Platinum (Pt) counter electrodes (CEs) have consistently shown excellent electrocatalytic performance and holds the record of the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). However, its use for large-scale production is limited either by high temperature required for thermal decomposition of its precursor or by wastage of the material leading to high cost or sophisticated equipment. Here, we report a novel photofabrication technique to fabricate highly transparent platinum counter electrodes by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of platinic acid (H₂PtCl₆.6H₂O) on rigid fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and flexible indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. The photofabrication technique is a facile and versatile method for the fabrication of Pt CEs for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The photofabricated Pt CEs were used to fabricate bifacial DSSCs with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) attaining 7.29% for front illumination and 5.85% for rear illumination. The highest percentage ratio of the rear illumination efficiency to the front illumination efficiency (η_R) of 85.92% was recorded while the least η_Ris 77.91%.

Biofouling is a significant concern in sensors and diagnostic applications as it results in reduced sensitivity, selectivity, and response time, false signals or noise, and ultimately causes a reduction in the sensor lifespan. This is particularly a concern while developing non-enzymatic glucose sensors (NEGS) that can be used to fabricate implantable sensors for continuous glucose monitoring. Thus, developing advanced materials solutions in the form of nanomaterials that display inherent antifouling activity is imperative. Due to their small nanosized dimensions and tunable microstructures, nanomaterials display unique physio-chemical properties that display antifouling efficiency and thus can be applied towards developing highly stable, sensitive, and selective NEGS. Through this review, we aim to explore the recent advances in the field of antifouling nanomaterials that offer promising potential to be applied towards developing NEGS. We discuss the details of various biofouling-resistant nanomaterials, including graphene and graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and polymeric nanocomposites. Further, we highlighted the possible mechanism of action involving nanomaterials in providing antifouling features in NEGS, followed by a brief discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using nanomaterials for antifouling in developing NEGS. Finally, we concluded the article by proposing the future prospects of this promising technology.

In this study, seeded zinc oxide (Z-ZnO) thin films were fabricated by a two-step electrochemical deposition process. Different annealing temperatures (300, 400, 500, and 600 °C) were investigated to determine the most effective temperature for the photocatalytic activity. Comprehensive analyses were conducted using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–visible spectrophotometry. The XRD results confirmed the formation of a wurtzite hexagonal structure, with the highest crystallinity observed at 400 °C. The lowest band gap value, 3.29 eV, was also recorded for Z-ZnO thin film annealed at 400 °C. SEM images revealed that the thin film treated at 400 °C exhibited a well-defined and uniform structure, contributing to its enhanced properties. The photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO (without seeding layer) and Z-ZnO thin films annealed at 400 °C was evaluated through the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) to prove the effect of the presence of a primary seeding layer on ZnO 400 °C thin film efficiency. The degradation efficiency of ZnO thin film without seeding layer was 69.8%. By applying a seeding layer in Z-ZnO 400 °C thin film, the degradation efficiency has been increased to 75.8%. On the other hand, Z-ZnO 400 °C thin film achieved a high degradation efficiency of 82.6% over 300 min in the photoelectrocatalytic system. The obtained Z-ZnO thin films annealed at 400 °C are highly effective photocatalysts and photoelectrocatalysts, offering a significant potential for the degradation of pharmaceuticals and other pollutants in water.