ZnO and TiO₂ are both well-known electron transport materials. Their comparison of performance is considered advantageous and novel. Therefore, a viable electrospinning route was considered for the development of highly polycrystalline TiO₂ and ZnO nanofibers as an electron transport material (ETM) for perovskite solar cells. The materials were well-characterized in terms of different analytical techniques. The X-ray diffraction detected polycrystalline structural properties corresponding to TiO₂ and ZnO. Morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed that the nanofibers are long, uniform, and polycrystalline, having a diameter in the nanometer range. Optoelectronic properties showed that TiO₂ and ZnO exhibit absorption values in the ultraviolet and visible ranges, and band gap values for TiO₂ and ZnO were 3.3 and 3.2 eV, respectively. TiO₂ bandgap and semiconductor nature were more compatible with Electron Transport Layer (ETL) compared to ZnO. Electrical studies revealed that TiO₂ nanofibers have enhanced values of conductivity and sheet carrier mobility compared to ZnO nanofibers. Therefore, higher photovoltaic conversion efficiency was achieved for TiO₂ nanofibers (10.4%) compared to ZnO (8.5%).

Purpose: This study aims to investigate and optimize the anti-UV (ultraviolet) performance of dope-dyed ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabric pretreated with atmospheric plasma and tannic acid, aiming to enhance UV blocking while maintaining sustainable processing. Design/methodology/approach: UHMWPE fabric was pretreated by atmospheric plasma and tannic acid, followed by dope dyeing using a TiO2/PDMS-based dispersion system. Processing variables were optimized using response surface methodology. UV blocking efficiency, color strength, surface characteristics, thermal behavior and tensile properties were evaluated. Findings: The optimized treatment significantly blocked UV transmission in both UVA and UVB regions compared with untreated fabric. Tensile testing showed that the breaking force was preserved or markedly improved, with the optimal condition exhibiting an increase of up to approximately 270%. A slight reduction (5%–10%) in yield and fracture times was observed under certain conditions, attributed to increased coating rigidity. Surface and chemical analyses confirmed effective coating deposition supporting enhanced UV-blocking efficiency. Research limitations/implications: This study focused on laboratory-scale parameters; scale-up effects and long-term environmental aging require further evaluation. Practical implications: The optimized, biodegradable, plasma-assisted treatment offers a sustainable route to UV-protective UHMWPE textiles with a reduced carbon footprint and waterless pretreatment. Originality/value: This study demonstrates a novel integration of plasma, tannic acid and TiO2/PDMS dispersion for eco-friendly enhancement of UV resistance in high-performance polymer fabrics.