Graphene based 2D materials with a surfeit of active sites and advantageously high surface to volume ratio are effectively linked to well established nanostructured semiconducting metal oxides for development of nanocomposites with enhanced gas sensing properties. Graphene Oxide (GO), a sister material of graphene, is therefore a natural choice for development of room temperature operated gas sensors. In the current investigation hydrothermally grown GO and ZnO nanorods composite (GO–ZnO–NR) is utilised for room temperature gas sensing of H₂ and SO₂ gases. Room temperature detection of H₂ and SO₂ at sub-100 ppm levels with linear variation in response for different concentrations is demonstrated. Morphological and structural analyses are conducted using Scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. GO-ZnO-NR composite sensor is seen to exhibit robust sensing response of 5.82 and 5.45 for 100 ppm each of H₂ and SO₂ gases respectively at room temperature. Further, the delayed response and recovery times exhibited by the sensor for SO₂ gas are recognized to be due to formation of strongly adhering SO₃ species.

In today’s global context, the escalation of air pollution stands out as an immensely critical environmental challenge that has attained a worldwide magnitude. This pressing issue not only impacts every living organism on our planet but is also intricately linked to the phenomenon of climate change. The significant increase in vehicular traffic, rapid urbanization, and infrastructure development have indirectly contributed to a higher concentration of harmful gaseous and particulate pollutants in the atmosphere, posing serious risks to human health. Extensive research has thoroughly documented the adverse effects of these air pollutants, with mortality and morbidity rates varying depending on the type of pollutant and the duration of exposure. However, amidst this crisis, green plants emerge as a cost-effective and promising solution to combat environmental pollution, presenting several additional benefits. Specifically, pollutiontolerant plant species are crucial in reducing ambient air pollution and the urban heat island effect. To assess a plant’s tolerance towards air pollution, experts use the air pollution tolerance index (APTI), which calculates crucial factors such as ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, pH, and relative water content in the plant. This determination provides a reliable method for categorizing plants into either tolerant or sensitive types in the face of air pollution. Moreover, the morphological characteristics of leaves, such as stomata distribution and density, cuticle thickness, and trichome density, play an essential role in adsorbing and absorbing particulate matter from the air. These inherent qualities further enhance plants’ potential to combat air pollution in a sustainable manner, making them valuable assets for the future. In light of this, the present review highlights the impressive capacity of plants to remediate air pollutants and explores the various strategies employed in this crucial endeavor. By leveraging the remarkable capabilities of green plants, we have the opportunity to address the air pollution crisis and embrace a sustainable path for the times to come. These remarkable organisms could be the sustainable saviors we need to protect our environment and secure a healthier future for all.

In this paper, nanostructured tungsten oxide (WO₃) thin films are deposited using the RF-magnetron sputtering technique in Glancing Angle (GLAD) arrangement. Variation in the structural, morphological, optical, and resistive switching (RS) characteristics of nanostructured WO₃ film is investigated as a function of GLAD angle (60°–80°). Electrical studies on nanostructured WO₃ films deposited at room temperature are found to exhibit enhanced bipolar resistive-switching properties in metal–insulator–metal pattern [Au/WO₃/ITO]. The R_ON/R_OFF ratio between high and low resistance states was noted to be about 190 besides a minimum set voltage of ∼2.22 V in the case of the WO₃ thin film deposited at the 70° glancing angle. A detailed current transport mechanism analysis indicates the existence of ohmic-behavior and trap-assisted space charge limited conduction as the governing mechanisms at the state of low and high applied bias, respectively. Good data-retention characteristics coupled with reproducible and fast RS capabilities obtained with Au/WO₃/ITO device structure promise scope of rapid development in future RS-based novel memory device applications.

Climate-change (CC) is associated with any shifts in weather patterns, whether in space or time, and is largely attributed to enduring human activities. Climate-change is also caused by natural phenomena including dust storms, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions besides meteorites crashing onto the surface of the earth. Rising global temperatures are a significant consequence of climate-change, causing an increase in freak weather phenomena as well as causing damage to biodiversity, ecosystems, plant-pollinator connections, seed distribution and recruitment, food security, public-health and water. Presence and detection of oxides of nitrogen & sulphur, methane, water-vapour and carbon-di-oxide (mainly greenhouse gases) constitute the key determinants of the ill-effects on climate caused by human interference and exploitation. Aerosols, too, contribute significantly to global warming, as do chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). By the conclusion of the century, a distressing increase of 1.5°C in average surface temperature is projected. This review examines the current condition of climate-change while investigating its causes, compiling results of its negative effects on plant pollination, seed dispersal, ecosystems and biodiversity, in addition to public health. Furthermore, this study also includes a comprehensive overview of sustainable mitigating measures to overcome the disaster of climate-change.