Optimizing Lead-free MASnBr3 Perovskite Solar Cells for High-Efficiency and Long-Term Stability Using Graphene and Advanced Interface Layers

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered significant attention in the scientific community due to their rapid increase in performance. Inorganic perovskite devices have been noted for their high performance and long-term stability. This study introduces a device optimization process guided by modeling to produce high-efficiency PSCs using lead-free n-i-p methylammonium tin bromide (MASnBr3) materials. We have thoroughly examined the impact of both the absorber and interface layers on the optimized structure. Our approach utilized graphene as the interface layer between the hole transport and absorber layers. We employed zinc oxide (ZnO)/Al and 3C-SiC as interface layers between the absorber and electron transport layers. The optimization process involved adjusting the thicknesses of the absorber layer and interface layers and minimizing defect densities. Our proposed optimized device structure, ZnO/3C-SiC/MASnBr3/graphene/CuO/Au, demonstrates theoretical power conversion efficiencies of 31.97%, fill factors of 89.38%, a current density of 32.54 mA/cm2, a voltage of 1.112 V, and a quantum efficiency of 94%. This research underscores the ability of MASnBr3 as a nontoxic perovskite material for sustainable energy from renewable sources' applications

Recent progress in two dimensional Mxenes for photocatalysis: a critical review

Transition metal carbides and nitrides, generally known as MXenes have emerged as an alternative to improve photocatalytic performance in renewable energy and environmental remediation applications because of their high surface area, tunable chemistry, and easily adjustable elemental compositions. MXenes have many interlayer groups, surface group operations, and a flexible layer spacing that makes them ideal catalysts. Over 30 different members of the MXenes family have been explored and successfully utilized as catalysts. Particularly, MXenes have achieved success as a photocatalyst for carbon dioxide reduction, nitrogen fixation, hydrogen evolution, and photochemical degradation. The structure of MXenes and the presence of hydrophilic functional groups on the surface results in excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. In addition, MXenes’ surface defects provide abundant CO2 adsorption sites. Moreover, their highly efficient catalytic oxidation activity is a result of their excellent two-dimensional nanomaterial structure and high-speed electron transport channels. This article comprehensively discusses the structure, synthesis techniques, photocatalytic applications (i.e. H2 evolution, N2 fixation, CO2 reduction, and degradation of pollutants), and recyclability of MXenes. This review also critically evaluates the MXene-based heterostructure and composites photocatalyst synthesis process and their performance for organic pollutant degradation. Finally, a prospect for further research is presented in environmental and energy sciences

Revisiting the concept of waqf: its maintenance, issues and challenges

Philanthropic endowment or wqaf represents a form of long lasting charity with potential profits or benefits meant for the spiritual and economical improvement of the society. This study attempts to revisit the concept of waqf by analysing its literal and technical meanings, its legitimacy in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. It also analysis some classical and contemporary views pertaining its conceptualization and traces its origin in the Islamic heritage. Istibdal, exchange of the waqf property, as a means of viability of waqf property and its relevant challenges are also dealt with. This paper is based on library research and use qualitative method. Having analysed, the relevant data the authors arrived at the conclusion that future efforts need to be made to develop the concept of waqf based on maqasid shari’ah while in tandem need to develop a universal and comprehensive vision of shari’ah based on its objectives. Both concepts must be revisited, reviewed, and revised to restore the dynamism of the concept of waqf hence, making it an effective tool for alleviation of the poverty and the distribution of wealth among the different sections of the society in equitable manner

Revisiting the concept of waqf : its maintenance, issues and challenges

Philanthropic endowment or wqaf represents a form of long lasting charity with potential profits or benefits meant for the spiritual and economical improvement of the society. This study attempts to revisit the concept of waqf by analysing its literal and technical meanings, its legitimacy in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. It also analysis some classical and contemporary views pertaining its conceptualization and traces its origin in the Islamic heritage. Istibdal, exchange of the waqf property, as a means of viability of waqf property and its relevant challenges are also dealt with. This paper is based on library research and use qualitative method. Having analysed, the relevant data the authors arrived at the conclusion that future efforts need to be made to develop the concept of waqf based on maqasid shari’ah while in tandem need to develop a universal and comprehensive vision of shari’ah based on its objectives. Both concepts must be revisited, reviewed, and revised to restore the dynamism of the concept of waqf hence, making it an effective tool for alleviation of the poverty and the distribution of wealth among the different sections of the society in equitable manner

REMOVAL OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS AND CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND FROM PRODUCED WATER USING NANOSCALE ZERO-VALENT IRON AND FERRATE (VI) OXIDATION

Wastewater obtained during oil and gas extraction process known as produced water (PW), it is a byproduct of oil and gas extraction industries. It holds a large amount of hazardous non-biodegradable organic compounds especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) (40-3000 μg/L) and chemical oxygen demand (1220-2600 mg/L). The main objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of two AOPs separately i.e. as nano scale zero valent iron (nZVI)-Fenton oxidation and Ferrate (VI) oxidation for the removal of PAHs and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from PW

A Map-Based Recommendation System and House Price Prediction Model for Real Estate

In 2015, global real estate was worth $217 trillion, which is approximately 2.7 times the global GDP; it also accounts for roughly 60% of all conventional global resources, making it one of the key factors behind any country’s economic growth and stability. The accessibility of spatial big data will help real estate investors make better judgement calls and earn additional profit. Since location is deemed necessary for real estate and consequent decision-making, digital maps have become a prime resource for real estate purchases, planning and development. Personalisation can assist in making judgments by identifying user desires and inclinations, which can then be recorded or captured as a user performs some interactions with a digital map. A personalised real estate portal can use this information to suggest properties, assist homeowners and provide valuable real estate analytics. This article presents a novel framework for recommending real estate to users. By monitoring user interactions through an online real estate portal, the framework can make personalised recommendations of real estate based on content, collaboration and location. The effectiveness of the recommendations was tested by the user feedback mechanism through a method of mean absolute precision, and the results show that 79% precise suggestions were generated, i.e., out of 5 recommendations produced, users were interested in at least 3. Along with that, a separate house price prediction model based on neural networks and classical regression techniques was also implemented to assist users in making an informed decision regarding prospects of real estate purchase

Comparative performance analysis of Cs2TiX6 (X = Br-, Cl-, I-) lead-free perovskite solar cells incorporating single, double and triple layer halides by SCAPS −1D

Halide perovskites have risen in popularity as appealing light absorber materials, owing primarily to their wide range of applications in solar cells, lasers, photodetectors. However, lead-containing perovskites have the potential to cause substantial environmental damage. As a result, there is a significant need to produce environmentally acceptable lead-free perovskites. In this work, we studied the single, double and triple halides perovskite by numerical simulator SCAPS-1D for maximum performance. We have optimized the absorber layer thickness, NA/ND/Nt and interface defect density, back contact electrodes, and temperature effects in a single absorber layer structure. Further, we have optimized the double and triple-layer absorbers for perovskite solar cell structures. The maximum efficiency achieved in the double halide perovskite solar cell is VOC = 1.54 V, JSC = 24.04 mA/cm2, FF = 82.72%, and PCE = 30.06%. Such performance is due to the absorption coefficient spectrum with a wide range of energy band gaps. This has proved its suitability for photovoltaic devices. Overall, our findings reveal that Cs2TiX6 (X = Br, Cl, I) Pb-free perovskites have promising and potential features for device performance

Performance optimization of lead-free MASnBr3 based perovskite solar cells by SCAPS-1D device simulation

Perovskites are at the forefront of research into potential alternatives for bulky and costly silicon-based solar cells. In recent years, lead-based organic and inorganic perovskite solar cells have broken efficiency records. However, these have stability issues and may pose health risks in the long-term. Hence, there has been ideally inorganic perovskite solar cells and parallel search for lead-free to match and eventually surpass the achievements of lead perovskite analogues. This study reports a modelling-guided device optimization process to design highly efficient lead-free n-i-p methyl ammonium tin bromide (MASnBr3) perovskite solar cells. We have studied the effect of the various hole and electron transport layers on the performance of MASnBr3 devices. The influence of different parameters, such as doping concentration of optimized HTLs/ETLs, the thickness of the perovskite layer, NA/ND of the absorption layer, and the defect density, is thoroughly investigated using numerical simulations. An optimized device FTO/SnO2/MASnBr3/NiO/Au is proposed here with an open circuit voltage of 1.1214 V, a short circuit current density of 34.8654 mA/cm2, fill factors of 88.30%, a theoretical power conversion efficiencies of 34.52%, and quantum efficiencies of 98%. This work reveals the potential of the MASnBr3 material as a perovskite for toxicity-free renewable energy

Optimization of micro-pollutants’ removal from wastewater using agricultural waste-derived sustainable adsorbent

Water pollution due to the discharge of untreated industrial effluents is a serious environmental and public health issue. The presence of organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) causes worldwide concern because of their mutagenic and carcinogenic effects on aquatic life, human beings, and the environment. PAHs are pervasive atmospheric compounds that cause nervous system damage, mental retardation, cancer, and renal kidney diseases. This research presents the first usage of palm kernel shell biochar (PKSB) (obtained from agricultural waste) for PAH removal from industrial wastewater (oil and gas wastewater/produced water). A batch scale study was conducted for the remediation of PAHs and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from produced water. The influence of operating parameters such as biochar dosage, pH, and contact time was optimized and validated using a response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimized conditions, i.e., biochar dosage 2.99 g L−1 , pH 4.0, and contact time 208.89 min, 93.16% of PAHs and 97.84% of COD were predicted. However, under optimized conditions of independent variables, 95.34% of PAH and 98.21% of COD removal was obtained in the laboratory. The experimental data were fitted to the empirical second-order model of a suitable degree for the maximum removal of PAHs and COD by the biochar. ANOVA analysis showed a high coefficient of determination value (R2 = 0.97) and a reasonable second-order regression prediction. Additionally, the study also showed a comparative analysis of PKSB with previously used agricultural waste biochar for PAH and COD removal. The PKSB showed significantly higher removal efficiency than other types of biochar. The study also provides analysis on the reusability of PKSB for up to four cycles using two different methods. The methods reflected a significantly good performance for PAH and COD removal for up to two cycles. Hence, the study demonstrated a successful application of PKSB as a potential sustainable adsorbent for the removal of micro-pollutants from produced water

Optimization of Micro-Pollutants’ Removal from Wastewater Using Agricultural Waste-Derived Sustainable Adsorbent

Water pollution due to the discharge of untreated industrial effluents is a serious environmental and public health issue. The presence of organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) causes worldwide concern because of their mutagenic and carcinogenic effects on aquatic life, human beings, and the environment. PAHs are pervasive atmospheric compounds that cause nervous system damage, mental retardation, cancer, and renal kidney diseases. This research presents the first usage of palm kernel shell biochar (PKSB) (obtained from agricultural waste) for PAH removal from industrial wastewater (oil and gas wastewater/produced water). A batch scale study was conducted for the remediation of PAHs and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from produced water. The influence of operating parameters such as biochar dosage, pH, and contact time was optimized and validated using a response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimized conditions, i.e., biochar dosage 2.99 g L−1, pH 4.0, and contact time 208.89 min, 93.16% of PAHs and 97.84% of COD were predicted. However, under optimized conditions of independent variables, 95.34% of PAH and 98.21% of COD removal was obtained in the laboratory. The experimental data were fitted to the empirical second-order model of a suitable degree for the maximum removal of PAHs and COD by the biochar. ANOVA analysis showed a high coefficient of determination value (R2 = 0.97) and a reasonable second-order regression prediction. Additionally, the study also showed a comparative analysis of PKSB with previously used agricultural waste biochar for PAH and COD removal. The PKSB showed significantly higher removal efficiency than other types of biochar. The study also provides analysis on the reusability of PKSB for up to four cycles using two different methods. The methods reflected a significantly good performance for PAH and COD removal for up to two cycles. Hence, the study demonstrated a successful application of PKSB as a potential sustainable adsorbent for the removal of micro-pollutants from produced water