Nontoxic Sulfur Research Articles

Influence of deposition potential and substrate characteristics on the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of p-SnS absorbing layers

In this study, thin films of tin sulfide (SnS) deposited on indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates using Sn-S electrodeposition were systematically investigated. Notably, a novel non-toxic sulfur precursor was employed, emphasizing its role in ensuring the safety and environmental friendliness of the synthesis process. The research was focused on the influence of deposition potential and substrate type on the physical properties of SnS films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis disclosed distinct peaks corresponding to orthorhombic SnS phase planes (101), (111), and (040). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) revealed a uniform distribution of essential components, particularly notable at −0.7 V on ITO and −0.9 V on FTO substrates. Raman spectroscopy identified characteristic peaks at 90 cm−1 and 222 cm−1. UV–visible spectrophotometry highlighted alterations in the optical band gap of SnS films on ITO (1.93 eV to 1.57 eV) and FTO (2.13 eV to 1.98 eV). Mott-Schottky analysis revealed consistent p-type conductivity behavior in the SnS layer, while both ITO and FTO layers exhibited n-type conductivity behavior. This characterization underscores the distinct electronic properties of each layer, providing valuable insights for the development of advanced optoelectronic devices. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) results demonstrated a significant reduction in charge transfer resistance (Rct) of SnS films on ITO at −0.7 V. The solar cell efficiency of the SnS absorber layer reached 2.2% on ITO at −0.7 V, contrasting with 1.47% on FTO at −0.9 V.

Inclusion of dietary nontoxic sulfur on growth performance, immune response, sulfur amino acid content and meat characteristics in growing-finishing pigs.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of dietary nontoxic sulfur (NTS) on growth performance, immune response, sulfur amino acid composition and meat characteristics in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 140 crossbred pigs ([Yorkshire×Landrace]×Duroc) with an average body weight of 34.73±0.66 kg were used for the 12-week feeding trial. Experimental pigs were allotted to one of 5 treatments in 4 replicates of 7 pigs per pen in a randomized complete block (RCB) design. The experimental treatments were as follows (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% NTS levels): i) Control, corn soybean meal (SBM)-based diet; ii) NTS 0.1, basal diet + NTS 0.1%; iii) NTS 0.2, basal diet + NTS 0.2%; iv) NTS 0.4, basal diet + NTS 0.4%. Body weight increased linearly as dietary NTS levels increased up to 0.2% (linear; p = 0.04) in the early finishing phase (9 weeks). During the whole experimental period, body weight and average daily gain linearly increased as the dietary NTS level increased in the diet (linear; both p = 0.01), but quadratic responses in body weight and average daily gain were observed with the addition of NTS 0.4% (quadratic, both p = 0.01). In the late finishing period, the IgG concentration increased linearly (linear; p = 0.01) as the dietary NTS level increased up to 4%. In the finishing period, a linear response was observed as a dietary NTS level was added (linear; p = 0.03), and supplementation with 0.2% NTS resulted in a higher methionine content than the other treatments (quadratic; p = 0.01). NST 0.2% had a lower value of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (quadratic; p = 0.01). Consequently, supplementation with dietary NTS up to 0.2% could improve growth performance, amino acid composition in hair and meat antioxidation capacity.

포유모돈 사료내 제독유황이 모돈의 생리, 포유자돈의 성장, 혈액성상 및 돈유조성에 미치는 영향

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary non-toxic sulfur (NTS) on physiological response, litter performance, blood profiles and milk composition in lactating sows. A total of 40 multiparous lactating sows (Yorkshire × Landrace) with similar body weight, backfat thickness (BF) and parity were allotted to 4 treatments and 10 replicates in a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments were as follows: 1) Control: corn-SBM based diet, 2) NTS0.1: basal diet + NTS 0.1%, 3) NTS0.2: basal diet + NTS 0.2%, 4) NTS0.4: basal diet + NTS 0.4%. In physiological response of lactating sows, there was no significant difference among treatments. In blood profiles, linear response of increasing dietary NTS levels were observed for the IL-1 of 14th day of lactation (p = 0.03). Litter weight and average daily gain of piglets decreased linearly with increasing dietary NTS levels (p < 0.05). Consequently, there was a negative effect on litter performance with increasing NTS levels. However, as inclusion of dietary NTS in lactating diet had positive influences on immune response of lactating sows, mortality of piglets was considered to improve.

Inclusion of non-toxic sulfur in the diet positively affects daily growth, serum lipid profile and meat quality in finishing pigs

The present study investigated the effect of non-toxic sulfur (NTS) on the performance, lipid profile, and meat quality of finishing pigs. Ninety-days-old crossbred castrated male pigs [Duroc x (Yorkshire × Landrace)] with an average body weight (BW) of 50.1 ± 2.2 kg were randomly assigned to three treatment groups on the basis of BW. Each treatment had 60 pigs arranged in 12 replicates of 5 pigs for a 10-week trial. The dietary treatments consisted of a corn - soybean meal basal diet (CON); and a basal diet supplemented with NTS at 2 g/kg (NTS2) or 4 g/kg feed (NTS4). An increase (linear effect, P < 0.05) in BW during days 35 and 70 and an increase in average daily gain (ADG) (linear effect, P < 0.05) were observed in pigs fed increasing level of NTS during days 1–35 and 36–70 as well as during the overall experiment period (day 1–70). The inclusion of increasing level of NTS reduced serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (linear effect, P < 0.05) and increased (linear effect, P < 0.05) serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations at days 35 and 70, respectively. At day 70, the backfat and lean percentage were increased (linear effect, P < 0.05) as the level of NTS increased in the diet. A linear reduction (P < 0.05) in cooking loss and drip loss at day 7 of meat sample storage was elicited by increasing dietary NTS levels. A linear increase (P < 0.05) in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the loin muscle and a linear increase (P < 0.05) in oleic acid, linoleic acid, DHA, and PUFA concentrations were observed in the meat sample of belly fat obtained from pigs receiving an increasing NTS level. In conclusion, positive effects of NTS were observed in body weight, daily gain, lipid profile and meat quality, suggesting that 4 g/kg non-toxic sulfur is beneficial for pigs.

Green synthesis of Ni3S2 nanoparticles from a nontoxic sulfur source for urea electrolysis with high catalytic activity

Urea electrolysis receives great attention due to its capability to tackle with urea−containing wastewater and allow energy–saving hydrogen production simultaneously. Ni3S2 has favorably metallic property due to the short Ni−Ni bonds in its structure and the most abundant nickel content in the stoichiometric formula among nickel sulfides, thus it is considered an effective electrocatalyst for urea oxidation. However, the current Ni3S2−based catalysts usually derived from toxic sulfur sources, posing safety concerns in production. Herein, we reveal Ni3S2 nanoparticles (ca. 10 nm) can be directly deposited onto Ni substrate in a facile hydrothermal reaction from nontoxic L–cysteine sulfur source without any additives. Ni3S2 serves as a highly efficient and reliable electrocatalyst for urea oxidation with high current responses, low Tafel slope, and reduced resistance. Moreover, the apparent activation energy of urea oxidation for the prepared Ni3S2 electrocatalyst is evaluated as 3.2 kJ mol−1, which is much lower than that of Ni(OH)2 (15.7 kJ mol−1). As a result, the obtained Ni3S2 demonstrates remarkable catalytic activity of 280.2 A g–1 outperforming the Ni(OH)2 electrocatalyst (61.1 A g–1). In addition, Ni3S2 exhibits reliable catalytic performance, as examined by chronoamperometric, chronopotentiometric, and multi–current steps analyses.

The Exogenous Application of Non-Toxic Sulfur Contributes to the Growth-Promoting Effects of Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa)

Sulfur is an essential nutrient—along with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—for plant growth and development. Sulfur is mostly supplied to crops through soil fertilizers. However, chemical fertilizers are overused to increase crop yields despite environmental threats. The proper use of chemical fertilizers positively affects crop growth and yield increase. Regardless, residues from misuse threaten not only the soil ecosystem, but also the marine ecosystem. Therefore, the need to minimize chemical fertilizer abuse is imperative. This article reports that sulfur can be applied to crop leaves as nontoxic sulfur (NTS) in trace amounts to positively affect plant hormones, chloroplast content, and ROS scavenging system, thereby promoting growth, and increasing crop yields. Furthermore, NTS and microelements, the micronutrients calcium and magnesium, produced a synergistic effect when applied together, and NTS enhanced the expression of auxin and gibberellin-related genes. Additionally, chlorophyll content was increased, and ROS scavenging ability was greatly improved. Therefore, NTS can effectively deliver potent growth-promoting functions of plants faster and safer than did soil fertilizers and consequently increase crop yield. This finding is a new strategy to replace soil chemical fertilizers in supplying sulfur. It is potentially valuable for increasing crop yields and can be applied to other crops.

Natural Sulfurs Inhibit LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses through NF-κB Signaling in CCD-986Sk Skin Fibroblasts.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response leads to serious damage, up to and including tumorigenesis. Natural mineral sulfur, non-toxic sulfur (NTS), and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) have anti-inflammatory activity that may inhibit LPS-induced inflammation. We hypothesized that sulfur compounds could inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses in CCD-986Sk skin fibroblasts. We used Western blotting and real-time PCR to analyze molecular signaling in treated and untreated cultures. We also used flow cytometry for cell surface receptor analysis, comet assays to evaluate DNA damage, and ELISA-based cytokine detection. LPS induced TLR4 activation and NF-κB signaling via canonical and protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent pathways, while NTS and MSM downregulated that response. NTS and MSM also inhibited LPS-induced nuclear accumulation and binding of NF-κB to proinflammatory cytokines COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6. Finally, the sulfur compounds suppressed LPS-induced ROS accumulation and DNA damage in CCD-986Sk cells. These results suggest that natural sulfur compounds could be used to treat inflammation and may be useful in the development of cosmetics.

Non-toxic sulfur inhibits LPS-induced inflammation byregulating TLR-4 and JAK2/STAT3 through IL-6 signaling.

Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and STAT3 signaling is considered a major pathway in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) is an inflammatory response receptor that activates JAK2 during inflammation. STAT3 is a transcription factor for the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in inflammation. Sulfur is an essential element in the amino acids and is required for growth and development. Non-toxic sulfur (NTS) can be used in livestock feeds as it lacks toxicity. The present study aimed to inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in C2C12 myoblasts using NTS by regulating TLR-4 and JAK2/STAT3 signaling via the modulation of IL-6. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was conducted to analyze cell viability and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting performed to measure mRNA and protein expression levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the binding activity of proteins. The results indicated that NTS demonstrated a protective effect against LPS-induced cell death and inhibited LPS-induced expression of TLR-4, JAK2, STAT3 and IL-6. In addition, NTS inhibited the expression of nuclear phosphorylated-STAT3 and its binding to the IL-6 promoter. Therefore, NTS may be a potential candidate drug for the treatment of inflammation.

3D-Structured Metal Oxide/Sulfur Composites for High Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

The lithium-sulfur (Li-S) system is one of the promising rechargeable battery systems for energy storages and electrification of vehicles due to a high theoretical capacity and energy density, as well as the low cost and availability of non-toxic sulfur. However, polysulfide dissolution is the main limitation to the stability of the Li-S system. Here, we tackle this challenge by synthesizing 3D-structured graphene and porous silica materials with a pomegranate-like architecture through a simple chemical reactions, which is subsequently loaded with sulfur to form a 3D-graphene-sulfur composite (denoted as S@G composite). Furthermore, a thin layer (~100 nm) of tungsten oxide (WO3) on the S@G composite dramatically improves the cycling performance of the Li-S system with an initial capacity of 1425 mAh/g and approximately 95% capacity retention after 500 cycles. The porous silica/sulfur composite cathodes exhibit excellent electrochemical performances including a high specific capacity of 1450 mAh g-1, a reversible capacity of 82.9 % after 100 cycles at a rate of C/2 (1 C = 1672 mA g-1) and an extended cyclability over 300 cycles at 1 C-rate. Through the analysis and the theoretical calculation, results provide a novel material and approach to enhance the electrochemical performance of rechargeable Li-S batteries and sheds light on developing high-performance energy storage devices for a variety of applications.

Sulfur Compounds Inhibit High Glucose-Induced Inflammation by Regulating NF-κB Signaling in Human Monocytes.

High glucose-induced inflammation leads to atherosclerosis, which is considered a major cause of death in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) plays a central role in high glucose-induced inflammation and is activated through toll-like receptors (TLRs) as well as canonical and protein kinase C-dependent (PKC) pathways. Non-toxic sulfur (NTS) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) are two sulfur-containing natural compounds that can induce anti-inflammation. Using Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry, we found that high glucose-induced inflammation occurs through activation of TLRs. An effect of NTS and MSM on canonical and PKC-dependent NF-κB pathways was also demonstrated by western blotting. The effects of proinflammatory cytokines were investigated using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results showed inhibition of the glucose-induced expression of TLR2 and TLR4 by NTS and MSM. These sulfur compounds also inhibited NF-κB activity through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated canonical and PKC-dependent pathways. Finally, NTS and MSM inhibited the high glucose-induced expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α and binding of NF-κB protein to the DNA of proinflammatory cytokines. Together, these results suggest that NTS and MSM may be potential drug candidates for anti-inflammation therapy.

In situ synthesis of FeS/Carbon fibers for the effective removal of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution

Iron sulfide (FeS) nanoparticles (termed FSNs) have attracted much attention for the removal of pollutants due to their high efficiency and low cost, and because they are environmentally friendly. However, issues of agglomeration, transformation, and the loss of active components limit their application. Therefore, this study investigates in situ synthesized FeS/carbon fibers with an Fecarrageenan biomass as a precursor and nontoxic sulfur source to ascertain the removal efficiency of the fibers. The enrichment of sulfate groups as well as the double-helix structure in ι-carrageenan-Fe could effectively avoid the aggregation and loss of FSNs in practical applications. The obtained FeS/ carbon fibers were used to control a Cr(VI) polluted solution, and exhibited a relatively high removal capacity (81.62 mg/g). The main mechanisms included the reduction of FeS, electrostatic adsorption of carbon fibers, and Cr(III)-Fe(III) complexation reaction. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption model both provided a good fit of the reaction process; hence, the removal process was mainly controlled by chemical adsorption, specifically monolayer adsorption on a uniform surface. Furthermore, co-existing anions, column, and regeneration experiments indicated that the FeS/ carbon fibers are a promising remediation material for practical application.

Non‑toxic sulfur enhances growth hormone signaling through the JAK2/STAT5b/IGF‑1 pathway in C2C12 cells.

Insulin‑like growth factor‑1 (IGF‑1) regulates cell growth, glucose uptake and protein metabolism, and is required for growth hormone (GH) signaling‑mediated insulin production and secretion. IGF1 expression is associated with STAT5, which binds to a region (TTCNNNGAA) of the gene. Although sulfur is used in various fields, the toxicity of this element is a significant disadvantage as it causes indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, pain and migraine. Therefore, it is difficult to conduct invitro experiments to directly determine the effects of dietary sulfur. Additionally, it is difficult to dissolve non‑toxic sulfur (NTS). The present study aimed to identify the role of NTS in GH signaling as a Jak2/STAT5b/IGF‑1 pathway regulator. MTT assay was used to identify an optimum NTS concentration for C2C12 mouse muscle cells. Western blotting, RT‑PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, overexpression and small interfering RNA analyses were performed. NTS was dissolved in 1mg/ml DMSO and could be used invitro. Therefore, the present study determined whether NTS induced mouse muscle cell growth via GH signaling. NTS notably increased STAT5b binding to the Igf1 promoter. NTS also promoted GH signaling by upregulating GH receptor expression, similar to GH treatment. NTS enhanced GH signaling by regulating Jak2/STAT5b/IGF‑1 signaling pathway factor expression in C2C12 mouse muscle cells. Thus, NTS may be used as a GH‑enhancing growth stimulator.

Low Concentration Electrolytes for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

As a promising cathode material due to its high theoretical capacity (1166 mAh/g) lithium sulfide (Li2S) has been the focus of research worldwide. In addition to being based on inexpensive, widely-available, and non-toxic sulfur, Li-Li2S or Li-S batteries offer remarkably high specific energy, which is critically important for weight-sensitive applications. Previous research demonstrated that highly concentrated electrolytes (e.g., 2.5-5M) may reduce polysulfide dissolution and improve performance of cells with Li2S cathodes.1 , 2 However, salts in the organic electrolyte are fairly expensive and relatively heavy. In addition, high salt concentrations reduce Li+ mobility and may severely limit the rate performance of high loading cathodes. In contrast, low concentration electrolytes have not been explored for Li-S batteries, despite being significantly lighter, cheaper and less viscous than their high concentration counterparts. Furthermore, salts and additives that are not soluble in some solvents used in Li-S batteries at high concentrations can offer sufficient solubility at low concentrations, thus offering more options for the design of high-loading and high performance Li-Li2S or Li-S cells. In our study, we examine a broad range of low concentration electrolytes with various salt and solvent combinations and ratios. In contrast to our initial expectations, some low-concentration electrolytes demonstrated strong rate performance. We also examine lifetime performance and performance with high loading cathodes. In this talk, we will discuss the impact of electrolyte salt chemistries, their mixtures, relative concentrations and solvent compositions on electrolyte conductivity, the anode and cathode solid electrolyte interphase layers (CEI and SEI) as well as cell rate performance and stability. (1) Lee, J. T.; Zhao, Y.; Thieme, S.; Kim, H.; Oschatz, M.; Borchardt, L.; Magasinski, A.; Cho, W. Il; Kaskel, S.; Yushin, G. Adv. Mater. 2013, 25 (33), 4573–4579. (2) Suo, L.; Hu, Y. S.; Li, H.; Armand, M.; Chen, L. Nat. Commun. 2013, 4, 1–9.

Enhanced electrocatalysis performance of amorphous electrolytic carbon from CO2 for oxygen reduction by surface modification in molten salt

The electrolytic carbon (E-carbon) derived from greenhouse gas CO2 in molten carbonates at mild temperature possesses high electrical conductivity and suitable specific surface area. In this work, its potential as catalyst is investigated towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). It is revealed that the pristine E-carbon has no electrocatalytic activity for the ORR due to its high surface content of carboxyl group. The carbon was then treated in a Li2SO4 containing Li2CO3-Na2CO3-K2CO3 molten salt at 550°C. Sulfur modified E-carbon was obtained in the melt via a galvanic sulfidation reaction, in which Li2SO4 served as a nontoxic sulfur source and an oxidant. The sulfur modified E-carbon showed a significantly improved electrocatalytic activity. Subsequently, a sulfur/cobalt dual modified carbon with much higher catalysis activity was successfully prepared by treating an E-carbon/CoSO4 composite in the same melt. The dual modified E-carbon showed excellent catalytic performance with activity close to the commercial Pt/C catalyst but a high tolerance towards methanol.