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The realization of a controllable transparent conducting system with selective light transparency is crucial for exploring many of the most intriguing effects in top‐illuminated optoelectronic devices. However, the performance is limited by insufficient electrical conductivity, low work function, and vulnerable interface of traditional transparent conducting materials, such as tin‐doped indium oxide. Here, it is reported that two‐dimensional (2D) titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene film acts as an efficient transparent conducting electrode for the lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) photodiode with controllable near infrared transmittance. The solution‐processed interface engineering of MXene and PbS layers remarkably reduces the interface defects of MXene/PbS CQDs and the carrier concentration in the PbS layer. The stable Ti3C2Tx/PbS CQDs photodiodes give rise to a high specific detectivity of 5.51 × 1012 cm W−1 Hz1/2, a large dynamic response range of 140 dB, and a large bandwidth of 0.76 MHz at 940 nm in the self‐powered state, ranking among the most exceptional in terms of comprehensive performance among reported PbS CQDs photodiodes. In contrast with the traditional photodiode technologies, this efficient and stable approach opens a new horizon to construct widely used infrared photodiodes with CQDs and MXenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extremely weak heterointerface construction of high‐entropy materials (HEM) hinders them being the electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers with ideal properties. To address this issue, this study proposes multiphase interfacial engineering and results in a multiphase‐induced interfacial polarization loss in multielement sulfides. Through the selection of atoms with diverse reaction activities, the multiphase interfacial components of CuS (1 0 5), Fe0.5Ni0.5S2 (2 1 0), and CuFe2S3 (2 0 0) are constructed to enhance the interfacial polarization loss in multielement Cu‐based sulfides. Compared with single‐phase high‐entropy Zn‐based sulfides (ZnFeCoNiCr‐S), the multiphase Cu‐based sulfides (CuFeCoNiCr‐S) possess optimized EMW absorption properties (effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 6.70 GHz at 2.00 mm) due to the existence of specific interface of CuS (1 0 5)/CuFe2S3 (2 0 0) with proper EM parameters. Furthermore, single‐phase ZnFeCoNiCr‐S into FeNi2S4 (3 1 1)/(Zn, Fe)S (1 1 1) heterointerface through 400 °C heat‐treated is decomposed. The EMW absorption properties are enhanced by strong interfacial polarization (EAB of 4.83 GHz at 1.45 mm). This work reveals the reasons for the limited EMW absorption properties of high‐entropy sulfides and proposes multiphase interface engineering to improve charge accumulation and polarization between specific interfaces, leading to the enhanced EMW absorption properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper‐based photodetectors have emerged as reliable candidates for wearable electronics due to their low‐cost, degradability and excellent bending properties. However, the application of quantum dots (QDs) to paper‐based devices remains a challenge due to the low carrier mobility. In this work, lead sulfide (PbS) QDs are successfully applied to paper‐based devices by constructing the amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a‐IGZO)/PbS QDs‐EDT heterojunction to enhance the photoconductive gain of the QDs film. The effect of different paper substrates are investigated on device performance and demonstrate that the heterojunction is not suitable for the fiber‐like paper substrate. Heterojunction devices based on Senyan paper and glass paper exhibit stable detection performance with detectivity of 1.71 × 1010 and 3.19 × 1011 Jones, respectively. Benefit from the unique micro‐morphology, the Senyan paper‐based device exhibits excellent bending resistance and remained stable after 1000 bends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research describes the successful fabrication and characterization of ternary metal sulphide thin film, NiS:Cu2S:Nd2S3, by physical vapour deposition with diethyldithiocarbamate as the sulphur source. Various analytical approaches were used to evaluate the synthetic material's crystallographic, morphological, and optical properties. The ternary metal sulphide thin films possessed a crystallite size of 33.5 nm, whilst SEM imaging revealed the presence of geometrical form with tiny clustered bodies. Furthermore, XPS examination showed the existence of Nd 4d, Cu 2p, Ni 2p, and S 2p core-level peaks in the ternary metal sulphide thin films. The current study revealed that the synthesized material had a band gap energy of 3.5 eV. The material's electrochemical properties were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, which revealed good supercapacitance performance with a specific capacitance of 412 Fg−1. The cycle stability of the nanoparticle thin films was also found to be good, highlighting its potential as an energy storage medium. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized material was investigated, especially its capacity to breakdown a variety of contaminants such as malachite green dye, fluopyram, and phenol with a highest degradation rate constant 1.6 × 10−2 min−1. These findings provide compelling evidence of the potential of ternary metal sulphide thin films for a wide range of technological applications, including but not limited to energy storage and photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary area of research in all branches of science and engineering is the production of low-cost goods considering the recent global economic crisis. Making small-scale, inexpensive, light-weight and high-quality items is essential for today's and tomorrow's world. Nanotechnology is more than enough of a contributor to this whole situation. Emerging nanomaterials like Lead Sulphide (PbS) have characteristics that set them apart from traditional materials. Topological indices (TIs) are numerical values associated with chemical compounds and are widely used in quantitative structure-property/activity relationship (QSPR/QSAR) studies. These indices are very useful for the prediction of certain physio-chemical properties of chemical compounds such as boiling point, stability, strain energy, entropy, etc. The M-polynomial and NM-polynomial techniques lead us to TIs for a molecular graph in less time compared to the usual computation from their definitions. Therefore, in this study, we utilise the M-polynomial and NM-polynomial techniques to compute various degree-based and neighbourhood degree sum-based TIs of complex crystal structures of PbS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis of lead(II) complexes of 2-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene) hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (1) and 2-(1-(thiophen-2-yl) ethylene) hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (2), which were used as single source precursors in hexadecylamine (HDA) and oleylamine (OLA) at 190, 230, and 270°C to synthesize lead(II) sulfide nanoparticles. Optical studies by UV–vis analysis showed a general blue shift in the absorption band edge of the PbS nanoparticles (NPs) with energy bandgaps determined by Tauc's plots ranging from 2.15 to 3.11 eV. The development of NPs with a variety of morphologies that changed with temperature and precursor type was demonstrated by morphological characterization using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Cubic, rod-shaped, and nearly spherical-shaped PbS were formed. Powder X-ray diffraction (p-XRD) structural studies revealed the face-centered cubic structure of PbS nanoparticles. The elements contained in the nanoparticles were identified by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). These results suggest that the size, shape, and optical properties of the synthesized PbS NPs were affected by reaction temperature, capping group, and precursor type. Under UV irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of HDA-capped PbS nanoparticles on the degradation of methylene blue dye ranged from 28.3% to 60.0%, with lead sulfide nanoparticle obtained by thermolysis of complex (1) at 230°C showing the highest photocatalytic efficiency (60.0%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platinum and Pd-arsenides, antimonides, tellurides, bismuthinides, and sulfides are the major hosts of Pt and Pd in magmatic and hydrothermal Cu-Ni-sulfide ores. Textural relationships among such minerals in nature often provide contradictory messages about the mechanism and timing of their formation. To know how and when Pt and Pd mineral phases crystallize from sulfide- saturated liquids and how their compositions and textures evolve during cooling, we undertook controlled cooling experiments in evacuated silica tubes. A Cu-Ni-Fe sulfide mixture, similar in composition to the average Merensky Reef sulfide magma, was charged (in a 9:1wt.% proportion) with one of the PtAs2, PtTe2, PtSb2, PtBi2, PdAs2, PdTe2, PdSb, and PdBi2 compounds, heated to 1,100°C, and slowly cooled (15°C/day) to room temperature. The run products were sampled at 950°C, 750°C, and 25°C by quenching the silica tubes in water. The results show that Pt formed stable phases with As, Te, and Sb above 950°C and with Bi and S below 750°C. The Pt phases were found mostly in the decomposed intermediate solid solution (ISS), and all the phases survived to 25°C with no compositional changes. At 950°C, Pd formed arsenide, telluride, and antimonide immiscible melts that coexisted with monosulfide solid solution (MSS) and sulfide melt. The composition of the Pd- semimetal melt droplets changed during cooling by equilibration with the host sulfide. Palladium mineral phases formed at temperatures below 750°C directly from the immiscible semimetal-rich melts where they kept the rounded shapes of the melt droplets. Ni-sulfarsenides preceded the formation of Pd arsenides. No Ni tellurides, antimonides, or bismuthinides formed in any of the systems, implying that their formation requires higher semimetal/Pt + Pd ratios. The decomposition of MSS and ISS to base metal sulfides led to significant textural changes in Pt and Pd mineral grains. The compositions of Pt and Pd phases are inherited from the magmatic stage, and their textures are low-temperature (<450°C) features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tandem solar cells are regarded as an effective way to break through the theoretical efficiency of the Shockley--Queisser limit, and large-size lead sulfide quantum dots (PbS QDs) are considered ideal infrared (IR) photovoltaic materials for absorbing low-energy IR photons in the bottom subcells of tandem solar cells due to their tunable bandgaps and multiexciton generation effects. However, the exposed (100) surface of large-size PbS QDs leads to poor passivation during the ligand-exchange process, resulting in degraded device performance. Herein, a mixed halide ions ligand passivation strategy is developed to synergistically passivate the (111) and (100) facets of large-size QDs. Particularly, a gradual dropwise addition of lead chloride salts dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide for achieving precisely proportional surface passivation of Cl ions in the ligand exchange is proposed, which enhances the quality of the QD solids and obtains excellent control of the surface trap states. Additionally, optical and electrical characterization results show that the passivated IR PbS QD solids have higher carrier mobility, longer carrier lifetime, and lower defect density, which increases the IR efficiency of IR PbS QD solar cells to 1.25%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-thin Zinc oxide nanowires were prepared by a simple thermal evaporation method using a suitable amount of lead sulfide as an additive. It has been found that the nanowires are single crystalline of zincate grown along [1 0 1] direction. The transmission electron microscopy images show that nanowires consist of smooth ultra-thin cantilever-like with a diameter in the range of 10–20 nanometer (nm) and length of few microns. At room temperature, the photoluminescence spectra exhibit unusual strong broad peaks extending from the visible to near infrared (∼500–800 nm). The synthesized nanowires can serve as a novel platform for electrochemical and nano-biomolecular applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Lead sulfide nanoparticles were hydrothermally synthesized and their size was diminished via exposure to ultrasound waves. Both h -PbS and h , us -PbS nanoparticles of different sizes were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, TEM microscopy and surface area measurements. The nanoparticles limited the growth of Aspergillus pathogens and light microscopy proved severe morphological abnormalities in the fungal vesicles, conidiophores and mycelia in response to the nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury bismuth sulfide (HgBi2S3), a member of the II–V–VI group of semiconducting materials, has not been previously synthesized, investigated, or reported as a potential absorber layer for solar cells. This ternary metal chalcogen exhibits an optical energy band gap ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 eV, demonstrating efficient absorption in the range of 104 to 105 cm−1. In this study, thin films of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and HgBi2S3 were synthesized and deposited using spin coating and chemical bath deposition methods, respectively as a function of deposition time. The synthesized TiO2/HgBi2S3 thin film was subjected to characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDXS) spectroscopic analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and photoelectrochemical performance (JV) evaluation. XRD analysis confirmed the deposition of a polycrystalline thin film with an average crystalline size ranging from 401 to 789 nm, depending on the deposition time of 60 to 180 min.The average particle size of the film varied from 218 to 479 nm, and the thickness of the TiO2/HgBi2S3 thin film was measured to be between 10.14 and 12.47 μm. After sensitization, the contact angle of the TiO2 thin film decreased from 400 to 180, and this change was independent of the deposition time of the HgBi2S3 thin film. The absorbance of the TiO2 thin film showed an increasing trend with deposition time, while the optical energy gap of TiO2 decreased from 3.12 to 1.54 eV following the deposition of the HgBi2S3 thin film. EDXS analysis confirmed the successful deposition of HgBi2S3 onto the TiO2 thin film. However, the HgBi2S3 sensitized TiO2 thin film exhibited only marginal photovoltaic performance with maximum short circuit current of 0.3537 mA/cm2 for deposition time of 60 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal quantum dot (CQD) photodiodes integrated with silicon‐based readout integrated circuits (ROICs) offer a promising solution for the next‐generation short‐wave infrared (SWIR) imaging technology. Despite their potential, large‐size CQD photodiodes pose a challenge due to high dark currents resulting from surface states on non‐passivated (100) facets and trap states generated by CQD fusion. In this work, we present a novel approach to address this issue by introducing double‐ended ligands that supplementally passivate (100) facets of halide‐capped large‐size CQDs, leading to suppressed bandtail states and reduced defect concentration. Our results demonstrate that the dark current density is highly suppressed by about an order of magnitude to 9.6 nA cm−2 at −10 mV, which is among the lowest reported for PbS CQD photodiodes. Furthermore, the performance of the photodiodes is exemplary, yielding an external quantum efficiency of 50.8% (which corresponds to a responsivity of 0.532 A W−1) and a specific detectivity of 2.5 × 1012 Jones at 1300 nm. By integrating CQD photodiodes with CMOS ROICs, the CQD imager provides high‐resolution (640 × 512) SWIR imaging for infrared penetration and material discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Framing effective mitigation steps to resolve the energy crisis directs to the research gap of existing solar cell technologies. The study utilizes the inherent physiochemical properties of vanadium-incorporated copper gallium sulfide telluride (CuGa1−xVx(S,Te)2) thin films deposited via a chemical spray pyrolysis route and evokes how the art of intermediate band structuring favours the solar cell efficiency. The research laid a strong basement with SCAPS theoretical modelling followed by thorough experimental validation and precise analysis. I–V curves showed the photoresponsivity (R) and Ohmic nature of the deposited thin films with a maximum photoresponsivity of 0.19 A W−1, observed for the V – 0.1-incorporated CGST film. The theoretical simulation of the fabricated solar cell was conducted using the SCAPS – 1D software, and the obtained efficiency displayed an increasing trend from 4.82% to 11.01%. This increase in efficiency can be attributed to the decrease in bandgap from 2.63 eV to 1.92 eV, as evidenced by UV-Vis spectroscopy. These findings suggest that V – 0.1-incorporated CGST is a promising candidate for use as a thin-film absorber layer in solar photovoltaic technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By comparing the results of calculations using the Mie theory, which is considered exact, a validity region of the approximate method for calculating the extinction cross section of spherical nanoparticles through polarizability has been found. The calculations were performed for w-CdS, InP, and PbS, and their results were presented in the form of the exact extinction cross section to the approximate absorption cross section ratio as a function of the particle size and light wavelength. The extinction coefficients for w-CdS and PbS nanoparticles depending on the wavelength and refractive index of the medium have also been calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To optimize photosensitive structures based on colloidal lead sulfide quantum dots, the rate and completeness of replacement in thin layers was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy on a multiple attenuated total internal reflection attachment. The rate of ligand replacement in a thin layer of colloidal lead sulfide quantum dots when replaced by iodide ion in different solvents was studied for the first time. A change in the composition of the shells of PbS nanoparticles under the influence of a number of solvents and when replacing them with thiocyanate ions was shown. For the first time, the replacement of the oleate ligand shell with pure formamide has been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdS–PbS nanocrystalline films with a thickness of 0.5 to 1.2 µm are obtained by Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) from an ammonium-citrate reaction mixture by varying the concentrations of different cadmium salts CdAnn (An is CH3COO−, , ) within 0.01–0.08 mol/L. The morphology and surface topography of the films are studied by scanning electron and atomic-force microscopy. The film's composition is determined by energy-dispersive analysis. A nonlinear change in the content of the main CdS–PbS film elements and their morphological characteristics is shown. The influence of the anionic component of the salt CdAnn on the cadmium content in thin film layers is established. This effect correlates with the lyotropic series of anions: > > CH3COO−. A mechanism for the anion nucleophilic addition to the thiocarbonyl atom of thiourea is proposed. As a result, a nucleophilic attack promotes thiourea activation by weakening the carbon–sulfur bond. Based on the results of comprehensive study of the morphology and the fractal analysis of the surface of the CdS–PbS semiconductor layers, we conclude that the studied films are predominantly formed by particle–cluster diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcrystalline lead sulfide (PbS) films were synthesized using the chemical deposition method. The films were deposited on pre-cleaned glass substrates and polished silicon wafers. Chemicals of high purity were utilized in the process. The morphology, composition, and structure of the films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The films exhibited a galena phase with a face-centered cubic structure belonging to the Fm-3m space group. The average grain size was determined using the Williamson-Hall method, revealing a homogenous structure. Raman spectroscopy further confirmed the structural integrity of the films. The obtained results contribute to the understanding of the synthesis and properties of microcrystalline PbS films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-based sulfur compounds have been widely used in middle- and high-temperature thermoelectric fields. Compared with Te and Se, S element has the advantages of abundant content, low price, and high thermal stability of PbS, and thus PbS thermoelectric materials have attracted extensive interest of researchers in recent years. However, the inherent high lattice thermal conductivity of PbS thermoelectric material leads to its low thermoelectric conversion efficiency, which severely limits its application in the field of thermoelectric. In order to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity, Cl doping method was used to improve the thermoelectric properties of PbS. The experimental results show that dendritic PbS-based nanomaterials with controllable morphology were prepared by hydrothermal method, and porous PbS-based bulk materials were formed during sintering. The results showed that the density and lattice thermal conductivity of porous PbS materials doped with Cl were significantly reduced, the carrier concentration was increased, and the thermoelectric properties were significantly improved. The zT value of PbCl0.02S0.98 material reached 0.71 at 773 K, which was about 108.8% higher than that of pure PbS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Colloidal semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) represent an emergent state of matter with unique properties, bridging bulk materials and molecular structures. Their distinct physical attributes, such as bandgap and photoluminescence, are intricately tied to their size and morphology. Ligand passivation plays a crucial role in shaping NPs and determining their physical properties. Ligand exchange (LE) offers a versatile approach to tailoring NP properties, often guided by Pearson’s Hard–Soft Acid–Base theory. Lead sulfide (PbS), a semiconductor of considerable interest, exhibits size-dependent tunable bandgaps from the infrared to the visible range. Here, we present two methods for synthesizing water-soluble, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated PbS NPs. The first involves direct synthesis in an aqueous solution while utilizing PVP as the surfactant for the formation of nano-cubes with a crystal coherence length of ~30 nm, while the second involves LE from octadecylamine-coated PbS truncated nano-cubes to PVP-coated PbS NPs with a crystal coherence length of ~15 nm. Multiple characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis, confirmed the results of the synthesis and allowed us to monitor the ligand exchange process. Our findings demonstrate efficient and environmentally friendly approaches for synthesizing PVP-coated PbS NPs.

The quantum confinement effect on the spectrum of near-field thermal radiation by periodic and random arrays of quantum dots (QDs) is investigated. The local density of states (LDOS) thermally emitted by QD arrays made of three lead chalcogenides, namely, lead sulfide, lead selenide, and lead telluride, is computed at a near-field distance from the arrays. The dielectric function of the QDs is extracted from their absorption spectra by utilizing an optimization technique. The thermal discrete dipole approximation is used for computing the LDOS. It is shown that the peak wavenumber of near-field LDOS emitted by periodic arrays of lead chalcogenide QDs can be significantly modulated (up to 4490 cm−1) by varying the size of the dots. The LDOS is proportional to the imaginary part of the QDs' polarizability, which peaks at the bandgap energy of the QDs. The bandgap energy of the QDs (and thus the LDOS peak) is significantly affected by the quantum confinement effect, which is size dependent. While the magnitude of thermal radiation by random arrays of QDs can be different from the periodic arrays with the same filling factor by up to ±26%, the LDOS spectrum and peak location are the same for both periodic and random arrays. The peak wavenumber of near-field radiative heat transfer between the QD arrays is also strongly affected by quantum confinement in the QDs, and thus, it can be tuned by changing the size of the QDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead sulfide (PbS) nano-domain (ND) thin layers were grown by a chemical bath deposition technique on a heavily doped n-type GaAs substrate forming a heterojunction. The PbS NDs' absorption was blue shifted from its original wavelength due to the quantum confinement effect (by controling their sizes below the Bohr radius) to sense short wavelength infrared (SWIR) light (ranging between 1200 and 1800 nm). In order to assess the electrical properties of the PbS ND based layers to be used as a SWIR detector, we performed electrical measurements that included current–voltage (I–V), capacitance–voltage (C–V), electron impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The I–V measurements showed hysteresis behavior that was found to be imposed by the high trap concentration within the PbS NDs and at the layer interfaces. The hysteresis that was demonstrated during the electrical measurement is explained by the slow filling of the trap within the PbS ND thin layer. In order to reduce the trap density, we performed a thermal treatment at 150 ° C for 30 min prior to the electrical measurements. Using C–V measurements, we expected to find a reduction in the capacitance due to the decrease of the trap density after the thermal treatment. However, we discovered an increase in the capacitance, where temperature-dependent I–V measurements revealed an additional slow charging mechanism in series with the heterojunction. We found that this can be attributed to the generation of a thin isolation layer at the interface between the PbS-NDs layer and the GaAs substrate that also contains interface traps induced by the thermal treatment that was performed in an air atmosphere. We corroborated our assumption by performing EIS measurements and TEM analysis, which showed the generation of a thin isolation layer at the PbS/GaAs interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a sol-gel film based on lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots incorporated into a host network was synthesized as a special nanostructured composite material with potential applications in temperature sensor systems. This work dealt with the optical, structural, and morphological properties of a representative PbS quantum dot (QD)-containing thin film belonging to the Al2O3–SiO2–P2O5 system. The film was prepared using the sol-gel method combined with the spin coating technique, starting from a precursor solution containing a suspension of PbS QDs in toluene with a narrow size distribution and coated on a glass substrate in a multilayer process, followed by annealing of each deposited layer. The size (approximately 10 nm) of the lead sulfide nanocrystallites was validated by XRD and by the quantum confinement effect based on the band gap value and by TEM results. The photoluminescence peak of 1505 nm was very close to that of the precursor PbS QD solution, which demonstrated that the synthesis route of the film preserved the optical emission characteristic of the PbS QDs. The photoluminescence of the lead sulfide QD-containing film in the near infrared domain demonstrates that this material is a promising candidate for future sensing applications in temperature monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to their capability to disrupt the oxidative protein folding environment in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), thiol antioxidants, such as dithiothreitol (DTT), are used as ER‐specific stressors. We recently showed that thiol antioxidants modulate the methionine‐homocysteine cycle by upregulating an S‐adenosylmethionine‐dependent methyltransferase, rips‐1, in Caenorhabditis elegans. However, the changes in cellular physiology induced by thiol stress that modulate the methionine‐homocysteine cycle remain uncharacterized. Here, using forward genetic screens in C. elegans, we discover that thiol stress enhances rips‐1 expression via the hypoxia response pathway. We demonstrate that thiol stress activates the hypoxia response pathway. The activation of the hypoxia response pathway by thiol stress is conserved in human cells. The hypoxia response pathway enhances thiol toxicity via rips‐1 expression and confers protection against thiol toxicity via rips‐1‐independent mechanisms. Finally, we show that DTT might activate the hypoxia response pathway by producing hydrogen sulfide. Our studies reveal an intriguing interaction between thiol‐mediated reductive stress and the hypoxia response pathway and challenge the current model that thiol antioxidant DTT disrupts only the ER milieu in the cell. Synopsis: Thiol antioxidant dithiothreitol (DTT) is used as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐specific stressor; however, its physiological effects beyond the ER remain obscurely defined. This study demonstrates that DTT activates the hypoxia response pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans and human cells. Genetic screens in C. elegans identify that thiol reductive stress by DTT activates the hypoxia response pathway.DTT pretreatment protects C. elegans against cyanide‐mediated killing on Pseudomonas aeruginosa.The hypoxia response pathway has opposing roles in regulating thiol toxicity.DTT exposure leads to hydrogen sulfide production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimized complex multi-component nanomaterial system would help greatly enhance the optical limiting performance and applicability of 2D nanomaterials. By using antimony sulfide-[S-1-dodecyl-S′-(α,α′-dimethyl-α′′-acetic acid)trithiocarbonate] (Sb2S3–DDAT) as a reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent, a highly soluble poly(N-vinylcarbazole)-covalently modified Sb2S3 (Sb2S3–PVK) was synthesized in situ and embedded into a non-optically active poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) matrix producing a PMMA-based film with good optical quality. In contrast to both the Sb2S3/PMMA and Sb2S3:PVK blends/PMMA films, the Sb2S3–PVK/PMMA film exhibits more superior optical limiting performance. After annealing in N2 at 200 °C for 30 minutes, the achieved nonlinear absorption coefficient and limiting threshold are changed from 411.79 cm GW−1 and 1.93 J cm−2 at 532 nm and 242.79 cm GW−1 and 4.17 J cm−2 at 1064 nm before annealing to 478.04 cm GW−1 and 1.70 J cm−2 at 532 nm and 520.92 cm GW−1 and 1.40 J cm−2 at 1064 nm after annealing, respectively. These advantages make Sb2S3–PVK one of the potential promising candidates for a broadband laser protector in both the visible and near-infrared ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution‐processed quantum dot (QD) based blue emitters are of paramount importance in the field of optoelectronics. Despite large research efforts, examples of efficient deep blue/near UV‐emitting QDs remain rare due to lack of luminescent wide band gap materials and high defect densities in the existing ones. Here, we introduce a novel type of QDs based on heavy metal free gallium sulfide (Ga2S3) and their core/shell heterostructures Ga2S3/ZnS as well as Ga2S3/ZnS/Al2O3. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of core Ga2S3 QDs exhibit various decay pathways due to intrinsic defects, resulting in a broad overall PL spectrum. We show that the overgrowth of the Ga2S3 core QDs with a ZnS shell results in the suppression of the intrinsic defect‐mediated states leading to efficient deep‐blue emission at 400 nm. Passivation of the core/shell structure with amorphous alumina yields a further enhancement of the PL quantum yield approaching 50 % and leads to an excellent optical and colloidal stability. Finally, we develop a strategy for the aqueous phase transfer of the obtained QDs retaining 80 % of the initial fluorescence intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the preparation of a high-performance visible light photodetector using nanocrystalline lead sulphide (PbS) thin films. The thin films were deposited onto glass substrates via the chemical bath deposition technique, utilizing an aqueous solution of lead acetate and thiourea. The structural study carried out on the deposited films by X-ray diffraction exhibited a cubic crystal structure with a PbS phase. The optical characteristics of PbS thin films were investigated employing UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The absorption spectroscopy was carried out in the wavelength range of 400–1000 nm. The absorbance spectra were utilized to calculate the spectral dependence of several optical parameters: band gap, refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant, and optical and electrical conductivity. The photocurrent was measured in nanocrystalline PbS thin films under the illumination of specific LED wavelength sources. The quality of the PbS thin film as a photodetector was investigated by determining the rise time, decay time, photosensitivity, specific detectivity, and external quantum efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pabellón de Pica, Tarapaca, Chile, is a former guano mine exploited in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Guano is in a direct contact with Cu sulfide mineralization leading to the formation of minerals with a highly unusual chemical composition, especially Cu‐organic complexes and nitrogen‐bearing phases. In this work, we report results of the Raman spectroscopic investigation of several unique Cu‐bearing minerals that are the result of supergene processes at the Pabellón da Pica site. We focus on several minerals with new and interesting structure types which were described from this locality for the first time, namely, antipinite (K–Na–Cu oxalate), ammineite (Cu ammine complex), chanabayaite (Cu ammine triazolate complex), and joanneumite (Cu isocyanurate). The Raman spectra contain specific bands attributed to the characteristic vibrations of the molecular groups present in the minerals (oxalate, ammine, triazolate, and isocyanurate groups) and vibrations within Cu‐centered polyhedra. A comparison was made with the vibrational spectra of related minerals and synthetic phases, which revealed substantial proliferation and shifting of numerous bands, which is in agreement with the complex composition of the investigated minerals. The results obtained appropriately complement known structural and spectroscopic data published previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the synthesis and characterizations of copper cadmium sulfide (CuCdS) thin films prepared using the vacuum thermal evaporation technique with copper sulfide and CdS as precursors in a 1:1 molar ratio. The structural properties of the thin films were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) which revealed that the main composition of the thin film was CdS with the preferred orientation of the (101) plane. The optical properties were examined using UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The photosensitivity of the films was determined using I–V measurements performed with a two-probe technique. The prepared CuCdS thin films have high optical transmittance of 92%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the emerging paradigms to resolve pressing issues of modern computing electronics, such as limits in miniaturization and excessive energy consumption, takes inspiration from the biological brain and is therefore expected to display some of its properties, such as energy efficiency and effective learning. Moreover, one of the brain's remarkable properties is its ability to process complex information by resolving it on different timescales. In synapse‐emulating artificial devices, some form of memory (e.g., hysteresis in current–voltage characteristics) is required. One of the important characteristics of biological synapses is the coexistence of short‐ and long‐term memory, also called plasticity. However, a broader exploration of memory at multiple timescales in materials remains limited. Herein, the first example of synaptic transistors utilizing colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) as active material is reported. It is demonstrated that PbS‐CQDs, with metal halide and perovskite‐like ligands, are ideal as an active material for synaptic transistors exhibiting both short‐ and long‐term plasticity. Most interestingly, by changing the chemistry of the quantum dot outer monolayer, a drastic change in the temporal response of the learning is observed, demonstrating the possibility of engineering materials exhibiting learning at multiple timescales, similar to the biological synapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of copper concentration on the properties of copper lead sulfide (CuxPb1-sS) thin films have been reported. Chemical bath deposition (CBD) method was used to deposit the ternary material on soda-lime substrates. Here, the CuxPb1-xS films were grown using copper(II) chloride, lead nitrate, and thiourea as sources of copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and sulfur (S), respectively. The grown films were examined using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, UV-spectrophotometer and four-point (4P) probes. XRD measurements revealed a polycrystalline material with strong adherent to the substrates. SEM readings indicated various grain-like crystalline morphologies with different sizes that change with copper concentrations. The EDX studies revealed that the deposited material consist of copper, lead and sulfur in various compositions. The transmittance was high in the near infrared regions of the electromagnetic radiation and, also decreases with copper concentrations. The band gap (Eg) varies from 2.05 to 2.50 eV with increase in copper concentrations. The study shows that CBD is an excellent method in depositing good quality films for device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss general trends in the IR luminescence of colloidal PbS quantum dots 3 nm in average size, capped with thioglycolic acid molecules (PbS/TGA QDs). Treatment of the PbS/TGA QDs with a KI solution has been shown to cause a shift of a composite luminescence band peaking at 1120 nm to shorter wavelengths, to 1060 nm; an increase in the quantum yield of its shorter wavelength component, related to excitonic emission, from 1 to 10%; and quenching of its longer wavelength component, due to radiative recombination at defect levels. In this process, the cubic structure of PbS undergoes no changes. The average size of the PbS/TGA QDs has been shown to decrease slightly, by 0.2–0.3 nm. The conclusion has been drawn that the increase in the quantum yield of excitonic emission from the PbS/TGA QDs as a result of KI treatment is due to the more efficient passivation of interfacial defects, which act as both recombination luminescence and nonradiative carrier recombination channels. Using thermoluminescence in the temperature range from 80 to 350 K, we have demonstrated the presence of two types of shallow localized states, at 0.17- and 0.25-eV depths, whose density is only slightly sensitive to treatment of the PbS/TGA QDs with a KI solution. We assume that some of the traps identified are due to native defects in the nanocrystals—interstitial lead and sulfur ions—rather than to dangling bonds of surface lead and sulfur atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the collector and its blends on sequential flotation of a complex lead-zinc ore has been investigated. Lead-zinc ore collected from Rajasthan, India showed the presence of PbS-2.21%, ZnS-5.92%, FeS2-8.03%, SiO2-20.21%, Al2O3-5.25%, MgO-10.53%, SO3-6.48% and CaO-22.16%. The copper and silver were also traced as minor fractions. Xanthates of different alkyl chain lengths as a collector (individual or mixture in various proportions) were used in the lead circuit to evaluate valuables' performance in the mineralized pulp. The study could enhance the lead and zinc grade up to 27.95% and 22.6% using PEX (potassium ethyl xanthate) and SIPX (sodium isopropyl xanthate) as a blend. The best overall performance in the recovery of lead and zinc was 74.39% and 82.23%, respectively. However, the studies carried out with individual collectors, PEX and SIPX, showed their best result: 22.06% lead and 20.99% zinc grade, 60.54% lead, and 78.73% zinc recovery. The study confirms the synergies between the two alkyl chain length xanthates in the blend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman scattering spectra of 1–2 μm thick n-PbS(111) epitaxial films grown by molecular beam epitaxy on BaF2(111) substrates were obtained and analyzed. The spectra were recorded at a low excitation level of 0.36 mW/μm2, which did not cause photo- and thermal degradation of the films. It is shown that, in accordance with the symmetry selection rules, the bands in the spectra correspond to overtone or combination tones of phonon modes of PbS at special points of the Brillouin zone. The analysis of the bands of oxides and oxysulfates of lead, which can mask the bands of lead sulfide, was carried out. The obtained data were used in the analysis of the recorded Raman scattering spectra by epitaxial films of a ternary solid solution PbS0.5Se0.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strengthening practical training and cultivating innovative awareness are indispensable components of higher engineering education, and experimental teaching is needed in the process of cultivating innovative thinking awareness. Considering the high requirements of both theoretical and practical aspects in the major of optoelectronic information science and engineering, as well as the fast updating speed of theoretical knowledge, an experimental teaching platform for ultrafast fiber laser manufacturing technology is designed in this study. The influence of saturable absorbers based on lead sulfide quantum dots on the core performance parameters of ultrafast fiber lasers is deeply studied. This comprehensive experiment covers various aspects such as material preparation and characterization, development of saturable absorbers, construction and testing of ultrafast laser systems, etc. The experimental content is progressive and comprehensive, which enables learners to flexibly grasp various knowledge points and enhance their engineering practice and innovation abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Július metamorphosed manganese occurrence is situated near the Betliar village in the Spišsko-gemerské rudohorie Mts. (Western Carpathians). Mineralization occurs in the form of manganese carbonate-silicate lenticular body hosted in Lower Paleozoic metasedimentary and metavolcanoclastic rocks of the Bystrý potok Formation, Gelnica Group, Gemeric Unit. The Mn mineralization dominantly consists of rhodochrosite, pyroxmangite, spessartine, magnetite, clino-suenoite, clino-ferro-suenoite, tephroite, pyrophanite and pyrosmalite-(Mn) alongside with pyrite, pyrrhotite, galena, sphalerite, cobaltite, gersdorffite, siegenite, violarite and minor pentlandite and millerite. Very rare minerals, such as hejtmanite, bafertisite as well as a two recently approved members of the epidote supergroup [ferriandrosite-(Ce) and vielleaureite-(Ce)] were also identified. Significant feature of studied mineralization in comparison with the other occurrences of metamorphosed manganese mineralization in the Spišsko-gemerské rudohorie Mts. is the absence of rhodonite. Mineralization at the Július occurrence originates from heterogenous sediment with occurrence of manganiferous, calcareous, argillaceous and terrigenous material with quartz and Ba-rich minerals locally incorporated by material from a volcanic source. Based on mineralogy and ore textures, two metamorphic stages affecting the final mineral composition of Mn mineralization can be distinguished. Generally, the mineral assemblage was likely formed during the Variscan metamorphic stage in the p-T conditions approximately 420-450 °C and pressure 2-4 kbar, as a peak of a metamorphism can be considered the high-grade greenschist facies conditions. Alpine metamorphic phase determined the appearance of veins and veinlets composed of rhodochrosite-chamosite-quartz, pyroxmangite and spessartine. In agreement with lowering temperature of metamorphism and with higher mobility of REE, minerals such as epidotes, baryte and pyrosmalite-(Mn) were formed. Hydrothermal activity led to the formation of sulphides with slightly increased content of Mn. Final stage of metamorphic evolution was influenced by local metasomatic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous exploitation of zinc blende resources leading to primary resources may not be sufficient for future requirements. The abundant low-grade lead–zinc oxysulphide ore will become a crucial source of zinc metal. Thus, methods for utilising low-grade lead–zinc ore resources must be urgently developed; this can contribute to achieving considerable economic value. By studying the mineral technology and thermodynamics of low-grade lead–zinc oxysulphide ore, a Box–Behnken design model of response surface methodology was created to explore the impact of various factors, such as reduction time, temperature, and carbon mass ratio. The outcomes of the study indicated that the aforementioned factors have a significant impact on the zinc volatilisation rate, and it reaches 99.01% under the optimum conditions of 1174 °C, 86 min, and 12% carbon mass ratio. In addition, compared with the carbothermal reduction in air, the carbon mass ratio requirement is reduced by 10–20% in the inert atmosphere. The volatilisation mechanism of zinc, particularly the distribution and migration behaviour, was studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results showed that in the high-temperature section of the lead–zinc ore treatment, zinc sulphide and zinc oxide are transformed via the synergistic reduction involving carbon and calcium to zinc, and the presence of iron and calcium in the form of sulphides leads to a decrease in sulphur dioxide formation. This study explores the efficient and green development and utilization of low-grade lead–zinc oxysulphide ore by pyrometallurgical method to provide theoretical support for its large-scale industrial treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag8SnS6 (ATS) has been reported to have a band gap of 1.33 eV and is expected to be a suitable material for the light-absorbing layers of compound thin-film solar cells. However, studies on solar cells that use ATS are currently lacking. The objective of this study is to obtain high-quality ATS thin films for the realization of compound thin-film solar cells using vacuum deposition and sulfide annealing. First, glass/SnS/Ag stacked precursors are prepared by vacuum deposition. Subsequently, they are converted to the ATS phase via sulfide annealing, and various process conditions, namely, annealing time, annealing temperature, and number of steps, are studied. By setting the heat treatment temperature at 550 °C and the heat treatment time at 60 min, a high-quality ATS thin film could be obtained. Multi-step heat treatment also produces thin films with nearly no segregation or voids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals in a polluted environment are toxic to life. However, some microorganisms can remove or immobilize heavy metals through biomineralization. These bacteria also form minerals with compositions similar to those of semiconductors. Here, this bioprocess was used to fabricate semiconductors with low energy consumption and cost. Bacteria that form lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles were screened, and the crystallinity and semiconductor properties of the resulting nanoparticles were characterized. Bacterial consortia that formed PbS nanoparticles were obtained. Extracellular particle size ranged from 3.9 to 5.5 nm, and lattice fringes were observed. The lattice fringes and electron diffraction spectra corresponded to crystalline PbS. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of bacterial PbS exhibited clear diffraction peaks. The experimental and theoretical data of the diffraction angles on each crystal plane of polycrystalline PbS were in good agreement. Synchrotron XRD measurements showed no crystalline impurity-derived peaks. Thus, bacterial biomineralization can form ultrafine crystalline PbS nanoparticles. Optical absorption and current–voltage measurements of PbS were obtained to characterize the semiconductor properties; the results showed semiconductor quantum dot behavior. Moreover, the current increased under light irradiation when PbS nanoparticles were used. These results suggest that biogenic PbS has band gaps and exhibits the general fundamental characteristics of a semiconductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exotic optical, thermoelectric properties and flexibility to exist in different shape and sizes make lead chalcogenides an attractive candidate for many futuristic applications. This report presents a comprehensive study of seed-nucleated controlled growth of multi-armed polyol based lead sulphide (PbS) nanoparticles and propose cubic-to-flower shape-evolution mechanism. While the seed-nucleated strategy was exploited with different concentration of seed-precursors, non-seeded strategy was studied by playing with refluxing time. The seed-nucleated strategy precipitated octapod flowers of smaller particle-size-distribution in 2 h than the non-seeded strategy (in 10 h). The synthesis of highly crystalline nanoparticles, stable to 700 °C, was successfully demonstrated using structural and thermal analysis. The estimated crystallite size for seeded samples were 19–32 nm, whereas for non-seeded they were 35–38 nm. Growth of larger crystallites in non-seeded samples also resulted in larger particle size (120–150 nm) than seeded samples (60–100 nm). Furthermore, the seed-nucleated growth also yield higher available surface area (131.34 m2/gm with average-pore-size of 7.49 nm) than non-seeded method. Raman analysis showed that the obtained peaks were in good agreement with transverse optical and longitudinal optical phonon mode of cubic PbS phase. Optimistically, evaluation of this study may helpful to lay roadmap for controlled synthesis of other inorganic crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jamesonite is known as an important complex mineral for smelting antimony. At present, the method used to separate antimony and lead by pyrometallurgy is disadvantaged by high pollution and high energy consumption. For this reason, a simple and eco-friendly method of separating antimony and lead in jamesonite from mineral source by vacuum distillation was proposed in this paper. The decomposition temperature and products of jamesonite under argon atmosphere and atmospheric pressure were determined by TG-DSC technology and variable temperature in-situ XRD detection method for the first time. The phase evolution of minerals under vacuum conditions is determined by vacuum heating method. The initial decomposition temperature of jamesonite under argon and atmospheric pressure is 583 °C, and it is basically completely decomposed above 610 °C. The intermediate products include FeSb 2 S 4 , Pb 2 Sb 2 S 5 , Pb 9 Sb 22 S 42 , Pb 5 Sb 4 S 11 , Fe 11 S 12 , Pb 4 Sb 6 S 13 , Pb 12 Sb 10 S 27 etc. Under vacuum conditions, the mineral begins to decompose at 300 °C, and the temperature at the end of decomposition is about 500 °C. One-step separation of lead and antimony sulfide can be achieved by vacuum decomposition and multi-layer condensation. The lead content on the lead enrichment condensing plate is 82.78 wt%, and the antimony sulfide content of 68.18 wt% can be obtained on the antimony enrichment condensing plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantum dot (QD) thin film of arsenic (III) oxide-hydroxide/polypyrrole (As2S3-As2O3/Ppy) with a supernova-like shape has been developed for optoelectronic applications across a wide optical range, spanning from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR). The fabrication process involves the polymerization of pyrrole to form Ppy in the presence of NaAsO2 and K2S2O8. The resulting QD exhibits a remarkable morphology characterized by a supernova-like structure and a porous nature with a particle size of 4 nm. The unique morphology of the QD contributes to its optical properties. The material demonstrates a maximum optical absorbance that extends up to 600 nm. The chemical structure of the composite has been proved using various characterization techniques. The As2S3-As2O3/Ppy QD thin film holds significant potential for optoelectronic applications, particularly in light detection across multiple optical regions. Its sensitivity has been evaluated through the measurement of photoresponsivity (R), yielding a high value of 0.31 mA/W. This indicates a substantial current density (Jph) of 0.031 mA/cm2 at a wavelength of 340 nm. Additionally, the detectivity (D) of the photodetector has been calculated based on these values, resulting in a detection capability of 6.9 × 107 Jones. This indicates the ability to detect low levels of photons using this photodetector. The highly reproducible nature of this photodetector enables its application in various optoelectronic systems. The As2S3-As2O3/Ppy QD thin film offers great promise as a versatile optoelectronic application with its wide optical range, excellent sensitivity, and detectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Eco-friendly millimeter-grade SA/PAAS/PAC (SPP) hydrogel beads were synthesized from simple cationic cross-linking. • SPP beads showed effective adsorption capacity towards Pb(II). • In-situ vulcanization was applied to reuse Pb(II) as photocatalyst. • Excellent photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine-B (RhB) was obtained, compared to other conventional photocatalysts. In this study, sodium alginate (SA), sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) and powdered activated carbon (PAC) were cross-linked by calcium ions [(Ca(II)] to form SA/PAAS/PAC (SPP) hydrogel beads. The hydrogel-lead sulfide (SPP-PbS) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by in-situ vulcanization after the lead ions [(Pb(II)] adsorption. SPP showed an optimal swelling ratio (600% at the pH value of 5.0) and superior thermal stability (206 °C of heat-resistance index). The adsorption data of Pb(II) was compatible with the Langmuir model, and the maximum adsorption capacity of SPP was 391.65 mg/g after optimizing the mass ratio of SA to PAAS (3:1). The addition of PAC not only enhanced the adsorption capacity and stability, but also promoted photodegradation. The significant dispersive capacity of PAC and PAAS resulted in PbS nanoparticles with particle sizes of around 20 nm. SPP-PbS showed good photocatalysis and reusability. The degradation rate of RhB (200 mL, 10 mg/L) was 94% within 2 h and maintained above 80% after 5 cycles. The treatment efficiency of SPP was more than 80% in actual surface water. The results of quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments revealed that the superoxide radicals (O 2 –) and holes (h+) were the main active species in the photocatalytic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper sulfide nanoparticles have a wide range of applications in various fields, and improving their physical properties is highly desirable. In this study, we investigate the influence of nickel concentrations on the structural, optical, and magnetic characteristics of CuS nanoparticles. The structural properties of Cu1-xNixS (x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10) were demonstrated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), which confirmed that all samples have a single hexagonal phase. The Energy Dispersive X-ray Technique (EDAX) was used to investigate the elemental analysis of Cu1-xNixS. The XPS study revealed the valence states of Cu, Ni, and S in the Cu0.94Ni0.06S nanoparticles, as well as surface oxidation. The optical characteristics were calculated based on the absorbance optical spectra of the films using a UV-vis-NIR double-beam spectrophotometer in the wavelength range of 400-1000 nm. The optical band gap for CuS and Ni-doped CuS samples decreases as the Ni concentration rises. Magnetic studies (using the M-H curve) demonstrate that 2% and 4% Ni-doped CuS nanoparticles exhibit strong ferromagnetism at ambient temperature and transition to a paramagnetic nature. These results suggest the potential of creating spintronic devices using Ni-doped CuS nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, iron sulphide thin films were prepared by simple and low-cost chemical spray-pyrolysis method using tilt deposition with a spraying angle of 45° and substrates temperature of 200°C. The precursors were iron chloride salt (FeCl3) and thiourea. After the preparation process, some of the samples are annealed at a temperature 400°C for 30 min. It was found that the as-deposited iron sulphide thin films (without annealing) had an amorphous structure, which gave higher absorption coefficient (2 × 105 cm−1) for thin film thickness 400 nm. This study also presents a novel method to obtain polycrystalline FeS2 thin films with pyrite phase and optimum energy bandgap and high absorption coefficient. A thin film of iron sulphide was also deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass to work as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of obtaining nanocrystaline lead sulfide by an electrolytic method using lead electrodes is demonstrated, and the influence of temperature on the synthesis process is investigated. Based on the results of X-ray diffraction studies, the chemical and phase composition of the obtained samples is determined, as well as the parameters of the unit cell of the crystals lattice. The size of the nanocrystallites and the magnitude of residual mechanical strain in them is determined using the methods of Debye-Scherrer and Williamson-Hall. The results of X-ray diffraction are in agreement with the results of the Raman scattering on phonons.