PB1-F2 of Low Pathogenicity H7N7 Restricts Apoptosis in Avian Cells.

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) pose a continuous challenge to global health and economy. While countermeasures exist to control outbreaks in poultry, the persistent circulation of AIV in wild aquatic and shorebirds presents a significant challenge to effective disease prevention efforts. PB1-F2 is a non-structural protein expressed from a second open reading frame (+1) of the polymerase basic 1 (PB1) segment. The sequence and length of the PB1-F2 protein can vary depending on the host of origin. While avian isolates typically carry full-length PB1-F2, isolates from mammals, often express truncated forms. The selective advantage of the full-length PB1-F2 in avian isolates is not fully understood. Most research on the role of PB1-F2 in influenza virus replication has been conducted in mammalian systems, where PB1-F2 interfered with the host immune response and induced apoptosis. Here, we used Low Pathogenicity (LP) AIV H7N7 expressing full-length PB1-F2 as well as a knockout mutant. We found that the full-length PB1-F2 of LPAIV prolonged survival of infected cells by limiting apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, PB1-F2 knockout LPAIV significantly decreased MHC-I expression on fibroblasts, delayed tissue healing and increased phagocytic uptake of infected cells, whereas LPAIV expressing PB1-F2 has limited effects. These findings indicate that full-length PB1-F2 enables AIV to cause prolonged infections without severely harming the avian host. Our observations may explain maintenance of AIV in the natural bird reservoir in absence of severe clinical signs.

Exploring the link between toxic metal exposure and ADHD: a systematic review of pb and hg.

INTRODUCTION: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a recognized neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex, multifactorial origin. Lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are highly toxic substances that can potentially impair brain development and have been implicated in the development of ADHD. This systematic review aims to analyze the epidemiological literature regarding the association between Pb and Hg exposure and the diagnosis of ADHD. METHODS: From November 1983 to June 2, 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases and search engines, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Observational studies (case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional) measuring Pb and Hg levels in various biological samples (blood, hair, urine, nail, saliva, teeth, and bone) of children with ADHD or their parents and their association with ADHD symptoms were included. RESULTS: Out of 2059 studies, 87 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Approximately two-thirds of the 74 studies investigating Pb levels in different biological samples reported associations with at least one subtype of ADHD. However, most studies examining Hg levels in various biological samples found no significant association with any ADHD subtype, although there were variations in exposure periods and diagnostic criteria. CONCLUSION: The evidence gathered from the included studies supports an association between Pb exposure and the diagnosis of ADHD, while no significant association was found with Hg exposure. Importantly, even low levels of Pb were found to elevate the risk of ADHD. Further research is needed to explore the comprehensive range of risk factors for ADHD in children, considering its significance as a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Comparison of sensitivity between blood parameters and a genotoxic biomarker at low blood Pb levels: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that lead (Pb) exposure induced adverse health effects at high exposure concentrations, however, there have been limited data on sensitivity comparisons among different health outcomes at low blood Pb levels. OBJECTIVES: To compare sensitivity between blood parameters and a genotoxic biomarker among workers exposed to low blood Pb levels (< 20 µg/dl), and to estimate a benchmark dose (BMD). METHODS: Pb-exposed workers were recruited from a lead-acid storage battery plant. Their blood lead levels (BLLs) were measured. Blood parameters and micronuclei (MN) frequencies were determined. Multivariate linear or Poisson regression was used to analyze relationships between blood parameters or MN frequencies with BLLs. Two BMD software were used to calculate BMD and its 95 % lower confidence limit (BMDL) for BLLs. RESULTS: The median BLL for 611 workers was 10.44 µg/dl with the 25th and 75th percentile being 7.37 and 14.62 µg/dl among all participants. There were significantly negative correlations between blood parameters and BLLs. However, MN frequencies correlated positively with BLLs (all P<0.05). Results from the two BMD software revealed that the dichotomous model was superior to the continuous model, and the BMDL for BLL derived from red blood cell (RBC) was 15.11 µg/dl, from hemoglobin (HGB) was 8.50 µg/dl, from mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was 7.87 µg/dl, from mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was 3.98 µg/dl, from mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 11.44 µg/dl, and from hematocrit (HCT) was 6.65 µg/dl. The conservative BMDL obtained from the MN data was 7.52 µg/dl. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that low dose Pb exposure caused decrease of blood parameters and increase of MN frequencies. The genotoxic biomarker was more sensitive than most blood parameters. BMDLs for BLL derived from MN frequencies and the red blood cell indicators should be considered as new occupational exposure limits. Our results suggest that MN assay can be considered as a part of occupational health examination items.

Electrochemical real-time sensor for the detection of Pb(II) ions based on Ti3C2Tx MXene.

Lead ions are especially harmful to human health, causing significant developmental and behavioral abnormalities even at small concentrations. In real-life samples, lead ions are present in mixtures with other metal ions, creating a challenge to detect it selectively at low quantities. To address these challenges, we prepared an electrochemical sensor based on delaminated Ti3C2Tx MXene, which can selectively detect low concentrations of Pb2+ in a solution containing other common metal ions. Cyclic voltammetry was applied as an electrochemical detection method. The proposed reaction mechanism involves a reversible transition between Pb2+ ions and PbO at the MXene-based layer. The sensitivity of the sensor towards Pb2+ ions and a limit of detection were determined. The sensor, as prepared, had a linear response range within 0.15-1.0 µM, with a sensitivity of 26.7 µA/µM and LOD value of 48.7 nM, which meets the requirements set by the World Health Organization.

Adsorptive removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous effluents using O-carboxymethyl chitosan Schiff base-sugarcane bagasse microbeads.

In this study, a novel and cost-effective approach was employed to prepare an effective Pb(II) adsorbent. We synthesized highly porous CMCSB-SCB microbeads with multiple active binding sites by combining carboxymethylated chitosan Schiff base (CMCSB) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB). These microbeads were structurally and morphologically characterized using various physical, analytical, and microscopic techniques. The SEM image and N2-adsorption analysis of CMCSB-SCB revealed a highly porous structure with irregularly shaped voids and interconnected pores. The CMCSB-SCB microbeads demonstrated an impressive aqueous Pb(II) adsorption capacity, reaching a maximum of 318.21 mg/g, under identified optimal conditions: pH 4.5, 15 mg microbeads dosage, 30 min contact time, and Pb(II) initial concentration (350 mg/L). The successful adsorption of Pb(II) onto CMCSB-SCB beads was validated using FTIR, EDX, and XPS techniques. Furthermore, the experimental data fitting indicated a good agreement with the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.99633), whereas the adsorption kinetics aligned well with the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.99978). The study also identified the Pb(II) adsorption mechanism by CMCSB-SCB microbeads as monolayer chemisorption.

Isotopic and trace element record of changing metal source contributions to tropical freshwater Lake Naivasha (Kenya).

Lake Naivasha, Kenya's second-largest freshwater body is a wetland of international ecological importance and currently subjected to unprecedented anthropogenic influence. The study aims to chronologically reconstruct the main human activities and background weathering reactions that govern metal mobilizations into the lake and their potentially adverse effects on its ecological status. We combine extensive geochemical analyses (major, trace elements, Zn-Pb isotope ratios) in a dated lake sediment record and catchment rocks with remote sensing techniques. Downcore geochemical variations reflect natural ecosystem destabilizations occurring as early as the first half of the 20th century. These coincide with changes towards less radiogenic Pb-isotope values which persist towards the top of the core (206Pb/207Pb = 1.243 at core base ~1843, to 206Pb/207Pb = 1.225 at ~1978). We interpret the land-clearance for agricultural purposes on the Aberdare Range and documented early aviation activities as vectors of this early Pb-isotope excursion. The overlapping Pb-isotope signatures between sediment sources and anthropogenic contributions challenges a straightforward deconvolution of the two. Our conservative model calculations suggest, nevertheless, that an addition of up to ~1.8 % Pb-gasoline influx to the total Pb flux, peaking in the 1980s is able to explain the Pb distribution trend. Homogeneous Zn-isotope compositions in sediments deposited until ~1970s (δ66/64Zn = 0.216-0.225 ‰) do not follow major hydro-climatic events or anthropogenic forcing but reflect lake-specific natural cycling. Subsequent higher variations to both heavier (up to δ66/64Zn = 0.242 ±â€¯0.005 ‰) and lighter (down to δ66/64Zn = 0.184 ±â€¯0.003 ‰) Zn-isotope values are contemporaneous with intensification of large-scale horticultural industry in the catchment. Together with supporting indicators, the lighter Zn-isotope compositions in youngest analysed sediments (21st century) are attributable to increased biological productivity (algal blooms) and ongoing lake eutrophication. Our study demonstrates the applicability of the heavy metal isotope tool to reconstruct human influences on lake environments with complex geological settings such as the East African Rift System.

Single-cell investigation of lead toxicity from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: Current review and future opportunities.

Human exposure to the metal lead (Pb) is prevalent and associated with adverse neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative outcomes. Pb disrupts normal brain function by inducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, altering cellular metabolism, and displacing essential metals. Prior studies on the molecular impacts of Pb have examined bulk tissues, which collapse information across all cell types, or in targeted cells, which are limited to cell autonomous effects. These approaches are unable to represent the complete biological implications of Pb exposure because the brain is a cooperative network of highly heterogeneous cells, with cellular diversity and proportions shifting throughout development, by brain region, and with disease. New technologies are necessary to investigate whether Pb and other environmental exposures alter cell composition in the brain and whether they cause molecular changes in a cell-type-specific manner. Cutting-edge, single-cell approaches now enable research resolving cell-type-specific effects from bulk tissues. This article reviews existing Pb neurotoxicology studies with genome-wide molecular signatures and provides a path forward for the field to implement single-cell approaches with practical recommendations.

Preliminary response to Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy drugs in patient with periampullary carcinoma: a report of one case and a literature review.

Periampullary carcinoma is a malignant gastrointestinal tumor originating from the head of the pancreas, distal bile duct, duodenum, or the ampulla of Vater. Currently, surgery remains the primary treatment option, yet the postoperative recurrence rate remains high. Chemotherapy is the main approach for controlling postoperative recurrence. Histologically, periampullary carcinoma is categorized into two types: intestinal (IN) and pancreaticobiliary (PB) subtype. Each subtype requires different therapeutic approaches, with the PB type primarily treated with gemcitabine and the IN type with 5-FU. Despite these options, patient outcomes are still unsatisfactory. In recent years, the feasibility of immunotherapy in tumor treatment has been increasingly evidenced, although research on its efficacy in periampullary carcinoma treatment is still limited. In this report, we present a case of a periampullary carcinoma patient who experienced recurrence and metastasis after undergoing radical pancreatoduodenectomy and receiving gemcitabine-based chemotherapy post-surgery. Through next-generation sequencing (NGS), we identified high expression levels of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) with a combined positive score (CPS) of 35, high tumor mutation burden (TMB-H), and high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) in this patient. Therefore, we implemented a combination therapy using Tislelizumab and chemotherapy. According to the latest follow-up, the tumors are effectively controlled. Our utilization of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy holds significant implication for the treatment of periampullary carcinoma.

Adsorption of Pb(II) in water by modified chitosan-based microspheres and the study of mechanism.

In this study, a fresh three-dimensional microsphere adsorbent (CATP@SA3) was successfully synthesized by Attapulgite (ATP) and combining Chitosan (CS), incorporating them into a Sodium alginate (SA) solution, and crosslinking them in a CaCl2 solution. Multiple analyses, including XRD, TGA, FTIR, XPS, SEM-EDS, and BET were utilized to comprehensively characterize the structural makeup of CATP@SA3. These analyses revealed the presence of beneficial functional groups like hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl groups that enhance the adsorption efficiency in adsorption procedures. CATP@SA3 was evaluated by studying different factors, including material ratio, contact time, dosage, solution pH, Pb(II) concentration, temperature, ionic strength, and aqueous environment. Three adsorption models, including kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic, were fitted to the experimental data. The findings demonstrated that the maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity of CATP@SA3 was 1081.36 mg/g, with a removal rate that exceeded 70 % even after 5 cycles of use. Furthermore, correlation adsorption models revealed that the adsorption process of Pb(II) with CATP@SA3 was driven by a chemical predominantly reaction.

Alder-Ene Reaction-Mediated Suppression of Tin(II) Oxidation for Efficient Tin-Lead Perovskite Solar Cells.

Despite numerous studies have reported the inhibition of tin (II) oxidation in mixed tin-lead halide perovskite, there remains a dearth of mechanistic information regarding how tin (II) undergoes oxidation in the precursor solution, particularly in terms of the involvement of DMSO. We here take advantage of density functional theory (DFT) to uncover that SnI2 can coordinate with DMSO and react with singlet oxygen, resulting in the generation of Sn (IV). Moreover, our DFT simulations reveal that benzaldehyde oxime (BZHO) competes with SnI2 in reacting with oxygen through the Alder-ene reaction, hence effectively restraining the oxidation of tin (II), which is further verified by several experimental characterizations. Besides, the introduction of BZHO has also regulated the crystallization of the perovskite film and modified the electronic structure of the perovskite surface. As a result, the perovskite solar cells with the addition of BZHO demonstrate superior performance and operational stability, retaining 82% of the initial PCE under continuous 1-sun illumination for 800 hours. Furthermore, the efficiency of all-perovskite tandem solar cells treated with BZHO reached 26.76%. Therefore, this work presents a promising strategy for designing high-performance and stable all-perovskite tandem solar cells.

Evaluating the quality of sediments in streams draining contrasting land-use areas in Osogbo metropolis, southwestern Nigeria.

The attendant effects of urbanization on the environment and human health are evaluable by measuring the potentially harmful element (PHE) concentrations in environmental media such as stream sediments. To evaluate the effect of urbanization in Osogbo Metropolis, the quality of stream sediments from a densely-populated area with commercial/industrial activities was contrasted with sediments from a sparsely-populated area with minimal anthropogenic input.Forty samples were obtained: 29 from Okoko stream draining a Residential/Commercial Area (RCA, n = 14) and an Industrial Area (IA, n = 15), and 11 from Omu stream draining a sparsely-populated area (SPA). The samples were air-dried, sieved to < 75 micron fraction, and analysed for PHEs using inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), pollution index (PI), ecological risk factor (Er) and index (ERI) were used for assessment. Inter-elemental relationships and source identification were done using Pearson's correlation matrix and principal component analysis (PCA).PHE concentrations in the stream sediments were RCA: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Sr > Ni > Co, IA: Zn > Cr > Ni > Co > Pb > Cu > Sr and SPA: Zn > Co > Cr > Cu > Sr > Ni > Pb. Igeo calculations revealed moderate-heavy contamination of Cu, Pb and Zn in parts of RCA, moderate-heavy contamination of Zn in IA while SPA had moderate contamination of Co and Zn. PI values revealed that stream sediments of RCA are extremely polluted, while those of IA and SPA are moderately and slightly polluted, respectively.The pollution of the stream sediments in RCA and IA is adduced to anthropogenic activities like vehicular traffic, automobile repairs/painting, blacksmithing/welding and metal scraping. In SPA however, the contamination resulted from the application of herbicides/fertilizers for agricultural purposes.

Selenophosphate Pb2P2Se6 Single Crystals Growth by Chemical Vapor Transport (CVT) Method for Radiation Detection.

The heavy metal selenophosphate Pb2P2Se6emerges as a promising room-temperature X-ray/γ-ray detectors due to its high resistivity, robust radiation-blocking capability, and outstanding carrier mobility-lifetime product, etc. However, the high activity of phosphides poses significant impediment to the synthesis and single crystal growth. In this work, we have prepared high-quality Pb2P2Se6 single crystals with using the chemical vapor transport (CVT) method. The XRD analysis combined with EDS result confirmed the uniform composition of the resulting as-grown single crystals, while UV-Vis-NIR transmittance spectra revealed the bandgap of 1.89 eV. Selected area electron diffraction patterns indicated the crystal belonged to the P21/c(14) space group. Additionally, the Au/Pb2P2Se6/Au device is fabricated, which exhibits a robust X-ray response with a sensitivity of 648.61 µC·Gy-1·cm-2 at 400 V·mm-1 under 50 kVp. Notably, the device also excels in alpha particle detection, boasting a resolution of ~14.48% under a bias of 400 V bias. The hole mobility-lifetime product (µτ)h of Pb2P2Se6 is estimated to be ~2.58×10-5 cm2·V-1. The results underscore potential applications of Pb2P2Se6 crystal is in the field of the semiconductor radiation detectors.

Pb(II) Adsorption Properties of a Three-Dimensional Porous Bacterial Cellulose/Graphene Oxide Composite Hydrogel Subjected to Ultrasonic Treatment.

A three-dimensional porous bacterial cellulose/graphene oxide (BC/GO) composite hydrogel (BC/GO) was synthesized with multi-layer graphene oxide (GO) as the modifier and bacterial cellulose as the skeleton via an ultrasonic shaking process to absorb lead ions effectively. The characteristics of BC/GO were investigated through TEM, SEM, FT-IR, NMR and Zeta potential experiments. Compared to bacterial cellulose, the ultrasonic method and the carboxyl groups stemming from GO helped to enhance the availability of O(3)H of BC, in addition to the looser three-dimensional structure and enriched oxygen-containing groups, leading to a significantly higher adsorption capacity for Pb(II). In this paper, the adsorption behavior of BC/GO is influenced by the GO concentration, adsorption time, and initial concentration. The highest adsorption capacity for Pb(II) on BC/GO found in this study was 224.5 mg/g. The findings implied that the pseudo-second-order model explained the BC/GO adsorption dynamics and that the data of its adsorption isotherm fit the Freundlich model. Because of the looser three-dimensional structure, the complexation of carboxyl groups, and the enhanced availability of O(3)H, bacterial cellulose exhibited a much better adsorption capacity.

Preparation and Immobilization Mechanism of Red Mud/Steel Slag-Based Geopolymers for Solidifying/Stabilizing Pb-Contaminated Soil.

Pb-contaminated soil poses serious hazards to humans and ecosystems and is in urgent need of remediation. However, the extensive use of traditional curing materials such as ordinary Portland cement (OPC) has negatively impacted global ecology and the climate, so there is a need to explore low-carbon and efficient green cementitious materials for the immobilization of Pb-contaminated soils. A red mud/steel slag-based (RM/SS) geopolymer was designed and the potential use of solidifying/stabilizing heavy metal Pb pollution was studied. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) model was used to design the response surface, and the optimal preparation conditions of RM/SS geopolymer (RSGP) were predicted by software of Design-Expert 8.0.6.1. The microstructure and phase composition of RSGP were studied by X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the immobilization mechanism of RSGP to Pb was revealed. The results showed that when the liquid-solid ratio is 0.76, the mass fraction of RM is 79.82% and the modulus of alkali activator is 1.21, the maximum unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the solidified soil sample is 3.42 MPa and the immobilization efficiency of Pb is 71.95%. The main hydration products of RSGP are calcium aluminum silicate hydrate, calcium silicate hydrate and nekoite, which can fill the cracks in the soil, form dense structures and enhance the UCS of the solidified soil. Pb is mainly removed by lattice immobilization, that is, Pb participates in geopolymerization by replacing Na and Ca to form Si-O-Pb or Al-O-Pb. The remaining part of Pb is physically wrapped in geopolymer and forms Pb(OH)2 precipitate in a high-alkali environment.

Lead Tolerance and Remediation Potential of Four Indocalamus Species in Lead-Contaminated Soil.

Indocalamus plants are low-growing shrubby bamboos with growth advantages, such as high biomass and strong resistance, and they are rich in germplasm resources in southern China. This study conducted soil lead (Pb) stress experiments on Indocalamus latifolius (Keng) McClure (LA), Indocalamus hunanensis B.M. Yang (HU), Indocalamus chishuiensis Y.L. Yang and Hsueh (CH) and Indocalamus lacunosus Wen (LC). Five Pb treatments (0, 500, 1000, 1500 mg·kg-1 Pb, and 1000 mg·kg-1 Pb + 1000 mg·kg-1 ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)) were established. EDTA was applied to explore the tolerance mechanism of different Indocalamus species after absorbing large amounts of heavy metals. The results were as follows: (1) under Pb treatment, the total relative biomass of LA, HU and LC was <100%, whereas the total relative biomass of CH was >100%; (2) after applying EDTA, the bioconcentration coefficient, translocation factor, and free proline content of the four Indocalamus species increased; and (3) the Pb mobility and distribution rates of the underground parts of the four Indocalamus species were consistently greater than those of the aboveground parts. The Pb mobility and distribution rates in the stems increased after applying EDTA, while those in the leaves decreased, as the plants tended to transfer Pb to their stems, which have lower physiological activity than their leaves.

Comprehensive source identification of heavy metals in atmospheric particulate matter in a megacity: A case study of Hangzhou.

Megacities face significant pollution challenges, particularly the elevated levels of heavy metals (HMs) in particulate matter (PM). Despite the advent of interdisciplinary and advanced methods for HM source analysis, integrating and applying these approaches to identify HM sources in PM remains a hurdle. This study employs a year-long daily sampling dataset for PM1 and PM1-10 to examine the patterns of HM concentrations under hazy, clean, and rainy conditions in Hangzhou City, aiming to pinpoint the primary sources of HMs in PM. Contrary to other HMs that remained within acceptable limits, the annual average concentrations of Cd and Ni were found to be 20.6 ± 13.6 and 46.9 ± 34.8 ng/m³, respectively, surpassing the World Health Organization's limits by 4.1 and 1.9 times. Remarkably, Cd levels decreased on hazy days, whereas Ni levels were observed to rise on rainy days. Using principal component analysis (PCA), enrichment factor (EF), and backward trajectory analysis, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn were determined to be primarily derived from traffic emissions, and there was an interaction between remote migration and local emissions in haze weather. Isotope analysis reveals that Pb concentrations in the Hangzhou region were primarily influenced by emissions from unleaded gasoline, coal combustion, and municipal solid waste incineration, with additional impact from long-range transport; it also highlights nuanced differences between PM1 and PM1-10. Pb isotope and PCA analyses indicate that Ni primarily stemmed from waste incineration emissions. This explanation accounts for the observed higher Ni concentrations on rainy days. Backward trajectory cluster analysis revealed that southern airflows were the primary source of high Cd concentrations on clean days in Hangzhou City. This study employs a multifaceted approach and cross-validation to successfully delineate the sources of HMs in Hangzhou's PM. It offers a methodology for the precise and reliable analysis of complex HM sources in megacity PM.

Synthesis of Hybrid Tin-Based Perovskite Microcrystals for LED Applications.

Considerable focus on tin-based perovskites lies on substitution to leadhalide perovskites for the fabrication of eco-friendly optoelectronic devices.The major concern related to tin-based perovskite devices are mainly thestability and the efficiency. However, thinking on the final commercializationscope, other considerations such as precursor stability and cost are majorfactors to carry about. In this regard, this work presents a robust and facilesynthesis of 2D A2SnX4 (A = 4-fluorophenethylammonium(4-FPEA); X = I, Br, I/Br) and 3D FASnI3 perovskite microcrystals followinga developed synthesis strategy with low-cost starting materials. In thisdeveloped methodology, acetic acid is used as a solvent, which helps to protectfrom water by making a hydrophobic network over the perovskite surface, andhence provides sufficient ambient and long-term inert atmosphere stability ofthe microcrystals. Further, the microcrystals are recrystallized in thin filmsfor LED application, allowing the fabrication of orange, near-infrared and purered emitting LEDs. The two-step recrystallized devices show better performanceand stability in comparison to the reference devices made by using commercialprecursors. Importantly, the developed synthesis methodology is defined as ageneric method for the preparation of varieties of hybrid tin-based perovskitesmicrocrystals and application in optoelectronic devices.

Navigating challenges and solutions for metal-halide and carbon-based electrodes in perovskite solar cells (NCS-MCEPSC): An environmental approach.

The urgent need to shift to renewable energy is highlighted by rising global energy use and environmental issues like global warming from fossil fuel dependency. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) stand out as a promising option, providing high efficiency and potential for cost-effective production. This study delves into the environmental concerns and viable solutions linked with metal-halide PSCs (M-PSCs) and carbon-based electrode PCSs (C-PSCs). It showcases the swift progress in PSC technology, highlighting its potential to deliver efficient and economical renewable energy options. Yet, the environmental implications of these technologies, especially the utilization of toxic lead (Pb) in M-PSCs and the issues of stability and degradation in C-PSCs, represent considerable hurdles for their broad application and sustainability. The paper details the recent advances in PSCs, focusing on enhancements in device efficiency and stability through innovative material combinations and device designs. Nonetheless, the environmental hazards linked to the dispersal of toxic substances from compromised or deteriorating PSCs into the ecosystem raise significant concerns. In particular, the risk of Pb from M-PSCs contaminating soil and aquatic ecosystems is a pressing issue for human and environmental health, spurring investigations into alternative materials and methods to diminish these impacts. The authors examine several strategies, including the introduction of Pb-free perovskites, encapsulation methods to block the escape of hazardous substances, and the recycling of PSC elements. The study stresses the necessity of aligning technological innovations with considerations for the environment and health, calling for ongoing research into PSC technologies that are sustainable and safe. This review highlights the need for detailed assessments of PSC technologies, focusing on their renewable energy contributions, environmental impacts, and strategies to mitigate these effects. The authors call for a cohesive strategy to develop PSCs that are efficient, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and safe for widespread use.

Evaluating Pb-based and Pb-free Halide Perovskites for Solar-Cell Applications: A Simulation Study.

Metal halide Pb-based and Pb-free perovskite crystal structures are an essential class of optoelectronic materials due to their significant optoelectronic properties, optical absorption and tuneable emission spectrum properties. However, the most efficient optoelectronic devices were based on the Pb as a monovalent cation, but its toxicity is a significant hurdle for commercial device applications. Thus, replacing the toxic Pb with Pb-free alternatives (such as tin (Sn)) for diverse photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications is essential. Moreover, replacing the volatile methylammonium (MA) with cesium (Cs) leads to the development of an efficient perovskite absorber layer with improved optical & thermal stability and stabilized photoconversion efficiency. This paper discusses the correlation between the experimental and theoretical work for the Pb-based and Pb-free perovskites synthesised using the hot-injection method at different temperatures. Here, simulation is also carried out using the help of SCAPS-1D software to study the effect of various parameters of CsSnI3 and CsPbI3 layers on solar cell performance. This experimental and theoretical comparative study of the Hot-injection method synthesised CsPbI3 and CsSnI3 perovskites is rarely investigated for optoelectronic applications.

Suppressed Defects by Functional Thermally Cross-Linked Fullerene for High-Efficiency Tin-Lead Perovskite Solar Cells.

Mixed tin-lead (Sn-Pb) perovskites have attracted the attention of the community due to their narrow bandgap, ideal for photovoltaic applications, especially tandem solar cells. However, the oxidation and rapid crystallization of Sn2+ and the interfacial traps hinder their development. Here, cross-linkable [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric styryl dendron ester (C-PCBSD) is introduced during the quenching step of perovskite thin film processing to suppress the generation of surface defects at the electron transport layer interface and improve the bulk crystallinity. The C-PCBSD has strong coordination ability with Sn2+ and Pb2+ perovskite precursors, which retards the crystallization process, suppresses the oxidation of Sn2+, and improves the perovskite bulk and surface crystallinity, yielding films with reduced nonradiative recombination and enhanced interface charge extraction. Besides, the C-PCBSD network deposited on the perovskite surface displays superior hydrophobicity and oxygen resistance. Consequently, the devices with C-PCBSD obtain PCEs of up to 23.4% and retained 97% of initial efficiency after 2000 h of storage in a N2 atmosphere.