Effect Of Zn2 Research Articles

Effect of Zn2+ on the early hydration behavior of potassium phosphate based magnesium phosphate cement

Magnesium phosphate cements (MPC) have potential applications in the solidification/stabilization of heavy metals. In this paper, the effect of Zn ions on the early hydration behavior of magnesium phosphate cement was investigated. The results showed that the physico-chemical characteristics of the MPC were significantly influenced by Zn ions. The addition of Zn ions increased the final setting time of the MPC and decreased the compressive strength of the MPC. The effect of Zn ions on the hydration characteristics of the MPC was examined by pH, heat of hydration, XRD, SEM and EDS. It is observed that the zinc ions have no effect on the phases of the hydration products of the MPC, but the crystalline degree of the product is influenced by the zinc ions. Furthermore, in the early hydration reaction process of magnesium phosphate cement, addition of Zn ions slows down the increasing of the pH and delays the hydration exothermic peak of the MPC. Most zinc ions are exited in hydration products. The result of the TCLP of the zinc ions showed that the leaching toxicity of the zinc ions is lower than the standard requirement.

Regulatory Conformational Coupling between CLC Anion Channel Membrane and Cytoplasmic Domains

CLC anion channels are homodimeric proteins. Each subunit is comprised of 18 α-helices designated “A-R” and an intracellular carboxy-terminus containing two cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS1 and CBS2) domains. Conformational coupling between membrane and intracellular domains via poorly understood mechanisms is required for CLC regulation. The activity of the C. elegans CLC channel CLH-3b is reduced by phosphorylation of a carboxy-terminus “activation domain,” which disrupts its interaction with CBS domains. CBS2 interfaces with a short intracellular loop, the H-I loop, connecting membrane helices H and I. Alanine mutation of a conserved H-I loop tyrosine residue, Y232, prevents regulation demonstrating that the loop functions to couple phosphorylation-dependent CBS domain conformational changes to channel membrane domains. To gain further insight into the mechanisms of this coupling, we mutated conserved amino acid residues in membrane helices H and I. Only mutation of the H-helix valine residue V228 to leucine prevented phosphorylation-dependent channel regulation. Structural and functional studies of other CLC proteins suggest that V228 may interact with Y529, a conserved R-helix tyrosine residue that forms part of the CLC ion conduction pathway. Mutation of Y529 to alanine also prevented CLH-3b regulation. Intracellular application of the sulfhydryl reactive reagent MTSET using CLH-3b channels engineered with single-cysteine residues in CBS2 indicate that V228L, Y529A, and Y232A disrupt putative regulatory intracellular conformational changes. Extracellular Zn2+ inhibits CLH-3b and alters the effects of intracellular MTSET on channel activity. The effects of Zn2+ are disrupted by V228L, Y529A, and Y232A. Collectively, our findings indicate that there is conformational coupling between CBS domains and the H and R membrane helices mediated by the H-I loop. We propose a simple model by which conformational changes in H and R helices mediate CLH-3b regulation by activation domain phosphorylation.

Luminescent Properties of ZnxCa1–xTiO3:yPr3+ Long-Lasting Phosphors

AbstractThe red long-lasting phosphors (LLPs) ZnxCa1–xTiO3:yPr3+ (ZCTP) were successfully prepared via the sol–gel method. The effects of Zn2+ content and Pr3+ molar concentration on the luminescent properties of ZCTP LLPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, excitation and emission spectra, long-lasting decay curves and thermoluminescence (TL) curves. In this study, the results indicated that luminescent properties of Zn0.2Ca0.8TiO3:0.2 %Pr3+ phosphor was the best. In addition, when Pr3+ molar concentration reached 0.8 mol %, concentration quenching effect was obvious.

Signature of multiferroicity and impedance analysis of Co1−xZnxFe2−xLaxO4 nanoparticles

Effects of Zn2+/La3+ co-doping on multiferroic and impedance properties of co-precipitation derived Co1−xZnxFe2−xLaxO4 (x = 0.0, 0.1 and 0.3) nanoparticles have been investigated. The powder X-ray diffraction study confirms the pure phase, cubic spinal structure and particle size varies between 20 and 22 nm. The particle size decreases with increase in co-substitution indicating the short range ordering in CoFe2O4. The relaxations in dielectric constant follow Maxwell–Wagner polarization and arise out of charge transfer of Co and Fe ions in multi-oxidation states. The co-substitution of Zn2+/La3+ in CoFe2O4 at A and B sites respectively results in improvement of Nquist plot and impedance of the nanoparticle which confirms space charge polarization caused by piling of charges at the interface of grain and grain boundries. An unusual relaxation behavior is also observed in co-substituted CoFe2O4 which may be useful in enhancing the multiferroic properties at room temperature. It could be noted the GBs are more resistive as compared to the grains, resulting in high impedance value and non-Debye type behavior in the Co1−xZnxFe2−xLaxO4 nano particles. Low and stable coercivity (Hc) of 393.13 Oe have been observed and a stable saturation magnetization has been achieved at room temperature. P–E loops have rounded corners which may be the due to the aggregation of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with each other resulting out of their strong magnetization. Simultaneous occurrence of saturation magnetization and weak ferroelectricity (P–E loop) with high values of impedance and dielectric constant confirm the signature of multiferroicity in Co1−xZnxFe2−xLaxO4 nanoparticles.

Photodegradation of Acid Black 1 and Removing Heavy Metals from the Water by an Inorganic Nanocomposite Synthesized via Simple Co-Precipitation Method

In this experimental work, PbS/ZnS/ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized via a simple co-precipitation method. The effect of Zn2+/Pb2+ mole ratio was investigated on the product size and morphology. The products were characterized via scanning electron microscopy to obtain product size and morphology. The optical properties of the nanocomposites were studied by ultra violet-visible spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity of the product was examine by decomposition of acid black 1 as dye. To investigation of the effect of as synthesized nanocomposite on the water treatment, the influences of the nanocomposite to remove heavy ions was studied by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that the synthesized nanocomposite has well optical properties, photocatalytic and water treatment activities.

The Rapid Exchange of Zinc2 + Enables Trace Levels to Profoundly Influence Amyloid-β Misfolding and Dominates Assembly Outcomes in Cu2 +/Zn2 + Mixtures

The misfolding and self-assembly of amyloid-β (Aβ) into oligomers and fibres is fundamental to Alzheimer's disease pathology. Alzheimer's disease is a multifaceted disease. One factor that is thought to have a significant role in disease aetiology is Zn2+ homeostasis, which is disrupted in the brains of Alzheimer's disease sufferers and has been shown to modulate Alzheimer's symptoms in animal models. Here, we investigate how the kinetics of Aβ fibre growth are affected at a range of Zn2+ concentrations and we use transmission electron microscopy to characterise the aggregate assemblies formed. We demonstrate that for Aβ(1–40), and Aβ(1–42), as little as 0.01mol equivalent of Zn2+ (100nM) is sufficient to greatly perturb the formation of amyloid fibres irreversibly. Instead, Aβ(1–40) assembles into short, rod-like structures that pack tightly together into ordered stacks, whereas Aβ(1–42) forms short, crooked assemblies that knit together to form a mesh of disordered tangles. Our data suggest that a small number of Zn2+ ions are able to influence a great many Aβ molecules through the rapid exchange of Zn2+ between Aβ peptides. Surprisingly, although Cu2+ binds to Aβ 10,000 times tighter than Zn2+, the effect of Zn2+ on Aβ assembly dominates in Cu2+/Zn2+ mixtures, suggesting that trace levels of Zn2+ must have a profound effect on extracellular Aβ accumulation. Trace Zn2+ levels profoundly influence Aβ assembly even at concentrations weaker than its affinity for Aβ. These observations indicate that inhibitors of fibre assembly do not necessarily have to be at high concentration and affinity to have a profound impact.

Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic properties of Mg1−xZnxAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles

Mg1−xZnxAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles with x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 were prepared via the chemical coprecipitation method. The obtained samples were characterised by thermal gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflection spectrum, transmission electron microscopy and 27Al MAS-NMR spectroscopy. Mg1−xZnxAl2O4 spinel powders with the mean crystallite size of around 11 nm–14 nm were obtained. The crystallinity of the MgAl2O4 samples increases with the increase in the calcination temperature. At the same calcination temperature, higher amount of Zn2+ substitution leads to the higher level of crystallinity, but has no apparent influence on the mean crystallite size of the samples. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained Mg1−xZnxAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of methylene blue under UV light. The degradation rates of methylene blue using the MgAl2O4 nanoparticles prepared at the calcination temperatures of 700 °C and 800 °C are much higher than those prepared at 900 °C and 1000 °C. The photocatalytic activities of the spinel powders with lower level of Zn2+ substitution such as Mg0.95Zn0.05Al2O4 are inferior to that of MgAl2O4. Results of 27Al MAS-NMR spectroscopy analysis and the first principle total density of state calculations reveal that this is probably due to the substitutions of Zn2+ decreasing the degree of Al3+ ions inversion over the sites of tetrahedral and octahedral coordination. With the increase in the amounts of Zn2+ substitution, the effects of Zn2+ additions on the photocatalytic activities become gradually predominant, leading to the increases in the degradation rates. The methylene blue degraded by 99% within 4 h using the Mg0.8Zn0.2Al2O4 spinel powders.

Effect of Zn2+ Substitution on the Structure and Magnetic Properties of Co0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 Synthesized by Solvothermal Method

A series of Zn2+ doped Co–Cu ferrites with the formula Co0.5Cu0.5−xZnxFe2O4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) have been successfully synthesized using the solvothermal method. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results indicate that a high-crystallized cubic Co0.5Cu0.5−xZnxFe2O4 with rod-like structure is obtained when the precursor is calcined at 800°C in air for 3 h. The lattice parameters increase with the increase of Zn2+ additional amount, attributed to the larger ionic radius of the substituted ion Zn2+ than Cu2+ ionic radius. Zn2+ substitution can improve the magnetic properties of Co0.5Cu0.5−x ZnxFe2O4. Co0.5Cu0.4Zn0.1Fe2O4 obtained at 800°C has the highest specific saturation magnetization (73.7 ± 0.9 emu/g) and magnetic moment (3.13 ± 0.04 B.M.).

Surface organization of a DPPC monolayer on concentrated SrCl2 and ZnCl2 solutions.

Transition metals are known to be enriched in organic-coated marine aerosols, but the impact these cations have on their surface properties is not well understood. Here the effect of Zn2+ enrichment on the surface properties of a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) monolayer was investigated and compared to that of the alkaline earth metal Sr2+, an ion not enriched in aerosols. Phase behavior of the DPPC film on concentrated aqueous solutions was probed with surface pressure-area isotherms while domain morphology was monitored with Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). Infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) and vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy were used to assess the impact of cations on the conformation and orientation of alkyl chains as well as the hydration state of the carbonyl and phosphatidylcholine (PC) moieties. Results of compression isotherms and BAM show that Zn2+ strongly interacts with DPPC molecules, and induces condensation of the monolayer while Sr2+ only weakly interacts with the monolayer in expanded phases. Conformational order and orientation of alkyl chains in the condensed phase are not significantly altered by either cation. IRRAS indicates that Sr2+ has weak interactions with the PC headgroup. Zn2+ ions cause dehydration of carbonyl groups and binds to the phosphate group in a 2 : 1 bridging complex. Findings here suggest that Sr2+ is not enriched in aerosols because it behaves similar to a monovalent ion and only weakly interacts with the monolayer, while enrichment of Zn2+ is due to strong binding to the lipid film.

Effects of Zn2+ doping content on the structure and dielectric tunability of non-stoichiometric [(Na0.7K0.2Li0.1)0.45Bi0.55]TiO3+δ thin film

The Zn2+ doped non-stoichiometric [(Na0.7K0.2Li0.1)0.45Bi0.55](Ti1−xZnx)O3+δ (NKLBTZnx, x = 0–4 at.%) thin films were deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide/glass substrates via a metal organic decomposition method. The effect of Zn2+ doping content on microstructure, insulating characteristic and dielectric properties were mainly investigated. All the thin films exhibit similar single perovskite structures without detectable secondary phase and the grain size gradually decreases with the increase of Zn2+ doping content. Compared with other films, NKLBTZn0.01 thin film shows enhanced insulating characteristic with lower leakage current, and improved dielectric properties with a relatively higher dielectric tunability and lower dielectric loss. Moreover, with the increasing of electric field or decreasing of measuring frequency, the dielectric tunability is progressively increased. The tunability and figure of merit for the NKLBTZn0.01 thin film at 300 kV/cm and 1 kHz are 40.1 % and 7.0, respectively. These findings suggest that NKLBTZn thin film has potential applications in microwave dielectric devices.

The crystallization and dielectric tunability of Zn doped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 thin films

Na0.5Bi0.5Ti1−xZnxO3−δ (NBTZnx, x=0.005–0.04) thin films were deposited on indium tin oxide coated glass substrates by metal organic decomposition combined with sequential layer annealing. The effects of Zn2+ doping content on crystallization and dielectric tunability were mainly studied. All the thin films crystallize into a single perovskite structure with random orientation. Compared with the other films, the NBTZn0.01 film exhibits a high dielectric constant and strong nonlinear dependence of the dielectric constant on applied field due to its well-crystallization and high densification. Furthermore, the effects of the electric field and frequency on the dielectric constant-electric field characteristic for NBTZn0.01 film are discussed. The results show that NBTZn0.01 thin film with an enhanced dielectric tunability of 39% can be a lead-free candidate for tunable component.

Porous Zn-doped TiO2 nanowall photoanode: Effect of Zn2+ concentration on the dye-sensitized solar cell performance

We report the study of the utilization of a new synthesized-photoactive materials of Zn-doped TiO2 nanowall (ZTNW) in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and the study of the effect of Zn2+ concentration in the ZTNW on the DSSC performance. ZTNW was prepared directly on the ITO substrate using a liquid phase deposition (LPD) method in an aqueous solution containing TiO2 and Zn precursors. The effect of Zn2+ dopants on the performance of DSSC was studied by preparing the ZTNW with several concentrations of Zn2+, namely from 10.0 to 40.0mM. It was found that the performance of DSSC with a structure of ITO/ZTNW/N719/Electrolyte/Pt increases with the increasing of Zn2+ concentration and optimum at 24.0mM. Typical power conversion efficiency as high as 1.98% was obtained from the optimum ZTNW sample. The role of Zn2+ concentration in the device performance will be discussed and examined using electrochemical-impedance spectroscopy method.

A novel fluorescent probe for adenosine 5′-triphosphate detection based on Zn2+-modulated l-cysteine capped CdTe quantum dots

In this work, we have designed a simple and sensitive fluorescence probe for adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) detection. A series of l-cysteine capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) with different sizes were synthesized in aqueous phase. The effects of Zn2+ on different sizes of l-cysteine capped CdTe QDs were investigated and the fluorescence of CdTe with small size QDs could be effectively quenched due to the binding of Zn2+ to the l-cysteine on the surface of the QDs and the electron transfer from the photoexcited QDs to Zn2+. The phosphate groups of ATP have a high affinity for zinc ions through ZnOP bonds, with the addition of ATP, Zn2+ could bind with ATP based on the metal–ligand coordinative effect and the modulation of Zn2+ to CdTe QDs would be inhibited. Hence the quenched fluorescence of the CdTe QDs can be recovered. The recovered fluorescence of QDs was proportional to the concentration of ATP in the range of 5–50μmolL−1 and the detection limit for ATP was 2.07μmolL−1. The proposed sensing assay showed a good selectivity for ATP over other biologically important phosphates, and it was applied to the determination of ATP in human serum sample with satisfactory results.

Effects of Zn2+ and Mn4+ co-doping in BiFeO3 thin films

Bi(Fe0.99−xZn0.01Mnx)O3 (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) thin films were deposited on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates by using a pulsed laser deposition method. The effects of Mn4+ content in the BiFeO3 thin films on their leakage current and their ferroelectric properties were mainly investigated. Bi(Fe0.96Zn0.01Mn0.03)O3 thin film exhibited the best ferroelectric properties among them. The leakage current density of the film capacitor was 2.0 × 10−5 A/cm2 at 200 kV/cm. The remnant polarization (2Pr) and the coercive electric field (2Ec) of the film capacitor were 83 μC/cm2 and 577 kV/cm at an applied electric field of 695 kV/cm, respectively. This can be explained based on the Fe2+ concentration associated with oxygen vacancies and the grain size caused by doping of Zn2+ and Mn4+ in BiFeO3 thin films.

Effect of Zn2 + binding and enzyme active site on the transition state for RNA 2′-O-transphosphorylation interpreted through kinetic isotope effects

Divalent metal ions, due to their ability to stabilize high concentrations of negative charge, are important for RNA folding and catalysis. Detailed models derived from the structures and kinetics of enzymes and from computational simulations have been developed. However, in most cases the specific catalytic modes involving metal ions and their mechanistic roles and effects on transition state structures remain controversial. Valuable information about the nature of the transition state is provided by measurement of kinetic isotope effects (KIEs). However, KIEs reflect changes in all bond vibrational modes that differ between the ground state and transition state. QM calculations are therefore essential for developing structural models of the transition state and evaluating mechanistic alternatives. Herein, we present computational models for Zn2+ binding to RNA 2′O-transphosphorylation reaction models that aid in the interpretation of KIE experiments. Different Zn2+ binding modes produce distinct KIE signatures, and one binding mode involving two zinc ions is in close agreement with KIEs measured for non-enzymatic catalysis by Zn2+ aquo ions alone. Interestingly, the KIE signatures in this specific model are also very close to those in RNase A catalysis. These results allow a quantitative connection to be made between experimental KIE measurements and transition state structure and bonding, and provide insight into RNA 2′O-ransphosphorylation reactions catalyzed by metal ions and enzymes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Enzyme Transition States from Theory and Experiment.

Anti-Corrosion and Tribo-Mechanical Properties of Co-deposited Zn–SnO2 Composite Coating

Zn–SnO2 composite coatings were prepared by direct potential using electrolytic co-deposition technique from sulfate solution. The effect of Zn2+ and SnO2 concentrations in deposited bath on the mechanical properties and morphological characteristics of the composite coatings were examined. The characterizations of the sample were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy couple with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The electrochemical degradation behavior of the samples in 3.65 wt.% NaCl solution was studied using potentiodynamic polarization technique and characterized by high-resolution optical microscope. From all the fabricated composite coatings, obvious diffraction peaks were observed with Zn-7Sn-S-0.3V film with Zn2Sn7, Sn, Zn2Sn5 and Zn phases, confirming the presence and formation of Zn–SnO2 coating. The XRD pattern shows that the presences of SnO2 particle remarkably play a major role in the precipitation and orientation of the alloy matrix. From the SEM/EDS and AFM results, the deposits show that composite particle and proper bath composition have strong influence on the microstructure. An enhanced corrosion resistance was attained as a result of the induced particles.

Synthesis of Zn2+ substituted maghemite nanoparticles and investigation of their structural and magnetic properties

Maghemite and Zn2+ substituted maghemite (γ-Fe2−y Zn3y/2O3, y=0.0, 0.11, 0.24, 0.36, 0.50 and 0.66) nanoparticles were prepared by coprecipitation method. The effect of Zn2+ substitution on the structural, morphological and magnetic properties of the nanoparitcles were studied by different techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), magnetometry, magnetic thermogravimetry and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results of XRD showed that all samples have spinel structure with an increase in lattice parameter by increasing the content of Zn2+. FTIR spectra were proved the synthesis of maghemite and Zn2+ substituted maghemite with appearance of the related absorption bands and band shift upon Zn2+ substitution. Morphological studies by FESEM demonstrated that the nanoparticles were uniform and spherical with average particle size in range of 20–24nm. Room temperature magnetic measurements showed that as Zn2+ content increases, saturation magnetization initially increase up to 75.34emu/g for y=0.11 and then decrease to 3.65emu/g for y=0.66, due to substitution of magnetic Fe3+ by non-magnetic Zn2+. Decrease in Curie temperature of the samples, from 510 for maghemite to 250°C for y=0.36, by increasing the Zn2+ substitution was a result of reduction of superexchange interactions between different sites. Then, the Curie temperature increased up to 680°C for y=0.66 which was due to migration of some Zn2+ ions from A to B sites in the structure of spinel. Room temperature Mössbauer spectra exhibited that the sample with y=0.0 was superparamagnetic, while by increasing the content of Zn2+, relaxation effect increased by weakening of A–B exchange interaction.

Effect of Zn2 + Concentration on the Adsorption of Organophosphonic Acids on Nanocrystalline ZnO Surfaces

The effect of the presence of Zn2+ ions on the adsorption of octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) on nanocrystalline ZnO films has been studied by means of Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) technique and complementary ex-situ analysis of film properties. Phosphonic acid moiety has sufficient acidity, even in organic solvents, to cause dissolution of ZnO. Dissolved Zn2+ ions form complexes with the ODPA molecules in the solution, leading to the deposition of thick and undefined precipitation layers. Our results indicate that the formation of such precipitation layers could be prevented by the addition of appropriate amounts of Zn2+ ions into the deposition solution. Bi-functional monomolecular linkers with phosphonic acid head-groups are excellent candidates for application-specific functionalization of nanostructured ZnO films as well as ZnO nanoparticles. The results presented here demonstrate a straight forward method to increase the film quality.

Effect of Li2O–V2O5 addition on the sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of Li3(Mg1−xZnx)2NbO6 ceramics

The effect of Zn2+ substitution on the structure and microwave dielectric properties of Li3Mg2NbO6 ceramic was investigated. The compositions of Li3(Mg1−xZnx)2NbO6 (0≤x≤0.1) ceramics were prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The phase structure, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Li3(Mg1−xZnx)2NbO6 ceramics were analyzed via an X-ray diffraction, a scanning electron microscope as well as a network analyzer. All samples sintered at 1080–1240°C for 4h remained a single orthorhombic structure, which could be indexed according to the Li3Mg2NbO6 phase (JCPDS-PDF #86-0346). The microwave dielectric properties of Li3(Mg1−xZnx)2NbO6 ceramics exhibited significant dependence on the sintering condition, microstructure and composition. Excellent microwave dielectric properties (εr~17.2, Q×f~142,331GHz, τf~−23.2ppm/°C) were obtained in the x=0.08 sample sintered at 1120°C for 4h in air. In addition, the 0.17Li2O–0.83V2O5 composition was added as a sintering aid to lower the sintering temperature. The 0.5wt% 0.17Li2O–0.83V2O5 added Li3(Mg0.92Zn0.08)2NbO6 ceramic showed fairly good microwave dielectric properties of εr~14, Q×f~83,395GHz, τf~−37.2ppm/°C when sintered at 925°C for 2h. Furthermore, there was no chemical reaction between Ag electrode and the sintering aid added sample, which further demonstrates that the Li3(Mg0.92Zn0.08)2NbO6 ceramic modified with 0.17Li2O–0.83V2O5 would be a promising candidate material for low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) applications.

A Novel Route to Greatly Enhanced Dielectric Permittivity with Reduce Loss Tangent in CaCu3−xZnxTi4O12/CaTiO3 Composites

Dielectric and nonlinear properties of a binary compound derived from Ca2Cu2Ti4O12 were greatly improved by doping with Zn2+ to deliberately create CaCu3–xZnxTi4O12/CaTiO3 composites. Ca2Cu1.8Zn0.2Ti4O12 composition can exhibit an enhanced ε′, ~6,513, with a strong reduction in tanδ to ~0.015 (at 1 kHz). The nonlinear coefficient and breakdown field strength were significantly enhanced. The dielectric and nonlinear properties were described based on the effect of Zn2+ substitution on electrical response of internal interfaces.