Copper Zinc Research Articles

Nanostructured Metal Oxide-Based Electrochemical Biosensors in Medical Diagnosis.

Nanostructured metal oxides (NMOs) provide electrical properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio, reaction activity, and good adsorption strength. Furthermore, they serve as a conductive substrate for the immobilization of biomolecules, exhibiting notable biological activity. Capitalizing on these characteristics, they find utility in the development of various electrochemical biosensing devices, elevating the sensitivity and selectivity of such diagnostic platforms. In this review, different types of NMOs, including zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), iron (II, III) oxide (Fe3O4), nickel oxide (NiO), and copper oxide (CuO); their synthesis methods; and how they can be integrated into biosensors used for medical diagnosis are examined. It also includes a detailed table for the last 10 years covering the morphologies, analysis techniques, analytes, and analytical performances of electrochemical biosensors developed for medical diagnosis.

Ultrafast catalytic reduction of organic pollutants using ternary zinc–copper–nickel layered double hydroxide

Water is the utmost essential commodity for the support of life process in animals. In recent decades, rapid industrialization and uncontrolled agricultural practices have led to increased level of toxic pollutants in groundwater, including organic pollutants (dyes, nitroarene compounds, antibiotics, etc.), inorganic pollutants (heavy metals, nanoparticles, etc.), and pesticides, posing a serious threat to human health and the environment. Although various technologies such as adsorption, photocatalysis, reverse osmosis, filtration, sedimentation, flocculation, and precipitation are available for the elimination of toxic pollutants from wastewater, issues such as their cost and efficacy limit their usage. Recently, catalysis has been found to be the most effective approach since it exhibits significant capability to eliminate almost all the pollutants and offers the benefit of simple design and low initial cost. In the present study, ternary zinc–copper–nickel layered double hydroxide (ZnCuNi‐LDH) synthesized using facile acid hydrolysis method was employed as an efficacious heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of NACs (para‐nitrophenol and para‐nitroaniline) and degradation of organic azo dyes (methyl orange, amaranth, and brilliant black). ZnCuNi‐LDH exhibited superior catalytic activity for the reduction of all five model pollutants with reduction efficiency of more than 95% within a short time span of 5 min. Therefore, keeping in view the layered structure, high specific surface area, and remarkable catalytic performance, ZnCuNi‐LDH holds immense potential for the large‐scale catalytic degradation of refractory pollutants.

Association between biomarkers of zinc and copper status and heart failure: a meta-analysis.

Previous studies have investigated the relationship between heart failure (HF) and levels of zinc and copper, but conflicting results have been reported. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the role of zinc and copper in HF progression by examining the associations between HF and concentrations of these minerals. We utilized STATA 12.0 software to calculate the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for serum zinc and copper levels in patients with HF compared with healthy controls (HCs). The meta-analysis indicated a lower serum zinc level in patients with HF compared with HCs, using a random effects model (SMD=-0.77; 95% CI: -1.01, -0.54; I2=61.9%, the P-value for Q test=0.002). Additionally, the meta-analysis showed an increased serum copper level in patients with HF compared with HCs, using a random effects model (SMD=0.66; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.23; I2=93.8%, the P-value for Q test<0.001). Meta-regression analysis indicated that publication year, age, and gender were not responsible for heterogeneity across studies. This meta-analysis demonstrates that patients with HF have lower serum zinc and higher copper concentrations compared with healthy subjects. However, the potential of zinc supplementation as a therapy for HF should be approached with caution. The heterogeneity among the included studies was found to be high. It is recommended that further well-designed large sample studies be conducted to validate these findings.

Elevated Renal Oxidative Stress and Na+ Transporters are Associated with Hypertension in Postpartum Preeclamptic Rats

Background: Approximately 5-10% of US pregnancies result in preeclampsia (PE). PE is characterized by new onset hypertension (HTN) during pregnancy and is usually accompanied by end-organ damage, especially in the kidneys. Postpartum (PP) women and dams that had PE have an increased risk of developing HTN and chronic kidney disease (CKD) later in life. However, mechanisms linking PE to the long-term development of HTN and CKD are unknown. One aspect that may contribute to renal injury in PP PE women and dams is oxidative stress. Elevated concentrations of oxidative stress have been shown to augment the abundance and activity of renal transporters to increase sodium (Na+) reabsorption and blood volume. These alterations in renal transporters can consequently increase Na+ and water to facilitate HTN. Thus, we hypothesize that at 6 weeks PP (~3 human years), PE dams will display increased oxidative stress, renal Na+ transporter abundance, and elevated blood pressure (BP). Methods: Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups: normal (CON) and PE dams. On gestational day 14, the reduced uterine perfusion pressure surgery was performed to mimic placental ischemia and generate a model of PE. Dams gave birth naturally and weaned for 3 weeks. After 6 weeks PP, BP was measured via carotid catheterization, and kidneys were removed and sectioned. Western blots were used to quantify renal Na+ transporters: Na+ K+ 2Cl− transporter (NKCC2) in the kidney medulla (KM) and epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in both the kidney cortex (KC) and KM. Oxidative stress was evaluated by heat shock protein 1 (HSP-1), copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) via Western blots. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and antioxidant capacity concentrations were assessed via colorimetric assays. Results: PP PE dams had increased BP (126.3±6.18vs105.7±3.74 mmHg, p&lt;0.05) at 6 weeks after birth. KC HSP-1, H2O2, MnSOD, and antioxidant capacity were unchanged between groups. However, KC CuZnSOD protein abundance was decreased in PP PE dams (69.51±11.64vs100±5.73 IU/Protein/Control%, p&lt;0.05). In the KM, HSP-1 abundance (113.7±3.3vs100±5.07 IU/Protein/Control%, p=0.06) and H2O2 concentrations (1.97±0.11vs1.31± 0.38 nM H2O2/mg Protein, p=0.08) were elevated in PP PE dams. MnSOD, CuZnSOD, and antioxidant capacity were unchanged between groups in the KM. No changes occurred in KC and KM ENaC protein abundance. However, NKCC2 protein abundance was elevated by ~50% in PP PE dams (151.71±22.17vs100±5.59 IU/Protein/Control%, p=0.06). Conclusion: In summary, BP, oxidative stress, and NKCC2 were elevated in PP PE dams at 6 weeks. Perhaps, the presence of oxidative stress in the KM may lead to increased NKCC2 abundance. However, more studies are warranted to make this conclusion. NKCC2 elevation may result in increased Na+ and water reabsorption, leading to an increase in BP. Future studies will assess the role of renal oxidative stress to regulate Na+ transporters in PP PE dams and determine the timeline after birth (PP) in which changes in oxidative stress, Na+ transporters, and BP occur. In summary, this study is clinically relevant because it indicates that both oxidative stress and NKCC2 in the KM, separately or together, may have a formative role in the pathogenesis of HTN and CKD in PP PE women later in life. This research was supported by the Neurobiology of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Training Program (funded by NIH training grant T32 AG020494). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Assessment of Protective Effects of DTPA, NAC, and Taurine on Possible Cytotoxicity Induced by Individual and Combined Zinc Oxide and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in SH-SY5Y Cells.

The present study investigated the cytotoxic effects of ZnO, CuO, and mixed combinations of them on SH-SY5Y cells. For this purpose, the cells were exposed to various concentrations of these NPs alone for 24-96h and as a mixture for 24h. Variations in cell viability were noted. MTT results showed that ZnO and/or CuO NPs decreased cell survival by about 59% at 200 (ZnO, at 24h) and 800µg/ml (ZnO and/or CuO, at 72 and 96h). When the NR assay was used, slight decreases were noted with ZnO NPs at 72 and 96h. With CuO NPs alone and NPs in a mixture, only the highest concentrations caused 40 and 70% decreases in cell survival, respectively. Especially with NR assays, DTPA, NAC, or taurine provided marked protection. ROS levels were increased with the highest concentration of CuO NPs and with all concentrations of the mixture. The highest concentration of ZnO NPs and the lowest concentration of CuO NPs caused slight decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential levels. Additionally, increases were noted in caspase 3/7 levels with ZnO and CuO NPs alone or with a mixture of them. Intracellular calcium levels were decreased in this system. These findings demonstrated that ZnO and CuO NPs, either separately or in combination, had a modest cytotoxic effect on SH-SY5Y cells. Protection obtained with DTPA, NAC, or taurine against the cytotoxicity of these NPs and the ROS-inducing effect of CuO NPs and the NPs' mixture suggests that oxidative stress might be involved in the cytotoxicity mechanisms of these NPs.

Osteogenerative and corrosion-decelerating teriparatide-mediated strontium–zinc phosphate hybrid coating on biodegradable zinc–copper alloy for orthopaedic applications

Zinc–copper (ZnCu) alloys recently showed great potential as biodegradable materials for bone implants thanks to their excellent mechanical strength, biosafety, and promising bioactivities. However, bare ZnCu alloys exhibited poor cytocompatibility and osteointegration. Moreover, the biological functions of ZnCu remain to be corroborated. Herein, the teriparatide (PTH)-mediated strontium–zinc phosphate (SrZnP) organic–inorganic hybrid coating was fabricated on the surface of ZnCu substrate via a chemical conversion method to contain the release of Zn ions and improve biofunctionality in osteogenesis. The characteristics of the hybrid coating were optimised by adjusting the amount of PTH molecules added. A dense and homogenous coating with micellar crystal micro-/nano-structure was obtained. The coated samples showed a significantly decreased corrosion rate and a more uniform corrosion mode, effectively suppressing the release of Zn2+. Additionally, the coated ZnCu enhanced the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), promoted the expression of alkaline phosphatase and the formation of calcium nodules, and upregulated the levels of osteogenic-related genes. More important, the hybrid coating activated the classic osteogenic signalling pathway of BMP-2/Smad1/Runx2 and Sirt1/Runx2 to induce the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. These appealing features can be mainly attributed to the constituents of released Zn2+, Sr2+, and PTH molecules in the control, as well as the unique topographical characteristics of the coatings. Taken together, the PTH&SrZnP hybrid coating could be a promising option for surface modification of biodegradable metallic Zn for orthopaedic applications.

A Systematic Genotoxicity Assessment of a Suite of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Reveals Their DNA Damaging and Clastogenic Potential.

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONP/s) induce DNA damage, which is influenced by their physicochemical properties. In this study, the high-throughput CometChip and micronucleus (MicroFlow) assays were used to investigate DNA and chromosomal damage in mouse lung epithelial cells induced by nano and bulk sizes of zinc oxide, copper oxide, manganese oxide, nickel oxide, aluminum oxide, cerium oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide. Ionic forms of MONPs were also included. The study evaluated the impact of solubility, surface coating, and particle size on response. Correlation analysis showed that solubility in the cell culture medium was positively associated with response in both assays, with the nano form showing the same or higher response than larger particles. A subtle reduction in DNA damage response was observed post-exposure to some surface-coated MONPs. The observed difference in genotoxicity highlighted the mechanistic differences in the MONP-induced response, possibly influenced by both particle stability and chemical composition. The results highlight that combinations of properties influence response to MONPs and that solubility alone, while playing an important role, is not enough to explain the observed toxicity. The results have implications on the potential application of read-across strategies in support of human health risk assessment of MONPs.

Laboratory Investigation on Permeability Change and Economic Analysis Using Some Selected Nanoparticles for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Enhanced oil recovery using nanoparticles is an emerging technique that can potentially alter permeability and wettability of porous media for improved oil mobilization. This study experimentally investigates the permeability alteration caused by three commonly used nanoparticle types – copper (ii) oxide, zinc oxide and silicon oxide. Core flooding experiments were conducted on reservoir rock samples before and after treatment with nanoparticle dispersions. Results show decrease in permeability by 35% for copper (ii) oxide, 30% for zinc oxide and 10% silicon oxide respectively. Pore-scale analysis indicates that permeability change occurs through mechanisms like pore throat blocking/wettability alteration. Nanoparticle concentration is also found to influence the permeability variation, with optimal dosage. Among the systems tested, Silicon oxide is the most effective formulation for enhancing oil recovery applications based on its ability to recover oil with minimal alteration to formation permeability. From the result, Silicon oxide had a cumulative recovery of 17ml, 18.0ml and 18.5ml thereby generating a percentage recovery of 73.91%, 78.26% and 80.43% while Zinc oxide had a cumulative recovery of 15.5ml, 18.0ml and 16.5ml thereby generating a percentage recovery of 77.50%, 78.26% and 71.74ml%, lastly Copper (ii) oxide had a cumulative recovery of 16.5ml, 17.0 and 16.0 generating a percentage recovery of 75%, 73.91% and 72.72% respectively with a concentration of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%. This study demonstrates the potential of Silicon oxide nanoparticles for enhanced oil recovery through permeability manipulation in porous media, however, the economic analysis shows that it’s quite expensive due to its cost of production and won’t be ideal for use. Hence Zinc oxide which also has a high volume of oil recovery, and less production cost can be used.

Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Urease Inhibition of Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes Derived from N,N'-Bis(4-bromosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine.

A new tetranuclear copper(II) complex [Cu4L2(N3)2(CH3OH)2](NO3)2·4CH3OH (1) and a new trinuclear zinc(II) complex [Zn3L2(CH3COO)2] (2) have been prepared from the bis-Schiff base N,N'-bis(4-bromosalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine (H2L) with copper nitrate and zinc acetate, respectively, in the presence of sodium azide. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Molecular structures of both complexes were confirmed by single crystal X-ray determination. The Cu(II) atoms in complex 1 are bridged by phenolate oxygen atoms and end-on azide ligands. The Zn(II) atoms in complex 2 are bridged by phenolate oxygen atoms and acetate ligands. The Cu(II) atoms in complex 1 are in square planar and square pyramidal coordination. The Zn(II) atoms in complex 2 are in square pyramidal and octahedral coordination. The Schiff base ligand coordinates to the metal atoms through two phenolate O and two imino N atoms. The biological assay reveals that the copper(II) complex has effective urease inhibition.

Ion implantation induced p-type conductivity in FeS2 thin film

In pursuing sustainable energy solutions, thin-film solar cells based on the Copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) absorber material have garnered significant attention due to their earth-abundant and non-toxic composition. However, the modest efficiency demonstrated by CZTS solar cells has prompted researchers to investigate novel approaches to improve their performance. An area of potential advancement entails the integration of appropriate hole transport layers (HTLs). In this simulation-based study, we focused on FeS2 as a highly promising candidate for use as an HTL in CZTS-based solar cells. FeS2, traditionally considered n-type, was tailored to achieve p-type conductivity through the negative ion implantation (O, P, and As) process. 40 keV ion beam was utilized, with three doses (105, 1010, 1015 cm−2) applied for each ion beam. We demonstrate successful p-type doping of FeS2 with a hole concentration of ∼1020 cm−3 in case of 1015 cm−2 dose, paving the way for its integration as an effective HTL within the CZTS solar cell structure.

Exposure to hull cleaning wastewater induces mortality through oxidative stress and cholinergic disturbance in the marine polychaete Perinereis aibuhitensis

While wastewater and paint particles discharged from the in-water cleaning process of ship hulls are consistently released into benthic ecosystems, their hazardous effects on non-target animals remain largely unclear. In this study, we provide evidence on acute harmful effects of hull cleaning wastewater in marine polychaete Perinereis aibuhitensis by analyzing physiological and biochemical parameters such as survival, burrowing activity, and oxidative status. Raw wastewater samples were collected during ship hull cleaning processes in the field. Two wastewater samples for the exposure experiment were prepared in the laboratory: 1) mechanically filtered in the in-water cleaning system (MF) and 2) additionally filtered with a 0.45 μm filter in the laboratory (LF). These wastewater samples contained high concentrations of metals (zinc and copper) and metal–based booster biocides (copper pyrithione and zinc pyrithione) compared to those analyzed in seawater. Polycheates were exposed to different concentrations of the two wastewater samples for 96 h. Higher mortality was observed in response to MF compared to LF–exposed polychaetes. Both wastewater samples dose-dependently decreased burrowing activity and AChE activity. Drastic oxidative stress was observed in response to the two wastewater samples. MDA levels were significantly increased by MF and LF samples. Significant GSH depletion was observed with MF exposure, while increased and decreased GSH contents were observed in LF-exposed polychaetes. Enzymatic activities of antioxidant components, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase were significantly modulated by both wastewater samples. These results indicate that even filtered hull cleaning wastewater can have deleterious effects on the health status of polychaetes.

Synergistic removal of toxic anionic reactive red dye Me4BL (RRME4BL) from aqueous media using chemically synthesised nano-adsorbents (ZnO, CuO, NiO and CoO); equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamic studies

ABSTRACT This study explores the efficient removal of the synthetic anionic dye-reactive red Me4BL (RRMe4BL) from an aqueous medium which is a significant contributor to environmental pollution. The present study investigates the synthesis of zinc oxide, nickel oxide, cobalt oxide and copper oxide nano adsorbents (ZnO (II), NiO (II), CoO (II), CuO (II)) through the co-precipitation method and their effectiveness in eliminating the reactive red dye Me4BL(RRMe4BL). Maximum adsorption capacities were achieved at pH 2 for ZnO (96.1 mg/g), NiO (86.9 mg/g), CoO (93.4 mg/g) and at pH 6 for CuO (76.3 mg/g) under a 0.05 g/50 mL nano-adsorbent dose, 50 mg/L dye initial concentration and 25°C T and 90 min of contact time. The fitness of the pseudo-2nd-order model explained the kinetics, while Langmuir and Temkin adsorption isotherm highlighted the efficiency of the dye adsorption. Thermodynamic studies revealed the spontaneous and exothermic nature of adsorption. The influence of electrolytes, surfactants and desorption was also analysed. Characterisation of the nanoparticles was done through SEM, XRD and FTIR which revealed the morphology and functional groups of nano-adsorbents. The adsorption method used for eliminating this anionic red dye shows several benefits, including affordability, simplicity of use and the presence of intelligent adsorbents for environment-friendly removal of industrial dyes from wastewater.

In vitro assessment of the anthelmintic activity of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on egg and adult stages of Fasciola hepatica: evidence on oxidative stress biomarkers, and DNA damage

ObjectivesFasciolosis is of significant economic and public health importance worldwide. The lack of a successful vaccine and emerging resistance in flukes to the drug of choice, triclabendazole, has initiated the search for alternative approaches. In recent years, metallic nanoparticles have been extensively investigated for their anthelmintic effects. This study investigates the in vitro anthelmintic activity of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles against Fasciola hepatica.MethodsThe in vitro study was based on egg hatchability test (EHA), adult motility inhibition tests, DNA damage, ROS levels, as well as several biomarkers of oxidative stress, including glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). For this purpose, different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) (1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 ppm) were used to evaluate the anthelmintic effect on different life stages, including egg and adults of Fasciola hepatica, over 24 h.ResultsIn vitro treatment of F. hepatica worms with both CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs could significantly increase ROS production and oxidative stress induction (decreased SOD, GST and GSH and increased MDA) compared to control group.ConclusionsBased on the results, it seems that CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs may be effective in the control and treatment of F. hepatica infection. Further research is needed to investigate their potential for in vivo use in the treatment of parasitic infections.

Design and simulation of a new kesterite solar cell structure with and without a perovskite back surface field layer to exceed 32% efficiency

Copper zinc tin sulfide-selenide (CZTSSe) is a promising thin-film material for photovoltaic solar cells due to its abundance, environmentally friendly constituents, direct bandgap, and high optical absorption in visible light. In this study, we used the SCAPS-1D software to investigate the heterojunction CZTSSe/CdS-based solar cell with and without a perovskite back surface field (BSF) layer added between the absorber layer and the Mo back contact. First, a simple structure CZTSSe/CdS-based solar cell without a BSF layer was considered and replicated. Then, by adding p-MAPbI3 as the BSF layer, a new kesterite solar cell structure has been proposed. Different layer parameters, such as the thickness, acceptor density, and the back contact’s work function, were used to compare the performance of both devices, with and without the BSF layer. A negative impact on cell performance was observed as a function of the series resistance. The analyses showed that the CZTSSe solar cell with the BSF achieved a higher efficiency of 32.27% compared to the cell without the BSF, which had an efficiency of 23.26%. The outcomes of this contribution may provide useful research directions for the thin-film photovoltaic field, enabling the production of highly efficient and low-cost CZTSSe-based solar cells.

Risk of Trace Element Imbalance in Cases of Occupational Allergic Diseases

Introduction: The relevance of the study is attributed to the lack of knowledge of the mechanisms of development and specifics of the clinical picture of occupational allergic diseases. Objective: To establish the levels of essential trace elements in biological substrates of patients with occupational allergies. Materials and methods: In 2014–2018, we analyzed zinc and copper levels in urine, blood serum, and lymphocytes of patients with occupational allergic skin and respiratory diseases by the atomic absorption method. Relative risk was calculated using a four-field contingency table. Results: In patients with work-related allergic contact dermatitis and bronchial asthma, zinc and copper concentrations in blood serum increased while urinary excretion of these elements decreased. Quantitative patterns of the concentrations of trace elements in body fluids of the patients with skin and respiratory allergies were unidirectional compared to the reference group. Relative risk values showed that lower levels of copper in urine and zinc in blood serum and lymphocytes, as well as higher serum copper indicated the risk of trace element imbalance in the body. Conclusion: The risk of trace element imbalance due to occupational allergic diseases is associated with impaired copper and zinc balance. Our findings prove that the levels of microelements are additional factors that aggravate the course of occupational allergic disorders.

Increasing of the unit capacity of MF process at Miike Smelter

MF (Mitsui Furnace) is a half shaft blast furnace developed by Mitsui Miike Smelter in the 1960’s to treat vertical retort residue. Currently MF mainly treats various secondary wastes (EAF dust, Secondary Fly Ash, etc.) and recovers zinc and lead as crude zinc oxide, copper and silver as matte, meanwhile other elements such as FeO, CaO, SiO2, Al2O3 are concentrated in slag.There are two steps in the MF process. The first step is pretreatment. In this process, various waste materials are blended in a certain proportion with reductant and dried adding binder in a rotary dryer, then grinded in a rod mill. The grinded materials are made into an oval briquette by briquetting machine. The second step is treatment process. The briquettes fed into the MF are smelted and reduced by blowing air through the tuyeres. By enriching the tuyere air with oxygen generated by the VSA (Vacuum Swing Adsorption) oxygen generator in 2005 and 2012, we have improved the throughput of wastes.By the improvement of oxygen enrichment in the MF, the unit capacity increased significantly. However shortage of the drying capacity in the pretreatment process became a problem. To ensure sufficient drying capacity, we installed one more rotary drier in series in 2016. Additionally in 2018, we installed a granulator after the rod mill to improve the bulk density in briquette. As a result of these efforts, the treatment amount in the whole MF process has increased.The MF can treat various kinds of materials containing various non-ferrous metal-valuables. Through these process improvements, we promote the treatment of wastes containing heavy metals and contributes significantly to the recycling of metal resources.

Zinc shields against copper phytotoxicity in a contaminated soil

While zinc protects plants from copper in hydroponics, its behavior in soil remains unclear. We investigated the potential of zinc sulfate to protect ryegrass from copper toxicity in contaminated soil. Twelve soil treatments combined varying levels of copper oxide (CuO) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). Increasing CuO significantly stunted ryegrass, but adding ZnSO4 mitigated the effects at each CuO level. ZnSO4 had no effect in unpolluted conditions. These results, supported by the Terrestrial Biotic Ligand Model, indicate that zinc competes with copper for binding sites, reducing copper uptake by ryegrass and mitigating its toxicity. Application of zinc sulfate to copper-contaminated soils appears promising for ryegrass growth, although field studies are critical to confirm real-world efficacy.

Effect of Copper Inclusion in Zinc sulfide Thin Films for Photocatalytic Applications

Transparent and well-adhered pure zinc sulfide (ZnS) and different concentrations of copper-doped zinc sulfide thin films were obtained on glass substrates by the Chemical bath deposition process. Zinc acetate, copper acetate and thiourea were employed as sources of Zn2+, Cu2+ and S2- ions, respectively; ammonia and hydrazine hydrate served as complexing agents for the preparation of pure zinc sulfide and different concentrations of copper-doped zinc sulfide thin films. By adjusting the ammonia concentration, the prepared solution pH was maintained at 11. The prepared samples were deposited at the rates of 60 and 90 minutes each, with the bath temperature being held at 80 °C. The structural, morphological and optical properties of the prepared films were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM and EDX, and the results were reported. The XRD patterns revealed that all thin films possess a polycrystalline cubic zinc blended structure and that the prepared pure and copper-doped ZnS thin films have good crystallinity; the crystallite sizes were less than 20 nm. From the FE-SEM spectra, it is understood that the pure and Cu-doped ZnS thin films were uniformly coated with spherical morphology. The surface morphology, optical characteristics and deposition mechanism were all obviously impacted by the ammonia concentration. Additionally, under UV light irradiation, the effect of the photocatalytic property of the prepared thin films with methylene blue dye was studied and the corresponding dye degradation graphs were reported.

Recent Progress and Challenges in Controlling Secondary Phases in Kesterite CZT(S/Se) Thin Films: A Critical Review

Kesterite-based copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) and copper zinc tin selenide (CZTSe) thin films have attracted considerable attention as promising materials for sustainable and cost-effective thin-film solar cells. However, the successful integration of these materials into photovoltaic devices is hindered by the coexistence of secondary phases, which can significantly affect device performance and stability. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress and challenges in controlling secondary phases in kesterite CZTS and CZTSe thin films. Drawing from relevant studies, we discuss state-of-the-art strategies and techniques employed to mitigate the formation of secondary phases. These include a range of deposition methods, such as electrodeposition, sol-gel, spray pyrolysis, evaporation, pulsed laser deposition, and sputtering, each presenting distinct benefits in enhancing phase purity. This study highlights the importance of employing various characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, for the precise identification of secondary phases in CZTS and CZTSe thin films. Furthermore, the review discusses innovative strategies and techniques aimed at mitigating the occurrence of secondary phases, including process optimization, compositional tuning, and post-deposition treatments. These approaches offer promising avenues for enhancing the purity and performance of kesterite-based thin-film solar cells. Challenges and open questions in this field are addressed, and potential future research directions are proposed. By comprehensively analyzing recent advancements, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of secondary phase-related issues in kesterite CZT(S/Se) thin films, paving the way for enhanced performance and commercial viability of thin-film solar cell technologies.

Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Crossandra Infundibuliformis Extract and Its Antibacterial Application in Wound Dressing Films

Plant extract-based green production of metal oxide nanoparticles is a viable substitute for the conventional chemical synthesis approach. This biogenic process can be scaled up rapidly and executed at room temperature and pressure. The current work compares the antibacterial activity of chemically manufactured copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles with those produced using a plant extract from Crossandra infundibuliformis. Furthermore, the study also encompasses preparation of wound dressing film using the developed nanoparticles and evaluation of its potential antimicrobial property. The optical characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited an absorption peak of 574 nm and 333 nm with corresponding mean size of 50 nm and 40 nm for copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles, respectively. The highest zone of inhibition by both the nanoparticles against K. pneumoniae, followed by S. epidermidis, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Both the nanoparticles tested for determination of its minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration exhibited significant activity towards the test pathogens. The wound dressing film developed utilizing the nanoparticles displayed considerable zone of inhibition against the pathogens. Therefore, the it could be ascertained from the work that nanoparticles synthesized through biogenic routes tend to exhibit substantial antibacterial activity.