Sulfide Nano Research Articles

Review on Recent Advances of Nickel Sulfide Nano Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution

AbstractHydrogen is an important energy carrier without carbon emissions. To achieve a carbon‐neutral world, the demand for hydrogen is very significant. In the process of producing green hydrogen, water splitting using electrocatalysts is a desirable process among many methods. The ideal electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution is the platinum group of metals; however, the limitations of high cost and low abundance hinder large‐scale hydrogen production. Hence, researchers are trying to develop materials from more abundant and less expensive. Hence, in this review, we focus on the fundamental principles of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and various synthesis methods and strategies. From the material perspective, we focus on nickel sulfide‐based nanomaterials of different phases during the last four years of development. We compared the electrocatalyst parameters concerning the synthesis methods and strategies chosen. Finally, we have also discussed future challenges. Ultimately, by synthesizing the collective knowledge amassed in the field of HER research, this review endeavors to offer a comprehensive resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers striving to advance hydrogen‐based energy technologies. In doing so, we aspire to foster continued innovation and collaboration toward realizing a sustainable energy future powered by hydrogen.

Design and synthesis of active site rich cobalt tin sulfide nano cubes: An effective electrochemical sensing interface to monitor environmentally hazardous phenolic isomers

In the present study, we synthesized Cobalt Tin Sulfide Nano Cubes (CoSnS2) using a simple sol–gel method, and the structural and morphological characterizations were performed to confirm the effectiveness and feasibility of the approach without any impurities. Further, to serve as an electrochemical interface for sensing dihydroxy benzene isomers (DHBIs), CoSnS2 nanoparticles were drop cast on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). From the electrochemical characterizations, CoSnS2/GCE shows improved electrochemical performance than bare GCE, and can selectively detect DHBIs. The limits of detection (LODs) calculated for individual determination of catechol (CC) and hydroquinone (HQ) at CoSnS2/GCE was 10.21 nM (5.0–135.0 µM) and 12.56 nM (5.0–135.0 µM), respectively. Also, possible interference does notgreatly affect the analytical performance ofthe modified electrode.Overall, we investigated the simple synthesis of transitional-metal sulfides (TMSs) and their electrochemical sensing applications to chemicals that are dangerous to the environment. We anticipate that the easy approach proposed herein will be very attractive for producing and commercializingelectrochemical sensing devices in the future.

Iron-doped copper-cobalt sulfide nano-box derived from ZIF-67 as a high-efficiency heterogeneous catalyst for hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol

4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) is a highly toxic substance commonly found in industrial and agricultural wastewater. However, precious metal materials commonly used for catalytic degradation of 4-NP are scarce and expensive. Therefore, we have prepared an iron-doped copper cobalt sulfide nano box (Fe@CuCo-SNBs) using ZIF-67 as a sacrificial template, which contains rich heterostructures. This material is used to catalyze the degradation of toxic 4-NP to 4-AP (4-Aminophenol, a widely used chemical intermediate), showing extremely high catalytic activity. The pseudo-first order reaction kinetic constant is 2.43 min−1, and the specific activity is 0.5 μmol·mg−1·min−1, which is higher than many noble metal catalysts, showing a good application prospect.

The use of LA-ICP-MS as an auxiliary tool to assess the pulmonary toxicity of molybdenum(IV) sulfide (MoS2) nano- and microparticles.

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has considerable applicative potential for both qualitative and quantitative analyses of elemental spatial distribution and concentration. It provides high resolutions at pg-level detection limits. These qualities make it very useful for analyzing biological samples. The present study responds to the growing demand for adequate analytical methods which would allow to assess the distribution of nanostructured molybdenum(IV) disulfide (MoS2) in organs. It was also motivated by an apparent lack of literature on the biological effects of MoS2 in living organisms. The study was aimed at using LA-ICP-MS for comparing micro- and nanosized MoS2 ditribution in selected rat tissue samples (lung, liver, brain and spleen tissues) after the intratracheal instillation (7 administrations) of MoS2 nano- and microparticles vs. controls. The experimental study, approved by the Ethics Committee for Animal Experiments was performed using albino Wistar rats. This was performed at 2-week intervals at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w., followed by an analysis after 90 days of exposure. The MoS2 levels in control tissues were determined with the laser ablation system at optimized operating conditions. The parameter optimization process for the LA system was conducted using The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) glass standard reference materials. Instrument parameters were optimized. The study found that molybdenum (Mo) levels in the lungs of microparticle-exposed rats were higher compared to nanoparticle-exposed rats. The opposite results were found for liver and spleen tissues. Brain Mo concentrations were below the detection limit. The LA-ICP-MS technique may be used as an important tool for visualizing the distribution of Mo on the surface of soft samples through quantitative and qualitative elemental mapping. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(1):18-33.

Distribution of molybdenum in soft tissues and blood of rats after intratracheal instillation of molybdenum(IV) sulfide nano- and microparticles

There is still little literature data on the toxicity and safety of the commonly used molybdenum (Mo) disulfide which is present in the working as well as living environments. Thus, an experiment was carried out involving rats, with single and repeated intratracheal exposure (in the latter case, 7 administrations at 2-week intervals with the analysis performed after 90 days) to lower (1.5 mg Mo kg−1 b.w.) and higher (5 mg Mo kg−1 b.w.) doses of molybdenum(IV) sulfide nanoparticles (MoS2-NPs) and microparticles (MoS2-MPs). The analysis of Mo concentrations in the tail and heart blood as well as in soft tissues (lung, liver, spleen, brain), after mineralization and bioimaging, was meant to facilitate an assessment of its accumulation and potential effects on the body following short- and long-term exposure. The multi-compartment model with an exponential curve of Mo concentration over time with different half-lives for the distribution and elimination phases of MoS2-MPs and MoS2-NPs was observed. After 24 h of exposure, a slight increase in Mo concentration in blood was observed. Next, Mo concentration indicated a decrease in blood concentration from 24 h to day 14 (the Mo concentration before the second administration), below the pre-exposure concentration. The next phase was linear, less abrupt and practically flat, but with an increasing trend towards the end of the experiment. Significantly higher Mo concentrations in MoS2-NPs and MoS2-MPs was found in the lungs of repeatedly exposed rats compared to those exposed to a single dose. The analysis of Mo content in the liver and the spleen tissue showed a slightly higher concentration for MoS2-NPs compared to MoS2-MPs. The results for the brain were below the calculated detection limit. Results were consistent with results obtained by bioimaging technique.

Electronic and Optical Properties of Finite Gallium Sulfide Nano Ribbons: A First-Principles Study

The electronic and optical properties of finite GaS nanoribbons are investigated using density functional theory calculations. The effect of size, edge termination, and chemical modification by doping and edge passivation are taken into account. The dynamical stability is confirmed by the positive vibration frequency from infrared spectra; further, the positive binding energies ensure the stable formation of the considered nanoribbons. Accurate control of the energy gap has been achieved. For instance, in armchair nanoribbons, energy gaps ranging from ~ 1 to 4 eV were obtained in varying sizes. Moreover, the energy gap can be increased by up to 5.98 eV through edge passivation with F-atoms or decreased to 0.98 eV through doping with Si-atoms. The density of states shows that the occupied molecular orbitals are dominated by S-atoms orbitals, while unoccupied ones are mostly contributed to by Ga orbitals. Thus, S-atoms will be the electron donor sites, and Ga-atoms will be the electron acceptors in the interactions that the nanoribbons might undergo. The nature of electron–hole interactions in the excited states was investigated using various indices, such as electron–hole overlapping, charge–transfer length, and hole–electron Coulomb attraction energy. The UV-Vis absorption spectra reveal a redshift by increasing the size in the armchair or the zigzag directions. Chemical functionalization shows a significant influence on the absorption spectra, where a redshift or blueshift can be achieved depending on the dopant or the attached element.

Anti–oxidant and anti-inflammation activities of nanostructured assemblies of silver sulfide nanoparticles using an extract of Cinnamomum tamala leaves

Silver sulfide nanoparticles have gained applications in industrial areas due to their tunable physical, chemical, and biological properties. Among various nanoparticles silver sulfide nanoparticles have gained worldwide attention due to their assessment as an anti-microbial agent. The microstructure of nanostructured silver sulfide nanoparticles determine its electronic, structural, optical and electrical properties, and possible applications of silver sulfide nanoparticles in modern electronics, biology and medicine. The appearance of nonstoichiometry in silver sub-lattices of monoclinic silver sulfide at decreasing size particles to the nanometer scale is considered. The interdependent changes in non-stoichiometry and crystal structure at the transformation of a non- conducting nano crystalline silver sulfide in super-ionic conductors are also very important aspects in biosynthesis of Silver sulfide nanoparticles. The effect of nano crystalline state on the peculiarities of crystal structure, non-stoichiometry, optical and thermal properties of bio synthesized Silver sulfide nanoparticles are explained. Silver sulfide nanoparticle have provide a significant role in the biomedical field for various application- oriented products such as IR cameras, solar panels, optical fiber and filters. Among modern biomedical potential of silver sulfide nanoparticles tremendous interest is oriented towards the therapeutically enhanced personalized health care practices. The biosynthesized silver sulfide nanoparticle using aqueous extract of Cinnamomum leaves has been documented in our present research work. The presence of secondary metabolites like flavonoid, tannins, steroid, cardiac glycosides, and alkaloids was confirmed by phytochemical analyses of the aqueous extract of Cinnamomum tamala leaves and these secondary metabolites can be used as reducing stabilizing and capping agent. After three months, the biosynthesized Silver sulfide nanoparticles were found to be stable without the evidence of agglomeration at room temperature. Structural and morphological properties of Silver sulfide nanoparticles were analyzed by UV-VIS, FT-IR, XRD, EDX, TEM, and SEM spectroscopic techniques. The surface Plasmon resonance for Silver sulfide nanoparticles was obtained around 290nm. Biosynthesized Silver sulfide nanoparticles was spherical in shape with effective diameter size of 50nm.Our novel approach provides a promising and effective method to large scale synthesis of eco-friendly, and cost effective pharmacologically active silver sulfide nano particles.

Size Determination in Chemically Grown PbS Nano Particles Using Different Theoretical Approach

Chemical bath method is adopted for growth of lead sulfide nano particles in methanolic solution of Pb(No3)2. Sulfur exchange is achieved by the controlled reaction of Na2S. The optical absorption studies have been done for obtained colloidal solution. The prepared particles are characterized by UV/Visible absorption spectra in the range 700–250 nm and the corresponding energy band gaps have been calculated assuming the effective masses of the electrons and holes in the nano particles to be same as that of bulk. The particle size has been determined by using the Wang Mahler and Brus L.E. Theoretical approaches. It is found that without using any capping agent the band gap of the compound gradually increases as the size of the particle decreases.

Investigation of structural, optical and photoluminescence properties of non-essential amino acid capped zinc sulfide nanoparticles for optoelectronic applications

The objective of the study is to synthesize Zinc Sulphide nanoparticles (ZnS) with different amino acid capping agents in aqueous solution by a simple and cost effective facile chemical co precipitation method and analyze their optoelectronic features. Bio compatibility with less toxic amino acids such as l-Glutamic acid, l-Alanine and l-Asparagine were used as capping agents. These amino acids are from Non-essential amino acid group and its capping behavior suitable for semiconducting nanoparticles like ZnS. The role of non essential amino acids were to stabilize the nanoparticle against agglomeration and also to provide chemical passivation that leads to a significant influence on the improved structural, optical and photoluminescence properties of ZnS nanoparticles. The detailed structural analysis of Zinc Sulphide nano particles revealed by X-ray diffraction method (XRD). From this analysis observed the formation of Cubic ZnS nanoparticles with an average crystallite size in the range of 2.08–2.22 nm.The morphology of the nano particles studied by Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Particle size examined by Dynamic Light scattering studies (DLS) and which revealed that particle size ranges are below 50 nm. The functional groups of nanoparticles were identified by Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) studies. Photoluminescence studies attributed that the considerable emission bands. The UV–Vis analysis disclosed the optical band gap range from 3.77 eV to 3.95 eV.

Zinc sulfide nano aqua formulation as antifungal nanopriming agent against phytopathogens of paddy seeds: in silico, in vitro and seed treatment studies

Zinc sulfide nano aqua formulation as antifungal nanopriming agent against phytopathogens of paddy seeds: in silico, in vitro and seed treatment studies

Larvicidal potential of copper sulphide nano aqua dispersions against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus)

Nanotechnology has emerged as promising field in insect pest management. Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) a well-known vector of dengue, chikungunya, and dengue haemorrhagic fever has no commercial management practice for their eradication at the larval stage. In the present study, copper sulphide one of the most detoxified form of copper with biopotential properties was synthesised by standard methodology using sonochemical irradiation method and was evaluated for their larvicidal potential against Ae. aegypti. Treated larvae were observed for various morphological changes as compared to control. Larvae were most susceptible to CuSNPs at 7 ppm showing 100% mortality within 24 h. LC50 and LC90 values calculated with the help of POLO software were 4.42 and 5.73 ppm. The epithelium layer of treated larvae was damaged as compared to control. Remarkable results of copper sulphide nanoformulations at low dosage against Ae. aegypti larvae advocates their further exploration for vector control programmes.

Synthesis of nano-sized lead sulfide thin films from Avocado (Glycosmis cochinchinensis) Leaf extracts to empower pollution remediation

The translucent and nano-crystalline PbS films were equipped with the CBD techniques on metal substrates by the temperature of 90 °C through aqueous solutions of Lead Nitrate and Thiourea. The XRD phases verify the crystalline property of synthesized thin films that the shape falls in the cubic structures with favourite orientations. It revealed that the prepared material is cubic crystal oriented as (111), (110), (100) and (101) crystal planes. The crystalline size varied between 0.4 and 0.7 nm. The band gap was assessed using UV–vis captivation spectra and Tau relations. The average energy band gap was found to be 2.43 eV which is greater than bulk materials of PbS; because of quantum confinements of Lead Sulfide Nano Crystalline thin films, and PL also confirms this result. The variation in band gap with Leaf extracts and particle sizes displayed blue shifts characteristic of electrons quantum confinements. SEM micrograph shows extremely uniform and adherent PbS films are found at higher PH values. It was evidently observed that the viscosity of the synthesized thin films reduced from 563 to 111 nm with a rise in pH value. The sample prepared at pH 4 shows good performance, and thin films deposited from Avocado (Glycosmis cochinchinensis) leaf extracts are a promising method to empower pollution remediation and future energy.

High-frequency and rapid response tungsten sulfide nano onion-based electrochemical actuators.

Poor rate capability, the biggest barrier to potential applications of electrochemical actuators (ECAs), is primarily resulted from symmetric electrochemical reactions. This makes it extremely difficult for ECAs to actuate above 1 Hz while maintaining sufficient displacement retainability compared with their actuations at relatively low frequencies, particularly when working in liquids. Here, tungsten trisulfide (WS3) assisted tungsten disulfide nano onions are synthesized through a one-step laser-assisted strategy. Using the irreversibility of WS3 in adsorbing hydrogen in an acidic solution, the electrochemical reaction of tungsten sulfide nano onions is tailored to realize an asymmetric redox reaction for breaking the symmetry of the electrical double layer and battery-like process. Experiments demonstrate that the ECA's response rate (0.24 mm-1 s-1) is at least 10 times faster than that of the previously reported ECAs. Moreover, this ECA can actuate at 30 Hz and reaches top performance in liquids at 4 Hz with long-term durability (>90% after 23 000 cycles), which is comparable to that of electromagnetic and electrothermal actuators. To understand the electrochemical actuation of tungsten sulfide from the atomic scale to the macroscopic scale, density functional theory calculations are conducted and an electrochemomechanical coupling model is proposed. A new generation of subvolt electric-driven actuators used in underwater robotics can be developed by modulating the electrochemical response and chemomechanical coupling effect.

Bis(4-methylpiperidine-1-carbodithioato)-lead(II) and Bis(4-benzylpiperidine-1-carbodithioato)-lead(II) as Precursors for Lead Sulphide Nano Photocatalysts for the Degradation of Rhodamine B.

Bis(4-methylpiperidine-1-carbodithioato)-lead(II) and bis(4-benzylpiperidine-1-carbodithioato)-lead(II) were prepared and their molecular structures elucidated using single crystal X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic techniques. The compounds were used as precursors for the preparation of lead sulphide nano photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B. The single crystal structures of the lead(II) dithiocarbamate complexes show mononuclear lead(II) compounds in which each lead(II) ion coordinates two dithiocarbamato anions in a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The compounds were thermolyzed at 180 ℃ in hexadecylamine (HDA), octadecylamine (ODA), and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) to prepare HDA, ODA, and TOPO capped lead sulphide (PbS) nanoparticles. Powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD) patterns of the lead sulphide nanoparticles were indexed to the rock cubic salt crystalline phase of lead sulphide. The lead sulphide nanoparticles were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B with ODA-PbS1 achieving photodegradation efficiency of 45.28% after 360 min. The photostability and reusability studies of the as-prepared PbS nanoparticles were studied in four consecutive cycles, showing that the percentage degradation efficiency decreased slightly by about 0.51–1.93%. The results show that the as-prepared PbS nanoparticles are relatively photostable with a slight loss of photodegradation activities as the reusability cycles progress.

Towards high-performance near-infrared photodetectors based on SnS nanowires

Compared with bulk structures, semiconductor nanowires exhibit a higher surface-to-volume ratio, as well as unique electrical and optical properties. Due to its narrow band gap, tin (ii) sulfide (SnS) nano wire is a promising candidate for constructing near-infrared (NIR) photodetectors. Uniformly distributed and well-aligned SnS nanowires were grown on a mica substrate by chemical vapor deposition, and NIR photodetectors with Au (Au-device) and Al (Al-device) as the electrode were fabricated and characterized. Compared to the Au-device, the Al-device achieved higher photodetectivity due to reduced dark current. More importantly by incorporating a photosensitive lead phthalocyanine (PbPc) film into the Al-device, both responsivity and detectivity could be apparently improved, especially at weak light intensities. Under a weak light intensity of 0.79 mW/cm 2the photoresponsivity and specific detectivity were improved from and Jones to 0.96 A/W and Jones, respectively.

Effect of different sulfur precursors on efficient chromium(VI) removal by ZSM-5 zeolite supporting sulfide nano zero-valent iron

The Cr(VI) adsorption performance of Zeolite Socony Mobil #5 (ZSM-5) supporting sulfide nano zero-valent iron (S-nZVI@ZSM-5) was affected by different sulfur precursors (S2−, S2O32−, SO42− and SO32−), which resulted the diverse physic-chemical properties and corrosion degrees of Fe0. Different physic-chemical properties of S-nZVI@ZSM-5 were characterized by BET surface areas, HRTEM, SEM-EDS, ICP-MS, XRD and XPS with respect to morphology, element content, crystalline structure and sulfur species, which correlated with corrosion degrees of Fe0. The extraordinary reactivity for Cr(VI) adsorption was observed at adsorbent that SO32− as sulfur precursor resulting from multiple factors, such as largest Fe0 content and particle size, exposed the (110) type plane of Fe0, supreme lattice constant and crystallinity, dominated sulfur specie (FeS2), etc. Additionally, sulfur precursors controlled the sulfur speciation in materials, where iron disulfide was dominant sulfur species made from SO32−, as indicated by XPS analysis. More importantly, new regenerant was introduced in regenerative experiment to successfully improve the regeneration performance for Cr(VI) adsorption, approximately 80% of removal percentage was achieved in ninth cycle. These findings are expected to open up a new avenue for selecting sulfur precursors and regenerating adsorbents, which beneficial for resolving apparent discrepancies in the reported reactivity of iron-based materials with different sulfur precursors.

Preparation of Surface-Modified Nano Zinc Sulfide/Polyurethane Inorganic-Organic Transparent Coating and Its Application in Resin Lens

The surface modified hydrophilic zinc sulfide nano powder was prepared by hydrothermal method, and the corresponding zinc sulfide/polyurethane organic-inorganic composite transparent coating via in-situ polymerization. The structure of ZnS Nanoparticles and organic-inorganic composite coating were characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Laser Particle Size Analyzer and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The optical properties were measured by Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometer and ellipsometry. The results show that the monodisperse hydrophilic nano zinc sulfide powder with a particle size of about 70 nm can be obtained by thioglycolic acid (TGA) modification, which has good compatibility with waterborne polyurethane. Nano zinc sulfide increased the refractive index of the coating significantly and the refractive index of the coatings could be controlled in the region of 1.46–1.71 organic-inorganic composite coating by adding ZnS. When the amount of nano ZnS added was 30%, the refractive index of the hybrid coating can reach 1.71, and the transmittance was more than 90%. The cured coatings were smooth and no agglomeration between nano ZnS particles could be found. After application on the surfaces of resin lens, the coatings presented better impact resistance, which indicated that the coating has application prospects in the field of fine processing of lens’ surfaces.

Preparation of pectin/agar-based functional films integrated with zinc sulfide nano petals for active packaging applications

Here we report on the robust synthesis of zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnSNP) using a simple one-pot reaction. The prepared ZnSNP was characterized and confirmed to be a petal-shaped nanoparticle. The ZnSNP was added to fabricate the pectin/agar-based functional composite film. The integration of ZnSNP has greatly improved the physical properties of the film, such as mechanical and UV protection properties, without significantly changing the transparency of the film. The addition of the nanofillers did not affect the film's hydrophobicity, water vapor barrier, and thermal properties. Moreover, the composite film showed intense antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria, E. coli and L. monocytogenes. The functional bio-nanocomposite films based on pectin/agar have high potential in active packaging applications.

Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/zinc sulfide nano composites with sonochemical route

Zinc sulphides/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites were prepared through a sonochemical route. As grown zinc sulfide nanoparticles were added with different ratios in ethanolic solution of reduced graphene oxide. The mixture were ultrasonicated for 2h and then kept for aging. The obtained samples were characterized by optical transmission, FTIR, luminescence, structural and morphological characterizations. On addition of ZnS nanoparticles the shift in luminiscence peak is observed towards higher wavelength. A small peak is obtained at 440nm to 450nm which might be due to electron tapping in band gap region. Sharp luminescenct peak in UV region is observed for higher addition of ZnS.

Removal of Oxytetracycline from Water Using Blast Furnace Slag Loaded Sulfide Nanoscale Zero-valent Iron

Blast furnace slag loaded with sulfide nano zero valent iron (S-nZVI@BFS) was applied to remove oxytetracycline (OTC) from water. S-nZVI@BFS was synthesized via liquid reduction and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) theory. The effect of reaction time, initial concentration of OTC, initial pH, and coexisting hexavalent chromium[Cr(Ⅵ)] were investigated. The results show that Fe and S were successfully immobilized on the surface of S-nZVI@BFS, the specific surface area and pore volume of which increased to 141.986 m2·g-1 and 0.388 cm3·g-1, respectively, following the loading of nZVI and sulfurization. The utilization rate of the surface active sites of S-nZVI@BFS was improved with an increase of the initial concentration of OTC; the removal rate increased from 20.12 mg·g-1 to 202.74 mg·g-1 when the initial concentration of OTC was increased from 10 mg·L-1 to 100 mg·L-1. The removal rate decreased with pH, declining from 99.78 mg·g-1 to 41.12 mg·g-1 when pH was increased from 3 to 11 due to the switch from Fendon oxidation to electrostatic adsorption. There was notable competition between OTC and Cr(Ⅵ) meaning that Cr(Ⅵ) can inhibit the removal of OTC, which is dose dependent.