Silver-decorated SrTiO3 nanoparticles for high-performance supercapacitors and effective remediation of hazardous pollutants

SrTiO3/Ag nanocomposites were synthesized using a facile wet impregnation method, employing rigorous experimental techniques for comprehensive characterization. XRD, FTIR, UV, PL, FESEM, and HRTEM were meticulously utilized to elucidate their structural, functional, morphological, and optical properties. The electrochemical performance of the SrTiO3/Ag nanocomposite was rigorously assessed, revealing an impressive specific capacitance of 850 F/g at a current density of 1 A. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the SrTiO3/Ag nanocomposite was rigorously examined using methylene blue (MB) dye, and the results were outstanding. After 120 min of UV irradiation, the nanocomposite exhibited an exceptional MB dye degradation efficiency exceeding 88%. The SrTiO3/Ag nanocomposite represents an exemplary catalyst in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, environmental compatibility, and reusability. The electron and superoxide radicals play a chief role in the MB dye degradation process. The inclusion of Ag within the SrTiO3 matrix facilitated the formation of a conductive nano-network, ultimately resulting in superior capacitive and photocatalytic performance.

Biosynthesis of phyto functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles mediated from Scoparia dulsis L. for appraisal of anti-cancer potential against adenocarcinomic lung cancer cells and paracetamol sensing potentiality

This research work aims at the eco-friendly preparation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeSD NPs) utilizing the natural extract of Scoparia dulsis L. An attempt was made to analyze the influence of the fuel load on the size, shape, and optical properties of the nanoparticles. The p-XRD studies revealed the controlled formation of NPs with a size not more than 12.74 nm. The surface area studies appraise the mesoporous nature of the synthesized ceria particles, with the maximum specific surface area of 36.06 m²g^-1. The nano-regime CeO₂ nanoparticles had a definite impact on biomedical and electrochemical studies. The CeSD NPs with minuscule size (10.69 nm) manifested promising antioxidant and human RBC protection activity. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using % DPPH inhibition with of maximum of 83.38. The stabilization of RBC's by CeSD NPs was maximum at 94.97%. However, the CeSD NPs with apparent size (12.74 nm) that utilized greater volume fuel (25 mL) had noticeable results on adenocarcinomic lung (A549) cancer cell viability and antidiabetic study which was maximum of 70.16% at concentration 500 μg/mL. A satisfactory antibacterial application was proffered against chosen bacterial stains. The smallest size CeO₂ NPs exhibited the best proton diffusion coefficient (8.16 × 10^-6 cm²s^-1), and the capacitance values of the CeSD NPs are near in all samples (~ 1.17 to 2.00 F) manifest their compact nano-regime sizes. The paracetamol drug was chosen as analyte to appreciating the superlative efficiency for sensing paracetamol drug with the lowest detection limit.

Metal Oxide-Induced Instability and Its Mitigation in Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

Halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology for sustainable energy solutions because of their impressive power conversion efficiency and a path to be manufactured by low-cost, high-throughput methods. To reach PSCs' full potential for practical implementation, it is crucial to solve the issues related to long-term operational stability. Given that PSCs consist of many layers of dissimilar materials which form multiple internal interfaces, it is prudent to examine whether there exist interfacial interactions, most importantly between transport layers and perovskite absorbers, that can trigger instability and affect device performance. In this Perspective, we bring to the attention of the PSC research community the lesser-known interfacial degradation of halide perovskites promoted by contact with metal oxide transport layers and highlight the deleterious effects on the PSCs' performance and stability. We also discuss various mitigation strategies that have shown promise for achieving high-performing and stable PSCs.