This article outlines the preparation of manganese-doped copper nanoparticles (Mn + Cu NPs) using Vinca rosea (L.) leaf extract as a convenient and environmentally friendly substance. UV–vis, FT–IR, XRD, SEM–EDAX, and DLS instrumental techniques were employed to describe the physical and chemical properties of synthesized V. rosea extract-mediated Vr-Mn + Cu NPs. The synthesized Vr-Mn + Cu NPs were observed to be monodispersed and spherical, with an average size of 412 nm. The plant extract includes a variety of phytochemical components. The Vr-Mn + Cu NPs also have potential antioxidant and antibacterial properties against selected pathogens. The green synthesized Vr-Mn + Cu NPs showed a maximum inhibition zone of 16.33 ± 0.57 mm against E. coli. For dye degradation, MR, EBT, and MO showed the highest degradation percentage capabilities with Vr-Mn + Cu NP-based adsorbents, which were determined to be 78.54 ± 0.16, 87.67 ± 0.06, and 69.79 ± 0.36. The results clearly show that biosynthesized Vr-Mn + Cu NPs may be employed as an antioxidant, antibacterial, photocatalytic dye degradation, and catalytic agent, as well as being ecologically benign.

The energy conversion efficiency of a conventional $pn$ junction solar cell decreases as the temperature increases, and this may eventually lead to failures in the photovoltaic system, especially if it uses concentrated solar radiation. In this work, we show that spectrally selective reflector (SSR) surfaces can be important for reducing the heat buildup on passively cooled solar cells. We outline a computational scheme for optimizing DC magnetron-sputtered ${\mathrm{TiO}}_2$:Nb-based SSRs tailored for silicon solar cells and find good agreement of the reflectance with an experimental realization of the optimal SSR. A figure of merit for SSRs has also been derived and applied to the experimental data.

Photodetectors based on one-dimensional structures have recently attracted great interest due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and light-trapping efficiency. In this study, a self-powered photodetector based on vertically aligned WO₃ nanorod with SiO₂ as an interfacial layer has been fabricated using glancing angle deposition. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirms the successful growth of WO₃ nanorod and SiO₂ thin film with a thickness of 125nm and 70nm, respectively. The devices optical properties were also analysed using UV-visible spectroscopy, which revealed a wide bandgap and an intense absorption peak in the ultraviolet region. The electrical analysis showed a nonlinear rectifying current-voltage behaviour with high photosensitivity. Additionally, the photodetector exhibits a fast response of 0.31s rise time and 0.32s fall time at 0V. Moreover, the devices possess a high detectivity and a responsivity of 0.68mA/W. Thus, the obtained finding reveals a potential candidate for self-powered photodetector application.

We report the study of the mechanical structure and optical properties of lead halide perovskite CH₃NH₃PbI₃ using ab initio methods. The ground state energy calculations were performed within density functional theory and generalized gradient approximation using the pseudopotential method with plane-wave basis sets. The norm conserving pseudopotential was used. The ground state properties of the electronic structure of the perovskite were used and elastic parameters such as bulk modulus B, Young’s modulus E, shear modulus G, and Poisson’s ratio were determined and found to be in good agreement with experimental values. The ratio obtained was found to be greater than 1.75. Poisson’s ratio () was obtained as 0.25 implying that CH₃NH₃PbI₃ is a ductile material. The absorption coefficient within the energy range of 0 to 6 eV was found to be 5.76 × 10⁵ cm⁻¹ indicating maximum absorption. The absorption coefficient compares well with the available experimental and computed values.