Zinc Metal Research Articles

Electric Field Regulator Constructed by Magnetron Sputtering for Dendrite‐Free and Stable Zinc Metal Anode

AbstractRechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered to be one of the most promising devices in the next generation of energy storage systems. However, the uncontrolled growth of Zn dendrites during electroplating leads to rapid battery failure, which hinders the wide application of AZIBs. In this work, an Fe metal interface (FMI) with electric field regulation is designed on the Zn metal anode using a magnetron sputtering technology. The FMI layer with nanosheet array not only uniforms the surface electric field, but also adjusts the surface Zn2+ ion distribution to inhibit 2D diffusion. The strong orientation relationships of the FMI layer enhance the reversibility of Zn plating/stripping, improving the structural stability of the interface layer. Consequently, FMI@Zn symmetric cell exhibits ultra‐stable lifespan for over 6000 h (Cumulative plated capacity, CPC = 15 Ah cm−2) with a low voltage hysteresis of 46.4 mV and high Coulombic efficiency of 99.8% at 5 mA cm−2. Even at the large current density of 40 mA cm−2, the CPC reaches 19.7 Ah cm−2. The proposed electric field regulation strategy reveals a promising prospect for designing highly stable Zn anode, which also applies to other metal anodes in energy storage systems.

Enhancing photocatalytic activity via formation of heterojunctions introduced through postmetalation of metal organic frameworks with silver ions

The postmetalation of silver in zinc and manganese-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represents a versatile and efficient approach for enhancing the degradation of methylene blue (MB) pollutant in aqueous environment. In the present study, zinc, manganese, and their bimetallic MOFs are synthesized using the solvothermal method. Subsequently, silver ions are incorporated into the synthesized MOFs. A suite of characterization techniques is employed to analyze the resulting material. Among the three silver loaded MOFs, Ag-mixed bimetallic MOF (Ag-BM) exhibits the least band gap of 2.28 eV, possessing a greater propensity for light absorption. The particle size of Ag-BM lies in the nanometer range, and it possesses the largest surface area. X-ray diffraction depicts the successful integration of Ag into MOF structure. The synthesized samples are used for degrading MB. Ag-BM outperforms the other MOFs in decomposing MB, with a degradation percentage of 91.8% in 120 min. The degradation process follows the first-order kinetics depicting that the rate of degradation positively correlates with the dye concentration remaining in the solution. Employing a reactive species quenching experiment with scavengers, hydroxyl radicals were identified as the principal active species responsible for MB degradation by Ag-BM.

Single Exposed Zn (0002) Plane and Sustainable Zn‐Oriented Growth Achieving Highly Reversible Zinc Metal Batteries

To prevent dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reaction, directional epitaxial growth of Zn2+ ions on Zn anode, especially along the lowest‐surface‐energy Zn (0002) plane, is pursued for highly reversible zinc metal batteries (ZMBs). However, designing single Zn (0002) exposed anodes for sustained uniaxial crystalline orientation of Zn electroplating faces challenges. Herein, we propose an anode engineering that utilizes a low lattice mismatch substrate and ordered Zn2+ migration channels to modify Zn anodes with single (0002) surface exposure and sustainable Zn‐oriented growth, yielding highly reversible ZMBs. A vapor‐deposited metal‐organic framework Cu3(C6O6)2 film on brass foil shows low lattice mismatch (4.24%) with electrodeposited Zn anodes, enabling the exposure of a single (0002) plane. Furthermore, the low desolvation energy (−1.36 eV) between solvated Zn2+ ions and the ordered porous Cu3(C6O6)2 film guides sustainable Zn‐oriented nucleation along the Zn (0002) surface. Consequently, the Zn||Zn cells with brass‐Cu3(C6O6)2 substrate shows a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.55% after 4,000 cycles at 10 mA cm−2. This work provides a new window to design highly reversible Zn metal anode with a single‐exposed Zn (0002) plane and sustainable oriented growth for emerging ZMBs.

Single Exposed Zn (0002) Plane and Sustainable Zn‐Oriented Growth Achieving Highly Reversible Zinc Metal Batteries

To prevent dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reaction, directional epitaxial growth of Zn2+ ions on Zn anode, especially along the lowest‐surface‐energy Zn (0002) plane, is pursued for highly reversible zinc metal batteries (ZMBs). However, designing single Zn (0002) exposed anodes for sustained uniaxial crystalline orientation of Zn electroplating faces challenges. Herein, we propose an anode engineering that utilizes a low lattice mismatch substrate and ordered Zn2+ migration channels to modify Zn anodes with single (0002) surface exposure and sustainable Zn‐oriented growth, yielding highly reversible ZMBs. A vapor‐deposited metal‐organic framework Cu3(C6O6)2 film on brass foil shows low lattice mismatch (4.24%) with electrodeposited Zn anodes, enabling the exposure of a single (0002) plane. Furthermore, the low desolvation energy (−1.36 eV) between solvated Zn2+ ions and the ordered porous Cu3(C6O6)2 film guides sustainable Zn‐oriented nucleation along the Zn (0002) surface. Consequently, the Zn||Zn cells with brass‐Cu3(C6O6)2 substrate shows a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.55% after 4,000 cycles at 10 mA cm−2. This work provides a new window to design highly reversible Zn metal anode with a single‐exposed Zn (0002) plane and sustainable oriented growth for emerging ZMBs.

Urinary Metal Levels and Coronary Artery Calcification: Longitudinal Evidence in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BackgroundExposure to metals, a newly recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), could be related to atherosclerosis progression. ObjectivesThe authors hypothesized that higher urinary levels of nonessential (cadmium, tungsten, uranium) and essential (cobalt, copper, zinc) metals previously associated with CVD would be associated with baseline and rate of change of coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression, a subclinical marker of CVD in MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). MethodsWe analyzed data from 6,418 MESA participants with spot urinary metal levels at baseline (2000-2002) and 1 to 4 repeated, continuous measures of CAC over a 10-year period. We used linear mixed-effect models to assess the association of baseline urinary metal levels with baseline CAC and cumulative change in CAC over a 10-year period. Urinary metals (μg/g creatinine) and CAC were log transformed. Models were adjusted for baseline sociodemographic factors, estimated glomerular filtration rate, lifestyle factors, and clinical factors. ResultsAt baseline, the median CAC was 6.3 (Q1-Q3: 0.7-58.2). Comparing the highest to lowest quartile of urinary cadmium, CAC levels were 51% (95% CI: 32%, 74%) higher at baseline and 75% (95% CI: 47%, 107%) higher over the 10-year period. For urinary tungsten, uranium, and cobalt, the corresponding CAC levels over the 10-year period were 45% (95% CI: 23%, 71%), 39% (95% CI: 17%, 64%), and 47% (95% CI: 25%, 74%) higher, respectively, with no difference for models with and without adjustment for clinical factors. For copper and zinc, the corresponding estimates dropped from 55% to 33% and from 85% to 57%, respectively, after adjustment for clinical factors. The associations of metals with CAC were comparable in magnitude to those for classical CVD risk factors. ConclusionsExposure to metals was generally associated with extent of coronary calcification at baseline and follow-up. These findings support that metals are associated with the progression of atherosclerosis, potentially providing a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis progression.

Trophic stoichiometry of macroelements and metals in a terrestrial food web

In order to understand the transfer of macroelements and toxic metals in the terrestrial food web, barn swallows, terrestrial frogs, and insects were collected from farmlands in the Leizhou Peninsula, and analyzed for macroelements carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) and trace metals nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). The multi-element ecological stoichiometry was discussed to trace the food web flow of nutrients and toxicants. The percentage contents of C, N, P, and S were 35.43–59.91%, 6.89–12.11%, 0.49–4.66%, and 0.44–2.19%, respectively. The concentrations of Ni, Zn, Se, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Hg were 0.163–116 mg/kg, 38.7–227 mg/kg, 0.0453–3.82 mg/kg, 3.11–141 mg/kg, not detected—79.6 mg/kg, 0.0203–0.358 mg/kg, 0.148–4.57 mg/kg, and 0.00159–1.46 mg/kg, respectively. Organisms at high trophic levels had higher contents of N, P, and S, and lower contents of C. Significant correlations were observed between δ15N and ratios of C: N, C: P, C: S, N: P, N: S, and S: P, indicating selective transfer of biogenic elements for predators in the terrestrial food web. Most metals including Ni, Zn, Se, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Hg had biomagnification factors and trophic magnification factors higher than 1, because the whole body of organisms rather than tissues were used. The negative correlations between the detoxification ratios of Se: X (each toxic metal) and metal concentrations suggest potential adverse effect of metals on terrestrial organisms.

Steric hindrance and orientation polarization by a zwitterionic additive to stabilize zinc metal anodes

AbstractZinc metal stands out as a promising anode material due to its exceptional theoretical capacity, impressive energy density, and low redox potential. However, challenges such as zinc dendrite growth, anode corrosion, and side reactions in aqueous electrolytes significantly impede the practical application of zinc metal anodes. Herein, 3‐(1‐pyridinio)‐1‐propanesulfonate (PPS) is introduced as a zwitterionic additive to achieve long‐term and highly reversible Zn plating/stripping. Due to the orientation polarization with the force of electric field, PPS additive with π–π conjugated pyridinio cations and strong coordination ability of sulfonate anion tends to generate a dynamic adsorption layer and build a unique water–poor interface. PPS with steric hindrance effect and strong coordination ability can attract solvated Zn2+, thereby promoting the desolvation process. Moreover, by providing a large number of nucleation sites and inducing zinc ion flow, the preferred orientation of the (002) crystal plane can be achieved. Therefore, the interfacial electrochemical reduction kinetics is regulated and uniform zinc deposition is ensured. Owing to these advantages, the Zn//Zn symmetrical cell with PPS additive exhibits remarkable cycling stability exceeding 2340 h (1 mA cm−2 and 1 mA h cm−2). The Zn//V2O5 full cell also delivers stable cycling for up to 6000 cycles.

Investigation of radioactivity and heavy metal levels in soil samples from neutral and vegetation land of Punjab, India.

In this work, radioactivity investigations of soil samples from neutral and agricultural sites in Punjab (India) have been carried out to study the impact of land use patterns. Analyzing soil samples radiological, mineralogical, and physicochemical attributes has employed state-of-the-art techniques. The mean activity concentration of 238U/226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 235U, and 137Cs, measured using a carbon fiber endcap p-type HPGe detector, in neutral land was observed as 58.03, 83.95, 445.18, 2.83, and 1.16Bqkg-1, respectively. However, in vegetation land, it was found to be 40.07, 64.68, 596.74, 2.26, and 1.90Bqkg-1, respectively. In the detailed activity analysis, radium equivalent (Raeq) radioactivity is in the safe prescribed limit of 370Bqkg-1 for all investigated soil samples. However, the dosimetric investigations revealed that the outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate (96.08 nGy h-1) and consequent annual effective dose rate (0.12mSv y-1) for neutral land and the gamma dose rate (82.46 nGy h-1) and subsequent annual effective dose rate (0.10mSv y-1) for vegetation land marginally exceeded the global average. The soil's physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, and porosity) from both sites were measured, and their correlations with radionuclides were analyzed. Various heavy metals of health concern, namely, chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn), were also evaluated in soil samples using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Ecological Risk Index (RI) revealed that vegetation land was more anthropogenically contaminated than neutral land, with maximum contamination from Hg and As.

Using the Plasma Jet Method to Create Zinc Nanoparticles and Study Their Structural and Optical Properties as an NH3 Gas Sensor

In this work, zinc nanoparticles were prepared using the low-temperature plasma method at different times 3 min, 5 min, 7 min, 9 min, where the initial reactions of zinc lead to the formation of nanoparticles. The metal interacts with the ionized plasma under different conditions and may turn into an oxide such as exposing the sample to air and raising the temperature of the solution a few degrees as a result of high voltage and within a certain range. The atmospheric pressure plasma system acts as the cathode, while the zinc metal strip acts as the anode. A series of techniques were used, including the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The X-ray diffraction results showed that the samples have polycrystalline structures with hexagonal and cubic structures with a time difference, and the X-ray diffraction results showed the conversion of zinc particles into zinc oxides. FESEM images reveal particle size and shape. The ZnO nanoparticles prepared by the mentioned method seem to form different nanoshapes such as starfish and mushroom nanoparticles. The UV-visible results showed that the samples had an energy gap of about 3.4 eV at a time of 3 min, and this value decreases with increasing reaction time. The appearance of zinc oxides increases gradually with the passage of time. These results provide credibility for the fabrication of ZnO nanostructures for use in future gas sensing applications, despite the inhomogeneity of particle size among ZnO particles, the sensor was also fabricated to detect nitrogen gas (NH3) with different concentrations (17.25 ppm, 46.38 ppm, 78.58 ppm). at room temperature. The ZnO sample showed the highest sensitivity (88.1%) at 7 min. The sensitivity showed different results and increased with reaction time and gas concentration. However, response and recovery time are moderate and decrease as reaction time increases.

Cobalt-doped copper sulfide nanocomposite integrated with graphene oxide as a high-performance conversion anode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) encounter substantial obstacles arising from the inherent dilemmas of dendrite growth, hydrogen gas evolution, and corrosion affiliated with zinc metal anodes, thereby highlighting the necessity for researching conversion anode materials as a promising pathway forward. Copper sulfide (CuS) has been demonstrated as a promising conversion anode material for ZIBs due to its notable electrochemical performance, while challenges persist regarding the Coulombic interactions between Zn2+ and host anions, coupled with the material’s fundamental conductivity that remains less than fully satisfactory. To address the above issues, we have designed and synthesized a nanostructured composite of cobalt doped CuS integrated in graphene oxide frames (GO/Co-CuS) as anode for ZIBs. The cobalt doping serves to alleviate Coulomb interaction (Coulomb attraction) between Zn2+ and host anions, thereby enhancing the kinetics of Zn2+ diffusion. Furthermore, the incorporation of GO framework improves the electrical conductivity of the material and mitigates volume expansion during the reaction process. The synergistic effect engendered by the combination of cobalt doping and the incorporation of a GO framework results in the remarkable electrochemical performance exhibited by GO/Co-CuS. The GO/Co-CuS composite nanostructure exhibited commendable rate capability and cycling stability. Specifically, it exhibits remarkable rate capability, delivering 296 mAh g−1 at 1 A/g and 168 mAh g−1 at 10 A/g. Furthermore, after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 10 A/g, it maintains a capacity of 166 mAh g−1, demonstrating exceptional cycling stability. Additionally, the full-cell configuration of GO/Co-CuS//MnO2@CNTs, when cycled 241 times at 2 A/g, retains a capacity of 79 mAh g−1, thereby confirming the practical efficacy of the GO/Co-CuS nanocomposite as an efficient conversion anode for ZIBs.

Targeting inerratic deposition behaviour via interface regulation toward dendrite-free zinc metal anodes

Aqueous zinc ion batteries are of interest due to their inherent safety, low cost and high energy density. Nevertheless, critical issues such as uncontrollable dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction and corrosion have dramatically impeded the widespread utilization. To tackle above issues, the versatile artificial protective layer strategy consisting of Zn-friendly, porous and conductive carbon shells is presented for yolk-shell SiO2@void@C (SVC) nanospheres for guiding rapid and homogeneous Zn plating/stripping. On the one hand, the highly zincophilic SiO2 and pore structure interacted significantly with low nucleation overpotential and uniform Zn2+ flux, which favored homogeneous zinc deposition and ionic migration, thereby dramatically aiding in inhibition of Zn dendrites and interruption of interfacial side reactions. On the other hand, SVC nanospheres confer excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, which play an important role in accelerating ion diffusion and boosting structural stability. Consequently, the SVC@Zn electrode exhibits high reversibility and electrochemical stability with a long cycling stability of 1800 h at 5 mA cm−2/1.25 mAh cm−2 and average CE of 99 %. The good properties associated with composition simplicity and abundant yield affords a feasible scheme for high-performance AZIBs.

Dual robust electrode-electrolyte interfaces enabled by fluorinated electrolyte for high-performance zinc metal batteries

Dual robust electrode-electrolyte interfaces enabled by fluorinated electrolyte for high-performance zinc metal batteries

The role of the Arabidopsis tandem zinc-finger C3H15 protein in metal homeostasis

Living organisms have developed finely regulated homeostatic networks to mitigate the effects of environmental fluctuations in transition metal micronutrients, including iron, zinc, and copper. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the tandem zinc-finger protein Cth2 post-transcriptionally regulates gene expression under conditions of iron deficiency by controlling the levels of mRNAs that code for non-essential ferroproteins. The molecular mechanism involves Cth2 binding to AU-rich elements present in the 3′ untranslated region of target mRNAs, negatively affecting their stability and translation. Arabidopsis thaliana has two TZF proteins homologous to yeast Cth2, C3H14 and C3H15, which participate in cell wall remodelling. The present work examines the expression of representative metal homeostasis genes with putative AREs in plants with altered levels of C3H14 and C3H15 grown under varying metal availabilities. The results suggest that C3H15 may act as a post-transcriptional plant modulator of metal adequacy, as evidenced by the expression of SPL7, the main transcriptional regulator under copper deficiency, and PETE2, which encodes plastocyanin. In contrast to S. cerevisiae, the plant C3H15 affects copper and zinc homeostasis rather than iron. When grown under copper-deficient conditions, adult C3H15OE plants exhibit lower chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency compared to control plants, suggesting accelerated senescence. Likewise, metal content in C3H15OE plants under copper deficiency shows altered mobilization of copper and zinc to seeds. These data suggest that the C3H15 protein plays a role in modulating both cell wall remodelling and metal homeostasis. The interaction between these processes may be the cause of altered metal translocation.

"Water-in-Salt" Electrolyte Suppressed MnVOPO4·2H2O Cathode Dissolution for Stable High-Voltage Platform and Cycling Performance for Aqueous Zinc Metal Battery.

Vanadium-based materials have the advantages of abundant valence states and stable structures, having great application potential as cathode materials in metal-ion batteries. However, their low voltage and vanadium dissolution in traditional water-based electrolytes greatly limit their application and development in aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs). Herein, phosphate- and vanadium-based cathode materials (MnVOPO4·2H2O) with stacked layers and few defects were prepared via a condensation reflux method and then combined with a high-concentration electrolyte (21 m LiTFSI + 1 M Zn(CF3SO3)2) to address these limitations. The specific capacity and cycle stability accompanying the stable high voltage of 1.39 V were significantly enhanced compared with those for the traditional electrolyte of 3 M Zn(CF3SO3)2, benefiting from the suppressed vanadium dissolution. The cathode materials of MnVOPO4·2H2O achieved a high specific capacity of 152 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1, with a retention rate of 86% after 100 cycles for AZMBs. A high energy density of 211.78 Wh kg-1 was also achieved. This strategy could illuminate the significance of electrolyte modification and provide potential high-voltage cathode materials for AZMBs and other rechargeable batteries.

Zincophilic Sites Enriched Hydrogen-bonded Organic Framework as Multifunctional Regulating Interfacial Layers for Stable Zinc Metal Batteries.

To construct an efficient regulating layer for Zn anodes that can simultaneously address the issues of dendritic growth and side reactions is highly demanded for stable zinc metal batteries (ZMBs). Herein, we fabricate a hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) enriched with zincophilic sites as a multifunctional layer to regulate Zn anodes with controlled spatial ion flux and stable interfacial chemistry (MA-BTA@Zn). The framework with abundant H-bonds helps capture H2O and remove the solvated shells on [Zn(H2O)6]2+, leading to suppressed side reactions. The HOF layer also helps form electrolyte-philic surfaces and expose Zn (002) crystal planes which benefit for rapid conduction and uniform deposition of Zn2+, and weakened sides reactions. Additionally, the electrochemically active zincophilic sites (C=O, -NH2 and triazine groups) favor the targeted guidance and penetration of Zn2+ and provide advantageous sites for uniform Zn deposition. High Young's modulus of the HOF layer further contributes to a high interfacial flexibility and stability against Zn plating-associated stress. The MA-BTA@Zn symmetric cells thereby obtain a substantially extended battery life over 1000 h at 4 mA cm-2. The MA-BTA@Zn||Cu half-cell demonstrates a highly reversible Zn stripping/plating process over 1500 cycles with impressive average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.5% at 10 mA cm-2.

Escherichia coli alcohol dehydrogenase YahK is a protein that binds both iron and zinc.

Previous studies have highlighted the catalytic activity of Escherichia coli alcohol dehydrogenase YahK in the presence of coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and metal zinc. Notably, competitive interaction between iron and zinc ligands has been shown to influence the catalytic efficiency of several key proteases. This study aims to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying YahK's catalytic action, with a particular focus on the pivotal roles played by metal ions zinc and iron. The purified YahK protein from E. coli cells cultivated in LB medium was utilized to investigate its metal-binding properties through UV-visible absorption measurements and determination of metal content. Subsequently, the effects of excess zinc and iron on the metal-binding ability and alcohol dehydrogenase activity of the YahK protein were explored using M9 minimal medium. Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis technology was employed to determine the iron-binding site location within the YahK protein. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was conducted to examine the relationship between iron and zinc with respect to the YahK protein. The study confirmed the presence of iron and zinc in the YahK protein, with the zinc-bound form exhibiting enhanced catalytic activity in alcohol dehydrogenation reactions. Conversely, the presence of iron appears to play a pivotal role in maintaining overall stability of the YahK protein. Furthermore, experimental findings indicate that excessive zinc within M9 minimal medium can competitively bind to iron-binding sites on YahK, thereby augmenting its alcohol dehydrogenase activity. The dynamic binding of YahK to iron and zinc unveils its intricate regulatory mechanism as an alcohol dehydrogenase, thereby highlighting the possible physiological role of YahK in E. coli and its significance in governing cellular metabolic processes. This discovery provides a novel perspective for further investigating the specific impact of metal ion binding on YahK and E. coli cell metabolism.

Comprehensive research of the distribution of tellurium-bismuth mineralization in the ores of the Abyz and Maleevskoe sulfide deposits (Republic of Kazakhstan)

Abstract. Within the formations of ensimatic and ensialic island arcs in the territory of Central and Northern Kazakhstan, there are more than thirty pyrite deposits enriched in copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver and rare metal mineralization, which is still insufficiently studied. Relevance. The need to replenish information on tellurium-bismuth mineralization in ores of sulfide deposits formed in ensimatic (Abyz deposit) and ensialic (Maleevskoe deposit) island-arc systems, to establish a spatial connection of this type of mineralization with geodynamic conditions and predict the potential for their associated extraction from ore. Aim. To study and compare morphological characteristics, distribution patterns and conditions for the formation of tellurium-bismuth mineralization in ores of pyrite deposits formed in different island-arc geodynamic settings. Methods. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, mineragraphic and mineralogical analyses, scanning electron microscopy in combination with X-ray spectral microanalysis, Raman spectroscopy, thermobarogeochemical studies. Results. A comparison of the pyrite deposits of the Rudno-Altai and Chingiz-Tarbagatai island arc systems showed many similarities and differences between them. The deposits have a multi-stage formation and a similar mechanism of ore deposition with similar physicochemical conditions for the formation of tellurium-bismuth mineralization. A spatial relationship between Te-Bi mineralization and geodynamic settings was established: for deposits associated with paleooceanic structures, a predominance of the tellurium element is observed, and for continental rifts, a predominance of the bismuth element.

From pollution to resource: advancing swine waste treatment in the USA

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) have led to environmental challenges, specifically waste management. Swine CAFOs generate large amounts of waste, requiring proper treatment to avoid air and water pollution. Conventional waste management technologies, such as lagoon and spray field systems, do not prevent air and water pollution impacts. Research for the past few decades led to recommendations for waste treatment technologies superior to lagoons and spray fields. Private environmental sustainability initiatives focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the food supply chain have implemented biogas digester projects for capturing methane in covered swine lagoons to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, research indicates that methane capture alone does not solve the broader pollution issues associated with lagoon and spray field systems still in use at these CAFOs to dispose of digested effluents. The Environmentally Superior Technologies (EST) initiative in North Carolina set public standards to eliminate waste discharge, reduce atmospheric emissions, and control odors and pathogens. Research has confirmed that technologies coupling solids separation with water treatments to remove volatile organic carbon, pathogens, and reactive forms of nitrogen can meet EST standards. A designated EST—the Super Soil System—substantially reduced odor by 99.9%; pathogens by 99.99%, nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) by >90%, and heavy metals (cooper and zinc) by 99%. The ammonia emissions were reduced by 94.4% for the warm and 99.0% for the cool season with respect to a conventional lagoon system. Corresponding greenhouse gas emission reductions were 96.7%. Components of designated EST can be applied to retrofit covered lagoons and anaerobic digestion systems with significant environmental benefits. Recommendations are proposed, based on the collective experience with EST and current trends in animal production concentration, for environmentally safe technologies to handle excess manure produced in the USA.

Motional Resistance as Highly Selective Descriptor to Probe Dynamic Formation of Surface Films on Zinc Anode

AbstractZinc anodes are expected as a promising alternative to lithium‐based anodes in energy storage systems due to their low cost, high theoretical capacity, and environmental friendliness. However, the development of efficient and stable zinc anode requires a fundamental understanding of the interfacial processes occurring during zinc deposition and dissolution cycling. In this study, we employed electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) analysis to investigate the potential‐dependent formation and decomposition of surface films on zinc metal anodes in sulfate‐based aqueous electrolytes. Changes in frequency and motional resistance served as complementary descriptors, with motional resistance being a highly selective indicator for probing dynamic surface film formation driven by side reactions at the zinc anode. While the frequency change provided the overall changes in the mass of both zinc metal and surface films, changes in the motional resistance selectively reflected the amount and nature of the visco‐elastic interface that comprise the surface films. The two descriptors provide quantitative and complementary means to discover the complex interfacial processes such as the formation of surface visco‐elastic films, guiding to the development of more stable and efficient zinc‐based electrochemical systems.

Source and Influencing Factor Analysis of Soil Heavy Metals Based on PMF Model and GeoDetector

In Lijiang City, as a typical example, 93 soil samples were collected from the study area, and soil pH； organic matter； and heavy metals arsenic （As）, mercury （Hg）, copper （Cu）, zinc （Zn）, lead （Pb）, cadmium （Cd）, and chromium （Cr） were determined. We explored the sources of heavy metals in the study area by means of Positive Definite Matrix Factorization （PMF） modeling and analyzed the impact of influencing factors by combining seven heavy metals with 13 influencing factors in a GeoDetector. The results showed that the mean values of soil heavy metals ω（As）, ω（Hg）, ω（Cu）, ω（Zn）, ω（Pb）, ω（Cd）, and ω（Cr） in the study area were 17.55, 0.19, 86.75, 164.84, 28.95, 0.39, and 167.87 mg·kg-1, respectively, which were greater than the background values of soils in Yunnan Province （except for As and Pb）. Regarding spatial distribution, the high values of Cu and Cr content were mainly concentrated in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County； the high value areas of As, Hg, Pb, and Cd were mainly concentrated in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County； and the high value of Zn content was mainly concentrated in Huaping County. Correlation analysis and PMF modeling revealed that the main sources of heavy metals As and Hg in the study area were industrial sources, Zn was from transportation pollution sources, Cr and Cu were from natural sources, and Cd and Pb were from agricultural sources. Further, the factor detector of the GeoDetector found that soil pH and organic matter （OC） had strong explanatory power for the content of seven heavy metals, and the interaction detector found that the results following the interaction of different influencing factors were nonlinear enhancement or two-factor enhancement, in which the interaction of OC and pH was the dominant factor for the spatial differentiation of heavy metals. This provides an important scientific basis for the protection of the soil environmental health and sustainable development in Lijiang City.