ZnSO4 Solution Research Articles

Effect of Methods of Establishment and Zinc Management on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The field experiment was conducted at Shradhay Bhagwati Singh Agriculture Research Farm (Hajipur), Chandra Bhanu Gupta Krishi Snatkottar Mahavidyalaya, B.K.T., Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) during Kharif (rainy) season in 2023-24. The treatment consisted of three methods of establishment (M1 – Direct seeding in lines after pre-irrigation, M2 -Broadcast of sprouted seed on puddled soil , M3 – System of Rice intensification (SRI) of (25 x 25cm) 12 days old seedling.) and five Zinc management practices (Zn0- Without zinc (control), Zn1- Zinc Sulphate ZnSo4@20kg ha-1 (Basal), Zn2- Foliar spray of Zn@0.5% at tillering and panicle initiation stage, Zn3- Seedling dipping in 2% ZnSO4+ 2 Foliar of Zn@0.5% at tillering and Panicle stage, Zn4- Seedling dipping in 2 % ZnSO4 solution+ Foliar spray of Zn@0.2% at tillering and panicle initiation stage) were tested in split-plot design with 3 replications. The Experimental site was silty loam having medium organic carbon (0.70%) and available nitrogen (270 kg ha-1), phosphorous (27 kg ha-1) and Potassium (262 kg ha1). All the growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, Zinc content and uptake of Zn into grains and straw, were increased significantly with SRI method (M3) followed by direct seeding in Lines after pre-irrigation (M2). Amongst zinc management, all the growth parameters and yield attributes of rice were maximum under Seedling dipping in 2% ZnSO4+ 2 Foliar of Zn@0.5% at tillering and panicle initiation stage, followed by Seedling dipping in 2 % ZnSO4 solution+ Foliar spray of Zn@0.2% at tillering and panicle initiation stage the maximum gross income of Rs 158938.18 ha-1 was accrued with (SRI method + T4) treatment combination. However, a combination of SRI method along with T3 treatment accrued the maximum net profit of Rs 107981.21 ha-1 and benefit: cost ratio of 2.08 which was followed by a combination of SRI method along with T4 with net income of Rs 107234.99 ha-1 and benefit cost ratio of 2.07.

Dendrite‐Free Zinc Anode for Zinc‐Based Batteries by Pre‐Deposition of a Cu–Zn Alloy Layer on Copper Surface via an In Situ Electrochemical Oxidation–Reduction Reaction

ABSTRACTThe prevention of uncontrollable growth of zinc dendrites on the zinc electrodes is one of the key challenges, hindering the widespread commercialization of zinc‐based energy storage technologies. Herein, we report a facile method to mitigate dendrite growth on a copper surface by an initial in situ coating of a Cu–Zn alloy layer, before zinc deposition. During further zinc deposition, the initially formed Cu–Zn alloy layer provides uniform nucleating sites and promotes homogeneous zinc deposition. A symmetrical cell, assembled using a Cu–Zn/Cu electrode could be stably cycled for over 1000 cycles in ZnSO4 solution, at a current density of 30 mA/cm2 and a coulombic efficiency of 99.9%. A zinc–air cell, assembled using Zn@Cu–Zn/Cu as the anode and rGO/Co3O4 composite as the cathode, exhibited a very stable performance at a high current density of 50 mA/cm2 and coulombic efficiency of ~93%, for over 400 cycles. After cycling experiments, the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of the Cu–Zn alloy layer. Hence, the present method provides an easy route for fabricating a dendrite‐free zinc electrode, for a wide range of zinc anode‐based batteries.

Molecular Characterization of Endophytic Fungal Strains for Green Synthesis of ZnO and Au Nanoparticles

Abstract Introduction/Objective Introduction: Traditional methods for nanoparticle synthesis often involve hazardous compounds, posing environmental risks and limiting their biomedical applications due to instability. The exploration of green synthesis approaches using natural products and eco-friendly solvents presents a challenging yet imperative pursuit in nanoparticle research. Methods/Case Report Methods: Endophytic fungi were isolated from healthy Eucalyptus sideroxylon plants collected from the Desert Research Center. Cultivation of fungi in malt extract broth was conducted at 28°C with agitation for 96 hours. Subsequently, fungal DNA was extracted, and ITS-rDNA regions were PCR-amplified for identification. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed to characterize the fungal isolates. Fungal filtrates were utilized for the biosynthesis of ZnO and Au nanoparticles (NPs) from ZnSO4 and HAuCl4 solutions, respectively. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Results: Among the 13 fungal isolates, Fusarium chlamydosporum (FI-03) exhibited the most efficient synthesis of ZnO and Au NPs. Sequencing confirmed the identity of the fungal strain. The synthesized NPs displayed uniform spherical shapes, with ZnO NPs averaging 19.3 nm and Au NPs averaging 22.1 nm in size. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis further elucidated the morphology of the NPs. Conclusion Conclusion: Fusarium chlamydosporum emerged as a promising candidate for the green synthesis of ZnO and Au NPs. This environmentally friendly approach offers a cost-effective and biocompatible alternative to conventional nanoparticle synthesis methods.

Saturation absorbed sodium benzenesulfonate as crystallization modulating additive for dendrite-free Zn anode

Aqueous Zn metal batteries face significant obstacles such as rampant Zn dendrite growth and side reactions besides their benefits. Adding trace amounts of organic additives in electrolyte is considered as an application strategy to achieve long cycling performance. In this study, sodium benzenesulfonate (SBS) composed of an electron-withdrawing sulfonate group and a benzene ring is introduced as a crystallization modulating additive into ZnSO4 solution. We find that the saturation absorption concentration of SBS plays a key role in realizing the uniform deposition of Zn metal anode. SBS is vertically adsorbed onto Zn surface, building a top-down internal electric field that promotes the three-dimensional diffusion of Zn2+. SBS shows a crystallization modulating behavior in terms of grain nucleation, grain morphology and crystal orientation. The well-tailored crystallization structure contributes to a uniform Zn metal deposition for long cycling, which improved from 300 to 4000 cycles with the addition of SBS. At the saturation concentration of SBS, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell shows a lifespan of over 2200 h at 1 mA cm−2. This work not only provides a new option for Zn metal batteries additives but also offers new insights into the function of electrolyte additives.

Mechanism and kinetics of efficient removal of as from a high arsenic-bearing ZnSO4 solution using ultrasound enhanced oxygen

The traditional lime method for arsenic (As) removal from high arsenic-bearing ZnSO4 solution has disadvantages such as high cost, large amount of wet residue, significant secondary hazards, and long process flow. This study developed a new technology for efficient As removal using ultrasound enhanced oxygen. The effects of zinc roasting dust (ZRD) addition, reaction temperature, oxygen flow rate, and ultrasound power on As removal efficiency were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the removal rate of As reached 97.90 %. The1O2, O2∙- and •OH radicals generated during the ultrasound-enhanced oxygen process significantly enhance the oxidation efficiency of As(III) and Fe2+. Ultrasound can also refine particle size and improve the removal efficiency of As. Compared with traditional lime method, the reaction time and wet residue amount have been reduced by 40 % and 70.37 %, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses indicate that As in ZnSO4 solution was primarily removed through by Fe(OH)3 colloidal adsorption and amorphous FeAsO4. Kinetic analysis revealed that the neutralization and As removal process using ZRD under ultrasound and oxygen action conforms to the internal diffusion control model. Ultrasound-enhanced oxygen As removal can reduce the reaction activation energy from 26.94 to 21.02 kJ/mol, effectively lowering the reaction barrier for As removal and demonstrating faster reaction rates under ultrasound conditions. Ultrasound-enhanced oxygen removal of As from high arsenic-bearing ZnSO4 solution provides an efficient and low-cost potential solution for enterprises.

Revealing the Effects of Polymer Additives on Zn Dendrite Suppression in Aqueous Zn Batteries via in-Situ EC-AFM

Polyethylene glycol (PEO) is a commonly used polymer in the field of batteries for achieving flat and uniform electrodes to enhance the performance of batteries, such as lithium batteries and zinc (Zn) batteries. However, the impact of PEO on the electrochemical deposition of Zn metal on electrodes remains uncertain. In this study, we selected ZnSO4 solution as electrolyte and copper (Cu) substrates as electrodes, which are widely applied in Zn batteries. We used in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) to observe the nucleation and growth of Zn metal plates on the Cu substrate in the presence of different concentrations of ZnSO4 and PEO additives. Our results indicate that PEO biases the crystallographic orientation of the initially deposited Zn metal nuclei, but does not have an obvious influence on subsequent growth. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that PEO primarily interacts with the Cu substrate to adjust the interfacial energy of the Cu-electrolyte interfaces. In contrast, due to the lack of apparent change in the Zn growth rate, we postulate that PEO does not affect the delivery rate of Zn2+ to the electrode surface. The consistent aspect ratio of the Zn plates combined with the lack of an effect on growth rates further suggests that PEO does not interact significantly with the surface of the newly formed Zn plates. The Zn metal will undergo surface reorganization in a mildly acidic aqueous solution as a result of oxidation of Zn, which is not affected by PEO adsorption. Our findings provide both insight into the underlying mechanism by which PEO promotes electrode flattening in Zn batteries and a standardized protocol for elucidating the impact of additives on the morphological evolution of interfaces during electrochemical deposition.Work by C.O. was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Experimental research of electrolyte additives and battery performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Abstract Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZBs) have received increasing attention due to their high safety, high theoretical specific capacity, and abundant resources. However, the problems of zinc anode dendrite growth, hydrogen precipitation corrosion, and irreversible side reactions in AZIBs have restricted their application process. Electrolyte additives are an effective way to solve problems. This work looked at what would happen when 4-(2-hydroxyethyl) piperazine-1-ethane sulfonic acid (HEPES) was added to the ZnSO4 solution, which is the electrolyte. It was tested on AZIBs by using coin batteries as the carriers and adding HEPES to the electrolyte. The findings demonstrated that the electrolyte exhibited robust stability following HEPES addition, effectively suppressing dendrite growth through electric field modulation at the zinc anode. Incorporating 8 mM HEPES notably enhanced battery cycle longevity to over 240 hours under conditions of 0.2 mA cm−2 and 0.2 mAh cm−2. The HEPES additive was found to be effective in improving the rate capability through the testing of Zn||Zn symmetric batteries. This work provides a feasible idea for the performance improvement of low-cost and high-efficiency AZIBs.

Dissolution behavior of hematite in H2SO4 solution: A kinetic analysis and its importance on the zinc hydrometallurgical hematite process

Here, the effect of H2SO4 concentration, temperature, liquid to solid ratio and particle size on the dissolution behavior of industrial hematite in H2SO4 solution. Among them, temperature and H2SO4 concentration have significant effects on the dissolution efficiency of Fe from industrial hematite. Below 363.15 K, the dissolution efficiency of Fe increases with the increase of temperature, but the opposite is true above 363.15 K. Increase H2SO4 concentration to promote the dissolution of industrial hematite. Liquid-solid ratio and particle size had little effect on the Fe concentration after dissolving at 180 min, but it has a significant influence on the Fe dissolution efficiency. The Fe dissolution efficiency of hematite with large particle size is significantly higher than that with small. Shrinking core model with inert reactant layer was employed to describe the dissolving kinetics of industrial hematite in H2SO4 solution. In the temperature range of 303.15 − 343.15 K, the interfacial chemical reaction control is the rate-limiting step. Apparent activation energy (Ea) is 48.1 kJ·mol−1. Based on this, four methods were recommended to prevent the re-dissolution of hematite in industrial practice: (1) increasing the reaction temperature, (2) extending the residence time of hematite in high temperature autoclave, (3) reducing the acidity of the slurry in autoclave though add neutralizer, (4) separating immediately hematite from slurry discharged from the autoclave. This work is of great practical value in terms of iron removal and recycle from the ZnSO4 solution though the hematite process with efficient, clean and low temperature at 423.15 K.

Easy-to-Lay Poly-N Heterocyclic Additives Enable Long-Term Stabilization of Zinc-Ion Capacitor Anodes under Deep Plating/Stripping.

Addition of organic compounds containing O/N heteroatoms to aqueous electrolytes such as ZnSO4 (ZS) solutions is one of the effective strategies to inhibit Zn anode dendrites and side reactions. However, addressing the stability of Zn plating/stripping at high current densities and areal capacities by this method is still a challenge, especially in capacitors known for high power and long life. Herein, an organic heterocyclic compound of 1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane (TC) containing four symmetrically distributed N atoms is employed as ZS additive, expanding the life of Zn anodes from ≈30h to 1000 and 240h at deep plating/stripping conditions of 10 and 20mAcm-2/mAhcm-2, respectively; the cumulative capacity is as high as 5.0Ahcm-2 with 99% Coulombic efficiency, far exceeding reported additives. TC with higher binding energies than H2O for Zn species tends to adsorb to Zn (002) in a lying manner and participate in the solvation shell of Zn2+, thus avoiding Zn dendrites and side-reaction damage, especially at high current densities. The TC-endowed Zn anode's stability under such extreme conditions is verified in Zn-ion capacitors (i.e., >94.6% capacity retention after 28000 cycles), providing new insights into the development of high-power Zn-based energy storage devices.

Density of lymphocytes in cortex and medulla substance of thymus particles of white rats in normal conditions and under influence of heavy metal salts during three months

The consumption of clean water is the most relevant today, but natural water is delivered to our homes through plastic, iron and galvanized pipes. Metal ions, which are part of the pipe material, can get into drinking water and affect the human body, in particular the thymus. That is why the aim of the work was to determine the density of large, medium and small lymphocytes in the cortex and medulla of the thymus lobules of outbred white male rats of reproductive age when consuming small doses of heavy metal salts with water for three months. The study was conducted on 40 outbred white male rats of reproductive age, which were divided into 4 groups: 1 group – control animals that consumed distilled water; 2 group of animals that consumed aqueous solutions – CuSO4·5H2O at a dose of 0.247 mg/dm3; 3 group – aqueous solution of ZnSO4·7H2O at a dose of 1.505 mg/dm3; group 4 – aqueous solution of FeSO4·7H2O at a dose of 0.5 mg/dm3. Histological, electron microscopic and morphometric research methods were used to study the density of large, medium and small lymphocytes in different zones of the thymus lobules. It was found that in the control group of rats, the density of large lymphocytes is the highest in the subcapsular zone, and the lowest in the medulla. The density of medium lymphocytes is the lowest in the subcapsular zone. The density of small lymphocytes is the lowest in the medulla, and the highest in the cortico-medullary zone. When using CuSO4·5H2O salts with drinking water for three months, there were no significant changes in the density of lymphocytes compared to the control group, except for a slight decrease in the density of large lymphocytes in the cortex of the thymus lobules. The density of lymphocytes in the third group of animals that consumed zinc salts (ZnSO4·7H2O) with drinking water changes significantly: the density of large lymphocytes in the subcapsular zone decreases by 2.3 times, in the cortico-medullary zone it increases by 4.7 times, and in the medulla it increases by 2.7 times; the density of medium lymphocytes decreases in the subcapsular zone by 2 times; the density of small lymphocytes decreases by 1.5 times in the subcapsular zone, in the cortex and cortico-medullary zone – decreases by 1.2 times, and in the medulla by 1.1 times. When using FeSO4·7H2O salts with drinking water for three months, no special changes in the density of lymphocytes were noted: a decrease in the density of large lymphocytes in the subcapsular zone by 1.5 times and by 1.3 times in the cortex was observed; the density of medium lymphocytes decreases by 1.2 times in the cortex, and the density of small lymphocytes decreases by 1.2 times in the subcapsular zone and cortex, and increases by 1.2 times in the medulla, compared to the control group of animals. Ultrastructural changes in the structure of lymphocytes and reticuloepithelial cells were not detected when heavy metal salts were consumed with water. Thus, the study showed that the most toxic for the body are zinc salts (ZnSO4·7H2O), the consumption of which with drinking water in small doses for three months led to significant changes in the density of lymphocytes, compared to the control group experimental animals.

Enhanced Chromate Sorption Using Zinc‐Manganese Oxide Mesoporous Structures Decorated Carbon Nanocomposite Prepared from Battery Wastes

Mesoporous zinc-manganese oxide decorated carbon nanocomposites, as promising low-cost candidates for chromate(VI) sorption, were developed via a one-pot facile route based on battery wastes. The improved-based carbon composite with (ZnMn2O4+MnO(OH)/Mn2O3·H2O/C (I-C)) was produced by in-situ hydrothermal growth. Furthermore, the treated composite of carbon with adding ZnSO4 solution (ZnMn2O4/C (T-C)). Nanocomposites were characterized comprehensively using FTIR, XRD, HR-TEM, XPS, EDX, and BET analyses. The T-C nanocomposite showed a significant enhancement of chromate sorption by 1.5 fold in comparison with I-C in terms of maximum capacity and equilibrium time. Langmuir and pseudo-second-order fit the experimental data well. The sorption process is spontaneous, endothermic, and governed by entropic. The interaction mode was elucidated via FTIR, XRD, and XPS data, unveiling a synergistic ion-pair sorption and redox mechanism. Elution and sorbent regeneration were successfully achieved using HCl (0.2 M) with high durability over seven cycles. Finally, both nanocomposites, especially T-C, demonstrated exceptional efficiency and selectivity in removing high levels of Cr(VI) from wastewater from tannery industries.

Separation of Iron from ZnSO4 solution by oxygen pressure-enhanced hydrothermal precipitation

ABSTRACT This study presented a method for removing iron (Fe) from zinc (Zn) sulfate solution utilising an oxygen (O2) pressure-enhanced goethite process. The study investigated the effects of O2 pressure, reaction temperature (T), pH value, and reaction time (t) on the Fe removal process. The results indicated that the oxidation rate increased with increasing T and O2 pressure. The goethite obtained at an O2 partial pressure of 0.2 MPa exhibited higher Fe content and a distinct acicular morphology, containing 55.7% Fe, 5.4% Zn, and 1.9% Sulphur (S). The increase in temperature from 90°C to 110°C accelerated the Fe hydrothermal precipitation, enhancing the Fe content in the goethite from 55.7% to 57.1%. The goethite products with 56.4% Fe content exhibited 95.0% crystallinity at a pH of 3.2, with a tendency for particle aggregation at lower crystallinity levels. The goethite precipitation occurred within the pH range of 2.2−3.5. Furthermore, as the reaction time increased, the hydrothermal precipitation particles increased in size and exhibited higher Fe content. The proposed method modified the O2 mass transfer process, increasing its solubility to enhance the Fe2+ oxidation rate, facilitating the controlled acicular α-FeOOH production with excellent crystallization performance.

Zinc biofortification via fertigation using alternative zinc sources and concentration levels in pea, radish, and sunflower microgreens

Zinc (Zn) is a key micronutrient essential for human health, and its deficiency affects over 17 % of the global population. The consumption of Zn-biofortified foods is one strategy for addressing this malnutrition issue. Supplying Zn-enriched nutrient solutions via fertigation is a prominent method for enhancing the content of Zn in vegetable crops. Among vegetables, microgreens are considered a particularly suitable biofortification target crop due to their high nutrient density, swift growth rate, and low phytic acid content. However, there is limited knowledge on the optimal Zn sources and application rate for the biofortification of different microgreen species via fertigation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of alternative Zn sources (ZnSO4, ZnO, and Zn-EDTA) and application rates (0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/L of Zn) on yield components, mineral content, and phytochemical profile of pea, radish, and sunflower microgreens grown in a soilless cultivation system. Zn fertigation increased Zn content and the nutritional profile (flavonoids, total phenols, antioxidant activity, and ascorbic acid) of all three microgreen species. Microgreens fertigated with 15 mg/L ZnSO4 solution, increased Zn content nearly by a factor of 5, 13, and 6 in pea, radish, and sunflower, relative to their control not supplied with Zn (61.01, 50.26, and 65.87 mg/g DW), respectively. ZnSO4 was the most effective source of Zn, followed by ZnO and Zn-EDTA. Zn accumulation resulted in minimal or no fresh yield reduction. However, the concentration of other essential microminerals, like Fe, decreased with Zn accumulation in all three species. In conclusion, Zn biofortification via fertigation is effective in enriching microgreens with Zn, while also enhancing their nutritional profile. Nevertheless, selecting the proper Zn source and application rate is critical to achieving the target Zn concentration without reducing yield and/or the content of Fe and other minerals.

Mixture electrolyte suppressing water-induced parasitic reactions on Zn anode by tuning multilayer solvating structure

Though aqueous zinc ion batteries have been identified as a feasible option for energy storage, there are still some challenges that block the development of aqueous zinc ion battery, especially the issues from zinc metal anode. Tuning solvating structure of Zn2+ and adjusting the electrolyte in recent years is considered to be a simple but potential strategy to improve stability of zinc anode. In this work, a mixture electrolyte was obtained by dessolving LiTFSI/TEGDME Li-O2 battery electrolyte into 2 M aqueous ZnSO4 solution to tune solvating structure and adjust the striping/plating process of anode. Molecular spectrum and X-ray based method clarified that the mixture electrolyte plays dual functions to protect anode during electrochemical process. From one aspect, TEGDME partially replaced water and reconstructed a new multilayer solvating shell with TFSI-, which is beneficial for fast dendrite-free deposition. From the other aspect, surface spectrum also revealed that due to the participation of Li+ and TFSI-, a surface layer with ZnOHS framework and ZnF2 fillings formed on anode which further inhibit the dendrite growth and stabilize anode. This work combines the method of tuning solvation structure and construct SEI together and opens a new view designing new electrolytes for aqueous Zn-ion battery.

Strong and tough poly(vinyl alcohol)/xanthan gum-based ionic conducting hydrogel enabled through the synergistic effect of ion cross-linking and salting out

The mechanical properties of ionic conductive hydrogels (ICHs) are generally inadequate, leading to their susceptibility to breakage under external forces and consequently resulting in the failure of flexible electronic devices. In this work, a simple and convenient strategy was proposed based on the synergistic effect of ion cross-linking and salting out, in which the hydrogels consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and xanthan gum (XG) were immersed in zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) solution to obtain ICHs with exceptional mechanical properties. The salt-out effects between PVA chains and SO42− ions along with the cross-linked network of XG chains and Zn2+ ions contribute to the desirable mechanical properties of ICHs. Notably, the mechanical properties of ICHs can be adjusted by changing the concentration of ZnSO4 solution. Consequently, the optimum fracture stress and the fracture energy can reach 3.38 MPa and 12.13 KJ m−2, respectively. Moreover, the ICHs demonstrated a favorable sensitivity (up to 2.05) when utilized as a strain sensor, exhibiting an accurate detection of human body movements across various amplitudes.

Atomic-scale inorganic carbon additive with rich surface polarity and low lattice mismatch for zinc to boost Zn metal anode reversibility

The renaissance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) is impeded by the disordered Zn deposition and notorious water attack at the Zn-electrolyte interface. Electrolyte additive engineering plays a vital role in tuning the electrode–electrolyte interface chemistry to stabilize Zn anode but its long-term performance at high plating/stripping rates and capacities remains a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate highly reversible Zn anodes by employing the atomic-scale inorganic carbon nanomaterials (ICN) as a multifunctional electrolyte additive into the common ZnSO4 solution to regulate the Zn deposition behaviors. The ICN with rich surface polar groups modulates the primary Zn2+ solvation structure to avoid the side reactions, and preferentially absorbs on the Zn anode surface to build a passivated-protect interface to suppress Zn corrosion and dendrite growth. More importantly, its low lattice mismatch with zinc navigates the preferred Zn (002) deposition to induce smooth and dense Zn plating morphology, fundamentally eradicating the Zn dendrite issues and further Zn corrosion. Consequently, the electrolyte containing ICN additive endows the symmetric Zn cells with fabulous cumulative capacity (3500 mAh cm−2), decent Coulombic efficiency (99.69 %) at 10 mA cm−2, and excellent stability of 800 cycles with only 0.022 % capacity decay per cycle in the Zn||VOX battery under practical conditions of limited Zn supply, high-loading cathode and lean electrolyte. This work presents an effective strategy to advance the practical applications of rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries.

Zinc Plating on Inkjet-Printed Ti3C2Tx MXene: Effect of Electrolyte and PEG Additive

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are currently being studied as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The nucleation and growth of the zinc deposition mechanism is a critical field of research in ZIBs, as it directly affects the battery efficiency and lifespan. It is of paramount importance in mitigating the formation of porous, dendritic Zn structures that may cause cell inefficiency and, eventually, short-circuiting failures. Interfacial engineering plays a key role in providing reversible plating and stripping of metallic Zn in ZIBs through the proper regulation of the electrode–electrolyte interface. In this work, we investigated the behavior and characteristics of Zn plating on inkjet-printed Ti3C2Tx MXene-coated substrates according to the different electrolyte compositions. Specifically, ZnCl2 and ZnSO4 solutions were employed, evaluating the effect of a relatively low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (PEG400) addition to the electrolyte as additive. Electrochemical analyses demonstrated higher deposition kinetics in chloride-based electrolytes rather than sulfate ones, resulting in lower nucleation overpotentials. However, the morphology and microstructure of the plated Zn, investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), revealed that the electrolytic solution played a predominant role in the Zn crystallite formation rather than the Ti3C2Tx MXene coating. Specifically, the preferential Zn [002] orientation could be favored when using additive-free ZnSO4 solution, and a PEG addition was found to be an efficient texturing agent only in ZnCl2 solution.

Effective removal of As from a high arsenic-bearing ZnSO4 solution by ultrasonic enhanced ozonation in a one-pot method

Currently, removing arsenic (As) from ZnSO4 solution using lime presents several drawbacks, including high wet precipitate content, long reaction time, and the introduction of new impurities. In this study, we propose a novel ultrasonic (US) ozone one-pot method for effectively removing As from a high-arsenic ZnSO4 solution. In this method, as in ZnSO4 solution was removed by ultrasound enhanced ozone oxidation combined with zinc roasting dust (ZRD). No secondary pollution will occur with the addition of ZRD and ozone, as neither introduces new impurities. The experimental results show that under the conditions of initial As and Fe concentrations of 1640 mg/L and 2963 mg/L, US power of 480 W, frequency of 20 kHz, reaction temperature of 60 °C, reaction time of 1 h, ZRD dose of 12 g/L and gas flow rate of 900 mL/min, the removal rate of As can reach 99.4%. The introduction of US can further enhance the oxidation effect of ozone on As(III) and Fe2+ by increasing the solubility of ozone and promoting the production of OH radicals. Additionally, US cavitation and mechanical action increase the probability of contact between various reactants in the solution, facilitating the occurrence of reactions. US also reduces the aggregation of arsenic-containing precipitates and the encapsulation of ZRD by arsenic containing precipitates, thereby decreasing the amount of arsenic-containing precipitates. In comparison to the traditional lime method, this approach results in a significant reduction in the amount of arsenic-containing precipitate by 54.5% and a 60% decrease in the total reaction time. The As removal mechanism of our method encompasses ZRD neutralization, US-enhanced ozone mass transfer and decomposition, oxidation of As(III) and Fe2+, and adsorption and coprecipitation. Consequently, the proposed method provides a cost-effective, fast, safe and environmentally friendly alternative for treating arsenic-contaminated ZnSO4 solutions.

Potential of Seed Halopriming in the Mitigation of Salinity Stress during Germination and Seedling Establishment in Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.).

The salinity of soils and irrigation water is among the main factors that limit plant productivity worldwide. Several alternatives have been proposed to get around this problem. However, these alternatives have faced difficulties in their implementation. As an alternative, the adverse effects of salinity on crop yield can be minimized by selecting species and varieties better adapted to salinity and/or by finding priming agents that give plants a certain tolerance during the vegetative and reproductive stages. The latter are strictly dependent on germination and seedling establishment. For this purpose, a laboratory experiment was conducted on three Tunisian wheat cultivars (Karim, Razeg, and Maali) subjected to moderate salinity stress (MSS, 5 g L-1 NaCl), severe salinity stress (SSS, 10 g L-1 NaCl), or control (0 NaCl) after soaking the seeds in a solution of KNO3 or ZnSO4 (0.5 g L-1). Salinity stress significantly decreased germination capacity (GC) and induced osmotic stress under MSS, which declined under SSS in favor of toxic stress. Pretreatment of seeds with KNO3 or ZnSO4 alleviated the toxic effect, and seedlings recovered initial vigor and GC even under SSS. The Karim cultivar showed better tolerance to salinity and a higher ability to react to priming agents. The calculated sensitivity tolerance index (STI) based on germination capacity, seedling growth, and initial vigor decreased in all cultivars under salt stress; however, this parameter clearly discriminated the studied cultivars. Karim was the most tolerant as compared to Razeg and Maali. We conclude that halopriming provides a benefit by alleviating the harmful effects of salt toxicity and that cultivars differ in their response to priming and extent of salt stress. KNO3 and ZnSO4 effectively alleviated the inhibitory effect of salt stress on seed germination and seedling establishment while significantly improving initial vigor.

Zn-priming of seed ameliorates biochemical and anatomical parameters of Cicer arietinum L. cultivars in drought condition

Cicer arietinum an important legume crop is among the drought tolerant plants and cultivated for its rich nutritive value almost all over the world. The current research was led to assess the role of pre-sowing seed treatment with 0.05% ZnSO4 solution on the anatomical and biochemical characteristics of four varieties of Chickpea (i.e. CM 2008, FG 0902, DO 75-09 and Pb 2008) under three different maintained drought conditions. A pot experiment was performed in GCWUF. Seed priming with distilled water and 0.05% ZnSO4 solution was done. Overall, all cultivars exhibited high production of all biochemical nutrients and effective change in anatomical characters but CM 2008 and FG 0902 cultivars grown from ZnSO4 rimed seeds display tolerance under drought condition and gave higher values of various biochemical and anatomical parameters compared to plants grown from seeds primed with distilled water. However, Pb 2008 cultivar gave the minimum increase in values of biochemical and anatomical parameters among all cultivars under all field capacities. Keywords: Cicer arietinum, drought, stem anatomy, seed priming.