Copper Iron Research Articles

Microwave-synthesized aluminum, gallium and indium-substituted stannite nanocrystal absorbers for solar cell applications

A novel family of Cu2FeXS4-x (X = Sn, Al, Ga & In) semiconductors with tetragonal stannite crystal structurehave been designed by a simple microwave assisted method. The impact of microwave power on the morphological, structural,spectroscopic and electrochemical properties were investigated. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) clearly revealed that the complete substitution of Sn (0.69 Å) with Al (0.54 Å), Ga (0.62 Å) and In (0.80 Å) did not affect the tetragonal arrangement of the stannite crystal structure except for a slight peak shift. High resonance scanning and transmission electron microscopy (HRSEM and HRTEM) revealed nano bullets, hexagonal prism, triangular nanoplates and spherical morphology with nanocrystal sizes ranging from 8 to 13 nm for CFXS nanocrystals. The UV–visible spectroscopy shows strong light absorption in the whole visible range with band gaps of between 1.2 and 1.6 eV suggesting its potential application as an absorber in thin film solar cells. Doctor blading method was used to coat CFXS nanocrystal inks on CdS coated ZnO nanorod arrays to fabricate a superstrate solar cell devices with the architecture ITO/ZnONRs/CdS/CFXS/Ag. The solar cell devices fabricated with copper iron tin sulfide (CFTS), copper iron aluminium sulfide (CFAS), copper iron gallium sulfide (CFGS) and copper iron indium sulfide (CFIS) absorbers displayed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.21%, 0.15%, 0.58% and 0.41% respectively. The photovoltaic response exhibited by the novel materials is quite positive and this shows that they can in fact be utilized to design solar cells with strong photovoltaic properties.

Facile Phase Control of Solution-Processed Copper Iron Sulfide Nanocrystals for a Low-Cost Self-Powered NIR Photodetector with Fast Response

Facile Phase Control of Solution-Processed Copper Iron Sulfide Nanocrystals for a Low-Cost Self-Powered NIR Photodetector with Fast Response

Identification of Key lncRNAs in Gout Under Copper Death and Iron Death Mechanisms: A Study Based on ceRNA Network Analysis and Random Forest Algorithm.

This study focused on identifying potential key lncRNAs associated with gout under the mechanisms of copper death and iron death through ceRNA network analysis and Random Forest (RF) algorithm, which aimed to provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of gout, and potential molecular targets for future therapeutic strategies of gout. Initially, we conducted an in-depth bioinformatics analysis of gout microarray chips to screen the key cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and key ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs). Using these data, we constructed a key ceRNA network for gout. Finally, key lncRNAs associated with gout were identified through the RF algorithm combined with ROC curves, and validated using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). We successfully identified NLRP3, LIPT1, and DBT as key CRGs associated with gout, and G6PD, PRKAA1, LIG3, PHF21A, KLF2, PGRMC1, JUN, PANX2, and AR as key FRGs associated with gout. The key ceRNA network identified four downregulated key lncRNAs (SEPSECS-AS1, LINC01054, REV3L-IT1, and ZNF883) along with three downregulated mRNAs (DBT, AR, and PRKAA1) based on the ceRNA theory. According to CTD validation inference scores and biological functions of target mRNAs, we identified a potential gout-associated lncRNA ZNF883/hsa-miR-539-5p/PRKAA1 regulatory axis. This study identified the key lncRNA ZNF883 in the context of copper death and iron death mechanisms related to gout for the first time through the application of ceRNA network analysis and the RF algorithm, thereby filling a research gap in this field and providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of gout. We further found that lncRNA ZNF883 might function in gout patients by regulating PRKAA1, the mechanism of which was potentially related to uric acid reabsorption in the proximal renal tubules and inflammation regulation. The proposed lncRNA ZNF883/hsa-miR-539-5p/PRKAA1 regulatory axis might represent a potential RNA regulatory pathway for controlling the progression of gout disease. This discovery offered new molecular targets for the treatment of gout, and had significant implications for future therapeutic strategies in managing the gout.

Degradation of sulfamonomethoxine by iron–copper catalyst-activated persulfate

Degradation of sulfamonomethoxine by iron–copper catalyst-activated persulfate

Analytical and experimental study of electromagnetic loss and temperature rise in induction machines

This paper focuses on electromagnetic and loss analyses of an induction machine using the subdomain method. The proposed method derives an analytical solution for each subdomain using electromagnetic theory. On the basis of the derived analytical solution, electromagnetic performances are calculated and copper loss, iron loss, and rotor loss are derived. The validity of the proposed method was verified by comparing the analysis and loss analysis results with the finite element analysis results. In particular, the loss analysis results were input into an equivalent thermal analysis model, thermal analysis was performed, and the results were compared with those measured in the actual model. The reliability of the proposed method was verified through analysis and experimental results.

Content of heavy metals in bottom sediments of drained Kakhovka Reservoir

The article highlights the ecological danger of the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP dam and the draining of the Kakhovka Reservoir. The results of experimental studies of the content of mobile compounds and gross forms of heavy metals in five samples of bottom sediments taken from the bottom of drained reservoirs taken on the territory of the Kushugum community of the Zaporizhia district of the Zaporizhia region. Two samples were taken from the bottom of the former flood zone (Balabyne village), 2 samples — from the bottom of the former limestone quarry, which was connected to the floodplain of the Dnipro (Kushugum village) and 1 sample taken from the open area of the Kakhovka Reservoir (Malokaterynivka village). Based on the results of the research, it was established that the maximum permissible limit (for soil) of mobile compounds of lead (from 2.0 to 4.1 times), zinc (from 2.4 to 5.4 times), cadmium (from 1.9 to 2.5 times) was exceeded. and nickel (from 1.04 to 2.2 times) in all investigated bottom sediment samples. Exceeding the MPC (soil) for the content of gross forms of lead was found in five bottom sediment samples (from 1.1 to 1.5 times). Exceedings of the MPC of the soil by the content of gross forms of cadmium and manganese and mobile compounds of copper, nickel, cobalt and manganese were not detected. The maximum limit for the content of mobile compounds of iron and gross forms of zinc, copper, nickel, cobalt and iron is not regulated. The highest degree of contamination of bottom sediments by the content of: mobile compounds and gross forms of lead and nickel was found in samples taken from the bottom of a former limestone quarry (Kushugum village, Zaporizhzhia region); zinc — in a sample taken from the bottom of the former flood zone in the territory of the town of Balabyne and a sample taken from the open area of the Kakhovka Reservoir in the territory of the town of Malokaterynivka; cadmium — in the samples taken from the bottom of the former limestone quarry in the territory of the town of Balabyne and the sample taken from the open area of the Kakhovka Reservoir in the territory of the town of Malokaterynivka. According to the results of the correlation analysis, an extremely strong dependence was established between the content of mobile compounds of heavy metals and their gross forms — for cobalt (r=0.96), cadmium (r=0.92), nickel (r=0.91), lead (r=0.88) and zinc (r=0.84).

Activation of CzcS/CzcR during zinc excess regulates copper tolerance and pyochelin biosynthesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

CzcS/CzcR is a two-component system that has been found to modulate zinc homeostasis, quorum sensing, and antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To fully understand the physiological functions of CzcS/CzcR, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis in this study and discovered that CzcS/CzcR controls global gene expression when it is activated during zinc excess. In particular, we demonstrated that CzcS/CzcR is critical for maintaining copper tolerance and iron homeostasis, which are disrupted during zinc excess, by inducing the expression of the copper tolerance gene ptrA and repressing the pyochelin biosynthesis genes through pchR. This study revealed the global regulatory functions of CzcS/CzcR and described a new and intricate adaptive mechanism in response to zinc excess in P. aeruginosa. The findings of this study have important implications for novel anti-infective interventions by incorporating metal-based drugs.

Copper–Iron Selenides Nanoflakes and Carbon Nanotubes Composites as an Advanced Anode Material for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Metal selenides are widely considered as an emerging anode electrode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Hence, the present study uses a conductive carbon materials matrix such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with copper–iron selenide (CuFeSe2). The composites (CuFeSe2@CNTs) are synthesized by a hydrothermal method and examined for electrochemical performance as anode applications in LIBs. Herein, the CuFeSe2@CNTs show excellent specific capacity of 783.7 and 720.6 mA h g−1 at 0.1 and 1 A g−1, respectively. This composite further exhibits a high‐capacity value compared to only FeSe2 and CuFeSe2 and a reversible capacity of 691 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at 1 A g−1 current density. Moreover, the homogeneous combination of CuFeSe2 nanoflakes and CNTs provides structural stability that reduces the volume change during lithium‐ion interactions and successively improves the conductivity of the complex, which is advantageous for better ion and electron kinetics during the reaction.

Iron decoration in binary graphene oxide and copper iron sulfide nanocomposites boosting catalytic antibacterial activity in acidic microenvironment against antimicrobial resistance

The strong antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and biofilm, especially the biofilm with extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) protection and persister cells, not only renders antibiotics ineffective but also causes chronic infections and makes the infectious tissue difficult to repair. Considering the acidic properties of bacterial infection microenvironment and biofilm, herein, a binary graphene oxide and copper iron sulfide nanocomposite (GO/CuFeSx NC) is synthesized by a surfactant free strategy and utilized as an alternative smart nanozyme to fight against the MDR bacteria and biofilm. For the GO/CuFeSx NC, the iron decoration facilitates the well distribution of bimetallic CuFeSx NPs on the GO surfaces compared to monometallic CuS NPs, providing synergistically enhanced peroxidase (POD)-like activity in acidic medium (pH 4 ∼ 5) and intrinsic strong near infrared (NIR) light responsive photothermal activity, while the ultrathin and sharp structure of 2D GO nanosheet allows the GO/CuFeSx NC to strongly interact with the bacteria and biofilm, facilitating the catalytic and photothermal attacks on the bacterial surfaces. In addition, the GO in GO/CuFeSx NC exhibits a “Pseudo-Photo-Fenton” effect to promote the ROS generation. Therefore, the GO/CuFeSx NC can effectively kill bacteria and biofilm both in vitro and in vivo, finally eliminating the infections and accelerating the tissue repair when treating the biofilm-infected wound. This work paves a new way to the design of novel nanozyme for smart antibacterial therapy against antimicrobial resistance.

Magnetic Structure Characteristics and Metallogenic Significance for the Deep Layer of Shilong Copper–Iron Deposit Based on Improved Re-Weighting Regularized Focusing Inversion

Magnetic Structure Characteristics and Metallogenic Significance for the Deep Layer of Shilong Copper–Iron Deposit Based on Improved Re-Weighting Regularized Focusing Inversion

Critical role of dissolved oxygen and iron–copper synergy in dual-metal/char catalyst systems

The critical role of dissolved oxygen and iron–copper synergy in dual-metal/char catalyst system was studied.

Improvement of the process of dying of wool with natural dyes

This article describes the process of dyeing bleached wool fibers with natural dyes using aluminum, iron and copper salts as a mordant (the coloristic features of the cinnabar dyeing process are studied). The staining process was carried out in three different sequences: pre-treatment with mordants, then staining in a natural dye solution (I); one-bath dyeing in a solution of dye and mordant (II); dyeing in a solution of natural dye, followed by treatment with mordants (III). The influence of the staining sequence on the quality of staining was evaluated by data determined under standard illumination D65 on a laboratory colorimeter. The article shows the dependence of the processes of dyeing wool with natural dyes Madder (Rubia tinctorum L.), Turmeric (Cúrcuma lónga) and Carmine (Minium - cinnabar) on the presence and place of pickling salts in the technological wiring. Madder dye itself gives a golden color, and in the presence of copper sulfate and iron gives a pale brown color, and potassium dichromate gives a bright saturated red color. When dyeing wool with Carmine dye in the presence of iron and copper salts as mordants, carmine wool gives 1.5-2.5 times more intense dark red colors, depending on the dyeing method, than when dyed without salts. The dependence of the color intensity on the pH of the medium has been studied, taking into account the fact that the pH of the dyeing process affects the strength and color parameters of the colors obtained on wool fiber with natural dyes. An IR spectral analysis of samples dyed with the studied dyes was carried out in comparison with undyed wool fiber to identify the nature of the occurrence of bonds between wool fiber and natural dyes.

One-step assembly of bimetal-phenolic networks for antifouling and antibacterial coatings

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys have been widely used as clinical implant biomaterials. However, protein adhesion and bacterial infection can negatively impact the efficacy of these implants. To combat this, a promising strategy is to develop a versatile coating on Ti materials that endows them with antifouling and antibacterial capabilities. This work focused on the development of a polydopamine (PDA) and poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) co-deposition coating on Ti substrates. The coating contained copper ions, iron ions, and catechol groups, which coordinated to assemble bimetal-phenolic networks (bMPNs). Digital imaging, SEM, AFM, XPS, water contact angle, and film thickness tests confirmed the success of the modification. The antibacterial properties of the coating were evaluated using Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, while the cytotoxicity of the coating on human umbilical vein endothelial cells was also examined. The results demonstrated an excellent improvement in hydrophilicity, antibacterial properties, and benign biocompatibility of the coated Ti substrate, making it suitable for bioimplants and medical devices.

High-density defect-induced ultrahigh boron and nitrogen doping of iron–copper-functionalized porous carbon nanosheets for enhanced water splitting

The high cost of precursors and the complexity of synthesis procedures have hindered the widespread use of two-dimensional (2D) porous carbon nanosheets in water splitting. In this study, we successfully developed a low-cost method for the rapid synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) hierarchically porous architectures self-assembled from iron–copper nanoparticles embedded in boron (B)/nitrogen (N)-codoped 2D porous carbon nanosheets (denoted as FeCu@BNPCNS). The optimal FeCu@BNPCNS-900 nanosheet exhibited a large surface area, abundant porous channels, meso/macropores, and carbon edges/defects. Particularly, 10.25 atom% of B/N electrochemically active centers (such as pyridinic-N (including the metal–nitrogen–carbon species), pyrrolic-N, graphitic-N, and BC3) were successfully doped into the optimal FeCu@BNPCNS-900 nanosheets. In an alkaline solution, FeCu@BNPCNS-900 exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which was higher than that of the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C. For example, the HER potential of FeCu@BNPCNS-900 at 10 mA cm−2 [E10; −202.3 mV vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)] was only 140.2 mV more negative than that of 20 wt% Pt/C (−62.1 mV vs. RHE). Additionally, FeCu@BNPCNS-900 exhibited a slightly lower oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalytic activity than the ruthenium oxide (RuO2). Particularly, the OER E10 potential (+1.634 V vs. RHE) of FeCu@BNPCNS-900 was only 76 mV more positive than that of RuO2 (+1.558 V vs. RHE). The FeCu@BNPCNS-900||FeCu@BNPCNS-900 cell achieved 10 mA cm−2 at 1.613 V, which was 58 mV more negative than that of the 20 wt% Pt/C||RuO2 cell (1.671 V). The excellent water-splitting performance of FeCu@BNPCNS-900 could be attributed to the 3D hierarchically porous architecture, abundant channels/mesopores, and uniformly dispersed electrocatalytically active sites. Therefore, we developed an efficient strategy for the large-scale and low-cost synthesis of 2D porous carbon nanosheets without the need for precursors, templates, or surfactants.

Tectonic setting, structures, and Au–Cu mineralization age of the Indiana deposit: An example of ore deposit formation controlled by Andean transverse faults, Atacama region, Chile

The Indiana Deposit corresponds to a Cu–Au (Mo–Co) fault-vein deposit located in the Central Andes Coastal Cordillera Belt (∼27°S). It is hosted by strongly altered volcanic and intrusive rocks located between the NNE–striking central and principal branches of the Atacama Fault System (AFS) in northern Chile. The Indiana Deposit is part of a 10 km-long and 5 km-wide mine district that includes the Iron–Copper bearing Cerro Negro Norte (CNN) deposits and the Cu–Au Galleguillos vein system, termed the CNN-Indiana District in this study. The district provides insights into the mid-Cretaceous structural and lithological control of iron, copper and gold mineralization in northern Chile.Mineralization in the Indiana Deposit is spatially and temporally related to NW- and ENE-striking fault-vein systems, which are kinematically unrelated to the AFS. Three main mineralized ENE-striking, hundred-meter-long structures have been identified in Indiana. Structural and kinematic data suggest that mineral precipitation took place at dilation zones (e.g. extensional jogs, transtensional fault terminations) generating steeply-plunging ore shoots, and reactivating pre-existing structures (NW fault-vein system).Sinistral transtensional kinematics observed in ENE-striking fault-vein structures postdate the activity of the margin-parallel Atacama fault system, which has for long been regarded as accommodating the strike-slip component of plate convergence during the Jurassic to middle Cretaceous neglecting the role of Andean Transverse Faults (ATF), such as the ones recognized in this study. Sinistral transtension along ENE-striking faults gave rise to a local NE-striking maximum principal stress, different from that arising from displacement along the main margin-parallel faults, which in turn is consistent with far field stresses at that time.The CNN-Indiana district evolved from an early Ca–Na high temperature system related to Iron-bearing deposits to a brittle mineralized fault-vein copper-gold-bearing quartz-sericite (k-feldspar-calcite) corridor associated with a lower temperature environment along the Costal belt.Re–Os ages yielded 109-108 Ma obtained along the mineralized ENE-striking structures in Indiana Deposit and are slightly younger than those obtained from similar deposits associated with deformation along the AFS, which is consistent with our field observations indicating that at least part of the strike slip displacement on transverse faults hosting mineralization outlasts that of the AFS.

Structural, Optical, Magnetic, and Electrical Properties of Samarium (Sm3+)-Doped Copper–Iron Oxide Ferrites for Possible Optoelectronic Applications

Structural, Optical, Magnetic, and Electrical Properties of Samarium (Sm3+)-Doped Copper–Iron Oxide Ferrites for Possible Optoelectronic Applications

Radiation effect on the corrosion of disposal canister materials

The effects of radiation on the corrosion of canister materials were investigated for the reliable disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The test specimens were gamma-irradiated at a very low dose rate of approximately 0.1 Gy/h for six and twelve months. The copper and cast iron species were less corroded when irradiated. It is hypothesized that gamma rays suppress the formation of lower-enthalpy species like metal oxides and activate reductive reactions. In contrast, it was difficult to evaluate the effect of radiation on the corrosion of titanium and stainless steel.

Mechanism study on a novel Cu/Fe co-catalyzed heterogeneous particle mediated activation of hydrogen peroxide for efficient degradation of cyanides

The degradation of cyanide ions in cyanide containing wastewater is a major challenge in water treatment. This article uses a one-step hydrothermal method to prepare iron copper bimetallic oxide catalysts and applies them for the rapid degradation of cyanide (CN−). The experimental results show that under the optimal conditions, the removal rate of CN− in the bimetallic catalyst/H2O2 system is close to 100 % within 1 h, which is significantly better than the single metal oxide catalyst. Through characterization by SEM-EDS, XRD, XPS, and combined with catalytic performance experimental analysis, it was found that. There is a synergistic effect between Cu and Fe, which can effectively promote the cycling of metal ions and improve the generation efficiency of hydroxyl radicals (HO•) to a certain extent, thereby improving the degradation performance of CN−. In addition, ion chromatography was used to analyze the oxidation products and a possible pathway for CN− degradation was proposed. This provides new insights and ideas for the development of high-performance bimetallic oxide catalysts for cyanide degradation.

Development of a velocity measurement method for a microparticle projectile and high-speed impact testing of metallic materials for grain refinement

Since grain refinement, such as the nano-twinning and nano-crystallization of metallic materials, can improve mechanical properties, surface modification to generate nano-structures is an in-demand technology. This study aims to conduct ultrahigh velocity impact testing using microparticle projectiles to generate indentation craters via impact. Due to the resulting extreme plastic deformation with high strain rate, grain refinement is expected to occur. This study conducts the laser-induced particle impact test (LIPIT), in which laser ablation induces supersonic ejection of a microparticle, resulting in the generation of an impact crater. We first propose a method for measuring particle projectile velocity using a mechanoluminescent (ML) material. A particle collision against the ML material emits light as a result of the mechanical stimulus. The light is detected to determine the timing of particle arrival, thus, the particle projectile velocity is obtained. This measurement method is verified using a high-speed video camera. Next, LIPIT is applied to pure copper (Cu) and pure iron (Fe), thus producing nano-structures including twinning around the impact indentation craters. To clarify this mechanism, a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is conducted to reveal the formation of nano-twinning around the impact craters. In addition, nano-indentation testing is conducted, indicating plastic hardening around the impact craters unlike the craters obtained using quasi-static indentation. This indicates that plastic deformation due to LIPIT improves mechanical properties, owing to the extreme plastic strain and strain rates involved. Therefore, our LIPIT has potential as a new surface modification technique to induce extreme plastic deformation with ultrahigh strain rates, resulting in grain refinement.

Association between metals and metalloids with cognitive status in Mild Cognitive Impairment subjects

Abstract Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is regarded as a transitional state between normal aging and dementia. Several risk factors have been related to MCI and dementia vulnerability. Among these, metals and metalloids have been hypothesized to affect dementia risk. Our objective was to study the associations between metals and metalloids (cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc) concentrations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with cognitive impairment status of MCI subjects. 144 individuals newly diagnosed with MCI were recruited at Neurology Memory Clinics at Modena and Reggio Emilia Hospitals (Italy) in the period 2019-2022. The concentrations of elements in paired serum/CSF were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Participants’ global cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Muti-adjusted spline regression analyses were performed to assess the relation between the serum/CSF concentrations and MMSE. Median serum and CSF concentrations were generally higher in men than women, except copper in serum and iron in CSF demonstrating higher concentrations in women. A positive linear association emerged between serum iron concentrations and MMSE, while a slight negative one emerged for serum selenium levels. Cadmium in serum was positively associated with MMSE until 0.2 µg/L and then the association became null, while in CSF a U-shaped relation emerged. A U-shaped relation was also observed for serum copper and CSF iron and manganese levels. CSF selenium concentrations were inversely related to MMSE, although above 5 µg/L the curve flattened. Zinc exhibited the same pattern of association in both serum and CSF, i.e., an inverted U-shaped one. These findings suggest that CSF and serum content of the investigated elements may be differently related with global cognitive status in MCI subjects. Higher levels of selenium and zinc, in particular, are associated with lower MMSE score. Key messages • Heavy metals and metalloids display different pattern of association with global cognitive status. • High levels of selenium and zinc are inversely related with global cognitive status in MCI subjects.