Abstract The Ag-doped TiO2 and TiO2-Pt nanoparticles have been synthesized using a simple, eco-friendly method by fine grinding with zero solutions used. TiO2 has been loaded with just 5 wt.% of Ag and Pt in TiO2-Ag and TiO2-Pt, respectively. The prepared samples have been characterized using various techniques. TEM showed good dispersion and distribution of Ag and Pt within the TiO2 host matrix using this simple method with fine grinding. Furthermore, EDX analysis was conducted reveal the difference in compositions of the TiO2-Ag and TiO2-Pt NPs samples is illustrated. From the elemental mapping mode, highly uniformly dispersed Ag and Pt nanoparticles on the TiO2. The XRD patterns of the synthesised TiO2-Ag and TiO2-Pt are shown in the planes of the anatase phase and the lattice constant of anatase. The lattice constant was not influenced by the doped Ag and Pt. The thermal behaviour was studied by DSC-TGA analysis.The weight loss at 900⁰C in the TGA curve is 13% and 12%, respectively, with around 5% thermal enhancement when only 5 wt.% of Ag and Pt are added. That is a promising potential application of TiO2 in solar cells with high thermal stability

The volcanic rocks from Cenozoic Trans-Khamar-Daban volcanic zone (TKDVZ) in Russia and their xenocrysts and crust-mantle xenoliths were investigated by electron microprobe (EPMA) and laser-ablation inductively coupled mass-spectrometry (LA ICP MS) and other methods. They were used to show the composition and reconstructions of structure of the crust and mantle. Volcanism started from Central Part of ridge at 23 Ma and distributed to the shoulders (18–16 Ma) rift margins (13–16 Ma) and top of volcanoes (12–10 Ma), followed by rift valleys (5–2 Ma) and culminated in cinder cones volcanoes (0.8–0.15 Ma). Lavas evolved from sub-alkali to alkaline basalts and tephrites. Lherzolitic xenoliths are nearly primitive, having relics of garnets and simplectites which represent the material of mantle diapirs. The volcanics from Tunka and Dzhida valleys carry abundant cumulate xenoliths related to 2.0–1.0 GPa. The geothermal regimes reconstructed using electron probe (EPMA) mineral analyses and mineral thermobarometry is close to the South-Eastern Australian Geotherm (SEA). At the first stage, it shows heating to 1350 ◦C near Baikal Lake (Sukhoy volcano). The trace elements in the lherzolites are close to primitive mantle being more depleted near Tunka valley and showing ancient subduction related depletion and hydration in Dzhida. The cumulates show fractionation trends for pyroxenes, garnets amphiboles. The megacrysts show high La/Yb ratios increasing with Fe# for clinopyroxenes and garnets and LILE enrichments for amphiboles and Ti-biotites. The volcanism was caused by deep plume generated with the influence of the subduction from the Pacific and correlated with the events of India- Eurasia collision.

Magnetite is extensively developed within various alteration zones of the mining district. Some magnetite is closely associated with copper mineralization, possessing significant research value. The Duobuza Cu (Au) deposit is a typical porphyry-type deposit within the Bangong Co-Nujiang metallogenic belt and was the first porphyry Cu-Au deposit discovered in the Duolong copper–gold ore district. Currently, this deposit contains copper resources exceeding 3 million tons @0.46%, with associated gold resources exceeding 80 tons @0.19 g/t. This study focuses on magnetite from the Duobuza deposit. Through field geological logging and microscopic identification combined with electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and in situ LA-ICP-MS testing, mineralogical and mineral chemical research on magnetite is conducted. This research aims to elucidate the genesis of magnetite in the Duobuza deposit and its implications for mineral exploration. Five magnetite types with different occurrences can be distinguished in the Duobuza deposit: Mt1 is magmatic magnetite; Mt2, Mt3, Mt4, and Mt5 are hydrothermal magnetite, with Mt5 being closely associated with copper mineralization. Mt1 is relatively enriched in Ti, V, Al, and Cr but depleted in Mn and Si; Mt2 is relatively enriched in Ti and Al but depleted in Si and Cr; Mt3 is relatively enriched in Al but depleted in Mg; Mt4 is relatively enriched in Ti, Al, V, Zn, and Mn; and Mt5 is relatively enriched in Mg, Si, Ti, Al, Mn, and Zn but depleted in Cr. Based on the Al + Mn vs. Ti + V discrimination diagram, magnetite formed in a medium- to high-temperature environment, with hydrothermal magnetite Mt4 forming at the lowest temperature. Vanadium (V) content can be used to estimate the oxygen fugacity (fO2) during mineralization. Mt1 exhibits the highest V content, indicating relatively low oxygen fugacity, whereas Mt4 shows the lowest V content, suggesting relatively high oxygen fugacity. Mt5 has a higher V content compared to other early-stage hydrothermal magnetites, suggesting that a lower fO2 formation environment favors the precipitation of metal sulfides in the mining district. Trace element analysis of magnetite from the Duobuza, Bolong, and Naruo mining districts reveals that magnetite from all three deposits is enriched in Si and Al and depleted in Ca and Ni. Magmatic magnetite from the Naruo and Duobuza deposits exhibits similar elemental distribution patterns. Hydrothermal magnetite from the Duobuza deposit shows significantly higher Ti and V contents compared to magnetite from the Bolong and Naruo deposits.

Impact of macrophages on the dissolution of LAI suspension prodrugs.

ABSTRACT Mollusc shells, commonly preserved in archaeological records worldwide, capture high-resolution, sub-annual environmental information at local scales through the incorporation of chemical elements during their formation. These geochemical signals can be used to infer the season of shellfish collection by past human populations. This study presents new seasonal data derived from magnesium-to-calcium (Mg/Ca) ratios in Patella caerulea Linnaeus, 1758 from the archaeological site of Haua Fteah in northern Cyrenaica (Libya, North Africa). Our data were obtained through elemental mapping using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), which enables the visualisation of intra-shell geochemical variation at high spatial resolution. The results provide detailed reconstructions of shellfish collection seasonality from the Capsian to the Neolithic periods, covering a ∼5,000 year span from the latest Pleistocene through the Early-Mid Holocene. We demonstrate that mollusc gathering occurred throughout the year, with a higher frequency in the autumn and winter seasons, suggesting that marine resource use was more consistent than previously assumed. We compare our data with previous seasonality studies of different mollusc species to demonstrate that seasonal collection patterns varied between mollusc species, suggesting differences in marine exploitation subsistence strategies, probably related to the availability of other food resources, energetic return and mollusc processing techniques.

This study focuses on the application of low-temperature ceria-based solid solutions as silver supports for the catalytic soot combustion. The silver catalysts supported on the solid solutions exhibited activity substantially higher than that on undoped ceria. Although ceria has often been investigated as a catalyst or catalytic support, the present study shows that the proper choice of dopant can further increase the activity of the ceria supports themselves as well as the resulting silver catalysts. This investigation can be a breakthrough in the study of the impact of the selection of the support dopant for a beneficial overall effect of the use of low-temperature solid solutions as supports. All of the synthesized supports contain only one phase, i.e., the fluorite-type structure, typical for undoped ceria with the same lattice parameter and the same dopant concentration. The influence of support composition on the crystallite size (X-ray diffraction, XRD), shape of pores (N2 physisorption), acid/base properties (Py-FTIR, Hammett indicator tests), and concentration of oxygen vacancies (Raman) was investigated. The distribution of 5 atom % of Sr2+, Mg2+, Al3+, or Zr4+ in the ceria lattice as well as the distribution of silver on these supports was probed with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and ToF SIMS. Elemental maps show an even distribution of the dopants within the grains of the supports. The silver was mainly present as a metallic silver layer on the supports, though the systems exhibited differences in the concentrations of oxidized silver species on their surface and in the reducibility of the supports, as evidenced by H2-temperature-programmed desorption studies.

Overcoming the limitations associated with autologous and allogeneic grafts to treat refractory bone defects, bone regeneration scaffolds have emerged as a promising alternative. In this direction, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) based Pickering high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) templated scaffolds are widely studied. However, the inherent hydrophobicity and lack of biological activity of these scaffolds severely restrict their applicability at the implant site. Addressing this, we have developed Pickering HIPE templated PCL scaffolds using hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as a functional macroinitiator for in situ polymerization of Pickering HIPE followed by functionalization with type 1 collagen. Pickering HIPE was prepared by stabilizing ε-caprolactone (CL) and HEC solutions using hydrophobically modified silica nanoparticles (mSiNP) as Pickering stabilizers. The resulting scaffolds demonstrated a decrease in contact angle from ∼90° to ∼66° and increase in compressional stress from 22k Pa to 64.6k Pa due to the presence of HEC. The unreacted functional sites were utilized for collagen immobilization using a combination of Malaprade oxidation and Schiff base chemistry. EDX elemental mapping and type 1 collagen antibody staining confirmed the uniform presence of collagen throughout the surface of the scaffold. Finally, while all the scaffolds demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility, a 3 times increase in the metabolic activity was observed at day 7 for the collagen functionalized scaffolds, which was attributed to the bioactive motifs present over the surface of scaffolds. Furthermore, a well-spread morphology of cells was observed on day 3 over the surface of the collagen functionalized scaffold completely covering its porous architecture.

ABSTRACT This research evaluates the performance of ethanol-modified phytate-bicarbonate treatments in slowing the iron gall ink-induced degradation of paper, to provide conservators with a better understanding of treatment options for water-sensitive iron gall ink documents. To date, ethanol-modified phytate-bicarbonate protocols have yielded promising results, based on empirical observations; however, questions have arisen about treatment efficacy and precipitate formation in ethanol-modified phytate solutions. The study compares multiple ethanol-modified magnesium phytate-calcium bicarbonate treatments with two ethanol-modified calcium phytate-calcium bicarbonate treatments of model iron gall ink on sized rag paper. Ethanol-modified water washing alone is included for comparison. The relative effect of different treatment parameters, namely percentage of ethanol in solutions, phytate concentration, and pH of magnesium phytate, is assessed by linked visual and chemical analyses, including color of ink and paper, surface deposits, iron(II) testing, micro x-ray fluorescence elemental mapping, pH, and size exclusion chromatography. Results demonstrate that ethanol-modified magnesium or calcium phytate paired with calcium bicarbonate are both viable options for combating iron-induced oxidation and acid hydrolysis of the cellulose in artifacts with water-sensitive iron gall ink, assuming pre-treatment testing does not reveal solubility of the ink in the selected solvents.

Solid phase extraction of palbociclib from palbociclib-loaded therapeutic micelles: Novel synthesis of hybrid reduced graphene oxide-modified magnetic iron oxide (rGO@SiO2@Fe3O4)nanosorbent-based plasma extraction and pharmacokinetics study in rats.

Thermoluminescent dosimetry properties of calcium oxide obtained from eggshells.

Cinnamon extract-mediated green synthesis of acacia gum-functionalized Ag/Co/V2O5 nanocomposites: characterization, stability, dye removal, and antioxidant activity.

Performance evaluation of deep-ultraviolet laser-assisted Invizo 6000 and near-ultraviolet laser-assisted LEAP 5000 for a range of material systems.

ABSTRACT Copper chalcogenides (CuX, where X = S, Se, Te) and their heterostructures with graphitic‐carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ) were successfully synthesized via a facile wet‐chemical approach and systematically characterized to establish structure‐property‐activity correlations. XRD and ATR‐IR confirmed phase purity, while XPS, FESEM/TEM, and elemental mapping revealed uniform distribution of CuX on g‐C 3 N 4 nanosheets. UV–vis–DRS analysis demonstrated broadened visible‐light absorption with narrow‐bandgaps (CuSe/g‐C 3 N 4 : 2.37 eV vs pristine g‐C 3 N 4 : 2.59 eV). PL‐quenching and electrochemical‐impedance studies confirmed suppressed charge‐recombination and enhanced carrier‐dynamics in the composites. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated for RhB dye degradation and hydrogen evolution under simulated sunlight. Pristine g‐C 3 N 4 exhibited only 40% dye degradation in 180 min but achieved a hydrogen evolution rate of 149.4 µmol g −1 h −1 . Conversely, CuSe alone degraded 72% of RhB but showed limited H 2 evolution (56.4 µmol g −1 h −1 ). Notably, the CuSe/g‐C 3 N 4 heterostructure achieved 95% RhB‐degradation, representing an oxidation‐dominated process, and delivered a hydrogen evolution rate of 173.5 µmol g −1 h −1 , corresponding to a reduction‐dominated process, both outperforming pristine g‐C 3 N 4 . Scavenger studies identified h + and •OH as the dominant reactive‐species, while Mott–Schottky analysis revealed a Z‐scheme mechanism facilitating efficient charge‐transfer and high redox‐potential. These results highlight CuX/g‐C 3 N 4 heterostructures as multifunctional photocatalysts for solar‐driven hydrogen‐production and environmental remediation.

Revealing speciation transformation and stabilization mechanisms of associated trace hazardous beryllium and thallium during lithium extraction: Achieving targeted detoxification of lithium slag.

ABSTRACT The quality of unconventional volcanic reservoirs depends on dissolution spaces formed by diagenesis, yet their genesis and evolution are poorly understood. Here, we recover the formation and evolution processes of the dissolution pores using thin sections, reservoir porosity and permeability, major element analysis, electron probe microanalysis, in situ micro-scale carbon and oxygen stable isotopes, well logging, and seismic data. In the Palaeogene Shenhu Formation volcanic reservoir of the Huizhou Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB), dissolution pores dominate the reservoir space. During the epigenetic diagenetic stage, volcanic rocks underwent a prolonged weathering and dissolution (60.8–47.8 Ma), which increased the porosity. Primary pores were partially filled and damaged by first-phase quartz. During the burial diagenetic stage, secondary minerals, including chlorite, laumontite, second-phase quartz and calcite, filled the residual primary and weathering-dissolution pores. The diagenetic sequence of these minerals, combined with mineral thermometers and thermal history, indicates that chlorite formed at approximately 13–17 Ma and the subsequent laumontite were the primary causes of reservoir degradation. However, the extensive dissolution pores in chlorite aggregates and the volcanic matrix suggest post-filling dissolution by fluids, which formed the effective reservoir pores. The δ13C (−4.296‰ to −11.987‰) and δ18O (−10.182‰ to −17.934‰) values of calcite associated with dissolution pores indicate that the dissolution fluid was organic acid derived from the Wenchang Formation’s hydrocarbon generation process. Temperature-driven transformation of secondary minerals may also provide some effective porosity, but organic acid-driven dissolution is likely the dominant mechanism for reservoir formation. A favourable relationship with source rocks is the necessary condition for forming promising reservoirs, and weathering unconformities and faults likely served as migration channels for organic acids. This study, by revealing the complexity of the formation process of dissolution-type volcanic reservoirs, provides important theoretical foundations and practical guidance for oil and gas exploration and development in other regions.

ABSTRACT The phase diagram of the ZnO–ZrO 2 –SiO 2 system was experimentally studied at 1500°C and 1600°C by classical equilibration and quenching method followed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) phase analysis and electron probe micro‐analysis (EPMA). Sealed Pt crucible was utilized to prevent the volatile loss of ZnO during high temperature phase equilibrium experiments. The general feature of the phase diagram of the ZnO–ZrO 2 –SiO 2 system was revealed for the first time. No ternary stoichiometric compound was found in the ZnO–ZrO 2 –SiO 2 system at 1500°C and 1600°C, and 0.015–0.058 mol fr. of ZnO solubility was found in tetragonal‐ZrO 2 . Based on the present experimental data, the thermodynamic modeling of the ternary system was conducted based on the CALculation of PHAse Diagram (CALPHAD) method.

In the present study, high-performance cobalt tungstate/graphitic carbon nitride (CoWO₄/gCN) binary nanocomposites were successfully synthesized through a low-cost, green co-precipitation route assisted by Phoenix dactylifera L. fruit extract. The plant extract acted as an eco-friendly reducing and fuel agent, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals while promoting controlled nucleation, particle growth and effective interfacial coupling between CoWO₄ and gCN. Structural and compositional analyses using XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, XPS, EDAX and elemental mapping confirmed the formation of phase-pure monoclinic CoWO₄ uniformly anchored onto gCN sheets. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy revealed enhanced visible-light absorption with a narrowed band-gap energy in the range of 2.3–2.55 eV, attributed to heterojunction formation and improved charge separation. Photocatalytic evaluation using Rose Bengal dye under visible-light irradiation demonstrated outstanding activity, achieving ~81.01 % degradation within 75 min and maintaining ~78 % efficiency after three consecutive cycles, indicating excellent stability and reusability. Compared with conventional CoWO₄-based photocatalysts, the present system exhibits superior efficiency through sustainable synthesis and effective charge-transfer pathways, underscoring its potential for visible-light-driven wastewater remediation.

“Heijin” (the literal translation from Chinese being “Black Gold”) seal stone represents a unique variety of sulfur-rich, dickite-dominant jade, yet its mineralogical genesis and structural properties remain insufficiently characterized. This study utilizes a multi-analytical approach comprising polarized light microscopy, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA), and Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG-DSC) to investigate the phase composition, crystalline order, and thermal evolution of this material. The results demonstrate that “Heijin” stone is primarily composed of highly ordered 2M1 dickite with a Hinckley index (HI) ranging from 0.92 to 1.50. Its distinctive black appearance originates from the disseminated distribution of micrometer-scale pyrite, which is accompanied by trace amounts of svanbergite. This aluminum phosphate–sulfate (APS) mineral serves as a critical indicator of high sulfur fugacity and acidic hydrothermal alteration environments. Furthermore, a significant correlation exists between the crystalline order of dickite, its micro-morphology, and its thermal stability. Samples characterized by high crystallinity (HI ≈ 1.50) exhibit well-developed, euhedral book-like aggregates and elevated dehydroxylation temperatures (Tm ≈ 665 °C), whereas samples with lower crystalline order correspond to fragmented microstructures and reduced thermal stability. This research defines the mineralogical identity of “Heijin” stone and provides a scientific basis for employing thermal analysis to evaluate the crystalline quality of dickite-based jade materials.

In this paper, the regenerated NdFeB magnets were fabricated by Nd85Al15 alloy diffusion, and the influence of alloy content and diffusion temperature on the properties and microstructure was systematically studied. The recovery mechanism of magnetic properties was discussed based on the analyses using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) observation. The results indicate that the coercivity (Hcj) increases significantly with both alloy addition and temperature, reaching the maximum value of 1087 kA/m (80.9% enhancement) compared with the non-diffused magnet (601 kA/m). The maximum remanence (Br) and maximum energy product (BHmax) of the diffused magnet are 0.99 T and 184.7 kJ/m3, which are 8.8% and 5.9% lower than those (1.085 T and 196.3 kJ/m3) of the non-diffused magnet. The density and compressive strength of the diffused magnet are enhanced by 8.2% (7.25 g/cm3) and 67.47% (628 MPa), respectively. As the compensation of Nd85Al15 melt, the density, Br and BHmax are improved via the liquid filling into pores. Simultaneously, the Hcj is enhanced through the repair of grain boundary defects and the formation of continuous Nd-rich phases.

Relevance. Near-surface storage facilities for solid radioactive wastes from uranium industry enterprises pose a potential threat to the environment. Therefore, solving the problem of conditioning sludges placed in these storages is an important ecological task. At the same time, radioactive wastes are a promising technogenic source of uranium, so the technology for sludges processing should include the possibility of uranium extraction. First, this task requires a detailed study of the wastes composition and forms of uranium state in sludges. Aim. To determine the phase and chemical composition of solid radioactive wastes of the near-surface storage facility of Chepetsky Mechanical Plant SC, to establish the storage facility profile, uranium concentration zones and forms of its state in the wastes. Methods. X-ray diffraction phase and X-ray fluorescence analysis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. Results and conclusions. The near-surface storage facility consists of three sites. The thickness of the upper screening soil layer is 3–3.5 m, this layer more than 59 wt % consists of SiO2. Four types of solid radioactive wastes are located on the storage territory. Uranium production sludges, consisting mainly of gypsum (58–88 wt %), are placed in the Site 1 (depth 3–7 m) and the Site 2 (depth from 3.5–4.5 to 7 m). Uranium production wastes, consisting of 81–89 wt % SiO2, are located within Site 3 (depth 4–7 m). Calcium production sludges are placed in the southern part of Site 2 and on the territory of Site 3 above the uranium wastes. The main compound of these sludges is CaCO3 (60–95 wt %). The zirconium production sludges consist mainly of CaCO3 (53–67 wt %) and CaF2 (23–32 wt %) and are disposed in the northern part of Site 2 above the uranium wastes layer. Uranium is contained throughout the entire volume of the storage wastes and is unevenly distributed. Its average content ranges from 0.006 to 0.498 wt %. depending on the location. Uranium is present in sludges both as part of the main components and in the form of its own mineral phases. The wastes are comparable to poor ores in terms of uranium content, so we can consider these sludges as a technogenic source of this metal.