Copper Sulfide Research Articles

Exploring the phase composition and crystal structure of potassium-doped copper sulfide

This study investigates the phase composition, crystal structure, and phase transitions of potassium-substituted copper sulfide (KxCu1.97-xS), focusing on the effects of potassium doping on the material’s properties. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, we identified the structural characteristics of potassium-doped variants, confirming their retention of the monoclinic chalcocite structure (P21/c) with slight modifications in lattice parameters. The incorporation of potassium ions resulted in observable changes in the unit cell dimensions, suggesting enhanced ionic interactions and potential impacts on electronic conductivity. The thermoelectric coefficient, electro-conductivity, and thermoelectric power were also examined, revealing that potassium doping could stabilize certain phases under varying temperature conditions. This work provides valuable insights into the structure-property relationships in copper sulfides, highlighting the potential for tailored materials in thermoelectric applications and other advanced technologies. Future studies will explore the implications of these findings for optimizing the performance of potassium-doped copper sulfides in practical applications.

Further Results on the Effects of the Grinding Environment on the Flotation of Copper Sulphides

Grinding conditions affect the flotation of copper sulphide minerals as changes in the properties of the grinding media and their interactions with the sulphide minerals, and between sulphide minerals themselves, affect the chemical environment in the flotation pulp. Galvanic interactions between steel grinding media and sulphide minerals, and between sulphide minerals, can lower the pulp potential, decrease the dissolved oxygen concentration in the mineral slurry, and lead to the dissolution of iron and copper from the media and the minerals. As a result, the formation of hydrophilic iron hydroxides and their adsorption on the copper sulphide minerals can be deleterious to copper flotation while pyrite (when present) can be activated to flotation by dissolved copper lowering the grade of the copper concentrate. Electrochemically less active grinding media (e.g., chrome alloy balls rather than mild steel media) can have beneficial effects on flotation performance due to the lower oxidation of the grinding media and consequently the lower production of oxidised iron species in the pulp. Copper activation of pyrite can be decreased by chemical additions to the pulp. In this paper, relevant experimental data published in the last 15 years are discussed.

Facile Synthesis of Polypyrrole-Decorated RGO-CuS Nanocomposite for Efficient Nickel Removal from Wastewater

Efficient wastewater treatment, particularly the removal of heavy metal ions, remains a challenging priority in environmental remediation. This study introduces a novel sandwich-structured nanocomposite, RGO-CuS-PPy, composed of reduced graphene oxide (RGO), copper sulfide (CuS), and polypyrrole (PPy), synthesized via a straightforward hydrothermal method. The unique combination of RGO, CuS, and PPy offers enhanced adsorption capacity for Ni(II) ions due to RGO’s high surface area and CuS’s active binding sites, supported by PPy’s structural stability contributions. This study is among the first to explore this specific nanocomposite architecture for Ni(II) removal, achieving an adsorption capacity of 166.67 mg/g and a high removal efficiency of 94.9% within 210 min for 55 mg/L of Ni(II) concentration at pH 6 and adsorbent dose of 3 mg/15 mL. The kinetic analysis shows the best fitted time-dependent experimental data with the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption. Isotherm studies confirmed the Langmuir model as the best fit, yielding a high monolayer adsorption capacity of 166.67 mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis shows the adsorption process was endothermic (ΔH° = 80.23 kJ/mol) and spontaneous (ΔG° ranging from −6.985 to −14.399 kJ/mol). Additionally, reusability tests using 0.1 M HCl for desorption demonstrated good reusability, emphasizing the RGO-CuS-PPy nanocomposite’s potential as a sustainable adsorbent for Ni(II) removal in wastewater treatment applications.

Zinc Oxide‐Enhanced Copper Sulfide Nanozymes Promote the Healing of Infected Wounds by Activating Immune and Inflammatory Responses

AbstractBacterial infection and an excessive inflammatory response are two major factors that affect the healing of infected wounds. The zinc oxide/copper sulfide (ZnO‐CuS) microspheres (MSs) developed in this work can kill bacteria and resist inflammation. ZnO‐CuS exhibits different enzyme‐like activities depending on pH. In acidic environments, ZnO‐CuS exhibits peroxidase‐like (POD‐like) activity and can convert hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into hydroxyl radicals (•OH) for sterilization. Under neutral conditions, ZnO‐CuS removes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and can convert excess ROS into water and oxygen. The in vitro results of the antibacterial test demonstrate the pronounced disruption effect of ZnO‐CuS on the bacterial biofilm and cell membrane. The transcriptome sequencing results of wounded animal tissue reveal that ZnO‐CuS MSs increase the expression of proteins produced by immune cells, and reduce the expression levels of inflammatory factors at the wound site. Therefore, antimicrobial activity and rapid wound healing can be achieved by regulating the immune response and reducing the inflammatory response. The results from hemolysis, routine blood and blood biochemistry analyses demonstrate the excellent biosecurity of the ZnO‐CuS MSs.

CaCO3-encircled hollow CuS nanovehicles to suppress cervical cancer through enhanced calcium overload-triggered mitochondria damage

Cervical cancer stands is a formidable malignancy that poses a significant threat to women's health. Calcium overload, a minimally invasive tumor treatment, aims to accumulate an excessive concentration of Ca2+ within mitochondria, triggering apoptosis. Copper sulfide (CuS) represents a photothermal mediator for tumor hyperthermia. However, relying solely on thermotherapy often proves insufficient in controlling tumor growth. Curcumin (CUR), an herbal compound with anti-cancer properties, inhibits the efflux of exogenous Ca2+ while promoting its excretion from the endoplasmic reticulum into the cytoplasm. To harness these therapeutic modalities, we have developed a nanoplatform that incorporates hollow CuS nanoparticles (NPs) adorned with multiple CaCO3 particles and internally loaded with CUR. This nanocomposite exhibits high uptake and easy escape from lysosomes, along with the degradation of surrounding CaCO3, provoking the generation of abundant exogenous Ca2+in situ, ultimately damaging the mitochondria of diseased cells. Impressively, under laser excitation, the CuS NPs demonstrate a photothermal effect that accelerates the degradation of CaCO3, synergistically enhancing the antitumor effect through photothermal therapy. Additionally, fluorescence imaging reveals the distribution of these nanovehicles in vivo, indicating their effective accumulation at the tumor site. This nanoplatform shows promising outcomes for tumor-targeting and the effective treatment in a murine model of cervical cancer, achieved through cascade enhancement of calcium overload-based dual therapy.

Nuclear-targeted smart nanoplatforms featuring double-shell hollow mesoporous copper sulfide coated with manganese dioxide synergistically potentiate chemotherapy and immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Nuclear-targeted smart nanoplatforms featuring double-shell hollow mesoporous copper sulfide coated with manganese dioxide synergistically potentiate chemotherapy and immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Application of calcium hypochlorite and carboxymethyl chitosan as combined depressants for selective flotation separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite at low alkalinity

Flotation separation of copper-sulfur at low alkalinity has attracted soaring interest in the beneficiation of copper sulfide ore. In this work, application of calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2) and carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMC) as combined depressants for selective flotation separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite was investigated. A maximum recovery difference of 71.35 % between both minerals is observed under the recommended conditions ([Ca(ClO)2] = 60 mg/L, [OCMC] = 400 mg/L and 40 mg/L SBX at pH=8). Besides, the copper-sulfur flotation separation indexes were assessed by the artificial mixed-mineral tests. Results of contact angle measurement, zeta potential and adsorption amount analysis reveal that the combined depressants severely impede the collector adsorption onto pyrite surfaces, and has a light effect on the chalcopyrite. OCMC exhibits a stronger complexing ability on Ca2+ and Fe2+ ions than Cu2+ ions. XPS results confirm that the combined depressant interact with pyrite surfaces intensively, and prompt a deep conversion of S22- and Sn2-/S0 into S2- and SO42- species, as well as a deep transformation of Fe(II)-S into Fe(III)-O/OH on the pyrite surface. ToF-SIMS and thermodynamic calculation results afford the favorable evidence for the selective suppression of the pyrite with added the combined depressant. Thereby the selective oxidation and intense complexation on the pyrite stemming from the combined depressant synergy are responsible for the selective separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite.

Spectroelectrochemistry study on the surface modification of chalcopyrite by Cu2+ and its depressive response to flotation collector adsorption by negative potential

In the flotation beneficiation of copper and molybdenum co-occurrence ores, the efficient depression of chalcopyrite is crucial for successful copper-molybdenum separation. However, the consumption of conventional depressant NaHS is huge. There is greater susceptibility of chalcocite and other secondary copper sulfide minerals to electrochemical reaction in comparison to chalcopyrite. Given the irreversible desorption behavior of collector molecules on chalcocite upon negative potential application, electrochemically regulated flotation can be effectively utilized to diminish the utilization of conventional depressants. In this work, electrochemistry and shell-separated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) were used to explore the transformation of chalcopyrite surface to chalcocite-like species under the combined action of Cu2+ and negative potential. The results show that the similarity of cyclic voltammetry (CV) between the modified chalcopyrite and chalcocite, increases with the pretreatment potential becoming increasingly negative. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) also reflects their similar adsorption and desorption behavior in response to ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate (ADD), a typical flotation collector molecule. In addition, the spectroelectrochemical directly reflects the irreversible desorption of ADD molecules from the modified chalcopyrite surface at − 0.7 V. The research results lay a theoretical foundation for the efficient Cu-Mo separative flotation by depressing chalcopyrite under the combination of Cu2+ and negative potential.

THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF GUM ARABIC-COATED Mn-DOPED CuS NANOPRISMS

Novel nanoprism-shaped manganese-doped copper sulfide (Mn–CuS) was fabricated by two-phase colloidal method (Mn percentages = 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%). The Mn–CuS was analyzed by XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis spectrometer, and TEM. The XRD shows that the hexagonal covellite copper sulfide peaks appeared at 2[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] for 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% respectively, and orthorhombic chalcocite copper sulfide appeared at the peaks that are corresponding the planes (412), (275), (029) and (106). According to UV–Vis analysis, the optical absorption of manganese-doped copper sulfide 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% clearly appeared in the UV–Vis region at 518, 440, 478, and 477[Formula: see text]nm respectively, and there are broad peaks for localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) of CuS located at 970, 1061, 1002, and 1006[Formula: see text]nm for Mn–CuS 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%, respectively. The favored nanoprism-shaped sample (manganese-doped copper sulfide 1%) was coated with gum Arabic (GA) in order to decrease the cytotoxicity and enhance the biocompatibility. The antibacterial activity of manganese-doped copper sulfide and GA@Mn–CuS 1% nanostructure toward Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria was determined by inhibition zone. It was found that the fabrecated Mn–CuS 1% nanoprisms were more active toward both E. coli and S. aureus bacteria and the doping enhanced the antibacterial activity.

Design and Synthesis of Sb-Doped CuS@C Hollow Nanocubes as Efficient Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Battery.

Copper sulfide has received widespread attention for application as anode materials in sodium-ion batteries due to their potent capabilitiess and eco-friendly properties. However, it is a challenge to achieve a high rate capability and long cycle stability owing to the heterogeneous transfer of sodium ions during charge-discharge, the interior poor electron conductivity and repeated volumetric expansion of copper sulfide. In this study, Sb-doped copper sulfide hollow nanocubes coated with carbon shells (Sb-CuS@C) was designed and constructed as anode nanomaterials in sodium-ion batteries. Thanks to the intrinsic good electron conductivity and chemical stability of carbon shells, Sb-CuS@C possesses a higher overall electron transfer as anode material, avoids agglomeration and structural destruction during the cycling. As a result, the synthesized Sb-CuS@C achieved an excellent reversible capacity of 595 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g-1 and a good rate capability of 340 mA h g-1 at a higher 10 A g-1. DFT calculations clarify that the uniformly doped Sb would act as active sodiophilic nucleation sites to help adsorbing sodium-ion during discharging and leading uniform sodium deposition. This work provides a new insight into the structural and componential modification for common transition-metal sulfides towards application as anode materials in sodium-ion battery.

Ethylene vinyl acetate/copper sulphide with near-infrared light active shape memory behavior

This thesis presents the preparation of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)-based shape memory polymer composites (SMPC) (EVA/CuS) with near-infrared light photo-thermal response. The composites were prepared using EVA as the matrix material and copper sulphide (CuS) particles as the functional phase. The designability of SMPs was considered in the preparation of these composites. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of CuS, as a functional phase, enhanced the cross-linking degree and augmented the shape memory properties of EVA. Additionally, it served as a photo-thermal functional filler, imparting its photo-thermal properties. It can be observed that as the quantity of CuS particles incorporated into the EVA/CuS composite film increases, the photothermal conversion performance of the composite film improves, the shape fixation rate rises, and the rate of recovery of light-responsive shape memory accelerates. The temperature of the composites increased to 116.7°C in 20 s when the CuS addition was 2 wt% and the NIR light intensity was 0.5 W/cm2. At a NIR light intensity of 0.6 W/cm2, the “U” shape of the sample was restored to a straight state in 30 s, and the shape recovery rate reached 100%. In this experiment, optical near-infrared photostimulation-responsive EVA/CuS composites have been successfully prepared. These composites demonstrate the ability to achieve remote control and fast response of EVA shape memory behavior, offering a new avenue for the preparation of photo-responsive EVA-based shape memory materials.

Nanoarchitectonics of Copper Sulfide Nanoplating for Improvement of Computed Tomography Efficacy of Bismuth Oxide Constructs towards Drugless Theranostics

Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has emerged as one of the dreadful metastatic tumors in women due to complexity, specificity, and high recurrence, resulting in poor therapeutic outcomes and requiring real-time monitoring for improved theranostics. Despite the success as efficient radiosensitizers and computed tomography (CT)-based contrast agents, bismuth (Bi)-based composites suffer from poor colloidal stability, dose-dependent toxicity, and pharmacokinetic shortcomings, leading to poor therapeutic monitoring. In addition, several small molecule-based therapeutics, including nanoparticle-based delivery systems, suffer from several limitations of poor therapeutic delivery and acquired multidrug resistance by cancer cells, depriving the therapeutic needs. To overcome this aspect, this study demonstrates the fabrication of drug-like/drugless nanoarchitectures based on copper sulfide-nanoplated bismuth oxide (Bi2O3@CuS, shortly BC) composites for improved theranostic efficacy against TNBC. These systematically characterized BC nanocomposites exhibited pH-/near-infrared (NIR, 808 nm) light-responsive degradability towards dual modal therapies. Due to the band transition of Cu species, the designed BC composites displayed exceptional photothermal (PTT) conversion efficiency towards localized PTT effects. In addition to pH-/NIR-responsiveness, the internally overexpressed glutathione (GSH)-responsiveness facilitated the release of Cu2+ species for chemodynamic therapy (CDT) effects. To this end, the Bi3+ species in the core could be fully hydrated in the acidic tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in GSH depletion and reducing CDT-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) clearance, thereby ablating tumors. The acid-responsive degradability of CuS resulted in the intratumoral enrichment of BC, demonstrating remarkable CT imaging efficacy in vivo. Together, these pH-/NIR-/GSH-responsive biodegradable BC composites could realize the integrated PTT/CDT/CT theranostics against breast carcinoma.

Tumor therapy utilizing dual-responsive nanoparticles: A multifaceted approach integrating calcium-overload and PTT/CDT/chemotherapy

The advancement of rational nano drug delivery systems offers robust tools for achieving synergistic therapeutic outcomes in tumor treatment. In this study, we present the development of pH and near-infrared laser dual-responsive nanoparticles (DOX-CuS@CaCO3@PL-PEG, DCCP NPs) based on calcium carbonate, utilizing a one-pot gas diffusion reaction. These nanoparticles enable combined photothermal therapy (PTT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), chemotherapy, and Ca2+-overloading synergistic therapy. Doxorubicin (DOX) and copper sulfide (CuS) NPs were co-loaded in CaCO3, followed by PEG surface functionalization. The presence of PEG enhanced the stability of DCCP NPs in aqueous environments. Controlled release of DOX, CuS NPs, and Ca2+ occurs specifically in the acidic tumor microenvironment. Released DOX enhances chemotherapy efficiency, while CuS NPs, upon laser irradiation, induce thermal damage, promoting further drug release and cellular uptake. Additionally, CuS NPs in our system consume excess GSH and generate toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH) through a Fenton-like reaction, contributing to CDT. These radicals not only directly eliminate tumor cells but also disrupt mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering capacity. Furthermore, Ca2+ released from CaCO3 induces Ca2+-overloading, intensifying mitochondrial disruption and oxidative damage. The synergistic combination of PTT, CDT, chemotherapy, and Ca2+-overloading showcases significant therapeutic potential, indicating broad applications in tumor therapy. This multifaceted approach holds promise for advancing the field of tumor therapeutics.

Scalable Copper Sulfide Formulations for Super-Resolution Optoacoustic Brain Imaging in the Second Near-Infrared Window.

Optoacoustic imaging offers label-free multi-parametric characterization of cerebrovascular morphology and hemodynamics at depths and spatiotemporal resolution unattainable with optical microscopy. Effective imaging depth can greatly be enhanced by employing photons in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window. However, diminished absorption by hemoglobin along with a lack of suitable contrast agents hinder an efficient application of the technique in this spectral range. Herein, copper sulfide (CuS) micro- and nano-formulations for multi-scale optoacoustic imaging in the NIR-II window are introduced. Dynamic contrast enhancement induced by intravenously administered CuS nanoparticles facilitated visualization of blood perfusion in murine cerebrovascular networks. The individual calcium carbonate microparticles carrying CuS are further shown to generate sufficient responses to enable super-resolution microvascular imaging and blood flow velocity mapping with localization optoacoustic tomography.

Copper Sulfide Nanorod-Embedded Urinary Catheter with Hydrophobicity and Photothermal Sterilization

Copper Sulfide Nanorod-Embedded Urinary Catheter with Hydrophobicity and Photothermal Sterilization

Au-Added CuS Hollow Spheres to Regulate the Strength and Active Area of N2 Adsorption Sites for Electrochemical NH3 Production.

Ammonia is a chemical compound in considerable global demand and plays a crucial role as an environmentally friendly energy carrier for hydrogen energy storage. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) using copper sulfide catalysts is being extensively studied as an environmentally sustainable approach to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process for ammonia production. In this study, we aimed to prepare CuS hollow spheres modified with Au nanoparticles using an antisolvent crystallization-based method to be used as the catalysts for eNRR. During the addition of Au to the CuS catalysts, the nitrogen adsorption strength and surface area of the CuS catalysts are significantly regulated and expanded, leading to a noticeable enhancement in electrocatalytic performance for eNRR. Specifically, the ammonia production rate of 2.4 μmol cm-2 h or jNH3 = 0.2 mA cm-2 is achieved at a selectivity of 52% in neutral aqueous electrolyte, which is more than a 2-fold increase compared to the unmodified CuS catalyst. The findings of this study can contribute to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly ammonia production in the future.

An investigation on the structural, morphological, optical, and antibacterial activity of Sr:CuS nanostructures

The aim of the present study is to synthesize Cu1−xSrxS (x = 0.00, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1) nanoparticles (NPs) using an easy chemical co-precipitation method in an efficient, inexpensive, and simple technique. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the prepared samples were investigated using XRD, TEM, XRF, UV–Vis DRS, and PL characterization techniques. XRD spectra confirmed the Sr-doped copper sulfide nanoparticles have a hexagonal structure with crystallite sizes ranging from 15.15 to 16.04 nm, and, by XRF, the presence of the dopant was detected. TEM analysis confirmed that strontium ions had an effect on the shape of the CuS nanostructure, and the particle size increased from 16.27 to 17.32 nm after doping. A study using UV-Vis showed the presence of Sr doping increased the optical energy band gap (1.38 eV to 1.59 eV). At room temperature, one photoluminescence (PL) band was found at 826 nm. The antibacterial activity of CuS nanostructures against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and S. aureus was evaluated by zone of inhibition. Sr doped CuS NPs exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against S. aureus (17 to 29 mm). Also, the results demonstrated that samples doped with 5, 7.5, and 10% Sr exhibited inhibitory effects against all the tested microbial strains higher than the antibiotic.

Effect of Curing Time and Ferric Chloride on a Copper Concentrate with a High Arsenic Content

As a result of changes in copper mineralogy, various treatment options for copper sulfides have been explored, including pretreatment processes aimed at enhancing material permeability and improving the dissolution of valuable minerals. Despite its significance, this topic has only recently gained attention. In this research, a copper concentrate with a high arsenic content was studied, with enargite (Cu3AsS4) as the main mineral phase. The objective was to evaluate the effect of pretreatment on copper extraction efficiency prior to leaching. Three key variables were investigated: curing time (0, 5, 10, and 15 days), H2SO4 dosage (0, 70, 140, and 210 kg/t), and FeCl3 concentration (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 M). The sample was characterized both before and after pretreatment, revealing the formation of new species such as CuSO4·5H2O and Cu2Cl(OH)3 under optimal conditions of 15 days curing time, 70 kg/t of H2SO4, and 1 M FeCl3. Copper extraction solely through curing reached 20.79%. The analysis suggests that curing time is the most influential factor in the process, accounting for 46% of the overall contribution. In comparison, sulfuric acid and ferric chloride contribute less, with 20% and 10% contributions, respectively.

Enhanced optical nonlinearity in suspensions of dual-resonance gold–copper chalcogenide core–shell nanoparticles

Plasmonic copper chalcogenide (Cu2−xE, E = S, Se, Te) nanoparticles (NPs) possess high potentials in photothermal therapy and photoacoustic tomography for their unique localized surface plasmon resonant absorption in the second near-infrared biologically transparent window. In this study, strong thermal-induced nonlinear negative-lens effect in aqueous suspensions containing Cu2−xSe NPs was observed. Furthermore, the nonlinear absorption was notably enhanced in aqueous suspensions containing Au@Cu2−xSe core–shell NPs, as the positive nonlinear absorption coefficient increased by 20-fold, attributed to the strong plasmonic coupling in Au@Cu2−xSe core–shell NPs. This finding underscores the importance of the nonlinear optical behaviors of plasmonic NPs in biomedical applications, as they offer extra strategy for optimizing systems and incorporating additional functionalities.

Accumulated Copper Tailing Solid Wastes with Specific Compositions Encourage Advances in Microbial Leaching

Against the backdrop of the increasing copper demand in a low-carbon economy, this work statistically forecasted the distribution of China’s copper tailings for the first time, and then characterized them as finely crushed and low-grade mining solid wastes containing copper mainly in the form of chalcopyrite, bornite, covelline, enargite and chalcocite based on available research data. China is the globally leading refined copper producer and consumer, where the typical commercial-scale bioleaching of copper tailings is conducted in the Dexing, Zijinshan and Jinchuan mining regions. And these leaching processes were compared in this study. Widely used chemolithoautotrophic and mesophilic bacteria are Acidithiobacillus, Leptospirillum, Acidiphilium, Alicyclobacillus and Thiobacillus with varied metal resistance. They can be used to treat copper sulfide tailings such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, enargite, chalcocite, bornite and covellite under sufficient dissolved oxygen from 1.5 to 4.1 mg/L and pH values ranging from 0.5 to 7.2. Moderate thermophiles (Acidithiobacillus caldus, Acidimicrobium, Acidiplasma, Ferroplasma and Sulfobacillus) and extreme thermophilic archaea (Acidianus, Metallosphaera, Sulfurococcus and Sulfolobus) are dominant in leaching systems with operating temperatures higher than 40 °C. However, these species are vulnerable to high pulp density and heavy metals. Heterotrophic Acidiphilium multivorum, Ferrimicrobium, Thermoplasma and fungi use organic carbon as energy to treat copper oxides (malachite, chrysocolla and azurite) and weathered sulfides (bornite, chalcocite, digenite and covellite) under a wide pH range and high pulp density. We also compared autotrophs in a planktonic state or biofilm to treat different metal sulfides using various sulfur-cycling enzymes involved in the polysulfide or thiosulfate pathways against fungi that produce various organic acids to chelate copper from oxides. Finally, we recommended a bioinformatic analysis of functional genes involved in Fe/S oxidization and C/N metabolism, as well as advanced representation that can create new possibilities for the development of high-efficiency leaching microorganisms and insight into the mechanisms of bioleaching desired metals from complex and low-grade copper tailings.