Zn Nanoparticles Research Articles

Pulsed Electro Decoration of Carbon Nanotubes with FexZn1−xS

Pulsed Electro Decoration of Carbon Nanotubes with FexZn1−xS

Determine elastic parameters and nanocrystalline size of spinel ferrites MFe2O4 (M = Co, Fe, Mn, Zn) through X-ray diffraction and infrared spectrum: Comparative approach

MFe2O4 (M = Co, Fe, Mn, Zn) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by coprecipitation. Analyzing the X-ray diffraction by the Rietveld method confirmed the spinel ferrite structure of the samples. Rietveld refinement results show that Co, Mn and Zn occupy both the tetrahedral and octahedral sites. Variation in elastic parameters was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and cation distribution was deduced from X-ray diffraction. X-ray diffraction peak expansion was analyzed by employing a variety of calculating methods such as modified Scherrer, Williamson–Hall, size–strain, and Halder–Wagner to determine the crystallite size and elastic parameters of the cubic-structured MFe2O4 nanoparticles, including intrinsic strain, stress, and energy density. Comparison of the results obtained from these different methods revealed that they are ideally suited to each other. Moreover, the transmission electron microscopy image confirmed that the average size of MFe2O4 (M = Co, Fe, Mn, Zn) nanoparticles ranges from 10 to 14 nm, consistent with the dimensions obtained from the preceding methods.

Synthesis of Zn/SBA-15 from Rice Husk Ash Using Sonochemical Methods as a Quercetin Drug Delivery Matrix

Quercetin is a drug candidate with bioavailability but currently limited, necessitating the use of a delivery matrix, such as Santa Barbara Amorphous-15 (SBA-15). Rice husk ash, containing a significant amount of silica, served as a precursor in the synthesis of SBA-15, which can be functionalized with nanoparticles, including zinc, using sonochemical methods. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize Zn/SBA-15 using sonochemistry and evaluate the potential as a drug delivery matrix for quercetin. SBA-15 was formed by sonication of a sodium silicate from rice husk and pore director Pluronic P-123, followed by impregnating Zn at 2%, 4%, and 6% w/w. The characterization of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fluorescence (XRF) showed a broad peak at 2theta 18-30◦ with Zn levels of 1.89%, 3.69%, and 5.06%. Furthermore, the analysis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the presence of Zn nanoparticles with a range size of 4-14 nm. In vitro drug delivery experiments were carried out using Zn/SBA-15 at concentrations of 1:1 and 1:2 to quercetin. The in vitro test results for a drug loading of quercetin with Zn/SBA-15 6% 1:1 was 28.30 mg/g. The encapsulation efficiency was 10.96% and the drug release reached 33.64% after 240 minutes.

Self-Zincophilic Dual Protection Host of 3D ZnO/Zn⊂CF to Enhance Zn Anode Cyclability.

Zn dendrite growth and side reactions restrict the practical use of Zn anode. Herein, the design of a novel 3D hierarchical structure is demonstrated with self-zincophilic dual-protection constructed by ZnO and Zn nanoparticles immobilized on carbon fibers (ZnO/Zn⊂CF) as a versatile host on the Zn surface. The unique 3D frameworks with abundant zinc nucleation storage sites can alleviate the structural stress during the plating/stripping process and overpower Zn dendrite growth by moderating Zn2+ flux. Moreover, given the dual protection design, it can reduce the contact area between active zinc and electrolyte, inhibiting hydrogen evolution reactions. Importantly, density functional theory calculations and experimental results confirm that the introduced O atoms in ZnO/Zn⊂CF enhance the interaction between Zn2+ and the host and reduce Zn nucleation overpotential. As expected, the ZnO/Zn⊂CF-Zn electrode exhibits stable Zn plating/stripping with low polarization for 4200h at 0.2mAcm-2 and 0.2 mAhcm-2. Furthermore, the symmetrical cell displays a significantly long cycling life of over 1800h, even at 30mAcm-2. The fabricated full cells also show impressive cycling performance when coupled with V2O3 cathodes.

Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Bimetallic Nano Particles from Neolamarckiakadamba

This paper describes rapid, sensitive and specific method for the preparation ofbimetallic nano particles of Iron and Zincwhich are later used in various in pharmaceutical preparations and also in Electrochemical cellsfrom green compounds along with characterization techniques. The physicochemical properties of the bimetallic Fe–Zn nanoparticles were investigated via TEM, SEM-EDX, XRD, IRand BET surface area analysis. SEM analysis confirmed the presence of nanoparticle crystals useful for the determination of the porosity, particle shape, and size. Therefore, the morphology of the nanomaterial was spherical in shape, and the particle size was in the nano range.

Zinc and silicon fertilizers in conventional and nano‐forms: Mitigating salinity effects in maize (Zea mays L.)

AbstractBackgroundSalinity stress, an escalating concern in the realm of agriculture, significantly hampers crop productivity worldwide. In recent years, nano‐fertilizers have been identified as an innovative and promising avenue for improving nutrient use efficiency and mitigating salt stress in plants.AimsThis study delves into the comparative efficacy of nano‐fertilizers (Zn and Si) and their conventional sources in bolstering maize's resilience against salt stress.MethodsThe hydroponic experiment was conducted to test maize plants under salt stress along with Zn and Si nanoparticles (NPs) application. The analysis extends to their impacts on ionic homeostasis, specifically focusing on potassium and sodium concentrations, K/Na ratio, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and the osmotic potential (OP) within the shoots and roots of maize.ResultsNanoparticles relatively helped plants better under stress, compared to their respective bulk mode of applications. Nano‐Zn treatment considerably boosts the K+ concentration and enhanced K/Na ratio, as a key physiological trait in salt‐resistant species, while nano‐Si demonstrates a prominent role in modulating OP and limiting Na+ accumulation along with higher Zn and Si accumulation in plants. The salt tolerance index confirmed the contribution of these ionic and osmotic adjustments in helping maize plant against salt stress.ConclusionsOur findings confirm that the application of nutrients as nano‐fertilizers, particularly nano‐Zn, enhanced K/Na ratio and improved nutrient availability and uptake of the plant. Si nanoparticles are also attributed to better osmotic adjustment and facilitating water movement, thus highlighting the potential of nano‐fertilizers in improving overall agricultural productivity and related environmental issues.

Metal nanoparticles to improve the heat resilience in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

This study evaluated the efficacy of phytogenic silver and zinc nanoparticles in improving heat resilience in various wheat varieties. The silver and zinc nanoparticles were synthesized using plant leaf extract and characterized using various techniques. Four wheat varieties (DBW187, Black Wheat, DBW 50, and PBW 621) were subjected to field trials. The random block design was used, and nanoparticles in different concentrations were applied at various growth stages and morphologically, and yield parameters were recorded. UV–vis spectroscopy spectral analysis showed peaks for Ag nanoparticles at 420 nm wavelength and Zn nanoparticles at 240 and 350 nm wavelength, depicting the preliminary confirmation of nanoparticle synthesis. Electron microscopic analysis (TEM and SEM) provided morphological insights and confirmed synthesis of fine-sized particle mostly in a range between 10 and 60 nm. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis confirmed the elemental composition of the synthesized nanoparticles, with Ag and Zn elements detected in their respective samples. It also confirmed the oxide nature of synthesized ZnNPs. Dynamic light scattering analysis provided size distribution profiles, indicating average sizes of approximately 61.8 nm for Ag nanoparticles and 46.5 nm for Zn nanoparticles. The concentrations of Ag and Zn nanoparticles in the samples were found to be 196.3 ppm and 115.14 ppm, respectively, through atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed characteristic functional groups present in the nanoparticles. The results of field experiments established that Ag nanoparticles at 75 ppm concentration exhibited the most significant enhancements in plant growth. Conversely, Zn nanoparticles at a 100 ppm concentration demonstrated the most substantial improvements in the growth and yield of heat-stressed wheat varieties. The study concludes that optimized concentrations of silver and zinc nanoparticles can effectively improve heat stress resilience in wheat. These findings are promising to enhance abiotic stress resilience in crops.

Mineral composition and chlorophyll fluorescence in cowpea plants amended with bulk and nanoparticles of Zn and Cu oxides

Zinc oxide (ZnO-NP) and copper (CuO-NP) nanoparticles have been proposed for crop fertilization, but studies demonstrating their efficiencies and evaluating their phytotoxicities compared to bulk sources are still scarce. Here, we assessed the dissolution of Zn and Cu oxides of nanoparticulate and bulk sources and their effects on cowpea’s biomass, nutritional status, and photosynthetic apparatus. The results showed that Zn and Cu dissolution rate and release from nanoparticulate oxides were higher than bulk oxides. Regardless of the source, the addition of Zn and Cu concentrations to the solution increased the root, stem, and leaf tissue concentrations of these micronutrients and reduced the contents of nutrients and pigments, with consequent inhibition of photosynthesis as indicated by the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence. Except for the lowest rate of the sources tested, biomass was reduced due to metal toxicity. However, biomass decreasing was not related to the source itself but to the nanoparticle source higher solubility, which promoted higher phytotoxicity.

Organophosphate Detoxification and Acetylcholinesterase Reactivation Triggered by Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Structural Degradation.

Organophosphate (OP) toxicity is related to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, which plays a key role in the neurotransmission process. In this work, we report the ability of different zinc zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) to behave as potential antidotes against OP poisoning. The Zn-L coordination bond (L = purine, benzimidazole, imidazole, or 2-methylimidazole) is sensitive to the G-type nerve agent model compounds diisopropylfluorophosphate (DIFP) and diisopropylchlorophosphate, leading to P-X (X = F or Cl) bond breakdown into nontoxic diisopropylphosphate. P-X hydrolysis is accompanied by ZIF structural degradation (Zn-imidazolate bond hydrolysis), with the concomitant release of the imidazolate linkers and zinc ions representing up to 95% of ZIF particle dissolution. The delivered imidazolate nucleophilic attack on the OP@AChE adduct gives rise to the recovery of AChE enzymatic function. P-X bond breakdown, ZIF structural degradation, and AChE reactivation are dependent on imidazolate linker nucleophilicity, framework topology, and particle size. The best performance is obtained for 20 nm nanoparticles (NPs) of Zn(2-methylimidazolate)2 (sod ZIF-8) exhibiting a DIFP degradation half-life of 2.6 min and full recovery of AChE activity within 1 h. 20 nm sod ZIF-8 NPs are not neurotoxic, as proven by in vitro neuroblastoma cell culture viability tests.

Electrodeposition of Zn and Cu Nanoparticles into TiO2 Nanotubes on Ti6Al4V: Antimicrobial Effect against S. Epidermidis and Cytotoxicity Assessment

Surface modification of the Ti6Al4V alloy (ASTM grade 5), with the fabrication of vertically oriented TiO2 nanotubes, has been receiving increasing attention both as a way to provide advanced bioactive features and the ability to act as reservoirs for a localized, controlled drug release. In this work, TiO2 nanotubes were grown on the surface of a Ti6Al4V alloy through electrochemical anodization. An ethylene glycol-based electrolyte containing 0.5 wt.% NH4F and 2.5% (v/v) H2O was used. Post-anodizing heat treatments at 500 °C in air atmosphere were performed to achieve a crystalline oxide layer with a higher mechanical stability. Following these treatments, Zn or Cu nanoparticles were incorporated into the nanotubular structures through electrodeposition processes. Then, the antimicrobial performance of the obtained surfaces was assessed against Staphylococcus epidermidis, a Gram-positive bacterium common in implant-related infections. Lastly, the cytotoxicity of the produced surface was evaluated against MC3T3-E1 mouse pre-osteoblast cells. In general, Cu-doped TiO2 nanotubes presented an almost total antimicrobial action, while Zn doped samples had a lower, but still significant antibacterial effect. However, a highly cytotoxic effect against MC3T3-E1 cells was observed on all anodized samples due to the release of vanadium from the alloy. In spite of this, the surface modification reported in this work can be a valid solution for existing commercially available orthopedic implants, considering that similar solutions were already studied in in vivo assays.

Cu and Zn metal particles modified nanocathode based electrocatalytic nitrate reduction: Effective, selective and mechanism

Nitrate contamination of water resources not only endangers ecological environment, but also poses a threat to human health. Electrochemical removal of nitrate is limited by poor electrode efficiency and high levels of by-products. Herein, Cu and Zn nanoparticles were loaded onto the surface of TiO2 nanoelectrodes by electrodeposition to improve the electrochemical activity of the electrodes. The fabricated Cu/TiO2 and Cu/Zn/TiO2 nanoelectrodes achieved nitrate removal efficiencies of 83.5 % and 93.6 %, respectively, indicating a significant improvement in nitrate removal efficiency. The physicochemical and electrochemical characteristics of the Cu/TiO2 and Cu/Zn/TiO2 electrode revealed that the TiO2 nanotube structure formed on the electrode surface increased the specific surface area of the electrode, while the uniformly attached Cu and Zn nanoparticles augmented the active sites on the electrode surface. Additionally, the loaded Zn nanoparticles enhanced the conversion of NO2−-N to N2, effectively suppressing byproducts production. The synergistic effect of TiO2 nanotubes with Cu and Zn nanoparticles made it possible to completely electrochemical remove nitrate. Under the condition of 0.5 g/L NaCl as the electrolyte, these two electrochemical systems can achieve cathodic reduction of NO3−-N and effectively inhibit the formation of NH4+-N and NO2−-N, thereby achieving the goal of harmless removal of NO3−-N. This work provides theoretical and technical support for efficient and clean removal of nitrate from environmental water bodies by electrochemistry.

Comparative responses and effects of exposure to metallic and nanoparticle zinc in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Zinc (Zn) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in various industrial and commercial applications. Their intensive use in sunscreens, for instance, renders priority to understanding their effects on marine life, to which may be added the intensive use of Zn-based paints and anodes to protect submerged structures. We studied the effects of Zn nanoparticles and ions in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to 1, 10 and 100 μg/L of both zinc forms for up to 28 days. Effects were determined by analysing a battery of biomarkers, from oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity) to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The results revealed that mussels responded only marginally differently to ionic and Zn nanoparticles, but also that their response was concentration- and time-dependent, suggesting distinct metabolic modes of action. These variations occurred almost exclusively at the highest concentration tested and were more pronounced as the exposure period increased. An integrated biomarker index (IBR) approach was used encompassing also previous findings (lipid peroxidation and metal accumulation in tissue), which further confirmed that these filter-feeding organisms are considerable targets for zinc exposure in the two forms tested and should be included in studies evaluating the overall toxicological impact of various forms of Zn in the marine environment.

Zinc nanoparticles mediated by Costus pictus leaf extract to study GC-MS and FTIR analysis

Plants have been used to treat illnesses from the dawn of time, and the term “medicinal plants” has taken on special significance. Because of their pharmacological potency, these plants have continued to be used as a source of medicines and other natural goods worldwide. Costus pictus, Commonly known as flaming costus (Costus igneus Nak), is a South-central American plant recently brought to India. It belongs to the Costaceae family. It is called the “insulin plant” in India because of its alleged anti-diabetic qualities. The methods utilized in this study are GC-MS, FTIR and SEM analysis. The results revealed that GC-MS shows the presence of different compounds: fatty acids, terpenoids, Alkanes, Carboxylic acid and aromatic compounds. The FTIR analysis depicts various functional groups comprising alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, carboxylic acid, aromatic compounds, and halo compounds. SEM analysis depicts the shape and size of nanoparticles, and the size of nanoparticles is 77nm – 113nm. Further research should be done on the characterization of Zn nanoparticles, metabolomics analysis and pharmacological activities.

Cu and Zn promoted Al-fumarate metal organic frameworks for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are attractive materials to generate multifunctional catalysts for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to hydrocarbons. Here we report the synthesis of Cu and Zn modified Al-fumarate (Al-fum) MOFs, in which Zn promotes the selective reduction of CO2 to CO and Cu promotes CO reduction to oxygenates and hydrocarbons in an electrocatalytic cascade. Cu and Zn nanoparticles (NPs) were introduced to the Al-fum MOF by a double solvent method to promote in-pore metal deposition, and the resulting reduced Cu-Zn@Al-fum drop-cast on a hydrophobic gas diffusion electrode for electrochemical study. Cu-Zn@Al-fum is active for CO2 electroreduction, with the Cu and Zn loading influencing the product yields. The highest faradaic efficiency (FE) of 62% is achieved at -1.0 V vs. RHE for the conversion of CO2 into CO, HCOOH, CH4, C2H4 and C2H5OH, with a FE of 28% to CH4, C2H4 and C2H5OH at pH 6.8. Al-fum MOF is a chemically robust matrix to disperse Cu and Zn NPs, improving electrocatalyst lifetime during CO2 reduction by minimizing transition metal aggregation during electrode operation.

Single-domain magnetic particles with motion behavior under electromagnetic AC and DC fields are a fatal cargo in Metropolitan Mexico City pediatric and young adult early Alzheimer, Parkinson, frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in ALS patients.

Metropolitan Mexico City (MMC) children and young adults exhibit overlapping Alzheimer and Parkinsons' diseases (AD, PD) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 pathology with magnetic ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM) and industrial nanoparticles (NPs). We studied magnetophoresis, electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry in 203 brain samples from 14 children, 27 adults, and 27 ALS cases/controls. Saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM), capturing magnetically unstable FeNPs ~ 20nm, was higher in caudate, thalamus, hippocampus, putamen, and motor regions with subcortical vs. cortical higher SIRM in MMC ≤ 40y. Motion behavior was associated with magnetic exposures 25-100 mT and children exhibited IRM saturated curves at 50-300 mT associated to change in NPs position and/or orientation in situ. Targeted magnetic profiles moving under AC/AD magnetic fields could distinguish ALS vs. controls. Motor neuron magnetic NPs accumulation potentially interferes with action potentials, ion channels, nuclear pores and enhances the membrane insertion process when coated with lipopolysaccharides. TEM and EDX showed 7-20 nm NP Fe, Ti, Co, Ni, V, Hg, W, Al, Zn, Ag, Si, S, Br, Ce, La, and Pr in abnormal neural and vascular organelles. Brain accumulation of magnetic unstable particles start in childhood and cytotoxic, hyperthermia, free radical formation, and NPs motion associated to 30-50 μT (DC magnetic fields) are critical given ubiquitous electric and magnetic fields exposures could induce motion behavior and neural damage. Magnetic UFPM/NPs are a fatal brain cargo in children's brains, and a preventable AD, PD, FTLD, ALS environmental threat. Billions of people are at risk. We are clearly poisoning ourselves.

Small-size and well-dispersed Fe nanoparticles embedded in carbon rods for efficient oxygen reduction reaction.

The preparation of ultra-small and well-dispersed metal nanoparticles (NPs) is of great importance for promoting oxygen reduction. Here, a metal (Fe and Zn) NP (7 nm) based catalyst derived from a Zn-based metal-organic framework was obtained by a vapor adsorption strategy, demonstrating a high half-wave potential (0.868 V) and power density (196 mW cm-2).

Electrodeposited Lithiophilic Nanoparticles As Artificial Interphase for Anode-Free Lithium Ion Batteries

The world is impatiently waiting for the lithium metal or even anode free batteries - to finally make a significant step forward from current battery technology. Safer and higher in energy and power density are the targeted improvements, and while the latter is met by the choice of lithium metal as anode (or more radically, no anode at all), the safety aspect is not as easily reached (1). The anode interphase was identified long ago as the critical element to this endeavour. Consequently, alternative electrolytes (polymer, ceramic) or additives as well as numerous kinds of protective coatings are being developed (2,3). Lithiophilic metal coatings could also do the job, and it has been shown that sputtered Au or Zn layers on Li metal could prevent dendritic growth in a cell (4). The concept of artificial SEI engineering can be expanded on by using lithiophilic nanoparticles as opposed to continuous coatings. Nanoparticle decorated current collectors or lithium metal anodes can be made by electrodeposition, where the experimental conditions allow for the tuning of particle number density, size and composition (5). A precise understanding of the intermetallic phases formed between lithium and a lithiophilic-metal nanoparticle should enable their optimised design for highest performance and durability. To do so, X-ray and neutron based techniques can be great tools to follow structure and morphology of the anode interphase and correlate those properties to the electrochemical parameters.In this work, we show an investigation of electrodeposited Au or Zn nanoparticles on a current collector. Multiple configurations regarding particle size and number density are explored. Small angle X-ray scattering, electron microscopy as well as X-ray diffraction are used to characterise the anode interphase in lithium half cells under variation of the degree of lithiation.

Characterization of the nonlinear optical properties of Zn and Ag nanoparticles using light at 1550 nm

Nonlinear optical properties of metallic and oxide metallic nanoparticles have been extensively studied as saturable absorbers in fiber-optic lasers in the infrared region for the generation of short and/or ultrashort pulses. In this paper, we report an experimental study of the nonlinear optical response of silver and zinc nanoparticles for continuous-wave illumination at 1550 nm. Nonlinear absorption was investigated using the power-dependent transmission and Z-scan techniques. The results obtained from the first technique showed that the zinc and silver particles behave like saturable absorbers, the modulation depths obtained were 15 % and 32 %, respectively. The Z-scan technique showed the presence of nonlinear refraction and absorption in both samples, the open aperture configuration confirmed the behavior of the materials as saturable absorbers. Additionally, the nonlocality of the nonlinear response was analyzed using a numerical model.

Thermal performance investigation of transient natural convective nanofluid flow in a square cavity with inclined periodic magnetic field

The goal of this paper is to analyze the thermal exhibition of transient free convective nanofluid flow in a square cavity with inclined periodic magnetic field using one-component thermally equilibrium homogeneous model. Distinct thermal settings (constant, parabolic, and sinusoidal) for the left heated wall are deliberated when the right wall of the cavity is cold and the horizontal walls are insulated. For numerical simulations, eight types of nanofluids consisting Cu, Co, Zn, and Al2O3 nanoparticles along with H2O and kerosene as base fluids have been employed. During numerical computation, the impacts of different factors (Hartmann number, Rayleigh number, nanoparticles volume fraction, period, and inclination angle) on the fluid flow and heat transfer are examined. The numerical results show that cobalt-kerosene nanofluid distributes the maximum heat transfer rate compared to other 7 types of nanofluids. The results also indicate that sinusoidal thermal scenery at the left heated wall delivers the uppermost average Nusselt number compared to the other types of thermal approaches. The optimum thermal performance is achieved at magnetic field's inclination angle δ=π3 and period number λ = 1 for the case of sinusoidal scenery.

Producing and assessing zinc sulfate nanoparticles using Nigella sativa assistance

In this research paper, our primary objective is centered around the creation, characterization, and evaluation of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) nanoparticles through the utilization of Nigella sativa as a natural reducing agent. We embraced an environmentally conscious and uncomplicated green synthesis approach to synthesize these ZnSO4 nanoparticles. For a comprehensive examination of their structural and physical properties, we employed techniques such as x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering analysis. Our results unequivocally confirmed the successful production of ZnSO4 nanoparticles with well-defined crystalline structures, distinct wavelength patterns, prominent peak values, and specific particle sizes. This study underscores the impressive efficacy of Zn nanoparticles in the context of bio-electrolyte power generation systems. In addition, it introduces an economically feasible and environmentally friendly method for their fabrication. The Zn nanoparticles display great potential as a solid basis for advancing bio-electrochemical cells, underscoring the significance of further exploration into their effects on these cells.