This study investigated the potential of polymer gel electrolytes (PGE) as a replacement for conventional liquid electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to enhance efficiency, stability, and long-term performance. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was utilized as the base polymer to improve the mechanical integrity of the gel electrolyte, while ammonium iodide salt was incorporated to enhance ionic conductivity. A comprehensive set of characterization techniques was employed: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided detailed analysis of the surface morphology and uniformity of the electrolyte, X-ray diffraction (XRD) examined the crystalline structure and phase composition, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) evaluated the thermal stability, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) quantified the ionic conductivity. The results demonstrated that salt concentration significantly affected ionic conductivity, which in turn impacted the electrochemical performance of the DSSC. The optimized PGE achieved an energy conversion efficiency of 4.68%, with improved long-term stability compared to traditional liquid electrolytes, which exhibited an efficiency of 6.03%. However, the longevity of traditional liquid electrolyte-based DSSCs was significantly lower compared to PGE-based DSSCs. This work establishes PMMA-based PGEs as a viable alternative to liquid electrolytes, offering superior ionic conductivity, enhanced DSSC performance, greater durability, and extended longevity, positioning them for advanced renewable energy applications.

In the present study, nanocomposites composed of graphene and polythiophene (PTh) were synthesized through in-situ polymerization techniques. The morphological properties of the composites and the interactions among their constituents were examined utilizing X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The findings suggest that the concentration of graphene within the composites exerts an influence on the performance of solar devices. The solar cell employing a 15% graphene/PTh composite demonstrated superior efficiency at 8.82% compared to its counterparts utilizing 10% (6.62%) and 20% (7.53%) graphene/PTh composites. Furthermore, the efficiency of the graphene/PTh device (8.82%) surpassed that of a platinum (Pt)-based solar cell (8.06%). Thus, graphene/PTh composites exhibit the potential to replace platinum and pave the way for the commercialization of DSSCs.

This study evaluates the potential of V2C MXene/TiO2 and Graphene/TiO composites as alternatives to platinum for counter-electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). V2C MXene was synthesized by selectively etching the aluminum layer from V2AlC MAX phase powder, resulting in multilayered V2C MXene. The layered morphologies of MXene and graphene were confirmed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while their crystalline structures were validated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. SEM analysis confirmed the delaminated layered structure of graphene and the distinct layers of V2C MXene. XRD findings showed that MXene has significantly greater interlayer spacing than graphene, offering more catalytic sites for charge injection. Electrocatalysts were prepared by incorporating TiO2 paste with MXene and graphene, with TiO2 serving as a binder. These composites were then employed as counter-electrode materials in dye-sensitized solar cells. The MXenebased counter electrode achieved a photoconversion efficiency of 1.625 %, surpassing graphene-based (1.149 %) and Pt-based (1.567 %) counterparts under standard illumination. The efficiency of cells was meticulously characterized over an extended period. The results indicated that the efficiency of these cells remained stable over time. This stability suggests that MXene/TiO2 and Graphene/TiO2 based catalysts are robust and do not degrade with time.

The combined effect of metal incorporated semiconductor nanostructures (NSs) provides hybrid, proficient and more functional properties that are difficult to be provided by single component NSs in modern applications and industry. A facile seed growth method is adapted for the synthesis of gold coated by cuprous oxide (Au@Cu2O) core@shell NSs that are functionalized in their shell thickness and surface states. As synthesized Au@Cu2O core@shell cubic NSs contain single cubic Au as a core material with varying Cu2O shell thickness, confirmed by their microscopic analysis. Various spectroscopic analyses are is accomplished to confirm the chemical structure, crystallinity, oxidation state and binding energy of the concerned material over the core's surface. Optical absorption properties of core@shell NSs are greatly affected causing a shift in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks intensities with increase of the shell size. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra explain influence of Cu2O shell morphology over the emission characteristics that an increasing shell thickness caused an enhancement in PL emission peak along with red-shift of the peak. The elemental quantifying is done by XPS technique to provide a detailed surface reaction chemistry about oxidation states of copper. The charge-transfer at the metalsemiconductor interface results in highly intense and selective enhanced SERS signals via PL quenching, using Rhodamine-6G as the probe. The results provide useful information for preparation of various Au@Cu2O NSs for applications involving charge-transfer and SPR based interaction.

Ammonia gas detection has garnered widespread attention in various fields, including food, environmental industries, and medical diagnostics. In this article, we present the synthesis of graphene-based tin oxide (graphene–SnO2) hybrid nanostructures using the hydrothermal method. Pristine tin oxide nanostructures and a series of graphene-based tin oxide hybrids containing 5 wt.