H. Medjadji , M. Benlembarek , MM. Kaci , A. Boulahouache , N. Salhi , M. Trari
{"title":"The ability of CaFe2O4 manufactured through a straightforward nitrate method for effective H2 generation","authors":"H. Medjadji , M. Benlembarek , MM. Kaci , A. Boulahouache , N. Salhi , M. Trari","doi":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106380","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106380","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Researchers are now working on creating a highly effective solar-powered device that splits water using a catalyst, addressing the energy crisis and generating green hydrogen. Herein, calcium spinel ferrite CaFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> was successfully employed as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production under visible lighting. CaFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> was prepared using the nitrate route method with nitrates as salt precursors, followed by calcination at 850 °C. Thermal analysis (TGA-DT), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV visible diffuse reflectance, FT-IR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) were used for structural, compositional, morphological, and optical characterization of the prepared material. XRD verified a single phase of CaFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, showing an orthorhombic structure with a mean crystallite size of 31 nm. The direct band gap of 1.85 eV was estimated from diffuse reflectance data. SEM micrographs exhibited heterogeneous grains with irregular shapes and medium porosity. EDX elemental analysis revealed the occurrence of Ca, Fe, and O, indicating the high purity of the prepared material, while XPS analysis supported these results. The photocatalytic ability of the resultant sample showed optimal hydrogen generation of approximately 139.04 μmol in a Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> electrolyte (10<sup>−3</sup> M) upon visible exposure, even lacking hole scavengers. Interestingly, the occurrence of SO<sub>3</sub>²⁻ as hole scavengers increased the hydrogen generation by 1.19 times after 30 min of illumination. Also, the stability of the sample was also evaluated throughout 3 straight uses, demonstrating promising stability with a performance drop of (∼21 %). Considering the simplified manufacturing approach and remarkable effectiveness, this research argues that CaFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> might be a promising photocatalyst for renewable and green energy generation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22081,"journal":{"name":"Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 106380"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143869888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Resistive Switching in CaF2-MoS2 Nanocomposite thin films for low energy memory and neuromorphic applications","authors":"Meenu Maria Sunny , R. Thamankar","doi":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106326","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106326","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cognitive computing paradigm is an innovative field of research contrary to the conventional methods, seeking inspiration from human brain. The limitations of von Neumann architecture can be overcome by replacing the conventional computer architecture with artificial synapse-based techniques that are inspired by human brain composed of neurons and synapses. In this study, we report the fundamental synaptic performance of CaF<sub>2</sub>-MoS<sub>2</sub> nanocomposite film. The electronic conduction exhibited by the Al/CaF<sub>2</sub>-MoS<sub>2</sub>/Al device is attributed to via the charge trapping and detrapping at the interface. The device can be operated with low energy consumption/spike (<span><math><mo>∼</mo></math></span> nJ) that varies linearly with the voltage pulse width. Device exhibits excellent synaptic functionalities with stable potentiation and depression curves lasting multiple cycles. Each potentiation and depression curve can be fitted with a bi-exponential function indicating two dominant processes affecting synaptic current. Further the synaptic amplification can be tuned by using voltage pulses of different frequencies. Spike rate dependent plasticity (SRDP) shows a cut-off frequency beyond which the synaptic amplification occurs in the devices. This work proposes a new avenue for CaF<sub>2</sub> based artificial synaptic device which can be utilized for multifunctional applications in future. The work also details the importance of tuning various parameters for electrical stimulation such as pulse voltage and pulse width to get optimum performance of artificial synapse in such nanocomposite based devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22081,"journal":{"name":"Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 106326"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143826194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yifu Zhang , Xianfang Tan , Zilong Zhang , Yan Xia , Xiaoming Zhu , Changgong Meng
{"title":"Surface reconstruction of V2O5 boosting ammonium-ion storage","authors":"Yifu Zhang , Xianfang Tan , Zilong Zhang , Yan Xia , Xiaoming Zhu , Changgong Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106456","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106456","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Developing electrode materials for aqueous ammonium-ion batteries (AAIBs) has garnered significant attention recently. Owing to its poor intrinsic conductivity, sluggish electron transfer and ion diffusion kinetics, boosting the ammonium-ion storage properties of vanadium pentoxide (V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>) remains significant challenge. In this work, we develop a surface reconstruction strategy to enhance the ammonium-ion storage of V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>. V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> nanowires are firstly synthesized using a hydrothermal method and then these nanowires are etched by the insufficient dilute hydrochloric acid under the pumping filtration to obtain surface reconstruction of V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> (denoted as e-V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>). Both experimental and theoretical calculation results manifest that the surface reconstruction strategy can improve the conductivity, kinetic and mass/ion transport of V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>, resulting in enhancing its ammonium-ion storage. The e-V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> achieves the specific capacity of 160 mAh <em>g</em><sup>−1</sup> at 0.1 A <em>g</em><sup>−1</sup>, which is much higher than that of V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> nanowires (116 mAh <em>g</em><sup>−1</sup>) and even superior to the reported materials for ammonium-ion storage. The e-V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>//PTCDI (3,4,9,10-perylene-bis(dicarboximide)) battery delivers <strong><em>E</em></strong> (energy density) of 112 Wh·kg<sup>−1</sup> at <strong><em>P</em></strong> (power density) of 315 W·kg<sup>−1</sup>. This work not only proves the potential of e-V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> for applications to aqueous batteries, but also provides a surface reconstruction strategy for structural engineering of vanadium oxides with boosted ammonium-ion storage properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22081,"journal":{"name":"Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 106456"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143824143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jaehyeok Kim , Donghyun Kim , Tatsuya Nakazawa , Seunggyu Na , Sanghun Lee , Seonyeong Park , Yusuke Ohshima , Hiroki Sato , Hyungjun Kim
{"title":"Exploring the growth and optoelectronic properties of PtSe2 films via pulsed chemical vapor deposition","authors":"Jaehyeok Kim , Donghyun Kim , Tatsuya Nakazawa , Seunggyu Na , Sanghun Lee , Seonyeong Park , Yusuke Ohshima , Hiroki Sato , Hyungjun Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106429","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106429","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials exhibit remarkable potential for electronic, photoelectronic and catalytic applications due to their unique layer-dependent physical properties. Among these materials, platinum diselenide (PtSe<sub>2</sub>) has superior characteristics such as high carrier mobility, a widely tunable band gap, and excellent stability, making it a promising candidate for optoelectronic devices. However, an efficient and scalable synthesis method for high-quality PtSe<sub>2</sub> is still lacking. Herein, we report the synthesis of large-scale PtSe<sub>2</sub> thin films via pulsed chemical vapor deposition (P-CVD). In the P-CVD process, adequate selenization during the precursor interruption time enables the production of high-quality PtSe<sub>2</sub> films with a Pt:Se atomic ratio close to 1:2, compared to the conventional CVD method. Additionally, we investigate the lateral and vertical growth modes of PtSe<sub>2</sub> controlled by the Ar flow rate. The fabricated P-CVD PtSe<sub>2</sub> photodetector exhibits enhanced performance at 940 nm, with a responsivity of 6.4 and 14.1 mA/W and response times of 75/78 ms and 181/182 ms for films grown at 50 and 200 sccm, respectively. These findings provide insights into the growth behavior of P-CVD PtSe<sub>2</sub> depending on the Ar flow rate and demonstrate its photodetector characteristics in the near-infrared range.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22081,"journal":{"name":"Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 106429"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yubao Li , Guangyuan Chen , Shaowen Wu, Chenyang Lin, Tingting Tang, Qina Quan, Yunyun Lu, Shijian Zhou, Yan Kong
{"title":"Photostable hollow core-shell ZnSe@PDA-7 type-II heterojunction with built-in electric field for efficient photocatalytic generation of H2O2","authors":"Yubao Li , Guangyuan Chen , Shaowen Wu, Chenyang Lin, Tingting Tang, Qina Quan, Yunyun Lu, Shijian Zhou, Yan Kong","doi":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106427","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106427","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Various strategies have been developed to prevent electron-hole recombination and photocorrosion in sulfur-based semiconductors, improving catalyst efficiency and enabling high-activity, stable photocatalytic H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> generation. In this study, we construct a hollow core-shell catalyst by tightly coating hollow ZnSe microspheres with an organic semiconductor polydopamine (PDA) via a self-polymerization method, effectively reduces the impact of photocorrosion on ZnSe. DFT calculations confirmed the formation of a built-in electric field at the ZnSe/PDA interface, which, under its influence, promotes the creation of a type-II heterojunction favorable for photocatalytic H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> generation. The built-in electric field and type-II heterojunction enhance charge carrier transfer and separation. The PDA coating also improves O<sub>2</sub> adsorption and light utilization of ZnSe, further enhancing H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> photocatalytic performance. Results show that ZnSe@PDA-7, with optimal PDA loading, achieves an H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> generation rate of 1978.5 μmol g<sup>-1</sup> h<sup>-1</sup> under visible light irradiation in pure water. This method of organic polymer coating on chalcogenide semiconductors effectively mitigates photocorrosion effects and improves charge carrier separation, offering a sustainable solution for clean energy synthesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22081,"journal":{"name":"Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 106427"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143829131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sihan Ji , Xianglong Zhao , Yunyu Cai , Yixing Ye , Dewei Liang , Chengliang Han , Kunhong Hu , Changhao Liang
{"title":"Laser-engineered metastable α-Fe2O3 nanodots with remarkable peroxidase-like catalytic activity for glucose sensing","authors":"Sihan Ji , Xianglong Zhao , Yunyu Cai , Yixing Ye , Dewei Liang , Chengliang Han , Kunhong Hu , Changhao Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106455","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106455","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Iron-based oxides have been a focus point in the study of nanozymes since the discovery of the intrinsic enzyme-like catalytic activity of Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>. However, α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> has received limited attention due to its relatively low enzyme-like catalytic efficiency, despite its considerable industrial potential and wide-ranging applications. In this work, we present the synthesis of metastable α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanodots (M-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> NDs) using an innovative laser processing technique. The formation of the metastable structure is primarily attributed to laser-induced high temperature fragmentation and rapid quenching. M-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> NDs exhibit remarkable peroxidase-like activity, attributed to their high specific surface area, the rapid regeneration of surface Fe<sup>2+</sup> facilitated by the elevated Fe<sup>2+</sup>/Fe<sup>3+</sup> ratio, and the strong affinity for H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> resulting from their weak-crystalline structure. The catalytic efficiency of M-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> NDs was found to be 17,438 times higher than that of α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles before laser treatment and 87 times higher than that of Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NDs of comparable size. Additionally, we have developed a highly sensitive glucose sensor by integrating M-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> NDs with glucose oxidase. This development paves the way for the design of more efficient Fe-based oxidase nanozymes and the enhancement of glucose sensors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22081,"journal":{"name":"Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 106455"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143820561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Interface engineering of WS2/CoS2 heterostructure as a highly efficient electrode for hydrogen evolution reaction","authors":"Hamza Belhadj , Wissem Boughouiche , Nada Boumazza , Yazid Messaoudi , Ilyas Belkhettab , Mohamed R. Khelladi , Amor Azizi","doi":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106447","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106447","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Transition metal sulfides electrodes based heterogeneous nanostructures have attracted much attention to be used as electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, a nanosheet arrays WS<sub>2</sub>/CoS<sub>2</sub> heterostructure grown on copper substrate as HER electrocatalyst with high density of active sites was fabricated by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. In comparison to pristine WS<sub>2</sub> and CoS<sub>2</sub> electrocatalysts, the WS<sub>2</sub>/CoS<sub>2</sub> heterostructure showed a high HER activity with a small overpotential of 252 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm<sup>-2</sup> in alkaline medium. Benefiting from the unique structure and synergetic effect between WS<sub>2</sub> and CoS<sub>2</sub>, the resultant WS<sub>2</sub>/CoS<sub>2</sub> electrocatalyst exhibits a large number of exposed heterointerfaces as highly abundant active sites, showing a fast charge transfer and a large electrochemical active surface area (ECSA: 52.75 cm<sup>2</sup>), which indicates a mutual relationship between interfacial engineering properties and electrocatalytic HER performance. Furthermore, the as-prepared WS<sub>2</sub>/CoS<sub>2</sub> heterostructure retained its outstanding activity even after 1000 cycles, indicating excellent stability and notable durability toward HER. These fascinating characteristics via heterostructure engineering make the WS<sub>2</sub>/CoS<sub>2</sub> electrocatalyst a remarkably effective and attractive candidate for future electrocatalytic hydrogen applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22081,"journal":{"name":"Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 106447"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143837984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rui Liu , Lei Jin , Zhixian Zhang , Xiqian Hu , Lintao Ma , Yi Ao , Yu Shen , Tao Zhu , Li Chen , Yangze Lu , Jianxin Wang , Chunyan Li , Weigen Chen
{"title":"X-SnSe (X=Co and Cr):A potential gas sensor and scavenger candidate for energy and power equipment characteristic gases (H₂, CO, CO₂, CH₄, and C₂H₂)","authors":"Rui Liu , Lei Jin , Zhixian Zhang , Xiqian Hu , Lintao Ma , Yi Ao , Yu Shen , Tao Zhu , Li Chen , Yangze Lu , Jianxin Wang , Chunyan Li , Weigen Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106446","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106446","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the widespread application of novel energy and power equipment, the selective monitoring of characteristic state gases (H₂, CH₄, C₂H₂, CO, CO₂) has gained increasing importance. This study employs density functional theory to investigate the adsorption mechanisms and electronic behaviors of Cr- and Co-doped two-dimensional Sn-vacancy SnSe monolayer sensing materials toward five characteristic gases in energy and power equipment. The results demonstrate that the geometric configurations formed by transition metal atoms (Cr and Co) resemble the original Sn atomic arrangement in the SnSe matrix. Prior to modification, all five gases exhibited weak physical adsorption interactions. While the adsorption performance ranking remained consistent before and after Cr modification, it differed following Co doping, accompanied by significant enhancement of DOS near the Fermi level. The X-SnSe (<em>X</em>=Cr and Co) systems demonstrate selective adsorption capabilities for different gas detection requirements in energy and power equipment, as evidenced by distinct WF variations and LUMO<img>HOMO energy distribution patterns. Furthermore, X-SnSe (<em>X</em>=Cr and Co) materials exhibit adaptable application potential as adsorbents or sensors across varying operational temperatures, thereby expanding their utility scenarios for diverse detection requirements in energy and power equipment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22081,"journal":{"name":"Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 106446"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143820662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"First-principles study on gas sensing properties of two-dimensional SnSi2N4 monolayer","authors":"Shuaiqi Lv , Zhao Wang , Pengtao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106453","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106453","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the gas sensing properties of SnSi<sub>2</sub>N<sub>4</sub> using density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. The SnSi<sub>2</sub>N<sub>4</sub> monolayer exhibits dynamic stability and a direct band gap of 1.98 eV, making it suitable for semiconductor applications. Adsorption studies reveal strong interactions with NO<sub>2</sub> and NH<sub>3</sub>, with significant charge transfer. The work function of SnSi<sub>2</sub>N<sub>4</sub> varies notably upon gas adsorption, which is crucial for sensor performance. AIMD simulation shows that H<sub>2</sub>O moves away from the surface of SnSi<sub>2</sub>N<sub>4</sub> below 498 K, indicating its potential for gas sensing applications at higher humidity. This work reveals the potential of SnSi<sub>2</sub>N<sub>4</sub> as a high-performance gas sensor for NO<sub>2</sub> and NH<sub>3</sub>, providing ideas for the development of new two-dimensional gas sensors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22081,"journal":{"name":"Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 106453"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143847439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development of anti-reflective coatings with photocatalytic and hydrophobic self-cleaning property for solar cells","authors":"Wenxue Zhang , Canjing Ye , Qinqin Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106454","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106454","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accumulation of dust and dirt on the surfaces of photovoltaic modules significantly diminishes power generation efficiency, posing a formidable challenge. To address this limitation, we engineered a multifunctional film integrating anti-reflective and self-cleaning properties. The innovative film was fabricated by applying two functional layers on a glass-substrate. The bottom layer was created using a hydrophilic silicon dioxide (SiO<sub>2</sub>) based gel, into which titanium dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) nanoparticles coupled tungsten nitride (WN) nanoparticles (denoted as TiO<sub>2</sub>@WN) were added as an effective photocatalytic component. The top layer consisted of a hydrophobic dimethyl silicone oil (PDMS) modification. The optimized SiO₂/WN@TiO₂/PDMS (SOTWH) coating demonstrated a 2.16 % increase in average transmittance (92.83 %) compared to bare glass (90.67 %), and its mechanical robustness was evidenced by a Vickers hardness of 437.08 N/mm². The SOTWH film also exhibited superior photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of 66 % tetracycline hydrochloride and 48 % rhodamine B removal within 120 min, respectively. Synergistic surface engineering endowed the SOTWH film with a water contact angle of 104.5°, enabling efficient contaminant removal through rain-driven shear forces. This dual-mode self-cleaning mechanism combined photocatalytic decomposition and hydrophobic dust repulsion, outperforming the commercial anti-soiling coatings. The developed film system presents a technologically viable solution for sustaining photovoltaic performance through optically active, durable, and environmentally responsive surface engineering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22081,"journal":{"name":"Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 106454"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143845193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}