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In order to greatly improve the photocatalytic properties, corn-like ZnO/ZnS heterojunctions with a particle size of about 60–71 nm have been synthesized by the solvothermal method and the subsequent sulfuration process. A declining trend is found for the specific surface area with increasing sulfuration time. The corn-like ZnO/ZnS heterojunctions exhibit good photocatalytic properties. With increasing sulfuration time, the degradation rate increases first and then decreases. The best degradation rate is observed for the heterojunction sulfurated for 90 min. The strong broad luminescence band is extremely beneficial to the absorption of visible light by multiphoton process. In addition, the energy transfer from ZnS to ZnO contributes to charge separation, forming a type-II heterojunction mechanism. After one cycle of photocatalytic process, except that corns become more broken, variation of particle size and shape is very small. The degradation speed of RhB after a second cycle of photocatalytic process is slower than the first one except when using the sample sulfurated for 360 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnS/WO3 composite nanoplates were created by a hydrothermal vulcanization reaction using ZnO as the sacrificial layer. ZnO films were deposited on the surface of WO3 nanoplates with different sputtering times to act as templates for the hydrothermal synthesis of ZnS/WO3 nanoplates with different ZnS contents. Structural analysis revealed the sputtering time of the ZnO sacrificial shell layer affected the surface morphology and crystal defects of the ZnS/WO3 composite materials. The formation of tight heterojunction interfaces and an appropriate number of heterojunctions enhanced the transport of charge carriers, resulting in improved photocatalytic efficiency. Compared to pristine WO3 nanoplates, the ZnS/WO3 (WZS) series composite materials showed superior photoelectrochemical properties. The WZS350 composite sample with 3.1 at% Zn and 3.3 at% S was identified as the best photocatalyst. The experimental results of this study demonstrate that WO3 nanoplates with appropriate ZnS particle modification can effectively regulate their surface photosensitivity, offering a promising approach for the application of photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfide ZnS-SiO2 composite photocatalysts with biogenic silica matrix were prepared by sol–gel method based on wet gel and xerogel. FT-IR, SEM, XRD, EDXRF, UV–Vis, and XPS methods were systematically used to characterize the obtained materials. The use of support allowed to obtain stable porous (SBET = 79–105 m2 g−1; Vpore = 0.25–0.17 cm3·g−1) ZnS-SiO2 photocatalysts in aqueous solutions. Zn2+ content in methyl orange solution after its degradation was 0.4 MPC. ZnS-SiO2 composites had 3.68–3.70 eV band gap. The obtained materials were photoactive under different irradiation conditions (sunlight, UV-light, Xenon light, visible light) due to effective separation of charge carriers (e− and h+). Methyl orange degradation degree under UV light excitation was 35–88%, under sunlight – 11–30%. ZnS-SiO2 composite synthesized using silica xerogel showed a greater photoactivity due to a presence of cone-shaped or cylindrical pores with one open end in its structure and a higher content of ZnS photoactive component. A comparative study of photocatalytic performance of methyl orange degradation by ZnS-SiO2 under UV irradiation was investigated using radical scavengers. •O2− was main active species during MO degradation under UV irradiation, and electrons played additional role during the photocatalytic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We successfully decorated metallic 1T phase WS 2 (1T-WS 2) on the surface of ZnIn 2 S 4 and investigated the synergistic effect of 1T-WS 2 on ZnIn 2 S 4. Under simulated solar irradiation, the optimal hydrogen production rate of 1T-WS 2 /ZnIn 2 S 4 reaches 30.90 mmol/h g−1, which is 3.38 times higher than that of single ZnIn 2 S 4. [Display omitted] Improving the separation efficiency of carriers is an important part of enhancing photocatalytic activity. Herein, we successfully decorated metallic 1T phase tungsten disulfide (1T-WS 2) on the surface of zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn 2 S 4) and investigated the synergistic effect of 1T-WS 2 on ZnIn 2 S 4. The characterization results show that 1T-WS 2 improves the light absorption capacity and utilization efficiency, increases the catalytic active site, improves the photogenerated charge separation efficiency, and optimizes the reduction potential of ZnIn 2 S 4. Theoretical calculations show that compared with ZnIn 2 S 4 , 1T-WS 2 /ZnIn 2 S 4 has a smaller adsorption Gibbs free energy of the intermediate state H*, which is conducive to the catalytic reaction. Under simulated solar irradiation, the hydrogen (H 2) production rate of 1T-WS 2 /ZnIn 2 S 4 with a loading of 12 wt% reaches 30.90 mmol h−1 g−1, which is 3.38 times higher than that of single ZnIn 2 S 4 (9.13 mmol h−1 g−1). In addition, the apparent quantum efficiency of 1T-WS 2 /ZnIn 2 S 4 with a loading of 12 wt% reaches 21.14 % under monochromatic light at a wavelength of λ = 370 nm. This work analyzes the light absorption and carrier separation to the catalytic site, and elucidates the mechanism for the enhancement of the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the photocatalytic performance of ZnS nanoparticle-integrated chitosan nanocomposite for degrading organic dyes in water and textile wastewater. ZnS nanoparticles with a cubic sphalerite crystal structure were uniformly distributed in a chitosan matrix, as confirmed by FT-IR, Raman, and XRD analyses. The FT-IR spectrum of ZnS displayed peaks at 410 and 490 cm‒1 (symmetric and asymmetric Zn‒S stretching vibrations) and a peak at 640 cm‒1 (asymmetric Zn‒S stretching). Chitosan exhibited bands at 893 and 1156 cm‒1 (C‒H and C‒O‒C bending modes) and a peak at 1412 cm‒1 (C‒H bending vibrations). The FT-IR spectrum of the ZnS-chitosan nanocomposite showed Zn‒S stretching modes at 619 and 670 cm‒1, along with peaks in the 1000–1117 cm‒1 range attributed to ZnS vibrations. Amide groups were represented by bands at 1588 cm‒1, while chitosan contributed peaks at 1399 and 2924 cm‒1 (C‒H bending and stretching vibrations). A broad band at 3374 cm‒1 indicated O‒H and N‒H stretching of chitosan. Peak shifts indicated interactions between ZnS and chitosan functional groups, confirming the formation of the nanocomposite. Raman analysis revealed peak broadening due to ZnS-chitosan interactions. XRD patterns exhibited intense diffraction peaks at 2θ values of 28.6, 47.5, and 56.4°, corresponding to the cubic ZnS sphalerite phase, and a broad chitosan peak at 2θ = 20°, confirming the presence of amorphous chitosan phases. SEM images depicted spherical or near-spherical ZnS nanoparticles (30–70 nm) within the porous chitosan network, confirmed by EDX mapping. TGA/DSC indicated chitosan degradation around 250–500 °C. The residual weight% at 600 °C directly represents the content of ZnS nanoparticles. Optical studies demonstrated a reduced band gap of 2.6 eV compared to 4.25 eV for ZnS. The optimized ZnS-chitosan nanocomposite achieved up to 100% and 97.99% removal efficiency for Brilliant Blue FCF and Acid Orange 2 dyes, respectively, following pseudo-second-order kinetics. It also demonstrated 90% dye removal from textile wastewater, surpassing ZnS alone due to the high surface area, favorable adsorption, and efficient charge transfer facilitated by the ZnS-chitosan nanostructure. The excellent reusability of the nanocomposite highlights its potential for sustainable wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc sulfide/molybdenum disulfide (ZnS@MoS 2) nanorods composites were synthesized by straightforward hydrothermal method. Experimental investigations revealed that the kinetic coefficient (k) of ZnS@MoS 2 was 0.0667 min−1 within 30 min, with a degradation efficiency of 88.6 % toward methylene blue dye in presence of both stirring and light. These performances were notably higher compared to conditions with either light or stirring irradiation alone. Moreover, ZnS@MoS 2 composites not only had excellent catalytic activity but also good cyclic stability. The catalytic mechanism of ZnS@MoS 2 for degradation of MB organic pollutant was further discussed based on relevant characterization. Under both stirring and light conditions, the strong piezoelectric field effectively promoted charge carriers separation and reduced the electron-hole recombination rate, thus enhancing catalytic degradation efficiency for ZnS@MoS 2. This research holds significant importance for the development of high-performance catalysts in wastewater treatments field. [Display omitted] • A novel ZnS@MoS 2 nanorods composites catalyst was rationally designed. • ZnS@MoS 2 exhibited superior catalytic activity and stability toward degradation of methylene blue dye. • Excellent catalytic performance was mainly ascribed to the efficient charge carriers separation. • A possible catalytic mechanism of ZnS@MoS 2 was clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic water splitting represents a leading approach to harness the abundant solar energy, producing hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy carrier. Zinc indium sulfide (ZIS) emerges as one of the most captivating candidates attributed to its unique physicochemical and photophysical properties, attracting much interest and holding significant promise in this domain. To develop a highly efficient ZIS-based photocatalytic system for green energy production, it is paramount to comprehensively understand the strengths and limitations of ZIS, particularly within the framework of solar-driven water splitting. This review elucidates the three sequential steps that govern the overall efficiency of ZIS with a sharp focus on the mechanisms and inherent drawbacks associated with each phase, including commonly overlooked aspects such as the jeopardising photocorrosion issue, the neglected oxidative counter surface reaction kinetics in overall water splitting, the sluggish photocarrier dynamics and the undesired side redox reactions. Multifarious material design strategies are discussed to specifically mitigate the formidable limitations and bottleneck issues. This review concludes with the current state of ZIS-based photocatalytic water splitting systems, followed by personal perspectives aimed at elevating the field to practical consideration for future endeavours towards sustainable hydrogen production through solar-driven water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulatory role of zinc in bone formation extends to the activation of proteins associated with bone homeostasis. Furthermore, copper is well known for its antibacterial properties. This dual function underscores the significance of zinc and copper in maintaining a balance of bone structure and function. In light of the aforementioned, zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites were created in this instance using a straightforward coprecipitation technique. Copper oxide was used as a nanocomposite to improve the structural, morphological, and biological performance of zinc sulphide nanoparticles. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed a transformation in the crystal structure from cubic to rhombohedral, along with increase in intensity. Fourier transforms infrared analysis indicated the presence of functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated a morphological shift from non-uniform to distinct spherical nanoparticles, impacting the enhancement of material properties. The pathogenic activity of the zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites was tested against nine bacterial strains. In antimicrobial testing, zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites showed promising results, particularly against Klebsiella pneumoniae (zone of inhibition: 14 mm at 100 µg/mL compared to 7 mm by standard) and Escherichia coli (zone of inhibition: 11 mm at 100 µg/mL compared to 10 mm by standard) after 24 h with zone of inhibition matching or exceeding that of the standard (chloramphenicol). Zinc sulphide nanoparticles and zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites were evaluated for their antifungal activity against fungal stains from Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. After a 24-h period, it was discovered that zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites were effective against Aspergillus flavus (zone of inhibition: 19.4 mm at 100 µg/mL compared to 6.3 mm by standard) at all concentrations (25–100 mg/mL), with zones of inhibition identical to or greater than those of the standard (fluconazole). Certainly, based on these results, zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites could be promising materials for drug delivery. Clinical trial registration: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnS thin films were synthesized using the spray pyrolysis technique at 350 °C. Following the annealing process, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to examine the structural characteristics of the films. This analysis revealed a gradual substitution of sulfur by oxygen during an extended annealing period, leading to the transformation of the samples into a mixed phase consisting of ZnS, ZnO, and a substitutional solid solution Zn(S,O). The surface morphology and elemental composition of the treated films were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and profilometry. These crystalline particles of growing ZnO phase adopt a hexagonal shape, displaying well defined edges and smoother surfaces, with dimensions of approximately 600 nm. Moreover, a change in surface properties, marked by a transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic behavior, was observed. The optical characteristics were examined through transmittance, reflectance and absorbance spectra, recorded in the range of 200–2500 nm. Films with a high percentage of ZnO are more absorbent in the UV range and have a narrower bandgap energy. Additionally, the photocatalytic activity was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of an aqueous solution of methylene blue (MB) when exposed to sunlight. Enhanced degradation of MB dye was observed as the amount of zinc oxide in the annealed samples increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, ZnO:AL/ZnO/n-ZnS/p-CZTS/MoS2 solar cell was studied by SCAPS simulation process. We performed enhancement using the influence of changing the energy gap of the window layer ZnO:AL and absorption layer CZTS. Furthermore, the impact of the carrier concentration of the window ZnO:AL and absorption layer CZTS were studied. It was found the efficiency of the solar cell rises with the energy gap value of the window layer. The best efficiency was obtained at (ƞ=29.1%), when the energy gap of the window layer was found to be (3.5eV). Additionally. the best efficiency was found to be (ƞ=28.9%) when the absorption layer was exhibited to be (1.35eV). After doped concentration, the best efficiency of the solar cell of the window layer ZnO:AL and absorption layer CZTS were found to (ƞ=28.0%, 28.7%) when the doping concentration were found to be (ND=1.00E+16cm-3, 1.0E+19cm-3) respectively. Clearly, the comparison between the experimental and theoretical solar cell was studied. The results illustrate the good matching between the experimental and theoretical results and the interface defect layers of the CZTS/ZnS contributed to this match. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explores the use of surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based fiber optic sensors, coated with alternating layers of metal and semiconductor sulfide materials, for detecting methanol adulteration of ethanol. Gold, silver, and copper are chosen as the metal layers for the excitation of SPR, with cadmium sulfide (CdS)/zinc sulfide (ZnS) as the semiconductor sulfide materials. Sensors with varying thicknesses of metal layers, i.e. 40 nm, 45 nm and 50 nm, are considered while the thickness of the material varies from 0nm (only the metal layer) to 3 nm in 0.5 nm increments. The sensor with a 40 nm gold layer and 3 nm CdS layer showed a maximum sensitivity of 1.47 nm/vol.% of methanol adulteration in ethanol. Apart from sensitivity, the figure of merit (FOM) and detection accuracy (DA) of all the sensors are computed and compared. Multiple machine learning approaches, such as logistic regression (LR), K-nearest neighbours (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), random forest (RF), and decision tree (DT), with the stratified K-fold cross-validation method of train/test split, are used for the detection of methanol adulteration of ethanol using the sensor outputs. The CV splits and the hyperparameters are tuned to achieve maximum performance for the models. DT achieves an accuracy of 91% of prediction with 87.1% of F1_score at max_depth=5 and CV=7, when trained with the outputs of all the sensors, and KNN shows 92% accuracy of prediction with 86.6% F1_Score at n_neighbours= 15 and CV=10 for the selected sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, undoped and Ni-doped ZnS nanoparticles were fabricated using a hydrothermal method to explore their structural, optical, and surface properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the cubic crystal structure of ZnS, with the successful incorporation of Ni ions at various doping levels (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) without disrupting the overall lattice configuration. The average particle size for undoped ZnS was found to be 5.27 nm, while the Ni-doped samples exhibited sizes ranging from 5.45 nm to 5.83 nm, with the largest size observed at 6% Ni doping before a reduction at higher concentrations. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified characteristic Zn–S vibrational bands, with shifts indicating successful Ni incorporation into the ZnS lattice. UV–visible spectroscopy revealed a decrease in the optical band gap from 3.72 eV for undoped ZnS to 3.54 eV for 6% Ni-doped ZnS, demonstrating tunable optical properties due to Ni doping, which could enhance photocatalytic performance under visible light. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses confirmed the uniform distribution of Ni within the ZnS matrix, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) provided further confirmation of the chemical states of the elements. Ni doping of ZnS nanoparticles alters the surface area and pore structure, optimizing the material's textural properties for enhanced performance. These findings suggest that Ni-doped ZnS nanoparticles offer promising potential for applications in photocatalysis, optoelectronics, and other fields requiring specific band gap tuning and particle size control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of phosphorescent paint in both art and chemistry lessons. It highlights a project where 7th grade students created their own phosphorescent paint using zinc sulfide, which they then used to create artwork and learn about energy conversion and chemical reactions. The article also provides instructions for creating a phosphorescent plate and conducting experiments with the paint in the chemistry classroom. Additionally, the document discusses the use of a pen with a built-in LED ball for drawing with phosphorescent paint, as well as using different light sources to create drawings and shadow shapes. It concludes by emphasizing the educational benefits of incorporating phosphorescent materials in the classroom. [Extracted from the article]

The flotation characteristics of chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite in the system with dextrin, sodium humate (HA-Na), cationic guar gum (CGG) and DP115 (modified polyacrylamide) as inhibitors and Z-200 as collector were investigated. The results showed that compared with the traditional system of adding macromolecular organic inhibitor first and then adding Z-200 collector, the three sulfide minerals showed different flotation behaviors in the system of adding Z-200 first and then adding macromolecular organic inhibitor. Chalcopyrite was basically not affected by dextrin, while dextrin more strongly inhibits galena, sphalerite was slightly activated by lower dosage of dextrin and was equivalent to that of adding dextrin first and then adding Z-200, and higher dosage of dextrin slightly enhanced the inhibition of sphalerite. HA-Na weakened the inhibition of three sulfide minerals. The inhibition of CGG on sphalerite, especially chalcopyrite, was enhanced, while the inhibition of galena was basically equivalent to that of CGG when added first. Chalcopyrite was basically not affected by DP115, and the lower amount of DP115 more strongly inhibited galena and sphalerite, while the inhibition of higher amount of DP115 on galena and sphalerite was basically the same as that of adding DP115 first and then Z-200. The research results can provide reference for the selection of organic macromolecular inhibitors and the improvement of flotation separation efficiency when Z-200 was used as collector in the flotation separation of copper-lead-zinc sulfide ore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is rich in zinc ore resource, but the depletion of easily floatable sulfide zinc deposits has made the development and utilization of difficult-to-float oxidized zinc ores a pressing issue. Due to the high oxidation rate, complex mineral composition and structure, and high fine-mud content of oxidized zinc ore, Rotation faces significant challenge, including high processing costs and low resource utilization efficiency. This paper systematically reviews the research progress on the notation processes and reagents for oxidized zinc ore, analyzing the applicability and limitations of various notation methods, such as sulfide amine notation, sulfide xanthate notation, fatty acid notation chelation notation, and nocculation notation. Additionally, the paper introduces advancements in novel notation technique, such as staged notation, high-entropy activation notation, and dehydration notation, and discusses the mechanism and application status of collector, sulfurizer, activator, depressant, and nocculants developed domestically and internationally in recent years. Future developments in oxidized zinc ore notation technology will focus primarily on two areas: firstly, overcoming the limitations of existing techniques through innovative notation processes to enhance recoveries and processing efficiency, and secondly, deepening research on highly efficient notation reagent, particularly the optimization of selective collector, activator, depressant, and occulant, to further reduce notation costs and improve the development and utilization of oxidized zinc ore resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today nanotechnology is widely spread and plays an important role in many fields, especially the medical field. Nanoparticles (NPs) have unique physicochemical properties giving them additional activities which encourage their use in many applications. Nanoparticles can be synthesized through three main methods: chemical, physical, and biological. The best method is biological synthesis that is considered green, sustainable, eco-friendly, and economic. It depends on living organisms or their extracts including plants, bacteria, algae, fungi, and yeasts instead of toxic chemicals. Yeasts are promising microorganisms that recently attract the attention of many researchers to discover their potential in biosynthesis of nanoparticles that can be applied in different fields. Many research studies proved the ability of various yeast species to synthesize various metal and metal oxide nanoparticles whether intracellularly or extracellularly. Such nanoparticles include silver, gold, selenium, selenium sulfide, zinc sulfide, palladium, manganese dioxide, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Yeast-mediated nanoparticles have biomedical activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. Studies revealed that yeast-synthesized nanoparticles have safe and nontoxic properties. Compared to research on NPs biosynthesis using bacteria and fungi, there are fewer research that focused on using yeast in NPs biosynthesis which makes it a promising area for more scientific discoveries in biosynthesis and applications of NPs. This review outlines previous studies involving biosynthesis and biomedical applications of yeast-mediated nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxygen pressure leaching process is characterized by direct wet oxygen pressure leaching of zinc sulfide concentrate. Sulfur does not enter the flue gas, but is directly converted into elemental sulfur recovery. The production process is simpler, environmentally friendly, low comprehensive energy consumption, and the sulfur products are relatively easier to store, transport and sell. Therefore, the promotion and application of this technology is of great significance to the realization of energy conservation and emission reduction in zinc smelting industry and even the goal of emission peak and carbon neutrality. The effects of mineral characteristics, metal leaching rate, sulfur acidification rate, sulfur crystallization process control, sulfur flotation efficiency and thermal filtration temperature of sulfur concentrate on sulfur recovery were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report a study of a zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanocrystal and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite-based non-enzymatic uric acid biosensor. ZnS nanocrystals with different morphologies were synthesized through a hydrothermal method, and both pure nanocrystals and related ZnS/RGO were characterized with SEM, XRD and an absorption spectrum and resistance test. It was found that compared to ZnS nanoparticles, the ZnS nanoflakes had stronger UV light absorption ability at the wavelength of 280 nm of UV light. The RGO significantly enhanced the electron transfer efficiency of the ZnS nanoflakes, which further led to a better photoelectrochemical property of the ZnS/RGO nanocomposites. The ZnS nanoflake/RGO nanocomposite-based biosensor showed an excellent uric acid detecting sensitivity of 534.5 μA·cm−2·mM−1 in the linear range of 0.01 to 2 mM and a detection limit of 0.048 μM. These results will help to improve non-enzymatic biosensor properties for the rapid and accurate clinical detection of uric acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of 2MeV energy electrons with fluences from 0.5×1017 to 4.0×1017 electron/cm2 on the crystal structure, surface morphology, absorption spectrum, band gap, Raman spectrum and microhardness of ZnS crystal was investigated. The crystal structure of ZnS is face-centered cubic with space group F-43m. Upon irradiation with a fluence of 4×1017 electron/cm2, the unit cell parameter decreased by 0.0195Å, and the coordinates of the Zn+2 ions were changed. Irradiation with fluences ranging from 0.5×1017 to 4×1017 electron/cm2 increased crystallite size from 20nm to 28nm. The study of the surface morphology of the ZnS single-crystal revealed that irradiation caused a reduction in both the width (Ra) and height (Rz) of the surface roughness. The band gap of the ZnS single-crystal decreased from 3.521 to 3.506eV when irradiated with fluence electrons from 0.5×1017 to 2.5×1017electron/cm2. Raman spectrum observations showed an increase in the longitudinal optical (LO) mode peak (350cm−1) intensity following the irradiation of ZnS single-crystal with electrons. The microhardness of the ZnS single-crystal showed an exponential increase by 20% when irradiated with fluences from 0.5×1017 to 2.5×1017electron/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-weight, passive, thermal-adaptive radiation technologies are needed to maintain an operable temperature for spacecraft while they experience various energy fluxes. In this study, we used a thin film coating with the Fabry–Pérot (FP) effect to enhance emissivity contrast (Δε) between VO2 phase-change states. This coating utilizes a hybrid material architecture that combines VO2 with a mid- and long-wave infrared transparent chalcogenide, zinc sulfide (ZnS), as a cavity spacer layer. We simulated the design parameter space to obtain a theoretical maximum Δε of 0.63 and grew prototype devices. Using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we determined that an intermediate buffer layer of TiO2 is necessary to execute the crystalline growth of monoclinic VO2 on ZnS. Through temperature-dependent FTIR measurements, our fabricated devices demonstrated FP-cavity enhanced adaptive thermal emittance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the un-doped, M-doped magnetite (Fe3O4); (M = Mn, Zn), and MS/Fe3O4 composite nanopowders with a cubic spinel-type structure and average crystallite size range from 8.30 to 12.33 nm were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The FESEM images revealed the shape of particles are spherical with a grain size in the range of 33.44–49.77 nm. Through the analysis of reflectance data using Tauc's model, the direct band gap energies of 2.98 eV, 2.93 eV, 3.01 eV, 2.85 eV, and 2.95 eV were determined for Un-doped Fe3O4, Mn-doped Fe3O4, Zn-doped Fe3O4, MnS/Fe3O4 composite, and ZnS/Fe3O4 composite NPs respectively. The parameters such as extinction coefficient and refractive index of the nanoparticles were computed by the Kramers–Kronig (K–K) method. Non-linear optical (NLO) parameters were computed from DRS data using the Wemple–Di-Domenico (WDD) model. The calculated third-order NLO susceptibility χ (3) and also electrical susceptibility χ e represented the maximum value for MnS/Fe3O4 composite NPs compared to the other samples. Considering the advanced optical parameters of MS/Fe3O4 composite samples, these particles can be suitable candidates for non-linear optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As compared to conventional physical and chemical techniques, the biological method (green synthesis) is an economical, nontoxic, fast, eco-friendly and cost-effective technique that utilizes plant extract to generate highly stable and biocompatible nanoparticles. The existing study focuses on the synthesis of zinc sulphide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) using P. persica leaf extract which is used as a reducing agent and their associated properties. The prepared samples were examined in terms of structural, optical, morphological and compositional properties. The SEM images showed the agglomerated spherical particles while XRD spectra confirmed the hexagonal (wurtzite) phase of synthesized ZnS samples with average crystallite sizes found to vary from 12.45 to 14.36 nm. The optical absorption spectra displayed the absorption peaks at 331 nm (4.26 eV) and 339 nm (4.10 eV). This blue shift in the absorption band suggests the formation of ZnS NPs compared with bulk ZnS (∼ 3. 6 8 eV) material. The FTIR peaks from 612– to 630 cm − 1 and 860– to 1022 cm − 1 are because of the symmetric bending vibrations of the Zn–S bands. Electrical measurements showed that the resistivity is found to be decreasing with increasing temperature, signifying the semiconducting behavior of the synthesized ZnS NPs. The findings of this study suggest the feasible use of P. persica leaves extract for the production of ZnS NPs which could be utilized as multifunctional material in medical applications, biosensors, photocatalytic and electrical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs microwave roasting to decompose smithsonite mineral (zinc carbonate) into zinc oxide, which then reacts with pyrite to sulfurize its surface, forming zinc sulfide. This process is beneficial for the flotation recovery of zinc oxide minerals. The surface sulfidation behavior of smithsonite under low-temperature microwave roasting conditions is examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermodynamic calculations. XRD and thermodynamic analysis indicate that smithsonite completely decomposes into zinc oxide at 400 °C. Introducing a small amount of pyrite as a sulfidizing reagent leads to the formation of sulfides on the surface of decomposed smithsonite. XPS analysis confirms that the sulfide formed on the surface is zinc sulfide. SEM analysis reveals that sulfides are distributed on the surface of smithsonite, and the average sulfur concentration increases with the pyrite dosage. Microwave-assisted sulfurization of smithsonite (ZnCO3) was found to significantly enhance its floatability compared to conventional sulfurization methods. The optimal mass ratio of ZnCO3 to FeS2 is approximately 1:1.5, with the best temperature being 400 °C. These findings provide a technical solution for the application of microwave roasting in the efficient recovery of smithsonite through flotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study of the mineralogical and chemical composition of zinc and lead metallurgical slags. These slags contain numerous elements, including toxic metals, which form conglomerates or multiphase intergrowths. The phase composition of slags is one of the main factors that determine their behaviour in weathering environments, that is, their ability to release metals when exposed to atmospheric factors. In this paper, the release of elements from slags and their mobility in a hypergenic environment is determined based on the results of leachability tests and on geochemical modelling, thus assessing the environmental impact of landfilled slags. The elements released from slags in the largest quantities are zinc and lead. Zn is leached out over a long period of time. It was found that after 12 years, the concentration of Zn in the eluate exceeds by 40 times the permissible value of 200 mg/kg for hazardous waste. The degree of leaching of lead from slags as a function of time (after 12 years), despite its significant solubility in water, is much lower than the degree of leaching of zinc. The most mobile phase components of slags in the studied hypergenic environment are the lead phases (anglesite and galena) and, to a lesser extent, the zinc phases (sphalerite and willemite). Anglesite and galena in almost the entire Eh-pH range, along with admixtures of elements, decompose into ionic forms: PbCl42−, Pb2+, and PbOH+. Sphalerite in the soil and water environment (oxidizing and acidic conditions) will decompose into the mobile ionic form Zn2+. Willemite, which is resistant to weathering, will undergo similar decomposition. It can therefore be assumed that the carriers of toxic metals are primarily lead sulphides and sulphates, zinc sulphides, and, less frequently, zinc, lead, and iron oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a compound filler consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was synthesized using the hydrothermal method and utilized to enhance the tribological properties of the polyimide (PI) film. The ZnS@RGO/PI composites displayed the lowest wear rate of 3.89 × 10−8 mm3 N−1 m−1 at a load of 200 N, which were significantly lower than that of both pure PI and RGO/PI films. Furthermore, the microstructure and chemical composition of the compound were characterized and analyzed, revealing that the ZnS nanoparticles were effectively attached to the surface of RGO through the chemical bonding between them. Finally, finite element analysis shows that the chemical bonding between ZnS and RGO have the effect to stop the crack expanding under pressure, and a wear mechanism is also given to demonstrate this 'Ball-on-plane' compound's enhancement to the tribological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanocomposite (NC) of polyaniline (Pani), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NP) was prepared using chemical coprecipitation and ex-situ casting procedures. ZnS NP were synthesized using the chemical coprecipitation technique in atmospheric air. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) scans indicated that the synthesized ZnS had a nanonature and fit the cubic zinc blended structure. We used an infrared pulsed laser to irradiate the Pani/PVP/ZnS NC samples with fluences ranging from 3 to18 J/cm2. The induced changes in the NC were investigated using the UV spectroscopy and International Commission on Illumination (CIE) color difference methodology. When the laser fluence increased up to 18 J/cm2 both the direct and indirect optical bandgaps (Eg) decreased. Additionally, we used the optical dielectric loss (ε") to detect the type of microelectronic transition for the NC samples. The Eg of the exposed NC samples and the pristine samples exhibited indirect allowed transitions. The laser effects on the absorbance, extinction coefficient, transmission, refractive index, dielectric parameters and optical conductivity of the NC were studied. Lastly, the color differences between the pristine and exposed samples were determined. The pristine Pani/PVP/ZnS showed a significant color difference with the laser irradiated samples. The changes of the studied optical parameters with the laser fluence indicated that the laser radiation represents a convenient tool that would allow the application of Pani/PVP/ZnS NC in optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnS is a II-VI semiconductor with a wide bandgap. ZnS-based nanomaterials have been produced in a variety of morphologies with unique properties and characteristic features. An extensive collection of research activities is available on various synthetic methodologies to produce such a wide variety of ZnS-based nanomaterials. In this comprehensive review, we thoroughly covered all the different synthetic techniques employed by researchers across the globe to produce zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional ZnS-based nanomaterials. Depending on their morphologies and properties, ZnS-based nanomaterials have found many applications, including optoelectronics, sensors, catalysts, batteries, solar cells, and biomedical fields. The properties and applications of ZnS-based nanostructures are described, and the scope of the future direction is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of novel materials requires a theoretical understanding of dynamical processes in the solid state, including polymorphic transitions and associated pathways. The organization of the potential energy landscape plays a crucial role in such processes, which may involve changes in the periodic boundaries. This study reports the implementation of a general framework for periodic condensed matter systems in our energy landscape analysis software, allowing for variation in both the unit cell and atomic positions. This implementation provides access to basin-hopping global optimization, the doubly nudged elastic band procedure for identifying transition state candidates, the missing connection approach for multi-step pathways, and general tools for the construction and analysis of kinetic transition networks. The computational efficacy of the procedures is explored using the state-of-the-art semiempirical method GFN1-xTB for the first time in this solid-state context. We investigate the effectiveness of this level of theory by characterizing the potential energy and enthalpy landscapes of several systems, including silicon, CdSe, ZnS, and NaCl, and discuss further technical challenges, such as translational permutation of the cell. Despite the expected limitations of the semiempirical method, we find that the resulting energy landscapes provide useful insight into solid-state simulations, which will facilitate detailed analysis of processes such as defect and ion migration, including refinement at higher levels of theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effect of internal electric field and energy band bending formed by NiFe 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 p-n heterojunction significantly inhibits carrier recombination and thus improves the photocatalytic efficiency. [Display omitted] • A p-n heterojunction NiFe 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 with magnetic recycle was synthesized. • 2 %-NiFe 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 exhibits best TC degradation with 90.2 % degradation rate and 52.7 % TOC removal. • DFT confirmed generation of a built-in electric field, promoting carriers separation. • Superoxide radicals (O 2 −) and holes (h+) are the main active species. • Possible photocatalytic reaction pathways of tetracycline were analyzed by HPLC-MS. • Bioconcentration factor and developmental toxicity values was assessed. The persistent release of tetracycline into the environment significantly endangers both ecosystems and human health. Zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn 2 S 4) capable to degrade tetracycline pollutants under visible light irradiation has attracted extensive attentions and great effort has been devoted to augment its catalytic efficacy. In this work, we synthesized a p-n heterojunction, NiFe 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 , to enhance the carrier migration rate and explained the intrinsic mechanism by density functional theory. When the heterojunction was formed, carriers traversed from the n -type NiFe 2 O 4 to the p-type ZnIn 2 S 4 , instigating the emergence of a built-in electric field to facilitate the separation of carriers. 2 %-NiFe 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 exhibited excellent photocatalytic efficiency in tetracycline (TC) degradation and total organic carbon (TOC) removal. Compared to pure ZnIn 2 S 4 and NiFe 2 O 4 , the TC degradation rates of 2 %-NiFe 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 were 2.0 times and 16.9 times higher, respectively. Additionally, 2 %-NiFe 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 had a saturation magnetization intensity of 3.05 emu/g, allowing for rapid recovery of the catalyst under a magnetic field. Superoxide radicals (O 2 −) and holes (h+) were the primary active species driving the degradation process. Furthermore, potential reaction pathways of tetracycline in this photocatalytic process were determined and bioconcentration factor and developmental toxicity of the intermediate products were accessed. This work held great potentials for wastewater treatment and provided a pathway for the development of magnetic recyclable photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Herein, it is demonstrated that 0D/2D design of zinc sulfide quantum dots encapsulated with yttrium tungstate nanosheets, which were subsequently used to increase the removal of brilliant blue (BB), methyl red (MR) dyes and doxycycline drug using UV–visible light. The produced ZnS-Y 2 WO 6 nanohybrids exhibited excellent catalytic activity, reaching degradation efficiencies of around 89.92%, 80% and 85.51 % for BB, MR dyes and doxycycline drug, respectively, with a minimum irradiation duration of 120, 60 and 125 min. These nanohybrids outperformed Y 2 WO 6 in terms of photocatalytic efficacy due to enhanced light absorption, efficient charge transfer, and decreased charge carrier recombination between ZnS and Y 2 WO 6 nanoparticles. The synergistic combination of ZnS and Y 2 WO 6 nanoparticles resulted in multiple active sites on the composite surface. Furthermore, the ZnS-Y 2 WO 6 nanohybrids maintained excellent degradation efficiencies of 79.45% and 70.12% for BB and MR dyes, respectively, even after five consecutive cycles, with no significant loss of catalytic activity. The produced ZnS-Y 2 WO 6 nanohybrids were thoroughly analyzed utilizing a variety of analytical methods. Furthermore, the degradation of organic dyes and doxycycline drug related possible mechanism were examined using experimental data, indicating the potential of ZnS-Y 2 WO 6 nanohybrids as excellent photocatalytic materials for oxidizing organic dyes and drugs in aquatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese-doped colloidal indium phosphide quantum dots with a thin zinc sulfide shell have been synthesized. Nanoclusters were fabricated based on the obtained nanocrystals. The effect of doping of nanocrystals on the process of Förster resonance electronic excitation transfer and the spectral and luminescent properties of nanoclusters was studied for the first time. It has been shown that the luminescence of such clusters radically differs from the luminescence of undoped clusters and depends on the size distribution of nanoparticles included in the nanoclusters. It is shown that the composition of particles participating in Förster transport depends on the time point of observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cd0.4Zn0.6S:r-GO composite thin film semiconductor is prepared by the process of layer by layer deposition of cadmium zinc sulphide (Cd0.4Zn0.6S) and reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) on Si-substrate by DIP-coating technique. In this process, initially, aqueous solution of Cd0.4Zn0.6S is deposited on Si-substrate (Cd0.4Zn0.6S/Si) and baked at 500°C temperature, then, aqueous solution of r-GO is deposited on (Cd0.4Zn0.6S/Si) and baked at the same temperature to fabricate (r-GO/Cd0.4Zn0.6S/Si) composite thin film semiconductors. Structural/electronic/electrical/magnetic properties of (Cd0.4Zn0.6S:r-GO)/Si composite thin film semiconductor is enhanced in the vicinity of interfacial defects, impurities, density of states with exchange of metallic/non-metallic ions (Cd2+/Zn2+)/(S2−, SO32−) along with the incorporation of different O-functional radicals that immigrate from r-GO. It is expected that the Cd0.4Zn0.6S:r-GO composite thin film semiconductor is capable of providing future promising optoelectronic as well as magnetic device-based applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aqueous Zn–S batteries (AZSBs) have garnered increasing attention in the energy storage field owing to their high capacity, energy density, and cost effectiveness. Nevertheless, sulfur (S) cathodes face challenges, primarily stemming from sluggish reaction kinetics and the formation of an irreversible byproduct (SO 4 2−) during the charge, hindering the progress of AZSBs. Herein, Te–S bonds within S-based cathodes were introduced to enhance electron and ion transport and facilitate the conversion reaction from zinc sulfide (ZnS) to S. This was achieved by constructing heteroatomic TeS-x@Ketjen black composite cathodes (HM-TeS-x@KB, where x = 36, 9, and 4). The HM-TeS-9@KB electrode exhibits long-term cycling stability, maintaining a capacity decay rate of 0.1 % per cycle over 450 cycles at a current density of 10 A g−1. Crucially, through a combination of experimental data analysis and theoretical calculations, the impact mechanism of Te on the charge and discharge of S active materials within the HM-TeS-9@KB cathode in AZSBs was investigated. The presence of Te–S bonds boost the intrinsic conductivity and wettability of the HM-TeS-9@KB cathode. Furthermore, during the charge, the interaction of preferentially oxidized Te with S atoms within ZnS promotes the oxidation reaction from ZnS to S and suppresses the irreversible side reaction between ZnS and H 2 O. These findings indicate that the heteroatomization of chalcogen S molecules represents a promising approach for enhancing the electrochemical performance of S cathodes in AZSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor photocatalysis is considered one of the efficient and clean environmental technologies in the treatment of organic dye wastewater. Indium zinc sulfide (ZnIn2S4) is favored among many photocatalysts because of its narrow-forbidden bandwidth, good visible light absorption properties, suitable conduction and valence band positions, high chemical stability, low cost, easy preparation and low toxicity. However, indium zinc sulfide (ZnIn2S4) still faces the disadvantages of low visible light utilization and high photogenerated carrier complexation rate. In this paper, we introduce rare-earth ion doping and heterojunction of rare-earth oxides with ZnIn2S4 to improve photocatalytic efficiency, and we also review the current research status and development prospects of indium zinc sulfide in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnS is a II-VI semiconductor with a wide bandgap. ZnS-based nanomaterials have been produced in a variety of morphologies with unique properties and characteristic features. An extensive collection of research activities is available on various synthetic methodologies to produce such a wide variety of ZnS-based nanomaterials. In this comprehensive review, we thoroughly covered all the different synthetic techniques employed by researchers across the globe to produce zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional ZnS-based nanomaterials. Depending on their morphologies and properties, ZnS-based nanomaterials have found many applications, including optoelectronics, sensors, catalysts, batteries, solar cells, and biomedical fields. The properties and applications of ZnS-based nanostructures are described, and the scope of the future direction is highlighted.

Abstract Copper indium sulfide (CuInS2) exhibits strong visible light absorption and thus has the potential for good photocatalytic activity; however, rapid charge recombination limits its practical usage. An intriguing strategy to overcome this issue is to couple CuInS2 with another semiconductor to form a heterojunction, which can improve the charge carrier separation and, hence, enhance the photocatalytic activity. In this study, photocatalysts comprising CuInS2 with a secondary CuS phase (termed CuInxSy) and CuInxSy loaded with ZnS (termed ZnS@CuInxSy) were synthesized via a microwave-assisted method. Structural and morphological characterization revealed that the ZnS@CuInxSy photocatalyst comprised tetragonal CuInS2 containing a secondary phase of hexagonal CuS, coupled with hexagonal ZnS. The effective band gap energy of CuInxSy was widened from 2.23 to 2.71 as the ZnS loading increased from 0 to 30%. The coupling of CuInxSy with ZnS leads to long-lived charge carriers and efficient visible-light harvesting properties, which in turn lead to a remarkably high activity for the photocatalytic degradation of brilliant green (95.6% in 5 h) and conversion of 4-nitrophenol to 4-nitrophenolate ions (95.4% in 5 h). The active species involved in these photocatalytic processes were evaluated using suitable trapping agents. Based on the obtained results, photocatalytic mechanisms are proposed that emphasize the importance of h+, O2 •–, and OH− in photocatalytic processes using ZnS@CuInxSy.

This paper presents the synthesis of ZnS through solvothermal method using hydrozincite (Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6) as a precursor. Zinc sulfide (ZnS) was synthesized at four different temperatures: 80 °C, 100 °C, 140 °C, and 180 °C. All photocatalysts that were synthesized underwent characterization by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron analysis. The performance of H2 using photocatalysis was evaluated by utilizing methanol as a sacrificial agent. At 80 °C solvothermal temperature, the ZnS exhibited maximum photoactivity, leading to an H2 generation rate of 154.8 μmolh−1. The high photo‐activity of ZnS synthesized at 80 °C was mainly influenced by the crystallite size, which has an essential influence on the specific surface area. The photocatalytic efficiency of the most active material decreased by approximately 17 % over four reaction cycles due to the photo corrosion effect, with ZnSO3 being the primary by‐product formed after the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a well‐defined flower‐like ZnO (ZnO−F) was prepared through the precipitation method, and a graphene/ZnO/ZnS/MoS2 heterojunction (GR/ZnO−H) was fabricated using the hydrothermal approach. The morphological, compositional, and optical characteristics of the prepared materials were systematically investigated employing various analytical techniques. The photodegradation performance of these materials were assessed through methylene blue (MB) photodegradation experiments. Remarkably, GR/ZnO−H exhibited superior photodegradation efficacy compared to both pure ZnO−F and ZnO/ZnS/MoS2 heterojunctions, with a degradation rate reaching 98.8 % within 240 minutes. The examination of the photocatalytic mechanism revealed that superoxide anions (O2⋅−), hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH), and holes (h+) are the principal photocatalytic active species during MB degradation. This investigation unveils a highly effective photoregenerative material with promising applications in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAmorphous polycarbonate (PC), amorphous polystyrene (PS), semicrystalline polyethylene oxide (PEO) and zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NP) were used to fabricate PC/PS/PEO/ZnS nanocomposite (NC) films. We believe that this study is novel in the area of the effect of γ ray radiation on such NC. The synthesized ZnS NP had an average particle size of 18 nm, as indicated from the Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) scans. Samples of the PC/PS/PEO/ZnS NC films were irradiated with γ ray doses ranging from 20 to 180 kGy. UV-vis spectroscopy and the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) color changes technique were used to investigate the resulting effects of the γ ray irradiation on the optical and color properties of the prepared films. The light absorbance of the NC films increased as it was irradiated with the γ ray doses up to 180 kGy, the maximum dose used. The increase in absorbance was associated with a decrease in the direct bandgap from 5.88 to 4.92 eV, and an increase of Urbach energy from 0.43 to 0.81 eV. This was attributed to the dominance of chain crosslinks. The γ ray effects on the absorbance, extinction coefficient, refractive index and optical conductivity of the NC films were studied. The modifications in the optical properties indicated that the γ radiation is a useful tool that allows the application of the resulting PC/PS/PEO/ZnS NC films in optoelectronic devices. Furthermore, the color differences between the pristine and irradiated films were evaluated using the CIE color differences technique. The pristine film was uncolored but showed significant color changes when irradiated with γ radiation up to 180 kGy, the maximum dose used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the synergistic effect of the rapid transfer of photo-generated electrons and enrichment of reactive active sites, reasonably assembling dual cocatalysts with semiconductor is considered as an excellent method to enhance the photocatalytic properties of semiconductors. Herein, earth-abundant Co 9 S 8 and Ni 2 P dual cocatalysts modified-ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS/CS/NP) composite photocatalyst has been constructed by the low-temperature solvothermal and in-situ photodeposition methods. A series of characterizations indicate the hollow structure of Co 9 S 8 can reduce the charge transfer distance and enhance the migration of photo-generated electrons, while Ni 2 P acts as an electron collector and provides sufficient active sites for H 2 release in this dual cocatalysts system. Because of the synergistic effect of dual cocatalysts, ZIS/CS/NP composites exhibit superior activity in the photocatalytic H 2 production compared to blank ZIS, ZIS/CS and ZIS/NP. Notably, the optimal photocatalytic H 2 production rate of ZIS/CS/NP reaches 6823.64 μmol g−1 h−1, which is approximately 86 times higher that of blank ZIS. This work is expected to provide useful reference for the construction of high-performance dual-cocatalyst modified semiconductor composite for photocatalytic H 2 evolution. The ZnIn 2 S 4 /Co 9 S 8 /Ni 2 P composite photocatalyst was synthesized through low-temperature solvothermal and in-situ photodeposition methods to achieve efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. In this dual cocatalysts system, the hollow structure of Co 9 S 8 can reduce the charge transfer distance and enhance the migration of photo-generated electrons of ZnIn 2 S 4 , while Ni 2 P acts as an electron collector and provides sufficient active sites for H 2 release. [Display omitted] • ZnIn 2 S 4 /Co 9 S 8 /Ni 2 P ternary composite has been synthesized. • ZnIn 2 S 4 /Co 9 S 8 /Ni 2 P exhibits superior performance in photocatalytic H 2 evolution. • Co 9 S 8 and Ni 2 P dual cocatalysts are rationally utilized. • Dual cocatalysts synergistically enhance transfer of electrons and enrichment of active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical water splitting offers a promising avenue for producing clean hydrogen fuel, essential for a sustainable energy landscape. A highly efficient catalyst, featuring a one-dimensional structure, has been synthesized by combining zinc iron sulfide with molybdenum disulfide (ZFSMS) on a nickel foam substrate. This synthesis method utilizes a simple yet effective hydrothermal approach tailored for efficient water splitting. By carefully engineering the interface between zinc iron sulfide and molybdenum disulfide, the electronic conductivity of the catalyst is significantly boosted, enhancing its catalytic performance. The resulting hybrid, ZFSMS, exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic efficiency with minimal overpotentials. Specifically, overpotentials of 130 mV and 220 mV are recorded for the oxygen evolution reaction at 20 mA cm−2 and 50 mA cm−2, respectively. Moreover, for the hydrogen evolution reaction, overpotentials of 145 mV and 257 mV are observed at 10 mA cm−2 and 40 mA cm−2, respectively, in a 1.0 M potassium hydroxide solution. Notably, the ZFSMS-based electrolyzer operates at a low voltage of 1.5 V at 10 mA cm−2, underscoring its efficiency in facilitating electrochemical hydrogen generation. This catalyst good candidate for advancing green hydrogen production, contributing to the progress of sustainable and clean hydrogen fuel production methods. [Display omitted] • A highly efficient catalyst, characterized by a one-dimensional morphology and structure, has been developed. • The overpotentials are measured for the oxygen evolution reaction at 20, and 50 mA cm−2. • The hydrogen evolution reaction, the overpotentials are 145 mV and 257 mV at 10, and 40 mA cm−2. • The zinc cobalt sulfide and molybdenum disulfide (ZFSMS), demonstrates remarkable electrocatalytic activity with low overpotentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating mechanoluminescent (ML) materials into piezoelectric polymer nanofibers enables the development of advanced pressure sensors and human–machine interactive devices by providing mechanical flexibility and enhancing processibility. This study demonstrates that introducing water during the electrospinning process significantly improves the piezoelectric properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)‐based polymers, attributed to the enhanced formation of piezoelectrically active β‐phases. A biphasic relationship between piezoelectricity and water concentration is revealed, with an optimal water concentration of 4 wt.% for both polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) and polyvinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene (PVDF‐TrFE). Furthermore, the inclusion of water in the electrospinning solution facilitates the integration of ZnS: Mn2+ mechanoluminescent microparticles into the polymer fibers, resulting in fibrous composite membranes with significantly enhanced mechano‐optical responses. After thermal annealing, the fibrous membrane by electrospinning PVDF‐TrFE and ZnS: Mn2+ microparticles with 8 wt.% water addition demonstrates the best ML performance with high light emission intensity and reduced pressure threshold down to 18 kPa. This exceptional performance can be attributed to the local electric field generated by the encapsulation of microparticles within the PVDF‐TrFE fibers, which facilitates electroluminescence and subsequently boosts the overall light emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel CMC/ZIS Schottky heterojunction photocatalytic material was synthesized by solvothermal complexation of the H 3 PMo 12 O 40 @ZIF-67 derived precursors with ZnIn 2 S 4. According to the experimental findings, the 5% CMC/ZIS composite photocatalytic material outperformed the pure ZIS catalyst in terms of photoelectric performance and visible light responsiveness. The 5% CMC/ZIS Schottky heterojunction catalyst presents a hydrogen production rate of 2232 μmol g−1 h−1, which is about five times that of the pure ZIS. The high photocatalytic activity of the 5% CMC/ZIS composite can be attributed to the narrowed band gap and the formation of a Schottky heterojunction. The composite exhibits enhanced visible light absorption capability and faster-photogenerated electron separation efficiency. The study highlights the advantages of the integration of MOF derivatives with ZnIn 2 S 4 for the preparation of composite photocatalysts with improved hydrogen production activities. In this work, a novel CMC/ZIS composite photocatalytic material was synthesized by high-temperature annealing of cobalt-molybdenum bimetallic carbide using ZIF-67 and PMo 12 as the precursors, which was then composited with indium zinc sulfide by solvothermal method. According to the experimental findings, the 5% CMC/ZIS composite photocatalytic material outperformed the pure ZIS catalyst in terms of photoelectric performance and visible light responsiveness. Additionally, it produced H 2 at a rate of up to 2232 μmol g−1 h−1, which is about five times higher than the rate of the pure ZIS. [Display omitted] • H 3 PMo 12 O 40 @ZIF-67 was derived to cobalt-molybdenum bimetallic carbides. • ZnIn 2 S 4 nanosheets were successfully grown on CoMoC dodecahedra. • The CoMoC/ZnIn 2 S 4 composites formed a Schottky heterojunction. • The composite shows faster photogenerated electron separation efficiency. • The highest H 2 production rate of CoMo(20)C/ZnIn 2 S 4 is 2232 μmol g−1 h−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide offers an effective solution to the energy crisis. The design and development of high-activity and low-cost photocatalysts are crucial for H2O2 production. In this work, Zn0.4Cd0.6S with abundant S vacancies (SV-ZCS) is developed for H2O2 photosynthesis under 405 nm LED illumination without additional cocatalysts. The S vacancies serve as photo-generated electron trap centers, effectively extending the lifetimes of photogenerated carriers and promoting the separation of photoelectric carriers. Additionally, SV-ZCS is endowed with enhanced light capture capability, enhancing the overall photocatalytic activity for H2O2 production. The results were in line with expectations, the SV-ZCS samples demonstrated a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) productivity of 3902 μmol L-1 h-1 when subjected to visible light irradiation, representing a significant increase compared to that of ZCS (2840 μmol L-1 h-1). This work provides an effective strategy for preparing photocatalysts for efficient hydrogen peroxide production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfide composites ZnS/Ag2S with various contents of silver sulfide have been synthesized by chemical co‑deposition. The sizes of ZnS and Ag2S nanoparticles in ZnS/Ag2S composites containing less than 1.0 mol % Ag2S are ~4 and <3 nm, respectively. The introduction of silver sulfide in ZnS/Ag2S composites leads to the deposition of Ag2S on the surface of ZnS nanoparticles. The doping of ZnS nanoparticles by only 1 mol % Ag2S nanoparticles is enough to form a covering silver sulfide shell on the surface of ZnS nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on synthesising a new nanocomposite incorporating ZnS filler and investigating its structure, optical properties and specific electrical conductivity. In this study, expanded perlite (EP) and butadiene rubber (BR) underwent simultaneous oxidative chlorophosphorylation and subsequent hydrolysis. ZnS nanoparticles were then grown on the crosslinked/ion-exchange composite (EP-PhBR) using the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method, resulting in the ZnS/EP-PhBR nanocomposite. The structure of the nanocomposite was characterised through UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Embedding ZnS nanoparticles in EP-PhBR caused a reduction in the optical band gap from 3.18 eV to 3.045 eV, signifying increased disorder in ZnS nanoparticles due to alterations in the nanocomposite's intermolecular structure. XRD studies revealed cubic crystal-structured ZnS nanoparticles with an average size of approximately 3 nm in the ZnS/EP-PhBR nanocomposite. The specific electrical conductivity (σ) at ambient temperature demonstrated the enhanced crystallinity of EP-PhBR, attributed to interfacial interactions with ZnS nanoparticles and the developed nanolayers. The ZnS/EP-PhBR nanocomposite exhibited favourable properties, making it a promising material for photocatalysis and solar cell applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of thermodynamic and experimental studies on the joint processing of a mixture of Shalkiya deposit zinc–lead sulfide ore and its concentration tailings in the presence of coke and magnetite. Using the HSC-6.0 software package, it was established by thermodynamic modeling that the silicon-containing products of the SiO2 reduction in the system under consideration are FeSi, Si, Fe3Si, Fe5Si3, FeSi2, FeSi2.33, and SiOg, which, based on the starting reduction temperature, form an increasing series: Fe3Si (1200 °C); Fe5Si3, Si (1400 °C); and SiOg, FeSi2, FeSi2.33 (1500 °C). The smelting of the zinc–lead sulfide ore and concentration tailings mixture in the case of replacing 55% of the iron contained in the magnetite concentrate with steel shavings iron allowed us to produce FeSi45 ferrosilicon (41.9%–42.1% Si), with the extraction of 85% of the silicon in it, and sublimates containing 26.03% zinc and 13.47% lead, with the extraction of 97% of the zinc and 99% of the lead in them. In comparison with the initial ore-tailings mixture, the resulting sublimates are 11.83 times richer in zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of photocatalysis and its significance in addressing environmental pollution and energy crises. It traces the history of research in this field and highlights various applications, including biomass valorization, microorganism inactivation, hydrogen production, and solar fuel. The article also discusses the challenges and areas for improvement in photocatalysis, such as the need for better understanding of surface properties and the development of new materials. It concludes by mentioning a special issue on photocatalysis that covers a wide range of applications and research areas. The document is a collection of contributions on topics related to photocatalysis, including the degradation of sodium diclofenac, sustainable fuel production, hydrogen peroxide generation, photocatalytic water oxidation, reduction of fuel vapor emissions, organophosphate degradation, hydrogen production using a novel photocatalyst, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides for hydrogen production, and the influence of interfacial vacancies on optoelectronic properties. Each contribution offers valuable insights into the field of photocatalysis and its applications. [Extracted from the article]

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, electroluminescent devices have emerged as pivotal components, illuminating a path toward energy‐efficient lighting solutions, advanced displays, and integrated sensing technologies, profoundly impacting sectors ranging from consumer electronics to sustainable urban development. Based in such socio‐scientific‐economic scenario, and in the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally conscious technologies, this work presents a novel approach to the development of a multifunctional electroluminescent (EL) device capable of both efficient lighting and electric field frequency sensing applications. The proposed device integrates a composite based on zinc sulfide co‐doped with copper (ZnS:Cu) phosphor particles and plant‐based UV resin, to achieve enhanced functional properties and reduced environmental impact. The developed anycubic plant‐based UV resin clear (ECOr)/ZnS:Cu inks display viscosity values between 0.5 and 100 Pa.s (ensuring good quality of screen‐prints), and after printing composites exhibit thermal stability up to ≈200 °C; morphological homogeneity, dielectric properties dependent on the ZnS:Cu content (dielectric constant of 12.8 for the sample with 80 wt.% of filler); 30 cd.m2 luminance for the sample with 80 wt.% of ZnS:Cu; and colorimetric electric field frequency sensing capability in the 0–3 kHz range. Thus, this research contributes to the advancement of sustainable technologies that prioritize both multifunctionality and environmental responsibility in the fabrication of electroluminescent devices for lighting and sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]