In this study, novel Mo-decorated core-shell zeolite composites, namely ZSM-5@SAPO-34 and SAPO-34@ZSM-5, were synthesized and evaluated as catalysts for methane dehydroaromatization (MDA). Core-shell structures were effectively fabricated via sequential hydrothermal synthesis, utilizing SAPO-34 and ZSM-5 as cores, which were subsequently subjected to hydrothermal growth in ZSM-5 and SAPO-34 reacting solution, respectively. Catalysts with varying SAPO-34/ZSM-5 mass ratios and Mo loadings were thoroughly characterized by the XRD, BET, SEM-EDS, and NH3-TPD techniques. The catalytic performance in the MDA reaction revealed a strong correlation between composite architecture, acidity, Mo dispersion, and product selectivity. Introducing H+SAPO-34 into both core-shell composites enhanced ethylene-to-benzene conversion due to the acidic confinement provided by SAPO-34. In contrast, non-protonated SAPO-34@ZSM-5 showed limited activity as a result of its weak acidity and inadequate Mo dispersion. Among all catalysts, H+ZSM-5@SAPO-34 with a 3:1 core-shell mass ratio delivered the highest benzene yield and stability, outperforming the benchmark, H+ZSM-5. This work highlights the potential of tailored core-shell zeolite composites in optimizing acid-metal interactions and improving catalytic performance in hydrocarbon transformations.

The development of eco-friendly antimicrobial materials is essential for addressing antibiotic resistance, while reducing environmental impact. In this study, bio-derived anionic and cationic cellulose nanofibers (a-CNF and c-CNF) were employed as templating matrices for the in situ hydrothermal synthesis of cellulose/ZnO nanohybrids. Physicochemical characterization confirmed efficient cellulose functionalization and high-quality nanofibrillation, as well as the formation of uniformly dispersed ZnO nanoparticles (≈10-20 nm) strongly integrated within the cellulose network. The ZnO content was 30 and 20 wt. % for a-CNF/ZnO and c-CNF/ZnO, respectively. Antibacterial evaluation against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus revealed enhanced activity for both hybrids, with c-CNF/ZnO displaying the lowest MIC/MBC values (50/100 μg/mL). Antiviral assays revealed complete feline calicivirus inactivation at 100 μg/mL for c-CNF/ZnO, while moderate activity was observed against bovine coronavirus, highlighting the role of surface charge. Cytotoxicity assays on mammalian cells demonstrated high biocompatibility at antimicrobial concentrations. Life cycle assessment showed that c-CNF/ZnO exhibits a lower overall environmental burden than a-CNF/ZnO, with electricity demand being the main contributor, indicating clear opportunities for further reductions through process optimization and scale-up. Overall, these results demonstrate that CNF/ZnO nanohybrids effectively combine renewable biopolymers with ZnO antimicrobial functionality, offering a sustainable and safe platform for biomedical and environmental applications.

Wear remains a dominant cause of performance loss and premature failure in mechanical components, motivating the development of environmentally benign surface-engineering solutions. Among thermal spray systems, high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF)-sprayed WC-Co coatings are widely applied under severe wear conditions. The development of nanophase coatings offers the potential for enhanced mechanical performance. However, retaining the nanostructure and limiting decarburization during deposition remain key challenges. In this study, nanophase WC-12Co feedstocks with two particle size ranges, together with Al-modified nanophase powders, were used to deposit coatings under optimized HVOF spraying conditions (spray distance 200 mm, reduced O2/fuel ratio, and high particle velocity) and were benchmarked against a conventional WC-12Co (12 wt.% Co) coating. The coatings were characterized in terms of microstructure and phase constitution (OM, SEM/EDS, XRD) as well as thickness, porosity (0.5-3.6%), adhesion strength (up to 65 MPa), and microhardness (~1040-1210 HV). Tribological behavior was assessed by ASTM G99 pin-on-disk testing and counterbody wear was quantified via geometric volume loss estimations. The use of larger nanophase particles enabled effective nanostructure retention with limited decarburization, whereas reducing particle size intensified decarburization, promoting increased W2C formation, and markedly reduced coating cohesion, despite lower porosity and higher hardness. Aluminum additions enhanced coating microhardness and suppressed Co3W3C formation, indicating improved phase stability with minimal additional decarburization. Although coating wear remained negligible for all systems, Al-containing coatings exhibited increased friction (up to 35%) and significantly higher counterbody wear (up to sevenfold) compared to the Al-free nanophase coating, which was found to correlate with coating microhardness. Overall, the results demonstrate that optimizing nanophase WC-Co coatings requires balancing competing mechanisms between microstructural stability, cohesive integrity, and tribological response, highlighting the critical role of feedstock design in tailoring coating performance.

Diseases caused by infection are a threat to human health and the world economy, with bacterial infections being responsible for a large portion of hospitalizations, morbidity, and mortality, which necessitates the quest for advanced medications and/or sustainable antibacterial strategies. This study aims to develop bioderived chitin nanofibers (ChNFs) and ZnO nanoparticles to produce non-toxic nanohybrid materials with improved aqueous stability and enhanced antibacterial properties. These nanohybrids were formed via either (i) an ex situ route by mixing the ChNFs with ZnO nanoparticles prepared by flame spray pyrolysis or (ii) an in situ route resulting in ZnO nanoparticles being formed and embedded into ChNFs by a simple aqueous hydrothermal process, utilizing a low-cost Zn inorganic precursor. The ChNFs, the ZnO nanoparticles, and the nanohybrids were physicochemically characterized for their size, morphology, charge and stability. Their antibacterial activity was evaluated against Gram (−) E. coli and Gram (+) S. aureus bacteria, while their cytocompatibility was assessed against mammalian cell lines. The obtained results reveal a balance between antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility, as both nanohybrids exhibited satisfactory antibacterial activity (MIC 200–300 μg/mL) combined with low cytotoxicity against mammalian cell lines (cell viability 80–100%), indicating that their further application as safe and effective antibacterial agents is promising.

In response to the urgent need for sustainable antibacterial solutions against antibiotic-resistant pathogens, this study presents a facile dendritic polymer-assisted approach for synthesizing highly active ZnO/mesoporous silica nanocomposites (SBA-15, SBA-16, KIT-6, MSU-X). Two hyperbranched polymers—polyethyleneimine (PEI) and carboxy-methylated polyethyleneimine (Trilon-P, TrP)—were employed as templating and metal-trapping agents. The influence of pore geometry, polymer functionality, and polymer-loading method (wet or dry impregnation) on ZnO nanoparticle (NP) formation was systematically examined. All nanocomposites exhibited high structural homogeneity, incorporating ultrasmall or amorphous ZnO NPs (1–10 nm) even at 8 wt.% Zn loading. Zn uptake was strongly dependent on polymer end groups, while the spatial distribution of ZnO NPs was dictated by the silica host structure. Antibacterial assays against Staphylococcus aureus revealed remarkable activity, particularly for ZnO/SBA-15_PEI, ZnO/SBA-16_PEI, and ZnO/MSU-X_TrP nanocomposites, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1–2.5 μg mL−1 Zn and over 90% mammalian cell viability. Life Cycle Assessment identified energy use as the main environmental factor, with ZnO/SBA-15_PEI_WI displaying the lowest impact. Overall, the interplay between silica pore architecture, polymer type, and impregnation method governs ZnO accessibility and bioactivity, establishing a versatile strategy for designing next-generation ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites with tunable antibacterial efficacy and minimal cytotoxic and environmental footprint.

In this study, high-yield biopolymer/ceramic hollow fibers were fabricated via a facile, modified polyol process in a spinneret setup, enabling the controlled adsorption of Cu2+ ions. Post sintering transformed these into catalytic copper-decorated carbon/ceramic (alumina) composite hollow fibers, with alginate serving as both a metal ion binder and a copper nanoparticle stabilizer. The resulting hollow fibers featured porous walls with a high surface area and were densely decorated with copper nanoparticles. Their structural and morphological characteristics were analyzed, and their NO reduction performance was assessed in a continuous flow configuration, where the gas stream passed through both the shell and lumen sides of a fiber bundle in a tangential flow mode. This study also examined the stability, longevity and regeneration potential of the catalytic fibers, including the mechanisms of deactivation and reactivation. Carbon content was found to be decisive for catalytic performance. High-carbon fibers exhibited a light-off temperature of 250 °C, maintained about 90% N2 selectivity and sustained a consistently high NO reduction efficiency for over 300 h, even without reducing gases like CO. In contrast, low-carbon fibers displayed a higher light-off temperature of 350 °C and a reduced catalytic efficiency. The results indicate that carbon enhances both activity and selectivity, counterbalancing deactivation effects. Owing to their scalability, durability and effectiveness, these catalytic fibers and their corresponding bundle-type reactor configuration represent a promising technology for advanced NO abatement.

The rapid growth of graphite market is highly coupled with the increasing demand for Li-ion grade graphite, the production of which results in significant losses of the graphitic material in the form of graphite fines. Herein, for the first time, we report an effective strategy to utilize industrial waste graphite fines through the development of graphene oxide-based nanohybrids as non-toxic and efficient antibacterial agents. To achieve this, graphene oxide (GO) was initially synthesized using industrial waste graphite fines as a graphitic precursor. Subsequently, hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (PEI), or either of its guanidinylated (GPEI) and N-sulfopropylated (SPEI) derivatives were successfully and homogenously attached onto GO, as confirmed by various characterization techniques, yielding GO-PEI, and novel GO-GPEI and GO-SPEI nanohybrids. The antibacterial activity of these nanohybrids was assessed against Gram (-) Escherichia coli and Gram (+) Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria. Both GO-GPEI and GO-SPEI were found to exhibit higher antibacterial activity, specifically against E. coli bacteria, compared to the pristine GO and GO-PEI nanohybrid, with GO-SPEI being more active than GO-GPEI. Finally, GO-GPEI and GO-SPEI were found to exhibit low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells, signifying that they can be used as potential antibacterial agents in various applications, including those in the disinfection industry.

In this study, we investigated the structural, thermal, and cytotoxic properties of Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) intercalated with quercetin. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of quercetin into the LDH structure, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed an increased interlayer spacing due to quercetin intercalation. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated greater thermal degradation in quercetin-intercalated LDHs compared to nitrate-intercalated LDHs, suggesting a higher quercetin content in the material. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated morphological changes with quercetin, particularly larger surface clusters at room temperature. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that quercetin-intercalated LDHs exhibited a dose- and time-dependent reduction in cell viability, which was more pronounced at higher concentrations and longer exposure times. Quercetin alone had a stronger cytotoxic effect on NIH/3T3 cells compared with Saos-2 cells. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays showed distinct effects of quercetin on both cell lines. These findings highlight the potential of quercetin-LDH hybrids for biomedical applications, particularly for targeted drug delivery.

Wool textiles with multifunctional properties such as self-cleaning, antibacterial, electrical conductivity, UV blocking etc. have recently attracted interest. Among the materials employed towards their development, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely investigated due to their unique chemical, mechanical and electrical properties, exhibiting also notable UV-blocking properties. However, their limited dispersibility in solvents, particularly in water, has hindered their extensive industrial application and diminished their significant potential. In this work, two guanidinylated derivatives of hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (GPEI5k and PEI 25K) functionalized oxCNTs (oxCNTs@GPEI5K and oxCNTs@GPEI5K), with exceptional aqueous compatibility and colloidal stability, developed in our recent publication, were evaluated as to their antibacterial activity on Gram (-) Escherichia coli and Gram (+) Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and their cytotoxicity against mammalian cells, and the most promising, i.e., oxCNTs@GPEI5K, was subsequently used as finishing agent of wool fabric. The resulting wool textiles were evaluated for color, wash fastness, antibacterial properties, and UV-blocking performance. The GPEI-functionalized oxCNTs derivative, exhibited uniform distribution and good adhesion onto the wool fabrics yielding multifunctional wool fabrics with sustained antibacterial properties even after multiple washing cycles. Additionally, the modified textiles exhibited improved ultraviolet protection, highlighting their potential for multifunctional applications in antibacterial and UV-shielding textiles.

This comprehensive study explores the kinetics of adsorption and its photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) using an advanced copper-decorated photocatalyst in the form of hollow fibers (HFs). Designed to boost both adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity, the photocatalyst was tested in batch experiments to efficiently remove MO from aqueous solutions. Various isotherm models, including Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich, along with kinetic models like pseudo-first and pseudo-second order, Elovich, Bangham, and Weber–Morris, were utilized to assess adsorption capacity and kinetics at varying initial concentrations. The results indicated a favorable MO physisorption on the nanocomposite photocatalyst under specific conditions. Further analysis of photocatalytic degradation under UV exposure revealed that the material maintained high degradation efficiency and stability across different MO concentrations. Through the facilitation of reactive oxygen species generation, oxygen played a crucial role in enhancing photocatalytic performance, while the degradation process following the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The study also confirmed the robustness and sustained activity of the nanocomposite photocatalyst, which could be regenerated and reused over five successive cycles, maintaining 92% of their initial performance at concentrations up to 15 mg/L. Overall, this effective nanocomposite photocatalyst structured in the form of HF shows great promise for effectively removing organic pollutants through combined adsorption and photocatalysis, offering valuable potential in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

This work presents the synthesis of N-doped nanoporous carbon materials using the Ionic Liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide [BMIM][TCM] as a fluidic carbon precursor, employing two carbonization pathways: templated precursor and pyrolysis/activation. Operando monitoring of mass loss during pyrolytic and activation treatments provides insights into chemical processes, including IL decomposition, polycondensation reactions and pore formation. Comparatively low mass reduction rates were observed at all stages. Heat treatments indicated stable pore size and increasing volume/surface area over time. The resulting N-doped carbon structures were evaluated as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and adsorbents for gases and organic vapors. Materials from the templated precursor pathway exhibited high electrocatalytic performance in ORR, analyzed using Rotating Ring-Disk electrode (RRDE). Enhanced adsorption of m-xylene was attributed to wide micropores, while satisfactory CO2 adsorption efficiency was linked to specific morphological features and a relatively high content of N-sites within the C-networks. This research contributes valuable insights into the synthesis and applications of N-doped nanoporous carbon materials, highlighting their potential in electrocatalysis and adsorption processes.

This study highlights the effectiveness of photocatalytically modified ceramic ultrafiltration (UF) membranes in alleviating two major drawbacks of membrane filtration technologies. These are the generation of a highly concentrated retentate effluent as a waste stream and the gradual degradation of the water flux through the membrane due to the accumulation of organic pollutants on its surface. The development of two types of novel tubular membranes, featuring photocatalytic Mo-BiVO4 inverse opal coatings, demonstrated a negligible impact on water permeance, ensuring consistent filtration and photocatalytic efficiency and suggesting the potential for maintaining membrane integrity and avoiding the formation of highly concentrated retentate effluents. Morphological analysis revealed well-defined coatings with ordered domains and interconnected macropores, confirming successful synthesis of Mo-BiVO4. Raman spectroscopy and optical studies further elucidated the composition and light absorption properties of the coatings, particularly within the visible region, which is vital for photocatalysis driven by vis-light. Evaluation of the tetracycline removal efficiency presented efficient adsorption onto membrane surfaces with enhanced photocatalytic activity observed under both UV and vis-light. Additionally, vis-light irradiation facilitated significant degradation, showcasing the versatility of the membranes. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis corroborated complete solute elimination or photocatalytic degradation without the production of intermediates, highlighting the potential for complete pollutant removal. Overall, these findings emphasize the promising applications of Mo-BiVO4 photocatalytic membranes in sustainable water treatment and wastewater remediation processes, laying the groundwork for further optimization and scalability in practical water treatment systems.

Three different types of carbon nanomaterials, SWCNTs, MWCNTs and GNPs were prepared, modified, characterized, and their dispersibility behavior in three different solvents was evaluated. The carbon nanotubes were synthesized by using the well-known chemical vapor deposition method and the graphene nanoplatelets by wet physicochemical treatment techniques. Their characterization was accomplished by using various advanced techniques, such as powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and N 2 adsorption at 77 K. Furthermore, the carbon nanostructures were modified via plasma treatment and wet chemical surface modification in order to enhance their dispersion characteristics, for achieving more homogenous suspensions and therefore to be remained dispersed over a reasonable period of time without any sedimentation. The effect of treatment parameters and the use of different solvents were thoroughly studied mainly by optical methods, but also by using the DIN/EN classified ISO method of oil absorption and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The enhanced dispersion rate is observed in both CNTs and GNPs materials following their surface treatment, especially when using the solvent n -methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The aforementioned studied nanomaterials are perfect candidate fillers for preparing polymeric mixed matrix membranes. Graphical abstract

In this study the chemical characterisation of 24 commercial spray-paints in different colours as used in contemporary public murals, street art, and graffiti is presented. The analyses were focused on the identification of the binding media, pigments, and additives. In addition, four spray-paint samples were analysed in the form of bi-layered paint films to explore the possibility of determining the composition of multi-layered samples. The aim of the study was to provide a useful diagnostic tool for the conservation of spray-paints and the removal of overpaintings from both commissioned murals and any other form of cultural heritage. To achieve this goal, a multi-analytical approach was developed using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) for the identification of the main binder, pigments, and fillers/extenders, while Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) were used as complementary tools for the determination of organic and inorganic pigments, and fillers. Five kinds of binders were detected in this work: (1) acrylic resins combined with nitrocellulose, (2) acrylic resins modified with styrene and combined with nitrocellulose, (3) alkyd resins modified with styrene and combined with nitrocellulose, (4) combined acrylic and alkyd resins modified with styrene and blended with nitrocellulose, and (5) combined polystyrene and acrylic resins. Also, a wide variety of organic pigments and inorganic components were detected.

Heterostructured photocatalytic materials in the form of photonic crystals have been attracting attention for their unique light harvesting ability that can be ideally combined with judicious compositional modifications toward the development of visible light-activated (VLA) photonic catalysts, though practical environmental applications, such as the degradation of pharmaceutical emerging contaminants, have been rarely reported. Herein, heterostructured MoS2-TiO2 inverse opal films are introduced as highly active immobilized photocatalysts for the VLA degradation of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin broad-spectrum antibiotics as well as salicylic acid. A single-step co-assembly method was implemented for the challenging incorporation of MoS2 nanosheets into the nanocrystalline inverse opal walls. Compositional tuning and photonic band gap engineering of the MoS2-TiO2 photonic films showed that integration of low amounts of MoS2 nanosheets in the inverse opal framework maintains intact the periodic macropore structure and enhances the available surface area, resulting in efficient VLA antibiotic degradation far beyond the performance of benchmark TiO2 films. The combination of broadband MoS2 visible light absorption and photonic-assisted light trapping together with the enhanced charge separation that enables the generation of reactive oxygen species via firm interfacial coupling between MoS2 nanosheets and TiO2 nanoparticles is concluded as a competent approach for pharmaceutical abatement in water bodies.

Mesoporous multicomponent materials with uniform pore sizes and well-defined network geometries are viewed as highly attractive candidates in the catalysis field. However, their synthesis at a high homogeneity level is considered quite challenging. Herein, alumina based mixed oxides (Al/Ce/Cu or Fe) are produced through a facile evaporation-induced-self-assembly route and tested towards preferential oxidation of CO in H2-rich gas. The effect of several synthetic parameters is investigated, with citric acid addition identified as a key factor in view of obtaining high mesoscopic order and notable homogeneity, particularly at high dopant amounts. Following thermal aging at 900 & DEG;C, metal oxides distribution and nanoporous nature are well-preserved with a parallel nucleation of ceria nanoparticles into the semi-crystalline inorganic framework. CO-PROX assessment of the aged samples reveals a drastic enhancement in catalytic activity, especially for the ternary Cu-Ce-Al system, associated with material's structural reconstruction strongly affecting metal-support interaction.& COPY; 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In this study, efficient commercial photocatalyst (Degussa P25) nanoparticles were effectively dispersed and stabilized in alginate, a metal binding biopolymer. Taking advantage of alginate’s superior metal chelating properties, copper nanoparticle-decorated photocatalysts were developed after a pyrolytic or calcination-sintering procedure, yielding ceramic beads with enhanced photocatalytic and mechanical properties, excellent resistance to attrition, and optimized handling compared to powdered photocatalysts. The morphological and structural characteristics were studied using LN2 porosimetry, SEM, and XRD. The abatement of an organic pollutant (Methyl Orange, MO) was explored in the dark and under UV irradiation via batch experiments. The final properties of the photocatalytic beads were defined by both the synthesis procedure and the heat treatment conditions, allowing for their further optimization. It was found that the pyrolytic carbon residuals enabled the adhesion of the TiO2 nanoparticles, acting as binder, and increased the MO adsorption capacity, leading to increased local concentration in the photocatalyst vicinity. Well dispersed Cu nanoparticles were also found to enhance photocatalytic activity. The prepared photocatalysts exhibited increased MO adsorption capacity (up to 3.0 mg/g) and also high photocatalytic efficiency of about 50% MO removal from water solutions, reaching an overall MO rejection of about 80%, at short contact times (3 h). Finally, the prepared photocatalysts kept their efficiency for at least four successive photocatalytic cycles.

Abstract This study outlines the chemical characterisation of various commercial spray-paints in different colours as used in contemporary public murals, street art, and graffiti. The analyses were focused on the identification of the binding media, pigments, and additives. The aim of the study was twofold; to establish a protocol for the diagnosis of aerosol paints and to provide useful information, which could help conservators remove overpaintings from both commissioned murals and any other form of cultural heritage. A multi-technique approach was developed using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) for the identification of the main binder, pigments, and extenders, while Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and Raman spectroscopy were used as complementary tools for the determination of organic and inorganic pigments, and fillers. Three kinds of binders based on alkyd or acrylic resins modified with nitrocellulose and/or styrene, along with a variety of organic pigments and inorganic components were detected.

Supported CuO catalysts onto a highly crystalline mesoporous TiO2 material are produced via an ammonium driven deposition precipitation method and tested for prefere degrees ntial oxidation of CO in H-2-rich gases. The effect of Cu loading on the oxidation activity is investigated by producing samples with final Cu content varying between 2.5 and 10 wt%. According to the analysis results, the chemical nature of the CuO species differs in each sample depending on the Cu loading. All materials tested are highly selective towards CO oxidation up to 160 degrees C. The 5 wt% Cu loaded material demonstrates the optimum CO-PROX performance, which is ascribed to the formation of finely dispersed and easily reducible copper oxide nanoparticles. Stability and durability of the latter sample are assessed by performing multiple testing cycles corresponding to >100hrs on stream as well as by the separate and combined addition of CO2 and H2O in the feeding stream.

Energy band tuning in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) was established via an interface engineering approach involving graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) between TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL) and CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite absorber. The introduction of g-C3N4 resulted in simultaneous energy bands downshifts and con-duction bands alignment to -4.4 eV of the TiO2 and the perovskite, which facilitated the electron transfer to the anode without any energy loss and enhanced the short-circuit photocurrent density (J(sc)). Moreover, the proposed modification provided a more hydrophobic substrate which favored the growth of perovskite films with better crystallinity and higher robustness against oxygen and humidity. The new strategy led to perovskite solar cells with an optimized overall photovoltaic performance including a power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 20%. The g-C3N4 particles hindered perovskite degradation and the resulting PSCs retained 98% of their initial PCE after 3000 h under dark and relative low humidity (RH-20%) conditions.