Increasing Zn Content Research Articles

Physical and chemical surface modification by laser polishing of CuZn42 parts produced by laser powder bed fusion

The widespread use of Cu-Zn alloys containing lead (Pb) in plumbing applications poses significant health risks due to potential Pb leaching into drinking water. In response to international legislation aimed at reducing or eliminating Pb in metal alloys, there is an increasing demand for environmentally friendly brass. In this experimental work, authors show that during the Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) process of the CuZn42 (CW510L) alloy, small particles only a few microns large mixed with large particles that are hundreds of microns in size, are spattered from the material. Large particles show average Zn/Cu ratio around 0.22, while for small particles it increases up to 3, against a nominal value of 0.72 for the CW510L alloy. The fallout of such particles on the produced part enriches surface of Zn, thus altering the surface chemical composition with an increase in Zn concentration beyond the acceptance limit of 43 at.%. To restore the standard chemical composition of the surface, a treatment based on the ablation of the surface material by a laser beam was proposed. Results clearly show that, after the laser treatment, the chemical composition of the surface is completely restored, and the standard properties recovered.

Immunological role of zinc in preterm neonates

Zinc (Zn), an essential trace element, plays a significant role in fetal development and biological defense during the embryonic and neonatal periods. Therefore, exploring the kinetics of Zn related to immune disturbances in preterm neonates is important. We here performed the measurement of Zn concentration along with immunological analysis of neonates and investigated the role of Zn in the neonatal period. Serum Zn concentrations were measured immediately after birth in neonates (329 cases). Moreover, for 25 cases, the kinetics of various immune cells and cytokines were measured by flow cytometry and electrochemiluminescence. We observed that Zn levels were inversely correlated with gestational weeks. Immune cell and cytokine analysis revealed an inverse correlation between HLA-DR on monocytes and Zn levels and between inflammatory cytokine interleukin-12 and Zn levels. Furthermore, oxidative stress status was inversely correlated with Zn levels. Our results suggested that the Zn dynamics immediately after birth, which show a negative correlation with the gestational week, can provide an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative environment for preterm neonates. The increased Zn concentration in the blood of preterm neonates may consequently protect neonates from perinatal stress.

Sonochemical synthesis of mesoporous ZnyCd1-yS quantum dots: Composition-dependent optical, electrical, dielectric, and hydrogen-generation characteristics

Mesoporous ZnyCd1-yS quantum dots (QDs) with mixed cubic–hexagonal phases prepared by sonochemical technique at varying Zn content. Incorporating Zn ions in the CdS lattice reduced the crystalline size and enhanced the corresponding surface areas at increasing Zn contents. The increase of Zn content in ZnyCd1-yS QDs increased the bandgap from 2.52 eV to 3.83 eV and enhanced the corresponding Urbach energy from 72 meV to 279 meV. ZnyCd1-yS QDs exhibited small electrical activation energies ranging from 249 mV to 361 mV. The effect of Zn content on the catalytic activity of ZnyCd1-yS QDs toward hydrogen production through NaBH4 hydrolysis was investigated at different temperatures. Ternary alloys ZnCdS QDs exhibited higher catalytic activity than pure ZnS and CdS QDs, with Zn0.5Cd0.5S QDs displaying the highest hydrogen generation rate of 96 mL∙min−1∙g−1. The increase of reaction temperature from 30°C to 60°C enhanced the rate constant of hydrogen production from 0.071 to 0.36 min−1. Based on the pseudo-first-order equation, the estimated apparent activation energy of Zn0.5Cd0.5S QDs was 45.3 kJ∙mol−1. Overall, the obtained results underscored the potential of ZnyCd1-yS QDs as promising catalysts for hydrogen generation.

Investigation on the microstructural evolution and corrosion behaviors of Zn-microalloyed Al-Cu-Li alloys

Zn microalloying made great contributions to microstructures evolution and performances enhancement. The effects of various contents of Zn on the precipitate microstructure, tensile property and corrosion behavior of Al-3.2Cu-1.5Li alloys with medium Cu/Li mass ratio were examined by tensile testing and corrosion measurement. Experimental results demonstrated that the tensile strength of the Zn microalloyed samples dropped slightly as the Zn content increased due to the number density of precipitates with minor size variation showed a downward trend within the grains. Corrosion testing revealed that the corrosion type of Zn microalloyed samples was primarily localized intragranular corrosion, slight intergranular corrosion and local pitting corrosion was also partially involved. The emergence of Zn element in grain boundary (GB) coarse (T1) phases and the suppressed precipitation of intragranular phases in the alloys with higher content Zn were found to reduce corrosion sensitivity with the increase of Zn content, which was ascribed to the decreased potential difference between the GB and adjacent matrix, and between the GB precipitates and precipitation free zone (PFZ).

A correlation study of road dust pollutants, tire wear particles, air quality, and traffic conditions in the Seoul (South Korea)

The interdependence of traffic dynamics and air quality on the concentrations of tire wear particles (TWP), heavy metals, and carbon black (CB) in road dust collected from 15 locations in Seoul, South Korea, was assessed. Pearson correlation, principal component analysis, and network analysis were employed to evaluate the correlations among traffic volume, vehicle speed, air quality parameters (PM10, PM2.5, NOx, and CO), and the concentrations of TWP (5934 to 16,253 mg/kg, average 9581 ± 4086 mg/kg), CB (371–22,287 mg/kg, average 4291 ± 6096 mg/kg), and heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in road dust. The enrichment factors for heavy metals and the pollution index of TWP and CB were also calculated to evaluate the contribution of vehicle-derived particulate substances to road dust contamination. It was found that Cluster B, characterized by traffic-related variables such as traffic volume, vehicle speed, and heavy metals (Zn, Cd, and Pb), was significantly correlated with these pollutants, with correlation coefficients reaching up to 0.933. TWP was identified as a significant mediator in the increase of Zn, Pb, and Cd concentrations linked to traffic activities, contributing to pollution levels that were 2–16 times higher than the geochemical background. The presence of TWP and CB in road dust was identified as an indicator of contamination from traffic-related activities, highlighting the importance of Zn, Pb, and Cd as emerging pollutants that require targeted management strategies.

373 Effect of Cu and Zn contents in growing finishing pig diets on animal performance and Cu and Zn content in manure, according to three manure management chains

Abstract Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential nutrients for swine. However, as pigs have a low retention rate for these elements, more than 90% of ingested Cu and Zn are excreted, mainly in feces. After spreading manure, these trace elements could accumulate in the soil and potentially have negative environmental effects. Moreover, Cu and Zn are also limited natural resources that should be preserved. A better understanding of the behavior of these elements throughout the feed-animal-effluent-treatment continuum according to feed composition and manure management chain is thus required to propose alternative ways to reduce these environmental impacts. Three feeding strategies differing in their Cu and Zn contents were compared in 72 growing-finishing pigs raised in individual pens [from 24.3 ± 3.3 up to 110 ± 9.0 kg body weight (BW), one-half males; and one-half females] a first diet with Cu and Zn at maximum EU regulation levels (20 and 100 ppm of Cu and Zn, respectively; REG), a second diet without any Cu and Zn supplementation (5 ppm Cu, 30 ppm Zn; WS) and a third diet with Cu and Zn at an intermediary level (10 and 50 ppm of Cu and Zn; INT). Cu and Zn were supplemented as Cu2O (CoRouge, Animine) and ZnO (HiZox, Animine), respectively. Eighteen additional finishing pigs (6 per diet) were raised in digestibility cages for excreta collection over 10 d, and their feces were submitted to two types of manure treatment: anaerobic digestion (AD) and composting with straw. Over the entire experimental period, the dietary Cu and Zn content did not influence growth performance of pigs. The Cu and Zn concentrations of the feces decreased linearly (P < 0.001) with dietary content from 191 and 834 (REG) up to 63 and 359 (INT) and 40 and 213 (WS) mg Cu and Zn/kg dry matter (DM) respectively. After both manure treatments, the degradation of the organic matter resulted in a significant increase (twice as much) in Cu and Zn concentration per kg of DM. Feeding strategy appears to be the main lever to reduce the Cu and Zn content of effluents. However, in the context of the diversification of manure management strategies, it is also important to take into account the effect of the effluent collection and treatment chain (e.g., spreading of raw slurry, phase separation, anaerobic digestion, composting), which has also an impact on the behavior of Cu and Zn and consequently on the risk for the environment.

Functional carbon nanodots enhance tomato tolerance to zinc deficient soils: Mechanisms and structure-function relationships

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a global problem disorder affecting both crops and humans. Herein, modified functional carbon nanodots (MFCNs) with various structures and characteristics were developed to regulate tomato yields and Zn migration in plant–soil systems affected by Zn deficiency through structure–function relationships. Sulfur-doped FCNs (S-FCNs), nitrogen-doped FCNs (N-FCNs), and nitrogen‑sulfur co-doped FCNs (N,S-FCNs) were hydrothermally modified using FCNs as precursors. Their regulatory effects on tomatoes growing in Zn-deficient alkaline soils were studied in pot culture experiments. Specifically, 8 mg kg−1 of FCNs and S-FCNs improved tomato yields by 132 % and 108 %, respectively, compared with the control. However, N-FCNs and N,S-FCNs showed no significant effect on yield compared with the control (P < 0.05). Moreover, the application of FCNs or S-FCNs significantly improved fruit quality and nutritional value, including Zn content (by 26.3 % and 22.0 %, respectively) and naturally occurring antioxidants (by 3.37- and 2.08-fold for lycopene, 1.31- and 1.18-fold for flavonoids, and 2.28- and 1.89-fold for phenolics, respectively; P < 0.05). Although N-FCNs and N,S-FCNs increased Zn contents, they inhibited the synthesis of naturally occurring antioxidants in fruits. Zn bioaccessibility, uptake, and transportation in plant-soil systems were regulated by MFCNs through both direct and indirect mechanisms, including ionic reactions, plant physiology, and environmental effects. MFCNs regulated plant tolerance to Zn deficiency not only by affecting root activity, redox homeostasis, micronutrient balance, chelator synthesis, genetic expression, and plant photosynthesis but also by influencing rhizosphere soil properties and the microbial environment. Based on their dual role as “plant growth regulators” and “soil conditioners”, MFCNs may have general applicability in agriculture. This study highlights the behavior of MFCNs in plant-soil systems, providing innovative nanotools for enhancing Zn availability, crop stress resistance and environmental preservation in sustainable agriculture.

Effect of Chinese Milk Vetch on Zinc Content and Zinc Absorption of Rice in Purple Tidal Mud Soil

Rice is a staple food crop that feeds billions globally. Addressing Zn deficiency in rice is crucial for improving nutrition and food security. Zn deficiency in rice is a widespread issue, especially in purple tidal mud substrates, which often exhibit low Zn availability. The objective of this two-year pot study was to explore the relationship between Zn content, yield components, and Zn absorption in rice grown in purple tidal mud substrate with varying amounts of Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.) incorporation. The experimental design consisted of seven treatments: an unfertilized control, a Chinese milk vetch control, a chemical fertilizer control, and four treatment variations incorporating Chinese milk vetch alongside chemical fertilizer applications. The results indicated that planting and applying Chinese milk vetch improved the grain yield of rice in purple tidal mud substrate, and the yield increased with higher levels of Chinese milk vetch applied. The increased grain yield resulted in higher Zn absorption in rice grains. The application of Chinese milk vetch, both solely and in combination with chemical fertilizers, had varying effects on zinc uptake and grain zinc formation efficiency in early and late rice, with the control and low-level Chinese milk vetch treatments generally exhibiting the highest performance across the two-year period. By introducing Chinese milkvetch following the use of chemical fertilizers, the Zn content in rice grains increased starting from the second year. The treatment with Chinese milkvetch applied at a rate of 2.25 t/hm2 showed the best results in increasing the Zn content in rice grains. The increase in Zn content and Zn uptake by the rice plants gave rise to a lowering of the DTPA-extractable Zn content in the purple tidal mud substrate. Sole Chinese milk vetch application and using Chinese milk vetch following chemical fertilizer application both increased Zn content extracted by DTPA in purple tidal mud substrate.

Effect of zinc in absence and presence of limestone on soybean grown in three different soil types

Liming is essential for enhancing economic viability and increasing crop production in acidic soil in tropical and subtropical regions. However, continuous limestone application has been associated with cationic micronutrient deficiency, including zinc (Zn). In an experiment under greenhouse conditions using three soils of different textural classes (Typic Alfisol, Typic Oxisol, and Typic Entisol), we evaluated the growth of soybean after fertilization with limestone and Zn. We applied dolomitic limestone at two rates (equivalent to 0 and 5.0 Mg ha−1) and Zn at four rates (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg kg−1), each with four replicates. These three soil types exhibited distinct nutrient availability. Liming significantly altered soil chemical attributes, particularly causing considerable reduction in Zn availability in Typic Alfisol. Furthermore, liming led to a reduction in Zn concentration in soybean leaves and grains in all the three soil types. Grain yield (GY) increased in the presence of liming, and yield was further enhanced with increasing Zn concentrations. Positive effect was also seen on photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (g s), and leaf N, Ca, and Zn concentrations, except on P concentration. Even with adequate nutrient concentrations and limestone application, sandy soils had a lower GY.

Ocean acidification may alleviate the toxicity of zinc to the macroalga, Ulva lactuca

We investigated the toxic effects of different zinc (Zn) concentrations (natural seawater, 25 μg/L, and 100 μg/L) under two CO2 concentrations (410 ppmv, and 1000 ppmv) on Ulva lactuca. A significant decrease in the relative growth rate of U. lactuca was observed with an increase in Zn concentration under the low CO2 treatment condition, and we observed a notable decrease at 100 μg/L Zn under the high CO2 treatment condition. Moreover, the net photosynthetic rate increased when thalli were cultured under 25 and 100 μg/L Zn under the high CO2 treatment condition. The concentrations of chlorophyll a and b were significantly increased under 100 μg/L Zn and the high CO2 treatment conditions. Malondialdehyde content decreased under high CO2 treatment conditions, compared with the low CO2 treatment conditions, regardless of the Zn concentration. These findings suggest that ocean acidification may alleviate the toxic effects of Zn pollution on U. lactuca.

Arsenic and zinc concentrations in wheat grains under soil zinc application and arsenic‐contaminated irrigation

AbstractAbove‐permissible levels of arsenic (As) in irrigation water lead to toxic levels in wheat grains, increasing health risks for humans. In this study, two zinc (Zn)‐biofortified wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Akbar‐2019 and Zincol‐2016) were grown in pots with two Zn application rates (0 and 8 mg Zn kg−1) and three levels of As in irrigation water (distilled‐water control, 100 and 1000 µg As L−1). Irrigation with As‐contaminated water decreased dry matter yields, concentrations of grain phosphorus (P) and Zn, and estimated daily intake (EDI) of Zn. Conversely, it increased grain As concentration and As EDI. Soil Zn application mitigated the negative effects of As on dry matter yields of both cultivars while simultaneously enhancing grain Zn concentration and Zn EDI. On average, Zn application increased grain Zn concentration by 114% compared to no Zn application. Additionally, Zn application decreased grain As concentration at all As levels. In conclusion, this study suggests that applying Zn to Zn‐biofortified wheat irrigated with As‐contaminated water can mitigate the toxic effects of As on wheat. It increase Zn concentration and decrease As concentration in wheat grains, which is vital for enhancing grain quality for human consumption.

Structural, mechanical and electronic properties of precipitates in Mg−Zn alloys

To accelerate the development and design of magnesium (Mg) alloys, the structural and mechanical properties of important precipitates in Mg−Zn alloys were studied by experiments and density functional theory. The nano-indentation tests revealed that the hardness of the precipitates initially increased and then decreased with increasing Zn content, and was significantly higher than that of pure Mg and Zn. The calculation results revealed that the precipitates stability initially increased and then decreased with increasing Zn concentration. The bulk moduli of the precipitates increased, whereas their shear and Young’s moduli initially increased and then decreased with increasing Zn content. The decreasing order of ductility for these compounds is MgZn2 > Mg21Zn25 > Mg2Zn11 > Mg4Zn7. The surface profiles of the compounds revealed that they are obvious anisotropy. Both the degree of covalency and bond length of covalent bonds initially increased and then decreased with increasing Zn content.

Magnetocaloric effect and phase transformation of Zn-doped Ni–Mn–Ti all-d metal Heusler alloys

Ni–Mn–Ti Heusler alloys have gained a great consideration recently due to their important magnetoresistance and magnetocaloric properties. Herein, the structure, martensitic transition (MT), and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of Ni50-xZnxMn35Ti15 (x = 0, 2, 4, and 6) Heusler alloys have been studied. XRD results show that the studied alloy with x = 0 display a monoclinic (5 M) martensite phase. Besides, the examined alloy with x = 2 presents a combination of monoclinic (5 M) martensite and cubic (B2) austenite phases, whereas the alloys with x = 4 and x = 6 exhibit only a cubic (B2) austenite phase. By increasing Zn content x up to 6, the Curie temperature of austenite decreases from 283 K to 132 K, and the MT temperatures decrease from ferromagnetic austenite to weak-magnetic martensite, which is apparently due to the exchange interaction of Mn–Mn and the low power of d-d hybridization between the A/C and B(D) sites. The best maximum magnetic entropy change (ΔSM, max) and refrigeration capacity (RC) are for the studied alloy with x = 4 (5.22 J kg−1K−1 and 217 J kg−1 at 120 kOe, respectively). The Zn addition not only facilitates the formation of B2-type Heusler phases but also offer the possibility to tune the MT and establish strong ferromagnetic coupling.

Exploring the multifaceted properties of zinc-doped nanocrystalline calcium chromite: A comprehensive investigation into structural, morphological, optical, and magnetic behavior

The production of CaCr1−xZnxO3 a calcium chromite doped with zinc (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4). The samples were prepared using the sol-gel auto-combustion process, and then we analysed their optical and dielectric characteristics, microstructure, and morphology to determine how doping with Zn affected them. The microstructural investigation verified that the samples were composed of a single phase through the use of X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The crystallite size was determined using the Scherrer equation and Williamson-Hall analysis, while the lattice parameters, density, unit cell volume, bond lengths, and bond angles were all clarified from Xrd data. Both the size of crystallites and the volume of unit cells increased as the Zn level grew. The creation of uniform and regular samples was confirmed by surface morphology examination using SEM-EDX. Furthermore, optical properties revealed a decrease in the optical energy bandgap (Eg) and an increase in Urbach energy with rising Zn doping. Magnetic saturation exhibited an initial increase from x = 0.1 to 0.4 (35.4–55.7 emu/g) followed by a decrease from x = 0.3 to 0.4 (41.6–40.7 emu/g) as Zn progressively occupied A and B sites. VSM results also indicated a decrease in remanence (Mr) and coercivity (Hc) with increasing Zn concentration.

Variations of chemical, physical, mechanical properties, and biological and antimicrobial effectiveness of Ti alloys by coating with CaP doped with different amounts of Zn via micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique

Titanium alloys are preferred metals as implant materials due to their advantageous combination of low density and high biocompatibility. However, the augmentation of implant surfaces with calcium-based coatings becomes essential to regulate corrosion rates and enhance the osteoconductive properties of the implant material. In this study, titanium alloys, specifically Ti6Al4V, underwent a transformative process wherein they were coated with calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics doped with zinc (Zn) via micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique, using varying concentrations of Zn compound in the electrolyte solutions. The chemical and physical properties of the freshly prepared samples were analyzed, both initially and after culturing them with Saos-2 cells. Furthermore, the antimicrobial efficacy against E. coli was examined. The findings unveiled the remarkable efficiency of the MAO technique in forming an uniformly distributed coat on Ti6Al4V, thereby enhancing its mechanical resilience and biocompatibility, depending upon the preparation parameters employed. It was shown that Zn doped calcium coating is very efficient to regulate various parameters such as corrosion rate and mechanical strength, and an increase in Zn content exhibited a favorable impact on cell attachment and antimicrobial efficacy. Surface modification of metallic implants via MAO technique can be applied in the production of advanced implant materials.

Evaluating the impact of ZnO doping on electrical and thermal properties of calcium-aluminosilicate oxynitride glass-ceramics

This study aimed to investigate the impact of ZnO content on the structure, thermal, and electrical properties of oxynitride glass-ceramic(s) within the Ca–Al–Si–O–N (CASON) system. The base glass had the composition of Ca7Al14Si17O52N7, with ZnO additions ranging from 3 to 15 % by weight. A pristine Ca7Al14Si17O52N7 glass was successfully prepared by melt-quenching technique followed by converted into glass-ceramic by incorporating various amounts of ZnO using the field-assisted sintering technique. XRD and FESEM analysis confirmed that increasing the amount of Zn increases the crystallinity in the glass matrix. The observed crystalline phases were formed mostly from ZnO and showed higher conductivity than the remaining dielectric matrix. IR spectra confirmed the presence of bands correlated with the presence of Zn and suggested the progressive depolymerization of the silicate-aluminate network as a consequence of increasing Zn content. Density values varied between 2.75 and 2.94 gcm−3 and increased with increasing the Zn content in the glass-ceramic. The thermal expansion and thermal conductivity values increased and decreased, respectively, with the increase of Zn content in the matrix. The electrical properties of the samples were investigated using impedance spectroscopy over a wide range of frequencies (10 mHz to 1 MHz) and temperatures (153 K–623 K). The results showed that in the glass without ZnO and glass-ceramic(s) with a small addition of ZnO, the conductivity is mainly dominated by the transfer of oxygen ions and, to a small extent, by the presence of electronic conductivity. As the ZnO content increases, continuous conduction paths are formed between the ZnO crystallites, and the electrical conductivity increases rapidly and becomes dominated by electron transfer.

Efficiency of zinc in alleviating cadmium toxicity in hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Ferdos)

BackgroundA study on photosynthetic and enzyme activity changes and mineral content in lettuce under cadmium stress has been conducted in a greenhouse, utilizing the modulated effect of zinc (Zn) application in the nutrient solution on lettuce. Zn is a micronutrient that plays an essential role in various critical plant processes. Accordingly, three concentrations of Zn (0.022, 5, and 10 mg L− 1) were applied to hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Ferdos) under three concentrations of Cd toxicity (0, 2.5, and 5 mg L− 1).ResultsThe results showed that along with increasing concentrations of zinc in the nutrient solution, growth traits such as plant performance, chlorophyll index (SPAD), minimum fluorescence (F0), leaf zinc content (Zn), leaf and root iron (Fe) content, manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and cadmium increased as well. The maximum amounts of chlorophyll a (33.9 mg g− 1FW), chlorophyll b (17.3 mg g− 1FW), carotenoids (10.7 mg g− 1FW), maximum fluorescence (Fm) (7.1), and variable fluorescence (Fv) (3.47) were observed in the treatment with Zn without Cd. Along with an increase in Cd concentration in the nutrient solution, the maximum amounts of leaf proline (5.93 mmol g− 1FW), malondialdehyde (MDA) (0.96 μm g− 1FW), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (22.1 μm g− 1FW), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (90.3 Unit mg− 1 protein) were recorded in lettuce treated with 5 mg L− 1 of Cd without Zn. Additionally, the maximum activity of leaf guaiacol peroxidase (6.46 Unit mg− 1 protein) was obtained with the application of Cd at a 5 mg L− 1 concentration.ConclusionsIn general, an increase in Zn concentration in the nutrient solution decreased the absorption and toxicity of Cd in lettuce leaves, as demonstrated in most of the measured traits. These findings suggest that supplementing hydroponic nutrient solutions with zinc can mitigate the detrimental effects of cadmium toxicity on lettuce growth and physiological processes, offering a promising strategy to enhance crop productivity and food safety in cadmium-contaminated environments.

Phase Transitions and Thermoelectric Properties of Charge-Compensated ZnxCu12-xSb4Se13.

In this study, we investigated the phase transitions and thermoelectric properties of charge-compensated hakite (ZnxCu12-xSb4Se13) as a function of Zn content. Based on X-ray diffraction and a differential scanning calorimetric phase analysis, secondary phases (permingeatite and bytizite) transformed into hakite depending on the Zn content, while Zn2Cu10Sb4Se13 existed solely as hakite. Nondegenerate semiconductor behavior was observed, exhibiting increasing electrical conductivity with a rising temperature. With an increase in Zn content, the presence of mixed phases of hakite and permingeatite led to enhanced electrical conductivity. However, Zn2Cu10Sb4Se13 with a single hakite phase exhibited the lowest electrical conductivity. The Seebeck coefficient exhibited positive values, indicating that even after charge compensation (electron supply) by Zn, p-type semiconductor characteristics were maintained. With the occurrence of an intrinsic transition within the measured temperature range, the Seebeck coefficient decreased as the temperature increased; at a certain temperature, Zn2Cu10Sb4Se13 exhibited the highest value. Thermal conductivity showed a low temperature dependence, obtaining low values below 0.65 Wm-1K-1. A power factor of 0.22 mWm-1K-2 and dimensionless figure of merit of 0.31 were achieved at 623 K for ZnCu11Sb4Se13.

Increasing ductility beyond post-uniform deformation through Zn lamellae deformation in Al at room temperature

The Zn element precipitates during aging in the Al–Zn binary alloy. Increased Zn content and prolonged aging leads to discontinuous Zn precipitation. The addition of 2 wt% Cu to the Al-43 wt%Zn alloy accelerates this discontinuous precipitation, resulting in decreased thickness of Zn layers and inter-distance between them. This acceleration is attributed to the influence of Cu solutes on the Zn phase, thereby reducing the interface energy between Zn precipitates and the Al matrix. The Al–Zn–Cu alloy demonstrates exceptional behavior during tensile tests, displaying a simultaneous increase in tensile strength and ductility alongside an 75 % reduction in area at room temperature drawing. Notably, despite the drawn beyond uniform deformation limit, there is an observed increase in total elongation. Our demonstration highlights this phenomenon, attributing it to the sustained coherent interface between the Zn layer and the Al matrix, as well as the uninterrupted continuity of Zn layers during drawing.

Bergera koenigii stem-derived magnetic biochar nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs under UV light for the degradation of methyl orange

The production of mesoporous, nanocrystalline, Zn-doped CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) at various concentrations of Zn, Magnetic biochar (MBC)-Zn-doped CeO2 nanocomposites (NC), their characterizations, and photocatalytic degradation analysis are presented in this study. The synthesis of MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC is based on the carbonization of an iron oxide precursor with powdered Bergera koenigii stem (curry leaf stem). XRD and TEM results confirm polycrystalline, spherical fluorite Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs and MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC formations. The crystallite size varies from 4–12 nm with an increase in the doping concentration of Zn and 8.55 nm for MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC. XPS analysis displays the valence states and surface chemical composition of the as-prepared MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ sample. BET analysis provides the surface area (17–32 m2/g for Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs and 142 m2/g for MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC) and pore size (25–45 Å for Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs and 17.35 Å for MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC) of all the samples. All the samples possess good UV absorption in the range of 200–400 nm, and the bandgap energy of the as-prepared samples decreased from 3.088 to 2.79 eV with increased dopant concentration and on-load magnetic biochar. The oxygen deficiencies and lattice deformations of the as-prepared samples are studied using Raman, FTIR, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The degradation efficiency of 5 ppm Methyl Orange (MO) is analyzed using 50 mg catalytic (Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs, MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC) dosage by maintaining the pH of the solution as 4. After 16 min of UV irradiation, the as-synthesized Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NPs and MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC exhibit 91 % and 97 % decolorization and 90 % and 94 % total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency. Regression analysis is performed to evaluate each model's applicability to photocatalytic degradation. The regeneration experiments on Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NPs and MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC prove the stability of these catalysts for activating MO.