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Given the increasing demand for electricity due to modernization and population growth, there is an urgent need to develop renewable energy conversion technologies such as photovoltaics. Among these technologies, CsPbIBr2, an all‐inorganic lead halide‐based perovskite, has shown promise due to its thermal stability, phase stability, and ease of fabrication. However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing device hysteresis and stability. Novel materials and optimized device designs could help overcome these challenges. This comprehensive review discusses strategies such as interface engineering, film quality improvement, compositional engineering, defect passivation, band alignments, and metal ion doping to enhance the performance of CsPbIBr2‐based perovskite films and, in turn, their potential for photovoltaic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic is one of the best low-cost alternative energy sources. In this paper, organic semiconductors were explored as light harvesters due to their extraordinary properties, but initially, the scientific community focused on synthesizing the large bandgap organic semiconductors, which were unsuitable for photovoltaic applications. Wide bandgap organic semiconductors can capture light only from the UV–Vis region of the solar spectrum, thus showing solar cells' power conversion efficiency (PCE) of less than 5%. By reducing the bandgap, organic semiconductors can show good compatibility with the air mass (AM) of 1.5 solar spectrums. So, the attention came toward synthesizing low bandgap semiconductors, which led to the enhancement of PCE from 5% to 17%. This review summarizes the overall development of the last 15 years in the field of organic photovoltaic semiconductors. The significant parameters in organic semiconductors are their bandgap, the position of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) that can easily be tuned chemically by molecular designing. One of the issues in organic photovoltaic solar devices is the need for absorbers with a narrow bandgap to maximize power conversion efficiencies to a great extent. Moreover, several factors, such as conjugation length, bond length alteration, intermolecular interaction, donor–acceptor charge transfer, planarity, and physical states, are responsible for tuning the bandgap. This review also classifies low bandgap semiconductors based on the core skeleton with their bandgaps, structures, and power conversion efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXene, regarded as cutting‐edge two‐dimensional (2D) materials, have been widely explored in various applications due to their remarkable flexibility, high specific surface area, good mechanical strength, and interesting electrical conductivity. Recently, 2D MXene has served as a ideal platform for the design and development of electrocatalysts with high activity, selectivity, and stability. This review article provides a detailed description of the structural engineering of MXene‐based electrocatalysts and summarizes the uses of 2D MXene in hydrogen evolution reactions, nitrogen reduction reactions, oxygen evolution reactions, oxygen reduction reactions, and methanol/ethanol oxidation. Then, key issues and prospects for 2D MXene as a next‐generation platform in fundamental research and real‐world electrocatalysis applications are discussed. Emphasis will be given to material design and enhancement techniques. Finally, future research directions are suggested to improve the efficiency of MXene‐based electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver infused ultrathin TiO2 nanowires (NWs) were synthesized via a single step solvothermal approach. The crystallinity, structure, and morphology were determined to understand the physicochemical nature of the nanocomposites. The catalytic efficiency of the newly synthesized nanocatalysts was tested for the textile waste treatment taking methylene blue (MB) as model pollutant under solar light irradiations. Nearly 96% photodegradation efficiency for MB was achieved within 20 min. Furthermore, the recyclability of the photocatalyst was also studied, and the material remained stable and effective up to four consecutive runs. Research Highlights: Precise size‐controlled synthesis of Ag‐incorporated titania nanowires (ATNWs)Controlled aspect ratios, with tunable lengths and diameters (100–3 nm) via precursor and surfactant optimizationDemonstrated ATNWs' efficiency in degrading toxic dye, methylene blue (MB)96% photodegradation efficiency for MB achieved within 20 min using 3 nm thick annealed TiO2 NWsRecyclability efficiency of photocatalyst, which remained stable and effective for up to four consecutive runs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanodiamonds (NDs) have garnered attention in the field of nanomedicine due to their unique properties. This review offers a comprehensive overview of NDs synthesis methods, properties, and their uses in biomedical applications. Various synthesis techniques, such as detonation, high‐pressure, high‐temperature, and chemical vapor deposition, offer distinct advantages in tailoring NDs′ size, shape, and surface properties. Surface modification methods further enhance NDs′ biocompatibility and enable the attachment of bioactive molecules, expanding their applicability in biological systems. NDs serve as promising nanocarriers for drug delivery, showcasing biocompatibility and the ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents for targeted delivery. Additionally, NDs demonstrate potential in cancer treatment through hyperthermic therapy and vaccine enhancement for improved immune responses. Functionalization of NDs facilitates their utilization in biosensors for sensitive biomolecule detection, aiding in precise diagnostics and rapid detection of infectious diseases. This review underscores the multifaceted role of NDs in advancing biomedical applications. By synthesizing NDs through various methods and modifying their surfaces, researchers can tailor their properties for specific biomedical needs. The ability of NDs to serve as efficient drug delivery vehicles holds promise for targeted therapy, while their applications in hyperthermic therapy and vaccine enhancement offer innovative approaches to cancer treatment and immunization. Furthermore, the integration of NDs into biosensors enhances diagnostic capabilities, enabling rapid and sensitive detection of biomolecules and infectious diseases. Overall, the diverse functionalities of NDs underscore their potential as valuable tools in nanomedicine, paving the way for advancements in healthcare and biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal halide perovskites show remarkable optical properties and useful applications in optoelectronic devices. However, the instability of three-dimensional (3D) metal halide perovskites limits their applications, leading to the emergence of more stable two-dimensional (2D) metal halide perovskites. Herein, we present a facile synthesis of the 2D hybrid metal halide perovskite (EDA)(MA)n−1PbnBr3n+1 (EDA: ethylene diammonium, MA: methylammonium), where n = 1–6, and MAPbBr3 perovskite layers using an anti-solvent co-precipitation technique. The synthesized materials exhibited tunable optical properties, and the color emissions of pure EDAPbBr4 and (EDA)(MA)2Pb3Br10 perovskites were successfully tailored by altering halide anion layers. The band gap decreases as the value of n in the (EDA)(MA)n−1PbnBr3n+1 compound increases from 1 to 6. The as-prepared materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Finally, the stability of the 2D hybrid metal halide perovskite structures was evaluated under ambient conditions over different periods. Their tunable color emission was investigated and robust fluorescence was observed after 55 days. Thus, this study provides valuable insights into the synthesis and characterization of 2D hybrid metal halide perovskites for tunable color emission, highlighting their potential for use in various optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effect of bimetallic co‐incorporated metal oxides have gained enormous attention due to their unique optoelectronic properties. Herein, we present the green synthesis of ZnO, Cu‐incorporated ZnO, Mn‐incorporated ZnO, and Cu‐Mn co‐incorporated nanoparticles (ZnO NPs, CuZnO NPs, MnZnO NPs, MnCuZnO NPs) for antimicrobial and photocatalytic reduction applications using corn silk extract and industrial metal wastes. The as‐synthesized NPs were characterized by using UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy (UV‐Vis), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), powdered x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). CuZnO, MnZnO, and MnCuZnO NPs efficiently inhibited bacterial culture growth. The photocatalytic reduction activity of as‐synthesized NPs against the different concentrations of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) in water was also investigated. CuZnO and MnCuZnO nanoparticles were to be efficient photocatalysts for reducing 4‐NP into 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP). Research Highlights: Green synthesis of nanomaterials by agricultural and industrial wastesCu and Mn co‐incorporated ZnO NPs have shown good photocatalysis and antimicrobial activitiesGreen approach for waste conversion to value‐added products [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat quality is damaged by traditional technologies. Researchers devised a revolutionary technique called plasma technology to meet the requirement for an effective cold processing method. Cold plasma (CP) used for meats and its products decontamination and storability extension has shown to be highly successful. The influence of CP on meat quality is important to its acceptability as an alternative meat processing technology. CP treatments have had effects on the color, pH, lipid oxidation, and microbial quality of different meat products. CP treatment offers crucial benefits over traditional processing methods because of its design adaptability, non-thermal behavior, relatively inexpensive, and environmental friendliness. CP processing is currently in its infancy and requires further investigation in meat and meat products to achieve its best extent. This paper discusses the fundamentals of CP technology, its effects on the quality of meats such as color, pH value, lipid oxidation, and microbial quality, and future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-pressure processing as a unique technique of meat preservation is being widely used to preserve the meat and meat products by which a commercially feasible product's production is possible to meet the consumer's demand with no chemical preservatives and other harmful substances. Pressure treatment could have effects on colour, texture, protein denaturation, and meat microbial stability at ambient or low temperatures; it can help in minimizing the thermal exposure of the meat product to prevent the quality degradation, reduce microbial contamination and improve tenderness. This paper briefly reviews the attention of the high-pressure processing influence on meat product quality, namely texture, tenderness, colour, and microbial. The principles, HPP equipment, challenges, and future trends in high-pressure processing are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials such as ternary MIMIIIE2 (where MI = Ag, Cu; MIII = In, Fe; E = S, Se) chalcopyrite-type nanocrystals have garnered interest recently because of their size- and composition-tunable electronic and optical properties. However, controlling the composition of multinary compounds is challenging due to the difference in reactivity of the involved components. Metal–organic precursors usually provide better control over stoichiometry due to preformed bonds. Herein, we have synthesized suitable sulfur-based (dihexyldithiocarbamato) and selenium-based (tetradiphenylimidodiselnodiphosphanate) metal-organic precursors of iron for the preparation of phase pure ternary CuFeS2 and CuFeSe2 nanocrystals, via hot injection route using oleylamine as solvent, decomposition initiator and capping agent. The nanomaterials were characterized by powder-X-ray diffraction (p-XRD), high resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), TEM, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) analysis. The effect of temperature on synthesized nanoparticles was also investigated, showing that the size and morphology change from particles to sheet-like structures. The band gap of synthesized nanomaterials also showed variation along with the temperature change. The study shows a facile route for composition and morphologically controlled ternary chalcopyrite nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report the design and successful synthesis of two new heteroleptic polypyridyl Ru(II) complexes (SD-5 and SD-6), by incorporating hetero-aromatic electron-donating N-alkyl-2-phenylindole moieties into the ancillary ligand. These novel ruthenium complexes were used as photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells. The primary objective was to investigate the electron-donating effect of the indole segments on the photo-related properties and the influence of the length of terminal alkyl chains tethered to N-indole on the charge recombination resistance. The chemical structures of both targeted compounds were confirmed via FT-IR, 1H-NMR and mass spectrometry. Under the same device fabrication conditions, the photovoltaic performance of SD-6 outperformed that of SD-5 and N719 with an overall efficiency of 8.14% (JSC = 19.21 mA cm−2, VOC = 0.675 V and FF = 62.7%), compared to 7.74% of N719 and 4.99% of SD-5. The enhanced photovoltaic power of SD-6 can be attributed to the presence of long alkyl antennas (–C18H37) in SD-6; it reduced the intermolecular aggregation of dyes and suppressed charge recombination, thus resulting in enhanced JSC and VOC values, respectively, compared to its analog SD-5. Furthermore, the presence of indole moieties with long alkyl chains in the ancillary ligand enhanced the photovoltaic performance compared to N719 with bi-anchoring ligands. The photovoltaic and EIS measurements were consistent with the equilibrium molecular geometry calculated using density functional theory (DFT). The structure–property relationships have been discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSC) have shown a rapid increase in efficiency than other photovoltaic technology. Despite its success in terms of efficiency, this technology is inundated with numerous challenges hindering the progress towards commercial viability. The crucial one is the anomalous hysteresis observed in the photocurrent density‐voltage (J−V) response in PSC. The hysteresis phenomenon in the solar cell presents a challenge for determining the accurate power conversion efficiency of the device. A detailed investigation of the fundamental origin of hysteresis behavior in the device and its associated mechanisms is highly crucial. Though numerous theories have been proposed to explain the causes of hysteresis, its origin includes slow transient capacitive current, trapping, and de‐trapping process, ion migrations, and ferroelectric polarization. The remaining issues and future research required toward the understanding of hysteresis in PSC device is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) dominate the class of wet processed semiconductors due to high photoluminescence quantum yield, tunable emission over a wide wavelength range, high carrier mobilities, and high absorption coefficient. Owing to these remarkable properties, MHPs cover next‐generation applications such as solar cells, light emitting diodes, lasers, photocatalysts, etc. Beside these fascinating applications, MHPs attract increased attention as fluorescent sensors for various chemical analytes and environmental changes such as temperature, etc. Likewise, high‐energy radiation detection is also displayed by the MHPs, like in scintillators. Here, the latest advances in MHPs fluorescent sensors and high‐energy X‐ray, gamma‐ray, and beta detectors are reviewed. The basics including match‐mismatch of MHPs for fluorescent sensing and radiation detection applications are discussed. Moreover, the mechanistic understanding of fluorescent sensing and radiation detection by MHPs is also elaborated. The authors conclude with outlooks on future opportunities for MHP fluorescent sensors and high‐energy radiation detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resolution of resources and environmental crises requires an efficient separation technologies, consequently, scientists and engineers are working vigorously for ideal separation materials. Laminar graphene oxide (GO) is a two‐dimensional (2D) material offers considerable interest in this field due to its single atomic layer thickness, good stability, chemical inertness, and variety of functional groups. Recently, GO have emerged as a novel membrane material for molecular and ionic separation of gases, solvent, water, and desalination applications. This tutorial review aims to discuss the various approaches used to control the stacking of GO‐based membrane with emphasis of advantages and drawbacks associated with each approach. Further, attention will also be given to describe the recent progress in GO based membranes for ionic and molecular separations. Meanwhile, challenges and opportunities will also be discussed in detail. We hope this review expected to provide a compact source of information that will be of great interest to chemists, material scientists, physicists, and engineers working or planning to work in GO based membranes for separation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transient absorption and luminescence study is used for addressing the charge separation, recombination and regeneration reactions at nanostructured metal oxide/PbS quantum dot/organic hole conductor heterojunctions. The studies have shown a correlation between the PbS particle size and the yield of charge separation at PbS/Sn[O.sub.2] interfaces, with a smaller PbS particle radius that has resulted in a higher yield of charge separation.