Aviral Chaurasia

The global transition to renewable energy has led to the demand for innovative sustainable materials to enhance photovoltaic technologies. Although conventional materials like silicon remain the primary component in solar cell manufacturing, their high cost remains a significant drawback, which has led to the search for new alternative materials. This study introduces a novel hybrid material that combines the unique properties of natural organic compounds with advanced nanoparticles to overcome the limitations of conventional solar cell materials. The proposed hybrid material integrates nanoparticles to improve the stability and energy conversion efficiency of organic compounds while utilizing their remarkable light-harvesting capabilities. By modifying the molecular structure and optimizing the interaction between the organic compounds and nanoparticles, this research modifies its optical and electronic properties, resulting in enhanced light absorption and efficient charge transfer. To ensure the hybrid material’s suitability for photovoltaic applications, advanced characterization techniques were used to analyze its optical, electronic, and structural properties. These advancements offer a promising pathway to develop cost-effective and high-performance sustainable materials for photovoltaic applications. This study contributes to the scientific field by introducing a sustainable and novel approach to improve and photovoltaic material to integrate the best of nature and technology. It integrates the best aspects of both the natural and synthetic worlds to develop a more effective and environmentally friendly solar energy conversion system. In addition to offering a basis for future studies on hybrid solar cell materials, this study is consistent with the global strategy of shifting toward renewable energy technologies.

Oil spills pose a grave threat to marine environments, triggering a cascade of devastating consequences that ripple through ecosystems. Water and air pollution, soil contamination, and ecological devastation are just a few of the dire consequences that follow. While various cleanup methods have been employed to mitigate these disasters, restoring the delicate balance of affected ecosystems remains a formidable challenge. Traditional approaches, often relying on chemical dispersants and mechanical containment, can inadvertently exacerbate the problem, inflicting further harm on marine life and habitats. In recent years, green nanotechnology has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for oil spill cleanup. This chapter delves into the immense potential of green nanotechnology to address this global challenge. By harnessing eco-friendly synthesis techniques and drawing inspiration from nature, scientists have developed green nanomaterials with remarkable oil-binding capabilities. Utilizing natural resources, such as plant extracts, these nanomaterials effectively remove oil from water surfaces, minimizing the ecological footprint. Furthermore, green nanotechnology holds significant promise for enhancing the biodegradation of oil pollutants, accelerating the natural recovery process of fragile marine ecosystems. This chapter will explore the diverse array of green nanomaterials, their synthesis methods, and their specific applications in oil spill cleanup. By integrating green nanotechnology into oil spill response strategies, we can pave the way for more effective, eco-conscious cleanup efforts, safeguarding marine ecosystems and preserving the invaluable biodiversity they harbor.

Organic PCM (RT50) offers a high latent heat storage capacity, but low thermal conductivity and thermal stability restrict the use of the PCM in real-world thermal energy storage (TES) applications. To overcome the aforementioned problems, Neem waste-derived (NM) microparticles were synthesised for a relative investigation via a facile method. The inclusion of NM microparticles aimed to improve the thermal and optical characteristics of the RT50 PCM. In this research, surface morphology results demonstrated a consistent distribution of NM microparticles within the RT50 matrix, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy validated the chemical stability of the developed PCM composites via dispersing 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 and 1.5 wt% of DS into RT50 PCM using the ultrasonication method. Further, based on the experimental results, the thermal conductivity of the developed composite was improved by 85.71% at 1.0 wt% NM microparticles, compared with the base RT50 PCM. Additionally, a marginal enhancement in latent heat enthalpy and melting point of 0.89% and 1.92%, respectively, was observed for the developed RT + NM composite compared with the base RT50 PCM. Thermogravimetric study indicated improved thermal stability by 3.4% of the developed PCM composite compared with the base PCM. As shown, the optimal composite and the base PCM are subjected to 500 thermal heating and cooling cycles, and the composite shows reliable results after the cycles. Additionally, Energy 2-D software is used to evaluate the heat transfer rate in the fin-integrated PCM system. The results show that the fin integrated with the composite tends to reduce the temperature of the developed system by 5.20 °C, as compared with the fin integrated with the base PCM system

Driven by escalating environmental concerns associated with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste accumulation, this review explores its chemical upcycling into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Upcycling of PET waste into MOFs is an effective solution, because MOFs are promising materials for various applications due to their tunable functionality, high surface area and adjustable porosity. This paper reviews different synthetic strategies that have been used to prepare PET-derived MOFs and stresses incorporation of principles of sustainable chemistry into the transformation to reduce environmental impacts. This review also presents a comparative analysis of PET-derived MOFs and conventionally synthesized MOFs in applications such as adsorption, catalysis and gas storage. The review evaluates the sustainability of this method in terms of the environment, and type of development needed to make it more feasible to scale-up and implement in industries. By highlighting the possibility of sustainable conversion of waste PET into MOFs, this review promotes the innovations in recycling equipment, enabling both waste reduction and the design of novel materials.