Metals Zn Research Articles

Trace alcohol ether electrolytes with dual-site hydrogen bonds and modulated solvation structures for ultralong-life zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are highly regarded for their affordability, stability, safety, and eco-friendliness. Nevertheless, their practical application is hindered by severe side reactions and the formation of zinc (Zn) dendrites on the Zn metal anode surface. In this study, we employ tetrahydrofuran alcohol (THFA), an efficient and cost-effective alcohol ether electrolyte, to mitigate these issues and achieve ultralong-life AZIBs. Theoretical calculations and experimental findings demonstrate that THFA acts as both a hydrogen bonding donor and acceptor, effectively anchoring H2O molecules through dual-site hydrogen bonding. This mechanism restricts the activity of free water molecules. Moreover, the two oxygen (O) atoms in THFA serve as dual solvation sites, enhancing the desolvation kinetics of [Zn(H2O)6]2+ and improving the deposition dynamics of Zn2+ ions. As a result, even trace amounts of THFA significantly suppress adverse reactions and the formation of Zn dendrites, enabling highly reversible Zn metal anodes for ultralong-life AZIBs. Specifically, a Zn-based symmetric cell containing 2 % THFA achieves an ultralong cycle life of 8,800 h at 0.5 mA cm−2/0.5 mAh cm−2, while a Zn//VO2 full cell containing 2 % THFA maintains a remarkable 80.03 % capacity retention rate at 5 A g−1 over 2,000 cycles. This study presents a practical strategy to develop dendrite-free, cost-effective, and highly efficient aqueous energy storage systems by leveraging alcohol ether compounds with dual-site hydrogen bonding capabilities.

Ion‐sieving MXene flakes with quantum dots enable high plating capacity for dendrite‐free Zn anodes

AbstractThe commercial utilization of Zn metal anodes with high plating capacity is significantly hindered by the uncontrolled growth of dendrites and associated side reactions. Herein, a robust artificial ion‐sieving MXene flake (MXF)‐coating layer, with abundant polar terminated groups, is constructed to regulate the interfacial Zn2+ deposition behavior. In particular, the fragmented MXF coupled with in situ generated quantum dots not only has strong Zn affinity to homogenize electric fields but also generates numerous zincophilic sites to reduce nucleation energy, thus securing a uniform dendrite‐free surface. Additionally, the porous coating layer with polar groups allows the downward diffusion of Zn2+ to achieve bottom‐up deposition and repels the excessive free water and anions to prevent parasitic reactions. The ion‐sieving effect of MXF is firmly verified in symmetric cells with high areal capacity of 10–40 mAh cm−2 (1.0 mA cm−2) and depth of discharge of 15%–60%. Therefore, the functional MXF‐coated anode manifests long‐term cycling with 2700 h of stable plating/stripping in Zn||Zn cell. Such rational design of MXF protective layer breaks new ground in developing high plating capacity zinc anodes for practical applications.

Stable Interlayer Zinc Plating/Stripping in the Maxwell-Wagner Effect-Enhanced Interface.

Zinc metal batteries have recently emerged as a promising stable and reversible anode aqueous battery. However, due to the serious dendrite problem and hydrogen evolution problem of the zinc metal anode, the practical application of the zinc metal battery is limited. Here, we propose Y2O3 as an effective coating, which inhibits hydrogen evolution and side reactions by physical isolation and simultaneously prevents dendrite growth by ensuring a uniform Zn-ion flux and fast transport channels generated by Maxwell-Wagner polarization, thus improving the stability of batteries. Meanwhile, in situ/ex situ characterizations and different simulations are conducted to investigate in detail the effect of Maxwell-Wagner polarization on the performance of Zn metal batteries. The symmetric Y2O3@Zn anode system exhibits a stable electroplating/stripping performance over 780 h and enables the Zn battery to achieve a Coulombic efficiency of up to 99.81% over 1000 cycles by reducing side reactions. The Y2O3@Zn||MnO2 full cell delivers a high energy density of 301.42 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 205.04 W kg-1. The work provides insights into the reversibility and stability of zinc anodes and provides a promising way to promote the practical application of Zn metal batteries.

Inorganic-organic hybrid heterogeneous membrane for zinc protective layers in high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion Batteries (AZIBs) suffer from stability and performance limitations due to challenges related to the zinc (Zn) metal anode, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), metal corrosion, and Zn dendrite formation. To mitigate these issues, researchers are developing innovative coatings and protective layers for Zn anodes, focusing on enhancing ion conductivity, electrochemical inertness, mechanical strength, and processability. Hybrid organic-inorganic heterostructure coating materials with silver nanowires (Ag NWs) encapsulated with Polypyrrole (Ag/PPy) have shown promise in addressing these challenges. The Zn anode coated with Ag/PPy layers and paired with an α-MnO2 cathode, achieved an impressive initial capacity of 302 mAh/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g. Remarkably, it retained a substantial capacity of 283 mAh/g after 300 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A/g, demonstrating a 94 % capacity retention rate. Moreover, the symmetry cell using this anode maintains stable Zn deposition/stripping overpotentials even at a high current density (a rate of 10C) for over 175 h. These findings highlight the potential of Ag/PPy coatings as a viable approach for enhancing the surface chemistry and physical properties of the Zn metal anode, paving the way for a wider use of AZIBs.

Assessment of seasonal variations in soil heavy metal concentrations and potential health risks in Gujarat, India.

This study investigates the prevalence, distribution, and ecological consequences of 21 heavy metals (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn) in the soils between the Mahi and Dhadhar rivers in Gujarat, India. It aims to assess the seasonal variations in soil contamination and the potential human health risk associated with the heavy metal exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact pathways. Soil samples were collected from 57 sites across three distinct seasons and analyzed using indices such as the geo-accumulation index, contamination factor, pollution load index, ecological risk factor, and global potential ecological risk. Human health risks were also evaluated for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. The findings reveal significant soil contamination, especially during the Monsoon and Post-Monsoon seasons, with heavy metals like Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Ni, and Pb posing considerable ecological threats. Cr and Ni were identified as presenting the highest carcinogenic risks, while Fe and Cr posed major non-carcinogenic challenges. Seasonal variations significantly influenced heavy metal concentrations and distribution patterns. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies and sustainable practices to mitigate soil contamination and protect environmental health. It emphasizes the critical role of human activities, such as industrial, agricultural, and mining operations, in soil degradation and calls for increased community awareness and action to address these challenges.

Microplastic assessment in aquaculture feeds: Analyzing polymer variability across commercial fishfeeds from three continents

This study analysed ten widely used commercial fishfeeds in aquaculture from six countries spanning three continents to assess microplastic (MP) contamination. MPs with an average abundance of 1130 ± 259.07 particles/kg and an average length of 2.64 ± 0.62 mm ( ± SE) were found in aquaculture feeds, with fibres (85 %) and fragments (15 %). The majority of these MPs were black. The abundance of MPs varied among the samples, with the highest in feed SP (26 %), followed by IF, GA, ELS, NT, EW, TB, GR, VR, and the least in HCF (3 %). Polymers identified consisted of Polyethylene terephthalates (PET, 20 %), Polyamide (PA, 30 %), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polyurethane (PU), and Polystyrene (PS) with 15 % each, and Polypropylene (PP, 5 %). SEM-EDX analysis of fibres showed flakes, cracks, and pits and the presence of heavy metals Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Au, Hg, Cd, Ti, and Pb. Additionally, some fragments contained Nb (Niobium) alongside the naturally occurring elements. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) for the polymers in ten feeds was calculated, and nine were in the highly hazardous category (IV and V) with PHI values ranging from 400–394825. The work showcases the graveness of MPs in fishfeeds and advocates control measures to curtail MPs in fishfeeds for sustainable aquaculture production.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange by Metal‐Tio2 Nanoparticles

AbstractIn this study, a series of transition metal‐doped TiO2 was prepared by a simple sol‐solvothermal method. Mix an ethanol solution of tetrabutyl titanate and metal nitrate solution to obtain a homogeneous sol, which is then subjected to solvothermal treatment. After calcination, the metal‐TiO2 naoncomposite was obtained. Selected transition metal precursors, including Cu, Fe, Ag, Cr, Co and Zn, were doped into TiO2 nanocatalysts to assess photocatalytic degradation activities. The results show that 1 mol % Ag−TiO2 photocatalyst has a larger specific surface area, a stable anatase phase and the narrowest forbidden band energy (3.00 eV). In photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) tests, 1 mol % Ag−TiO2 could reach 100 % decolourisation after 70 min and 75.43 % mineralisation after 90 min. ESR analysis confirmed that Ag doping significantly increased the content of ⋅O2− and ⋅OH for the TiO2 catalyst, which are responsible for the oxidation reactions and consequently degradation of pollutants. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism of MO was also proposed. The TOC analyses confirmed the mineralization of MO. The excellent thermal and chemical stability of 1 mol % Ag−TiO2 has also been demonstrated by thermogravimetric analysis and cycling experiments. Electrochemical tests have also demonstrated the excellent electrochemical properties of 1 mol % Ag−TiO2.

Assessment of heavy metal diffusion rates from river Yamuna and its effect on the surrounding geology: An experimental and theoretical study

The present study for the first time quantitatively investigates the acute pollution of the Yamuna River, focusing on the diffusion of heavy metals from industrial effluents into groundwater, surrounding soils, and crops, and its subsequent impact on human health. Owing to the unplanned discharge of the untreated effluents, the river exhibits heavy metal concentrations exceeding Indian standards. Utilizing 1-D diffusion transport models, Heavy metal pollution indices (HPI), and transfer factor (TF) for two different locations, it was understood that diffusion is a dominant mechanism that allows the heavy metals from the river to pollute the surrounding geology. The HPI in the groundwater was more than 200 at the studied locations indicating severe contamination of the groundwater, moreover, the TF of the crops through the soil was more than unity for various heavy metals present, viz., Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Hg. The estimated apparent diffusion coefficient (Da) was also found to be very high for these metals that lay in the range of 4.8 × 10−10 – 9.9 × 10−10 m2/s. The time necessary to migrate from the river to the crops was the least for Hg. The suitability of the crops for ingestion post-diffusion was further assessed by estimating the Daily Intake of Metals (DIM). The DIM reveals that the crops are highly unsuitable for children and adults as the values exceed the standard limits. Such a high migration rate of heavy metals from the river to the surrounding geology needs attenuation at the source to restrict migration. The evaluated apparent Da and migration times of heavy metals would provide critical insights for designing effective barrier systems to mitigate contamination.

Highly Reversible Zn Metal Anode Enabled by Interfacial Water Pocket

Highly Reversible Zn Metal Anode Enabled by Interfacial Water Pocket

An Ion-Pumping Quasi-Solid Electrolyte Enabled by Electrokinetic Effects for Stable Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries.

The practical application of aqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries (ZMBs) is hindered by the complicated hydrogen evolution, passivation reactions, and dendrite growth of Zn metal anodes. Here, an ion-pumping quasi-solid electrolyte (IPQSE) with high Zn2+ transport kinetics enabled by the electrokinetic phenomena to realize high-performance quasi-solid state Zn metal batteries (QSSZMBs) is reported. The IPQSE is prepared through the in situ ring-opening polymerization of tetramethylolmethane-tri-β-aziridinylpropionate in the aqueous electrolyte. The porous polymer framework with high zeta potential provides the IPQSE with an electrokinetic ion-pumping feature enabled by the electrokinetic effects (electro-osmosis and electrokinetic surface conduction), which significantly accelerates the Zn2+ transport, reduces the concentration polarization and overcomes the diffusion-limited current. Moreover, the Zn2+ affinity of the polymer and hydrogen bonding interactions in the IPQSE changes the Zn2+ coordination environment and reduces the amount of free H2O, which lowers the H2O activity and inhibits H2O-induced side reactions. Consequently, the highly reversible and stable Zn metal anodes are achieved. The assembled QSSZMBs based on the IPQSE display excellent cycling stability with high capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency. The high-performance quasi-solid state Zn metal pouch cells are demonstrated, showing great promise for the practical application of the IPQSE.

Molecular Filter Net Synergy with Regulation in Ion Percolation for High-Performance Zn Metal Batteries.

The uncontrollable dendrite growth and complex parasitic reactions of Zn metal anodes cause short cycle lives and low Coulombic efficiency, which seriously affect their applications. To address these issues, this research proposes an efficient ion percolating interface constituted by a hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HND) for a highly stable and reversible Zn anode. The hydrogen-bonded skeleton acts as a molecular filter net, capturing water molecules by forming targeted hydrogen-bonding systems with them, sufficiently inhibiting parasitic reactions. Additionally, the interaction of the rich-N and -O electrochemically active sites with Zn2+ effectively regulates its percolation, which greatly enhances the diffusion kinetics of Zn2+, thus facilitating rapid and uniform migration of Zn2+ at the anode surface. Through the above synergistic effect, dendrite-free anodes with highly reversible Zn plating/stripping behaviors can be achieved. Hence, the modified Zn anode (HND@Zn) performs a steady cycling time of more than 1700 h at 1 mA cm-2. Moreover, the HND@Cu||Zn asymmetric cell exhibits a stable charge/discharge process of over 1600 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency of up to 99.6% at 5 mA cm-2. This work provides some conceptions for the evolution and application of high-performance Zn metal batteries.

A diversity baseline of benthic macrofauna along the northwestern slope of Cuba (Gulf of Mexico)

The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is a unique ecosystem due to its physical characteristics, being influenced by the Mississippi River in the north and the Loop Current from the south, resulting in a gradient of organic to carbonate sediment composition from north to south. The continental slope of the northern and southwestern portions of the GoM are generally well studied; however, less is known about the southeastern GoM along the slope of Cuba. To fill this knowledge gap, sediment cores were collected in 2017 at nine stations (974–1580 m depth) to determine abiotic controls on the deep-sea benthic macrofauna community. Oceanographic data indicated a stratified water column typical of an oligotrophic ocean and no evidence of hypoxia. Sediment texture and composition indicated a west-east gradient likely determined by downslope transport of terrigenous material in the eastern part with a high proportion of carbonate in the west. Heavy metals (Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) at concentrations known to cause adverse benthic effects were present in the east near the city of Havana, with the macrofauna community showing characteristics indicative of environmental stress. Overall, this region supported a diverse community of macrofauna families of low abundance, typically only 1–2 animals, and high variability among replicates within stations. Rarefaction curves revealed higher biodiversity per number of individuals in the samples from Cuba compared to those from the nGoM at similar depths, though more samples would be needed to better reveal the true diversity. The major factors influencing macrofauna communities in the continental slope off northwestern Cuba are most likely the lack of organic-rich sediment and low sediment deposition rates, both of which can be attributed to the strong currents and lack of major terrigenous input, along with the regular natural disturbances which prevents domination.

New Mn Electrochemistry for Rechargeable Aqueous Batteries: Promising Directions Based on Preliminary Results

Aqueous batteries with metal anodes exhibit robust anodic capacities, but their energy densities are low because of the limited potential stabilities of aqueous electrolyte solutions. Current metal options, such as Zn and Al, pose a dilemma: Zn lacks a sufficiently low redox potential, whereas Al tends to be strongly oxidized in aqueous environments. Our investigation introduces a novel rechargeable aqueous battery system based on Mn as the anode. We examine the effects of anions, electrolyte concentration, and diverse cathode chemistries. Notably, the ClO4‐based electrolyte solution exhibits improved deposition and dissolution efficiencies. Although stainless steel (SS 316 L) and Ni are stable current collectors for cathodes, they display limitations as anodes. However, using Ti as the anode resulted in increased Mn deposition and dissolution efficiencies. Moreover, we evaluate this system using various cathode materials, including Mn‐intercalation‐based inorganic (Ag0.33V2O5) and organic (perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride) cathodes and an anion‐intercalation‐chemistry (coronene)‐based cathode. These configurations yield markedly higher output potentials compared to those of Zn metal batteries, highlighting the potential for an augmented energy density when using an Mn anode. This study outlines a systematic approach for use in optimizing metal anodes in Mn metal batteries, unlocking novel prospects for Mn‐based batteries with diverse cathode chemistries.

Comparative assessment of soil health attributes between topsoil and subsoil influenced by long-term wastewater irrigation

The reuse of wastewater (WW) for crop irrigation is increasingly recognized as an alternative to freshwater irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions. However, there is a significant gap in knowledge regarding the soil health index (SHI) and factors influencing topsoil and subsoil in cropland under long-term WW irrigation. This study aimed to comparatively assess soil health attributes between topsoil and subsoil in smallholder farmlands that have been irrigated with WW for over 50 years. This assessment utilized a combination of soil physico-chemical and fertility attributes, along with heavy metal concentrations. The soil health index (SHI) was developed using linear (SHI - L) and nonlinear (SHI - NL) models, based on the Total Data Set (TDS) and Minimum Data Set (MDS). Statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed between topsoil and subsoil for the soil stability index (SSI), organic matter (SOM), calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), macro- and micronutrients, and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni). In contrast, soil bulk density (BD), pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) did not show significant differences. The mean SHI - L and SHI - NL values ranged from 0.68 to 0.77 and 0.46–0.53 for topsoil, and from 0.66 to 0.74 and 0.45–0.51 for subsoil, respectively. The SHI values were higher in the topsoil, with increases ranging from 2.3 % to 7.1 % for SHI - L and 0.65–11.3 % for SHI - NL compared to the subsoil. The regression coefficients between SHIs and corn yield were higher in the topsoil (0.46–0.49) than in the subsoil (0.20–0.22). Furthermore, the SHI - NL model demonstrated greater precision than the SHI - L model in predicting corn yield in both soil depths. These findings highlight the effectiveness of SHI assessments, particularly the SHI - NL model, in analyzing changes in soil health indices with depth and their relationship with crop performance in long-term WW-irrigated smallholder farmlands. This research provides valuable insights into addressing soil health challenges in similar agricultural systems.

3D Leaf-Like Copper-Zinc Alloy Enables Dendrite-Free Zinc Anode for Ultra-Long Life Aqueous Zinc Batteries.

Metallic zinc exhibits immense potential as an anode material for aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries due to its high theoretical capacity, low redox potential, and inherent safety. However, practical applications are hindered by dendrite formation and poor cycling stability. Herein, a facile substitution reaction method is presented to fabricate a 3D leaf-like Cu@Zn composite anode. This unique architecture, featuring a 3D network of leaf-like Cu on a Zn foil surface, significantly reduces nucleation overpotential and facilitates uniform Zn plating/stripping, effectively suppressing dendrite growth. Notably, an alloy layer of CuZn5 forms in situ on the 3D Cu layer during cycling. DFT calculations reveal that this CuZn5 alloy possesses a lower Zn binding energy compared to both Cu and Zn metal, further promoting Zn plating/stripping and enhancing electrochemical kinetics. Consequently, the symmetric Cu@Zn electrode exhibits remarkable cycling stability, surpassing 1300 h at 0.5mA cm-2 with negligible dendrite formation. Furthermore, full cells comprising Cu@Zn||VO2 exhibit superior capacity and rate performance compared to bare Zn anodes. This work provides a promising strategy for constructing highly stable and efficient Zn anodes for next-generation aqueous zinc batteries.

Assessment of leachate potential contamination of municipal landfill using leachate pollution index and multivariate statistical analysis based on seasonal variations

Sanitary landfills offer a convenient and cost-effective way to dispose of MSW waste. The breakdown of waste in landfills generates highly poisonous leachate. This liquid can disperse and percolate through the soil, potentially polluting the surrounding water bodies; minimizing the environmental damage caused by leachate lies in thoroughly understanding its unique characteristics at each landfill site. The present study evaluates the leachate's physio-chemical characteristics from municipal landfills and adjacent groundwater sources. To evaluate the impact of temporal seasonal fluctuation, leachate and water samples were collected in three distinct seasons such as pre-monsoon (Pre-M), monsoon (In-M), and post-monsoon (Post-M). The analysis revealed a seasonal variation in pollution levels in the leachate sample, as evidenced by the high Leachate Pollution Index (LPI) spanning 27.121–17.396. Water samples collected across three seasons yielded Water Quality Index (WQI) values ranging from 55.59 to 279.64, with the Pre-M season exhibiting the highest level of water quality. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were employed to understand the elemental composition further. The presence of heavy metals Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Fe, Si, and Hg was determined combined through the Inductive Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy technique and EDX. The correlation matrix heat map helped to reveal the interconnection between different leachate parameters, and dendrogram clusters revealed the relation between the six sampling points. At the same time, Principal component analysis was performed to simplify the complex data set and determine the predominance of pollutants over the sample points. As explored in this study, understanding the contamination potential of landfill leachate is crucial for developing strategies before its disposal to mitigate its impact.

Unveiled mechanism of prolonged stability of Zn anode coated with two‐dimensional nanomaterial protective layers toward high‐performance aqueous Zn ion batteries

AbstractRechargeable aqueous zinc (Zn) ion batteries (AZIBs) are gaining popularity in large‐scale energy storage due to their low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness; however, dendrite growth and side reactions in Zn metal anodes limit their practical applications. Additionally, the difficulty of developing successful passivation of Zn anodes, combined with large‐area coating of protective layers, remains a major limitation to the commercialization of AZIBs. Here, we introduce two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials including MoS2, h‐BN, and Ti3C2Tx MXene as protective layers for Zn anodes, created on a Zn surface using a scalable, large‐area spray‐coating process. Examinations of electrochemical performance‐related material characterizations revealed that a specific type of 2D material with an optimal thickness prevents vertical growth of Zn dendrites, as well as side reactions including hydrogen evolution and corrosion, resulting in stable device operation with minimal overpotential and extended life, even under harsh measurement conditions. The highly stable MoS2@Zn anode allowed the MoS2@Zn//MnO2 full cell to achieve significantly more stable capacity retention, compared with the bare Zn//MnO2 cell. Our versatile and scalable solution‐based coating technique for easily forming large‐area 2D protective layers on Zn anodes offers new insights concerning improvements to AZIB reliability and performance.image

Adsorption characteristics and mechanism analysis of heavy metal Zn2+by cement-soil and alkali activated slag-bentonite-soil

With the increasing emphasis on low-carbon environmental protection, alkali activated cementitious materials are gradually being used as a substitute for cement in vertical cutoff walls for polluted sites. The composition of barrier materials significantly impacts the adsorption of heavy metals, thereby affecting the service life of cutoff walls. However, the adsorption characteristics and mechanisms of traditional cement-soil (CS) and alkali activated slag-soil (AASS) for heavy metals are still unclear. This study investigates the adsorption characteristics of Zn2+ using different mix ratios of barrier materials. Various mix proportions were designed, and qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted using X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric tests, respectively. The research results indicate that the adsorption of Zn2+ by barrier materials prepared from CS and slag-bentonite-soil (AASBS) is mainly chemical adsorption. The adsorption rate of heavy metals can be enhanced by increasing the cement content in the CS mix ratio. This is primarily because an increase in OH- in the hydration products encourages the formation of heavy metal precipitation. The generation of C-S-H and ettringite in the hydration products and ion exchange of heavy metals improve the adsorption of heavy metals. Increasing slag and alkali activator dosage, along with decreasing alkali activator modulus, promotes C-A-S-H generation and increases OH-, enhancing heavy metal precipitation. Increasing the content of bentonite in the AASBS mixture promotes the generation of C-A-S-H, and the interlayer structure of bentonite promotes the ion exchange of heavy metals. The findings of the study may offer a theoretical foundation for the installation of AASBS vertical cutoff walls in contaminated areas.

A Robust In Vitro Anti‐tuberculosis, Antimicrobial, and Anti‐inflammatory Activities Based on Azomethine Chelates Incorporating Co(II), Ni (II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) Ions: Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of the Aspects of Docking Interaction

ABSTRACTIn recent times, there has been a growing exploration of transition metal complexes as potential solutions for significant health challenges, including tuberculosis, microbes infection, and inflammation. Therefore, in our ongoing effort to identify biologically effective agents, Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) metal complexes of H2L1–H2L2 hydrazone ligands were synthesized. The structural features of synthesized compounds were recognized by employing several techniques such as FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, powder x‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV‐Vis, ESR, TG‐DTA, mass spectrometry, and molar conductance measurements. The bonding of ligands via Ophenolic, Oenolic, and Nazomethine donor atoms and the attachment of the three water molecules with metal ion to form the octahedral structure of complexes were corroborated by different spectroscopic techniques. The anti‐tuberculosis, antimicrobial, and anti‐inflammatory activities of the synthesized compounds were assessed using the microplate alamar blue assay, serial dilution, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) methods, respectively, and highlighted the more potency of the complexes than ligands. The synthesized Cu(II) (9) and Zn(II) (10) metal complexes exhibited excellent ability to inhibit the growth of H37Rv strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in comparison to standard drug streptomycin. The Cu(II) (6 and 9) and Zn(II) (10) complexes showed superb ability as antimicrobial agents, whereas Cu(II) (5) and Zn(II) (6) complexes exhibited significant anti‐inflammatory ability. The in vitro findings on the antituberculosis activity were reinforced by a significant molecular docking study, which has become a crucial component of computational research utilizing the enzyme Mtb Pks13 thioesterase domain of M. tuberculosis. Additionally, in this research work, the absorption–distribution–metabolism–excretion–toxicity (ADMET) study sparked the compounds' drug‐like behavior.

Nanoporous N-Rich Zn Metal–Organic Framework and Its Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Turn-On Detection of Norfloxacin in River Water and Fingerprint Visualization

Nanoporous N-Rich Zn Metal–Organic Framework and Its Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Turn-On Detection of Norfloxacin in River Water and Fingerprint Visualization