Next MaterialsPub Date : 2025-02-17DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100545
Azeem Ghulam Nabi , Maryam Hayat , Shahbaz Khan , Salman Nazir , Akhtar Hussain , Aman-ur-Rehman , Gregory A. Chass , Devis Di Tommaso
{"title":"Photocatalytic properties of SrTiO₃ – Impact of (Co-)doping with Sc, Cr, Co, Ir and La","authors":"Azeem Ghulam Nabi , Maryam Hayat , Shahbaz Khan , Salman Nazir , Akhtar Hussain , Aman-ur-Rehman , Gregory A. Chass , Devis Di Tommaso","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The optical properties of doped SrTiO<sub>3</sub> are crucial for solar energy conversion due to their correlation with their efficacy to absorb and convert sunlight to energy. In this study, the impact of La, Co, Cr, Sc, and Ir substitutions on the structural, optical, electrical, and photocatalytic properties of SrTiO<sub>3</sub> were investigated by a series density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Analyses primarily initially focused on the effects of doping and co-doping with Lanthanum (La) followed by systematic investigations of the impact of transition metal (TM) doping with Scandium Chromium, Cobalt and Iridium (Sc, Cr, Co, Ir) an finally co-doping with La and the TM elements. Co-doping leads to a reduction in the bandgap energy and a shift in the bandgap region, making the material more suitable for photo-catalysis. Structures singly-substituted with La, Sc, Cr, Co, and Ir primarily absorbed light in the ultraviolet region, which limits their use in light-based devices. However, SrTiO₃ systems co-doped with La-Ir exhibited significant absorption in the visible region (∼400–750 nm). The co-doped SrTiO₃ maximizes solar light utilization, making it well-suited for applications such as solar cells. Our study sheds light into the optical properties of doped SrTiO₃, highlighting its potential for practical use in solar energy conversion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100545"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143430263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Next MaterialsPub Date : 2025-02-17DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100544
Van-Phu Vu , Nguyen Thi Le Na , Minh Thuy Luong , Nguyen Duc Toan , Ngoc Anh Tran Thi , Thi Thu Nguyen , Manh Ha Hoang , Long Duc Nguyen , Khanh Ly Dao , Thanh Binh Nguyen , Cong Doanh Sai
{"title":"Visible light-driven GO/Ag-ZnO ternary composites for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin and their antibacterial potential","authors":"Van-Phu Vu , Nguyen Thi Le Na , Minh Thuy Luong , Nguyen Duc Toan , Ngoc Anh Tran Thi , Thi Thu Nguyen , Manh Ha Hoang , Long Duc Nguyen , Khanh Ly Dao , Thanh Binh Nguyen , Cong Doanh Sai","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100544","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a simple process for fabricating a seri composite x%GO/Ag-ZnO (x: 0; 3; 5; 10; 15; 20) structure for applications in antibiotic degradation and antibacterial activity. The samples' morphology, structure, and optical properties are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy techniques. The antibiotic degradation ability of the fabricated samples is evaluated under visible light. The results show that the photocatalytic activity is influenced by the GO concentration in the samples. The best photocatalytic activity is observed in the 10 %GO/Ag-ZnO sample, achieving an antibiotic degradation efficiency of up to 85 % after 90 min of illumination. The fabricated sample demonstrates reusability for antibiotic degradation over five cycles, maintaining an efficiency of more than 78 %. Notably, the GO/Ag-ZnO sample exhibits superior antibacterial activity compared to the Ag-ZnO sample at the same concentration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100544"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143430267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Next MaterialsPub Date : 2025-02-17DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100530
Iqra Fatima , Ahmad Khan , Abbas Rahdar , Sonia Fathi-karkan , Zelal Kharaba , Francesco Baino
{"title":"Optimized mesalamine-loaded polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles for targeted colon delivery in inflammatory bowel disease treatment: A central composite design approach","authors":"Iqra Fatima , Ahmad Khan , Abbas Rahdar , Sonia Fathi-karkan , Zelal Kharaba , Francesco Baino","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to develop and optimize mesalamine-loaded polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanoparticles for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using a central composite experimental design. Mesalamine, a pharmaceutical classified as a Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Class IV drug due to its poor solubility and permeability, short half-life (0.5–2 h), and challenges in patient compliance, was selected as the model drug for this study. PECs were synthesized by titrating sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) and chitosan, with the experimental compositions determined using Design Expert® 7.0 software. Formulations were optimized by varying concentrations of chitosan and Na-CMC, considering particle size and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) as the response variables. The optimized PEC nanoparticles were subsequently coated with Eudragit S-100 (ES-100) to enable targeted delivery to the colon. The uncoated nanoparticles had a particle size of 234.9 ± 3.8 nm and a zeta potential of 27.90 ± 2.41 mV. After coating, these values were altered to 319.2 ± 4.1 nm and −13.45 ± 4.13 mV, indicating a shift to a slightly negative surface charge, which contributes to the stability and colon-targeting properties of the nanoparticles. Morphological analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles maintained a roughly spherical shape and that the polymer did not chemically interact with the encapsulated drug. The optimized formulation demonstrated an encapsulation efficiency of 62.26 ± 2.03 %. Drug release studies conducted in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4) showed that uncoated nanoparticles released 91.2 ± 4.5 % of the drug over 48 h, while coated nanoparticles released 74.9 ± 2.9 %, as determined by ANOVA analysis. These findings suggest that the coating effectively extends mesalamine release over time, making this formulation a promising candidate for targeted IBD therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100530"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143430266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Next MaterialsPub Date : 2025-02-17DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100547
Florencia M. Onaga Medina , Marcos E. Peralta , Lorena Diblasi , Marcelo J. Avena , María E. Parolo
{"title":"Dual-function magnetic reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite: Enhanced caffeine abatement via adsorption and photo-Fenton degradation","authors":"Florencia M. Onaga Medina , Marcos E. Peralta , Lorena Diblasi , Marcelo J. Avena , María E. Parolo","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100547","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100547","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work, an easy method for the preparation of reduced graphene oxide-magnetite nanocomposite was developed via the reduction of graphene oxide by ferrous ions and in-situ synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles on graphene sheets. The resulting magnetic nanocomposite (rGO_m) was tested in the abatement of caffeine, serving as a model for emerging pollutants. The reduction of caffeine concentration was accomplished because of the dual-function of rGO_m both as adsorbent and photo-Fenton catalyst. At pH 3, rGO_m achieved a 99 % degradation of caffeine in 90 min and was able to be reused in 4 consecutive cycles remaining 80 % of degradation capacity. At mild acidic conditions, the combined effect of adsorption and photo-Fenton reaction allows rGO_m to reach an 85 % decrease of initial caffeine concentration in 2 h, under simulated solar light radiation. This abatement capacity is noteworthy for high initial caffeine concentration (30 mg L<sup>−1</sup>) and simulated solar light compared to similar nanocomposites tested under more favorable conditions, such us, low initial concentration and/or UV-light irradiation. Furthermore, rGO_m serving as adsorbent for caffeine attained a maximum uptake of 56.5 mg g<sup>−1</sup> at pH 5 and was able to be reused for 6 consecutive cycles without loss of adsorption capacity. Through its dual function this nanocomposite achieved enhanced adsorption and oxidative degradation of caffeine, making it a competitive option for removing emerging pollutants from wastewater under simulated solar light.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100547"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143430264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Next MaterialsPub Date : 2025-02-16DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100532
Muhammad Siddique , Muhammad Sultan , M.Shahid Iqbal Khan , Syed Hamza Safeer
{"title":"Device optimization of CsPbI2Br-based inorganic perovskite solar cells using different charge transport layers via SCAPS-1D","authors":"Muhammad Siddique , Muhammad Sultan , M.Shahid Iqbal Khan , Syed Hamza Safeer","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100532","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100532","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted considerable attention due to their high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) of more than 26 % in recent years. They can be produced at lowcost, and on flexible substrates. They have tunable bandgap making them suitable for a range of applications. However, the thermal instability of these devices is still a challenge for their commercialization. Recently, all-inorganic PSCs based on CsPbI<sub>2</sub>Br emerged as a new potential candidate for photovoltaic applications due to their long-term thermal stability. Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D) software can be used to simulate and analyze the performance of perovskite solar cells. It can be used to study device modeling, solar cell parameter extraction, device optimization, and its comparison with experimental data. Here we have used SCAPS-1D to analyze the device parameters of inorganic perovskite solar cells (n-i-p configuration) with varying hole transport layers (HTLs) and electron transport layers (ETLs). Initially, different HTLs such as CuI, Cu<sub>2</sub>O, CuSCN, and MoO<sub>x</sub> are employed keeping ETL (TiO<sub>2</sub>) and the absorber layer (CsPbI<sub>2</sub>Br) fixed. The highest performance is obtained for devices containing CuSCN as HTL. Furthermore, device performance is further checked by varying the ETL such as ZnO, WS<sub>2</sub>, and SnO<sub>2</sub> keeping HTL (CuSCN) and absorber layer (CsPbI<sub>2</sub>Br) constant. The results showed that the device with configuration FTO/TiO<sub>2</sub>/CsPbI<sub>2</sub>Br/CuSCN/Fe shows better performance. In addition, for each device configuration, the effect of the charge transport layer’s thickness, the effect of absorber layer thickness, band gap, and defect density on the performance of the device has also been studied to obtain the best device performance. The thickness of the charge transport layers, and the absorber layer greatly affect the transport of photo-generated charges within the device. The highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) obtained for n-i-p configuration with TiO<sub>2</sub> (10 nm), CuSCN (30 nm) and absorber layer CsPbI<sub>2</sub>Br (520 nm) is 14.66 %.The corresponding fill factor (FF) for the given configuration is 76.57 %, with short circuit current density (J<sub>SC</sub>) of 16.4 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>, and open circuit voltage (V<sub>OC</sub>) of 1.16 V. We hope our findings will contribute to understanding the Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) structure with different hole transport layers, and ultimately lead to the development of more efficient, stable, and cost-effective perovskite solar cells for commercial applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100532"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Next MaterialsPub Date : 2025-02-15DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100535
S.K. Suja, S. Mathiya
{"title":"Supramolecular gels as materials for energy storage devices","authors":"S.K. Suja, S. Mathiya","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100535","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100535","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The advancement in science and technology behests the scientists for a more reliable energy storage device. Therefore, this has driven the researchers to find a better storage system with high efficiency. Electrochemical energy storage devices are in the limelight since it serves as the main supply of energy owing to their greatly improved energy density, power density, and high lifespan. The use of nanomaterials greatly enhances their performances. The drawback of such materials is their hindrance in the transport of electrons in energy devices. The emerging solution to such existing materials is supramolecular gels. Supramolecular gels are materials architected using small molecules <em>via</em> non-covalent interactions into a polymeric system. The dynamicity in the structure of supramolecular gels with reversibility in their network exhibits versatile properties. Therefore, suitably assembled supramolecular robust gels can be promising candidates in electrochemical energy storage. The interesting feature in supramolecular gels compared to other conventional materials is their reversible cross-linking, which enables them to fabricate 3D flexible electrodes, to exhibit resistance to high and low temperatures, and overcome external electrode damage reversibly. Supramolecular gel materials have been synthesized and their properties have been explored. The hierarchical pores, high surface area with tailorable strength, and the possibility of hybrid gels make them more suitable for various energy storage devices as electrolytes, electrode materials, and binding materials. Also, the macropores and micropores present in them pave the way for the diffusion of ions, addressing both the leakage and dendrite growth problems. Composite gels have been found to exhibit stable mechanical properties and could be used without the aid of any binding agent. Many conducting polymeric gels have been evolved to enhance the transport of electrons. The advantages of preparing hybrid supramolecular gels by incorporating the traditional nanomaterials into supramolecular gels are discussed. The various routes available for the synthesis of supramolecular gels and their potential applications as electrodes, electrolytes, and binders in energy storage devices are compiled in this review. The futuristic scope of supramolecular gels in the field of energy storage is also highlighted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100535"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Next MaterialsPub Date : 2025-02-15DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100527
Harmeet Kaur Kohli, Deepa Parab
{"title":"Green synthesis of carbon quantum dots and applications: An insight","authors":"Harmeet Kaur Kohli, Deepa Parab","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are tiny(less than 10 nanometers size) carbon-based nanoparticles. Their exceptional chemical stability, photo luminescent properties and biocompatibility have opened up fascinating and diverse areas of applications in fields ranging from optoelectronics and photo catalysis to bio imaging and drug delivery. Synthesizing CQDs through varied techniques provides an area of intensive research, aiming to achieve well- controlled precision over their dimensions, structure, and optical properties. The bottom-up approaches as well as the top- down synthesis strategies are the commonly used methods. However these methods not being environment friendly, there has been shift towards greener methods of synthesis. The synthesis of CQDs from natural precursors is an innovative and sustainable approach in nanotechnology. Natural precursors offer a rich source of carbon making them inherently biocompatible due to which they are ideal for synthesis of CQDs with minimal environmental impact with enhanced potential for biomedical and environmental applications due to low or minimal toxicity of the starting materials. In this article we discuss the different methods of synthesis of CQDs and describe the advantages of synthesis from natural precursors as well as their varied applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100527"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Next MaterialsPub Date : 2025-02-13DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100541
Chenghao Yao, Jingyang Lin, Shuai Zhang
{"title":"Polyhexanide derivatives-reinforced silver-polytetrafluoroethylene coatings for enhanced antibacterial properties","authors":"Chenghao Yao, Jingyang Lin, Shuai Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, an antibacterial silver-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-polyhexamethylene biguanide-surfactant (AgFP) coating was developed <em>via</em> electroless plating to combat biofilm-associated infections in medical devices. The incorporation of water-insoluble polyhexamethylene biguanide-surfactant enhanced the surface hydrophilicity of the coatings without compromising their lubricity, resulting in improved silver ion release. The AgFP coatings demonstrated sustained release of PHMB, leading to stronger antibacterial activity compared to silver (Ag) and silver-polytetrafluoroethylene (AgF) coatings, further reducing viable planktonic <em>Escherichia coli</em> by up to 98.1 % and biofilm formation by up to 92 % over three days. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed the coatings are biocompatible, positioning them as a promising strategy for preventing medical device-associated infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100541"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143403124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"All chemically fabricated Co-Pt nanoparticle spin thermoelectric generator on plastic sheet","authors":"Yuichiro Kurokawa , Keisuke Yamada , Kenji Tanabe , Hideki Matsui , Hiromi Yuasa","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The anomalous Nernst effect (ANE) is a heat-charge conversion phenomenon based on magnetic metals that has been extensively studied for use in thermoelectric power generators and heat flow sensors. Thermoelectric power-generation devices require flexibility to accommodate a wide range of applications. In this study, we fabricated a thermoelectric power generator using Co-Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on plastic sheets via a chemical process. The ANE voltage in the Co-Pt NP-assembled film could be successfully observed. Additionally, the thermal conductivity of the NP-assembled film was lower than that of the thin film, owing to the large number of grain boundaries and voids that can scatter phonons. This is important for practical applications because the thermoelectric figure of merit is inversely proportional to thermal conductivity. These results indicate that Co-Pt NP-assembled films are promising materials because they suggest that a thermoelectric generator based on ANE can be fabricated using simple chemical processes that are advantageous for commercial use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100520"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143403121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Next MaterialsPub Date : 2025-02-13DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100537
Mezan Adly Al Qadri , Eka Nurfani
{"title":"Effect of TiO2:Zn layer thickness on the performance of MAPbI3-based perovskite solar cells fabricated under open-air condition","authors":"Mezan Adly Al Qadri , Eka Nurfani","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100537","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100537","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this research, we study the effect of the layer thickness of 2 % mol Zn doped-TiO<sub>2</sub> layers on MAPbI<sub>3</sub>-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) performance. MAPbI<sub>3</sub>-based PCSs have low efficiency. One of the limiters of the MAPbI<sub>3</sub>-based PSC’s efficiency is the thickness of TiO<sub>2</sub> and its electrical properties. This research aims to enhance MAPbI<sub>3</sub>-based PSC efficiency by optimizing the thickness of the Zn-doped TiO₂ layer used as the electron transport layer (ETL). The samples were prepared by depositing Zn-doped TiO₂ onto indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates using a spin coating technique, resulting in samples with 1 (S1), 3 (S2), 5 (S3), and 7 (S4) times of coating and with the structure ITO/TiO<sub>2</sub>:Zn/MAPbI<sub>3</sub>/graphite/ITO. I-V electrical testing revealed increased MAPbI<sub>3</sub>-based PSC efficiency from 11.33 % to 11.54 %, 12.46 %, and 12.97 % for 1, 3, 5, and 7 times of coating, respectively. X-ray diffraction measurements indicated a tetragonal crystal structure with an increase in crystallite size from 17.92 nm to 18.85, 19.73, 20.67 nm for 1, 3, 5, and 7 times of coating, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) on surface section confirmed that the particle size of each sample is 17.84, 25.23, 28.3, and 30.90 nm for 1, 3, 5, and 7 times of coating, respectively. Based on SEM on cross-sectional, the thickness of each sample is 346, 466, 569, and 695 nm, for 1, 3, 5, and 7 times of coating, respectively. UV–VIS spectroscopy analysis a decrease in the band gap from 3.3 eV to 3.25 eV, 3.2 eV, and 3.15 eV for 1, 3, 5, and 7 times of coating, respectively. These findings highlight the potential for improving MAPbI<sub>3</sub>-based PSC efficiency by optimizing Zn-doped TiO₂ layer thickness, with significant implications for MAPbI<sub>3</sub>-based PSC fabrication in open-air environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100537"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143403122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}