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Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanorods have great potential in several applications including gas sensors, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells because of their unique properties. Here, three low cost and ecofriendly techniques were used to produce ZnO nanorods on FTO substrates: hydrothermal, chemical bath deposition (CBD), and electrochemical deposition (ECD). This study explores the impact of such methods on the optical, structural, electrical, morphological, and photoelectrochemical properties of nanorods using various measurements. XRD analysis confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO nanorods in all three methods, with hydrothermal showing a preferred orientation (002) and CBD and ECD samples showing multiple growth directions, with average particle sizes of 31 nm, 34 nm, and 33 nm, respectively. Raman spectra revealed hexagonal Wurtzite structure of ZnO, with hydrothermal method exhibiting higher E 2 (high) peak at 438 cm −1 than CBD and ECD methods. SEM results revealed hexagonal ZnO nanorods became more regular and thicker for the hydrothermal method, while CBD and ECD led to less uniform with voids. UV-vis spectra showed absorption lines between 390 nm and 360 nm. Optical bandgap energies were calculated as 3.32 eV, 3.22 eV, and 3.23 eV for hydrothermal, CBD, and ECD samples, respectively. PL spectra revealed UV emission band with a small intensity peak around 389 nm and visible emission peaks at 580 nm. Temperature dependent PL measurements for ZnO nanorods indicated that the intensities ratio between bound exciton and free exciton decreases with temperature increases for the three methods. Photocurrent measurements revealed ZnO nanorod films as n-type semiconductors, with photocurrent values of 2.25 µA, 0.28 µA, and 0.3 µA for hydrothermal, CBD, and ECD samples, and photosensitivity values of 8.01, 2.79, and 3.56 respectively. Our results suggest that the hydrothermal method is the most effective approach for fabricating high-quality ZnO nanorods for optoelectronic applications.

ZrS 2 is transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) which is believed one of the most talented applicants to fabricate photovoltaics. Therefore, we present here for the first-time numerical simulation of novel inorganic ZrS 2 /CuO heterojunction solar cells employing SCAPS-1D. The influence of the thickness, carrier concentration, and bandgap for both the window and absorber layers on the solar cell fundamental parameters was explored intensely. Our results reveal that the solar cell devices performance is mainly affected by many parameters such as the depletion width ( W d ), built-in voltage ( V bi ), collection length of charge carrier, the minority carrier lifetime, photogenerated current, and recombination rate. The η of 23.8% was achieved as the highest value for our simulated devices with the V oc value of 0.96 V, the J sc value of 34.2 mA/cm 2 , and the FF value of 72.2%. Such efficiency was obtained when the CuO band gap, thickness, and carrier concentration were 1.35 eV, 5.5 µm, and above 10 18  cm −3 , respectively, and for the ZrS 2 were 1.4 eV, 1 µm, and less than 10 20  cm −3 , respectively. Our simulated results indicate that the inorganic ZrS 2 /CuO heterojunction solar cells are promising to fabricate low-cost, large-scale, and high-efficiency photovoltaic devices.

A crystal, highly efficient, environmentally friendly, and low-cost metal-organic framework iron–aluminium-based metal–organic framework composed of Fe³⁺/Al³⁺ nodes coordinated with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate (BTC) linkers (Fe–Al@BTC) was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. Photoelectrochemical properties of MOF were evaluated employing Mott-Schottky and EIS Measurements. Flat band potential and carrier density were 0.76 V and 1.3 × 10 20 cm − 3 . The measurements confirmed that Fe-Al@BTC is an n-type semiconductor. It exhibited promising electrochemical properties where charge transfer resistance and double-layer capacitance were observed at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Moreover, at a scan rate of 10 mV/s, the specific capacitance of Fe-Al@BTC MOF from cyclic voltammetry is 339.24 F/g. The structure BTC and MOF were optimized by DFT/ B3LYP 6-31G (d, p) to clarify their physical descriptor and identify their HOMO-LUMO band gap, which was more correlated with Physical and biological results. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of Fe-Al @BTC was evaluated by optical density measurements and the cut plug method. It showed remarkable inhibition of bacterial growth by 100% at a concentration of 600 mg\\L. Moreover, a molecular docking study of Fe-Al @BTC was performed to understand molecular interaction with Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 protein and its reactivity. Our results indicate that Fe-Al @BTC is a promising candidate for energy and environmental applications.

In this study, the impact of temperature on metal-organic framework (Fe-Co-Al @BTC) structural properties and antibacterial activity was investigated. It was synthesized by both hydrothermal method and at room temperature. It exhibited remarkable differences in crystallinity, porosity, morphology, and antibacterial activity. Fe-Co-Al@BTC prepared at room temperature exhibited higher crystallinity, larger average particle size, distinct morphology, and enhanced antibacterial activity compared to the hydrothermally synthesized sample. The estimated optical band gap was found to be ~ 2.48 eV and 2.25 eV for MOF synthesized at room temperature and hydrothermal conditions, respectively which was confirmed by PL results. Antibacterial performance, evaluated using optical density measurements and the cut plug method, demonstrated 100% bacterial growth inhibition at 600 mg/L for the room temperature sample, whereas the hydrothermal sample showed 50% inhibition at the same concentration. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the LANL2DZ basis set revealed the MOF’s electronic and photocatalytic properties, indicating stability, moderate reactivity, and potential for photocatalytic applications through analysis of the HOMO–LUMO gap and metal-to-ligand charge transfer. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that room temperature synthesis is more favorable despite slower crystallization, while hydrothermal synthesis is faster but energetically more demanding. Both syntheses were exothermic; however, higher temperature reduces spontaneity due to entropic penalties, with Gibbs free energy confirming room-temperature synthesis as the preferred approach.

One of the main components of the worldwide transition to sustainable energy is solar cells, usually referred to as photovoltaics. By converting sunlight into power, they lessen their reliance on fossil fuels and the release of greenhouse gases. Because solar cells are decentralized, distributed energy systems may be developed, which increases the efficiency of the cells. Chalcogenide perovskites have drawn interest due to their potential in solar energy conversion since they provide distinctive optoelectronic characteristics and stability. But high temperatures and lengthy reaction periods make it difficult to synthesise and process them. Therefore, we present the inaugural numerical simulation using SCAPS-1D for emerging inorganic BaZrS 3 /CuO heterojunction solar cells. This study delves into the behaviour of diverse parameters in photovoltaic devices, encompassing efficiency (η) values, short-circuit current density (J sc ), fill factor (FF), and open-circuit voltage (V oc ). Additionally, we thoroughly examine the impact of window and absorber layer thickness, carrier concentration, and bandgap on the fundamental characteristics of solar cells. Our findings showcase the attainment of the highest efficiency (η) values, reaching 27.3% for our modelled devices, accompanied by J sc values of 40.5 mA/cm 2 , V oc value of 0.79 V, and FF value of 85.2. The efficiency (η) values are chiefly influenced by the combined effects of V oc , J sc , and FF values. This optimal efficiency was achieved with CuO thickness, band gap, and carrier concentration set at 5 µm, 1.05 eV, and above 10 19  cm −3 , respectively. In comparison, the optimal parameters for BaZrS 3 include a thickness of 1 µm, a carrier concentration below 10 20  cm −3 , and a band gap less than 1.6 eV. Therefore, in the near future, the present simulation will simultaneously provide up an entirely novel field for the less defective perovskite solar cell.

Kesterite materials, especially copper zinc tin sulphide (CZTS), have emerged as very promising solar cell materials because of their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendly composition. CZTS, composed of abundant and nontoxic elements, stands as a leading candidate among materials for efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective photovoltaic technologies. The \" FTO/TiO 2 /CZTS/CuO/Au \" solar cell has been simulated using SCAPS-1D, where FTO is the front contact, TiO 2 is the electron transport layer, CZTS is the absorber layer, CuO is the hole transport layer and Au is the back contact, this device presenting an investigation of the structure, material properties, and carrier dynamics of such a device under standard AM 1.5 G illumination at 300 K. By defining characteristics of the layers, such as thickness, band gap, doping concentrations, and mobility, the software gives insight into photovoltaic performance with main results concerning J-V curves, quantum efficiency, and energy band diagrams. The maximum simulated efficiency achieved is 33.56% by optimising different parameters such as thickness, carrier concentration, and band gap.

Upon systemic infection with human pathogenic yeast ( ), human monocytes and polymorph nuclear neutrophilic granulocytes are the first immune cells to respond and come into contact with . Monocytes exert immediate candidacidal activity and inhibit germination, mediate phagocytosis, and kill fungal cells. Here, we show that human monocytes spontaneously respond to cells phagocytosis, decondensation of nuclear DNA, and release of this decondensed DNA in the form of extracellular traps (called monocytic extracellular traps: MoETs). Both subtypes of monocytes (CD14 CD16 /CD14 CD16 ) formed MoETs within the first hours upon contact with . MoETs were characterized by the presence of citrullinated histone, myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, and elastase. MoETs were also formed in response to and , indicating a general reaction of monocytes to infectious microbes. MoET induction differs from extracellular trap formation in macrophages as MoETs are not triggered by simvastatin, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis and inducer of extracellular traps in macrophages. Extracellular traps from both monocytes and neutrophils activate complement and C3b is deposited. However, factor H (FH) binds C3b to the extracellular DNA, mediates cofactor activity, and inhibits the induction of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta in monocytes. Altogether, the results show that human monocytes release extracellular DNA traps in response to and that these traps finally bind FH C3b to presumably support clearance without further inflammation.

The continued rise in global temperatures and climate change has increased the demand for renewable energy sources. Recent developments in thin-layer photovoltaic cells have improved power output, affordability, and overall efficiency, spurred by the growing demand for renewable energy sources. In this study, numerical simulations of solar cells utilizing (SCAPS-1D) were employed to examine the efficiency of a CuBi 2 O 4 -based thin-film solar cell (TFSC). The CuBi 2 O 4 absorber layer, known for its stability and optimal bandgap, was integrated with a Cu 2 O hole transport layer (HTL), CdS buffer layer, and TiO 2 electron transference layer (ETL). Numerous constraints, including layer thickness, bandgap, and carrier concentration, were augmented to enhance the photovoltaic characteristics, such as fill factor (FF), open-circuit voltage (V oc ), efficiency (η) and short-circuit current density (J sc ). The study differentiates itself with a device structure constructed from Au/Cu 2 O/CuBi 2 O 4 /CdS/TiO 2 /FTO, which has impressive characteristics such as an open-circuit voltage of 1.2 V, a short-circuit current density of 32.85 mA/cm 2 , a fill factor of 88.42%, and an efficiency of 34.98% at lower defect density, although this efficiency exceeds the theoretical limit established by Shockley-Queisser limit for single-junction solar cells, it is essential to recognize that limit does not consider real-world constraints such as nonradiative recombination. The reported power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 32.56% was obtained under idealized simulation conditions, characterized by minimal bulk and interfacial defect densities. These findings not only affirm the promise of CuBi 2 O 4 as an eco-friendly, low-cost absorber material but also underscore the importance of accounting for both intrinsic and extrinsic defect mechanisms in simulation-driven photovoltaic design.

In this work, Zn-Co@BTC was synthesized under environmentally friendly, economical, and green conditions. It was prepared by the solvothermal method using zinc nitrate hexahydrate and cobalt nitrate hexahydrate as the metals, with benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (BTC) as the ligand. The formation of Zn-Co@BTC MOF was confirmed by Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Transmission electron microscopy. It exhibited high thermal stability, a large surface area, and strong antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against the Bacillus cereus strain identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using optical density measurements and the cut plug method. The results showed remarkable antibacterial activity, achieving near-complete bacterial growth inhibition (99.9%) at 600 mg/L and complete inhibition (100%) at a concentration of 800 mg/L. These findings support the potential use of Zn-Co@BTC MOF as an antibacterial agent in biomedical applications.

CdS thin films were grown on an FTO substrate at different temperatures, employing the low-cost hydrothermal method. All the fabricated CdS thin films were studied using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, PL spectroscopy, a UV–Vis spectrophotometer, photocurrent, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott–Schottky measurements. According to the XRD results, all the CdS thin films were formed in a cubic (zinc blende) structure with a favorable (111) orientation at various temperatures. The Scherrer equation was used to determine the crystal size of the CdS thin films, which varied from 25 to 40 nm. The SEM results indicated that the morphology of thin films seems to be dense, uniform, and tightly attached to the substrates. PL measurements showed the typical green and red emission peaks of CdS films at 520 nm and 705 nm, and these are attributable to free-carrier recombination and sulfur vacancies or cadmium vacancies, respectively. The optical absorption edge of the thin films was positioned between 500 and 517 nm which related to the CdS band gap. For the fabricated thin films, the estimated Eg was found to be between 2.50 and 2.39 eV. According to the photocurrent measurements, the CdS thin films grown were n-type semiconductors. As indicated by EIS, resistivity to charge transfer (RCT) decreased with temperature, reaching its lowest level at 250 °C. Flat band potential and donor density were found to fluctuate with temperature, from 0.39 to 0.76 V and 4.41 × 1018 to 15.86 × 1018 cm−3, respectively, according to Mott–Schottky measurements. Our results indicate that CdS thin films are promising candidates for optoelectronic applications.