineering approaches, which define the roadmap toward scalable and radiation-hardened GaN-based solar cells. With sustained interdisciplinary advances, GaN is anticipated to complement or even supersede traditional III–V photovoltaics in space, enabling lighter, more durable, and radiation-hard power systems for long-duration missions beyond Earth’s magnetosphere.

Zinc oxide, due to its unique physicochemical properties, including dual piezoelectric and semiconductive ones, demonstrates a high application potential in various fields, with a particular focus on nanotechnology. Among ZnO nanoforms, nanorods are gaining particular interest. Due to their ability to efficiently transport charge carriers and photoelectric properties, they demonstrate significant potential in energy storage and conversion, as well as photovoltaics. They can be prepared via various methods; however, most of them require large energy inputs, long reaction times, or high-cost equipment. Hence, new methods of ZnO nanorod fabrication are currently being sought out. In this paper, an ultrasound-supported synthesis of ZnO nanorods with zinc acetate as a zinc precursor has been described. The fabrication of nanorods included the treatment of the precursor solution with ultrasounds, wherein various sonication times were employed to verify the impact of the sonication process on the effectiveness of ZnO nanorod synthesis and the sizes of the obtained nanostructures. The morphology of the obtained ZnO nanorods was imaged via a scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, while the particle size distribution within the precursor suspensions was determined by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS). Additionally, the dynamic viscosity of precursor suspensions was also verified. It was demonstrated that ultrasounds positively affect ZnO nanorod synthesis, yielding longer nanostructures through even reactant distribution. Longer nanorods were obtained as a result of short sonication (1–3 min), wherein prolonged treatment with ultrasounds (4–5 min) resulted in obtaining shorter nanorods. Importantly, the application of ultrasounds increased particle homogeneity within the precursor suspension by disintegrating particle agglomerates. Moreover, it was demonstrated that ultrasonic treatment reduces the dynamic viscosity of precursor suspension, facilitating faster particle diffusion and promoting a more uniform growth of longer ZnO nanorods. Hence, it can be concluded that ultrasounds constitute a promising solution in obtaining homogeneous ZnO nanorods, which is in line with the principles of green chemistry.