Metals Ca Research Articles

A novel calcium fluorinated alkoxyaluminate salt as a next step towards Ca metal anode rechargeable batteries.

Ca metal anode rechargeable batteries are seen as a sustainable high-energy density and high-voltage alternative to the current Li-ion battery technology due to the low redox potential of Ca metal and abundance of Ca. Electrolytes are key enablers on the path towards next-generation battery systems. Within this work, we synthesize a new calcium tetrakis(hexafluoroisopropyloxy) aluminate salt, Ca[Al(hfip)4]2, and benchmark it versus the state-of-the-art boron analogue Ca[B(hfip)4]2. The newly developed aluminate-based electrolyte exhibits improved performance in terms of conductivity, Ca plating/stripping efficiency, and oxidative stability as well as Ca battery cell performance. A marked improvement of 0.5 V higher oxidative stability can pave the path towards high-voltage Ca batteries. A critical issue of solvent quality during salt synthesis is identified as well as solvent decomposition at the Ca metal/electrolyte interface, which leads to passivation of the Ca metal anode. However, the new aluminate salt with preferable electrochemical properties over the existing boron analogue opens up a new area for future Ca battery research based on aluminium compounds.

The Comparison of Essential Metals (Fe, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, and Mn) in Bali Cattle and Goat Liver

The Comparison of Essential Metals (Fe, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, and Mn) in Bali Cattle and Goat Liver

Improving anti-coking and sulfur-resisting performance of Rh-based lanthanum zirconate pyrochlore catalysts for diesel reforming through partial substitution with alkali earth metals

This work studied the effect of partial substitution of La by alkali earth metals (Mg, Ca, and Ba) on the catalytic performance of steam reforming of diesel over pyrochlore type catalysts with n-hexadecane as surrogate fuel. The experimental results indicated that LaBaZrRh catalyst exhibited a superb catalytic activity and sulfur tolerance with ∼100% fuel conversion and ∼65.8% H2 concentration in the reformate for a runtime over 30 h in the presence of 50 ppm sulfur. The introduction of Ba was found to greatly inhibit the coke formation and sulfur poisoning to catalysts. The H2-TPR and H2 pulse chemisorption tests further revealed that it is the partial substitution of La by Ba that enhances the interaction between the active metal Rh and La2Zr2O7 support, thus significantly improving the dispersion of Rh active component and decreasing the size of Rh particles. The XPS results showed that the electron-deficient Rh was formed in LaBaZrRh catalyst. The weaker interaction between sulfur and electron-deficient metals led to the easy breaking of the sulfur-metal bond in LaBaZrRh catalyst, thus resulting in good sulfur tolerance. Additionally, the La substitution by Ba also enhanced the concentration of oxygen vacancies, which improved the coking resistance.

HYDROGEOCHEMICAL BEHAVIOUR AND GROUNDWATER SUITABILITY OF VISLON AREA, PART OF WRD WATERSHED, CHANDRAPUR DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

An attempt has been done to understand the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater from shallow aquifers of Vislon village, a part of WRD watershed (Lat. 20º06’30"N and Long. 79º 07' 00"E). The appropriateness of groundwater has also been checked for various purposes. The groundwater from study area is alkaline and slightly saline in nature. The Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and HCO3 - > SO4 2- > Cl- > NO3 - was the ascendancy of cations and anions. The earth metals (Ca + Mg) found to exceed the alkali metals (Na + K). The positive correlation interpreted from interrelationship of Na+ vs Cl- exhibited, silicate weathering process for liberation of ions in groundwater at rock-water interface. In addition the non-lithological source, anthropogenic inputs were also inferred indicating the agricultural fertilizers and domestic wastewaters. All the groundwater samples from the study area are suitable for drinking as well as domestic use. The groundwater from study area is also suitable for irrigation purpose with negligible exceptions

Soil Biophilic Elements (С, N, Р) and Microbial Respiration Activity in Forest Parks of Moscow and Rural Forests

In six forest parks of Moscow and four rural forests (5 plots each, n = 50), soil physical, chemical and microbial properties of the upper 10 cm layer were assessed in combination to vegetation properties. The content of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in soil and microbial biomass was determined. It was revealed that soil density, pH value, content of N–\({\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - },\) Ca and heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn) increase in forest parks compared to rural forests. In the soil of the forest parks, a decrease in the content of microbial biomass C (Cmic), its basal respiration (BR), and microbial C- and N-availability (Cmic/C, Nmic/N, BR/C) was noted. The changes of soil microbial properties are mainly driven by the abundance of leaf litter and the content of available soil C (13–35% of the explained variance). The microbial response to the soil enrichment by low molecular weight organic substrates (carbohydrates, carboxylic and phenolic acids, amino acids, amino sugars) in forest parks and rural forests did not differ significantly. In the soils of forest parks, no changes in microbial mineralization and immobilization of P (Pmic, Pmic/P) were found as well. The impact of urbanization on the forest ecosystems has led mainly to a decrease in the intensity of processes associated with soil C and N cycles. Apparently, such changes are caused by the recreational activity and the management practice of green spaces in the city, which leads, in particular, to a decrease in the amount of forest litter in parks compared to rural forests.

Cause Analysis of Economizer Tube Leakage in a Biomass Power Plant

Aiming at the leakage of economizer tube in a biomass power plant, the leakage mechanism of economizer tube was studied by means of macro analysis, chemical composition analysis, metallographic structure, micro Vickers hardness test and scanning electron microscope. The results show that there is no misuse of materials or unqualified chemical composition in the leaked economizer tube; The metallographic microstructure is ferrite + pearlite, and the spheroidization level is between 2.0 and 2.5, indicating that there is no obvious spheroidization in the pipe section submitted for inspection; At the same time, the micro Vickers hardness value did not decrease significantly; The outer wall of the pipe is yellowish brown and there is delamination and peeling of attachments. A leakage hole can be seen in the middle of the pipe section, and there is obvious thinning at the edge of the hole, indicating that there is corrosion thinning. The chemical components of the corrosion products are mainly Fe and O, and contain a certain amount of Cl, s, P, Si, K, Ca and other alkali metal elements. Therefore, it can be inferred that the main cause of economizer pipe leakage is corrosion thinning.

Low temperature catalytic pyrolysis performances of heated tobacco sheets by alkali/alkaline earth metal

The low temperature catalytic pyrolysis performances of heated tobacco sheets by alkali/alkaline earth metal were investigated by TG-FT-IR and Py-GC-MS. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the maximum weight loss rate temperature of the heated tobacco sheets significantly reduced from 328 °C to 292 °C catalyzed by alkali metal Na or K catalysts, and the weight loss between 100 and 300 °C increased by 48.83% and 40.05% respectively. While alkaline earth metal Mg or Ca catalysts exerted less influence on the maximum weight loss rate temperature and the weight loss between 100 and 300 °C reduced slightly. The online infrared absorption band of pyrolysis gas shifted to lower temperature and the concentration of pyrolysis gas increased over Na catalysts, which matched well with TG results. Moreover, the concentration of carbonyl compounds and compounds containing C-O bonds in pyrolysis gas increased significantly. The content of 2-furanmethanol, butyrolactone and megastigmatrienone in pyrolysis gas increased under the assistance of alkali metal Na or K. Model compounds research confirmed that alkali metal could catalyze low temperature pyrolysis of cellulose in heated tobacco sheets. These results demonstrated that the pyrolysis of heated tobacco sheets could be catalyzed by alkali metal catalysts at low temperature, increasing the concentration of pyrolysis gas and aroma substance. This research provided a new idea for the study of aroma and concentration enhancement of heated cigarettes through catalytic technology.

Heavy Metals and Essential Metals Are Associated with Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease.

Various metals have been associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), principally heavy metals that are environmental pollutants (such as As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) and essential metals whose homeostasis is disturbed in AD (such as Cu, Fe, and Zn). Although there is evidence of the involvement of these metals in AD, further research is needed on their mechanisms of toxicity. To further assess the involvement of heavy and essential metals in AD pathogenesis, we compared cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers to macro- and microelements measured in CSF and plasma. We tested if macro- and microelements' concentrations (heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Tl), essential metals (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Co, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Mo), essential non-metals (B, P, S, and Se), and other non-essential metals (Al, Ba, Li, and Sr)) are associated with CSF AD biomarkers that reflect pathological changes in the AD brain (amyloid β1-42, total tau, phosphorylated tau isoforms, NFL, S100B, VILIP-1, YKL-40, PAPP-A, and albumin). We used inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) to determine macro- and microelements in CSF and plasma, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to determine protein biomarkers of AD in CSF. This study included 193 participants (124 with AD, 50 with mild cognitive impairment, and 19 healthy controls). Simple correlation, as well as machine learning algorithms (redescription mining and principal component analysis (PCA)), demonstrated that levels of heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Tl), essential metals (Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, K, and Zn), and essential non-metals (P, S, and Se) are positively associated with CSF phosphorylated tau isoforms, VILIP-1, S100B, NFL, and YKL-40 in AD.

A recyclable method for titanium extraction and oxygen evolution from Ti−bearing slags

Despite its existence for more than 80 years, the titanium industry is still challenged by massive carbon emissions, high production costs, and large resource waste. More than one hundred million tons of Ti−bearing blast furnace slag (TB−slag) has been discarded in China because of the difficulty of reutilization, which requires efficient titanium extraction and recovery technologies. This paper describes a low−cost, carbon−emission−free method for Ti extraction and oxygen evolution via molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) vacuum distillation. After a comprehensive analysis of the binding energies and activities of liquid metals, the highlights of our study are as follows. 1) Sb has the best preferential deposition of Ti among a series of high−Ti−affinitive liquid metal cathodes (Cu, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Sb). 2) The Ir anode was first used in TB−slag with IrO2 formed on its surface to protect it from further corrosion. 3) An alloy containing Ti and Ca can be obtained by MOE, and Ti and Ca metals can be refined by further vacuum distillation. 4) A closed loop is formed in the overall process owing to the recyclable Sb cathode and continuous feeding of TB−slag into the electrolyte. This simple, low−cost, and environmentally friendly method can realize the efficient utilization of Ti resources and achieve carbon neutrality.

Co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge as additive with phytoremediation residue on the fate of heavy metals and the carbon sequestration potential of derived biochar

Considering the characteristics of municipal sewage sludge (MS) and Sedum alfreddi L. (SA, a hyperaccumulator plant), we attempted to use MS to enhance the enrichment and stability of heavy metals (HMs) in pyrolysis residue during SA pyrolysis. The effects of pyrolysis temperature (400–800 °C) and co-pyrolysis on migration behavior, chemical speciation, long-term leaching toxicity of HMs, and the environmental risk and carbon sequestration potential of biochar were systematically investigated. Besides, thermodynamic equilibrium simulations were performed to study the transformation of HM compounds during pyrolysis. When the pyrolysis temperature increased from 400 °C to 800 °C, the unstable fractions (F1+F2) of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Cr in MS1SA3 800 had decreased to less than 6% and Zn to 20.4%, and long-term leachability of HMs decreased continuously. Meanwhile, biochar's ecological risk was reduced to a low level, while its carbon sequestration potential improved with little released HMs. Compared with SA pyrolysis alone, adding MS increased the relative residue content of Cd and Zn in biochar, whereas no apparent effect on Pb, Cu, and Cr, and the proportion of stable fractions (F3+F4) increased. Co-pyrolysis enhanced the carbon sequestration potential of biochar, attributed to the inherent minerals of MS. Equilibrium calculations showed that the influence of MS on the fate of HMs during SA pyrolysis is mainly attributed to its high sulfur content, while Si and Al preferentially combine with alkali metal (K)/alkaline earth metal (Ca) and then interact with Zn. The findings in this paper suggest that co-pyrolysis of MS as an additive with hyperaccumulator plants is a feasible proposal, and the co-pyrolysis biochar obtained at suitable temperatures has the potential for safe application.

Metal-Porphyrin Complexes: A DFT Study of Hydrogen Adsorption and Storage

It has been performed hydrogen adsorption on four metallo-porphyrin complexes by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at room temperature. The WB97XD hybrid formalism method was used for hydrogen adsorption on metallo-porphyrin complexes formed with alkaline metal and alkaline earth metal (Na, K, Mg and Ca) atoms. It was determined that the adsorption energies for all complexes were negative, so that each of them could be a potential adsorbent for hydrogen storage. The adsorption enthalpy (ΔH) was calculated as -21.9 kJ/mol for the Na-Porphyrin (Na-P) complex structure. Moreover, the gravimetric hydrogen storage capacity for the Na-P complex was calculated to be ≈5.5 wt%. Thus, the DOE's target for 2025 has been achieved. In addition, van der Waals weak interactions were found to be effective in hydrogen adsorption and storage studies. Based on the electronic properties the metallo-porphyrin complexes could not be used as electronic sensors against the hydrogen molecule.

Response to Letter to the Editor on “Base saturation is an inadequate term for Soil Science”

In response to the Letter to the Editor on “Base saturation is an inadequate term for Soil” (), the editors of RBCS, Reinaldo Bertola Cantaritti and José Miguel Reichert, would like to thank for the issues raised and discussion provided by the authors on the terms “sum of bases” and “base saturation” . The theoretical fundamentals presented by the authors to characterize the alkali metals (Na and K) and alkaline earth metals (Ca and Mg), Group 1 and 2 in [...]

BIOACCUMULATION OF COMMONLY DETECTED METALS IN THE SILVER CATFISH (CHRYSICHTHYS NIGRODIGITATUS) COLLECTED FROM MAKOKO RIVER, LAGOS NIGERIA

This study investigated the bioaccumulation of selected essential and non essentialmetals in the silver catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) collected from Makoko River,dead end of the Lagos Lagoon. Concentrations of Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb) and Calcium(Ca) were found to be higher in liver of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus with mean valuesof 34.52± 6.52 mg kg-1, 1.02± 0.16 mg kg-1and 63.45± 8.62 mg kg-1respectivelycompared to concentrations detected in its gills with mean values of 32.64± 5.71 mgkg-1, 0.10± 0.01 mg kg-1 and 41.58± 6.56 mg kg-1 respectively. While concentrationsof Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Magnesium (Mg) were found to be higher in itsgills with mean values of 2.09±1.61 mg kg-1, 1.79±1.84 mg kg-1, and 12.84±11.90 mgkg-1respectively compared to concentrations detected in its liver with mean values of0.74±0.53 mg kg-1, 1.79±0.94 mg kg-1 and 8.36± 4.67 mg kg-1 respectively. Theconcentrations of the metals in the tissues were found to be higher than respectiveconcentrations detected in water or sediments of the fish habitat indicative ofbioaccumulation. Concentrations of light metals Ca and Mg were also observed to behigher than concentrations of heavy metals Fe, Pb, Cu and Mn in the tissues of thefish species. Bioaccumulation of metals in tissue of edible fish species can havedeleterious effects on nutritional values of the fish and also pose a public healththreat to final consumers. The need for continuous monitoring of levels of harmfulpollutants in water bodies and edible aquatic species supported.

Phosphorus application promoted the sequestration of orthophosphate within soil microorganisms and regulated the soil solution P supply in a temperate grassland in northern China: A 31P NMR study

Anthropogenic activities have made phosphorus (P) a new sustainability issue globally. To better understand the mechanisms of soil P dynamics responding to inorganic P fertilization (0–12.5 g P m−2yr−1), we conducted a 2-year field experiment in a temperate grassland in northern China. The P fertilizer was added once per year before the growth period as NaH2PO4. We randomly collected topsoil samples (0–10 cm) and analyzed the soil properties, microbial community, and extracellular enzyme activities, and quantified the soil P fractions using solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR) spectroscopy. P application promoted transformation from organic P to inorganic P driven by microbial carbon (C) demand and regulated by altered soil properties and microbial characteristics. P addition decreased orthophosphate diesters, especially DNA, due to increased hydrolysis under increased soil pH. This may increase hydrolysates such as α-glycerophosphate and choline phosphate. Orthophosphate monoesters, especially myo-inositol hexaphosphate, also decreased following increased P availability. This could be explained by increased alkaline phosphatase activity and reduced sorption due to a decreased metal (Ca, Al, and Fe) content. Furthermore, P fertilization increased soil NH4+-N, thereby increasing the growth of phosphonate-solubilizing microorganisms (Bacillus, Streptomyces, Bradyrhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Fusarium). Their increased growth also contributed to inorganic P solubilization and organic P mineralization due to their P-solubilizing specificity. Together, these factors increased inorganic P, especially orthophosphate, which was temporarily immobilized in microbial cells, to regulate the soil-solution P supply, and created a potentially available P sink in the grassland.

Structural and charge carrier dynamics study of Dy stabilized La6MoO12 ionic conductors

Room temperature single phase stabilization of different metals (Zr, Cd, and Ca) doped La6MoO12 compound was achieved by incorporating Dy2O3 using the solution combustion method. Rietveld refined X-ray diffraction profiles showed cubic fluorite (Fm3¯m) structure for all the compositions. The optical bandgap, calculated from ultraviolet-visible spectra, exhibited blue shifts with decreasing dopant ionic radius. The photoluminescence spectra confirmed the charge carrier's various trapping or defect states. The complex impedance plot exhibited non-Debye-type relaxation with a negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR). It also indicated that the dopant might act as an acceptor or donor depending upon its valency. The ac conductivity was found to follow the small polaron hopping mechanism. A thermally activated single relaxation process was observed. The composition La5.4Dy0.4Zr0.2MoO12.1 showed the highest conductivity, 1.05 × 10−4 Ω−1 cm−1 at 680 °C. The scaling of spectra indicated temperature and composition independent charge carrier mechanism.

Long-Cycle-Life Calcium Battery with a High-Capacity Conversion Cathode Enabled by a Ca2+/Li+ Hybrid Electrolyte.

Calcium (Ca) batteries represent an attractive option for electrochemical energy storage due to physicochemical and economic reasons. The standard reduction potential of Ca (-2.87 V) is close to Li and promises a wide voltage window for Ca full batteries, while the high abundance of Ca in the earth's crust implicates low material costs. However, the development of Ca batteries is currently hindered by technical issues such as the lack of compatible electrolytes for reversible Ca2+ plating/stripping and high-capacity cathodes with fast kinetics. Herein, we employed FeS2 as a conversion cathode material and combined it with a Li+/Ca2+ hybrid electrolyte for Ca batteries. We demonstrate that Li+ ions ensured reversible Ca2+ plating/stripping on the Ca metal anode with a small overpotential. At the same time, they enable the conversion of FeS2, offering high discharge capacity. As a result, the Ca/FeS2 cell demonstrated an excellent long-term cycling performance with a high discharge capacity of 303 mAh g-1 over 200 cycles. Even though the practical application of such an approach is questionable due to the high quantity of electrolytes, we believe that our scientific findings still provide new directions for studying Ca batteries with long-term cycling.

Anode chemistry in calcium ion batteries: A review

Large-scale energy storage and scientific research rapidly promote the research and exploration of calcium ion batteries (CIBs) due to the abundant reservation of calcium and the competitive redox potential of Ca/Ca 2+ . However, several critical issues hindered its development, especially the unsatisfactory performance of anode materials due to the poor plating/stripping reversibility Ca metal and sluggish de-solvation kinetics of Ca 2+ ion in the electrolyte. This review aims to provide a timely access to the state-of-art advance in anode chemistry of CIBs. Firstly, an overview on the development history of CIBs is presented. Then, a comprehensive understanding on the challenges facing CIBs is elaborated. The advancements on the development of appropriate salts and electrolytes to achieve highly reversible plating/stripping of calcium metal anode are systematically discussed. As alternative to metallic calcium anode, suitable anode candidates for hosting calcium ions are summarized, including alloying, intercalation, and organic electrodes systems. Finally, critical challenges for metallic calcium and alternative anode materials are envisioned, followed by their important future directions for the development and application in CIBs.

Histological, elemental, and ultrastructural analysis of melanin in mantle of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas).

Colorful shell of bivalve is mainly because of the biological pigments, of which melanin plays an important role in shell color formation. More and more studies focus on the genes function involved in melanin synthesis, but relatively few studies address the biochemical character and ultrastructure of melanin in bivalve from microscopic perspective. Here, we investigated the histological structure of mantle of Crassostrea gigas with orange shell color. Distribution of melanin in mantle was verified with histochemical staining. In addition, immunofluorescence technique showed that strongly positive signal of CgTYR was specific to the mantle margin, which is consistence with the location of brown granules in H&E staining. The further result of elementary composition of melanin displayed that metal Ca, Fe, and Zn were detected using scanning transmission electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping methods. Next, based on TEM observations, it was speculated that the series of cellular events leading to the formation and release of melanin. Melanocyte in the primary stage showed many mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum as well as an extensive Golgi complex with numerous vesicles intermingled with melanosome. Subsequently, melanosome was expended and their hue gradually intensified, and Golgi complex and mitochondria were still observed in the cytoplasm. Finally, after melanosome was discharged into intercellular spaces, the disintegration of membranes in some cells, and severe cellular vacuolization. These data enrich the understanding of ultrastructural characteristic and formation of melanin in mantle of bivalve and pave the way for further investigating shell coloration at the cellular level.

Assessment of human exposure to food crops contaminated with lead and cadmium in Owerri, South-eastern Nigeria

BackgroundFood safety and security have remained an emerging global challenge amidst increasing human activities that potentially contaminate the food chain. With the rapid population growth, urbanisation and unrestrained emission of toxic substances, urban-dwelling Nigerians are particularly vulnerable to consuming contaminated food crops. Materials and methodThis study presents a framework for critical analysis of human exposure patterns to potentially contaminated food crops using the city of Owerri (Nigeria) as case study. It systematically assessed the metal burden of soil and staple food crops and the potential health risk associated with dietary exposure of humans to contaminated food crops. Samples of soil, cassava (Manihot esculenta) tubers and fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves were collected from household gardens and analysed for concentration of selected metals (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) using ICP-OES. A risk assessment of human exposure to Pb contamination using both the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) was estimated. ResultsThe majority of metals measured below the respective health-based maximum concentration limits of the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources target value, except for Pb in soil, which was above the limit of 85 µg g−1 in 0.9 % of sampled soils. However, Pb measured above the threshold of 0.3 µg g−1 stipulated by the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius in 46 % of sampled pumpkin leaves with no correlation established with soil Pb concentrations. This suggests possible Pb contamination via atmospheric deposition, and that human ingestion of pumpkin leaves presents the greatest health risks. ConclusionThe findings revealed that children and toddlers are more prone to Pb contamination via food crop ingestion than adults based on the THQ and HI evaluations; hence need for relevant policies to ensure food safety. This study provides background data for epidemiological investigation of relationships between contaminated food crop ingestion and blood Pb.

A comprehensive study on the electronic structure, dielectric and optical properties of alkali-earth metals and transition metal hydroxides M(OH)2.

In the present work, the physical properties of alkali-earth metal and transition metal hydroxides are comprehensively investigated using the density functional theory. Here, the alkali-earth metals Ca, Mg, and transition metals Cd, Zn are considered from the II-A and II-B groups in the periodic table of elements. The first principle electronic structure calculations show that these bulk hydroxide materials are direct band gap material. Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 exhibit an insulating behavior with a very large band gap. However, Cd(OH)2 and Zn(OH)2 are found to be wide band gap semiconductors. The dielectric and optical studies reveal that these materials have a high degree of anisotropy. Hence, the light propagation in these materials behaves differently in the direction perpendicular and parallel to the optical axis, and exhibits birefringence. Therefore, these materials may be useful for optical communication. The calculated electron energy loss suggests that these materials can also be used for unwanted signal noise suppression. The wide band gap makes them useful for high-power applications. Moreover, Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 are found to be suitable for dielectric medium.