Zinc Research Articles

M giants with IGRINS

Context. Neutron-capture elements represent an important nucleosynthetic channel in the study of the Galactic chemical evolution of stellar populations. For stellar populations behind significant extinction, such as those in the Galactic centre and along the Galactic plane, abundance analyses based on near-infrared (NIR) spectra are necessary. Previously, spectral lines from the neutron-capture elements, such as copper (Cu), cerium (Ce), neodymium (Nd), and ytterbium (Yb), have been identified in the H band, while yttrium (Y) lines have been identified in the K band. Aims. Due to the scarcity of spectral lines from neutron-capture elements in the NIR, the addition of useful spectral lines from other neutron-capture elements is highly desirable. The aim of this work is to identify and characterise a spectral line suitable for abundance determination from the most commonly used s-process element, namely barium. Methods. We observed the NIR spectra of 37 M giants in the solar neighbourhood at high spectral resolution and with a high signal-to-noise ratio using the IGRINS spectrometer on the GEMINI South telescope. The full H- and K-bands were recorded simultaneously at R = 45 000. Using a manual spectral synthesis method, we determined the fundamental stellar parameters for these stars and derived the barium abundance from the Ba line (6s5d 3D2 → 6s6p 3P2o) at λair = 23 253.56 Å in the K band. Results. We demonstrate that the Ba line in the K band at 2.33 μm (λ23 253.56) is useful for abundance analyses from the spectra of M giants. The line becomes progressively weaker at higher temperatures and is only useful in M giants and the coolest K giants at supersolar metallicities. Conclusions. We can now add Ba to the trends of the heavy elements Cu, Zn, Y, Ce, Nd, and Yb, which can be retrieved from high-resolution H- and K-band spectra. This opens up the study of nucleosynthetic channels, including the s-process and the r-process, in dust-obscured populations. Thus, these elements can be studied for heavily dust-obscured regions of the Galaxy, such as the Galactic centre.

Distribution and contamination of trace elements in surface sediments of the Yellow River Estuary and Laizhou Bay, China

Abstract This study analyzed trace elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg) in 42 surface sediment samples collected from the Yellow River Estuary and Laizhou Bay to characterize their spatial distributions and pollution statuses. Determination of trace elements was carried out by ICP-MS for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Cd, and by AFS for As and Hg. The results showed that the average concentrations for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg were 13.21 mg kg−1, 10 .61 mg kg−1, 21 .03 mg kg−1, 24 .41 mg kg−1, 0.14 mg kg−1, 6.47 mg kg−1, and 14.15 μg kg−1, respectively. All the trace elements were classified in the first-class sediment according to the Chinese national standard ‘Marine Sediment Quality’. The higher concentrations and pollution levels were found in the eastern Yellow River estuary which due to inputs from the Yellow River, and northeastern Laizhou Bay which could be attributed to the impacts of human activities at Longkou Port. This study has important scientific value for further understanding the source-sink effects of pollutants and regional environmental effects of heavy metals.

Toxic and essential elements in honeybee venom from Slovakia: Potential health risk to humans

Honeybee venom is one of the natural substances produced by bees (Apis mellifera). Their venom gland produces venom which plays a defensive role. In this study a concentration of macro and trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Sb, Se, Sr, Pb and Zn) in foragers′ and honeybees′ venom was analysed by axial inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) with good validation parameters to differentiate the element accumulation ability in honeybee venom. Cumulative ability for some elements (As, Al, Ba, Cr, Li, Mo, Pb, and Zn) in bee venom was clearly demonstrated. Oppositely, levels of macro elements (Ca, K, Mg and Na) in venom were several times lower compared to the levels detected in foragers. Moreover, PCA analysis of bee samples showed that Cr was associated with locality Košice, and Cd with locality Krompachy; both have rich industrial history. Since some of analysed elements are potentially toxic for humans, a risk assessment for bee-stung scenario was also calculated. A new way of exposure to potentially toxic elements via honeybee stung was showed in this study. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment for humans to selected toxic elements (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb) demonstrated acceptable risk and moreover the same we may conclude for potential carcinogenic risk for beekeepers exposed to As, Cd, Ni, and Pb via venom over their whole life.

Variations of the elemental composition distribution over the thickness of YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films obtained by pulsed laser deposition from one target

Epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7‒δ (YBCO) films 150-200 and 300 nm thick, respectively, were deposited on SrTiO3 (100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition at different conditions: with and without using the velocity filtration technique. The films have T(R=0) in the range of 77.4 - 87 R(T) depending on the conditions of deposition from one target with YBa2Cu3O6.8 composition. The films contain Zn, Sr, Pd, Ag and Ti impurity elements obtained from the target (a total of no more than 2 at. % ). Data of the film resistance temperature dependences, X-ray phase analysis, analysis of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectra and study of the surface relief by SEM methods revealed the nonuniform distributions of impurity and matrix Y, Ba, Cu elements over the film depth. Impurity concentrations near the surface lead to the formation of faceted spiral pyramids on the surface, which probably evolve into large elongated particles according to the Ostwald mechanism. This knowledge is practically important for optimizing pulsed laser deposition technologies and creating 2D instruments and devices for studying physical phenomena.

Photonic device application of a self-driven MXene based nanocomposite

MXene based ternary composite photonic device was fabricated and characterized for the detection of different illuminations. The single chain polymer-cobalt phthallocyanine (SCP-CoPc) carrying metallised pthalocyanine macro ring was used as a polymer for the preparation of ternary composite. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) were used to differentiate MXene/ZnO/SCP-CoPc composite prepared. The presence of Ti, C, O, Zn and Co elements in the structure of the composite was confirmed by EDX. The electrical properties of planar interdigital coated MXene/ZnO/SCP-CoPc (1:1:1 by wt) were investigated for photovoltaic application. The photo-generated carriers contribute to the current flow, and the linear photoconductivity behaviour in current measurements with different illuminations such as 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100mW/cm2 indicates the possible photo device use of MXene/ZnO/SCP-CoPc nanocomposite. The photocurrent increased from 20mA/cm2 to 100mA/cm2 with the light intensity at 0.5V was tuned from 28 to 280 μA. The forbidden energy gap (Eg) value of the MXene/ZnO/SCP-CoPc ternary composite from optical measurements was was found to be 2.36eV. Experimental results showed that the presence of SCP-CoPc and ZnO (zinc oxide) in the ternary nanocomposite increased the ε' and ε" values of MXene. The ε′ and ε″ of the ternary composite is 13.0, 26217 at 1kHz and room temperature, respectively. The current-time results suggest that MXene based ternary composite photonic device is a self driven photodevice as the the device can detect light without any external voltage bias.

Effect of annealing on the MnO2 cathodes for high-performance aqueous Zn-ion batteries

Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are increasingly prominent due to their cost-effectiveness, abundance, environmental safety, mature processing methods, high volumetric energy density, and compatibility with aqueous electrolytes. However, a significant challenge lies in finding a suitable cathode material with high capacity and structural stability. Manganese dioxide (MnO2) is a promising candidate for ZIB cathodes in aqueous systems, surpassing other metal oxides in potential. However, MnO2 cathodes encounter challenges, including rapid capacity degradation and limited cyclic stability. Enhancing the structural stability of host materials during intercalation presents a significant avenue for increasing cathode capacity. In this study, we employed a hydrothermal method to synthesize MnO2, followed by annealing in an argon atmosphere at 300 °C for 4 h for MnO2-300 and 400 °C for 2 h for MnO2-400 to bolster its structural integrity. The properties of annealed samples MnO2-300 and MnO2-400 are compared with pristine samples (MnO2-P). Initially, XRD analysis is conducted to compare their structures, followed by a comparison of electrochemical properties, including Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and charge-discharge analysis. MnO2-400 exhibits a higher initial capacity (149.3 mAhg−1 at 0.1 Ag-1) than MnO2-300 (129.0 mAhg−1 at 0.1 Ag-1) and MnO2-P (107.9 mAhg−1 at 0.1 Ag-1). An extended cycling test of up to 500 cycles also indicates that annealing MnO2 in an Ar atmosphere enhances structural stability and capacity compared to the unannealed sample.

Sol-Gel Spin Coating Synthesis and Characterization of Cadmium Zinc Phosphate Thin Films: Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties

This study successfully implemented the sol-gel and spin coating technique to grow cadmium zinc phosphate cadmium zinc phosphate (CZP) thin films on a glass substrate and p-Si wafer. Structural and morphological analyses were conducted via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the films’ linear and nonlinear optical properties, encompassing absorbance performance, energy gap, refractive index, dielectric, conductivity, and electronegativity, were systematically studied through UV–vis spectroscopy. XRD analysis uncovers the zinc ions substitution by cadmium ions in zinc phosphate’s unit cell, generating oxygen vacancies crucial for maintaining charge neutrality. SEM images then showcase the intricate and organized nano CZP framework. Shifting to optical studies, CZP film analysis spanning 190–2500 nm reveals an indirect energy band gap of 2.92 eV. Transitioning to electrical characteristics, the CZP/p-Si junction undergoes dark mode I-V-T analysis, elucidating the ideality factor, series resistance, and barrier height.

Solvent self-doping synthesis of nitrogen/oxygen co-doped porous carbon from cellulose as high performance material for multipurpose energy storage

Developing novel heteroatoms co-doped biomass porous carbon with low-cost, tunable physical/chemical properties, and environmental friendliness is an important candidate to face energy shortage and environmental pollution currently. Herein, a novel solvothermal avenue was designed using triethanolamine as self-doping solvent to treat rice straw powders with KOH. The rice straw with triethanolamine derived carbon (RSTCs-1) possessed hierarchical porous structure, N/O diatomic doping, and large specific surface area. The electrochemical energy storage performance of RSTCs-1 was evaluated in the systems of supercapacitors, aqueous zinc ion hybrid supercapacitors (AZHSs), and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) respectively. As the results, the RSTCs-1 based symmetric supercapacitor exhibited the maximum energy density of ca. 98.4 Wh·kg−1 with the excellent cycling stability. Moreover, both RSTCs-1 AZHSs and RSTCs-1 LIBs achieved the relative high discharge specific capacities of ca. 407.1 and 1906.7 mAh·g−1 at current density of 0.1 A·g−1. These results highlighted the huge potential of the obtained with notable electrochemical performance acting as multifunctional electrode material for the different energy storage devices.

Interpret the potential role of zinc against oxidative stress in inflammation with a practical fluorescent assay

Zinc plays a critical role in inflammation and apoptosis, potentially offering new insights into health and disease beyond its established involvement in various biological processes. A fluorescent probe, SPI, has been designed and synthesized for the real-time detection of dynamic changes of zinc ions (Zn2+) in the potential resistance to oxidative stress, showing fluorescence enhancement at approximately 639 nm with a limit of detection of around 65 pM, which allowed it to identify even low concentrations of Zn2+ with intrinsic excellent biocompatibility. By establishing a cellular inflammation and apoptosis model using HT-DNA, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and dexamethasone (DXMS), the study effectively simulates conditions that can alter Zn2+ dynamics. Monitoring the fluorescence changes of SPI in response to these conditions allows researchers to observe how Zn2+ levels fluctuate in real-time, providing a clearer picture of its role in maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis. The findings indicate that SPI can be instrumental in elucidating the detailed molecular mechanisms through which Zn2+ influences immune responses and associates with cellular stress pathways. Overall, the development of SPI not only replenishes a potential assay into the toolbox to study Zn2+ in living cells but also opens new avenues for the further investigations into the therapeutic potential of modulating zinc levels in various pathological conditions.

Vertically stacked heterostructure in MoS2/rGO to accelerate ion diffusion kinetics for aqueous zinc ion batteries

The two-dimensional (2D) layered MoS2 is highly desirable as a host cathode material for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) due to the typical lamellar structure bonded with weak van der Waals interlayer forces. Nevertheless, sluggish kinetics of Zn2+ diffusion in MoS2 usually leads to inferior Zn2+ storage capability. Herein, a vertically stacked heterostructure of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and 1 T-2H phase mixed MoS2 (1 T-2H MoS2/rGO) is successfully realized through a bottom-up assembly method. The presence of graphene in the interlayer of MoS2 not only increases the interlayer spacing but also induces the phase transition of MoS2. The flower-like nanocomposite is featured with expanded interlayer spacing of 9.6 Å, abundant 1 T phase, and good hydrophilicity, which facilitate Zn2+ diffusion, charges transfer and electrolyte infiltration. Consequently, the 1 T-2H MoS2/rGO based AZIB achieves exceptional electrochemical performance: admirable specific capacity of 294.6 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, good rate capability (130.9 mAh g−1 at 4 A g−1), and excellent long-term stability (96.8 % capacity retention after 1600 cycles at 3 A g−1). Experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculation results reveal that the vertical-stacked structure of MoS2/rGO accelerates Zn2+ diffusion kinetics and charges transfer by reducing the ions migrate energy barrier and band gap. The multiple ex situ characterizations demonstrate that the Zn2+ insertion/extraction process is accompanied by highly reversible phase transition between 2H and 1 T MoS2. This bottom-up assembly strategy can be extended to design more 2D materials with vertically stacked heterostructure as cathodes for high-performance AZIBs.

Achieving dendrite-free zinc deposition by large-size anion-reinforced solvated structures for highly reversible zinc anode

The electrochemical instability of zinc anode caused by surface side reactions and irregular zinc deposition severely hinders the practical application of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). In this work, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, pentasodium salt (DTPA) was used as a novel electrolyte additive to modulate the electrochemical stability of Zn anode. The DTPA anion can strongly coordinate with Zn2+, thus enabling the formation of a unique large-size anion-enhanced solvation structure of electrolyte. In this, not only the generation of by-products on Zn anode can be effectively inhibited, but more importantly, the deposition kinetics of Zn2+ can be well regulated to induce even and stable zinc deposition. In addition, DTPA is more prone to chemically adsorbed on the surface of Zn anode than H2O, contributing to the resistance of electrochemical corrosion. Synergistically, the Zn anode demonstrates excellent cycling stability (3850 h at 1 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2, and 500 h at 10 mA cm−2, 10 mAh cm−2), enhanced coulombic efficiency (99.83% upon 3500 cycles at 5 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2), and high reversibility of 1050 h even at a stringent discharge depth of 80%. Particularly, the full cell assembled with NaV3O8·1·5H2O (NaVO) cathode can also operate stably for 1800 cycles at 2 A g−1 with a high capacity retain of 90.8%. This work may pave a new route to achieve high-performance AZIBs by regulating the deposition process of Zn2+ based on large-size anion-enhanced solvation structure of electrolyte.

Long-Term Exposure of Fresh and Aged Nano Zinc Oxide Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Malignancy by Up-Regulating Claudin-2.

Tumor development and progression is a long and complex process influenced by a combination of intrinsic (eg, gene mutation) and extrinsic (eg, environmental pollution) factors. As a detoxification organ, the liver plays an important role in human exposure and response to various environmental pollutants including nanomaterials (NMs). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and remains a serious threat to human health. Whether NMs promote liver cancer progression remains elusive and assessing long-term exposure to subtoxic doses of nanoparticles (NPs) remains a challenge. In this study, we focused on the promotional effects of nano zinc oxide (nZnO) on the malignant progression of human HCC cells HepG2, especially aged nZnO that has undergone physicochemical transformation. In in vitro experiments, we performed colony forming efficiency, soft agar colony formation, and cell migration/invasion assays on HepG2 cells that had been exposed to a low dose of nZnO (1.5μg/mL) for 3 or 4 months. In in vivo experiments, we subcutaneously inoculated HepG2 cells that had undergone long-term exposure to nZnO for 4 months into BALB/c athymic nude mice and observed tumor formation. ZnCl2 was administered to determine the role of zinc ions. Chronic low-dose exposure to nZnO significantly intensified the malignant progression of HCC cells, whereas aged nZnO may exacerbate the severity of malignant progression. Furthermore, through transcriptome sequencing analysis and in vitro cellular rescue experiments, we demonstrated that the mechanism of nZnO-induced malignant progression of HCC could be linked to the activation of Claudin-2 (CLDN2), one of the components of cellular tight junctions, and the dysregulation of its downstream signaling pathways. Long-term exposure of fresh and aged nZnO promotes hepatocellular carcinoma malignancy by up-regulating CLDN2. The implications of this work can be profound for cancer patients, as the use of various nanoproducts and unintentional exposure to environmentally transformed NMs may unknowingly hasten the progression of their cancers.

Zwitterion Intercalated Manganese Dioxide Nanosheets as High-Performance Cathode Materials for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries.

In this study, a novel approach is introduced to address the challenges associated with structural instability and sluggish reaction kinetics of δ-MnO2 in aqueous zinc ion batteries. By leveraging zwitterionic betaine (Bet) for intercalation, a departure from traditional cation intercalation methods, Bet-intercalated MnO2 (MnO2-Bet) is synthesized. The positively charged quaternary ammonium groups in Bet form strong electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged oxygen atoms in the δ-MnO2 layers, enhancing structural stability and preventing layer collapse. Concurrently, the negatively charged carboxylate groups in Bet facilitate the rapid diffusion of H+/Zn2+ ions through their interactions, thus improving reaction kinetics. The resulting MnO2-Bet cathode demonstrates high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, fast reaction kinetics, and extended cycle life. This dual-function intercalation strategy significantly optimizes the electrochemical performance of δ-MnO2, establishing it as a promising cathode material for advanced aqueous zinc ion batteries.

Interfacial space confinement engineering toward ultrastable all-climate aqueous zinc ion batteries

The interfacial instability, particularly uncontrollable Zn nucleation and deposition, significantly impeding the commercialization of aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs). Herein, we propose an interfacial space confinement strategy to enable the dendrite-free anode, specifically through constructing a zincophilic buffer layer based on hollow Sn@C. The porous Sn@C contributes to modify the electrical double layer structure, which greatly alleviates the concentration polarization during high-rate plating. In-situ experimental results demonstrate the inhibited H2O-mediated parasitic side reactions and the absence of dendrite deposition morphology. Based on the improved thermodynamics and kinetics, zincophilic buffer layers can deliver low nucleation overpotential (20 mV), ultrastable cycle life (> 5000 h), and excellent zinc utilization rate (62.4%). Importantly, the full batteries with zincophilic buffer layer exhibit excellent electrochemical stability over -40 to 70 °C, pushing forward the construction of advanced all-climate ZIBs.

Comparison of gas-sensitive properties of Pb, Pd and Pt metal-doped Ti3C2X2 for aqueous zinc ion battery H2 gas

This work aims to provide early warning of uncontrolled reactions in aqueous zinc-ion batteries by timely and effectively detecting H2 gas. The large specific surface area and rich pore structure of Ti3C2X2 (X = F, O, and OH) make it a good gas-sensitive sensing material, and the gas-sensitive properties of the material can be improved by metal doping. Therefore, in this paper, the gas-sensitive response properties of Pb, Pd and Pt metal-doped Ti3C2X2 (M-Ti3C2X2) to H2 are compared based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The adsorption mechanism was analyzed by structure optimization, density of states, frontier molecular orbital theory and differential charge density, and the results were in high agreement. Doping of three metals, Pb, Pd and Pt, improved the adsorption capacity of Ti3C2X2 for H2 gas to different degrees. The simulation results show that the energy gap of Pb-Ti3C2(OH)2 adsorbed gas changes most obviously, and the maximum change value of energy gap (Eg) is 297.56 %. And Pt-Ti3C2F2 and Pt-Ti3C2O2 adsorbed H2 with large adsorption energies and large charge transfers indicating that they can be used as H2 removers. The energy gaps after the adsorption of H2 by M-Ti3C2O2 are 0.109 eV, 0.163 eV, and 0.082 eV, and the change of Eg is 24.77 %, 16.56 %, and 67.07 %, respectively. The change of Eg for the adsorption of H2 by Pt-Ti3C2O2 adsorbed H2 with a resistivity change of 67.07 %. This is caused by the irreversibility of adsorption due to too strong adsorption resulting in elongation of Pt-O bond length after adsorption. For the detection of H2, the properties of several doped materials were ranked as follows: Pb-Ti3C2(OH)2 > Pt-Ti3C2O2 > Pb-Ti3C2F2 > Pb-Ti3C2O2 > Pd-Ti3C2O2 > Pd-Ti3C2(OH)2 > Pt-Ti3C2F2 > Pt-Ti3C2(OH)2 > Pd-Ti3C2F2. In summary, it is shown that Ti3C2X2 doped with Pb, Pd and Pt metals is a potential H2 gas-sensitive material that can be a new material for online monitoring of fault gas content in aqueous zinc-metal energy storage batteries.

Development of biofortified rice for reduce stunting rates in South Sumatra Province

Lack of the element Zn in the body was one of the serious problems of malnutrition in Indonesia because it reduces endurance, productivity and quality of human life, and was one of the factors causing stunting. Stunting is worrying because it can cause problems with a child's growth and development, which is characterized by the child's height being below standard. One of the factors causing stunting is reduced consumption of zinc (Zn), especially in pregnant women and children. Deficiency of the element Zn in the body can be corrected by consuming foods that contain Fe and Zn. This writing aims to inform and convey the idea that one of the efforts that can be made to reduce stunting rates is through the development of Biofortified rice which will produce nutritious rice. To evaluate the impact of rice development, an evaluation was carried out on rice production and its effect on reducing stunting in several districts in South Sumatra. The method used was interviews, recapitulation of primary and secondary data. Biofortified rice cultivation efforts had been carried out in South Sumatra since 2021 in South OKU (1000 ha), in 2022 in Lahat (1000 ha), and in 2023 in eight districts (8000 ha). In general, Biofortified rice production in South OKU Regency (5.28 tons dry Grain/ha) and Lahat Regency (5.08 tons Harvested Dry Grain/ha). Based on the 2021 Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (INSS) saw a decrease in the average prevalence of stunting in South Sumatra in 2022 to 18.6%, which decreased from 24.8% in 2021, including in Biofortified rice development districts. Based on the fact that the development of Biofortified rice can be an effort to reduce stunting, The Regional Government was increasingly expanding rice cultivation in almost all districts/cities.

Realization of grain growth and suppressed bulk defects for efficient solution-processed Cu2ZnSn (S, Se)4 solar cells via co-doping strategy

Environmentally benign and earth-abundant constituent’s kieserite Cu2ZnSn (S, Se)4 (Cotises) is considered as a hopeful photovoltaic material. Unfortunately, the severe tail state caused by various harmful deep defects in CZTSSe absorber prevents further development of its device efficiency. Here, we report firstly that the Co was incorporated into CZTSSe films to form the Cu2CoxZn1-xSn (S, Se)4 (CCZTSSe) films using a two-step annealing and solution-processing technique method. Through optimized the Co/(Co+Zn) ratio, the CCZTSSe film has excellent good surface morphology and single-phase composition. Appropriate amount of Co elements replacing Zn elements in CZTSSe films can effectively reduce the degree of Cu-Zn disorder, thus inhibiting [2CuZn+SnZn] defect clusters and CuZn defects. The detrimental deep defects located in the film were effectively passivated to reduce electrostatic potential fluctuations, resulting in relief of the trailing state. Therefore, a champion device having an efficiency of 7.50 % with a fill factor (FF) of 61.00 % was achieved from CCZTSSe with 3 % Co content. This work provides new insights into the impacts of Co doping in CZTSSe by a solution processed method and offers a deeper comprehension of the origin of the efficiency enhancement of CCZTSSe devices.

Bimetallic ions pre-intercalated hydrated vanadium oxides for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries

A new generation of rechargeable batteries known as Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries (AZIB) offers benefits including affordability, eco-friendliness, dependability, and safety. Hydrated vanadium oxides (V2O5·nH2O) show potential as cathodes for AZIB due to their layered structure and multivalent properties. However, the zinc storage performance is limited by the structural instability and slow zinc ion mobility. In this work, TiK-VOH (the bimetallic ions system of Ti4+ and K+ co-pre-intercalated in V2O5·nH2O) with lamellar fish scale-like structure is synthesized using a simple sol-gel method. The high positive charge density of the tetravalent Ti4+ is more beneficial to attract the electrons in the V-O layer and regulate the layer spacing (12.1 Å), which not only improves the diffusion kinetics of zinc ions, but also acts as a pillar to stabilize the layer structure. K+ mainly plays the role of improving electrical conductivity, and then accelerates the charge transfer in the electrode reaction process. Auxiliary density functional theory simulation further confirms that the diffusion energy barrier and Fermi level are optimized by pre-intercalating bimetallic ions. Based on the synergistic effect of Ti4+ and K+, the TiK-VOH material shows excellent zinc storage performance, the highest specific capacity of TiK-VOH reaches 393.4 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1, even at 10 A g−1 (increased by 20 times), it still maintains a discharge specific capacity of 202 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention rate of 94 % after 2000 cycles, the overall performance is much better than the Ti-VOH and K-VOH. This work offers an alternative perspective for the modification of vanadium-based cathode of AZIBs.

Study of the structural and optical properties of pure copper oxide and doped with zinc at fixed weight percentages

Through this research, the effect of doping with zinc ions on the structural and optical properties of copper oxide particles doped with zinc at certain weight percentages was study using Radiofrequency plasma deposition technology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and field emission scanning electron microscopy were used to ascertain the materials' characteristics. Ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy of pure and doped thin films was also perform to calculate the band gap and electrical conductivity It was discovered using the XRD readings that the pure copper particles saturated with zinc had a crystalline size. It changes as Zn concentration rises and is influenced by the CuO lattice's strain and dislocation density. The thin film samples have structures resembling irregular and cubic grains, as demonstrated by the FE-SEM pictures. After doping with Zn, their homogeneity increases and adopts a regular granular nature. The band gap was also calculated for pure CuO particles as well as those doped with certain percentages of Zn. It was note that the addition of Zn worked to reduce Band gap for CuO

Synergistic Gradient Anodes for Long-Term Stability in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

The stability of aqueous zinc metal anodes is still constrained by their severe dendrite growth. Optimizing electric field distribution and crystallography to modulate the diffusion and deposition behavior of zinc ions can effectively suppress dendrite growth. However, the fabrication strategy to directly endow specific textured zinc anodes with gradient electric field distribution is still lacking. Herein, a strategy combining crystal reconstruction of commercial zinc foil with graphene oxide (GO) protective layer is proposed to construct an in situ gradient electric field-enhanced strong (002) textured GO@ZnO/Zn(002) anode. Based on the experimental and theoretical results, the GO protective layer can regulate a wide-range homogeneous Zn2+ ions flow, while the dense and uniform ZnO/Zn(002) nanoneedles /nanoparticles can enhance localized polarized electric field to accelerate rapid localized transfer of Zn2+ ions and guide them toward directional deposition along (002) plane. Therefore, the hierarchical GO@ZnO/Zn(002) anode enables the symmetric cell to operate continuously and stably for 5700 and 4200h at 2 and 4mA cm-2, respectively, which is comparable to or better than most high-end Zn anodes. This work presents new insights into the zinc foil reconstruction and gradient electric field fabrication strategy, offering a scalable approach for the development of long-term stable metal anodes.