Inhibiting Interfacial Nonradiative Recombination in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with a Multifunctional Molecule.

Interface-induced nonradiative recombination losses at the perovskite/electron transport layer (ETL) are an impediment to improving the efficiency and stability of inverted (p-i-n) perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Tridecafluorohexane-1-sulfonic acid potassium (TFHSP) is employed as a multifunctional dipole molecule to modify the perovskite surface. The solid coordination and hydrogen bonding efficiently passivate the surface defects, thereby reducing nonradiative recombination.

Efficient Zinc Vanadate Homojunction with Cadmium Nanostructures for Photocatalytic Water Splitting and Hydrogen Evolution.

Construction of a homojunction is an effective strategy for effective charge transfer to suppress charge carrier recombination in augmented photocatalysis. The present work reveals the synthesis of homojunction formation through the reinforcement of Cd nanostructures into a solid lattice of zinc vanadate (ZnVO, ZnV) using the hydrothermal method. The formation of a homojunction between cadmium vanadate (CdV, CdVO) and ZnV was confirmed by various spectroscopic and electron microscopic techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) associated with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis).

One-Step Solution Deposition of Tin-Perovskite onto a Self-Assembled Monolayer with a DMSO-Free Solvent System.

We show for the first time DMSO-free tin-based perovskite solar cells with a self-assembled hole selective contact (MeO-2PACz). Our method provides reproducible and hysteresis-free devices with MeO-2PACz, having the best device PCE of 5.8 % with a of 638 mV.

Efficient light-driven hydrogen evolution and azo dye degradation over the GdVO@g-CN heterostructure.

A straightforward hydrothermal technique was used for the synthesis of a g-CN/GdVO (CN/GdV) heterostructure as an alternate material for energy and environmental applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the synthesized g-CN (CN), GdVO (GdV), and the CN/GdV heterostructure. The characterization results revealed the distribution of GdV over CN sheets.

Unexpected Diastereomer Formation and Interconversions in Cyclohexane-1,2-diacetal Derivatization of a Glucuronic Acid Thioglycoside.

Reactions of a glucuronic acid (GlcA) β-thioglycoside with cyclohexadione show initial formation of the two anticipated all-trans decalin-type O2,O3 and O3,O4 cyclohexane-1,2-diacetals (CDAs) along with an epimer of the main O2,O3 acetal. This trans-cis isomer is then interconverted leading to higher amounts of the two all-trans products. Isomerization studies indicate slow interconversion between the all-trans CDA acetals, with only one undergoing significant interconversion with the minor 2,3-diastereomer.

Synthesis of Xanthan Gum Anchored α-FeO Bionanocomposite Material for Remediation of Pb (II) Contaminated Aquatic System.

Increases in community and industrial activities have led to disturbances of the environmental balance and the contamination of water systems through the introduction of organic and inorganic pollutants. Among the various inorganic pollutants, Pb (II) is one of the heavy metals possessing non-biodegradable and the most toxic characteristics towards human health and the environment. The present study is focussed on the synthesis of efficient and eco-friendly adsorbent material that can remove Pb (II) from wastewater.

CuO Nanorods Immobilized Agar-Alginate Biopolymer: A Green Functional Material for Photocatalytic Degradation of Amaranth Dye.

The contamination of water is increasing day by day due to the increase of urbanization and population. Textile industries contribute to this by discarding their waste directly into water streams without proper treatment. A recent study explores the treatment potential of copper oxide nanorods (CuO NRs) synthesized on a green basis in the presence of a biopolymer matrix of agar (AA) and alginate (Alg), in terms of cost effectiveness and environmental impact.

Zinc Vanadate (ZnVO) Immobilized Multiwall Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) Heterojunction as an Efficient Photocatalyst for Visible Light Driven Hydrogen Production.

Z-scheme photocatalytic reaction is considered an effective strategy to promote the photogenerated electron-hole separation for significantly improving the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen precipitation from splitting water. In this study, a heterojunction nanocomposite material based on ZnVO (ZV) with MWCNT was prepared by a hydrothermal process. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to understand crystal structure, morphology, and optical properties.

In Situ Hydrothermal Synthesis of NiMnWO Nanoheterostructure for Enhanced Photodegradation of Methyl Orange.

The monoclinic nanocrystalline NiMnWO heterostructure has been successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal technique for achieving better sensitive and photocatalytic performances. Different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy have been employed to investigate their structural, microstructural, and optical properties. Mn-ion incorporation in the NiWO lattice reduces the particle size of the sample compared with the pure undoped NiWO sample, which has been confirmed from the transmission electron microscope image.

Exploring the Potential of Alternate Inorganic Fibers for Automotive Composites.

Composites are a promising material for high-specific strength applications; specifically, fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) are in the limelight for their extraordinary mechanical properties. Amongst all FRPCs, carbon fiber reinforcements are dominant in the aerospace and automotive industry; however, their high cost poses a great obstacle in commercial-scale manufacturing. To this end, we explored alternate low-cost inorganic fibers such as basalt and rockwool as potential replacements for carbon fiber composites.

Fabrication of Novel Agrowaste (Banana and Potato Peels)-Based Biochar/TiO Nanocomposite for Adsorption of Cr(VI), Statistical Optimization via RSM Approach.

In this research work, a simple, efficient, and eco-friendly procedure for the biosorption of Cr(VI) ions was studied. A detailed comparative study was performed to check the adsorption efficiency of agrowaste (banana and potato peels)-based adsorbents. Firstly, mixed biosorbent was washed, dried and ground into powder, secondly, biosorbent was pyrolyzed into biochar and thirdly TiO nanocomposite (TiO NC) biosorbent was made by sonicating using prepared biochar and TiO NPs.

Synthesis of Gd/N co-doped ZnO for enhanced UV-vis and direct solar-light-driven photocatalytic degradation.

The construction of a UV-Vis and direct sunlight functioning photocatalyst is a puzzling task for organic pollutant removal. Herein, we have fabricated Gd/N co-doped ZnO nanoparticles for the first-time using a simple co-precipitation method for photocatalytic degradation application. The heteroatom doping enhances the light absorption ability and acts as a photo-induced electron-hole separator by creating a trap state.

Synthesis and Characterization of rGO@ZnO Nanocomposites for Esterification of Acetic Acid.

In the present work, the aim is to synthesize reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and zinc:reduced graphene oxide composite catalysts (ZnO:rGO) for esterification of acetic acid with -heptanol. The physical and chemical characteristics of the rGO and rGO-metal oxide composite catalysts such as textural surface characteristics, surface morphology, thermal stability, functional groups, and elemental analysis were studied. The surface areas of rGO, ZnO, and ZnO were recorded, respectively, at 31.

Environmental lead exposure from halide perovskites in solar cells.

Lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic elements in existence and has been used by humans for thousands of years. With only a few exceptions, each widespread application of lead has been banned systematically due to dramatic environmental and health consequences. However, we are now at the dawn of the perovskite era, potentially requiring yet again the widespread application of lead.

The Role of Strontium in CeNiO Nano-Crystalline Perovskites for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation to Produce Syngas.

The transition metal-based catalysts for the elimination of greenhouse gases via methane reforming using carbon dioxide are directly or indirectly associated with their distinguishing characteristics such as well-dispersed metal nanoparticles, a higher number of reducible species, suitable metal-support interaction, and high specific surface area. This work presents the insight into catalytic performance as well as catalyst stability of CeSrNiO (x = 0.6-1) nanocrystalline perovskites for the production of hydrogen via methane reforming using carbon dioxide.

Activation of Persulfate for Improved Naproxen Degradation Using FeCoO@g-CN Heterojunction Photocatalysts.

An effective heterojunction with robust charge separation and enormous degradation efficiency is the major task for photocatalyst preparation. In this study, we have prepared the FeCoO-loaded g-CN nanosheet by the sol-gel-assisted calcination method for photo-Fenton-like degradation under visible-light irradiation by activating persulfate. The nanocomposite exhibits a higher charge separation efficiency than pure g-CN and FeCoO for the degradation reaction against naproxen drugs.

Green photosensitisers for the degradation of selected pesticides of high risk in most susceptible food: A safer approach.

Pesticides are the leading defence against pests, but their unsafe use reciprocates the pesticide residues in highly susceptible food and is becoming a serious risk for human health. In this study, mint extract and riboflavin were tested as photosensitisers in combination with light irradiation of different frequencies, employed for various time intervals to improve the photo-degradation of deltamethrin (DM) and lambda cyhalothrin (λ-CHT) in cauliflower. Different source of light was studied, either in ultraviolet range (UV-C, 254 nm or UV-A, 320-380 nm) or sunlight simulator (> 380-800 nm).

Potential heterogeneous nano-catalyst via integrating hydrothermal carbonization for biodiesel production using waste cooking oil.

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) provides alternatives technique to produce a nanosize activated carbon from biomass with a high surface area. Herein, this study we prepared empty fruit bunch-based activated carbon (EFBHAC) using HTC technique. The activated carbon was then functionalized with KCO and Cu(NO) to produce bifunctional nano-catalyst for simultaneous esterification-transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO).

Discovery of a novel series of substituted quinolines acting as anticancer agents and selective EGFR blocker: Molecular docking study.

A TaO-anchored-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (PPCA) nanoparticle has been synthesized and characterized. It was then used as a highly effective nanocatalyst for the synthesis of quinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives through CO bond functionalization. The special advantage of this heterogeneous solid catalyst is the reusability of the catalyst for up to five cycles without any noticeable reduction in product yields.

Solid state structure of sodium β-1-thiophenyl glucuronate identifies 5-coordinate sodium with three independent glucoronates.

Glucuronic acid is a key component of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) Chrondroitin Sulfate (CS), Heparin/Heparan sulfate (HS) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA), as well an important metabolite derivative. In biological systems the carboxylate of uronic acids in GAGs is involved in important H-binding interactions, and the role of metal coordination, such as sodiated systems, has indications associated with a number of biological effects, and physiological GAG-related processes. In synthetic approaches to GAG fragments, thioglycoside intermediates, or derivatives from these, are commonly employed.

Structural investigations, quantum mechanical studies on proton and metal affinity and biological activity predictions of selpercatinib.

Cancer of the lungs and thyroid is particularly difficult to manage and treat. Notably, selpercatinib has recently been suggested as an effective drug to combat these diseases. The entire world is currently tackling the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-19 virus.

Structure Engineering of Yolk-Shell Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Microspheres with Broccoli-Like Morphology for Efficient Catalysis and Enhanced Cellular Uptake.

Yolk-shell magnetic mesoporous microspheres exhibit potential applications in biomedicine, bioseparation, and catalysis. Most previous reports focus on establishing various interface assembly strategies to construct yolk-shell mesoporous structures, while little work has been done to control their surface topology and study their relevant applications. Herein, a unique kind of broccoli-like yolk-shell magnetic mesoporous silica (YS-BMM) microsphere is fabricated through a surfactant-free kinetic controlled interface assembly strategy.

Click synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole based imidazoles: Antitubercular evaluation, molecular docking and HSA binding studies.

Using Cu(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition of alkyne and azide reaction (CuAAC), a series of novel 1,2,3-triazole based imidazole derivatives (3a-e) have been synthesized. The synthesized molecules were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as H NMR, C NMR, mass and elemental analysis. Antitubercular activity (anti-TB) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (Mtb) and cytotoxic activity against the mammalian Vero cell line was screened for the synthesized compounds.