Copper Zinc Research Articles

Evolutionary Algorithm-Based Crystal Structure Prediction of CuxZnyOz Ternary Oxides.

Binary zinc(II) oxide (ZnO) and copper(II) oxide (CuO) are used in a number of applications, including optoelectronic and semiconductor applications. However, no crystal structures have been reported for ternary Cu-Zn-O oxides. In that context, we investigated the structural characteristics and thermodynamics of CuxZnyOz ternary oxides to map their experimental feasibility. We combined evolutionary crystal structure prediction and quantum chemical methods to investigate potential CuxZnyOz ternary oxides. The USPEX algorithm and density functional theory were used to screen over 4000 crystal structures with different stoichiometries. When comparing compositions with non-magnetic CuI ions, magnetic CuII ions, and mixed CuI-CuII compositions, the magnetic Cu2Zn2O4 system is thermodynamically the most favorable. At ambient pressures, the thermodynamically most favorable ternary crystal structure is still 2.8 kJ/mol per atom higher in Gibbs free energy compared to experimentally known binary phases. The results suggest that thermodynamics of the hypothetical CuxZnyOz ternary oxides should also be evaluated at high pressures. The predicted ternary materials are indirect band gap semiconductors.

Highly lithiophilic and structurally stable Cu–Zn alloy skeleton for high-performance Li-rich ternary anodes

Lithium (Li)-rich ternary alloy, comprising a multi-alloy phase as the built-in three-dimensional (3D) framework and a Li metal phase as a reversible Li reservoir, is a promising high-energy–density anode for rechargeable Li metal batteries. The introduction of metal/metalloid components to the alloy can effectively regulate Li deposition and maintain the dimensional integrity of the Li anode. Herein, the lithium–copper–zinc (Li–Cu–Zn) ternary alloy, as a new type of alloy anode, is synthesized via a facile thermal melting method. The fully delithiated 3D scaffold comprised two Cu–Zn alloy phases named CuZn and CuZn5. These alloy phases exhibit higher lithiophilicity and structural stability than Li–Zn and Li–Cu alloys. Moreover, the CuZn phase is electrochemically inert, ensuring the geometric stability of the anode, while the CuZn5 phase can readily undergo alloying reaction with Li to form the LiZn phase, thereby facilitating uniform Li nucleation and deposition. The hybridized multiphase alloy structure and specific energy storage mechanism of the Cu–Zn based alloy scaffold in the ternary alloy anode facilitate dendrite-free Li deposition and prolonged cycle lifetime. The Li metal full battery based on lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cathode exhibits high cycling stability with high-capacity retention of 95.4% after 1000 cycles at 1C.

Flexdispersion: Amphiphilic phosphonic acid-capped nanoparticles

Colloidal nanoparticles have unique properties and are expected to have a wide range of applications. Colloidal stability is one of the key properties for their successful application. Ligands that are organic molecules can provide colloidal stability by functionalizing the surface of the nanoparticles. We prepared nanoparticles of various sizes and materials by solvo/hydrothermal reactions and functionalized them with the phosphonic acid amphiphilic ligand designed in our previous studies. Zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), and zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (particle size 4–33 nm) were successfully functionalized using this ligand and dispersed in typical polar and less-polar solvents such as methanol and toluene. Our findings have the potential to enable good dispersion of metal oxide (sulfide) colloids in a variety of organic solvents.

Efficacy of zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles on virulence genes of avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) in broilers

BackgroundColibacillosis is one of the broilers’ most dominant bacterial diseases, either as a primary or a secondary infection. As E. coli antimicrobial drug resistance is rising; there is a need to develop new approaches to its control. In light of this, a comparative study of the in-vitro antibacterial activity of Arabic gum stabilized zinc and copper nanoparticles (AG-ZnNPs and AG-CuNPs) against PCR-identified field avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) strains and virulence genes (ibeA, hlyA, iss, pap C and ompA) was applied to study the therapeutic effect of zinc and copper nanoparticles to be used as an antibiotic alternative (Nanobiotic). Furthermore, the in-vivo effects of CuNPs were evaluated. Additionally, the CuNPs liver and muscle residues with or without infection were examined. The eighty broilers were divided into four groups; G1: negative control, G2: infected control with E. coli O17, G3: non-infected treated (AG-CuNPs 50 mg/kg body weight), and G4: infected treated (AG-CuNPs 50 mg/kg body weight). AG-CuNPs treatment was given to broilers for five days in drinking water.ResultsE. coli was isolated from diseased broilers at an average incidence rate of 20% from intestinal and liver samples. All identified serotypes (O17, O78, O91, O121, and O159) were resistant to AG-ZnNPs and sensitive to AG-CuNPs. AG-CuNPs minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) for O17 were 7.5 and 60 mg/ml, respectively. Conventional uniplex PCR results showed that strain O17 contained virulence genes (ibeA, hlyA, iss, and papC), where AG-CuNPs significantly reduced the expression of all target genes when examined by Real-time quantitative PCR. Additionally, the bactericidal activity of AG-CuNPs on O17 was 100% at 20 minutes and 40 mg/ml and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, no mortality was recorded in treated groups compared to G2. Subsequently, no E. coli was re-isolated from the liver in the G4 after treatment. The total protein, albumin, globulin, and lysozyme activity were significantly increased in G4 compared to G2, while the activities of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) were markedly decreased in G4 compared to G2. Additionally, uric acid, creatinine, and C-reactive protein levels were decreased in G4 compared to G2. However, the liver enzymes, kidney functions, C-reactive protein levels, and Cu residues were non-significantly changed in G4 compared to G1.ConclusionGreen synthesized AG-CuNPs are recommended as an effective antimicrobial alternative against APEC strains.

Low temperature sol-gel synthesis of copper zinc ferrite for hydrogen catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride

The spinal ferrites are regarded as promising for renewable energy application like hydrogen production from sodium borohydride (NaBH4) since they have superior catalytic activity. The current work considers the preparation of Cu1-xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) nanoparticles via the low temperature sol-gel method. The cubic crystal structure of nanoparticles was identified by XRD spectra analysis. The average crystal size was provided concerning the full width at half maximum to be 10.0 nm according to Scherer formula. FTIR spectra of synthesized ferrite nanoparticles showed the vibrational bands of Cu1-xZnxFe2O4. The images showed a cross-linked porous surface morphology. The TEM images of the CuFe2O4 and Cu0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 samples showed spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 10 nm. The surface area BET at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 content of zinc were 95, 66, 46, 49 and 41 m2/g. The values of direct band gaps for nanocrystalline Cu1-xZnxFe2O3 were 52.25, 2.0, 2.16, 1.9 and 2.11 eV at x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8. The hydrogen catalytic effect of Cu1-xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles is accelerated, especially the sample CuFe2O4. The nanoparticles show high generation rates but the sample CuFe2O4 is the highest catalytic material (1810 mL/gmin).

Plasma zinc, copper and serum ceruloplasmin levels of autism spectrum disorder children in Bangladesh

Neural and cognitive processes require zinc and copper homeostasis and a normal zinc/copper ratio. Ceruloplasmin, an intrinsic antioxidant protein, maintains copper homeostasis, which might also influence autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD children are frequently reported with altered levels of these elements with wide geographical variations. This study evaluated any alteration in plasma zinc, copper, zinc/copper ratio and serum ceruloplasmin levels in Bangladeshi ASD children with respect to healthy controls. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 67 children aged 2 to 9 years of both sexes. Among them, 35 had ASD, while 32 were age, sex and body mass index (BMI) matched apparently healthy children. Plasma zinc and copper levels were estimated by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Serum ceruloplasmin levels were estimated by the immunoturbidimetric method. Zinc and zinc/copper ratio in the 2–9 years old ASD children group were significantly lower (p=0.032 and p=0.002 respectively). On the other hand, copper (p=0.020) and ceruloplasmin (p = 0.045) levels were significantly higher than those of apparently healthy children. ASD was significantly associated with zinc deficiency (p=0.000) and copper toxicity (p=0.05). All children were again divided into 2–5 and 6–9 years age groups according to laboratory reference values for zinc and copper. Copper toxicity was significantly associated with ASD in the 2–5 years old age group (p=0.011), with a significant difference in plasma copper levels (p=0.009) and zinc/copper ratio (p=0.001) but not serum ceruloplasmin levels (p=0.110) compared to healthy controls. Serum ceruloplasmin was positively associated with plasma copper in ASD children of all age groups. This study shows that ASD in Bangladesh can be associated with low plasma zinc and high plasma copper and serum ceruloplasmin levels.

Exploring the performance of perovskite solar cells with dual hole transport layers via SCAPS-1D simulation

The potential of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to produce high efficiency (over 25 %) is well known, but the poor stability of these solar cells is still a concern for practical applications. Thus, improving the stability is essential for furthering the development of PSCs. To address this issue, researchers found that incorporating inorganic materials into the hole transport layers (HTLs) can improve the stability of PSCs, yet charge recombination at the interface between the perovskite and inorganic HTLs can still reduce the efficiency of the PSCs. This study simulated the performance and mechanism of methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) PSCs with a dual HTL using Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator-one Dimension (SCAPS-1D). A dual HTL formed by combining Spiro-OMeTAD (spiro), a highly efficient hole transport material, and copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS), a highly stable hole transport material, leads to a PSC with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.47 % and significantly improved stability. Simulation results of the electric field at the interfaces of PSCs indicated that the PSC with spiro/CZTS as dual HTL have enhanced charge separation and reduced recombination. Furthermore, the simulation results have also revealed the influence of different parameters, such as absorber thickness, absorber defect density, HTL thickness, HTL/absorber interface defects, temperature, series resistance, and shunt resistance, on solar cell’s characteristics.

Enhanced solar cell efficiency: copper zinc tin sulfide absorber thickness and defect density analysis

Enhanced solar cell efficiency: copper zinc tin sulfide absorber thickness and defect density analysis

Stationary metal sheets (copper, zinc or brass) in fish tanks prevent Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet, 1876 infection of rainbow trout: In vivo and in vitro effects

Infections with the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet, 1876 challenge health of freshwater fishes worldwide by eliciting white spot disease (ichthyophthiriosis). A series of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and herbal extracts are currently in use to control the infections by regular or continuous administration to aquaculture systems. Recently application of brass (copper/zinc alloys) metal sheets in marine fish tanks was shown to eliminate tomonts of a related ciliate, Cryptocaryon irritans Brown, 1951 causing cryptocaryonosis (marine white spot disease). The present work documents that brass, and each of its pure constituents (copper and zinc), have in vivo and in vitro antiparasitic effects in freshwater. We used an experimental model with I. multifiliis infected rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792). In the in vivo study metal sheets of either brass (alloy of copper and zinc), pure copper or pure zinc, were placed in fish tanks with trout experimentally infected with I. multifiliis (duplicated trials). All three metals (pure or combined) effectively blocked the life cycle of I. multifiliis and inhibited reinfection and morbidity. In control tanks with infected trout, but no metal sheets, we observed significantly elevated infection levels and development of disease. In vitro assays, exposing three life cycle stages (tomont, tomocyst and theront) to the same metal sheets in Petri dishes, confirmed the antiparasitic effects. Tomonts were sensitive to pure copper and brass (100% and 66% mortality within 15 min, respectively) and zinc (100% mortality within 30 min). Tomocysts, with enclosed tomites, were less sensitive, as even 12 h exposure to brass, pure copper and zinc merely led to mortality rates of 44%, 50% and 60%, respectively. Theronts were killed within 75 min when exposed to brass and pure copper plates, whereas zinc plate exposure eliminated all theronts within 60 min. Microscopical observations suggested that direct contact between the parasite and the metal sheet increased the parasiticidal effect, although the released metal ions may contribute may play a role. The use of stationary metal sheets in aquaculture settings may be a possible way to control ichthyophthiriosis. However, we measured the concentration of free metal ions in the fish tanks with metal sheets, which suggested release of metal to the water. This calls for additional studies on toxicology and environmental effects of metal sheet use before implementation at fish farms level.

Effect of Fe doping on the structural and electrochemical performance of Zn@CuO nanostructures for energy storage device

The demand for supercapacitors increases as the technology grows due to their high-power density and long cycle life. This work presents a hydrothermal approach to synthesize iron-doped zinc copper oxide (Fe@ZnCuO). The XRD technique was used to determine phase identification and lattice parameters. The maximum capacity achieved with Fe@ZnCuO was 938C/g (1563 F/g) at a current density of 1.5 A/g. The asymmetric device Fe@ZnCuO//AC was developed with activated carbon as the negative and Fe@ZnCuO as the positive electrode. At 1.5 A/g current, Fe@ZnCuO//AC had a capacity of 144C/g (90 F/g). Energy and power density achieved with Fe@ZnCuO//AC at 1.5 A/g current were 44.12 Wh kg−1 and 850 W kg−1, respectively. The durability test was also performed with Fe@ZnCuO//AC hybrid device, measuring up to 15,000 consecutive charging/discharging cycles. After completing 15,000 cycles, Fe@ZnCuO can retain 98% of its initial capacity. These findings imply that Fe@ZnCuO can be the best electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitors applications in the future.

Geochemical Characteristics of Garnet from Zinc–Copper Ore Bodies in the Changpo–Tongkeng Deposit and Its Geological Significance

The Changpo–Tongkeng tin polymetallic deposit in Dachang, Guangxi, is a world-class, superlarge, polymetallic tin deposit consisting of lower skarn zinc–copper ore bodies and upper tin polymetallic ore bodies. Garnet is the main gangue mineral in the skarn zinc–copper ore bodies and has a granular texture. Based on hand specimens and microscopic observations, the existing garnet can be divided into two generations: an early generation (Grt I) and a late generation (Grt II). The results of electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in situ microanalysis show that the contents of SiO2 and CaO in the garnets from the two generations present limited variations, while the FeOT and Al2O3 contents vary significantly, indicating the grossular–andradite solid solution series (Gro29–82And12–69). Compared with Grt I (Gro72And25), Grt II (Gro39And59) is Fe-enriched and oscillatory zoning is developed. The total rare earth element (REE) contents in the two generations of garnet are relatively low, showing light rare earth element (LREE) depletion and heavy rare earth element (HREE) enrichment patterns. Grt II has higher REE content than Grt I and exhibits significant negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.18–0.44). The contents and variation characteristics of the major and trace elements in the two generations of garnet suggest that there were variable redox conditions and water/rock ratios in the hydrothermal system during the crystallization process of garnet. In the early stage, skarnization was in a relatively closed and low-oxygen fugacity system, with hydrothermal diffusion metasomatism being dominant, forming homogeneous Grt I lacking well-developed zoning. In the late stage of skarnization, the oxygen fugacity of the ore-forming fluids increased, with infiltration metasomatism being dominant, forming Grt II with well-developed oscillatory zoning. The contents of Sn, As, W, In, and Ge in the garnets are relatively high and increase with the proportion of andradite. Sn in zinc–copper ore bodies mainly exists in the form of isomorphic substitution in garnet, which may be the main reason for the lack of tin ore bodies during the skarn stage. This paper compares the trace element contents in garnets from domestic skarn deposits. The results indicate that the Sn content and δEu in garnet can be used to evaluate the tin-forming potential of skarn deposits.

The Effect of Zinc Oxide, Copper, and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by the Green Method for Controlling Strawberry Gray Mold Fungus, B. Cinerea Pers

Gray mold disease, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, causes heavy losses in strawberries. The use of chemical fungicides due to the dangers for humans and the environment has caused attention to reduce their consumption and use biological methods. In this research, the effects of zinc oxide, copper, and silver nanoparticles have been synthesized from an aqueous extract of cloves, and the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus casei by the green method was investigated on the gray mold disease of strawberries. The results showed that concentrations of 10% of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous extract of cloves can completely control this pathogen on the culture medium and the fruit. Zinc and silver nanoparticles produced by Lactobacillus casei prevented 93.7% and 81% of fungal growth in the culture medium, respectively. Other treatments did not show a good inhibitory effect on the fungus. All treatments were able to prevent 100% to 50% of fungal growth after 96 hours on strawberries. The investigation of the storage characteristics showed the positive effect of the examined nanoparticles on reducing the rate of change of the physicochemical characteristics of the strawberry fruit tissue. Apparent decay was significantly reduced and samples treated with nanoparticles scored higher in sensory evaluation compared to control. Also, investigating the toxicity of nanoparticles in this experiment on the HepG2 cell line showed that Compared to the control, copper and zinc nanoparticles did not have significant toxicity on cells, but silver nanoparticles led to 25% cell death. This research provides promising results in the field of using nanoparticles for pre-harvest and post-harvest control of plant diseases.

Opto-electronic properties of copper-zinc-sulfide thin films grown via metalorganic-chemical vapor deposition technique at different flow rates

In this work, copper zinc sulfide (CZS) ternary thin films were prepared from the pyrolysis of a Bis-(morpholinodithiato-s,s’)-Cu-Zn precursor using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition technique maintained at 450 °C in ambient nitrogen as the carrier gas. The deposition flow rate was varied to study its effect on the optoelectronic properties of CZS films. The particle-induced x-ray emission technique (PIXE) of the prepared single solid source precursor shows the presence of copper, zinc, and sulfur. The Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer of the precursor reveals the metal-metal bond attachment to the ligand at a very low wavenumber. The XRD spectra reveal the formation of the hexagonal closed-packed structure of CZS films with a preferred orientation along the [111] direction. The film crystallite size is found to increase from 10.4 to 12.2 nm as the flow rate increases, while the dislocation density and stress decrease as the deposition flow rate increases. The SEM analysis revealed an improvement in the growth rate of the grains as the flow rate increased. The transmittance of the deposited CZS films was found to increase from 58% to 84.2% in the infrared region with an increase in band gap from 3.08–3.64 eV as the flow rate increased. The deposited film shows ohmic properties and an increase in conductivity from 0.243 to 0.847 ( while the resistivity decreases as the flow rate increases. These observations provide room for the deposited CZS film to serve as a potential material for optoelectronics and window layer solar cell devices.

Mineral prospectivity mapping based on Support vector machine and Random Forest algorithm – A case study from Ashele copper–zinc deposit, Xinjiang, NW China

The utilization of machine learning (ML) techniques in conjunction with multi-source geoscience datasets for comprehensive metallogenic prognosis (MP) has emerged as a novel means of geological prospecting. Nevertheless, the representativeness of features and composition of datasets employed in constructing the ML model for MP may substantially impact the prediction model's overall performance and augment the metallogenic prediction's uncertainty. In this study, the Ashele copper-zinc deposit was chosen to conduct the case study to resolve these challenges. In order to improve the representativeness of features employed in ML modeling, the ore-controlling geological and rock geochemical exploration criteria were digitized and subjected to spatial analysis to extract information closely linked to mineralization. To investigate the impact of differences in dataset composition on the performance of predictive models, multiple labeled datasets were generated by randomly sampling from known boreholes. The predictive SVM and RF models were trained using the labeled datasets, validated using 10-fold cross-validation, and assessed using multiple metrics. The evaluation findings indicate that all ML models, subsequent to the enhancement of feature representativeness, exhibited satisfactory performance, as evidenced by a consistent predictive accuracy of approximately 0.88. Additionally, the study revealed that variations in the labeled datasets could adversely affect the predictive models' performance. However, this effect could be alleviated by selecting merit-based predictive models constructed from diverse dataset compositions. A comparative analysis of the ML predictive models revealed that the RBF kernel SVM and RF models demonstrated exceptional performance, with an AUC of 0.972 and 0.968, respectively. As a result, an integrated prediction model was developed by overlaying the RBF kernel SVM and RF models, successfully identifying 98% of the mineralized boreholes in the top 15% of the study area. The spatial distribution of gravity and magnetic anomalies in the study area corresponded well with the prospecting areas identified by the machine learning predictive model, further validating the efficacy of ML methods in MP.

Discovery of Ge-bearing mineral in a Carboniferous coal from the Yuzhou Coalfield, southern part of the North China Basin

This work describes a Ge-bearing mineral in the Carboniferous medium-ash, high-sulfur and low-volatile bituminous coal of the Yuzhou Coalfield, southern part of the North China Basin. Germanium (Ge) in the investigated coals ranges from 10.4 to 57.6 μg/g, with an average of 32.8 μg/g. Average concentrations of Ge in coal samples are about 16 times higher than that of world hard coals (2.4 μg/g). Ge-bearing mineral was found in the coal sample. It occurs as a vein and is closely associated with copper zinc tin sulfide, and illite. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of this mineral in coal. The average chemical composition based on the electron microprobe analyses is (in wt. %): Al 23.42, Ge 32.92, O 35.24, F 7.82, total 99.39, corresponding to (Al1.97Ge0.03)2GeO4(F0.93, OH)1.93. Krieselite has the ideal chemical formula Al2GeO4(F, OH)2, and is most likely the Ge-bearing mineral found in the investigated coal sample. The appearance of Ge-bearing mineral indicates an origin later than peat deposition and also demonstrates that Ge mineralization could take place during coalification.

Improving the efficiency of ZnO/WS2/CZTS1 solar cells using CZTS2 as BSF layer by SCAPS-1D numerical simulation

With a high absorption coefficient and tunable bandgap CZTS (Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide) makes it suitable for photovoltaic applications. Present paper deals with the simulation and modeling of CZTS-based solar cells using tungsten disulfide (WS2) as the buffer layer and CZTS2 as the back surface field (BSF) layer to study the performance of the solar cell. Considering different physical and geometrical parameters such as thickness, acceptor density, interfacial defect density, and metal contact work functions the device calibration has been done. The temperature is varied from 300 K to 400 K to study the impact on device performance. The C-V and 1/C2 plot is presented to calculate the built-in voltage for the device. The series (Rs) and shunt (Rsh) resistance of 1 and 106 ohm.cm2 were kept throughout the simulation. The optimized thickness for the absorber, BSF, buffer, and window layers are 800 nm, 140 nm, 30 nm, and 90 nm respectively. The obtained results are validated using the experimental results available in the literature. Varying the values of different parameters, the optimal efficiency of 26% was reported in this work. Contrary to conventional solar cells, which contain expensive and toxic elements, WS2 may be a good option as a buffer layer in CZTS solar cells.

Comparison of the effects of sublethal concentrations of biofoulants, copper pyrithione and zinc pyrithione on a marine mysid - A multigenerational study

To determine the effect of copper pyrithione (CuPT) and zinc pyrithione (ZnPT), a set of acute (96 h–LC50) and chronic endpoints was studied in the marine mysid, Neomysis awatschensis. Based on the 1/10 NOECs and NOEC values calculated from 96 h–toxicity test, survival and growth, intermolt duration, feeding, and the number of newborn juveniles were measured by evaluating enzymatic activity of detoxification parameter glutathione S–transferase (GST) and cholinergic biomarker acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the marine mysid exposed to 96 h–NOECs of CuPT and ZnPT for four weeks across three generations. Dose–dependent decreases in survival rate monitored for four weeks were observed with age–specific sensitivity in response to the 96 h–NOECs of both antifoulants. Higher growth retardation was observed with an increase in intermolt duration and inhibition of the feeding rate in CuPT–exposed mysid compared to ZnPT–exposed mysid across generations. The numbers of newborn juveniles significantly decreased at the third generation by exposure to the 96 h–NOECs of both antifoulants. GST activity was significantly inhibited in response to 96 h–NOECs of both antifoulants, whereas AChE activity was only reduced by the 96 h–NOECs of CuPT at the third generation. These results indicate that CuPT has a higher toxicity than ZnPT and even sublethal levels of CuPT and ZnPT would have detrimental effects on the maintenance of the mysid population. Finally, consistent exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of CuPT and ZnPT can induce intergenerational toxicity in mysid.

The Study of the state of soil cover of the coastal zones of the Caspian Sea, subject to the influence of climatic and anthropogenic factors

This article is dedicated to research of climate impact change and human activity on ecosystems. It is expressed as metals which is called heavy pollution. It covers the coastal territory of northwestern regions of Apsheron. Pollution in the coastal regions of the Caspian Sea with toxic substances, is of great concern, periodic studies of these zones for the presence of heavy metals are necessary. For the first time, a comparative analysis of the content of heavy metals in the territories of the northwestern part of the Absheron was carried out and the hypothetical reasons for their accumulation were presented. The studied soils in the northwestern part of the peninsula were grouped the degree of the density of heavy metals. Zinc (78.62 mg/kg, at a depth of 0–20 sm) copper and cadmium (23.65 mg/kg and 0.92 mg/kg at a depth of 0–20 sm). The concentration of zinc and copper in the northwestern direction of Apsheron by 1.18 and 1.57 times, compared with the allowable norms for clarks. Under the impact of flooding of coastal zones by the waters of the Caspian Sea, the average content of heavy metals, Ni, Cd, Pb in flooded soils at a depth of 0-100 sm increased by 1.7 times.

Microwave-induced band gap attenuation of novel manganese zinc aluminum sulfide kesterite nanomaterials for optimal photovoltaics

Recently, kesterite (copper zinc tin sulfide, CZTS) have emerged as a promising alternative active layer to cadmium telluride and copper indium gallium selenide for low-cost thin films for solar cell applications due to its high absorption coefficient, direct band gap, natural abundance, and low toxicity. The photovoltaic power conversion efficiency achieved with CZTS is still very low when compared to silicon, thereby hindering its commercialization. Developing new materials with improved optical and photovoltaic properties is, therefore, encouraged. Here, we report for the first time the microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of novel manganese zinc aluminum sulfide using chlorides, sulfates, nitrates and a mixture of chlorides, nitrates, and sulfates in ratio 1:1:1 as cation precursor salts. The influence of microwave reaction temperatures from 100 to 190 °C for 5–60 min were investigated on the crystal structure, morphology, composition, optical, and electrochemical properties. It has been found out that the microwave reaction temperature and time have potential effect on the overall reaction. The optimum temperature and time were found to be 190 °C for 5 min and 150 °C for 20 min for our studies. The obtained powder samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet-visible, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Structural characterization using X-ray diffraction revealed that the samples synthesized with chlorides, nitrates, and mixtures of the precursor salts were all amorphous while samples synthesized with sulfate precursor salts have a kesterite crystal structure. Raman spectroscopy shows major intense peaks between 326 and 331 cm for all the nanomaterials which could be assigned to the Raman A mode of kesterite CZTS. The morphological features revealed spherical shapes with little agglomeration for all the synthesized materials except for that synthesized with sulfate precursor salts at 190 °C revealing a rod-like morphology with a width of 0.780–1.200 μm, a length of 1.90–2.5 μm and attached to the surface are agglomerated nanospheres. Small-angle X-ray spectroscopy revealed a core-shell shape for most of the nanomaterials with an average particle size between 10 and 100 nm. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that electron transfer is faster in the nanomaterials synthesized with the chloride precursor salts at both temperatures studied. The band gap falls within the range of 1.2–1.7 eV. The nanomaterials presented in this study possess the desirable properties for application in photoelectrochemical and solar cells.

Modification of Zinc–copper Catalysts for the Process Production of Methanol From Synthesis Gas

Variants of modification of a zinc–copper catalyst for the synthesis of methanol are considered. The main physicochemical characteristics of the modified catalysts have been studied. The effect of modification on catalyst operation in the process of methanol production from synthesis gas with the ratio H2 : CO = 2.1 was demonstrated.