Zn Salts Research Articles

Anion‐Anchored Polymer‐in‐Salt Solid Electrolyte for High‐Performance Zinc Batteries

AbstractSolid polymer electrolytes hold promise for addressing key challenges in rechargeable zinc batteries (ZBs) utilizing aqueous electrolytes. However, achieving simultaneous high ionic conductivity, excellent mechanical strength, and a high cation transference number while effectively suppressing Zn dendrites remains challenging. Herein, we design a novel polymer‐in‐salt solid electrolyte (PISSE) composed of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), and niobium pentoxide with oxygen vacancies (Nb2O5‐x) with high ionic conductivity. PAN polymer matrix provides the electrolyte good mechanical properties and solubility of Zn salt. The high concentration of ZnCl2 effectively decouples the Zn2+ from polymer chain segments and provides more ionic conduction amorphous region. Moreover, incorporating Nb2O5‐x filler accelerates Zn2+ desolvation by anchoring (ZnxCly)2x–y clusters and enhances the system's mechanical properties, achieving a superior Zn2+ transference number (~0.93) and interfacial stability. Consequently, the optimized PISSE demonstrates exceptional stability during prolonged cycling periods, wide temperature range operation (−40 °C to 60 °C), remarkable flexibility, and compatibility with diverse electrode materials. This study provides valuable insights into the design of solid‐state electrolytes based on ZBs and elucidates their multifunctional prospects.

A study on complexation of Zn(II) salts with 4-aryl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)quinolines: The influence of anions on the complex structures and their luminescent properties

A novel ligand, 6‑methoxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)quinoline (PQ) was synthesized and studied for its interaction with ZnX2.nH2O (X: Cl-, OAc-,NO3−) to form three complexes of the type [Zn(X2)(PQ)(H2O)n] (Zn1-Zn3) with high yields, ranging from 75 to 94 %. The structures of Zn1–Zn3 were fully characterized using ESI mass spectrometry, IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for Zn1 and Zn3). Spectroscopic analyses revealed that Spectroscopic analyses revealed that the central atom Zn(II) in Zn1, Zn2, and Zn3 has the coordination numbers of 4, 5, and 6, respectively. In these complexes, Zn(II) coordinates with the PQ ligand through its two nitrogen atoms, while the remaining coordination sites are occupied by anions such as Cl-, OAc, NO3−, or by H₂O. The results also indicate that the optical properties of the Zn(II) complexes depend not only on the primary organic ligand QP but also on the secondary inorganic ligands. In THF, the complexes Zn1 and Zn3, which contain chlorido and nitrato ligands exhibit intense fluorescence blue emissions at 443 and 462 nm with quantum yields of 0.66 and 0.70, respectively. Although the complex Zn2 has the weakest emission in THF, it exhibited the strongest blue emission intensity in solid state. In addition, computational studies provided insights into the structural and electronic properties, showing a strong correlation with experimental data. The calculated absorption and emission spectra were promarily based on the transition between HOMO and LUMO (π-π*) with high oscillator strength.

Construction of Microporous Structure in Hard Carbon via Adjustable Zn Salt Templates for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries

Template method is an effective strategy for the construction of microporous structure in hard carbons. However, the introduction of templates will inevitably affect the original structure of hard carbon, making it necessary to develop an adjustable template for the high sodium storage property of Sodium-ion battery anodes. Herein, we propose an effective strategy of developing size-controlled ZnO microcrystal in precursor carbon by zinc salts templates and promoting the formation of numerous closed pores during subsequent pyrolysis. All of the obtained hard carbons exhibit high specific capacities of over 340 mAh/g, and initial Coulomb efficiencies of over 90%. Besides, the information of closed pore structure in hard carbon, accompanying with the diffusive behavior of Na+ and the in-situ Raman spectroscopy reveal a strong link between the increased plateau and the closed pore volume, providing a compelling insight for the mechanism of Na+ storage in hard carbon. The optimal sample exhibits the highest closed pore volume, which performs a remarkable specific capacity of 374 mAh/g and a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 92.4%. Furthermore, all zinc salt-derived hard carbon exhibit analogous microstructures and electrochemical behaviors, demonstrating the universality of utilizing both inorganic and organic zinc salts as templates for adjusting the microporous structure of hard carbon. These findings provide a systematic approach to enhance the reversible capacity and maintain high initial Coulombic efficiency for sodium-ion battery anodes.

Optimisation, Synthesis, and Characterisation of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Leonotis ocymifolia (L. ocymifolia) Leaf Extracts for Antibacterial and Photodegradation Applications.

This work presents a green synthesis route, which utilises extracts from an indigenous plant in South Africa, eastern and southern Africa that is understudied and underutilised, for preparing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). This study involved optimisation of the green synthesis method using Leonotis ocymifolia (L.O.) extracts and performing comparative studies on the effects of using different zinc (Zn) salt precursors; zinc sulphate heptahydrate (Z001) and zinc acetate dihydrate (Z002) to synthesise the ZnO NPs. The comparative studies also compared the L.O-mediated ZnO NPs and chemical-mediated ZnO NPs (Z003). The as-prepared ZnO NPs were tested for their effectiveness in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. Furthermore, antibacterial studies were conducted using the agar well diffusion method on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. The structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of the synthesised ZnO NPs were analysed using XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, DRS, and BET techniques. The XRD results indicated that the L.O-mediated ZnO NPs had smaller crystallite sizes (18.24-19.32 nm) than their chemically synthesised counterparts (21.50 nm). FTIR confirmed the presence of biomolecules on the surface of the L.O-mediated NPs, and DRS analysis revealed bandgap energies between 3.07 and 3.18 eV. The EDS results confirmed the chemical composition of the synthesised ZnO NPs, which were made up of Zn and O atoms. Photocatalytic studies demonstrated that the L.O-mediated ZnO NPs (Z001) exhibited a superior degradation efficiency of the MB dye (89.81%) compared to chemically synthesised ZnO NPs (56.13%) under ultraviolet (UV) light for 240 min. Antibacterial tests showed that L.O-mediated ZnO NPs were more effective against S. aureus than E. coli. The enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of L.O-mediated ZnO NPs highlight their potential for environmental remediation and antimicrobial applications, thus supporting sustainable development goals.

ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND CYTOTOXICITY STUDY OF Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), AND Zr(IV) COMPLEXES CONTAINING O, N DONOR SCHIFF BASE LIGAND

Objective: The aim of the research is to synthesize and characterize Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Zr(IV) complexes with a Schiff base ligand, and evaluate their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Methods: The ligand was synthesized by refluxing salicylaldehyde with o-phenylenediamine in ethanol, forming a yellow-orange product. The complexation reaction involved stirring ethanolic solutions of Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), or Zr(IV) salts with a Schiff base ligand. Thermal decomposition of Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zr(IV) complexes was analyzed under nitrogen, heating at 30 °C/min, measuring weight loss from ambient temperature to 800 °C. The antibacterial activity, antioxidant properties, and cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds wereexamined using reported methods. Results: Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Zr(IV) complexes with a Schiff base ligand were synthesized. Analyzed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and physiochemical tests and confirmed the structures. Magnetic susceptibility and electronic spectra suggested geometries, supported by thermogravimetric data. Antibacterial tests revealed complexes had higher activity than ligands, and also showed antioxidant properties. Conclusion: Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Zr(IV) Schiff base complexes were synthesized, showing tetrahedral or square planar geometries. They exhibited thermal stability and strong antibacterial activity, outperforming the ligand alone.

Synthesis, structure, and biological activity of sodium, zinc, and magnesium mono- and bis-1-alkoxy-4-(2′-naphthyl)-1,4-dioxo-2-buten-2-olates

The search for new biologically active compounds is a key area of chemical science. Therefore, the synthesis of compounds with a potentially bactericidal effect seems relevant. In order to extend the range of biologically active substances, the synthesis of sodium 4-(2’-naphthyl)-1,4-dioxo-1-ethoxy-2-buten-2-olate and sodium 1-butoxy-4-(2´-naphthyl)-1,4-dioxo-2-buten-2-olate was carried out by Claisen condensation of equimolar amounts of 2-acetonaphtone and dialkyloxalates in a non-polar medium in the presence of sodium as a condensing agent. Bidentate mononuclear metal chelates were obtained by the metal exchange reaction of sodium oxoenolates with Zn(II) and Mg(II) salts. The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, (1Н, 13С) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The infrared spectra of solid samples of sodium oxoenolates and metal complexes contain bands of stretching vibrations of ester carbonyl groups, skeletal vibrations of aromatic rings, as well as “ether” bands due to vibrations of C–O–C bonds. The 1Н and 13С nuclear magnetic resonance spectra recorded in CDCl3 and Dimethyl sulfoxide-d6 are characterized by a complete set of all expected signals with chemical shift values that are well comparable with the reference data. In the mass spectra of the analyzed compounds, recorded in an acetonitrile solution in the electrospray mode, signals of [M+H]+ and [M+Na]+ protonated and cationized molecules are observed. The bactericidal action of the synthesized preparations was assessed using the agar well diffusion method in combination with the serial dilution method. The biological activity of sodium 4-(2’-naphthyl)-1,4-dioxo-1-ethoxy-2-buten-2-olate against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Staphylococcus Aureus, as well as sodium 1-butoxy-4-(2’-naphthyl)-1,4-dioxo-2-buten-2-olate against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, was revealed. Pronounced resistance of Salmonella spp. to the studied compounds was established.

Anion-Anchored Polymer-in-Salt Solid Electrolyte for High-Performance Zinc Batteries.

Solid polymer electrolytes hold promise for addressing key challenges in rechargeable zinc batteries (ZBs) utilizing aqueous electrolytes. However, achieving simultaneous high ionic conductivity, excellent mechanical strength, and a high cation transference number while effectively suppressing Zn dendrites remains challenging. Herein, we design a novel polymer-in-salt solid electrolyte (PISSE) composed of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), and niobium pentoxide with oxygen vacancies (Nb2O5-x) with high ionic conductivity. PAN polymer matrix provides the electrolyte good mechanical properties and solubility of Zn salt. The high concentration of ZnCl2 effectively decouples the Zn2+ from polymer chain segments and provides more ionic conduction amorphous region. Moreover, incorporating Nb2O5-x filler accelerates Zn2+ desolvation by anchoring (ZnxCly)2x-y clusters and enhances the system's mechanical properties, achieving a superior Zn2+ transference number (~0.93) and interfacial stability. Consequently, the optimized PISSE demonstrates exceptional stability during prolonged cycling periods, wide temperature range operation (-40 ℃ to 60 ℃), remarkable flexibility, and compatibility with diverse electrode materials. This study provides valuable insights into the design of solid-state electrolytes based on ZBs and elucidates their multifunctional prospects.

Impact of chickpea biofortification on the bioaccessibility of micronutrients and their relationship to obesity-linked biological activities

Micronutrient deficiencies are a critical factor in the development of obesity. This work aimed to determine the Se and Zn bioaccessibility on biofortified chickpea flour and evaluate their impact on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The greatest increase (235 %) in isoflavones was observed in the ZnSO4-treatment compared to the control. Malonylated-formononetin-glucoside was the major isoflavone (43 %–50 %) found in the treatments. Na2SeO3-treated seeds showed the highest Se accumulation, while the greatest Zn accumulation was found in ZnSO4-treated seeds. Se bioaccesibility followed the order: Germinated Control>ZnSO4 > ZnSeO3 > ZnSO₄ + Na2SeO3 > Na2SeO3, while in the seeds biofortified with Zn salts showed the order: Germinated Control>ZnSeO3 > ZnSO₄ + Na2SeO3 > Na2SeO3 > ZnSO4. All treatments showed antioxidant activity. Na2SeO3-treatment (15.625 μg/mL) showed a significant reduction of 52 % in NO production compared to the Germinated Control. These findings demonstrated the biological value of food biofortification in providing minerals in the diet to combat the oxidative stress characteristic of obesity.

White Light Emission from Zn(II) and DMSO-Induced Copper Nanocluster Assembly.

An assembly of metal nanoclusters driven by appropriate surface ligands and solvent environment may engender entirely new photoluminescence (PL). Herein, we first synthesize histidine (His) stabilized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and, subsequently, copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) from it using 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) as an etchant. The CuNCs originally emit bluish-green (λem=470 nm) PL with a low quantum yield (QY∼1.8 %). However, it transformed into a dual-emissive nanocluster assembly (Zn-CuNCs) in the presence of Zn(II) salt, having a distinct blue emission band (λem=420 nm) and a red emission band (λem=615 nm) with eight times QY (∼9.1 %) enhancement. The temperature-dependent emission spectra of Zn-CuNCs depicted that the blue emission band persists for all the temperature ranges (0-80 °C) while the red emission band vanishes at high temperatures (70-80 °C). Thus, the blue emission may originate from the locally excited state (LES) emission of the nanoclusters, while the red emission originates from through-space interaction (TSI) and Cu(I)…Cu(I) interaction within the assembly. Adding dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) further modifies the emission intensities; the red band was amplified four times, while the blue band was diminished by 2.5 times. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images unveiled that the Zn-CuNCs are a large assembly of tiny nanoclusters, which become more compact in DMSO. The blue emission possesses steady-state fluorescence anisotropy, while the red emission shows no anisotropy. Further, near-perfect white light emission(WLE) was rendered with CIE coordinates of (0.33, 0.32) by combining the dual emission of the Zn-CuNCs with the original green emission of the CuNCs.

From quarry by-products to a zeolites-based Zn fertilizer with increased resistance to rain leaching

In the face of an extensive literature on the use of zeolites for the removal of metals from water for environmental purposes, it is seldom considered that some metals are also essential nutrients for life and that zeolites could be profitably used to dose their release. Among these, Zn is a key micronutrient, and when its demand by crop is not fully balanced by adequate accessibility, fertilization must be provided using Zn salts that can be, however, easily leached and partly wasted in the environment.In an attempt to solve this critical problem, a new controlled-release formulation of Zn using zeolite-containing geomaterials was designed, prepared, characterized, and tested by applying a sequential, multi-method approach. Different formulations were trialed, and the most effective included 30 wt% pumice by-product and 70 wt% clinoptilolite-rich zeolitized tuff, with about 20 mg/g of exchangeable Zn2+. The enrichment process reached equilibrium after about 8 h, a timing well-tuned with technology transfer. Desorption kinetic tests in a weekly acid environment revealed gradual Zn release, with about 4.28 wt% released after 6 h. When tested as a foliar fertilizer on Vitis vinifera, this formulation demonstrated superior resistance to leaching under simulated rainfall conditions compared to conventional ZnSO4·6H2O fertilizer, maintaining the initial level of Zn (130 mg/kg of dry leaves), while about 22 % of the Zn applied with ZnSO4·6H2O was loss. This outcome was plausibly due to mineral particle adhesion to leaf. Preliminary cost estimates suggest that the product designed here can be placed in the market with competitive sales prices.

Homogeneous Zn(II) salts as efficient Lewis acid catalysts for the esterification of levulinic acid with diols

The valorization of renewable feedstocks to produce biochemicals and biofuels is an essential focus of contemporary research, with non-food crop biomass emerging as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. Among the chemicals derived from lignocellulosic biomass, levulinic acid (LAH) is a notable chemical platform due to its versatile applications. This study investigates the eco-friendly esterification of levulinic acid with polyols, catalyzed by zinc(II) species under mild, solvent-free conditions.A comprehensive screening of various zinc(II) species was conducted, to identify the most effective catalyst, ultimately selecting zinc triflate for its performance. The esterification scope was extended to three diols: 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, and 1,8-octanediol. These esters can replace fossil-based chemicals in many emerging sectors, as lubricants and as components in energy storage devices. The reaction conditions were fine-tuned to maximize yield and selectivity, using NMR spectroscopy to monitor the formation of mono- and di-esters and assess reaction profiles. Optimization experiments demonstrated that a catalyst loading of 1.0 %mol and a temperature of 120 °C yielded quantitative conversion within convenient reaction time (2–4 h). The findings highlight the efficiency of simple zinc(II) catalysts in producing levulinate esters with high yields and selectivity under sustainable conditions. Therefore, this research contributes to the development of greener processes to produce valuable chemicals and additives from renewable resources.

Hierarchically decorated ZnO/CoOx nanoparticles on carbon fabric for high energy–density and flexible supercapacitors

Exploring the electrochemical performance of metal/metal oxide nanoparticle composites is vital for enhancing the charge storage capability of supercapacitors. Herein, electrodes coated with ZnO/CoOx are fabricated by soaking cotton fabric seeded with 2-methylimidiazole in an ethylene glycol–based solution containing Zn and Co salts. The use of cotton fabric can reduce textile industrial waste while achieving high capacitance and sustainable energy for wearable electronics. In addition, the three-dimensional network of conductive flexible carbon derived from cotton fabric facilitates rapid ion transport kinetics at interlayers. The concentrations of Zn and Co salts are varied to produce ZnO/CoOx samples and determine the optimal salt ratio for superior electrochemical performance. The optimal sample exhibits a capacitance of 1.95 F cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2 and an energy density of 725 μWh·cm−2 over a wide potential window of 1.6 V. The long-term stability test results of the symmetric cells indicate 94 % capacitance retention after 12,000 charge–discharge cycles, emphasizing the advantages of mixed metallic oxides with cellulose-derived carbon fabric for supercapacitor electrodes. This study offers valuable insights into the fabrication of high-performance, flexible, and binder-free supercapacitor electrodes as a scalable alternative for practical applications.

DNA cleaver with improved phosphatase and cytotoxic activity of a series of N2O‐based zinc(II) complexes

Three new Zn(II) Schiff base complexes, [ZnLCl2] (1), [ZnLBr2] (2) and [ZnL(SCN)2] (3), have been synthesized by adding Zn(II) salts of chloride and bromide to a compartmental ligand with NNO donor prepared through the simple condensation of pyridine‐2‐carboxaldehyde and a substituted aniline. The complexes have been identified using standard physicochemical methods, and their solid‐state structures have been determined through single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The phosphatase‐like activity of all three complexes has been investigated using 4‐NPP as the model substrate in a DMSO/water medium. Complex 1 exhibits the highest level of phosphatase activity. The reactivity trend shows that complex 1 > complex 2 > complex 3. A plausible mechanism and the causes underlying the activity trend have been explored through DFT study, ESI‐mass spectra and 31P experiments. Complex 1 shows promising potential for use in gene‐targeted therapeutics due to its remarkable performance in DNA digestion. The excellent DNA cleavage result of complex 1 has led to the investigation of its molecular docking interaction with the liver cancer 2 receptor to study its anti‐liver cancer activity. Furthermore, in vitro anticancer activity of complex 1 also shows excellent antiproliferative activity against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Harnessing Plant-Based Nanoparticles for Combatting Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

The emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms poses a significant challenge to public health worldwide. In response, plant-based nanoparticles have garnered attention for their potential as novel antimicrobial agents. These nanoparticles are derived from various plant sources and exhibit inherent antimicrobial properties due to their phytochemical composition. Nanoparticles synthesized from spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and orange (Citrus sinensis) extracts, loaded with salts of Cu and Zn, were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed through agar well diffusion assays against clinically relevant multidrug-resistant bacterial strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 74, Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 902, Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 661. The nanoparticles exhibited potent antimicrobial effects, significantly inhibiting the growth of tested bacteria even when compared to commercially available antibiotics. These findings highlight the potential of plant-based nanoparticles loaded with Cu and Zn salts as effective agents against multidrug-resistant bacteria, offering a promising avenue for future antimicrobial therapies.

Studies of some Mixed Ligand-Metal complexes of 4-((2-(phenylcarbamothioyl)hydrazinylidene) methyl) benzoic acid in search of potential antimicrobial activity

This paper reports the synthesis and structural characterization of novel mixed ligand-metal complexes derived from 4-((2-(phenylcarbamothioyl)hydrazinylidene)methyl)benzoic acid (L1) and 4-((2-carbamothioylhydrazineylidene)methyl)benzoic acid (L2). The ligands, and their complexes with Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) salts, were characterized using elemental analysis, FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), UV (Ultra-violet), 1H and 13C NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), AAS (Atomic absorption spectroscopy) and molar conductivity measurements. Elemental analysis and conductance data confirmed the formation of non-electrolytic complexes in a 1:1:1 molar (L1:M:L2) ratio. The ligands bound to the metal ions in a bidentate manner as shown by the IR spectral data. The complexes exhibited an octahedral geometry. DFT (Density functional theory) calculations at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level supported the experimental findings. Molecular docking studies were performed with four antimicrobial protein targets mainly enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductases (PDB ID:1D70, 2WYW, 1P9G and 4XRE) to comprehend their binding with the chosen targets. Both the ligands were shown to be non-toxic as depicted by the cytotoxicity test performed using MTT assay. Antimicrobial activity evaluation revealed that the metal complexes exhibited enhanced activity as compared to the free ligands, with the Co(II) complex showing the highest inhibition zones. These findings suggest that the mixed ligand-metal complexes could also be explored for diverse applications.

Tuning the structures of three complexes with (4,4) topologies based on imidazole-containing ligand via auxiliary dicarboxylates

Solvothermal reactions of a tetradentate imidazole-containing ligand, 3,3′,5,5′-tetra(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl (L), combined with Zn(II) salt in the presence of varied auxiliary dicarboxylic acids yield three new polymers with (4,4) topologies, [Zn2(L)(o-BDC)2] (1), [Zn2(L)(m-BDC)2]·4H2O (2), [Zn2(L)(p-BDC)2]·2MeOH·4H2O (3) (o-H2BDC = phthalic acid, m-H2BDC = isophthalic acid, p-H2BDC = terephthalic acid). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis has revealed that complexes 1 and 2 consist of two-dimensional (2D) layers with different macrocycles, 40- and 52-membered macrocycles in 1, while one 46-membered macrocycles in 2, which is further connected by carboxylates to bring about three-dimensional (3D) frameworks. In complex 3, the layers formed by L, partial p-BDC2− and Zn(II), are pillared by the rest p-BDC2− to result in the final 3D structure. Furthermore, the photoluminescence of these compounds as well as the sorption properties of 2 were investigated.

Highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probes for nitrofurazone and Hg2+ by two Zn (II)‐based coordination polymers

The self‐assembly of the π‐conjugated 1,4‐di(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene (dib) and 4,4′‐di(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)‐1,1′‐biphenyl (dibp) ligands together with 4′‐(3,4‐ dicarboxylphenyloxy)‐4‐biphenylcarboxylic acid (H3L) reacts with metal Zn (II) salts to construct two new coordination polymers (CPs), namely [Zn (dib)(HL)(H2O)] (1) and [Zn (dibp)(HL)] (2). Fluorescence measurements reveal that 1 and 2 could display a highly sensitive fluorescence response toward Hg2+ and nitrofurazone (NFZ). Fluorescence investigations suggest that 1 and 2 are promising multi‐responsive sensing materials for detecting Hg2+ and NFZ through fluorescence quenching (turn‐off). The limits of detection toward Hg2+ ions are 0.221 μM and 0.124 μM, while the limits of detection toward NFZ are 0.757 μM and 0.960 for 1 and 2, respectively. Interestingly, these Hg2+ and NFZ selective sensing processes can even be completed by the reusable CPs detected by the naked eyes. Hirshfeld surfaces and fingerprint plots are extensively used to investigate intermolecular interactions, which play a crucial role in creating diverse supramolecular designs that can be compared.

Upgrading Gel Electrolytes Through Electrostatic-Induced Dual-Salt Paradigm for Superior Zn-Ion Battery Performance.

Gel electrolytes are gaining attention for rechargeable Zn-ion batteries because of their high safety, high flexibility, and excellent comprehensive electrochemical performances. However, current gel electrolytes still perform at mediocre levels due to incomplete Zn salts dissociation and side reactions. Herein, an electrostatic-induced dual-salt strategy is proposed to upgrade gel electrolytes to tackle intrinsic issues of Zn metal anodes. The competitive coordination mechanism driven by electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance of dual anions promotes zinc salt dissociation at low lithium salt addition levels, improving ion transport and mechanical properties of gel electrolytes. Li+ ions and gel components coordinate with H2O, reducing active H2O molecules and inhibiting associated side reactions. The dual-salt gel electrolyte enables excellent reversibility of Zn anodes at both room and low temperatures. Zn||Polyaniline cells using the dual-salt gel electrolyte exhibit a high discharge capacity of 180mAhg-1 and long-term cycling stability over 180 cycles at -20°C. The dual-salt strategy offers a cost-effective approach to improving gel electrolytes for high-performance flexible Zn-ion batteries.

Impact of copper and zinc oral chronic exposure on Carniolan honey bee survival and feeding preference.

Honey bees are important plant pollinators and honey producers. Contamination of the environment with metals can lead to a decline in honey bee populations. Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) salts are commonly used as fungicides and foliar fertilizers. In this study, we investigated the effects of 10-day chronic oral exposure to different concentrations of Cu (CuSO4) and Zn (ZnCl2) on survival and feeding rates of Carniolan honey bees in laboratory conditions. We found that mortality in honey bee workers increased in a concentration-dependent manner and that Cu (lethal concentration [LC50] = 66 mg/l) was more toxic than Zn (LC50 = 144 mg/l). There was no difference in the feeding rate of Cu-treated bees for the different concentrations tested, but the feeding rate decreased with the increase in Zn concentration. To determine feeding preference or avoidance for Cu and Zn, we conducted 2-choice 24-h feeding experiments. We demonstrated that honey bees preferred Zn-containing solutions compared to the control diet. A two-choice experiment with Cu showed a tendency for honey bees to be deterred by Cu at high concentrations; however, it was not statistically significant. In summary, our results suggest that honey bee workers may suffer adverse effects when exposed to ecologically relevant concentrations of Cu and Zn.

Membrane-free Zn hybrid redox flow battery using water-in-salt aqueous biphasic electrolytes

In this study, we develop a membrane-free Zn hybrid redox flow battery (RFB) using an unconventional water-in-salt aqueous biphasic system (WIS-ABS). This membrane-free Zn hybrid battery employs soluble ferrocene (Fc) derivative and Zn salt as the active species in the immiscible catholyte and anolyte, respectively. Initially, we demonstrate the potential of using WIS-ABS for a totally aqueous membrane-free Zn battery under static conditions. This static battery operates at a cell voltage of 1.01 V and effectively eradicates the detrimental self-discharge observed in membrane-free batteries, achieving excellent coulombic efficiency (CE) consistently around 100 % over 2000 cycles. However, due to transport limitations in the static configuration, the battery exhibits a low capacity utilization of 17.4 % for the catholyte, ultimately restricting the energy density of the battery. Further improvements in the battery performance are achieved by employing a specially designed RFB cell reactor to operate under real flowing conditions. Impressively, the developed membrane-free Zn hybrid RFB cell significantly shows an improved catholyte utilization, reaching up to 95 %. Furthermore, the membrane-free RFB consistently maintains CE higher than 95 % throughout the cycling process, ultimately achieving a capacity retention as high as 96.5 % after 30 cycles at 100 % depth of discharge. This work highlights the potential of utilizing a water-in-salt aqueous biphasic system to develop a membrane-free Zn hybrid RFB with excellent electrochemical performance, effectively avoiding the undesired self-discharge phenomena.