Zn Oxide Research Articles

Active sites for H2 and H2O activation over bifunctional ZnO-Pt(1 1 1) model catalysts

Hydroxylated oxide surfaces play an important role in many catalysis, energy, and environment processes. In this work, surface hydroxylation of Zn oxide (ZnOx) overlayers grown on Pt(1 1 1) has been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy in ultrahigh vacuum, H2, and H2O atmospheres, respectively. Surface science measurements and H-D exchange experiments confirm that surface dissociation of H2 and H2O results in the surface hydroxylation of ZnOx overlayers. Bare Pt surface and interface between ZnOx and Pt are critical in surface hydroxylation by H2, whereas ZnOx surface itself is active for H2O dissociation. H2O mainly reacts with O-deficient ZnOx overlayer, while reaction with H2 or atomic H species becomes dominant on O-rich ZnOx overlayer.

Biocompatible and Na+-sensitive thin-film transistor for biological fluid sensing

ABSTRACT In this study, we develop a Na+-sensitive thin-film transistor (TFT) for a biocompatible ion sensor and investigate its cytotoxicity. A transparent amorphous oxide semiconductor composed of amorphous In–Ga–Zn–oxide (a-InGaZnO) is utilized as a channel of the Na+-sensitive TFT, which includes an indium tin oxide (ITO) film as the source and drain electrodes and a Ta2O5 thin-film gate, onto which a Na+-sensitive membrane is coated. As one of the Na+-sensitive membranes, the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane with bis(12-crown-4) as the ionophore used on the TFT sensors shows good sensitivity and selectivity to changes in Na+ concentration but has high cytotoxicity owing to the leaching of its plasticizer to the solution; the plasticizer is added to solve and entrap the ionophore in the PVC membrane. On the other hand, a plasticizer-free Na+-sensitive membrane, the fluoropolysilicone (FPS) membrane with the bis(12-crown-4) ionophore, also reduces cell viability owing to the leaching of the ionophore. However, the FPS membrane with calix[4]arene as the ionophore on the gate of TFT sensors exhibits not only favorable electrical properties but also the lack of cytotoxicity. Thus, considering structural flexibility of TFTs, a platform based on TFT sensors coated with the Na+-sensitive FPS membrane containing calix[4]arene is suitable as a biocompatible Na+ sensing system for the continuous monitoring of ionic components in biological fluids such as sweat and tears.

Investigating use of metal-modified HZSM-5 catalyst to upgrade liquid yield in co-pyrolysis of wheat straw and polystyrene

Co-pyrolysis of wheat straw (WS) and polystyrene (PS) at a weight ratio of 1:1 was conducted in a fixed bed reactor. The effect of ex-situ application of HZSM-5 and its metal modified versions (MZSM-5s) on organic liquid product (OP) upgradation was explored. MZSM-5s were synthesized by adding metal (Co, Ni, Zn, and Fe) oxides to parent HZSM-5 catalyst through wet impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM-EDS, and N2 physisorption. In the first phase, the effect of co-pyrolysis temperature (500–650 °C) on product distribution was evaluated. The liquid yield varied in the range of 49–55 wt%, with a maximum at 550 °C. In the second phase, results obtained from vapor catalyzed co-pyrolysis conducted at 550 °C showed that impregnation of HZSM-5 with metals resulted in relatively higher OP oil yield as compared to parent HZSM-5. Co-ZSM-5 produced maximum OP yield (39.0%) followed by Zn-ZSM-5 (38.2%), Fe-ZSM-5 (37.7%) and Ni-ZSM-5 (36.1%). Whilst, the coke yield was reduced for all MZSM-5s by approximately 50%. Moreover, the addition of metals significantly favored the catalytic selectivity towards monoaromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs). Fe-ZSM-5 proved to be most the effective catalyst exhibiting the highest de-oxygenation potential (97.4%) and displaying maximum MAHs content (83.3%). Simultaneously, MZSM-5s reduced undesirable polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) yield noticeably.

Analysis of particle size distribution of landfill contaminated soils and their mineralogical composition

The particle size distribution (PSD) of soil influences its micro- and macro-structure although individual particle roles in relation to the elemental and mineralogical composition is rarely understood. This study aimed at conducting a PSD analysis of soils from the Roundhill landfill vicinity and interrelating the results obtained with their mineral and elemental characteristics. Soils were collected from nine sampling sites in the landfill vicinity and the particles were analyzed using sedimentation analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and image analysis. Elemental oxides and minerals in the soils were assayed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), respectively. Clay particles were in the majority at a range of 65–89% and 92–99%, according to sedimentation and image analysis, respectively. Soils of the area were mainly siliceous, containing quartz, and were enriched with aluminum. XRF confirmed these results, where oxides of Si and Al were in the majority. Soils were contaminated with Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn oxides, according to the XRF results. The ability of clay to adsorb, scavenge, and retain heavy metals explained the presence of these contaminants in the soils.

Synthesis and characterization of MFI-type zincosilicate zeolites with high zinc content using mechanochemically treated Si–Zn oxide composite

Modification of zeolites by the incorporation of divalent Zn in the silicate framework is attracting extensive attention because it results in higher anionic charge density and creates new active acid sites. However, it is a great challenge to incorporate Zn into the framework of highly siliceous MFI-type zeolites without Al. In this study, ball milling, a mechanochemical method, was employed to prepare Si–Zn oxide composites from mixtures of fumed silica and ZnO as the starting materials for the zeolite synthesis. The dispersion of Zn on an atomic level inside the silica matrix was realized by mechanical forces. Then, the Si–Zn oxide composites were subjected to hydrothermal treatment in the presence of an additional Si source and a structure-directing agent to synthesize MFI-type zincosilicate zeolites with high Zn contents (Si/Zn = 36.9–13.4) but negligible Al impurity (Si/Al>900). The successful incorporation of Zn into the zeolite framework was confirmed by several characterization techniques. Ion exchange experiments showed the superior selectivity and capacity of MFI-type zincosilicate zeolites for divalent cations (Co2+ as a model cation) as compared with those of aluminosilicate analogs. The mechanochemically treated Si–Zn oxide composite plays a crucial role in the synthesis of MFI-type zincosilicate zeolites with high Zn contents and minor extra-framework Zn species.

Study of microstructural, morphological and optical properties of sprayed vanadium doped ZnO nanoparticles

In this paper, transparent conducting thin films based on both undoped and vanadium (V) doped zinc oxide Zn1−xVx O (x = 3, 5, 7 at.%), were studied. The thin films were prepared using a simple low cost deposition technique called spray pyrolysis (SP). The layers were deposited onto preheated glass substrates at 450 °C. The effect of vanadium on the microstructural, the morphological and the optical properties of ZnO material was carried out using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), micro Raman spectroscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive analysis by X-ray (EDX) and UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. We have demonstrated that doping with 3 at.% of V enhances the crystallinity of the films by estimating the grain size value, the dislocation density and the residual stress. Also, the SEM images have demonstrated that the vanadium concentrations do effect in the thin films morphology, from hexagonal-shaped grains to rounded crystals for higher doping concentrations. The optical analysis revealed that doping with 3 at.% of vanadium shows a remarkable enhancement in the average transmittance in the visible range 89% and in the band gap energy (3.3 eV). Moreover, the disorder inside the samples was estimated using Urbach equation. Therefore, the microstructural, the morphological and the optical results approve that doping with 3 at.% of V in ZnO lattices gives interesting results for the optical window material for solar cells application.

Stimulation of corn zinc efficiency in the soil polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons and lead using Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and zinc oxide nanoparticles

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is among the main concerns regarding human nutrition. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the changes of Zn concentration in the corn plant grown in the soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and lead (Pb). Treatments consisted of applying 0% (Zn0) and 1% (w/w) Zn oxide nanoparticles (Zn1), soil pollution with zero (Pb0), 400 (Pb400), and 600 (Pb600) mg Pb/kg soil and 0% (P0), 1.5% (P1.5), and 3% (W/W) of crude oil (P3) in the presence (AMF+) and absence of AMF (AMF-). After the corn harvesting, plant Zn and Pb concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Also, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHS) degradation in the soil was measured via gas chromatography. The least significant difference (LSD) test was used to determine the statistical differences between the mean values. According to the findings, the presence of AMF in soil containing 1.5% (W/W) crude oil and polluted with 400 mg Pb/kg soil caused a significant increase in plant Zn concentration by 52%. However, increasing soil pollution to petroleum hydrocarbon or Pb caused a significant decreasing in the plant Zn concentration. The highest TPHS degradation has belonged to the soil treated with 1% (W/W) ZnO nanoparticles nanoparticle in the presence of AMF that containing 1.5 % (W/W) crude oil. The results of this study showed that regardless of pollution type, application of AMF in soil treated with ZnO nanoparticles nanoparticle can increase plant Zn concentration.

Dezincification inhibition of a food processing brass OT60 in presence of Pseudomonas fluorescens

Commercial brass OT60 is commonly used for food processing. The inhibition of its dezincification in presence of the biofilm forming Pseudomonas fluorescens was documented in this work. Electrochemical polarizations, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and post treatment analyses were carried out during 120 h of immersion in presence of bacteria vs a sterile condition in 0.1 M NaCl. The presence of bacteria decreases the oxygen availability, strongly influencing the formation and the nature of superficial oxides. The biofilm promotes a uniform growth of Zn oxides and hydroxides, inhibiting the re-deposition of copper and preventing the acceleration of the anodic reaction.

XRD-Thermal Combined Analyses: An Approach to Evaluate the Potential of Phytoremediation, Phytomining, and Biochar Production.

A method for evaluating the potential of reuse of biomasses for economic purposes is here presented starting from a case study. Juncus acutus plants and rhizospheres were harvested from abandoned Zn–Pb mine areas of southwest Sardinia (Italy). Thermogravimetry and Differential Thermal analyses were performed to evaluate the temperatures at which significant reactions occur. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis was carried out on raw samples and on samples heated ex-situ (by a conventional diffractometer) or in-situ (by synchrotron-based diffraction). Raw samples mainly consist of quartz, phyllosilicates, and feldspars with minor amounts of sulfides, sulfates, and Fe, Pb, and Zn carbonates, concentrated in the rhizosphere. After heating, Zn and Fe oxides and willemite are observed in internal roots and stems, revealing the presence of these metals in the plant tissues. In-situ heating was less effective than ex-situ in revealing minor phases in organic samples, probably because the scarcity of oxygen within the sample holder did not allow the degradation of organic compounds and the oxidation of sulfides, resulting in a low quality XRD signal even if obtained with the high resolution ensured by a synchrotron light source. This method can be applied to plants from polluted sites for metal exploitation, and/or to biomasses from unpolluted sites for biochar production, since both applications take advantage of the knowledge of the minerals formed after heating.

The construction of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (Fe, Zn, Cu, Co)/LaMnO3 with controllable gelation rate and their catalytic combustion properties

The gelation rate of LaMnO3 colloid was successfully modulated by introducing trace of tartaric acid and nitric acid simultaneously to construct 3DOM LaMnO3. To enhance surface oxygen vacancies, Fe, Zn, Cu and Co metal oxides were introduced on the surface of 3DOM LaMnO3 to modulate their surface composition, respectively. The morphology, crystalline, composition and reducibility of the prepared catalysts were characterized by SEM, XRD, XPS and TPR, respectively. The results showed that the surface oxygen defects can be enhanced distinctly with the introduction of metal oxides. Among the four metal oxides modified LaMnO3, the Co/LaMnO3 sample exhibited highest oxygen defects content and lowest reduction temperature. The catalytic properties of the five samples follow as the order: LaMnO3 < Fe/LaMnO3 < Zn/LaMnO3 ≈ Cu/LaMnO3 < Co/LaMnO3, which is consisted with that of their surface oxygen vacancies content, indicating that oxygen vacancies content is a crucial factor on catalytic oxidation of ethyl acetate.

Effects of Phytase Supplementation to Diets with or without Zinc Addition on Growth Performance and Zinc Utilization of White Pekin Ducks.

Simple SummaryThe environment sustainability of farms is extremely important for the future of the world. In this context, the lowering of the pollution from intensive poultry farms is necessary. Due to its low levels and low digestibility in feeds, Zn is often overdosed in poultry feed, and its excess in the excreta can accumulate in the soil, inhibiting the growth of soil microorganism as well as altering their morphology and metabolism, thus reducing the crop yield and quality. Enzymes, such as phytase, can breakdown the linkage of Zn with phytic acid in vegetable feeds, thus increase the Zn availability for animal digestion. In this way, very low supplementation of Zn to the diets can meet the requirement of poultry.The effect of phytase and inorganic Zn supplementation was studied in 180 male White Pekin ducks (WPD) from 1 to 56 days of age. The birds were divided into four groups fed the same basal diet (containing 26 ppm of Zn from raw materials): the control group did not receive Zn supplementation; the second group was supplemented with 30 ppm of Zn oxide; and the third and fourth groups were fed the control and the 30 ppm diets, respectively, both supplemented with 500 U of E. coli phytase. Each group contained five replicates of nine ducks. The body weight and feed intake were recorded at 1, 28 and 56 days of age. At 56 days of age, five birds/group were used to measure feed digestibility and five other birds/group were slaughtered. Zn at 30 ppm increased the body weight gain (BWG, p < 0.01) and feed intake (p < 0.05) and improved the feed conversion (FCR, p < 0.05) of the growing ducks. The Zn retention and Zn level in the excreta increased (p < 0.01) due to Zn supplementation. The addition of phytase improved BWG (p < 0.01) and FCR (p < 0.05) of growing ducks. The use of phytase reduced (p < 0.01) the level of Zn in duck excreta. Phytase supplementation to the basal diet at 30 ppm seems to be adequate to meet Zn requirements for ducks without further Zn additions.

Nanosized Ni/SBA-15 Catalysts for CO2 Reforming of CH4

Ni, Co, and Co–Ni bimetallic catalysts supported over SBA-15 and over SBA-15 doped with Zn or Ce oxides were prepared and tested in a methane dry reforming reaction. The loading of the metals in the catalyst was 5 wt % for either mono or bimetallic catalysts. The prepared catalysts were tested in a continuous-flow fixed-bed reactor at 800 °C under atmospheric pressure. XRD, TPR, TPD, and SEM characterization techniques were employed to investigate the catalytic properties of fresh catalysts. SEM and TGA were used to study the catalytic properties of spent catalysts. A remarkable effect on the reduction properties and catalytic performance of catalysts was observed after adding Zn and Ce. Over an 8 h test, Ni/SBA-15 showed the best activity and stability. The conversion was 90% for CH4 and CO2. Co–Ni/SBA-15 and Co–Ni/Ce–SBA-15 have shown a reasonable activity and stability. Selectivity of the Ni/SBA-15 catalyst was higher than all other catalysts as indicated by the H2/CO ratio. Co/SBA-15 and Co–Ni/Zn–SBA-15 showed a low activity and selectivity. TPD–NH3 profiles indicated that doping SBA-15 with Ce and/or Zn increased the catalyst acidic sites. Ni/SBA-15 is an excellent potential catalyst for commercial methane dry reforming processes.

Effects of foliar spraying with new zinc sources on rice seed enrichment, nutrition, and productivity

ABSTRACTNew Zn sources have emerged recently, which may boost the beneficial effects of leaf sprays on rice cropping. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effects of foliar sprays using Zn chelate against those with new Zn sources such as sorbitol-stabilised Zn nitrate and Zn oxide nanoparticles on rice seed enrichment and production. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomised design, comprising of three Zn sources and four Zn concentrations with four replicates. Rice plants were sprayed three times: at the beginning of tillering, maximum tillering, and booting stage. Experimental unity consisted of 7-dm³ pots filled with 5-dm³ medium textured sand. Each pot had 10 plants, of which 6 randomly harvested at the flowering stage and the remaining at the maturity stage. Plant dry matter, content and accumulation of Zn in the shoot, seed Zn content, and seed production at the grain-filling stage were also estimated. Seed production and Zn accumulation showed a quadratic behaviour with the use of novel sources. Overall the new Zn sources were more effective than the traditional EDTA chelated Zn in terms of rice seed production and quality, especially the sorbitol-stabilised Zn nitrate.

Adsorbents derived from hydrotalcites for the removal of diclofenac in wastewater

Emerging compounds have received increasing attention because of their potential environmental hazards. The drug diclofenac has acute toxicity and has been detected in surface water and wastewater. Conventional treatment processes are not able to totally remove this compound. Adsorption has been widely used to remove pollutants and standing out as an unspecific and versatile operation. In this context, the present study investigated the application of mixed oxides of Mg, Ni, or Zn with Al, derived from hydrotalcite-type compounds, as adsorbents in the removal of sodium diclofenac from synthetic aqueous solutions. The solids were synthesized by the continuous coprecipitation method and characterized by the SBET, XRD, TGA, FTIR, and SEM techniques. The influence of adsorbent dosage and contact time parameters were evaluated. Adsorbent regeneration by thermal treatment was also evaluated. The results showed that sodium diclofenac highest removal rates were found applying the best experimental conditions: residence time and adsorbent dosage of 30 min and 2 g L−1 for C-Zn with maximum adsorption removal of 76.5%. The thermal treatment after the adsorption confirmed the regeneration of the solids, allowing reuse in the adsorption for up to 8 cycles. The application of mixed oxides as sorbent solids was technically feasible for the removal of diclofenac sodium in wastewater treatment.

Use of coated nano zinc oxide as an additive to improve the zinc excretion and intestinal morphology of growing pigs1.

Two experiments were designed to explore the effects of coated zinc (Zn) oxide nanoparticles (NZO) on the diarrhea ratio, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and zinc excretion in growing pigs. In Exp.1, 270 growing pigs (21.88 ± 0.8 kg initial BW) were allocated to three treatments, each for 30 d: (i) control group (CG), basal diet containing Zn-free premix + 100 mg Zn/kg from ZnSO4; (ii) high Zn (HZN), basal diet containing Zn-free premix + 2,250 mg Zn/kg from ZnO; (iii) coated nano ZnO (CNZO), basal diet containing Zn-free premix + 100 mg Zn/kg from coated NZO. In Exp.2, 21 crossbred growing pigs (17.04 ± 0.01 kg initial BW) were allocated to three treatments, each for 28 d: (i) HZN, basal diet containing Zn-free premix + 2,250 mg Zn/kg from ZnO; (ii) low concentration of nano ZnO (LNZO), basal diet containing Zn-free premix + 100 mg Zn/kg from 5% coated NZO material; (iii) high concentration of nano ZnO (HNZO), basal diet containing Zn-free premix + 100 mg Zn/kg from 10% coated NZO material. In Exp. 1, compared with the CG diet, CNZO significantly reduced the diarrhea rate (P < 0.05) and increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05). Compared with HZN, CNZO decreased the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, as well as the fecal zinc concentration (P < 0.05). In Exp. 2, pigs fed LNZO or HNZO had an increased final BW, average daily weigh and diarrhea rate, and a decreased level of Zn in the plasma, liver, and feces on day 14 compared with the HZN group (P < 0.05). The villous height and villous height/crypt depth ratio of duodenum were higher (P < 0.05) in the HZN group than the HNZO group, whereas the higher villous height of jejunum was observed in the LNZO group compared with that in the HNZO group (P < 0.05). We found that CNZO (100 mg/kg Zn) could improve the antioxidant capacity and reduce fecal Zn emission. However, the diarrhea rate was not effectively suppressed when compared with the HNZO supplementation. Furthermore, coated NZO material of 5% concentration is more effective in improving the morphology of intestinal villus.

Effect of Foliar Zno and Feo Nanoparticles Application on Growth and Nutritional Quality of Red Radish and Assessment of Their Accumulation on Human Health

Abstract In order to assess the effects of green synthesized nanoparticles (GNPs) of Zn and Fe oxides on plant growth traits, photosynthetic capacity and nutritional quality of red radish (cv. Champion), two open field experiments were organised based on RCBD with four replicates. Treatments included: chicken manure, foliar application of ZnO + FeO (GNPs at a rate of 60 and 50 ppm, respectively), chicken manure plus ZnO + FeO (GNPs). This study revealed that growth and yield of radish plants significantly increased by ZnO + FeO nanoparticles application. The maximum vegetative growth, leaf pigments and root quality (diameter and weight) were recorded in plants treated with ZnO + FeO (GNPs) alone or in combination with chicken manure. Furthermore, the combined application of chicken manure with ZnO and FeO significantly improved the concentration of anthocyanins, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, crude protein and carbohydrates contents in radish root than single treatment. Similar trends were noted in photosynthesis rate, water use efficiency and values of Zn and Fe contents. In addition, health risk index for Zn and Fe were less than 1, which indicated to red radish plants supplied with ZnO and FeO GNPs were free of risks on human health. It was concluded that combination between chicken manure and ZnO + FeO GNPs can be considered as appropriate strategy for improving yield and nutritional status of red radish.

Antibacterial efficiency of cellulose-based fibers covered with ZnO and Al2O3 by Atomic Layer Deposition

Covering the natural fibers with metal oxides enhances the antibacterial properties of textiles. The efficiency of the nanostructured layer is determined by its thickness, uniformity, configuration and adherence to the flexible substrate. Conformal coatings with ZnO and Al2O3 of cotton and viscose fabrics were achieved by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) at low temperature. Morphological examination conducted by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) displayed the surface functionalization, elemental mapping provided by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) illustrated the uniform distribution of Zn and Al oxides, and the chemical structure stability was demonstrated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR). The inhibition of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus evaluated after 18 h of incubation disclosed very good antibacterial properties of the organic-inorganic composites, with emphasis on viscose coated with metal oxides. In vitro cytotoxic studies developed through direct and indirect contact methods, highlighted the non-toxic effects of Al2O3 on human fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

Effect of different sources and contents of zinc on growth performance, carcass characteristics, humoral immunity and antioxidant status of broiler chickens exposed to high environmental temperatures

A total of 450 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were allocated to 9 dietary treatments to evaluate the effects of different sources and contents of Zn and their interaction on growth performance, carcass characteristics, immune responses, and antioxidant activities in broiler chickens reared under high temperature conditions. From 14 to 42 days, the average minimum and maximum room temperatures were 27.1 ± 1.8 and 37.9 ± 2.3 °C, respectively, with relative humidity ranging from 46 ± 1.4 to 55 ± 2.5%. The experiment consisted of a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 3 sources of dietary Zn [Zn oxide, Zn-Met, and Zn oxide-nanoparticles (ZnO-NP)] and 3 concentrations of supplemental Zn (low: 20 mg/kg, adequate: 40 mg/kg, and high: 80 mg/kg). Each treatment had 5 replicates of 10 broiler chickens per replicate cage. Average daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored during the starter (0–10 days), grower (10–24 days), and finisher (24–42 days) periods. On day 42, 2 broiler chickens per replicate were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass-related traits. Blood samples (2 samples/replicate) were taken for measuring antibody responses after challenge with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) on days 21 and 42, and also for antioxidant/oxidant status analysis on day 42. Under heat stress, dietary Zn content did not influence growth performance, but total and IgM antibody titers against SRBC for secondary response were increased (P < 0.05) in broiler chickens receiving high-Zn diets. The ADG from 0 to 42 days, relative spleen weight, total and IgG antibody titers against SRBC for primary responses and serum superoxide dismutase activity in the Zn-Met and ZnO-NP treatments were greater (P < 0.05) than those of Zn oxide treatment. Moreover, overall FCR and serum malondialdehyde concentration were decreased by dietary supplementation of Zn-Met and ZnO-NP (P < 0.05). At the high contents of Zn, response to supplemental Zn-Met appears to be increased in terms of relative spleen weight (P = 0.048) and primary anti-SRBC titers of total and IgG antibodies (P = 0.023 and P = 0.018, respectively), resulting in significant Zn source × Zn content interactions. In conclusion, the delivery of Zn in the forms of Zn-Met and ZnO-NP at concentration of 40 mg/kg of diet could beneficially affect the growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens reared under high ambient temperatures.

Effects of zinc and manganese sources on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fingerlings

The use of vegetable ingredients may alter the mineral balance of feeds for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) due to the differences in mineral composition between marine and vegetable ingredients. Whereas seabream fed low levels of zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) may present reduced growth and performance, as well as alterations in mineral deposition and oxidative stress resistance, information on the type of sources of these two minerals is almost inexistent. In the present study, vegetable meal and oil (VM/VO) based diets were formulated including the target minerals, zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) in two different delivery forms, oxides and chelated to amino acids. Gilthead seabream of 8 .2g were fed one of five different diets containing either non mineral supplementation, Zn and Mn oxides, amino acid chelates and their combinations. During the experimental period, fish fed Zn oxide presented higher growth, a higher deposition of protein and lower lipid contents in whole body, whereas there was an increase in whole body TBARs and up-regulation of CuZnsod in fish fed diets supplemented with amino acids chelated Zn.

Sol-gel synthesis of metal (V, W, Zn) oxide - Carbon nanocomposites as cathode materials for Al-ion batteries

In the future, Al-ion electrochemical cells seem to be a promising alternative for Li-ion batteries, due to their higher theoretical capacity, much lower toxicity and lower cost. Current work is related to this field of study and the comparison of different cathode materials based on V2O5, WO3, and ZnO synthesized using the sol-gel method for construction of Al-ion cells was presented. The physicochemical properties of obtained amorphous and crystalline materials, both, single-phase or composite MOx/C materials were investigated using Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetry combined with Mass Spectrometry (DTA – TG – MS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Obtained composite metal oxide/carbon (MOx/C where MOx = WO3, V2O5, ZnO) materials were used as cathode materials in aluminum-ion batteries and the performance of such cells was determined. The results of electrochemical measurements were discussed in terms of the influence of different structure levels: crystallographic, electronic, nano- and microscopic on the cell properties. Although presented results did not allow to propose the complete description of the working mechanism of the investigated Al-ion cells, the presented interpretation and discussion led to some conclusions and showed the direction for future development of Al-ion cells.