Ce-Zr@Nd-BTC MOF coatings: bridging green chemistry and high-efficiency solar panels

Improving light harvesting and charge transport in silicon solar panels remains a key challenge. Here, a green-synthesized Ce–Zr core–shell nanoparticle decorated neodymium–1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate metal–organic framework (Ce–Zr@(Nd-BTC) MOF) is introduced as an anti-reflective and charge-modulating surface coating to enhance photovoltaic efficiency. The Nd-BTC MOF was prepared by an ultrasonic–hydrothermal route, while Ce–Zr core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous Dillenia indica L. fruit extract as a reducing and capping agent. Decoration of the MOF with Ce–Zr nanoparticles was achieved via simple adsorption and stirring, yielding a stable composite coating. Characterization by UV–Vis, FT-IR, Raman, XRD, SEM, TEM, and N₂ adsorption (BET) analyses confirmed successful incorporation of Ce–Zr nanoparticles within the rod-shaped Nd-BTC framework and maintained crystallinity with particle sizes of ~ 20–30 nm. Photovoltaic testing under natural sunlight demonstrated that the Ce–Zr@(Nd-BTC)-coated panels exhibited significantly higher power output (≈ 9.0 W vs. ≈ 6.5 W for uncoated) and improved efficiency (up to 22%), attributed to reduced reflection and more efficient charge separation. The eco-friendly synthesis, facile coating process, and measurable performance enhancement highlight the potential of MOF–metal oxide hybrid coatings as scalable surface treatments for advanced photovoltaic devices.