We investigated the use of titania coated ZnO tetrapods for photocatalytic degradation of two common types of microplastics, namely polyethylene (PE) microparticles and polyester (PES) microfibers. We found that the plastics morphology affects the rate of degradation, and that the use of electron scavengers is needed to maintain the reactivity of the photocatalysts over a prolonged period of time. Complete mass loss of PE and PES is achieved under UV illumination for 480 h and 624 h, respectively. In addition to pristine microplastics, the degradation of environmental microplastics sample (consisting primarily of polypropylene) was also demonstrated, though in this case longer degradation time (∼816 h) was needed to achieve complete mass loss of the samples.

Herein, we report the existence of a novel semiconductor–metal–semiconductor type transition in Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles by employing impedance spectroscopy techniques.

The coexistence of considerably high dielectric and magnetic characteristics in BaFe₁₁Cu_1−xNi_xO₁₉ hexaferrites with x = 1.0 make them attractive as microwave absorbers.

T ₅₀ lifetimes of green PeLEDs reported in the literature vary widely even for very efficient devices. Standardization of stability testing and prolonged testing time instead of T₅₀ estimates from accelerated testing is needed for consistent progress.

Among all-inorganic perovskite materials, CsPbIBr₂ provides the optimal equilibrium between optical bandgap and phase stability. However, notwithstanding these advantageous, interfacial defects and improper band alignment continue to diminish the photovoltaic efficacy of CsPbIBr₂-based PSCs. This study used the SCAPS-1D software to undertake a thorough examination of operating mechanism of CsPbIBr₂-based devices. A comprehensive analysis is conducted on a range of physical parameters pertaining to the FTO/ZnOS/CsPbIBr₂/CZTS configuration, encompassing doping concentration, operating temperature, defect density, electron affinity, thickness, series and shunt resistance. The simulation outcomes revealed that PSCs characterized by a low defect density and an ideal band structure enhance the performance of the devices by facilitating the transport and separation of charge carriers. The optimized device achieved an efficiency of 16.68%, short-circuits current density (J_SC) of 11.52 mA cm⁻², open-circuit voltage (V_OC) of 1.64 V, and Fill factor (FF) of 87.83%. These simulation findings will provide useful information for experimental fabrication of efficient CsPbIBr₂-based inorganic PSC.

Two-dimensional tin halide perovskites are of significant interest for light emitting applications. Here, we investigate the effect of organic cation A on the stability of different Dion–Jacobson tin-based halide perovskites. The ASnBr₄ materials using diammonium cation A with shorter alkyl chains are found to exhibit improved stability, exhibiting dramatic stability difference between the most stable HDASnBr₄, where HDA denotes 1,6-hexanediammonium, and two materials with 8- and 10-carbon alkyl chain ammonium cations. The HDASnBr₄ powders were thermally stable at 100 °C in an argon environment but exhibited decreasing photoluminescence with time in ambient air at 100 °C. The sample degradation at 100 °C is accelerated compared to room temperature, but it proceeds along similar pathways, namely phase transformation followed by perovskite decomposition. Light emission from HDASnBr₄ thin films could be further enhanced by methanol vapor treatment, and warm white emission with Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) coordinates (0.37, 0.34) could be obtained by combining HDASnBr₄ with a blue-emitting polymer film, while direct mixing of blue phosphor and HDASnBr₄ powder yields white emission with CIE coordinates of (0.34, 0.32).