Copper Sulfide Research Articles

Selective Adsorption of Thiol-Containing Molecules on Copper Sulfide Surfaces via Molecule–Surface Disulfide Bridges

Selective Adsorption of Thiol-Containing Molecules on Copper Sulfide Surfaces via Molecule–Surface Disulfide Bridges

Regulation of Fibroblast Phenotype in Osteoarthritis Using CDKN1A-Loaded Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles Delivered by Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

This study aimed to investigate the regulation of fibroblast phenotypes by MSCs delivering copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with CDKN1A plasmids and their role in cartilage repair during osteoarthritis (OA). Single-cell RNA sequencing data from the GEO database were analyzed to identify subpopulations within the OA immune microenvironment. Quality control, filtering, PCA dimensionality reduction, and tSNE clustering were performed to obtain detailed cell subtypes. Pseudotime analysis was used to understand the developmental trajectory of fibroblasts, and GO/KEGG enrichment analyses highlighted biological processes related to fibroblast function. Transcriptomic data and WGCNA identified CDKN1A as a key regulatory gene. A biomimetic CuS@CDKN1A nanosystem was constructed and loaded into MSCs to create MSCs@CuS@CDKN1A. The characterization of this system confirmed its efficient cellular uptake by fibroblasts. In vitro experiments demonstrated that MSCs@CuS@CDKN1A significantly modulated fibroblast phenotypes and improved the structure, proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and enhanced migration of IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. In vivo, an OA mouse model was treated with intra-articular injections of MSCs@CuS@CDKN1A. Micro-CT scans revealed a significant reduction in osteophyte formation and improved joint space compared to control groups. Histological analysis, including H&E, Safranin O-Fast Green, and toluidine blue staining, confirmed improved cartilage integrity, while OARSI scoring indicated reduced disease severity. Immunofluorescence showed upregulated CDKN1A expression, decreased MMP13, and reduced α-SMA expression in fibroblast subtypes. Major organs exhibited no signs of toxicity, confirming the biocompatibility and safety of the treatment. These findings suggest that MSCs@CuS@CDKN1A can effectively regulate fibroblast activity and promote cartilage repair, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for OA treatment.

Injectable Hydrogel-Loaded Rough Heterostructured Nanoparticles for Multi-Procedural Promotion of Diabetic Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex, multifaceted biological process broadly divided into four overlapping phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Each stage of wound healing is critical to successfully restoring tissue integrity, and disruption or delay in any of these stages can lead to delayed healing. Various existing nanomaterials only promote a single stage. In this study, Au-CuS nanoparticles (Au-CuS NPs) with rough surfaces were formed by using gold nanorods (Au NRs) as templates on which copper sulfide (CuS) was grown and transported in an injectable hydrogel (Au-CuS@Gel). Au-CuS@Gel can accelerate all stages of diabetic wound healing. The rough surface of Au-CuS@Gel and the injectable property of hydrogel can adhere to close the wound and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under near infrared (NIR) light to effectively kill bacteria in diabetic wounds. Meanwhile, the rough morphology effectively polarizes macrophages to M2 phenotype and accelerates collagen deposition. Au-CuS@Gel can be programmed to promote all stages of diabetic wound healing. It provides a new paradigm for the healing of the special wounds represented by diabetes.

Investigating the Synergy Effect of Using Combined Collector and Nanocollector on Recovery of Copper Sulfide

Investigating the Synergy Effect of Using Combined Collector and Nanocollector on Recovery of Copper Sulfide

An Experimental and Quantum Chemical Calculation Study on the Performance of Different Types of Ester Collectors.

Ester collectors have rapidly developed into the main flotation collectors for copper sulfide minerals since they were developed. In this study, the collecting performance of four collectors, O-isopropyl-N-ethyl thionocarbamate ester (IPETC), 3-pentyl xanthate acrylate ester (PXA), O-isobutyl-N-allyl-thionocarbamate (IBALTC), and O-isobutyl-N-isobutoxycarbonyl-thionocarbamate (IBIBCTC), was investigated through microflotation tests, microcalorimetric measurements, and quantum chemical calculations. The results of the microflotation tests show that IBALTC and IPETC have stronger collecting abilities than IBIBCTC and PXA; the order of collecting ability is IBALTC > IPETC > IBIBCTC > PXA. The microcalorimetry test also shows that the adsorption heat of the former two is higher. Quantum chemical calculations show the energy difference between the HOMOs of the collector and the LUMOs of minerals. The electrostatic potential extremum around S atom and the first ionization potential of IPETC and IBALTC are similar and were smaller than IBIBCTC and PXA, which shows that the collecting ability of the former two is similar and stronger than the latter two. Among the collectors, the S atom polarizability, electrophilic, and nucleophilic attack index of IBALTC are the largest, indicating that its electronic deformation capability and nucleophilic properties are the strongest, which results in the strongest coordination interaction with the copper ions in copper sulfide minerals and thus the highest collecting ability. The S atom polarizability, electrophilic, and nucleophilic attack index of PXA are the smallest, indicating that its electronic deformation capability and nucleophilicity are the weakest, and its collecting ability is the weakest. The coordination between collector and mineral surface was analyzed theoretically. The research results are of great help to the design and development of ester collectors.

Dual-role of thiourea for synthesis of copper sulfide decorated on reduced graphene oxide/graphitic carbon nitride for advanced photocatalysis

Dual-role of thiourea for synthesis of copper sulfide decorated on reduced graphene oxide/graphitic carbon nitride for advanced photocatalysis

Large-capacity DNA vectors based on rolling circle amplification with multivalent aptamers delivery copper sulfide for the synergistic treatment of Cancer through chemo/Photothermal/Chemodynamic therapy in vitro

Large-capacity DNA vectors based on rolling circle amplification with multivalent aptamers delivery copper sulfide for the synergistic treatment of Cancer through chemo/Photothermal/Chemodynamic therapy in vitro

Scalable Copper Sulfide Formulations for Super‐Resolution Optoacoustic Brain Imaging in the Second Near‐Infrared Window (Small Methods 1/2025)

Scalable Copper Sulfide Formulations for Super‐Resolution Optoacoustic Brain Imaging in the Second Near‐Infrared Window (Small Methods 1/2025)

Synergistic Effects of Hybrid CuS@Ti3C2Tx/MXene material for Enhanced Super capacitive Energy Storage and Efficient Water Splitting

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as MXene with its 2D structure and excellent conductivity, have emerged as crucial components in electrochemistry for energy storage and water electrolysis. However, the limited capacitance exhibited by 2D MXene as a cathode material hinders widespread practical applications. In this study, CuS@Ti3C2Tx/MXene nanocomposites are synthesized by integrating copper sulfide (CuS) into Ti3C2Tx layers to enhance energy storage characteristics alongside water-splitting properties, including the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This remarkable progress is attributed to the synergistic effect of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets and CuS nanoparticles (NPs), which reduce agglomeration, modulate side reactions and enhance the electron transfer rate. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charging and discharging (GCD) confirm the superior electrochemical properties of CuS@Ti3C2Tx compared to CuS and Ti3C2Tx alone. CuS@Ti3C2Tx demonstrates a specific capacitance of 957.36 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, with 99.1% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles and a pseudo-capacitance ratio of 90.3% at 50 mV s-1. The asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) comprising CuS@Ti3C2Tx as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 361.1 F g-1, 98.84% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles and an energy density of 36.11 W kg-1. CuS@Ti3C2Tx shows a minimum overpotential of 89.7 mV in HER and 171 mV in OER. These results suggest that 2D MXene-based CuS NPs are promising for energy storage and water splitting.

Exploring the Synergistic Effect of Functionalized Boron Nitride on Zinc Copper Sulfide for Enhanced Electrochemical Detection of Sulfadiazine

Exploring the Synergistic Effect of Functionalized Boron Nitride on Zinc Copper Sulfide for Enhanced Electrochemical Detection of Sulfadiazine

PHASE EQUILIBRIA IN THE Cu2Se - Cu3SbSe4 - Cu2SnSe3 SYSTEM

Copper-tin and copper-antimony chalcogenides have received increasing attention as promising thermoelectric materials due to their high efficiency and low toxicity. Many of these phases are synthetic analogues of natural copper chalcogenide minerals and have been drawing more interest for the development of new environmentally friendly materials. In this regarding, we studied phase equilibria in the Cu2Se - Cu3SbSe4 - Cu2SnSe3 system using Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Powder x-ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Based on experimental data, a number of polythermal sections, the solid-phase equilibria diagram at 600 K and a projection of the liquidus surface were constructed for the title system. The system has revealed limited regions of solid solutions based on ternary compounds Cu3SbSe4 (α) and Cu2SnSe3 (β). It has been established that the liquidus surface consists of three regions corresponding to primary crystallization (HT-Cu2Se), as well as α- and β-phases.

Synthesis and performance evaluation of ZnO/CdS photoanodes with copper sulfide (Cu2S) and carbon counter electrodes

AbstractThe present study demonstrates the synthesis of compact ZnO layers using CdS sensitized on ZnO as a photoanode with copper sulfide (Cu2S) and carbon as a counter electrode (CE). In this study, a compact ZnO layer was fabricated using the simple and low-cost successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method, and Cu2S CE films were synthesized using the chemical bath deposition method. Various characterizations, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirmed the formation of ZnO and CdS sensitizations on the ZnO . UV-visible spectroscopy revealed that the bandgaps of the ZnO and Cu2S films were 3.2 and 1.3 eV, respectively. Furthermore, the morphology of the ZnO films was optimized by varying the number of SILAR cycles. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of a nanorod compact layer (CL) and the porous nature of the ZnO photoanode films. However, the porosity increased with the number of SILAR cycles. Various parameters, such as the current density, voltage, fill factor, and efficiency, were measured using the J-V characteristics. The highest 0.85% efficiency was achieved by using the ZnO compact film with 30 SILAR cycles for the Cu2S CE. Furthermore, the study revealed that the Cu2S counter electrode had a higher electrocatalytic response than the carbon CE.

Enhanced Photothermal/Immunotherapy under NIR Irradiation Based on Hollow Mesoporous Responsive Nanomotor.

In this research, a hollow mesoporous responsive nanomotor was proposed for enhanced photothermal/immunotherapy under near infrared (NIR) irradiation. HA-HMCuS/AS as the nanomotor composed of hollow mesoporous copper sulfide (HMCuS) loaded with artesunate (AS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) was utilized to induce the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages. At the beginning, ResNet18 deep learning model was utilized to predict the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of HMCuS based on the morphology data set which was obtained from our conventional research. And then, we predicted that the as-synthesized HMCuS has a large surface area, which is beneficial for drug loading. Then, upon near-infrared light irradiation, HA-HMCuS/AS exhibited significant cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells and induced tumor thermal ablation. Additionally, HA-HMCuS/AS was found to inhibit the expression of TREM2 at the tumor site, promoting the transition of M2-type macrophages to M1-type macrophages in tumor tissue and enhancing the inflammatory response at the tumor site. In addition, photothermal therapy enabled tumor cells to release tumor-associated antigen and injury-related molecular patterns, promote the maturation and metastasis of dendritic cells, and further activate the body's specific antitumor immune response. By combining photothermal therapy with immunotherapy, the HA-HMCuS nanomotor demonstrated even more robust tumor ablation and suppression effects.

Visualization of CuFeS2 Particle Ignition and Combustion Under Simulated Flash Smelting Conditions

AbstractFlash smelting involves complex reactions between copper sulfide ores, silica sand, impurities, and oxygen gas while dropping. In situ observations of particle oxidation (ignition and combustion) under simulated flash smelting conditions can promote an understanding of this phenomenon. However, previous studies were limited by technical difficulties. In this study, in situ observations, two-color temperature measurements, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), and thermodynamic equilibrium calculations were used to characterize the oxidation of CuFeS2 particles under simulated flash smelting conditions. CuFeS2 particles changed in four phases in oxidation within 300 ms. The first process was ignition (≈ 25 ms) with an average temperature of 2100 °C. This was triggered by fine particles (several μm in diameter) on coarse particles (approximately 50 μm in diameter) and formed sphere particles consisting of two phases (sulfide and oxysulfide, Phase I) or three phases (sulfide, oxysulfide, and iron oxide, Phase II). The second process was combustion (< 300 ms) with an average temperature of 1900‒2000 °C. In addition to the spherical particles, particles surrounded by a flame consisting of two phases (oxysulfide crust and oxide core, Phase III) were observed during combustion. The flame may be generated by the continuous sulfur vapor emitted from the oxysulfide crust, which vanishes after the consumption of the sulfur vapor. Finally, oxide particles (Phase IV), similar to those in the thermodynamic equilibrium phase, were formed. Graphical Abstract

Formation of Nanodispersed Cuprous Sulfide Powder from Solutions Containing Copper and Sulfur Ions Under Electrolysis Conditions

Formation of Nanodispersed Cuprous Sulfide Powder from Solutions Containing Copper and Sulfur Ions Under Electrolysis Conditions

Effects of Co/Fe doping on the optical limiting behaviors of copper-based sulfides under low energy densities

Abstract Copper-based sulfides have demonstrated excellent potential in optical fields due to their unique optical properties. In this work, heteroatom doping is conducted in copper-based sulfides to regulate their photo-physical properties. The average grain size of CuCo2S4/CuFeS2 is about 15 nm, whereas the average grain sizes of CuCo2S4 and CuFeS2 are 69 and 73 nm, respectively. The as-obtained derivations of CuCo2S4, CuFeS2, and the coprecipitated CuCo2S4/CuFeS2 are systematically characterized, and the nonlinear optical properties (NLO) of the copper-based sulfides are investigated via the Z-scan technique in the low-laser intensity range of 1–4 µJ to avoid the contribution of solvent scattering in nonlinear optical results. All copper-based sulfides exhibit optical limiting effects, and the open aperture Z-scan results suggested the coexistence of both nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refraction in the sulfides. Co or Fe doping can enhance the optical limiting effects of copper sulfides to some extent, and the normalized transmittances in CuCo2S4 and CuFeS2 are reduced to about 72% from the pristine Cu1.8S (85%) at the input energy of 4 µJ. Interestingly, the optical limiting performances of the coprecipitated CuCo2S4/CuFeS2 are enhanced significantly, and the normalized transmittance in CuCo2S4/CuFeS2 is reduced to about 59% at an input energy of 4 µJ, much lower than the counterpart of the physical mixture of CuCo2S4 and CuFeS2. The highest nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) value is achieved in CuCo2S4/CuFeS2, consistent with the Z-scan results. The NLO enhancement in CuCo2S4/CuFeS2 may derive from the more efficient interfacial charge transfer between coprecipitated CuCo2S4 and CuFeS2, which give a higher efficiency in the carrier mobility.

Iron as a Sulfidation-Resistant Current Collector for Negative Electrode in Sulfide-Based All-Solid-Batteries.

The demand for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) featuring credible Li6PS5Cl argyrodite (LPSCl) electrolytes is increasing, driving interest in exploring suitable current collectors for ASSBs. Copper (Cu), used as a current collector in traditional lithium-ion batteries, exhibits significant instability in LPSCl-ASSBs. In this study, the effectiveness of iron (Fe) is systematically investigated as an alternative current collector in LPSCl-ASSBs and compare its performance to that of Cu. Electrochemical analyses reveal that Cu undergoes unfavorable side reactions with LPSCl, forming copper sulfides and leading to pitting corrosion. In contrast, Fe, with its thick native oxide layer, effectively mitigates sulfide sub-reactions, enhancing the stability of the current collector-LPSCl electrolyte interface. Density function theory calculations and thermal tools using XRD and linear thermammetry confirm the higher stability of Fe with LPSCl compared to Cu. Replacing the Cu current collector with Fe significantly improves the long-term stability of graphite-based negative electrodes in ASSBs, achieving exceptional long cycleability exceeding 1000 cycles. These findings identify Fe as a promising current collector for ASSBs and provide valuable insights into the metal-electrolyte interactions that govern the performance of these advanced battery systems.

Investigation of Copper Ores Processing Products

In recent years, the world technics and technologies development in mineral beneficiation has shown significant achievements in the field of mineral separation basic phenomena and regularities. This allows for creation of highly efficient processes and technologies for processing of primary ore with a complex composition, thus providing the metallurgical industry with necessary high-quality concentrates. As well known, the concentrates produced by beneficiation plants are subject to certain requirements for content of valuable components and harmful impurities. In order concentrates to be a commodity product, they must contain valuable components more than minimum permissible content, and harmful impurities must be a lower content than the maximum permissible. The presentation that is summarized in this article focuses on the results of laboratory experimental studies conducted to characterize copper, pyrite and molybdenum concentrates obtained from sulphide copper ores processing. This study also explored copper and pyrite concentrates from sulphide-oxide copper ores and oxide ores productive solutions. Data from concentrates chemical and particle size analysis are presented. Moreover, а brief description of technological studies conducted, their aims, concentrates and productive solutions obtained are presented. All copper concentrates contain gold and silver, as accompanying valuable components. Harmful impurities other than carbon in the molybdenum concentrate have not been detected. We summarize that all copper products are suitable for copper concentrates market.

Self‐Healable, Shape‐Programmable and Humidity‐Responsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Actuators Enabled by Dynamic Covalent Boronic Ester Bonds and Aggregation Induced Emission Luminogens

AbstractLiquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are considered as emerging functional materials that present potentials in fabrication of intelligent soft robots, biomimetic devices and photonic actuators. Here, a new functional liquid crystalline (LC) monomer with dynamic boronic ester group is designed and synthesized. This new molecule has a wide LC phase and polymerizable acrylic double bonds, which facilitates subsequent polymerization to prepare films. The prepared LCEs matrix is intrinsically self‐healable and self‐weldable. In addition, such material can be used as versatile matrix to be functionalized as diverse devices. By introducing the humidity responsive aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) molecules into the LCEs film, which exhibit bright fluorescence at low relative humidity (RH). Finally, copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles are doped into the LCEs film to achieve programmable thermal‐responsive deformations. This work provides valuable insight for the development of smart soft robots in actuating area.

Corrosion Behavior of Copper Foil on PCB Substrates Under Atmospheric Environment in Sichuan-Tibet Region of China.

Copper foil is widely used in electronic components and devices. This study investigates the corrosion behavior of copper foil on printed circuit boards exposed for one year in a closed atmospheric environment across 22 different sites in the Sichuan-Tibet region. Through electrochemical, SEM/EDS, and XRD analyses, the corrosion behavior of copper foil material across the five selected sites (Meishan, Mangkang, Luding, Batang, and Panzhihua) and the influence of environmental factors were discussed. The results show that copper foils in areas with a large temperature change, higher humidity, and more rainfall exhibit more severe corrosion. The corrosion products primarily form a double-layer structure; the bottom layer consists of relatively stable Cu2O, while the type of corrosion product in the upper layer is strongly influenced by the local climatic environment, predominantly containing CuSO4, CuSO4(OH), and Cu2Cl(OH)3. In dry areas, copper oxides tend to form, whereas in humid areas, copper sulfides are more likely to grow.