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Improving the performance of FAPbI3 perovskite solar cells using a self-assembled monolayer

Mustafa Kareem*ab, Mustafa Abdullahc, Chetansinh R. Vaghelad, K. S. Kirane, K. Parasuramanf and Sanjeev Kumarg
aCollege of Remote Sensing and Geophysics, Al-Karkh University of Science, Haifa St., Baghdad 10011, Iraq. E-mail: dr.mustafa@kus.edu.iq
bCollege of Science, University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, 56001 Karbala, Iraq
cElectric Vehicles Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Al Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
dFaculty of Science, Gokul Global University, Sidhpur, Gujarat, India
eDepartment of Physics, School of Engineering and Technology, JAIN (Deemed to Be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
fDepartment of Physics, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
gDepartment of Physics, University Institute of Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India

Received 30th March 2026 , Accepted 7th May 2026

First published on 20th May 2026


Abstract

In halide perovskite solar cells, the interfaces between the charge-transporting materials and perovskite significantly control the photovoltaic performance of the devices. In this simulation-based work, we introduce fullerene molecules as an interlayer between the front electrode and the perovskite layer to passivate surface defects and mitigate degradation arising from the direct contact between the electrode and the perovskite. Through SCAPS-1D simulation, we suggest that introducing a self-assembled monolayer reduces recombination losses, facilitates charge-carrier extraction, and improves band alignment in perovskite solar cells. We also evaluate the solar cell performance by tuning the perovskite layer thickness, trap-state density, shallow-acceptor density, parasitic resistances, and operating temperature to optimize the photovoltaic designs. The incorporation of this molecular modifier enables the simulation of conventional FAPbI3-based perovskite solar cells with an efficiency of 24.07% under typical illumination conditions. Moreover, the optimized devices show high thermal stability, retaining 77% of their initial performance at 450 K.


1. Introduction

Renewable solar energy can provide a solution to the growing concern over global warming and atmospheric greenhouse pollutants from fossil fuels.1,2 Therefore, the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable and green sources is a critical challenge that has attracted considerable attention.3,4 Halide perovskite solar cells (HPSCs) have been widely investigated in recent years, with a verified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 27%.5 Organometallic APbI3 perovskites utilizing formamidinium (FA+) A-site cations have attracted significant attention owing to their promising optoelectronic characteristics.6,7 The beneficial thermodynamic durability of the FA+ cation makes α-FAPbI3 more desirable for photovoltaic applications than methylammonium (MA+)-based APbI3 perovskites. Nevertheless, its spontaneous transformation to the yellow non-perovskite phase (δ-FAPbI3) under ambient conditions poses an obstacle to its practical application.8,9 The partial replacement of FA+ with Cs+ or MA+ was shown to be an effective approach for stabilizing the α-phase of FAPbI3 in ambient air, resulting in a narrower absorption spectrum and causing phase segregation.10 Therefore, for the mass production of highly efficient HPSCs, the instability associated with phase conversion needs to be suppressed. Additionally, the presence of defects and dangling bonds at the perovskite interfaces induces a lattice mismatch, thus leading to interfacial stress. All these issues will substantially increase non-radiative recombination and impede efficient charge-carrier extraction.11

To address these issues, the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) method has been shown to be effective because of the generation of permanent dipole moments that adjust the band alignment, inhibit ion migration, passivate defects, and suppress recombination losses.12,13 For FAPbI3 perovskite, Cao et al. used [4-(3,6-dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl] phosphonic acid as a SAM interlayer to engineer the interface between NiOx and FAPbI3. Me-4PACz enabled the passivation of interfacial defects and optimized the energetic alignment at the NiOx/FAPbI3 interface, thereby improving the charge collection.14 Zhang et al. reported the etidronic acid SAM molecule at the buried interface of FAPbI3 in the n–i–p HPSC architecture. This SAM layer could strongly bridge FAPbI3 with the electron transport layer (ETL), thus stabilizing α-phase FAPbI3 and reducing lead leakage in harsh environments.15 In 2025, Xu et al. utilized a ferroelectric 1-adamantanamine hydroiodide SAM to tune the interfacial properties of HPSCs by creating a dipole layer over the FAPbI3 film. The interfacial dipole reduced energy-level misalignment and mitigated charge recombination; consequently, the HPSC yielded a PCE of 25.13%.13 In this context, numerical simulations provide valuable insights into solar cell physics and can guide experimental efforts toward improved PCE and stability. A one-dimensional solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D) is an extensively utilized software for the numerical simulation of solar cells. This tool allows for the examination of the photoelectric properties and carrier dynamics in HPSCs by resolving coupled Poisson and continuity equations under practical material and interface parameters.16 Multiple SCAPS-1D investigations have designated the C60 interlayer as an efficient electron-selective material due to its advantageous band alignment and diminished interfacial recombination.17 Song et al. improved the performance of inorganic CsGeI3 HPSCs by incorporating a fullerene (C60) interlayer using the SCAPS-1D tool. A (C60)-SAM formed a double electron transport structure, enhancing carrier transport and HPSC performance.18

In this simulation-based study using SCAPS-1D, we demonstrate that the incorporation of fullerene (C60) as a self-assembled monolayer (C60-SAM) underneath the FAPbI3 perovskite layer significantly enhances the photovoltaic performance of HPSCs. Moreover, the C60 interlayer improves the interfacial band alignment due to the formation of a permanent dipole moment. The well-aligned energy levels between FAPbI3 and C60 interlayer suppress the nonradiative carrier recombination and improve the fill factor (FF) and open circuit voltage (VOC) of HPSCs. Consequently, a significant enhancement in the device performance of FAPbI3 HPSC was realized, with the theoretical efficiency increasing from 7.5% to 24.07%. With this SAM treatment, only 23% degradation of HPSCs was observed at an elevated temperature (450 K) under AM 1.5 G illumination, predicting high thermal stability.

2. Methodology

The SCAPS-1D program was developed by Burgelman and his colleagues to model a variety of solar cells with up to seven layers.19 The SCAPS-1D software operates based on the essential formulas of semiconductor physics, including the Poisson equation, continuity equations for electrons and holes, and drift-diffusion equations. The SCAPS-1D simulator is widely used for solar cell modeling since it provides direct calculations for the main photovoltaic parameters, simple implementation, and capability to add bulk and interfacial defect characteristics. The SCAPS-1 D tool can analyze significant device mechanisms, such as trap-assisted recombination, energy-level alignment, and interface properties, which are critical for understanding the role of C60 as an interlayer modifier. As an open-access program, SCAPS-1D enables researchers to define a wide range of input parameters, such as bandgap (Eg), dielectric constant (εr), carrier mobilities (µ), electron affinity (χe), doping densities, effective density of states, and trap-state densities (NT), making it a practical resource for facilitating the advancement and assessment of novel photovoltaic designs.20 In addition, typical carrier recombination methods, such as Auger processes, radiative recombination, and Shockley–Read–Hall (SRH) recombination by bulk traps, are included.

The typical AM 1.5 G solar irradiation with an intensity of 1000 W m−2 at a temperature of 300 K was employed as the input illumination for the device simulation. We utilized fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) as an illuminated side with a flat-band contact, while gold (Au) was used as a back contact. It is found that SCAPS-1D calculations can be aligned with the experimental results when critical conditions, such as parasitic resistances and interfacial and bulk defects, are taken into account. We set the series resistance (RS) and shunt resistance (RSH) to 4 ohm cm2 and 500 ohm cm2, respectively. As depicted in Table S1, interfacial layers with NTrap = 1.02 × 1012 cm−2 were added at the ETL/FAPbI3 and FAPbI3/HTL interfaces. Unfortunately, time-dependent degradation processes, such as chemical changes, thermal aging, and ionic migration, cannot be conducted using SCAPS-1D because it operates under steady-state conditions.

3. Results and discussion

We examined the initial photovoltaic performance of the HPSCs using the input parameters shown in Table 1. FAPbI3-based HPSC was simulated utilizing the configuration illustrated in Fig. 1a. Fig. 1b and c show the band structure diagram of the ordered layers in the equilibrium-simulated HPSC. The FTO/C60/FAPbI3/spiro-OMeTAD/Au stack exhibited a preferable energy-level alignment with small band offsets, promoting charge-carrier extraction from FAPbI3 toward the respective electrodes. Additionally, Fig. S1 demonstrates a strong built-in potential (Vbi) at the C60/FAPbI3 interface, providing a driving force for electrons. Fig. 1d depicts the absorption coefficient (α) profiles for the HPSC layers extracted from the default SCAPS-1D. The FAPbI3 perovskite exhibited the highest absorption, while the ETL and HTL exhibited low absorption, operating as light window layers. Fig. 1e shows the current density–voltage (JV) characteristics of the reference HPSC under AM 1.5 G solar light. The reference device had a PCE of 18.25% with a short circuit current (JSC) of 24.46 mA cm−2, VOC of 1.04 V, and fill factor (FF) of 71.08%. The incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) spectrum (Fig. 1f) was calculated to verify the high JSC value. The IPCE of the reference device was high over the entire visible-light absorption region, indicating efficient photon harvesting and charge-carrier separation/transportation.27
Table 1 Key parameters of the layers used in the HPSC structure
Parameters (units) C60-SAM FAPbI3 Spiro-OMeTAD
Thickness [nm] 3.0 550 200
Bandgap [eV] 2.3 1.53 3.01
Electron affinity [eV] 4.0 4.0 2.18
Dielectric permittivity 4.4 25 3
Effective density of states in conduction band [cm−3] 1.0 × 1018 1.8 × 1019 2.2 × 1018
Effective density of states in valence band [cm−3] 1.8 × 1019 2.2 × 1018 2.0 × 1017
Electron mobility [cm2 V−1 s−1] 3.8 × 10−3 27 7.9 × 10−3
Hole mobility [cm2 V−1 s−1] 1.0 × 10−5 27 7.9 × 10−3
Electron thermal velocity [cm s−1] 1.0 × 107 1.0 × 107 1.0 × 107
Hole thermal velocity [cm s−1] 1.0 × 107 1.0 × 107 1.0 × 107
Shallow-donor density [cm−3] 1.0 × 1018
Shallow-acceptor density [cm−3] 1.0 × 1015 1.2 × 1017
Defect type Neutral Neutral Neutral
Trap-state density [cm−3] 1.0 × 1016 1.8 × 1015 1.0 × 1015
Electron-capture cross-section [cm2] 1.0 × 10−15 1.0 × 10−15 1.0 × 10−15
Hole-capture cross-section [cm2] 1.0 × 10−15 1.0 × 10−15 1.0 × 10−15
Defect position above the valence-band edge [eV] 0.6 0.6 0.6
Energetic distribution Single Single Single
References 21 22 and 23 24–26



image file: d6ra02657e-f1.tif
Fig. 1 Initial simulation and schematic of HPSC with C60. (a) Configuration of a typical HPSC. (b) Energy level alignment. (c) Band structure diagram of C60/FAPbI3/spiro-OMeTAD. (d) Absorption coefficient plots. (e) JV curve of the simulated device under AM1.5 illumination. (f) IPCE response.

Normally, defects in perovskite layers generate energy states that operate as nonradiative recombination sites, which result from undercoordinated species, impurity inclusion, or lattice disorder, especially under poorly controlled fabrication conditions, which severely deteriorate HPSC performance. The effect of perovskite trap-state density (NTrap) on the photovoltaic properties of HPSCs was analyzed by varying NTrap from 1015 cm−3 to 1019 cm−3 (Fig. 2a). Deep-level traps significantly reduce carrier lifetimes and diffusion lengths through SRH recombination.28 As NTrap increased, all parameters decreased significantly. JSC decreased from 24.46 mA cm−2 at 1015 cm−3 to 4.26 mA cm−2 at 1019 cm−3 (Fig. 2b), which was attributed to the increased SRH processes at the recombination sites (Fig. 2f), leading to a reduction in carrier diffusion lengths from 2.6 µm to 26 nm. Furthermore, the decrease in JSC can be attributed to the inhibited photocarrier generation, as confirmed by the reduced IPCE spectrum, as depicted in Fig. 2d. The VOC also shows a decreasing pattern with NTrap. As stated in the diode equation image file: d6ra02657e-t1.tif,29 an enhanced recombination rate at higher defect levels causes an increase in the reverse saturation current (Jo), thus limiting VOC. FF in Fig. 2c also decreases with increasing NTrap due to the reduced recombination resistance (Rrec), which is consistent with the impedance analysis (Fig. 2e). Nyquist plots exhibit a shrinkage in the semi-circular curve with increasing NTrap, indicating Rrec suppression in the HPSC devices. The PCE results demonstrate a pronounced decrease from 18.67% to 0.46% with increasing NTrap, underscoring the need for deep-level defect management.


image file: d6ra02657e-f2.tif
Fig. 2 Analysis of the impact of the trap-state density within FAPbI3 on the performance of HPSCs. (a) JV characteristics. (b) Dependency of VOC and JSC on NTrap. (c) Variations in FF and PCE with NTrap. (d) IPCE spectra. (e) Nyquist plots derived from the impedance measurements. (f) Recombination rates at low and high NTrap concentrations.

The effect of FAPbI3 thickness on the photovoltaic parameters of C60-based HPSCs was investigated by varying the perovskite thickness in the range of 300 nm to 700 nm (Fig. 3a). As depicted in Fig. 3b, the optimum JSC value is obtained for thicknesses of around 600 to 700 nm. Increasing the perovskite thickness improves JSC due to the increased IPCE across a wider spectral range caused by enhanced light harvesting in the longer wavelength region, as shown in Fig. 3d. Conversely, VOC exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing perovskite thickness because of the spreading of Vbi across a longer region, limiting drift efficiency. FF (Fig. 3c) slightly decreases with increasing perovskite thickness mainly due to the higher RS and trap-mediated recombination in thicker perovskites, as depicted in Fig. 3f. The 700 nm FAPbI3 layer shows a wider distribution of recombination rates, which leads to an increase in carrier pathways, thereby increasing the probability of recombination. Collectively, the PCE improved with the FAPbI3 thickness, and the optimum device with 700 nm yielded a VOC of 1.05 V, a JSC of 25.36 mA cm−2, an FF of 70.57%, and a PCE of 18.81%. Finally, Fig. 3e illustrates the capacitance–frequency (Cf) curves of HPSCs with different perovskite thicknesses. Thick absorbers showed lower capacitance due to reduced interfacial carrier aggregation and a weaker depletion region at the interfaces.30 Additionally, we note that the capacitance of HPSC decreases as frequency increases due to slow ionic and polarization processes, indicating a weaker internal electric field.


image file: d6ra02657e-f3.tif
Fig. 3 Impact of the FAPbI3 absorber thickness on the performance of HPSCs. (a) JV curves. (b) Variations in VOC and JSC. (c) Evaluations of FF and PCE. (d) IPCE spectra. (e) Cf plots under AC perturbation. (f) Recombination rate profiles at 300 nm and 700 nm thicknesses.

Fig. 4a illustrates the JV plots of HPSCs with the shallow acceptor density (NA) changing from 1014 to 1018 cm−3. From Fig. 4b, it is evident that the VOC increases from 1.05 to 1.18 V as NA increases from 1014 to 1018 cm−3. Meanwhile, there is only a slight reduction in the JSC values with an increase in NA levels. The enhancement in NA level boosted Vbi and reduced saturation current density, which enhanced quasi-Fermi level splitting (QFLS) and thus increased VOC. Moreover, a slight reduction in JSC parameter is due to increased SRH recombination processes, which lead to shortening carrier lifetime, thus minimizing carrier separation. As shown in Fig. 4c, it is clear that FF increases from 71.19% to 73.53% and PCE increases from 19.08% to 21.29% with increasing NA value. The JSC reduction is attributed to increased interfacial recombination losses that suppressed optical absorption efficiency, as confirmed by the IPCE results in Fig. S2. The VOC improvement can be explained using the band diagram structure depicted in Fig. 4d and e. With increasing NA doping, band bending and internal Vbi are improved. These improvements lead to a significant increase in QFLS. Additionally, the suppressed recombination rate (Fig. 4f) in the perovskite layer lowers Jo, thus enhancing VOC.


image file: d6ra02657e-f4.tif
Fig. 4 Effect of the FAPbI3 acceptor density on the performance of HPSCs. (a) JV curves. (b) Variations in VOC and JSC. (c) Evaluations of FF and PCE. (d) Band diagram structure of HPSC with 1014 cm−3 acceptor density. (e) Band diagram structure of HPSC with a 1018 cm−3 acceptor density. (f) Recombination rate profiles at 1014 cm−3 and 1018 cm−3 acceptor densities.

A low RS assists effective charge-carrier extraction, suppresses power losses, and optimizes the overall performance of the HPSC. This can be realized by tuning materials and interfaces and designing the cell structure. Fig. 5a presents the evaluation of the JV curves of HPSCs with varying RS in the range of 2 to 14 ohm cm2. As illustrated in Fig. 5b, JSC decreases as RS increases from 24.56 mA cm−2 to 23.95 mA cm−2 due to increased resistive losses in the cell that impede charge generation and collection.31 VOC reveals negligible changes with varying RS, as it mostly relies on recombination, making it less sensitive to RS changes. Variations in RS exhibited the most significant effect on FF, which reduced from 76.42% to 59.09% (Fig. 5c). The increased internal resistive losses deform the JV plots, which decrease the maximum power and result in FF deterioration. Therefore, PCE decreases sharply from 22.22% to 16.76% with increasing RS.


image file: d6ra02657e-f5.tif
Fig. 5 Analysis of resistive losses and operating temperature on HPSC performance. (a) JV characteristics with varying RS. (b) Variations in VOC and JSC. (c) Evaluations of FF and PCE. (d) JV plots with changing RSH. (e) Variations in VOC and JSC. (f) Evaluations of FF and PCE. (g) JV plots at different temperatures. (h) Normalized PCEs.

Optimizing RSH suppresses undesirable leakage current pathways within the HPSC, boosting device performance. Fig. 5d presents the impact of RSH on the performance of HPSCs with a fixed RS at 2 ohm cm2. JSC remained relatively constant with increasing RSH, while VOC improved gradually as RSH increased from 500 to 4000 ohm cm2 (Fig. 5e). As shown in Fig. 5f, a gradual enhancement in FF is observed, as RSH is in the range of 500–3000 ohm cm2, beyond which it becomes constant. Consequently, PCE follows the same pattern as FF; it increases by 24.07% at 4000 ohm cm2. The Nyquist plots shown in Fig. S3 can explain this improvement. At high RSH, leakage routes are suppressed; thus, fewer photocarriers are lost, leading to improved Rrec, as reflected by a larger semicircle diameter in the Nyquist plots.

The experimental reports state that the main challenge of HPSCs is their long-term durability. Therefore, it is important to investigate the effect of operating temperature on the efficiency of C60-based HPSCs. Fig. 5g depicts that JSC shows a minor enhancement from 24.653 mA cm−2 to 25.421 mA cm−2 with rising operating temperatures. This JSC improvement is attributed to the energy bandgap narrowing of perovskite, resulting in higher photon harvesting and improved charge carrier mobility.32 VOC and FF were strongly affected by higher temperatures, consistent with previous studies.33 VOC is one of the main parameters influenced by increasing temperatures, as they are closely associated with Jo. Increased device temperature increases charge thermal energy, which leads to higher non-radiative recombination rates, thus limiting VOC and FF. Both VOC and FF decreased from 1.186 V to 0.983 V and 82.284% to 74.824% with an increasing operating temperature from 300 K to 450 K, respectively, thereby declining cell efficiency.34,35 Based on the simulation calculations (Fig. 5h), the devices showed good thermal stability, maintaining 77% of their initial performance at 450 K.

Introducing C60 interlayer at the electrode/perovskite interface can improve electronic quality and electron collection efficacy of the FAPbI3-based HPSCs. The C60 layer can passivate Pb2+ and iodide vacancy defects, thus suppressing recombination losses. Therefore, a device with C60 showed higher photoconversion performance, as confirmed by the improved JV plot (Fig. 6a) and IPCE spectrum (Fig. 6b). Moreover, Nyquist analysis exhibits higher recombination resistance for the device with C60, as illustrated in Fig. 6c, implying suppressed carrier recombination. Fig. 6d shows a clear reduction in the recombination rate at the ETL/FAPbI3 and FAPbI3/HTL interfaces, further confirming the role of SAM in suppressing SRH recombination pathways. The optimized HPSC achieved a PCE of 24.07% with a JSC of 24.65 mA cm−2, a VOC of 1.186 V, and an FF of 82.28%.


image file: d6ra02657e-f6.tif
Fig. 6 Effect of the C60 self-assembled monolayer on photocurrent performance and interfacial charge dynamics in HPSCs. (a) JV curves. (b) IPCE spectra. (c) Nyquist plots. (d) Recombination rate profiles. (e) Proposed mechanism for defect passivation using the C60 self-assembled monolayer molecule.

The C60 modifier could introduce a uniform interfacial layer between the conductive oxide substrate and perovskite absorber via van der Waals interactions even without anchoring functional groups. As shown in Fig. 6e, this interlayer could induce a passivation effect by interacting with undercoordinated Pb2+ ions and iodide vacancies, thus reducing non-radiative recombination rates.36 Furthermore, the C60 interlayer could improve the interfacial energy level alignment due to the formation of a permanent dipole moment, which facilitates electron extraction.37 Density functional theory calculations reveal that the C60 interlayer could interact with MAPbI3 perovskite by generating interfacial charge redistribution and modulating surface energy, thereby enhancing charge transport.38 Finally, the C60 interlayer could significantly reduce the JV hysteresis of HPSCs by passivating the localized and accumulated ions, which act as trap-assisted carrier recombination sites in HPSCs, resulting in large JV hysteresis.39

Table 2 compares the photovoltaic parameters of the simulated HPSCs with the experimentally reported FAPbI3-based devices. The obtained parameters are consistent with those of previous studies, confirming the validity of the adopted material parameters and simulation process as well as capturing accurate carrier dynamics in HPSCs.

Table 2 A summary comparison of the obtained device parameters with the reported FAPbI3-based HPSCsa
Author Structure VOC (V) JSC (mA cm−2) FF (%) PCE (%)
a OAI: octylammonium iodide; mp-TiO2: mesoporous titanium dioxide; MoO3: molybdenum trioxide; and PEAI: phenethylammonium iodide.
Kumar et al.40 FTO/SnO2/FAPbI3/spiro-OMeTAD/Au 1.115 24.54 76.93 21.72
Anjan et al.41 FTO/c-TiO2/mp-TiO2/FAPbI3/spiro-OMeTAD/Au 1.155 25.24 82.89 24.16
Jeong et al.8 FTO/c-TiO2/mp-TiO2/FAPbI3/OAI/spiro-OMeTAD/Au 1.189 26.35 81.70 25.60
Meng et al.42 ITO/SnO2/FAPbI3/spiro-OMeTAD/Au 1.188 26.22 81.38 25.36
Du et al.43 FTO/TiO2/FAPbI3/PEAI/spiro-OMeTAD/Au 24.00
Xiong et al.44 FTO/SnO2/FAPbI3/spiro-OMeTAD/MoO3/Ag 1.130 25.37 80.90 23.19
This work FTO/C60/FAPbI3/spiro-OMeTAD/Au 1.186 24.65 82.28 24.07


4. Conclusion

In summary, we reported a substantial efficiency enhancement of FAPbI3 solar cells from 7.5% to 24.07% by incorporating a self-assembled monolayer of fullerene (C60) between the FTO electrode and the FAPbI3 perovskite. The insertion of the C60 interlayer led to enhanced energetic band alignment, reduced charge recombination, and improved charge extraction–transportation capabilities. All these factors contributed to the surge in the photovoltaic parameters. Impedance analysis confirms a significant reduction in trap-assisted recombination using the C60 modification. Furthermore, the addition of C60 interlayer enhanced the high-temperature stability. The SCAPS-1D simulation further confirms the importance of perovskite layer optimization for designing efficient and stable HPSCs. Perovskite optimization was accomplished by tuning the perovskite thickness, trap-state density, and shallow acceptor concentration. Our simulation results offer useful guidance for the ongoing optimization of fabrication processes in high-efficiency FAPbI3-based HPSCs.

Author contributions

Mustafa Kareem: formal analysis; conceptualization; methodology; writing – original draft; writing – review & editing, validation. Mustafa Abdullah: methodology; conceptualization; writing – original draft. Chetansinh R. Vaghela: writing – original draft; writing – review & editing. Kiran K. S.: software; formal analysis; writing – review & editing. Parasuraman K.: writing – original draft; methodology; software. Sanjeev Kumar: investigation; writing – review & editing; supervision.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Data availability

The data will be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Supplementary information (SI) is available. See DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d6ra02657e.

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