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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]

Quantification of gross alpha and beta-emitting radionuclides in drinking water helps to understand the water quality as well as the long-term exposures to human health. The gross alpha and beta activity concentrations have been measured in 35 tap water samples taken from different residential areas of Dhaka city in the year 2020–2021. The measurement was performed using a dual phosphor Zinc Sulphide Scintillation Detector, ZnS(Ag). The activity of gross alpha of the collected tap water samples ranged from 0.45 ± 0.04 to 16.53 ± 0.01 mBq/L with an average value of 7.22 ± 0.43 mBq/L, which is below the WHO recommended limit of 0.5 Bq/L (WHO, 2011) or 0.1 Bq/L (WHO, 1978). Furthermore, the activity of gross beta in the tap water samples ranged from 3.26 ± 1.25 to 57.99 ± 1.98 mBq/L (mean 30.78 ± 1mBq/L) which is below the WHO recommended limit of 1 Bq/L (WHO, 2011). The total annual equivalent dose due to tap water was found below the WHO recommended dose limit of 100 µSv/y due to radionuclides in water. Present results may help to create baseline data for gross alpha and beta activity in drinkable water in Bangladesh and also for further analysis in identifying specific radionuclides. [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]

In this comprehensive review, we have introduced two distinct types of multinuclear zinc sulfide superpolyhedral molecular clusters and zinc sulfide quantum dots. Two distinct categories of hyper polyhedral zinc sulfide clusters are identified: Zn10, categorized under T3 symmetry, and Zn8, classified under P1 symmetry. Both Zn10 and Zn8 clusters feature not only μ1-S and μ2-S species, which are attached to ligands, but also μ3-S and μ4-S species that remain unattached to ligands. Furthermore, the zinc and sulfur atoms within these cluster molecules possess the versatility to be substituted by alternative cations or anions, leading to the formation of corresponding derivatives. By comparing synthetic methodologies, structural attributes, and potential applications of the multinuclear zinc sulfide superpolyhedral molecular clusters and zinc sulfide quantum dots, we have delved into the intricate relationship between zinc sulfide quantum dots and these two classes of zinc sulfide clusters, offering a fresh perspective. From a synthetic standpoint, the preparation of zinc sulfide quantum dots often shares similarities with the synthesis of Zn10 clusters, while some methods also mirror the synthesis of Zn8 clusters utilizing reactors. Quantum dots typically exhibit larger sizes compared to cluster molecules, and their growth is characterized by rapid and continuous expansion, accompanied by a continuous red-shift of the edge band peaks in their UV-vis absorption spectra. In contrast, cluster molecules display discrete and heterogeneous growth patterns, with abrupt transitions from one discrete size to another larger discrete size, mirrored by individual sharp peaks in their UV-vis absorption spectra. Regarding applications, both entities share similar domains of utilization, albeit with distinct underlying mechanisms. By elucidating these differences and similarities, we aim to foster further advancements in the field of zinc sulfide-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalyst's particle size plays a crucial role in enhancing photocatalytic performance. However, it is still unclear to analyse the mechanism by which surfactants affect the particle size of photocatalysts from the perspective of crystal growth. Herein, ZnS nanomaterials with different particle sizes were synthesized using a simple solid-state chemical synthesis method, and the intrinsic influence mechanism between surfactant and catalyst particle size was analyzed from the perspective of crystal growth. It was discovered that the particle size of ZnS kept getting smaller due to changes in polyethylene glycol, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Analyzing the reasons revealed that the catalyst's particle size was related to the type of surfactant: anionic surfactants could reduce the catalyst size. Correspondingly, the catalyst with a smaller particle size has the optimal performance for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Photocatalysts Z-SDS exhibited outstanding photocatalytic performance, yielding 11.47 mmol/g of hydrogen after a 5 h illumination. Furthermore, the intrinsic influence mechanism between anionic and cationic surfactants, photocatalyst particle size, and catalytic performance was investigated. This investigation provides a new idea for synthesizing small-size and high-performance photocatalysts. [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]

In the Lanping lead–zinc mine area, hazardous jarosite residue produced by the jarosite process seriously threatens the remaining capacity of the tailings pond and the local ecological environment. Therefore, the hematite process has been recommended as an alternative to the jarosite process to overcome the challenge of the hazardous jarosite residue. The recommended reaction conditions for the hematite process are: initial pH = 3.0–4.5, reaction temperature = 150°C, oxygen partial pressure = 0.4 MPa, agitation speed = 500 rpm, and reaction time = 3 h. For the zinc leaching solution containing about 19 g/L Fe2+, the Fe concentration after iron removal via the hematite process was reduced to 2 g/L, and the corresponding iron removal efficiency reached 89%. The Fe content in the hematite product is higher than 55%, and the Zn loss and S pollution in the hematite products were below 1% and 3%, respectively. According to the China Non-Ferrous Metals Association for group standard (T/CNIA 0147-2022), the hematite products produced in this study reached the third grade and can be sold as steelmaking raw materials. Therefore, iron ions in zinc leaching solution can be resourced through the hematite process so as to avoid the stockpiling of iron removal residue. The challenges posed by the limited storage capacity of the tailings pond and the threat of jarosite residue to the local ecology can thus be perfectly solved. [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]

Green synthesis of nanoparticles through biogenic methods and plant secondary metabolites has gained significant importance due to their faster reduction rates, making them a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical and physical methods. This study presents a sustainable method for synthesizing fluorescent ZnS nanocrystals using Allium sativum extract. The synthesis utilizes sulfur-rich cysteine compounds and templating agents such as alkaloids and flavonoids of the Allium sativum extract. The resulting ZnS NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, while FE-SEM revealed an average particle size of 128nm and TEM showed particle size in the range of 42–78nm. The optical investigations reports showed that the biosynthesized ZnS NPs had an energy band gap of 4.9eV with absorption and excitation wavelengths of 214nm and 460nm, respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed significant anticancer activity against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 58.2μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal sulfides have garnered lots of attention as prospective anode materials for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs), yet their practical application is hindered by sluggish reaction kinetics and structural degradation during cycling. Herein, a two‐dimensional  layered indium sulfide (In1.95S3) is reported for the first time with strategic zinc incorporation (ZnIn2S4) and MXene coupling, aiming at addressing these challenges. The ZnIn2S4/MXene (ZIS/MXene) heterostructure features vertically aligned ZIS nanoflakes on MXene nanosheets, rendering high K+ accessibility, rapid electron transport, and robust structural integrity. The water/glycerin molecule intercalation and strong interfacial coupling between ZIS and MXene induce significant interlayer spacing expansion, facilitating efficient K+ diffusion. Furthermore, the zinc incorporation notably reinforces the thermal stability, narrows the bandgap, and lowers the K+ diffusion barrier, as corroborated by experimental data and theoretical simulations. These improvements confer the ZIS/MXene anode with high reversible capacity (424.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), superior rate performance (185.2 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1), and outstanding durability (84.8% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1). In situ and ex situ characterizations reveal that the ZIS/MXene anode follows a multistep intercalation‐conversion‐alloying reaction mechanism, accompanied by a highly reversible nanoflakes to nanodots morphological transformation. [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]

The objective of this research study is to enhance the performance of a flat plate collector by using various cooling fluids, as an increase in solar panel temperature can decrease its efficiency. The experiment utilized three different fluids: distilled water, zinc sulfide nanofluid, and copper zinc sulfide nanofluid. FTIR analysis revealed a pronounced peak at 1133 cm−1, indicating the presence of Cu2+ ions in ZnS. Three key parameters were systematically examined to optimize the solar panel's energy gradient and temperature variance. The flow rate of the cooling fluid varied from 0.5 to 2.0 L min−1. Notably, the use of copper zinc sulfide nanofluid resulted in improvement in the energy gradient, reaching a peak value of 1112 W m–2. The temperature difference showed a significant increase, peaking at 4.73 °C when using CuZnS nanofluid at a flow rate of 1.5 L min−1. The incorporation of copper particles in the nanofluid notably enhanced the thermal conductivity of the cooling fluid. This improvement significantly boosted the efficacy of heat transfer processes, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the solar panel system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effect of gallium doping on the phase transformation, transmission, and hardness of commercial multispectral-grade ZnS specimens exposed to Ga2S3 vapor. Using secondary ion mass spectrometry, we show that Ga diffusion extends into the subsurface down to several tens of microns. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal minimal to no precipitation of wurtzite, resulting in limited infrared transmission loss after treatment. We report a monotonic increase in Vickers surface microhardness with increasing Ga concentration, reaching values more than double those of untreated windows. Future work will focus on optimizing this process and evaluating its effectiveness in enhancing the durability of ZnS windows under harsh environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares chemical and green synthesized zinc sulfide nanoparticles for multiple biological properties. A chemical synthesis approach is utilized to synthesize PEGylated ZnS‐NPs while the bulbs of Fritillariae cirrhosae bulbus are utilized for green synthesis. After extensive characterization, the NPs are examined for multifunctional biological properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, in vitro anticancer, and blood compatibility. Our study found that chemical synthesis results in higher yield and better dispersion behavior. However, the green ZnS‐NPs possessed increased antibacterial and antiparasitic potential against Leishmania tropica as the NPs resulted in significant inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.156 and 0.312 mg/mL, respectively while IC50 of 115.21 and 128.5 µg/mL were observed for the promastigote and amastigote forms of parasite. Furthermore, Fritillaria cirrhosa (F. cirrhosa) synthesized NPs possessed slightly improved antioxidant properties and in vitro anticancer potential against MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. Despite differences in the biological properties, the NPs did not result in hemolytic behavior thus demonstrating the compatible nature against blood cells. It was thus evident from the present study that the chemical and green synthesis techniques not only result in NPs with different physicochemical characteristics but also significantly influence the bio‐interaction of the obtained ZnS‐NPs. [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]

Increasing the transmittance of zinc sulfide (ZnS) infrared windows can effectively improve the imaging quality of infrared detection. In this study, an anti-reflective subwavelength structure (ASS) was manufactured on ZnS using a femtosecond burst Bessel laser with the goal of achieving high transmittance in the mid-infrared range. The period and depth parameters of the ASS were initially determined using the effective medium approximation (EMA) theory and subsequently optimized using the rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) method to eliminate surface Fresnel anti-reflections. The depth of the ASS increases with the number of bursts, while the structure profile transitions from Gaussian to conical. In addition, the ASS achieves 86% transmittance in the 7–10 µm range, and the average transmittance improves by 10% in the 5–12 µm range. Moreover, the wide-angle ASS with the hydrophobicity (contact angle 160°) is achieved on the ZnS window. Ultimately, the ASS on ZnS enhances the clarity of the infrared image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a new design of flexible photodetectors based on ZnO/ZnS/PVC composite films was realized using polyvinyl chloride as the polymer substrate. ZnO/ZnS composites were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method using a mixture of zinc acetate and thiourea, resulting in the formation of microspheres with a core- shell structure. The effect of thiourea concentration as sulfur source (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 M) on the physical properties of ZnO/ZnS composites was investigated. XRD patterns and FTIR spectra demonstrated a successful fabrication of ZnO and ZnS composites. In addition, the particle size, morphology, elemental composition and the bandgap energy of ZnO/ZnS were studied through the utilization of SEM, EDS and UV-visible spectrophotometer. Finally, the effect of thiourea on the performance of UV photodetectors based on ZnO/ZnS/PVC composite films was investigated using I–V characteristics under dark and UV light conditions. The results showed that the photodetection of the samples improved with increasing thiourea concentration. In particular, the UV photodetector based on PVC-ZSO-3 exhibits a higher photocurrent (2.55 nA), responsivity (0.187 µA/W) and detectivity (5.18 × 106 Jones) than other samples. This gives the impression that the polymer as an insulating material has a promising future as a flexible photodetector worth exploiting. [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]

Researchers are developing innovative electrode materials with high energy and power densities worldwide for effectual energy storage systems. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are arranged in two dimensions (2D) and have shown great promise as materials for photoelectrochemical activity and supercapacitor batteries. This study reports on the fabrication of WS2@NiCoS and WS2@NiCoS@ZnS hybrid nano-architectures through a simple hydrothermal approach. Because of the strong interfacial contact between the two materials, the resultant hierarchical hybrids have tunable porosity nanopetal decorated morphologies, rich exposed active edge sites, and high intrinsic activity. The specific capacities of the hybrid supercapacitors built using WS2@NiCoS and WS2@NiCoS@ZnS electrodes are 784.38 C g−1 and 1211.58 C g−1 or 2019.3 F g−1, respectively, when performed at 2 A g−1 using a three-electrode setup. Furthermore, an asymmetric device (WS2@NiCoS@ZnS//AC) shows a high specific capacity of 190.5 C g−1, an energy density of 49.47 Wh kg−1, and a power density of 1212.30 W kg−1. Regarding the photoelectrochemical activity, the WS2@NiCoS@ZnS catalyst exhibits noteworthy characteristics. Our findings pave the way for further in-depth research into the use of composite materials doped with WS2 as systematic energy-generating devices of the future. [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]

Among thin-film solar cells, Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS)-based thin-film solar cells are currently the most efficient. Zinc sulfide (ZnS) is a best buffer layer used in CIGS-based solar cells is which is non-toxic and has a wide band gap. In this study, we present a simulation of a CIGS solar cell with a ZnS buffer layer, carried out using the Silvaco-Atlas simulator. However, a simulated efficiency of 24.13% was achieved for the CIGS solar cell using a ZnS buffer layer. The photovoltaic performance of the ZnS/CIGS solar cell is improved by optimizing the effects of layer parameters such as thickness, acceptor and donor densities of the CIGS absorber and ZnS buffer layers. When the ZnS buffer and CIGS absorber layers are 0.035 μm and 3 μm thick, with acceptor and donor densities of 6 × 1017 cm-3 and 1018 cm-3, respectively, a maximum efficiency of 27.22% is achieved. The current simulation results can help solar cells to progress by enabling higher conversion efficiencies to be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique created nanostructured semiconducting zinc sulfide (ZnS) thin films onto a quartz substrate. A gas sensing static unit, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the structural, surface morphology, and gas sensing properties of the as-deposited thin films. After the ZnS thin films were formed, they were heated to evaluate the effects of annealing on the characteristics of the ZnS film. XRD analysis reveals that the ZnS thin films exhibit a structure similar to zinc blend cubes, with a preference for the (111) orientation. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns that emerge during annealing show that ZnS thin films become more crystalline. Grain size increases as the annealing temperature rises. Images captured by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed a grain-like sphere for each of the annealed thin films, confirming the growth of grains. The UV-Vis spectra showed that the ZnS samples' transmittance boosts after annealing because their crystalline quality is improved. The transmittance is measured within the 400 900 nm band, and the optical band gap is direct at 3.72 eV, decreasing to 3.51 eV at 350 °C during annealing. Annealing significantly improves the physical properties of ZnS thin films, according to all presented data. NO2 and CO2 gas were used to obtain the I-V values of the samples. The ability of ZnS thin films formed at different annealing temperatures was tested using NO2 gas. The sensors were fabricated and tested at different operating temperatures and NO2 gas concentrations of 100, 300, 400, 500, and 700 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc sulfide thin films were prepared using the economical spray pyrolysis process. A thin film of exceptional quality with a temperature difference of 300 °C to 400 °C is produced by optimizing variables such as concentration, flow rate, and nozzle to substrate distance. These films' optical characteristics and structure were examined. The deposited thin films displayed a direct and allowed transition, as indicated by the optical transmittance spectra. XRD analysis confirmed that the deposited thin films were polycrystalline with a cubic phase. This film can be used in solar cell applications since the band gap energy fluctuation is high enough, ranging from 3.42 to 3.81 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper Zinc Cadmium Sulfide (Cu2ZnCdS4) semiconducting material compound synthesized using a new economic beneficial route. Copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, cadmium sulfate and thiourea salt solutions were utilized for Cu2ZnCdS4 compound formation. Basic characteristics like pH value, electrical conductivity, concentration measurements were investigated for several hundred samples. Optics transmittance was investigated by UV -- Vis spectrophotometer within the 350 to 950 nm range. Photo luminescence measurement was examined by using photo--fluorometer. Optic properties of Cu2ZnCdS4 compound were investigated through photo-calorimeter measurements including mixed wavelength bands. The real time investigated noteworthy results from several hundred samples are presented and discussed. [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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

It was demonstrated via experimental and simulation approaches that artificial protective layer guides uniform Zn plating beneath the coating layer without dendrite formation and it can lead to long-term stability of aqueous zinc ion battery. [Display omitted] • ZnS protective layer for extending the lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. • Simple coating method enables uniform and optimal thickness anode protective layer. • Validation the mechanism of Zn plating underneath ZnS layers through DFT calculations. • Sulfur atoms enable uniform Zn plating, preventing dendrite growth and side reactions. • Optimized ZnS layers result in AZIBs with long-term cycling stability. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are highly attractive as energy-storage systems owing to their inherent safety, low cost, and simple assembly processes. However, the growth of Zn dendrites and side reactions at the Zn metal anode significantly degrade their electrochemical performance. To address these challenges, this study introduces a surface modification that increases the lifespan and cycling stability of AZIBs by constructing an artificial zinc sulfide (ZnS) protective layer on the Zn anode. For the first time, the fundamental mechanism of uniform Zn plating underneath the ZnS protective layer is demonstrated through experiments and density functional theory simulations. In addition, the artificial ZnS protective layer of optimized thickness is formed using a simple, thickness-controllable coating method. Notably, the ZnS protective layer favors Zn atom adsorption while suppressing clustering, enabling uniform Zn deposition. In addition, defects within the thin ZnS coating modulate Zn2+ adsorption and diffusion, which facilitates Zn plating underneath the protective layer. This mechanism promotes uniform Zn nucleation and enhances the kinetics of Zn2+, preventing dendrite formation and side reactions and thereby improving the stability and electrochemical performance of the battery. The resulting Zn@ZnS||Zn@ZnS symmetric cell exhibits a cycle life of over 1600 h and excellent rate performance. Moreover, it maintains a high coulombic efficiency of 99.5 % and capacity retention of 80.1 % after 1500 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, demonstrating exceptional long-term cycling stability. These insights into developing effective artificial protective layers that enable uniform nucleation will promote durable, dendrite-free Zn anodes for advanced AZIBs. [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]

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.

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]