The potential effect of metallothionein 2A - 5 A/G single nucleotide polymorphism on blood cadmium, lead, zinc and copper levels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kayaalti, Zeliha, E-mail: kayaalti@ankara.edu.tr; Aliyev, Vugar; Soeylemezoglu, Tuelin

2011-10-01

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low molecular weight, cysteine-rich, metal-binding proteins. Because of their rich thiol groups, MTs bind to the biologically essential metals and perform these metals' homeostatic regulations; absorb the heavy metals and assist with their transportation and extraction. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the metallothionein 2A (MT2A) core promoter region - 5 A/G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu levels in the blood samples. MT2A polymorphism was determined by the standard polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique using the 616 blood samples and the genotype frequencies weremore » found as 86.6% homozygote typical (AA), 12.8% heterozygote (AG) and 0.6% homozygote atypical (GG). Metal levels were analyzed by dual atomic absorption spectrophotometer system and the average levels of Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu in the blood samples were 1.69 {+-} 1.57 ppb, 30.62 {+-} 14.13 ppb, 0.98 {+-} 0.49 ppm and 1.04 {+-} 0.45 ppm, respectively. As a result; highly statistically significant associations were detected between the - 5 A/G core promoter region SNP in the MT2A gene and Cd, Pb and Zn levels (p = 0.004, p = 0.012 and p = 0.002, respectively), but no association was found with Cu level (p = 0.595). Individuals with the GG genotype had statistically lower Zn level and higher Cd and Pb levels in the blood samples than individuals with AA and AG genotypes. This study suggests that having the GG genotype individuals may be more sensitive for the metal toxicity and they should be more careful about protecting their health against the toxic effects of the heavy metals. - Highlights: > MT2A -5A/G SNP has strong effect on the Cd, Pb and Zn levels in the blood. > MT2A GG individuals should be more careful for their health against metal toxicity. > This SNP might be considered as a biomarker for risk of disease related to metals.« less

Developing multifunctional nanoparticles in a 1-D coordination polymer of Cd(II)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Rashmi A.; Gupta, Neeraj K.

2017-11-01

A simple synthesis for the integration of different nanoparticles (NPs) including Ag, Au, Pd, Cr and mixed (Cu/Fe), has been demonstrated within the nanopores of a non-activated one dimensional porous coordination polymer (PCP) of Cd(II) due to its high flexible structure. There are two different mechanisms (acid formation (HCl/HNO3) and redox activity of the framework) elucidated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Presence of -NO2 groups of the ligand act as anchoring sites for metal ions of metal precursors leading to NPs growth within the PCP explained by FTIR. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images provided insight of the chemical and physical characteristics of the NPs within the framework. Ag/AgO NPs exhibit excellent antibacterial properties at extremely low concentrations. The polymer shows potential for sequestration and reduction of hexavalent Cr (highly toxic) to elemental, trivalent and tetravalent Cr (non toxic). This framework is also an excellent template for fabrication and dry storage of nanoparticles synthesized by mixed metal precursors. Ferromagnetic properties have been shown by Ag and Au NPs integrated frameworks while Cu/Fe@Cd-PCP behaves as a paramagnet material at room temperature.

ONR Tokyo Scientific Bulletin. Volume 5, Number 1, January-March 1980,

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

alloys studied are in die AI-Zn, Al -Mg, Al -Si. Al - Cu . Cu - Al . and Cu -Fe... alloys Digital processing Measuring N 20. Abstract (cont.) with certain reports also being contributed by visiting stateside scientist. Occasionally a...atomic absorption spectrophotometer with tubes for the determination of Zn, Cu , Pb, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Al , Co, Cd, Si, Ti, Zr, Ga, Au, Ag, Ni, Na, and

Chitosan film loaded with silver nanoparticles-sorbent for solid phase extraction of Al(III), Cd(II), Cu(II), Co(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II).

PubMed

Djerahov, Lubomir; Vasileva, Penka; Karadjova, Irina; Kurakalva, Rama Mohan; Aradhi, Keshav Krishna

2016-08-20

The present study describes the ecofriendly method for the preparation of chitosan film loaded with silver nanoparticles (CS-AgNPs) and application of this film as efficient sorbent for separation and enrichment of Al(III), Cd(II), Cu(II), Co(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II). The stable CS-AgNPs colloid was prepared by dispersing the AgNPs sol in chitosan solution at appropriate ratio and further used to obtain a cast film with very good stability under storage and good mechanical strength for easy handling in aqueous medium. The incorporation of AgNPs in the structure of CS film and interaction between the polymer matrix and nanoparticles were confirmed by UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy. The homogeneously embedded AgNPs (average diameter 29nm, TEM analysis) were clearly observed throughout the film by SEM. The CS-AgNPs nanocomposite film shows high sorption activity toward trace metals under optimized chemical conditions. The results suggest that the CS-AgNPs nanocomposite film can be feasibly used as a novel sorbent material for solid-phase extraction of metal pollutants from surface waters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Soil quality assessment using GIS-based chemometric approach and pollution indices: Nakhlak mining district, Central Iran.

PubMed

Moore, Farid; Sheykhi, Vahideh; Salari, Mohammad; Bagheri, Adel

2016-04-01

This paper is a comprehensive assessment of the quality of soil in the Nakhlak mining district in Central Iran with special reference to potentially toxic metals. In this regard, an integrated approach involving geostatistical, correlation matrix, pollution indices, and chemical fractionation measurement is used to evaluate selected potentially toxic metals in soil samples. The fractionation of metals indicated a relatively high variability. Some metals (Mo, Ag, and Pb) showed important enrichment in the bioavailable fractions (i.e., exchangeable and carbonate), whereas the residual fraction mostly comprised Sb and Cr. The Cd, Zn, Co, Ni, Mo, Cu, and As were retained in Fe-Mn oxide and oxidizable fractions, suggesting that they may be released to the environment by changes in physicochemical conditions. The spatial variability patterns of 11 soil heavy metals (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) were identified and mapped. The results demonstrated that Ag, As, Cd, Mo, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Zn pollution are associated with mineralized veins and mining operations in this area. Further environmental monitoring and remedial actions are required for management of soil heavy metals in the study area. The present study not only enhanced our knowledge regarding soil pollution in the study area but also introduced a better technique to analyze pollution indices by multivariate geostatistical methods.

Multivariate characterization of elements accumulated in King Bolete Boletus edulis mushroom at lowland and high mountain regions.

PubMed

Falandysz, J; Kunito, T; Kubota, R; Bielawski, L; Frankowska, A; Falandysz, Justyna J; Tanabe, S

2008-12-01

Based on ICP-MS, ICP-OES, HG-AAS, CV-AAS and elementary instrumental analysis of King Bolete collected from four sites of different soil bedrock geochemistry considered could be as mushroom abundant in certain elements. King's Bolete fruiting bodies are very rich in K (> 20 mg/g dry weight), rich in Ca, Mg, Na, Rb and Zn (> 100 microg/g dw), and relatively also rich in Ag, Cd, Cs, Cu, Fe, Mn and Se (> 10 microg/g dw). The caps of King Bolete when compared to stipes around two-to three-fold more abundant are in Ag, Cd, Cs, Cu, Hg, K, Mg, Mo, N, Rb, Se and Zn. King Bolete collected at the lowland and mountain sites showed Ag, Ba, Co, Cr, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo and Na in caps in comparable concentrations, and specimens from the mountain areas accumulated more Cd and Sb. Elements such as Al, Pb and Rb occurred at relatively elevated concentration in King Bolete picked up at the metal ores-rich region of the Sudety Mountains. Because of high bioconcentration potential King Bolete at the background sites accumulate in fruiting bodies great concentrations of problematic elements such as Cd, Pb and Hg, i.e. up to nearly 20, 3 and 5 microg/g dw, on the average, respectively. The interdependence among determined mineral elements examined were using the principal components analysis (PCA) method. The PCA explained 56% of the total variance. The metals tend to cluster together (Ba, Cd, Cs, Cr, Ga, Rb, Se, Sr and V; K and Mg; Cu and Mo). The results provided useful environmental and nutritional background level information on 26 minerals as the composition of King Bolete from the sites of different bedrock soil geochemistry.

Structure and morphology of CdS thin films electrodeposited in fused salts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markov, I.; Valova, E.; Ilieva, M.; Kristev, I.

1983-12-01

Thin films of CdS are catholically electrodeposited on copper and silver electrodes in solution of CdCl 2 and Na 2SO 3 in fused LiCl-KCl eutectic. The films consist only of the hexagonal wurtzite phase of CdS. The films grown on Cu substrates are polycrystalline without pronounced fibre texture. The films grown on Ag substrates show practically perfect (000-) texture exposing the Cd face at the film surface. Films deposited at high bath temperatures (450-500°C), low current densities (0.2-0.5 mA/cm 2) or doped with In during the growth are very smooth. From the morphological investigations it is concluded that the CdS films electrodeposited onto Ag substrates have well pronounced laminar structure.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Starska, Katarzyna, E-mail: katarzyna.starska@umed.lodz.pl; Bryś, Magdalena; Forma, Ewa

Metallothioneins (MTs) are intracellular thiol-rich heavy metal-binding proteins which join trace metal ions protecting cells against heavy metal toxicity and regulate metal distribution and donation to various enzymes and transcription factors. The goal of this study was to identify the − 5 A/G (rs28366003) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the core promoter region of the MT2A gene, and to investigate its effect on allele-specific gene expression and Cd, Zn, Cu and Ni content in sinonasal inverted papilloma tissue (IP), with non-cancerous sinonasal mucosa (NCM) as a control. The MT2A promoter region − 5 A/G SNP was identified by restriction fragment lengthmore » polymorphism using 117 IP and 132 NCM. MT2A gene analysis was performed by quantitative real-time PCR. Metal levels were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The frequency of A allele carriage was 99.2% and 100% in IP and NCM, respectively. The G allele carriage was detected in 23.9% of IP and in 12.1% of the NCM samples. As a result, a significant association of − 5 A/G SNP in MT2A gene with mRNA expression in both groups was determined. A significant association was identified between the − 5 A/G SNP in the MT2A gene with mRNA expression in both groups. A highly significant association was detected between the rs28366003 genotype and Cd and Zn content in IP. Furthermore, significant differences were identified between A/A and A/G genotype with regard to the type of metal contaminant. The Spearman rank correlation results showed the MT2A gene expression and both Cd and Cu levels were negatively correlated. The results obtained in this study suggest that the − 5 A/G SNP in the MT2A gene may have an effect on allele-specific gene expression and toxic metal accumulation in sinonasal inverted papilloma. - Highlights: • MT2A gene expression and metal content in sinonasal inverted papilloma tissues • Association between SNP (rs28366003) and expression of MT2A • Significant associations between the SNP and Cd and Zn levels • Negative correlation between MT2A gene expression and Cd and Cu levels.« less

Heavy metals induce oxidative stress and trigger oxidative stress-mediated heat shock protein (hsp) modulation in the intertidal copepod Tigriopus japonicus.

PubMed

Kim, Bo-Mi; Rhee, Jae-Sung; Jeong, Chang-Bum; Seo, Jung Soo; Park, Gyung Soo; Lee, Young-Mi; Lee, Jae-Seong

2014-11-01

Heat shock proteins (hsps) are induced by a wide range of environmental stressors including heavy metals in aquatic organisms. However, the effect of heavy metals on zooplankton at the molecular level remains still unclear. In this study, we measured the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and the antioxidant enzyme activities for 96 h after exposure to five heavy metals: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and zinc (Zn) in the intertidal copepod Tigriopus japonicus. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes were highly elevated in metal-exposed copepods, indicating that heavy metals can induce oxidative stress by generating ROS, and stimulate the involvement of antioxidant enzymes as cellular defense mechanisms. Subsequently, transcriptional changes in hsp gene families were further investigated in the metal-exposed groups for 96 h. The ROS level and glutathione (GSH) content were significantly increased in Ag-, As-, and Cu-exposed copepods, while they were only slightly elevated in Cd- and Zn-exposed groups. Based on the numbers of significantly modulated hsp genes and their expression levels for 96 h, we measured the effect of heavy metals to stress genes of T. japonicus in the following order: Cu > Zn > Ag > As > Cd, implying that Cu acts as a stronger oxidative stress inducer than other heavy metals. Of them, the expression of hsp20 and hsp70 genes was substantially modulated by exposure to heavy metals, indicating that these genes would provide a sensitive molecular biomarker for aquatic monitoring of heavy metal pollution. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Origin discrimination of defatted pork via trace elements profiling, stable isotope ratios analysis, and multivariate statistical techniques.

PubMed

Park, Yu Min; Lee, Cheong Mi; Hong, Joon Ho; Jamila, Nargis; Khan, Naeem; Jung, Jong-Hyun; Jung, Young-Chul; Kim, Kyong Su

2018-09-01

This study verified the origin of 346 defatted Korean and non-Korean pork samples via trace elements profiling, and C and N stable isotope ratios analysis. The analyzed elements were 6 Li, 7 Li, 10 B, 11 B, 51 V , 50 Cr, 52 Cr, 53 Cr, 55 Mn, 58 Ni, 60 Ni, 59 Co, 63 Cu, 65 Cu, 64 Zn, 66 Zn, 69 Ga, 71 Ga, 75 As, 82 Se, 84 Sr, 86 Sr, 87 Sr, 88 Sr, 85 Rb, 94 Mo, 95 Mo, 97 Mo, 107 Ag, 109 Ag, 110 Cd, 111 Cd, 113 Cd, 112 Cd, 114 Cd, 116 Cd, 133 Cs, 206 Pb, 207 Pb, and 208 Pb. Content (mg/kg) of 51 V (0.012), 50 Cr (0.882), 75 As (0.017), 85 Rb (57.7), and 87 Sr (46.3) were high in Korean pork samples whereas 6 Li, 7 Li, 59 Co, 55 Mn, 58 Ni, 84 Sr, 86 Sr, 88 Sr, 111 Cd, and 133 Cs were found higher in non-Korean samples. The results of discriminant analysis showed that the trace elements content and stable isotope ratios were significant for the discrimination of geographical origins with a perfect discrimination rate of 100%. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Temporally intensive study of trace metals in sediments and bivalves from a large river-estuarine system: Suisun Bay/delta in San Francisco Bay

USGS Publications Warehouse

Luoma, S.N.; Dagovitz, R.; Axtmann, E.

1990-01-01

Distributions in time and space of Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined in fine-grained sediments and in the filter-feeding bivalve Corbicula sp. of Suisun Bay/delta at the mouth of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers in North San Francisco Bay. Samples were collected from seven stations at near-monthly intervals for 3 years. Aggregated data showed little chronic contamination with Ag, Zn and Pb in the river and estuary. Substantial chronic contamination with Cd, Cu and Cr in Suisun Bay/delta occurred, especially in Corbicula, compared with the lower San Joaquin River. Salinity appeared to have secondary effects, if any, on metal concentrations in sediments and metal bioavailability to bivalves. Space/time distributions of Cr were controlled by releases from a local industry. Analyses of time series suggested substantial inputs of Cu might originate from the Sacramento River during high inflows to the Bay, and Cd contamination had both riverine and local sources. Concentrations of metals in sediments correlated with concentrations in Corbicula only in annually or 3-year aggregated data. Condition index for Corbicula was reduced where metal contamination was most severe. The biological availability of Cu and Cd to benthos was greater in Suisun Bay than in many other estuaries. Thus small inputs into this system could have greater impacts than might occur elsewhere; and organisms were generally more sensitive indicators of enrichment than sediments in this system.

Spatial variability of trace metals and inorganic nutrients in surface waters of Todos Santos Bay, México in the summer of 2005 during a red tide algal bloom.

PubMed

Lares, M L; Marinone, S G; Rivera-Duarte, I; Beck, A; Sañudo-Wilhelmy, S

2009-05-01

Dissolved and particulate metals (Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn) and nutrients (PO(4), NO(3), and H(4)SiO(4)) were measured in Todos Santos Bay (TSB) in August 2005. Two sources producing local gradients were identified: one from a dredge discharge area (DDA) and another south of the port and a creek. The average concentrations of dissolved Cd and Zn (1.3 and 15.6 nM, respectively) were higher by one order of magnitude than the surrounding Pacific waters, even during upwelling, and it is attributed to the presence of a widespread and long-lasting red tide coupled with some degree of local pollution. A clear spatial gradient (10 to 6 pM), from coast to offshore, of dissolved Ag was evident, indicating the influence of anthropogenic inputs. The particulate fraction of all metals, except Cu, showed a factor of ~3 decrease in concentrations from the DDA to the interior of the bay. The metal distributions were related to the bay's circulation by means of a numerical model that shows a basically surface-wind-driven offshore current with subsurface compensation currents toward the coast. Additionally, the model shows strong vertical currents over the DDA. Principal component analysis revealed three possible processes that could be influencing the metal concentrations within TSB: anthropogenic inputs (Cd, Ag, and Co), biological proceses (NO(3), Zn, and Cu), and upwelling and mixing (PO(4), H(4)SiO(4), Cd, and Ni). The most striking finding of this study was the extremely high Cd concentrations, which have been only reported in highly contaminated areas. As there was a strong red tide, it is hypothesized that the dinoflagellates are assimilating the Cd, which is rapidly remineralized and being concentrated on the stratified surface layers.

Concentrations of trace elements in marine fish and its risk assessment in Malaysia.

PubMed

Agusa, Tetsuro; Kunito, Takashi; Yasunaga, Genta; Iwata, Hisato; Subramanian, Annamalai; Ismail, Ahmad; Tanabe, Shinsuke

2005-01-01

Concentrations of trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, Pb and Bi) were determined in muscle and liver of 12 species of marine fish collected from coastal areas in Malaysia. Levels of V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Ba and Pb in liver were higher than those in muscle, whereas Rb and Cs concentrations showed the opposite trend. Positive correlations between concentrations in liver and muscle were observed for all the trace elements except Cu and Sn. Copper, Zn, Se, Ag, Cd, Cs and Hg concentrations in bigeye scads from the east coast of the Peninsular Malaysia were higher than those from the west, whereas V showed the opposite trend. The high concentration of V in the west coast might indicate oil contamination in the Strait of Malacca. To evaluate the health risk to Malaysian population through consumption of fish, intake rates of trace elements were estimated on the basis of the concentrations of trace elements in muscle of fish and daily fish consumption. Some specimens of the marine fish had Hg levels higher than the guideline value by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indicating that consumption of these fish at the present rate may be hazardous to Malaysian people. To our knowledge, this is the first study on multielemental accumulation in marine fish from the Malaysian coast.

Impact of metals in surface matrices from formal and informal electronic-waste recycling around Metro Manila, the Philippines, and intra-Asian comparison.

PubMed

Fujimori, Takashi; Takigami, Hidetaka; Agusa, Tetsuro; Eguchi, Akifumi; Bekki, Kanae; Yoshida, Aya; Terazono, Atsushi; Ballesteros, Florencio C

2012-06-30

We report concentrations, enrichment factors, and hazard indicators of 11 metals (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, In, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soil and dust surface matrices from formal and informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling sites around Metro Manila, the Philippines, referring to soil guidelines and previous data from various e-waste recycling sites in Asia. Surface dust from e-waste recycling sites had higher levels of metal contamination than surface soil. Comparison of formal and informal e-waste recycling sites (hereafter, "formal" and "informal") revealed differences in specific contaminants. Formal dust contained a mixture of serious pollutant metals (Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn) and Cd (polluted modestly), quite high enrichment metals (Ag and In), and crust-derived metals (As, Co, Fe, and Mn). For informal soil, concentration levels of specific metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were similar among Asian recycling sites. Formal dust had significantly higher hazardous risk than the other matrices (p<0.005), excluding informal dust (p=0.059, almost significant difference). Thus, workers exposed to formal dust should protect themselves from hazardous toxic metals (Pb and Cu). There is also a high health risk for children ingesting surface matrices from informal e-waste recycling sites. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermal fuse for high-temperature batteries

DOEpatents

Jungst, Rudolph G.; Armijo, James R.; Frear, Darrel R.

2000-01-01

A thermal fuse, preferably for a high-temperature battery, comprising leads and a body therebetween having a melting point between approximately 400.degree. C. and 500.degree. C. The body is preferably an alloy of Ag--Mg, Ag--Sb, Al--Ge, Au--In, Bi--Te, Cd--Sb, Cu--Mg, In--Sb, Mg--Pb, Pb--Pd, Sb--Zn, Sn--Te, or Mg--Al.

Resorcarene-based receptor: versatile behavior in its interaction with heavy and soft metal cations.

PubMed

Danil de Namor, Angela F; Chaaban, Jinane K; Piro, Oscar E; Castellano, Eduardo E

2006-02-09

Standard solution Gibbs energies, DeltasG degrees, of the resorcarene-based receptor 5,11,17,23-ethylthiomethylated calix[4]resorcarene, (characterized by 1H NMR and X-ray diffraction studies) in its monomeric state (established through partition experiments) in various solvents are for the first time reported in the area of resorcarene chemistry. Transfer Gibbs energies of from hexane (reference solvent) to other medium are calculated. Agreement between DeltatG degrees (referred to the pure solvents) and standard partition Gibbs energies, DeltapG degrees (solvent mutually saturated) is found. Cation-ligand interactions were investigated through 1H NMR (CD3CN and CD3OD) and conductometric titrations in acetonitrile and methanol. 1H NMR data revealed the sites of interaction of with the metal cation. The composition of the metal-ion complexes (Ag+ and Pb2+ in acetonitrile and Ag+ and Cu2+ in methanol) was established through conductometric titrations. Thus, complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry were formed between and Ag+ and Pb2+ in acetonitrile and Cu2+ in methanol. However, in moving from acetonitrile to methanol, the composition of the silver complex was altered. Thus, two metal cations are hosted by a unit of the ligand. As far as Cu2+ and in acetonitrile is concerned, conductance data suggest that metalates are formed in which up to four units of Cu2+ are taken up per unit of resorcarene. The contrasting behavior of with Cu2+ in acetonitrile relative to methanol is discussed. As far as mercury (II) is concerned, the unusual jump in conductance observed in the titration of Hg2+ with in acetonitrile and methanol after the formation of a multicharged complex (undefined composition) is attributed to the presence of highly charged smaller units (higher mobility) resulting from the departure of pendant arms from the resorcarene backbone. Isolation of these species followed by X-ray diffraction studies corroborated this statement. The thermodynamic characterization of metal-ion complexes of Ag+ and Pb2+ in acetonitrile and Cu2+ and Ag+ in methanol is reported. Final conclusions are given.

Trace element accumulation in bivalve mussels Anodonta woodiana from Taihu Lake, China.

PubMed

Liu, Hongbo; Yang, Jian; Gan, Juli

2010-11-01

Data are presented for 13 trace metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, and Pb) in 38 bivalve mussels Anodonta woodiana from four separate sites (Huzhou, Dapu, Sansandao, and Manshan) around the Taihu Lake of China. All elemental concentrations generally ranked in decreasing order, Mn > Fe > Zn > As ≈ Cu ≈ Cd ≈ Se > Pb > Mo ≈ Ag, except that Cr, Co, and Ni were not detected. Anodonta woodiana was able to bioaccumulate essential Mn and toxic Cd to the extremely high level of 19,240 and 53 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Geographical differences in the concentrations of trace elements were usually significant between sampling sites except for As and Pb, and the mussels from Sanshandao site had mostly accumulated or were contaminated with essential and toxic elements. The residue level of Cd in A. woodiana from the Sanshandao and Manshan sites appeared to be even higher than those of the essential elements Cu and Se, and exceeded the corresponding maximum residue limits of China. The present study provides the most recent information on trace element bioaccumulation or contamination in Taihu Lake and, further, suggests that A. woodiana can be used as a suitable bioindicator for inland water environmental monitoring.

Bioaccumulation of elements in three selected mushroom species from southwest Poland.

PubMed

Mleczek, Mirosław; Siwulski, Marek; Mikołajczak, Patrycja; Goliński, Piotr; Gąsecka, Monika; Sobieralski, Krzysztof; Dawidowicz, Luiza; Szymańczyk, Mateusz

2015-01-01

The contents of 16 minerals and trace elements (Ag, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pt, Ti and Zn) were analyzed in edible mushrooms (Leccinum scabrum, Boletus edulis and Boletus badius) collected in southwest Poland. Content of Co, Ni and Pb was similar in all tested mushroom species, while content of Ag, Ca, Cd, Hg and Ti was significantly higher in B. edulis than in L. scabrum and B. badius. The largest differences between these species were observed for Fe and Zn accumulation. The highest contents of these elements were noted in B. badius bodies (202 ± 88 and 137 ± 24 mg kg(-1) dry matter, respectively), lower in B. edulis (131 ± 99 and 89 ± 26 mg kg(-1) dry matter, respectively) and lowest in L. scabrum. Differences in As, Cu and Cr content between tested species were observed mainly between L. scabrum and B. badius fruiting bodies. Content of Pt was below 0.01 mg kg(-1) dry matter). In the case of Mg and Mn accumulation, differences between B. edulis and B. badius were not observed (478 and 440 mg kg(-1) dry matter for Mg and 23 and 19 mg kg(-1) dry matter for Mn), and the results showed significantly higher content of these elements than in L. scabrum bodies (312 and 10 mg kg(-1) dry matter, respectively). It is worth underlining that clear accumulation shown by the bioconcentration factor (BCF>1) observed for all three mushroom species was noted in the case of elements Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni and Zn only.

Non-destructive pollution exposure assessment in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus): II. Hair and spines as indicators of endogenous metal and As concentrations.

PubMed

D'Havé, Helga; Scheirs, Jan; Mubiana, Valentine Kayawe; Verhagen, Ron; Blust, Ronny; De Coen, Wim

2006-08-01

The role of hair and spines of the European hedgehog as non-destructive monitoring tools of metal (Ag, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) and As pollution in terrestrial ecosystems was investigated. Our results showed that mean pollution levels of a random sample of hedgehogs in Flanders are low to moderate. Yet, individual hedgehogs may be at risk for metal toxicity. Tissue distribution analyses (hair, spines, liver, kidney, muscle and fat tissue) indicated that metals and As may reach considerable concentrations in external tissues, such as hair and spines. Positive relationships were observed between concentrations in hair and those in liver, kidney and muscle for Al, Co, Cr, Cu, and Pb (0.43 < r < 0.85). Spine concentrations were positively related to liver, kidney and muscle concentrations for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu and Pb (0.37 < r < 0.62). Hair Ag, As, Fe and Zn and spine Ag, Al, As and Fe were related to metal concentrations in one or two of the investigated internal tissues (0.31 < r < 0.45). The regression models presented here may be used to predict metal and As concentrations in internal tissues of hedgehogs when concentrations in hair or spines are available. The present study demonstrated the possibility of using hair and spines for non-destructive monitoring of metal and As pollution in hedgehogs.

Contamination by trace elements at e-waste recycling sites in Bangalore, India.

PubMed

Ha, Nguyen Ngoc; Agusa, Tetsuro; Ramu, Karri; Tu, Nguyen Phuc Cam; Murata, Satoko; Bulbule, Keshav A; Parthasaraty, Peethmbaram; Takahashi, Shin; Subramanian, Annamalai; Tanabe, Shinsuke

2009-06-01

The recycling and disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) in developing countries is causing an increasing concern due to its effects on the environment and associated human health risks. To understand the contamination status, we measured trace elements (TEs) in soil, air dust, and human hair collected from e-waste recycling sites (a recycling facility and backyard recycling units) and the reference sites in Bangalore and Chennai in India. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Hg, Pb, and Bi were higher in soil from e-waste recycling sites compared to reference sites. For Cu, Sb, Hg, and Pb in some soils from e-waste sites, the levels exceeded screening values proposed by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Concentrations of Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, In, Sn, Sb, Tl, Pb and Bi in air from the e-waste recycling facility were relatively higher than the levels in Chennai city. High levels of Cu, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sb, Tl, and Pb were observed in hair of male workers from e-waste recycling sites. Our results suggest that e-waste recycling and its disposal may lead to the environmental and human contamination by some TEs. To our knowledge, this is the first study on TE contamination at e-waste recycling sites in Bangalore, India.

Influence of source distribution and geochemical composition of aerosols on children exposure in the large polymetallic mining region of the Bolivian Altiplano.

PubMed

Goix, Sylvaine; Point, David; Oliva, Priscia; Polve, Mireille; Duprey, Jean Louis; Mazurek, Hubert; Guislain, Ludivine; Huayta, Carlos; Barbieri, Flavia L; Gardon, Jacques

2011-12-15

The Bolivian Altiplano (Highlands) region is subject to intense mining, tailing and smelting activities since centuries because of the presence of large and unique polymetallic ore deposits (Ag, Au, Cu, Pb, Sn, Sb, Zn). A large scale PM(10), PM(2.5) aerosol monitoring survey was conducted during the dry season in one of the largest mining cities of this region (Oruro, 200,000 inhabitants). Aerosol fractions, source distribution and transport were investigated for 23 elements at approximately 1 km(2) scale resolution, and compared to children exposure data obtained within the same geographical space. As, Cd, Pb, Sb, W and Zn in aerosols are present at relatively high concentrations when compared to studies from other mining regions. Arsenic exceeds the European council PM(10) guide value (6 ng/m(3)) for 90% of the samples, topping 200 ng/m(3). Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Sb are present at significantly higher levels in the district located in the vicinity of the smelter zone. At the city level, principal component analysis combined with the mapping of factor scores allowed the identification and deconvolution of four individual sources: i) a natural magmatic source (Co, Cs, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Rb and U) originating from soil dust, resuspended by the traffic activity; ii) a natural sedimentary source (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Th) resulting from the suspension of evaporative salt deposits located South; iii) an anthropogenic source specifically enriched in mined elements (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn) mainly in the smelting district of the city; and iv) a Ni-Cr source homogenously distributed between the different city districts. Enrichment factors for As, Cd and Sb clearly show the impact of smelting activities, particularly in the finest PM(2.5) fraction. Comparison to children's hair metal contents collected in five schools from different districts shows a direct exposure to smelting activity fingerprinted by a unique trace elements pattern (Ag, As, Cu, Pb, Sb). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trace element concentrations in livers of polar bears from two populations in Northern and Western Alaska.

PubMed

Kannan, Kurunthachalam; Agusa, Tetsuro; Evans, Thomas J; Tanabe, Shinsuke

2007-10-01

Concentrations of 20 trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, Pb, and Bi) were measured in livers of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) collected from Northern and Western Alaska from 1993 to 2002 to examine differences in the profiles of trace metals between the Beaufort Sea (Northern Alaska) and the Chukchi Sea (Western Alaska) subpopulations in Alaska. Among the trace elements analyzed, concentrations of Cu (50-290 microg/g, dry wt) in polar bear livers were in the higher range of values that have been reported for marine mammals. Concentrations of Hg in polar bears varied widely, from 3.5 to 99 microg/g dry wt, and the mean concentrations in polar bears were comparable to concentrations reported previously for several other species of marine mammals. Mean concentrations of Pb and Cd were 0.67 and 1.0 microg/g dry wt, respectively; these concentrations were lower than levels reported elsewhere for polar bears from Greenland and Canada. Age- and gender-related variations in the concentrations of trace elements in our polar bears were minimal. Concentrations of Hg decreased slowly in samples collected during 1993-2002, whereas Cd and Pb concentrations were found to be stable or slowly increasing, in the livers of Alaskan polar bears. Concentrations of Ag, Bi, Ba, Cu, and Sn were significantly higher in the Chukchi Sea subpopulation than in the Beaufort Sea subpopulation. Concentrations of Hg were significantly higher in the Beaufort Sea subpopulation than in the Chukchi Sea subpopulation. Differences in the profiles and concentrations of Hg, Ag, Bi, Ba, Cu, and Sn suggest that the sources of exposure to these trace elements between Western and Northern Alaskan polar bears are different, in agreement with findings reported earlier for several organic contaminants.

Trace metals and macroelements in mussels from Chinese coastal waters: National spatial patterns and normalization.

PubMed

Lu, Guang-Yuan; Wang, Wen-Xiong

2018-06-01

Metal contamination is one of the most ubiquitous and complex problems in the Chinese coastal environment. To explore the large-scale spatial patterns of bioavailable metals, we sampled three major mussels, including 784 blue mussels (Mytilus edulis Linnaeus, 1758) of 14 sites, 224 hard-shelled mussels (Mytilus unguiculatus Valenciennes, 1858) of 4 sites, and 392 green mussels (Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758)) of 7 sites, ranging from temperate to tropical coastlines of China, during August and September 2015. The concentrations of macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, and P) and toxic trace metals (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ti, and Zn) in the mussel's whole soft tissues were determined. Among the four Chinese coastal basins, Cd, Ti and Cr in the mussel tissues were the highest at Bohai Sea (BS) and Yellow Sea (YS), and Cu, Ni, Pb and Ag in the mussel tissues were the highest at East China Sea (ECS) and South China Sea (SCS). Zinc concentrations in mussels from YS were significantly higher than those from the other regions. Given the variability of environmental conditions such as salinity and nutrients, we further normalized the measured tissue metal concentrations with tissue Na and P levels. After Na normalization as the salinity proxy, the variability of Cd, Cu, Zn, Ag, and Ni was reduced. Trace elements accumulation in the mussel tissues was significantly related to both macroelements (Na or P) and body dry weight. The present study demonstrated that nonlinear optimization of different elements was necessary in assessing metal bioaccumulation patterns in marine mussels at a large spatial scale. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nondestructive pollution exposure assessment in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus): I. Relationships between concentrations of metals and arsenic in hair, spines, and soil.

PubMed

D'Havé, Helga; Scheirs, Jan; Mubiana, Valentine Kayawe; Verhagen, Ron; Blust, Ronny; De Coen, Wim

2005-09-01

Conventional metal exposure assessment in terrestrial mammals is generally based on organ analyses of sacrificed animals. Few studies on mammals use nondestructive methodologies despite the growing ethical concern over the use of destructive sampling. Nondestructive methods involve minimal stress to populations and permit successive biomonitoring of the same populations and individuals. In the present study we assessed metal exposure of hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) by investigating relationships between concentrations of metals (Ag, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and As in soil samples and in hair and spines of hedgehogs. Samples were collected in seven study sites along a metal pollution gradient, characterized by decreasing total soil Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb concentrations with increasing distance from a nonferrous metallurgic factory. For a number of elements, soil contamination was related both to distance to the smelter and to habitat. Soil concentrations were positively related to levels in hair and spines for Ag, As, Cd, and Pb and thus to hedgehog exposure. Metal concentrations in soil did not relate to metal concentrations in hair and spines for essential elements (e.g., Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn), except Co in hair and soil. Our results demonstrate that, at least for nonessential elements, concentrations in soils can be used to predict contamination of these elements in hedgehogs or vice versa. Furthermore, hedgehog exposure increased toward the smelter and was higher for hedgehogs foraging in grasslands than for animals foraging in the forest. Moreover, we believe that hair and spines are promising tools in terrestrial wildlife exposure assessment studies of metals and As.

Geochemical Peculiarities of Galena and Sphalerite from Polymetallic Deposits of the Dal'negorskii Ore Region (Primorsky Krai, Russia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogulina, L. I.; Moiseenko, V. G.; Ponomarchuk, V. A.

2018-04-01

New data on the composition of the major minerals from the skarn and vein polymetallic deposits of the Dal'negorskii ore region are reported. Analysis of galena and sphalerite was carried out by the X-ray fluorescent energy-dispersive method of synchrotron radiation for the first time. It is shown that the minor elements in major minerals of different deposits are typomorphic. Among these elements are Fe, Cu, Ni, Cd, Ag, Sn, and Sb, as well as In in sphalerite and Te in galena. The high concentrations of Ag, Cu, Te, Cd, and In in the extracted minerals indicate the complex character of mineralization. The compositional patterns of ore minerals characterize the sequence of mineral formation from the skarn to vein ores, and the sequence of deposits from the mesothermal to epithermal conditions. This provides geochemical evidence for the stage model of the formation of mineralization in the Dal'negorskii ore region.

The interaction of heavy metals and metalloids in the soil-plant system in the São Domingos mining area (Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portugal).

PubMed

Andráš, Peter; Matos, João Xavier; Turisová, Ingrid; Batista, Maria João; Kanianska, Radoslava; Kharbish, Sherif

2018-05-11

São Domingos belongs among the most important historic Iberian Pyrite Belt Cu mines. The anthrosoil is contaminated by a very high content of heavy metals and metalloids. The study was focused on evaluating the interaction of some chemical elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Cd, Ni, Co, As, Sb) in the system soil vs. five autochthonous dominant plant species: Pinus pinaster Aiton, Quercus rotundifolia Lam., Agrostis sp., Juncus conglomeratus L. and Juncus effusus L. The plants are heavily contaminated by Cu, Pb, As and Zn. The bioconcentration factor proved that they exhibit features of metal tolerant excluders. The trees are accumulators of Ag, whereas the graminoids are hyper-accumulators of Ag and Juncus effusus of Co. The translocation factor confirmed that the selected elements are immobilised in the roots except for Mn and Zn in Pinus pinaster and Mn in Quercus rotundifolia and Juncus conglomeratus. The bioaccumulation of Mn, Zn and Cu at low pH increases. The increased content of Ca and Mg in the soil inhibits, in the case of some metals and metalloids, their intake to plants. Although the studied plants, despite their fitness and vitality at the contaminated sites, are not suitable for phytoextraction (except Co and Ag), they can be used for phytostabilisation at the mining habitats.

AFLOWLIB.ORG: a Distributed Materials Properties Repository from High-throughput Ab initio Calculations

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-15

uncle) fcc (uncle) hcp (uncle) phase-diagram Ag Al Al Au Au Bi Bi Ca Ca Cd Cd Ce Ce Co Co Cr Cr Cu Cu Fe Fe Ga Ga Gd Gd Ge Ge Hf...Hf Hg Hg In In Ir Ir La La Li Li Mg Mg Mn Mn Mo Mo Na Na Nb Nb Ni Ni Os Os Pb Pb Pd Pd Pt Pt Rb Rb Re Re Rh Rh Ru Ru Sb Sb Sc...2 S. Curtarolo, A. N. Kolmogorov, and F. H. Cocks, High-throughput ab initio analysis of the Bi-In, Bi- Mg , Bi-Sb, In- Mg , In-Sb, and Mg -Sb systems

Impacts of anthropogenic pressures on the water quality of the Gironde Estuary (SW France) from the Urban Agglomeration of Bordeaux: spatial characterization and inputs of trace metal elements (Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kessaci, Kahina; Coynel, Alexandra; Blanc, Gérard; Deycard, Victoria N.; Derriennic, Hervé; Schäfer, Jörg

2014-05-01

Recent European legislation (2000/60/CE) has listed eight trace metal elements as priority toxic substances for water quality. Urban metal inputs into hydrosystems are of increasing interest to both scientists and managers facing restrictive environmental protection policies, population increase and changing metal applications. The Gironde Estuary (SW France; 625 km2) is known for its metal/metalloid pollution originating from industrial (e.g. Cd, Zn, Cu, As, Ag, Hg) or agricultural sources (e.g. Cu) in the main fluvial tributaries (Garonne and Dordogne Rivers). However, little peer-reviewed scientific work has addressed the impact of urban sources on the Gironde Estuary, especially the Urban Agglomeration of Bordeaux (~1 million inhabitants) located on the downstream branch of the Garonne River. In this study, a snapshot sampling campaign was performed in 2011 for characterizing the spatial distribution of dissolved and particulate metal/metalloid (As, Ag, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu) concentrations in three suburban watersheds: the Jalle of Blanquefort (330 km2), Eau Bourde (140 km2), and Peugue (112 km2). Furthermore, particulate metal Enrichment Factors (EF) were calculated using local geochemical background measured at the bottom of a sediment core (492 cm). Results indicated that metal concentrations displayed a high spatial variability depending on the suburban watershed and the studied element. Local concentrations anomalies were observed for: (i) As in the Eau Bourde River in dissolved (4.2 μg/l) and particulate phases (246 mg/kg; EF= 20) and attributed to a nearby industrial incinerator; (ii) Zn in the Peugue River with maximum dissolved and particulate concentrations of 87 μg/l and 1580 mg/kg (EF=17), respectively, probably due to urban habitation runoff; (iii) Ag in the Jalle of Blanquefort River with high dissolved (74 ng/l) and particulate concentrations (33.7 mg/kg; EF=117) due to industrial activities in the downstream part. Based on hydro-geochemical monitoring of both suburban rivers and local wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), we present a first estimate of metal/metalloid fluxes and compare them to the respective loads in the Garonne River. Our results suggest that suburban metal inputs may significantly increase metal concentrations and fluxes in the fluvial Gironde Estuary, especially for Ag due to inputs exported by WWTPS and the Jalle of Blanquefort River.

A rapid, partial leach and organic separation for the sensitive determination of Ag, Bi, Cd, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, and Zn in surface geologic materials by flame atomic absorption

USGS Publications Warehouse

Viets, J.G.; Clark, J.R.; Campbell, W.L.

1984-01-01

A solution of dilute hydrochloric acid, ascorbic acid, and potassium iodide has been found to dissolve weakly bound metals in soils, stream sediments, and oxidized rocks. Silver, Bi, Cd, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, and Zn are selectively extracted from this solution by a mixture of Aliquat 336 (tricaprylyl methyl ammonium chloride) and MIBK (methyl isobutyl ketone). Because potentially interfering major and minor elements do not extract, the organic separation allows interference-free determinations of Ag and Cd to the 0.05 ppm level, Mo, Cu, and Zn to 0.5 ppm, and Bi, Pb, and Sb to 1 ppm in the sample using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. The analytical absorbance values of the organic solution used in the proposed method are generally enhanced more than threefold as compared to aqueous solutions, due to more efficient atomization and burning characteristics. The leaching and extraction procedures are extremely rapid; as many as 100 samples may be analyzed per day, yielding 800 determinations, and the technique is adaptable to field use. The proposed method was compared to total digestion methods for geochemical reference samples as well as soils and stream sediments from mineralized and unmineralized areas. The partial leach showed better anomaly contrasts than did total digestions. Because the proposed method is very rapid and is sensitive to pathfinder elements for several types of ore deposits, it should be useful for reconnaissance surveys for concealed deposits. ?? 1984.

Changes in heavy metals in Antarctic snow from Coats Land since the mid-19th to the late-20th century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Planchon, Frédéric A. M.; Boutron, Claude F.; Barbante, Carlo; Cozzi, Giulio; Gaspari, Vania; Wolff, Eric W.; Ferrari, Christophe P.; Cescon, Paolo

2002-06-01

V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Ag, Cd, Ba, Pb, Bi and U have been measured in a series of dated snow samples, covering the period from 1834 to 1990, collected at remote, low accumulation sites in Coats Land, Antarctica. They were determined by ultrasensitive inductively coupled sector field mass spectrometry in ultraclean conditions. Concentrations are found to be extremely low, down to 3×10 -15 g/g, for most metals, then confirming the high purity of Antarctic snow. The results show contrasting time trends for the different metals. For Mn, Co, Ba, and possibly V and Cd, no clear time trends are observed. For Cr, Cu, Zn, Ag, Pb, Bi and U, on the other hand, pronounced enhancements are observed during the recent decades. They are attributed to emissions of heavy metals to the atmosphere from human activities in Southern America, Southern Africa and Australia, especially non-ferrous metal mining and smelting in Chile, Peru, Zaire, Zambia and Australia. It shows that atmospheric pollution for heavy metals in the remote Antarctic continent is not limited to Pb and Cu, as previously thought, but also affects several other metals. It is a further indication that atmospheric pollution for heavy metals is really global.

Copper Ion Detection in Drinking Water via a Fabric Nanocomposite Sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Guoqiang

Excessive Cu(II) ions in drinking water are always a big threat to people's health. In this work, we developed a flexible amperometric sensor by a simple dip-coating method, which was able to rapidly, sensitively, and selectively detect the Cu(II) ions in the range of 0.65 to 39 ppm in real time. The prepared Cu(II) sensor consisted of three layers that were electrospun nylon-6 nanofibers, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and 2,2':5',2''-terthiophene molecules, respectively. When a voltage was applied to the Cu(II) sensor, the current was obviously impeded in the presence of Cu(II) ions. Interfering metal ions, including Cd(II), Fe(II), Pb(II), Hg(II), and Ag(I) ions, had almost no influence on the responsiveness of the Cu(II) sensor.

HUMAN SCALP HAIR: AN ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE INDEX FOR TRACE ELEMENTS. II. SEVENTEEN TRACE ELEMENTS IN FOUR NEW JERSEY COMMUNITIES (1972)

EPA Science Inventory

Seventeen trace elements - arsenic (As), barium (Ba), boron (B), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), lead (Pb), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickle (Ni), selenium (Se), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) - were measured in human sca...

Distribution and relationships of trace metals in the isopod Saduria entomon and adjacent bottom sediments in the southern Baltic.

PubMed

Góral, Marta; Szefer, Piotr; Ciesielski, Tomasz; Warzocha, Jan

2009-10-01

The concentrations of Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Mn and Zn in Saduria entomon and adjacent bottom sediments from the southern Baltic were determined by FAAS. In order to estimate the strength of correlations between accumulated elements in these crustaceans and surficial sediment, bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were calculated. The results of factor analysis (FA) and the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) clearly indicate geographical differences between the concentrations of these elements. Cd, Co, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn levels were higher in S. entomon from the Gulf of Gdańsk, whereas Cr and Mn levels were higher in the crustaceans inhabiting open Baltic waters. The concentrations of Ag and Cu were comparable in both regions. There was a tendency for metal concentrations to distinguish organisms inhabiting the muddy bottom from those living in sandy sediments. The granulometric composition of the sediment appears to influence trace metal bioavailability. The results show that S. entomon could be a valuable sentinel organism for biomonitoring heavy metal contamination in the southern Baltic.

From Metal Thiobenzoates to Metal Sulfide Nanocrystals: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhihua; Lim, Wen Pei; Wong, Chiong Teck; Xu, Hairuo; Yin, Fenfang; Chin, Wee Shong

2012-01-01

A simple preparation of metal sulfide nanoparticles via the decomposition of thiobenzoate precursors at room temperature is presented and discussed. Long chain alkylamines were found to mediate the breakdown of metal thiobenzoates, such as those containing Ag, Cu, In and Cd, to produce uniform Ag2S, Cu2−xS, In2S3 and CdS nanoparticles respectively. The long chain amines are assumed to play dual roles as the nucleophilic reagent and the capping agent. It was found that sizes of the nanoparticles can be controlled by changing the type of amine used, as well as the molar ratio between amine and the precursor. We performed DFT calculations on a proposed mechanism involving an initial nucleophilic addition of amine molecule onto the thiocarboxylates. The proposed reaction was also confirmed through the analysis of by-products via infrared spectroscopy. On the basis of this understanding, we propose to manipulate the stability of the precursors by coordination with suitable stabilizing groups, such that the reaction kinetics can be modified to generate different nanostructures of interest. PMID:28348299

Fabrication of Cu-Ag core-shell bimetallic superfine powders by eco-friendly reagents and structures characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jun; Zhang, Dongming; Zhao, Jie

2011-09-01

Superfine bimetallic Cu-Ag core-shell powders were synthesized by reduction of copper sulfate pentahydrate and silver nitrate with eco-friendly ascorbic acid as a reducing agent and cyclodextrins as a protective agent in an aqueous system. The influence of Ag/Cu ratio on coatings was investigated. Ag was homogeneously distributed on the surface of Cu particles at a mole ratio of Ag/Cu=1. FE-SEM showed an uniformity of Ag coatings on Cu particles. Antioxidation of Cu particles was improved by increasing Ag/Cu ratio. TEM-EDX and UV-vis spectra also revealed that Cu cores were covered by Ag nanoshells on the whole. The surface composition analysis by XPS indicated that only small parts of Cu atoms in the surface were oxidized. It was noted that the hindrance of cyclodextrins chemisorbed on particles plays an important role in forming high quality and good dispersity Cu-Ag (Cu@Ag) core-shell powders.

Micro-scale flow system for on-line multielement preconcentration from saliva digests and determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menegário, Amauri A.; Fernanda Giné, Maria

2001-10-01

A micro-scale flow system is proposed for on-line preconcentration of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb in saliva samples and their determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). A small column containing 8 μl of AG50W-X8 resin was inserted into the flow system, assembled with capillary tubes and connected to a micro-concentric nebulizer. The elution of the analytes was performed with 3 mol l -1 HCl at a flow rate of 82 μl min -1. The ICP-OES signal acquisition program permits measurements for 5 s in the concentrated portion of the transient elution peaks. A sample volume of 1 ml was required to obtain enrichment factors of 46, 23, 17, 18 and 44 for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb, respectively. The relative standard deviations for a 50-μg l -1 multi-analyte solution were ≤6.5%. The recoveries for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb in digested human saliva samples were between 86 and 111%. The sample throughput was 24 h -1.

Body distribution of trace elements in black-tailed gulls from Rishiri Island, Japan: age-dependent accumulation and transfer to feathers and eggs.

PubMed

Agusa, Tetsuro; Matsumoto, Taro; Ikemoto, Tokutaka; Anan, Yasumi; Kubota, Reiji; Yasunaga, Genta; Kunito, Takashi; Tanabe, Shinsuke; Ogi, Haruo; Shibata, Yasuyuki

2005-09-01

Body distribution and maternal transfer of 18 trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, and Pb) to eggs were examined in black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris), which were culled in Rishiri Island, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Manganese, Cu, Rb, Mo, and Cd showed the highest levels in liver and kidney, Ag, Sb, and Hg in feather, and V, Sr, and Pb in bone. Maternal transfer rates of trace elements ranged from 0.8% (Cd) to as much as 65% (Tl) of maternal body burden. Large amounts of Sr, Ba, and Tl were transferred to the eggs, though maternal transfer rates of V, Cd, Hg, and Pb were substantially low. It also was observed that Rb, Sr, Cd, Cs, and Ba hardly were excreted into feathers. Concentrations of Co in liver, Ba in liver and kidney, and Mo in liver increased significantly with age, whereas Se in bone and kidney, Hg in kidney, and Cr in feather decreased with age in the known-aged black-tailed gulls (2-20 years old). It also was suggested that feathers might be useful to estimate contamination status of trace elements in birds, especially for Hg on a population basis, although the utility is limited on an individual basis for the black-tailed gulls. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the maternal transfer rate of multielements and also on the usefulness of feathers to estimate contamination status of Hg in birds on a population basis.

HUMAN SCALP HAIR: AN ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE INDEX FOR TRACE ELEMENTS. III. SEVENTEEN TRACE ELEMENTS IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA AND CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA (1972)

EPA Science Inventory

Seventeen trace elements - arsenic (As), barium (Ba), boron, (B), cadmium, (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), lead (Pb), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), vanadium (V), and Zinc (Zn) - were measured in human s...

Optical Properties and Microstructure of Silver-Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirai, Makoto; Kumar, Ashok

2007-12-01

Utilizing a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method, silver-copper (Ag-Cu) nanoparticles have been synthesized by changing the surface area ratio of the target ( S R = S Cu/( S Ag + S Cu)) from 0 to 30%. The peak absorption attributed to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) increased when increasing S R up to 15%, above which it decreased. The peak shifts seem to be induced by the changes in the conductivity and morphology of the Ag-Cu nanoparticles. Additionally, the interplanar spacings of the Ag-Cu nanoparticles prepared at S R = 15% corresponded to the Ag {111}, {200}, {220}, and Cu {111} planes. However, since the interplanar spacings attributed to the Cu {200} and {220} planes were not detected, the Ag-Cu nanoparticles were believed to possess a lattice constant ( a) close not to the Cu phase ( a = 3.615 Å) but to the Ag phase ( a = 4.086 Å). Moreover, confirming the presence of Cu atoms in the nanoparticles using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra, Ag-Cu nanoparticles may be a solid solution in which Cu atoms partially replace Ag atoms in the fcc structure.

Submicron-scale mineralogy of lithotypes and the implications for trace element associations: Blue Gem coal, Knox County, Kentucky

DOE PAGES

Hower, James C.; Berti, Debora; Hochella, Michael F.; ...

2018-04-16

Transmission electron microscopy accompanied by energy-dispersive spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction of density-gradient separates from two lithotypes of the low-ash, low-sulfur Blue Gem coal, eastern Kentucky, revealed an array of previously unrecognized (in this coal, and arguable in most others) sub-micron minerals, some <10 nm in size. The first sample representing the 1.22–1.24 specific gravity fraction of the middle bench contains a mineral identified as a La-, Ce-, Nd-bearing monazite; other minerals with CrFe, CuFeS, FeZn-S, and Pb; and areas, probably comprising agglomerates of several grains, if not several minerals, with concentrations of Mg, Ca, Ti, Fe, Zn, Zr,more » and Mo. The second sample representing the 1.30–1.31 specific gravity fraction of the basal lithotype has aggregates of particles enriched in Mg, Ca, Ti, and Fe. Individual grains not specifically quantified include CrNiMnCuFeS, AgS, and CuS. Detailed investigation of one area (most of the variation within a <4 μm 2 region) demonstrates the presence of greenockite (CdS); minute phases containing NiCoGe and AgCdBi, the latter with a more evident S association than the former; metallic Bi; nisnite (Ni 3Sn); silver cadmium; manganosite (MnO); and siderite. Some minerals, such as the monazite, are most likely of detrital or tuffaceous origin. Many of the other assemblages could be of hydrothermal origin, a hypothesis supported by known regional geochemical and coal rank trends, but not previously demonstrated in mineral assemblages at the 10's of nm scale in this region.« less

Submicron-scale mineralogy of lithotypes and the implications for trace element associations: Blue Gem coal, Knox County, Kentucky

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hower, James C.; Berti, Debora; Hochella, Michael F.

Transmission electron microscopy accompanied by energy-dispersive spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction of density-gradient separates from two lithotypes of the low-ash, low-sulfur Blue Gem coal, eastern Kentucky, revealed an array of previously unrecognized (in this coal, and arguable in most others) sub-micron minerals, some <10 nm in size. The first sample representing the 1.22–1.24 specific gravity fraction of the middle bench contains a mineral identified as a La-, Ce-, Nd-bearing monazite; other minerals with CrFe, CuFeS, FeZn-S, and Pb; and areas, probably comprising agglomerates of several grains, if not several minerals, with concentrations of Mg, Ca, Ti, Fe, Zn, Zr,more » and Mo. The second sample representing the 1.30–1.31 specific gravity fraction of the basal lithotype has aggregates of particles enriched in Mg, Ca, Ti, and Fe. Individual grains not specifically quantified include CrNiMnCuFeS, AgS, and CuS. Detailed investigation of one area (most of the variation within a <4 μm 2 region) demonstrates the presence of greenockite (CdS); minute phases containing NiCoGe and AgCdBi, the latter with a more evident S association than the former; metallic Bi; nisnite (Ni 3Sn); silver cadmium; manganosite (MnO); and siderite. Some minerals, such as the monazite, are most likely of detrital or tuffaceous origin. Many of the other assemblages could be of hydrothermal origin, a hypothesis supported by known regional geochemical and coal rank trends, but not previously demonstrated in mineral assemblages at the 10's of nm scale in this region.« less

Symmetry and novelty in the electronic and geometric structure of nanoalloys:. the case of Ag27Cu7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortigoza, M. Alcántara; Rahman, T. S.

2008-04-01

Nanoparticles of bimetallic alloys have been shown to possess composition dependent characteristics which distinguish themselves from the corresponding bulk alloys. Taking the 34-atom nanoalloy of Ag and Cu (Ag27Cu7), we show using first principles electronic structure calculations that this core-shell alloy indeed has perfect D5h symmetry and consists of only 6 non-equivalent (2 Cu and 4 Ag) atoms. Analysis of the interatomic bond lengths and detailed electronic structure further reveal that the Cu atoms play a major role in controlling the characteristics of the nanoalloy. The higher cohesive energy, together with shorter bond length for Cu, compared to Ag, conspire to produce a hierarchy in the relative strengths of the Ag - Cu, Ag - Ag, and Cu - Cu bonds and corresponding interatomic bond lengths, point to the uniqueness in the characteristics of this nanoalloy. Charge density plots of Ag27Cu7 provide further insights into the relative strengths of the various interatomic bonds.

Efficient low-temperature soot combustion by bimetallic Ag-Cu/SBA-15 catalysts.

PubMed

Wen, Zhaojun; Duan, Xinping; Hu, Menglin; Cao, Yanning; Ye, Linmin; Jiang, Lilong; Yuan, Youzhu

2018-02-01

In this study, the effects of copper (Cu) additive on the catalytic performance of Ag/SBA-15 in complete soot combustion were investigated. The soot combustion performance of bimetallic Ag-Cu/SBA-15 catalysts was higher than that of monometallic Ag and Cu catalysts. The optimum catalytic performance was acquired with the 5Ag 1 -Cu 0.1 /SBA-15 catalyst, on which the soot combustion starts at T ig =225°C with a T 50 =285°C. The temperature for 50% of soot combustion was lower than that of conventional Ag-based catalysts to more than 50°C (Aneggi et al., 2009). Physicochemical characterizations of the catalysts indicated that addition of Cu into Ag could form smaller bimetallic Ag-Cu nanolloy particles, downsizing the mean particle size from 3.7nm in monometallic catalyst to 2.6nm in bimetallic Ag-Cu catalyst. Further experiments revealed that Ag and Cu species elicited synergistic effects, subsequently increasing the content of surface active oxygen species. As a result, the structure modifications of Ag by the addition of Cu strongly intensified the catalytic performance. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Thermodynamic assessment of Ag–Cu–In

DOE PAGES

Muzzillo, Christopher P.; Anderson, Tim

2018-01-16

The Ag-Cu-In thermodynamic material system is of interest for brazing alloys and chalcopyrite thin-film photovoltaics. To advance these applications, Ag-Cu-In was assessed and a Calphad model was developed. Binary Ag-Cu and Cu-In parameters were taken from previous assessments, while Ag-In was re-assessed. Structure-based models were employed for ..beta..-bcc(A2)-Ag 3In, ..gamma..-Ag 9In 4, and AgIn 2 to obtain good fit to enthalpy, phase boundary, and invariant reaction data for Ag-In. Ternary Ag-Cu-In parameters were optimized to achieve excellent fit to activity, enthalpy, and extensive phase equilibrium data. Relative to the previous Ag-Cu-In assessment, fit was improved while fewer parameters were used.

Thermodynamic assessment of Ag–Cu–In

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muzzillo, Christopher P.; Anderson, Tim

The Ag-Cu-In thermodynamic material system is of interest for brazing alloys and chalcopyrite thin-film photovoltaics. To advance these applications, Ag-Cu-In was assessed and a Calphad model was developed. Binary Ag-Cu and Cu-In parameters were taken from previous assessments, while Ag-In was re-assessed. Structure-based models were employed for ..beta..-bcc(A2)-Ag 3In, ..gamma..-Ag 9In 4, and AgIn 2 to obtain good fit to enthalpy, phase boundary, and invariant reaction data for Ag-In. Ternary Ag-Cu-In parameters were optimized to achieve excellent fit to activity, enthalpy, and extensive phase equilibrium data. Relative to the previous Ag-Cu-In assessment, fit was improved while fewer parameters were used.

The growth of intermetallic compounds at Sn-Ag-Cu solder/Cu and Sn-Ag-Cu solder/Ni interfaces and the associated evolution of the solder microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zribi, A.; Clark, A.; Zavalij, L.; Borgesen, P.; Cotts, E. J.

2001-09-01

The evolution of intermetallics at and near SnAgCu/Cu and SnAgCu/Ni interfaces was examined, and compared to the behavior, near PbSn/metal and Sn/metal interfaces. Two different solder compositions were considered, Sn93.6Ag4.7Cu1.7 and Sn95.5Ag3.5Cu1.0 (Sn91.8Ag5.1 Cu3.1 and Sn94.35Ag3.8Cu1.85 in atomic percent). In both cases, phase formation and growth at interfaces with Cu were very similar to those commonly observed for eutectic SnPb solder. However, the evolution of intermetallics at SnAgCu/Ni interfaces proved much more complex. The presence of the Cu in the solder dramatically altered the phase selectivity at the solder/Ni interface and affected the growth kinetics of intermetallics. As long as sufficient Cu was available, it would combine with Ni and Sn to form (Cu,Ni)6)Sn5 which grew instead of the Ni3Sn4 usually observed in PbSn/Ni and Sn/Ni diffusion couples. This growing phase would, however, eventually consume essentially all of the available Cu in the solder. Because the mechanical properties of Sn-Ag-Cu alloys, depend upon the Cu content, this consumption can be expected to alter the mechanical properties of these Pb-free solderjoints. After depletion of the Cu from the solder, further annealing then gradually transformed the (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 phase into a (Ni,Cu)3Sn4 phase.

Geochemistry and economic potential of massive sulfide deposits from the eastern Pacific Ocean

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bischoff, James L.; Rosenbauer, R.J.; Aruscavage, P. J.; Baedecker, P.A.; Crock, J.G.

1983-01-01

Bulk chemical analyses are performed for major and minor elements using a variety of techniques on a suite of 9 samples of sea floor massive sulfide deposits from 21?N EPR, Juan de Fuca Ridge and Galapagos Rift. Results indicate that deposits at 21?N and Juan de Fuca are very similar despite a geographic separation of 2300 km and are composed primarily of Zn, Fe, and S, with important minor concentrations of Ag, As, Cd and Ge. The Galapagos Rift massive sulfide is primarily Fe, Cu and S and with important minor contents of only Co and Mo. Au is low, ranging from below detection up to 0.17 ppm. Pt group metals are very low, and average about 0.001 ppm. Consideration of enrichment factors and relative metal abundance suggests that MORB is a sufficient source for all the metals enriched in the sea floor deposits. The economically important metals for the 21?N and Juan de Fuca deposits are primarily Zn and Ag, (97%) with potential by-products of Cu, Cd and possibly, Ge. For the Galapagos Rift, the primary value is with Cu (86%) with potential by-products of Co and Mo. The Galapagos Rift deposit is similar to, but contains about twice the Cu content, of typical ore from the Skouriotisa mine of the Troodos complex of Cyprus. The grade of the 21?N/Juan de Fuca deposits is 4 times greater than that of the Galapagos Rift and about twice that of prime deep-sea manganese nodules.

Silver-bearing minerals in the Xinhua hydrothermal vein-type Pb-Zn deposit, South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Minfang; Zhang, Xubo; Guo, Xiaonan; Pi, Daohui; Yang, Meijun

2018-02-01

Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) results are reported for newly identified silver-bearing minerals from the Xinhua deposit, Yunkaidashan area, South China. The Xinhua deposit is a hydrothermal vein-type Pb-Zn deposit and is hosted in the Pubei Complex, which consists of a cordierite-biotite granite with a U-Pb zircon age of 244.3 ± 1.8-251.9 ± 2.2 Ma. The mineralization process is subdivided into four mineralization stages, characterized by the following mineral associations: mineralization stage I with quartz, pyrite, and sphalerite; mineralization stage II with siderite, galena, and tetrahedrite; mineralization stage III with quartz and galena; and mineralization stage IV with quartz, calcite, and baryte. Tetrahedrite series minerals, such as freibergite, argentotetrahedrite, and tennantite are the main Ag-bearing minerals in the Xinhua deposit. The greatest concentration of silver occurs in phases from mineralization stage II. Microscopic observations reveal close relationship between galena and tetrahedrite series minerals that mostly occur as irregular inclusions within galena. The negative correlation between Cu and Ag in the lattices of tetrahedrite series minerals suggests that Cu sites are occupied by Ag atoms. Zn substitution for Fe in argentotetrahedrite and Cd substitution for Pb in tetrahedrite are also observed. Micro-thermometric data reveal that both homogenization temperatures and calculated salinities of hydrothermal fluids decrease progressively from the early to the later mineralization stages. The metal ions, such as Ag+, Cu+, Pb2+, and Zn2+, are transported as chlorine complex ions in the early mineralization stage and as bisulfide complex ions in the late mineralization stage, caused by changes in oxygen fugacity, temperature, and pH of the hydrothermal fluids. Because of the varying solubility of different metal ions, Pb2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ ions are initially precipitated as galena, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite, respectively. With decreasing temperature of the fluids, Pb2+ ions are incorporated along with Cu+, Sb3+, and As3+ ions into sulfosalt minerals, and Ag+ ions are coprecipitated with Cu+, Sb3+, and As3+ ions forming tetrahedrite series minerals or replacing earlier sulfides and sulfosalts.

Quasi-Instantaneous Bacterial Inactivation on Cu-Ag Nanoparticulate 3D Catheters in the Dark and Under Light: Mechanism and Dynamics.

PubMed

Rtimi, Sami; Sanjines, Rosendo; Pulgarin, Cesar; Kiwi, John

2016-01-13

The first evidence for Cu-Ag (50%/50%) nanoparticulate hybrid coatings is presented leading to a complete and almost instantaneous bacterial inactivation in the dark (≤5 min). Dark bacterial inactivation times on Cu-Ag (50%/50%) were observed to coincide with the times required by actinic light irradiation. This provides the evidence that the bimetal Cu-Ag driven inactivation predominates over a CuO/Cu2O and Ag2O oxides inducing a semiconductor driven behavior. Cu- or Ag-coated polyurethane (PU) catheters led to bacterial inactivation needing about ∼30 min. The accelerated bacterial inactivation by Cu-Ag coated on 3D catheters sputtered was investigated in a detailed way. The release of Cu/Ag ions during bacterial inactivation was followed by inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the amount of Cu and Ag-ions released were below the cytotoxicity levels permitted by the sanitary regulations. By stereomicroscopy the amount of live/dead cells were followed during the bacterial inactivation time. By Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the systematic shift of the -(CH2) band stretching of the outer lipo-polysaccharide bilayer (LPS) was followed to monitor the changes leading to cell lysis. A hydrophobic to hydrophilic transformation of the Cu-Ag PU catheter surface under light was observed within 30 min followed concomitantly to a longer back transformation to the hydrophobic initial state in the dark. Physical insight is provided for the superior performance of Cu-Ag films compared to Cu or Ag films in view of the drastic acceleration of the bacterial inactivation observed on bimetal Cu-Ag films coating PU catheters. A mechanism of bacterial inactivation is suggested that is consistent with the findings reported in this study.

Characterization and device performance of (AgCu)(InGa)Se2 absorber layers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanket, Gregory; Boyle, Jonathan H.; Shafarman, William N.

The study of (AgCu)(InGa)Se2 absorber layers is of interest in that Ag-chalcopyrites exhibit both wider bandgaps and lower melting points than their Cu counterparts. (AgCu)(InGa)Se2 absorber layers were deposited over the composition range 0 < Ag/(Ag+Cu) < 1 and 0.3 < Ga/(In+Ga) < 1.0 using a variety of elemental co-evaporation processes. Films were found to be singlephase over the entire composition range, in contrast to prior studies. Devices with Ga content 0.3 < Ga/(In+Ga) <0.5 tolerated Ag incorporation up to Ag/(Ag+Cu) = 0.5 without appreciable performance loss. Ag-containing films with Ga/(In+Ga) = 0.8 showed improved device characteristics over Cu-only controlmore » samples, in particular a 30-40% increase in short-circuit current. An absorber layer with composition Ag/(Ag+Cu) = 0.75 and Ga/(In+Ga) = 0.8 yielded a device with VOC = 890 mV, JSC = 20.5mA/cm2, fill factor = 71.3%, and η = 13.0%.« less

A Data Mining Approach to Improve Inorganic Characterization of Amanita ponderosa Mushrooms.

PubMed

Salvador, Cátia; Martins, M Rosário; Vicente, Henrique; Caldeira, A Teresa

2018-01-01

Amanita ponderosa are wild edible mushrooms that grow in some microclimates of Iberian Peninsula. Gastronomically this species is very relevant, due to not only the traditional consumption by the rural populations but also its commercial value in gourmet markets. Mineral characterisation of edible mushrooms is extremely important for certification and commercialization processes. In this study, we evaluate the inorganic composition of Amanita ponderosa fruiting bodies (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Ag, Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) and their respective soil substrates from 24 different sampling sites of the southwest Iberian Peninsula (e.g., Alentejo, Andalusia, and Extremadura). Mineral composition revealed high content in macroelements, namely, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Mushrooms showed presence of important trace elements and low contents of heavy metals within the limits of RDI. Bioconcentration was observed for some macro- and microelements, such as K, Cu, Zn, Mg, P, Ag, and Cd. A. ponderosa fruiting bodies showed different inorganic profiles according to their location and results pointed out that it is possible to generate an explanatory model of segmentation, performed with data based on the inorganic composition of mushrooms and soil mineral content, showing the possibility of relating these two types of data.

A Data Mining Approach to Improve Inorganic Characterization of Amanita ponderosa Mushrooms

PubMed Central

Salvador, Cátia; Martins, M. Rosário

2018-01-01

Amanita ponderosa are wild edible mushrooms that grow in some microclimates of Iberian Peninsula. Gastronomically this species is very relevant, due to not only the traditional consumption by the rural populations but also its commercial value in gourmet markets. Mineral characterisation of edible mushrooms is extremely important for certification and commercialization processes. In this study, we evaluate the inorganic composition of Amanita ponderosa fruiting bodies (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Ag, Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) and their respective soil substrates from 24 different sampling sites of the southwest Iberian Peninsula (e.g., Alentejo, Andalusia, and Extremadura). Mineral composition revealed high content in macroelements, namely, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Mushrooms showed presence of important trace elements and low contents of heavy metals within the limits of RDI. Bioconcentration was observed for some macro- and microelements, such as K, Cu, Zn, Mg, P, Ag, and Cd. A. ponderosa fruiting bodies showed different inorganic profiles according to their location and results pointed out that it is possible to generate an explanatory model of segmentation, performed with data based on the inorganic composition of mushrooms and soil mineral content, showing the possibility of relating these two types of data. PMID:29623092

Efficient metal adsorption and microbial reduction from Rawal Lake wastewater using metal nanoparticle coated cotton.

PubMed

Ali, Attarad; Gul, Ayesha; Mannan, Abdul; Zia, Muhammad

2018-05-17

This study was designed to investigate removal of toxic metals and reduction of bacterial count from Rawal Lake wastewater with novel nanocomposite sorbents. Iron, zinc and silver oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were attached on cotton. The nanocomposites (iron NPs on cotton (FeCt), zinc NPs on cotton (ZnCt) and silver NPs on cotton (AgCt)) were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM, which showed successful adsorption of 10-30 nm size nanoparticles. Batch experiments were performed to determine the adsorption capacity of nanocomposite for metal removal. All the three adsorbents demonstrated 100% adsorption efficiency for Ag + , Co 2+ , Fe 3+ , Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ whereas less adsorption for Cd 2+ and Cr 3+ . The maximum adsorbance (qe) was exhibited by Co 2+ on ZnCt, FeCt and AgCt as 125.0, 111.1 and 100.0 mg g -1 , respectively. The efficiency of adsorbents for metal ions sorption was found as AgCt > ZnCt > FeCt while the order of adsorption for metals was observed as Fe 3+  > Co 2+  > Zn 2+  > Cu 2+  > Ag +  > Cr 3+  > Cd 2 + . The adsorption mechanism mostly follow Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model. The maximum microbial reduction was exhibited by AgCt followed by ZnCt and FeCt. The microbes were further processed for staining and biochemical characteristics to evaluate resistance and sensitive microbes. The study concludes that the NPs doped on cotton can be effectively used for adsorption of heavy metals and reduction of microbial count from natural wastewater making it valuable for human consumption. In addition, the nanoparticles impregnated cotton can be efficiently used in water filtration plants. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Growth Behavior of Intermetallic Compounds at SnAgCu/Ni and Cu Interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Lihua; Huang, Jihua; Zhang, Hua; Zhao, Xingke; Wang, Haitao; Cheng, Donghai

2010-02-01

The growth behavior of reaction-formed intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at Sn3.5Ag0.5Cu/Ni and Cu interfaces under thermal-shear cycling conditions was investigated. The results show that the morphology of (Cu x Ni1- x )6Sn5 and Cu6Sn5 IMCs formed both at Sn3.5Ag0.5Cu/Ni and Cu interfaces gradually changed from scallop-like to chunk-like, and different IMC thicknesses developed with increasing thermal-shear cycling time. Furthermore, Cu6Sn5 IMC growth rate at the Sn3.5Ag0.5Cu/Cu interface was higher than that of (Cu x Ni1- x )6Sn5 IMC under thermal-shear cycling. Compared to isothermal aging, thermal-shear cycling led to only one Cu6Sn5 layer at the interface between SnAgCu solder and Cu substrate after 720 cycles. Moreover, Ag3Sn IMC was dispersed uniformly in the solder after reflow. The planar Ag3Sn formed near the interface changed remarkably and merged together to large platelets with increasing cycles. The mechanism of formation of Cu6Sn5, (Cu x Ni1- x )6Sn5 and Ag3Sn IMCs during thermal-shear cycling process was investigated.

Second-moment equality and the structural chemistry of the main-group intermetallic compounds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, S.

1991-01-02

The authors determine electron counting rules for ZA{sub 2{minus}x}B{sub x} compounds, where Z is an electropositive atoms and A and B are main-group atoms. These rules are derived from a Huckel-type theory. Agreement between theory and experiment for all the major ZA{sub 2{minus}x}B{sub x} families, which include the MgCu{sub 2}, MoSi{sub 2}, CeCd{sub 2}, CeCu{sub 2}, MgAgAs, CaIn{sub 2}, AlB{sub 2}, ThSi{sub 2}, and Cu{sub 2}Sb structure types, is excellent. The results are interpreted by use of the method of moments.

Effect of Ag as a surfactant on the thermal stability in Cu/Co multilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, M.; Gupta, A.; Amir, S. M.; Stahn, J.; Zegenhagen, J.

2010-02-01

In the present work we studied the effect of Ag as a surfactant in Cu/Co multilayers prepared by ion beam sputtering. Two identical samples of Cu/Co multilayers with 0.2nm Ag on a Cu buffer layer and without this Ag layer were deposited on Si substrates. It is known that Cu has a lower free energy than Co, and therefore, the Cu/Co interfaces are not symmetric. Addition of Ag alters the kinetics and thermodynamics of the growth and triggers the layer by layer growth as Ag floats on the growing front balancing the surface free energy of Cu and Co. It was found that with addition of Ag surfactant the thermal stability of Cu/Co multilayer improves.

Proposed suitable electron reflector layer materials for thin-film CuIn1-xGaxSe2 solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharbati, Samaneh; Gharibshahian, Iman; Orouji, Ali A.

2018-01-01

This paper investigates the electrical properties of electron reflector layer to survey materials as an electron reflector (ER) for chalcopyrite CuInGaSe solar cells. The purpose is optimizing the conduction-band and valence-band offsets at ER layer/CIGS junction that can effectively reduce the electron recombination near the back contact. In this work, an initial device model based on an experimental solar cell is established, then the properties of a solar cell with electron reflector layer are physically analyzed. The electron reflector layer numerically applied to baseline model of thin-film CIGS cell fabricated by ZSW (efficiency = 20.3%). The improvement of efficiency is achievable by electron reflector layer materials with Eg > 1.3 eV and -0.3 < Δχ < 0.7, depends on bandgap. Our simulations examine various electron reflector layer materials and conclude the most suitable electron reflector layer for this real CIGS solar cells. ZnSnP2, CdSiAs2, GaAs, CdTe, Cu2ZnSnS4, InP, CuO, Pb10Ag3Sb11S28, CuIn5S8, SnS, PbCuSbS3, Cu3AsS4 as well as CuIn1-xGaxSe (x > 0.5) are efficient electron reflector layer materials, so the potential improvement in efficiency obtained relative gain of 5%.

Silver contents and Cu/Ag ratios in Martian meteorites and the implications for planetary differentiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zaicong; Becker, Harry

2017-11-01

Silver and Cu show very similar partitioning behavior in sulfide melt-silicate melt and metal-silicate systems at low and high pressure-temperature (P-T) experimental conditions, implying that mantle melting, fractional crystallization and core-mantle differentiation have at most modest (within a factor of 3) effects on Cu/Ag ratios. For this reason, it is likely that Cu/Ag ratios in mantle-derived magmatic products of planetary bodies reflect that of the mantle and, in some circumstances, also the bulk planet composition. To test this hypothesis, new Ag mass fractions and Cu/Ag ratios in different groups of Martian meteorites are presented and compared with data from chondrites and samples from the Earth's mantle. Silver contents in lherzolitic, olivine-phyric and basaltic shergottites and nakhlites range between 1.9 and 12.3 ng/g. The data display a negative trend with MgO content and correlate positively with Cu contents. In spite of displaying variable initial Ɛ143Nd values and representing a diverse spectrum of magmatic evolution and physiochemical conditions, shergottites and nakhlites display limited variations of Cu/Ag ratios (1080 ± 320, 1 s, n = 14). The relatively constant Cu/Ag suggests limited fractionation of Ag from Cu during the formation and evolution of the parent magmas, irrespectively of whether sulfide saturation was attained or not. The mean Cu/Ag ratio of Martian meteorites thus reflects that of the Martian mantle and constrains its Ag content to 1.9 ± 0.7 ng/g (1 s). Carbonaceous and enstatite chondrites display a limited range of Cu/Ag ratios of mostly 500-2400. Ordinary chondrites show a larger scatter of Cu/Ag up to 4500, which may have been caused by Ag redistribution during parent body metamorphism. The majority of chondrites have Cu/Ag ratios indistinguishable from the Martian mantle value, indicating that Martian core formation strongly depleted Cu and Ag contents, but probably did not significantly change the Cu/Ag ratio of the mantle compared to bulk Mars. Bulk Mars is richer in moderately volatile elements than Earth, however, the Martian mantle displays a much stronger depletion of the moderately volatile elements Cu and Ag, e.g., by a factor of 15 for Cu. This observation is consistent with experimental studies suggesting that core formation at low P-T conditions on Mars led to more siderophile behavior of Cu and Ag than at high P-T conditions as proposed for Earth. In contrast, Cu/Ag ratios of the mantles of Mars and Earth (Cu/AgEarth = 3500 ± 1000) display only a difference by a factor of 3, which implies restricted fractionation of Cu and Ag even at high P-T conditions. The concentration data support the notion that siderophile element partitioning during planetary core formation scales with the size of the planetary body, which is particularly important for the differentiation of large terrestrial planets such as Earth. Collectively, the Ag and Cu data on magmatic products from the mantles of Mars and Earth and the data on chondrites confirm experimental predictions and support the limited fractionation of Cu and Ag during planetary core formation and high-temperature magmatic evolution, and probably also in early solar nebular processes.

Metals in the Scheldt estuary: From environmental concentrations to bioaccumulation.

PubMed

Van Ael, Evy; Blust, Ronny; Bervoets, Lieven

2017-09-01

To investigate the relationship between metal concentrations in abiotic compartments and in aquatic species, sediment, suspended matter and several aquatic species (Polychaeta, Oligochaeta, four crustacean species, three mollusc species and eight fish species) were collected during three seasons at six locations along the Scheldt estuary (the Netherlands-Belgium) and analysed on their metal content (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and the metalloid As). Sediment and biota tissue concentrations were significantly influenced by sampling location, but not by season. Measurements of Acid Volatile Sulphides (AVS) concentrations in relation to Simultaneously Extracted Metals (SEM) in the sediment suggested that not all metals in the sediment will be bound to sulphides and some metals might be bioavailable. For all metals but zinc, highest concentrations were measured in invertebrate species; Ag and Ni in periwinkle, Cr, Co and Pb in Oligochaete worms and As, Cd and Cu in crabs and shrimp. Highest concentrations of Zn were measured in the kidney of European smelt. In fish, for most of the metals, the concentrations were highest in liver or kidney and lowest in muscle. For Zn however, highest concentrations were measured in the kidney of European smelt. For less than half of the metals significant correlations between sediment metal concentrations and bioaccumulated concentrations were found (liver/hepatopancreas or whole organism). To calculate the possible human health risk by consumption, average and maximum metal concentrations in the muscle tissues were compared to the minimum risk levels (MRLs). Concentrations of As led to the highest risk potential for all consumable species. Cadmium and Cu posed only a risk when consuming the highest contaminated shrimp and shore crabs. Consuming blue mussel could result in a risk for the metals As, Cd and Cr. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bimetallic AgCu/Cu2O hybrid for the synergetic adsorption of iodide from solution.

PubMed

Mao, Ping; Liu, Ying; Liu, Xiaodong; Wang, Yuechan; Liang, Jie; Zhou, Qihang; Dai, Yuexuan; Jiao, Yan; Chen, Shouwen; Yang, Yi

2017-08-01

To further improve the capacity of Cu 2 O to absorb I - anions from solution, and to understand the difference between the adsorption mechanisms of Ag/Cu 2 O and Cu/Cu 2 O adsorbents, bimetallic AgCu was doped into Cu 2 O through a facile solvothermal route. Samples were characterized and employed to adsorb I - anions under different experimental conditions. The results show that the Cu content can be tuned by adding different volumes of Ag sols. After doping bimetallic AgCu, the adsorption capacity of the samples can be increased from 0.02 mmol g -1 to 0.52 mmol g -1 . Moreover, the optimal adsorption is reached within only 240 min. Meanwhile, the difference between the adsorption mechanisms of Ag/Cu 2 O and Cu/Cu 2 O adsorbents was verified, and the cooperative adsorption mechanism of the AgCu/Cu 2 O hybrid was proposed and verified. In addition, the AgCu/Cu 2 O hybrid showed excellent selectivity, e.g., its adsorption efficiencies are 85.1%, 81.9%, 85.9% and 85.7% in the presence of the Cl - , CO 3 2- , SO 4 2- and NO 3 - competitive anions, respectively. Furthermore, the AgCu/Cu 2 O hybrid can worked well in other harsh environments (e.g., acidic, alkaline and seawater environments). Therefore, this study is expected to promote the development of Cu 2 O into a highly efficient adsorbent for the removal of iodide from solution. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Ag Surfactant on Cu/Co Multilayers Deposited by RF-Ion Beam Sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amir, S. M.; Gupta, M.; Gupta, A.; Wildes, A.

2011-07-01

In this work, the effect of Ag surfactant in RF-ion beam sputtered Cu/Co multilayers was studied. It was found that when a sub-monolayer of Ag (termed as surfactant) is deposited prior to the deposition of Cu/Co multilayers, the asymmetry in the Cu/Co or Co/Cu interfaces becomes small. Low surface free energy of Ag helps Ag atoms to float when a Cu or Co layer is getting deposited. This balances the difference between the surface free energy of Cu and Co making the interfaces in the multilayers smoother as compared to the case when no Ag surfactant was used.

Enhanced catalyst activity by decorating of Au on Ag@Cu2O nanoshell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lei; Liu, Maomao; Zhao, Yue; Kou, Qiangwei; Wang, Yaxin; Liu, Yang; Zhang, Yongjun; Yang, Jinghai; Jung, Young Mee

2018-03-01

We successfully synthesized Au-decorated Ag@Cu2O heterostructures via a simple galvanic replacement method. As the Au precursor concentration increased, the density of the Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the Ag@Cu2O surface increased, which changed the catalytic activity of the Ag@Cu2O-Au structure. The combination of Au, Ag, and Cu2O exhibited excellent catalytic properties, which can further effect on the catalyst activity of the Ag@Cu2O-Au structure. In addition, the proposed Ag@Cu2O-Au nanocomposite was used to transform the organic, toxic pollutant, 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), into its nontoxic and medicinally important amino derivative via a catalytic reduction to optimize the material performance. The proposed Au-decorated Ag@Cu2O exhibited excellent catalytic activity, and the catalytic reduction time greatly decreased (5 min). Thus, three novel properties of Ag@Cu2O-Au, i.e., charge redistribution and transfer, adsorption, and catalytic reduction of organic pollutants, were ascertained for water remediation. The proposed catalytic properties have potential applications for photocatalysis and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)- and peroxidase-like catalysis.

Novel combination of zero-valent Cu and Ag nanoparticles @ cellulose acetate nanocomposite for the reduction of 4-nitro phenol.

PubMed

Khan, Farman Ullah; Asimullah; Khan, Sher Bahadar; Kamal, Tahseen; Asiri, Abdullah M; Khan, Ihsan Ullah; Akhtar, Kalsoom

2017-09-01

A very simple and low-cost procedure has been adopted to synthesize efficient copper (Cu), silver (Ag) and copper-silver (Cu-Ag) mixed nanoparticles on the surface of pure cellulose acetate (CA) and cellulose acetate-copper oxide nanocomposite (CA-CuO). All nanoparticles loaded onto CA and CA-CuO presented excellent catalytic ability, but Cu-Ag nanoparticles loaded onto CA-CuO (Cu 0 -Ag 0 /CA-CuO) exhibited outstanding catalytic efficiency to convert 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) into 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in the presence of NaBH 4 . Additionally, the Cu 0 -Ag 0 /CA-CuO can be easily recovered by removing the sheet from the reaction media, and can be recycled several times, maintaining high catalytic ability for four cycles. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Wetting reaction of Sn-Ag based solder systems on Cu substrates plated with Au and/or Pd layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, C. Y.; Li, Jian; Vandentop, G. J.; Choi, W. J.; Tu, K. N.

2001-05-01

The wetting behavior of SnAg based Pb-free solders on Cu and Cu substrates plated with Au, Pd, and Au/Pd thin films have been studied. The wetting angle and kinetics of interfacial reaction were measured. The Au-plated substrates exhibit better wetting than the Pd-plated substrates. In the case of SnAg on Pd-plated Cu, SEM observation revealed that the solder cap was surrounded by an innerring of Cu-Sn compound and an outer ring of Pd-Sn compound. This implies that the molten SnAg solder had removed the Pd and wetted the Cu directly in the equilibrium state. The effects of pre-doping Cu in the SnAg solder on wetting behavior were also investigated. We found that wettability decreases with increasing Cu content in the solder. We also observed that the SnAgCu solders have a lower Cu consumption rate than the SnAg solder.

A miniaturized capacitively coupled plasma microtorch optical emission spectrometer and a Rh coiled-filament as small-sized electrothermal vaporization device for simultaneous determination of volatile elements from liquid microsamples: spectral and analytical characterization.

PubMed

Frentiu, Tiberiu; Darvasi, Eugen; Butaciu, Sinziana; Ponta, Michaela; Petreus, Dorin; Mihaltan, Alin I; Frentiu, Maria

2014-11-01

A low power and low argon consumption (13.56 MHz, 15 W, 150 ml min(-1)) capacitively coupled plasma microtorch interfaced with a low-resolution microspectrometer and a small-sized electrothermal vaporization Rh coiled-filament as liquid microsample introduction device into the plasma was investigated for the simultaneous determination of several volatile elements of interest for environment. Constructive details, spectral and analytical characteristics, and optimum operating conditions of the laboratory equipment for the simultaneous determination of Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn requiring low vaporization power are provided. The method involves drying of 10 μl sample at 100°C, vaporization at 1500°C and emission measurement by capture of 20 successive spectral episodes each at an integration time of 500 ms. Experiments showed that emission of elements and plasma background were disturbed by the presence of complex matrix and hot Ar flow transporting the microsample into plasma. The emission spectrum of elements is simple, dominated by the resonance lines. The analytical system provided detection limits in the ng ml(-1) range: 0.5(Ag); 1.5(Cd); 5.6(Cu); 20(Pb) and 3(Zn) and absolute detection limits of the order of pg: 5(Ag); 15(Cd); 56(Cu); 200(Pb) and 30(Zn). It was demonstrated the utility and capability of the miniaturized analytical system in the simultaneous determination of elements in soil and water sediment using the standard addition method to compensate for the non-spectral effects of alkali and earth alkaline elements. The analysis of eight certified reference materials exhibited reliable results with recovery in the range of 95-108% and precision of 0.5-9.0% for the five examined elements. The proposed miniaturized analytical system is attractive due to the simple construction of the electrothermal vaporization device and microtorch, low costs associated to plasma generation, high analytical sensitivity and easy-to-run for simultaneous multielemental analysis of liquid microsamples. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Determination of Anand parameters for SnAgCuCe solder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Liang; Xue, Songbai; Gao, Lili; Zeng, Guang; Sheng, Zhong; Chen, Yan; Yu, Shenglin

2009-10-01

A unified viscoplastic constitutive model, Anand equations, was used to represent the inelastic deformation behavior for Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu/Sn3.8Ag0.7 Cu0.03Ce solders in surface mount technology. The Anand parameters of the constitutive equations for the SnAgCu and SnAgCuCe solders were determined from separated constitutive relations and experimental results. Non-linear least-squares fitting was selected to determine the model constants. Comparisons were then made with experimental measurements of the stress-inelastic strain curves: excellent agreement was found. The model accurately predicted the overall trend of steady-state stress-strain behavior of SnAgCu and SnAgCuCe solders for the temperature ranges from -55 to 125 °C and for the strain rate range from 1% s-1 to 0.01% s-1. It is concluded that the Anand model can be applied to represent the inelastic deformation behavior of solders at high homologous temperatures and can be recommended for finite element simulation of the stress-strain response of lead-free soldered joints. Based on the Anand model, the investigations of thermo-mechanical behavior of SnAgCu and SnAgCuCe soldered joints in fine pitch quad flat package by the finite element code have been done under thermal cyclic loading, and it is found that the reliability of the SnAgCuCe soldered joints is better than that of the SnAgCu soldered joints.

Elastic, vibration and thermodynamic properties of Cu1‑x Ag x InTe2 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) chalcopyrite compounds via first principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Yuhan; Wang, Peida; Mei, Huayue; Jia, Zhenyuan; Cheng, Nanpu

2018-06-01

CuInTe2 chalcopyrite compound is widely used in the fields of optoelectronics and pyroelectricity, and doping atoms can further improve the physical properties of the CuInTe2 compound. For all we know, this is the first time that the elastic behaviors and lattice dynamical properties of Ag-doped CuInTe2 compounds with the tetragonal system are determined theoretically. The elastic, lattice dynamical and thermal properties of Cu1‑x Ag x InTe2 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) compounds have been investigated by using density functional theory. The obtained elastic constants of Cu1‑x Ag x InTe2 compounds indicate that these compounds are mechanically stable and elastic anisotropic. The anisotropy of the {001} plane is more obvious than those of the {100} and {010} planes. Additionally, with increasing Ag doping concentrations, the bulk and shear moduli of Cu1‑x Ag x InTe2 compounds decrease and their toughness improves. The phonon spectra and density of states reveal that Cu (or Ag) atoms in Cu1‑x Ag x InTe2 compounds form chemical bonds with Te atoms, and Cu-Te bonds are gradually replaced by Ag-Te bonds with increasing Ag doping concentration. Vibration modes of Cu1‑x Ag x InTe2 compounds at the {{Γ }} point in the Brillouin zone show that each Cu1‑x Ag x InTe2 (x = 0 and 1) crystal includes five irreducible representations (A1, A2, B1, B2 and E). As for Cu1‑x Ag x InTe2 (x = 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75) compounds, each crystal has three irreducible representations (A, B and E). The atomic displacements of several typical phonon modes in CuInTe2 crystals have been analyzed to deepen the understanding of lattice vibrations in Cu1‑x AgxInTe2 compounds. With increasing Ag doping concentration, the Debye temperatures of Cu1‑x Ag x InTe2 compounds decrease, while their heat capacities increase.

Nano-Nucleation Characteristic of Cu-Ag Alloy Directly Electrodeposited on W Diffusion Barrier for Microelectronic Device Interconnect.

PubMed

Kim, Kang O; Kim, Sunjung

2016-05-01

Cu-Ag alloy interconnect is promising for ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI) microelectronic system of which device dimension keeps shrinking. In this study, seedless electrodeposition of Cu-Ag alloy directly on W diffusion barrier as interconnect technology is presented in respect of nano-nucleation control. Chemical equilibrium state of electrolyte was fundamentally investigated according to the pH of electrolyte because direct nano-nucleation of Cu-Ag alloy on W surface is challenging. Chelation behavior of Cu2+ and Ag+ ions with citrate (Cit) and ammonia ligands was dependent on the pH of electrolyte. The amount and kind of Cu- and Ag-based complexes determine the deposition rate, size, elemental composition, and surface morphology of Cu-Ag alloy nano-nuclei formed on W surface.

Effects of Ag addition on solid–state interfacial reactions between Sn–Ag–Cu solder and Cu substrate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Ming

Low–Ag–content Sn–Ag–Cu (SAC) solders have attracted much recent attention in electronic packaging for their low cost. To reasonably reduce the Ag content in Pb–free solders, a deep understanding of the basic influence of Ag on the SAC solder/Cu substrate interfacial reaction is essential. Previous studies have discussed the influence of Ag on the interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) thickness. However, because IMC growth is the joint result of multiple factors, such characterizations do not reveal the actual role of Ag. In this study, changes in interfacial IMCs after Ag introduction were systemically and quantitatively characterized in terms of coarsening behaviors, orientationmore » evolution, and growth kinetics. The results show that Ag in the solder alloy affects the coarsening behavior, accelerates the orientation concentration, and inhibits the growth of interfacial IMCs during solid–state aging. The inhibition mechanism was quantitatively discussed considering the individual diffusion behaviors of Cu and Sn atoms, revealing that Ag inhibits interfacial IMC growth primarily by slowing the diffusion of Cu atoms through the interface. - Highlights: •Role of Ag in IMC formation during Sn–Ag–Cu soldering was investigated. •Ag affects coarsening, crystallographic orientation, and IMC growth. •Diffusion pathways of Sn and Cu are affected differently by Ag. •Ag slows Cu diffusion to inhibit IMC growth at solder/substrate interface.« less

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of C/C Composite/TC17 Joints with Ag-Cu-Ti Brazing Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Xiujie; Zhu, Ying; Guo, Wei; Peng, Peng; Ma, Kaituo

2017-12-01

Carbon/Carbon composite(C/C) was vacuum brazed to titanium alloy (TC17) using Ag-Cu-Ti brazing alloy. The effects of brazing temperature on the interfacial microstructure and joint properties were investigated by energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Gleeble1500D testing machine. Results show that C/C composite and TC17 were successfully brazed using AgCuTi brazing alloy. Various phases including TiC, Ag(s, s), Cu(s, s), Ti3Cu4, TiCu, and Ti2Cu were formed in the brazed joint. The maximum shear strength of the brazed joints with AgCuTi brazing alloy was 24±1 MPa when brazed at 860°C for 15 min.

Nanoporous Ag prepared from the melt-spun Cu-Ag alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guijing; Song, Xiaoping; Sun, Zhanbo; Yang, Shengchun; Ding, Bingjun; Yang, Sen; Yang, Zhimao; Wang, Fei

2011-07-01

Nanoporous Ag ribbons with different morphology and porosity were achieved by the electrochemical corrosion of the melt-spun Cu-Ag alloys. The Cu-rich phase in the alloys was removed, resulting in the formation of the nanopores distributed across the whole ribbon. It is found that the structures, morphology and porosity of the nanoporous Ag ribbons were dependent on the microstructures of the parent alloys. The most of ligaments presented a rod-like shape due to the formation of pseudoeutectic microstructure in the melt-spun Cu 55Ag 45 and Cu 70Ag 30 alloys. For nanoporous Ag prepared from Cu 85Ag 15 alloys, the ligaments were camber-like because of the appearance of the divorced microstructures. Especially, a novel bamboo-grove-like structure could be observed at the cross-section of the nanoporous Ag ribbons. The experiment reveals that nanoporous Ag ribbons exhibited excellent enhancement of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect, but a slight difference existed due to the discrepancy of their morphology.

Ferromagnetic signal in nanosized Ag particles.

PubMed

Jo, Younghun; Jung, Myung-Hwa; Kyum, Myung-Chul; Lee, Sung-Ik

2007-11-01

A new technique using an inductively coupled plasma reactor equipped with a liquid-nitrogen cooling system was developed to prepare Ag nanoparticles. The magnetic signal from these Ag particles with diameters of 4 nm showed, surprisingly, a signal with combined ferromagnetic and diamagnetic components, in contrast to the signal with only one diamagnetic component from bulk Ag. The same technique was used to prepare the Ag/Cu nanoparticles, which are Ag nanoparticles coated with a Cu layer. Compared to the Ag nanoparticles, these showed a greatly enhanced superparamagnetic signal in addition to the same value of the ferromagnetism. The comparison between the Ag and the Ag/Cu nanoparticles indicated that the ferromagnetic components are a common feature of Ag nanoparticles while the greatly enhanced paramagnetic component of Ag/Cu, which dominates over the background diamagnetic component from the Ag core, is from the outer Cu shell.

The Reliability of Microalloyed Sn-Ag-Cu Solder Interconnections Under Cyclic Thermal and Mechanical Shock Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattila, Toni T.; Hokka, Jussi; Paulasto-Kröckel, Mervi

2014-11-01

In this study, the performance of three microalloyed Sn-Ag-Cu solder interconnection compositions (Sn-3.1Ag-0.52Cu, Sn-3.0Ag-0.52Cu-0.24Bi, and Sn-1.1Ag-0.52Cu-0.1Ni) was compared under mechanical shock loading (JESD22-B111 standard) and cyclic thermal loading (40 ± 125°C, 42 min cycle) conditions. In the drop tests, the component boards with the low-silver nickel-containing composition (Sn-Ag-Cu-Ni) showed the highest average number of drops-to-failure, while those with the bismuth-containing alloy (Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi) showed the lowest. Results of the thermal cycling tests showed that boards with Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi interconnections performed the best, while those with Sn-Ag-Cu-Ni performed the worst. Sn-Ag-Cu was placed in the middle in both tests. In this paper, we demonstrate that solder strength is an essential reliability factor and that higher strength can be beneficial for thermal cycling reliability but detrimental to drop reliability. We discuss these findings from the perspective of the microstructures and mechanical properties of the three solder interconnection compositions and, based on a comprehensive literature review, investigate how the differences in the solder compositions influence the mechanical properties of the interconnections and discuss how the differences are reflected in the failure mechanisms under both loading conditions.

Implications for food safety of the uptake by tomato of 25 trace-elements from a phosphogypsum amended soil from SW Spain.

PubMed

Enamorado, Santiago; Abril, José M; Delgado, Antonio; Más, José L; Polvillo, Oliva; Quintero, José M

2014-02-15

Phosphogypsum (PG) has been usually applied as Ca-amendment to reclaim sodic soils such as those in the marshland area of Lebrija (SW Spain). This work aimed at the effects of PG amendments on the uptake of trace-elements by tomato and its implications for food safety. A completely randomized experiment was performed using a representative soil from Lebrija in a greenhouse involving six replicates and four PG treatments equivalent to 0, 20, 60, and 200 Mg ha(-1). Soil-to-plant transfer factors (TFs) were determined for Be, B, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Tl, Pb, Th and U. The highest TF in shoots was observed for Cd (4.0; 1.5 in fruits), its concentration being increased with increasing PG doses due to its content in this metal (2.1 mg Cd kg(-1)PG). Phosphogypsum applying decreased the concentrations of Mn, Co and Cu in shoots; and of B, Cu, Sb, Cs, Ba, Tl and Th in fruits, however enhanced the accumulation of Se in fruits. Although Cd concentrations in tomato were below the maximum allowed levels in control pots (0 Mg PG ha(-1)), PG amendments above 60 Mg ha(-1) exceeded such limits. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exploring the mechanism and kinetics of Fe-Cu-Ag trimetallic particles for p-nitrophenol reduction.

PubMed

Yuan, Yue; Yuan, Donghai; Zhang, Yunhong; Lai, Bo

2017-11-01

Preparation conditions of Fe-Cu-Ag trimetallic particles were optimized by single-factor and response surface methodology (RSM) batch experiments to obtain high-reactive Fe 0 -based materials for p-nitrophenol (PNP) removal. Under the optimal conditions (i.e., Fe 0 dosage of 34.86 g L -1 , theoretical Cu mass loading of 81.87 mg Cu/g Fe, theoretical Ag mass loading of 1.15 mg Ag/g Fe, and preparation temperature of 52.1 °C), the actual rate constant (k obs ) of PNP reduction in 5 min was 1.64 min -1 , which shows a good agreement between the model prediction (1.85 min -1 ) of RSM and the experimental data. Furthermore, the high reactivity of Fe 0 -based trimetals was mainly attributed to the plating order of transition metals (i.e., Ag and Cu). Furthermore, we propose a new theory that the pyramid trimetallic structure of Fe-Cu-Ag could improve the electron transport and create active sites with high electron density at the surface (Ag layer) that could enhance the generation of surface-bonded atomic hydrogen ([H] abs ) or the direct reduction of pollutant. Moreover, Fe-Cu-Ag trimetallic particles were characterized by SEM, EDS, and XPS, which also could confirm the proposed theory. In addition, the leached Cu 2+ (<10 μg L -1 ) and Ag + (below detection limits) in Fe-Cu-Ag system could be neglected completely, which suggests that Fe-Cu-Ag is reliable, safe, and environment friendly. Therefore, Fe-Cu-Ag trimetallic system would be promising for the removal of pollutants from industrial wastewater. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermodynamic Optimization of the Ag-Bi-Cu-Ni Quaternary System: Part I, Binary Subsystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jian; Cui, Senlin; Rao, Weifeng

2018-07-01

A comprehensive literature review and thermodynamic optimization of the phase diagrams and thermodynamic properties of the Ag-Bi, Ag-Cu, Ag-Ni, Bi-Cu, and Bi-Ni binary systems are presented. CALculation of PHAse Diagrams (CALPHAD)-type thermodynamic optimization was carried out to reproduce all available and reliable experimental phase equilibrium and thermodynamic data. The modified quasichemical model was used to model the liquid solution. The compound energy formalism was utilized to describe the Gibbs energies of all terminal solid solutions and intermetallic compounds. A self-consistent thermodynamic database for the Ag-Bi, Ag-Cu, Ag-Ni, Bi-Cu, and Bi-Ni binary subsystems of the Ag-Bi-Cu-Ni quaternary system was developed. This database can be used as a guide for research and development of lead-free solders.

Thermodynamic Optimization of the Ag-Bi-Cu-Ni Quaternary System: Part I, Binary Subsystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jian; Cui, Senlin; Rao, Weifeng

2018-05-01

A comprehensive literature review and thermodynamic optimization of the phase diagrams and thermodynamic properties of the Ag-Bi, Ag-Cu, Ag-Ni, Bi-Cu, and Bi-Ni binary systems are presented. CALculation of PHAse Diagrams (CALPHAD)-type thermodynamic optimization was carried out to reproduce all available and reliable experimental phase equilibrium and thermodynamic data. The modified quasichemical model was used to model the liquid solution. The compound energy formalism was utilized to describe the Gibbs energies of all terminal solid solutions and intermetallic compounds. A self-consistent thermodynamic database for the Ag-Bi, Ag-Cu, Ag-Ni, Bi-Cu, and Bi-Ni binary subsystems of the Ag-Bi-Cu-Ni quaternary system was developed. This database can be used as a guide for research and development of lead-free solders.

Enhancing the ag precipitation by surface mechanical attrition treatment on Cu-Ag alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiabin; Zhang, Lehao; Liu, Jingjing; Huang, Liuyi; Gu, Hao; Fang, Youtong; Meng, Liang; Zhang, Jian

2016-09-01

The influence of surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) on Ag precipitation in Cu-Ag alloys was investigated. Cu-6 wt% Ag was melt, cold rolled and solution treated to be Cu-Ag solid solution, which was either aged at 250 and 350 °C for 24 h directly or SMAT-ed before aging. Ag precipitates were hard be found in the directly aged Cu-Ag sample while they were observed clearly in the SMAT-ed counterpart at 250 °C. The Ag precipitates formed in the surface layer by SMAT are much coarser than those in the un-SMAT-ed sample. It is obvious that the precipitating behavior of Ag was promoted significantly by SMAT approach. A large number of defects were generated by SMAT and they were acting as fast atomic diffusion channels that facilitated the atomic diffusion of Ag.

Selenium, tellurium and precious metal mineralogy in Uchalinsk copper-zinc-pyritic district, the Urals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vikentev, I.

2016-04-01

During processing the most of Au, Ag, Se, Te, Pb, Bi, Sb, Hg as well as notable part of Cu, Zn and Cd fail for tailings and became heavy metal pollutants. Modes of occurrence of Au, Ag, Te and Se covers two giant VMS deposits: Uchaly (intensively deformed) and Uzelginsk (altered by late hydrothermal processes) as well as middle-sized Molodezn and West Ozern deposits (nondeformed) have been studied. Mineral forms of these elements as well as their presence in disperse mode in common ore minerals (pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite) have been studied using SEM, EPMA, INAA, ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS.

Effect of Ag and Cu Contents on the Age Hardning Behavior of Al-Zn-Mg Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Katsumi; Kawabata, Tokimasa; Ikeno, Susumu; Yoshida, Tomoo; Murakami, Satoshi; Matsuda, Kenji

Al-Zn-Mg alloy has been known as one of the aluminum alloys with the good age-hardening ability and the high strength among commercial aluminum alloys. The mechanical property of the limited ductility, however, is required to further improvement. In this work, three alloys, which were added Cu or Ag into the Al-Zn-Mg-Si alloy, were prepared to compare the effect of the additional elements on the aging behavior. The content of Ag and Cu were 0.2 at.% and 0.2at.%, respectively. The age-hardening behavior and microstructures of those alloys were investigated by hardness measurement, high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) technique. Ag or Cu added alloy showed higher peak hardness than Ag or Cu free alloy. According to addition of Ag or Cu, the number density of the precipitates increased than Ag or Cu free alloy.

Enhancement in electrical conductivity of pastes containing submicron Ag-coated Cu filler with palmitic acid surface modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Eun Byeol; Lee, Jong-Hyun

2017-09-01

The fabrication and applied use of submicron Ag-coated Cu (Cu@Ag) particles as a filler material for epoxy-based conductive pastes having the advantages of a lower material cost and antioxidation behavior were studied. Submicron Cu@Ag particles were successfully prepared and surface-modified using palmitic acid. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetry results indicated the formation of an organic layer by the chemical interaction between the Cu@Ag surface and palmitic acid and the survival of the organic layer after treatment at 160 °C for 3 h in air. The printed pastes containing both commercial micron Cu@Ag flakes and the fabricated submicron Cu@Ag particles showed a greatly reduced electrical resistivity (4.68 × 10-4 Ω cm) after surface modification compared to an initial value of 1.85 × 10-3 Ω cm when cured.

PIXE and ICP-MS Analysis of Andrographis Paniculata Medicinal Plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandrasekhar Rao, J.; Naidu, B. G.; Sarita, P.; Srikanth, S.; Naga Raju, G. J.

2017-08-01

The concentrations of elements Li, Be, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Ba, Pb and U in Andrographis Paniculata medicinal plant used in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus were determined by using Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) techniques. This plant was collected from four different geographical locations in Andhra Pradesh, India in order to assess the regional variation of elemental concentrations. Appreciable levels of K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Cu and Zn determined in this plant can be correlated to the antidiabetic property of Andrographis Paniculata since these elements are known to regulate and potentiate insulin action. Presence of toxic elements As, Cd and Pb necessitates the adoption of precautionary measures while prescribing dosage of the herbal medicine prepared from this plant for the treatment diabetes mellitus.

Selective separation and recovery of silver and copper from mixtures by photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Mali; Zhang, Weijun; Xie, Zhaofeng; Lei, Rihua; Wang, Jianfang; Gao, Wei

2017-07-01

Separation and recovery of valuable metals including silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) from electronic waste mixtures are of great economic and environmental importance. Recent years, semiconductor photocatalysts have been investigated intensively for the removal of Ag from wastewater. Few studies have been carried out on the effect of pH and co-exist metal ions such as Cu on Ag. In this study, ZnO and TiO2 were applied as photocatalysts to target on the selective recovery Ag and Cu from its mixtures under UV light. The effects of pH, catalyst, ethylene-diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the Ag and Cu photo-reduction were studied. Modeling of Ag+ and Cu2+ with and without EDTA distribution together with metal precipitations was plotted against pH to understand the chemistry involved in photocatalysis. Experimental results showed that Ag+ photo-reduction was nearly completed by ZnO and TiO2 to Ag metal, while Cu2+ photo-reduction to Cu2O only occurs by ZnO in the presence of EDTA. This work illustrates that semiconductor photocatalysts are suitable for selective recovery of Ag and Cu from wastewaters.

PHOTONICS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY Laser synthesis and modification of composite nanoparticles in liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarasenko, N. V.; Butsen, A. V.

2010-12-01

The works devoted to the formation and modification of nanoparticles using laser ablation of solid targets in liquids are reviewed. Several approaches to implement laser ablation in liquids, aimed at synthesising nanoparticles of complex composition, are considered: direct laser ablation of a target of corresponding composition, laser ablation of a combined target composed of two different metals, laser irradiation of a mixture of two or more colloidal solutions, and laser ablation in reactive liquids. The properties of two-component bimetallic systems (Ag — Cu, Ag — Au), semiconductor nanocrystals (ZnO, CdSe), chalcopyrite nanoparticles, and doped oxide nanoparticles (ZnO:Ag, Gd2O2:Tb3+) formed as a result of single- and double-pulse laser ablation in different liquids (water, ethanol, acetone, solutions of polysaccharides) are discussed.

Benchmarking the GW Approximation and Bethe–Salpeter Equation for Groups IB and IIB Atoms and Monoxides

DOE PAGES

Hung, Linda; Bruneval, Fabien; Baishya, Kopinjol; ...

2017-04-07

Energies from the GW approximation and the Bethe–Salpeter equation (BSE) are benchmarked against the excitation energies of transition-metal (Cu, Zn, Ag, and Cd) single atoms and monoxide anions. We demonstrate that best estimates of GW quasiparticle energies at the complete basis set limit should be obtained via extrapolation or closure relations, while numerically converged GW-BSE eigenvalues can be obtained on a finite basis set. Calculations using real-space wave functions and pseudopotentials are shown to give best-estimate GW energies that agree (up to the extrapolation error) with calculations using all-electron Gaussian basis sets. We benchmark the effects of a vertex approximationmore » (ΓLDA) and the mean-field starting point in GW and the BSE, performing computations using a real-space, transition-space basis and scalar-relativistic pseudopotentials. Here, while no variant of GW improves on perturbative G0W0 at predicting ionization energies, G0W0Γ LDA-BSE computations give excellent agreement with experimental absorption spectra as long as off-diagonal self-energy terms are included. We also present G0W0 quasiparticle energies for the CuO –, ZnO –, AgO –, and CdO – anions, in comparison to available anion photoelectron spectra.« less

Benchmarking the GW Approximation and Bethe–Salpeter Equation for Groups IB and IIB Atoms and Monoxides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hung, Linda; Bruneval, Fabien; Baishya, Kopinjol

Energies from the GW approximation and the Bethe–Salpeter equation (BSE) are benchmarked against the excitation energies of transition-metal (Cu, Zn, Ag, and Cd) single atoms and monoxide anions. We demonstrate that best estimates of GW quasiparticle energies at the complete basis set limit should be obtained via extrapolation or closure relations, while numerically converged GW-BSE eigenvalues can be obtained on a finite basis set. Calculations using real-space wave functions and pseudopotentials are shown to give best-estimate GW energies that agree (up to the extrapolation error) with calculations using all-electron Gaussian basis sets. We benchmark the effects of a vertex approximationmore » (ΓLDA) and the mean-field starting point in GW and the BSE, performing computations using a real-space, transition-space basis and scalar-relativistic pseudopotentials. Here, while no variant of GW improves on perturbative G0W0 at predicting ionization energies, G0W0Γ LDA-BSE computations give excellent agreement with experimental absorption spectra as long as off-diagonal self-energy terms are included. We also present G0W0 quasiparticle energies for the CuO –, ZnO –, AgO –, and CdO – anions, in comparison to available anion photoelectron spectra.« less

Core-shell structure disclosed in self-assembled Cu-Ag nanoalloy particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tchaplyguine, M.; Andersson, T.; Zhang, Ch.; Björneholm, O.

2013-03-01

Core-shell segregation of copper and silver in self-assembled, free nanoparticles is established by means of photoelectron spectroscopy in a wide range of relative Cu-Ag concentrations. These conclusions are based on the analysis of the photon-energy-dependent changes of the Cu 3d and Ag 4d photoelectron spectra. The nanoparticles are formed from mixed Cu-Ag atomic vapor created by magnetron sputtering of a bimetallic sample in a gas-aggregation cluster source. Even at similar Cu and Ag fractions in the primary vapor the surface of the nanoparticles is dominated by silver. Only at low Ag concentration copper appears on the surface of nanoparticles. For the latter case, a threefold decrease in the Ag 4d spin-orbit splitting has been detected. The specific component distribution and electronic structure changes are discussed in connection with the earlier results on Cu-Ag macroscopic and surface alloys.

Effect of dopants on the TL response of the new LiF:Mg,Cu,Ag material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yahyaabadi, A.; Torkzadeh, F.; Rezaei-Ochbelagh, D.; Hosseini Pooya, M.

2018-07-01

The new TL LiF:Mg,Cu,Ag material was prepared and investigated in this study. The TL intensity of LiF:Mg,Cu,Ag is strongly dependent on the concentration of dopants and the preparation procedure. Any small change in these factors can cause alterations in TL response. In this study, the influence of Cu and Ag concentrations on the response of the LiF:Mg,Cu,Ag sample was investigated and showed that the height of the low, main and high temperature peaks changes with Ag concentration. Their intensities increased with increasing Ag concentration to a maximum value and decreased with higher Ag concentration. It was also found that Cu concentration less than 0.05 mol% influences the maximum peak height and TL intensity. The optimum Cu and Ag concentrations were found to be 0.05 and 0.1 mol% at 1005 °C QT, respectively. The role of dopants in LiF:Mg,Cu,Ag material was also investigated. The results showed that presence of three dopants is important for having material with sensitivity higher than LiF:Mg,Ti. The Mg dopant plays a crucial role in the formation of the trapping center and the position of the main dosimetric peak.

Green Synthesis of Ag, Cu and AgCu Nanoparticles using Palm Leaves Extract as the Reducing and Stabilizing Agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamad, N. A. N.; Arham, N. A.; Junaidah, J.; Hadi, A.; Idris, S. A.

2018-05-01

This paper reports the green synthesis of Ag, Cu and AgCu nanoparticles at room temperature using palm leaves extract. The purpose of this study is to eliminate the use of chemicals in the synthesis of nanoparticles and evaluate the efficiency of the palm leaves extract as the reducing and stabilizing agents. The palm leaves extract was added to metal salt solution and continuously stirred until reaction completed. The produced nanoparticles were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The analyses revealed that palm leaves extract has efficiently reduced the silver ions, but not the copper ions. During synthesis of AgCu nanoparticles, simultaneous reduction was occurred leading to formation of alloyed nanoparticles. Biomolecules from the palm leaves extract adsorbed on the surface of nanoparticles forming a capping layer thus stabilized the nanoparticles. The produced Ag and Cu nanoparticles were predominantly spherical with the particle size of Cu nanoparticles were larger than Ag nanoparticles. The AgCu nanoparticles closely resembled the Ag nanoparticles due to high Ag content with average size of 13nm. Therefore, palm leaves extract has a potential to be a good reducing and stabilizing agents.

Highly Selective and Efficient Removal of Heavy Metals by Layered Double Hydroxide Intercalated with the MoS4(2-) Ion.

PubMed

Ma, Lijiao; Wang, Qing; Islam, Saiful M; Liu, Yingchun; Ma, Shulan; Kanatzidis, Mercouri G

2016-03-02

The MoS4(2-) ion was intercalated into magnesium-aluminum layered double hydroxide (MgAl-NO3-LDH) to produce a single phase material of Mg0.66Al0.34(OH)2(MoS4)0.17·nH2O (MgAl-MoS4-LDH), which demonstrates highly selective binding and extremely efficient removal of heavy metal ions such as Cu(2+), Pb(2+), Ag(+), and Hg(2+). The MoS4-LDH displays a selectivity order of Co(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+) < Cd(2+) ≪ Pb(2+) < Cu(2+) < Hg(2+) < Ag(+) for the metal ions. The enormous capacities for Hg(2+) (∼500 mg/g) and Ag(+) (450 mg/g) and very high distribution coefficients (Kd) of ∼10(7) mL/g place the MoS4-LDH at the top of materials known for such removal. Sorption isotherm for Ag(+) agrees with the Langmuir model suggesting a monolayer adsorption. It can rapidly lower the concentrations of Cu(2+), Pb(2+), Hg(2+), and Ag(+) from ppm levels to trace levels of ≤1 ppb. For the highly toxic Hg(2+) (at ∼30 ppm concentration), the adsorption is exceptionally rapid and highly selective, showing a 97.3% removal within 5 min, 99.7% removal within 30 min, and ∼100% removal within 1 h. The sorption kinetics for Cu(2+), Ag(+), Pb(2+), and Hg(2+) follows a pseudo-second-order model suggesting a chemisorption with the adsorption mechanism via M-S bonding. X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples after adsorption demonstrate the coordination and intercalation structures depending on the metal ions and their concentration. After the capture of heavy metals, the crystallites of the MoS4-LDH material retain the original hexagonal prismatic shape and are stable at pH ≈ 2-10. The MoS4-LDH material is thus promising for the remediation of heavy metal polluted water.

Abundances of Ag and Cu in mantle peridotites and the implications for the behavior of chalcophile elements in the mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zaicong; Becker, Harry

2015-07-01

Silver abundances in mantle peridotites and the behavior of Ag during high temperature mantle processes have received little attention and, as a consequence, the abundance of Ag in the bulk silicate Earth (BSE) has been poorly constrained. In order to better understand the processes that fractionate Ag and other chalcophile elements in the mantle, abundances of Ag and Cu in mantle peridotites from different geological settings (n = 68) have been obtained by isotope dilution ICP-MS methods. In peridotite tectonites and in a few suites of peridotite xenoliths which display evidence for variable extents of melt depletion and refertilization by silicate melts, Ag and Cu abundances show positive correlations with moderately incompatible elements such as S, Se, Te and Au. The mean Cu/Ag in fertile peridotites (3500 ± 1200, 1s, n = 38) is indistinguishable from the mean Cu/Ag of mid ocean ridge basalts (MORB, 3600 ± 400, 1s, n = 338) and MORB sulfide droplets. The constant mean Cu/Ag ratios indicate similar behavior of Ag and Cu during partial melting of the mantle, refertilization and magmatic fractionation, and thus should be representative of the Earth's upper mantle. The systematic fractionation of Cu, Ag, Au, S, Se and Te in peridotites and basalts is consistent with sulfide melt-silicate melt partitioning with apparent partition coefficients of platinum group elements (PGE) > Au ⩾ Te > Cu ≈ Ag > Se ⩾ S. Because of the effects of secondary processes, the abundances of chalcophile elements, notably S, Se, but also Cu and the PGE in many peridotite xenoliths are variable and lower than in peridotite massifs. Refertilization of peridotite may change abundances of chalcophile and lithophile elements in peridotite massifs, however, this seems to mostly occur in a systematic way. Correlations with lithophile and chalcophile elements and the overlapping mean Cu/Ag ratios of peridotites and ocean ridge basalts are used to constrain abundances of Ag and Cu in the BSE at 9 ± 3 (1s) ng/g and 30 ± 6 μg/g (1s), respectively. The very different extent of depletion of Ag and Cu in the BSE cannot be explained by low pressure-temperature core formation if currently available metal-silicate partitioning data are applied.

Physicochemical and antibacterial characterization of ionocity Ag/Cu powder nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nowak, A., E-mail: ana.maria.nowak@gmail.com; Silesian Center for Education and Interdisciplinary Research, 75 Pułku Piechoty 1A, 41-500 Chorzów; Szade, J.

Metal ion in bimetallic nanoparticles has shown vast potential in a variety of applications. In this paper we show the results of physical and chemical investigations of powder Ag/Cu nanoparticles obtained by chemical synthesis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiment indicated the presence of bimetallic nanoparticles in the agglomerated form. The average size of silver and copper nanoparticles is 17.1(4) nm (Ag) and 28.9(2) nm (Cu) basing on the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and Raman spectroscopies revealed the existence of metallic silver and copper as well as Cu{sub 2}O and CuO being a part of the nanoparticles. Moreover,more » UV–Vis spectroscopy showed surface alloy of Ag and Cu while Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) showed heterogeneously distributed Ag structures placed on spherical Cu nanoparticles. The tests of antibacterial activity show promising killing/inhibiting growth behaviour for Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. - Highlights: • Ag/Cu nanoparticles were obtained in the powder form. • The average size of nanoparticles is 17.1(4) nm (Ag) and 28.9(2) nm (Cu). • Ag/Cu powder nanoparticle shows promising antibacterial properties.« less

Thermo-Mechanical Response of Monolithic and NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Fiber Reinforced Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu Solder

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-09-01

novel adaptive Tin-Silver-Copper ( SnAgCu ) solder reinforced with NiTi shape-memory alloy (particles or fiber) developed. An experimental...to meet the demands of miniaturization and enhanced performance in severe environments, a novel adaptive Tin-Silver-Copper ( SnAgCu ) solder...4. Crack region of SnAgCu solder after TMF, from reference [1] ............. 5 Figure 5. Phase diagram of 95.5Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu solder, from reference

Ultrasound-assisted microwave preparation of Ag-doped CdS nanoparticles.

PubMed

Ma, Jun; Tai, Guo'an; Guo, Wanlin

2010-03-01

Ag-doped CdS nanoparticles were synthesized by an ultrasound-assisted microwave synthesis method. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal a structural evolution from cubic to hexagonal with increasing molar ratios of Ag(+)/Cd(2+) from 0% to 5%. It shows that the Ag-doped hexagonal CdS nanoparticles are polycrystal. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the CdS nanoparticles doping with 5% Ag(+) shows that the doped Ag in CdS is metallic. Simultaneously, the characteristic Raman peaks of the CdS nanoparticles enhance with increasing Ag(+) concentrations. The photocatalytic activity of different Ag-doped samples show a reasonable change due to different ratios of Ag which doped into CdS. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selenium and 17 other largely essential and toxic metals in muscle and organ meats of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)--consequences to human health.

PubMed

Jarzyńska, Grażyna; Falandysz, Jerzy

2011-07-01

Concentrations, composition and interrelationships of selenium and metallic elements (Ag, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Ga, Mn, Mo, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sr, Tl, V and Zn) have been examined in muscle and organ meats of Red Deer hunted in Poland. The analytical data obtained were also discussed in terms of Se supplementation and deficit to Deer as well as the benefits and risk to humans associated with the essential and toxic metals intake resulting from consumption of Deer meat and products. These elements were determined in 20 adult animals of both sexes that were obtained in the 2000/2001 hunting season from Warmia and Mazury in the north-eastern part of Poland. The whole kidneys contained Ba, Cd, Cr, Ga, Pb, Se, Sr and Tl at statistically greater concentrations than liver or muscle tissue from the same animal. Liver showed statistically greater concentrations of Ag, Co, Cu, Mn and Mo than kidneys or muscle tissue, and muscle tissue was richer in Zn, when compared to the kidneys or liver. Cs and Rb were similarly distributed between all three tissue types, while V was less abundant in liver than kidneys or muscle tissue. There were significant associations between some metallic elements retained in Red Deer demonstrated by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the data set. In organ and muscle meats (kidneys, liver and muscle tissue considered together) the first principal component (PC1) was strongly influenced by positively correlated variables describing Se, Ba and Cd and negatively correlated variables describing Ag, Co, Cs, Mn, Pb, Tl and V; PC2, respectively, by Cu, Mn and Mo (+) and Zn (-); PC3 by Ga (+) and PC4 by Sb (+). Selenium occurred in muscle tissue, liver and kidneys at median concentrations of 0.13, 0.19 and 4.0mg/g dry weight, respectively. These values can be defined as marginally deficient (< 0.6mg Se/kg liver dw) or satisfactory (≤ 3.0mg Se/kg kidneys dw) for the amount required to maintain the Deer's body condition and health, depending on the criterion for supplementation used. In terms of human nutritional needs, a relatively high selenium content of kidneys can be beneficial. The muscle meat, liver and kidneys of Red Deer can be considered as a very good source of essential Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Mn, Se and Zn in the human diet. Lead is generally considered as toxic, and the concentrations found in Red Deer (via the food chain intake) were well below the European Union tolerance limit. Pb from the lead bullets can always create food hygienic problem, if not well recognized during sanitary inspection, and this was noted for one muscle meat sample in this study (5% surveyed). There is no tolerance limit of Cd in game animal meats. The median values of Cd noted in fresh muscle tissue, liver and whole kidneys were 0.07, 0.18, and 3.3mg/kg wet weight, respectively. Cd exists as a chemical element present at trace levels in plants and mushrooms in Deer's food chain in background (uncontaminated) areas. When these are consumed by the Deer, the amount of Cd sequestered with metallothioneins and retained in the organ and muscle meat in this study is low enough to be considered safe for human consumption. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Sn-Ag-Cu on the Improvement of Electromigration Behavior in Sn-58Bi Solder Joint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fengjiang; Zhou, Lili; Zhang, Zhijie; Wang, Jiheng; Wang, Xiaojing; Wu, Mingfang

2017-10-01

Reliability issues caused by the formation of a Bi-rich layer at the anode interface usually occurs in the Sn-58Bi eutectic solder joint during electromigration (EM). To improve the EM performance of a Sn-58Bi solder joint, Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder was introduced into it to produce SnBi-SnAgCu structural or compositional composite joints, and their EM behaviors were investigated with the current density of 1.0 × 104 A/cm2 for different stressing times. The structure of the compositional composite solder joint was obtained by the occurrence of partial or full mixing between Sn-Bi and Sn-Ag-Cu solder with a suitable soldering temperature. In the structural composite joint, melted Sn-Bi was partially mixed with Sn-Ag-Cu solder to produce a Cu/Sn-Bi/Sn-Ag-Cu/Sn-Bi/Cu structure. In the compositional composite joint, full melting and mixing between these two solders occurred to produce a Cu/Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi/Cu structure, in which the solder matrix was a homogeneous structure including Sn, Bi phases, Cu6Sn5 and Ag3Sn IMCs. After current stressing, the EM performance of Sn-Bi solder was obviously improved with the structural or the compositional composite joint. In Sn-58Bi joints, a thick Bi-rich layer was easily produced at the anode interface, and obviously increased with stressing time. However, after current stressing on the structural composite joints, the existence of s Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu interlayer between the two Sn-58Bi solders effectively acted as a diffusion barrier and significantly slowed the formation of the Bi-rich layer at the anode side and the IMC thicknesses at the interfaces.

Accumulation of Ag and Cu in Amanita strobiliformis and characterization of its Cu and Ag uptake transporter genes AsCTR2 and AsCTR3.

PubMed

Beneš, Vojtěch; Hložková, Kateřina; Matěnová, Michaela; Borovička, Jan; Kotrba, Pavel

2016-04-01

Macrofungi can accumulate in their sporocarps remarkably high concentrations of Cu and Ag. We have previously demonstrated that the non-essential Ag is in the ectomycorrhizal, Ag-hyperaccumulating Amanita strobiliformis sequestered by 3.4-kDa metallothioneins (MTs) produced as AsMT1a, 1b and 1c isoforms. Here, we describe two populations of wild-grown A. strobiliformis sporocarps, which showed certain correlation between the concentrations of accumulated Ag (284 ± 64 and 67 ± 15 mg kg(-1)) and Cu (76 ± 13 and 30 ± 12 mg kg(-1)), suggesting that an overlap may exist in the cell biology of Ag and Cu in this species. Metal speciation analysis revealed that the intracellular Cu in the sporocarps of both populations was, like Ag, associated with the 3.4-kDa MTs. A search of A. strobiliformis transcriptome for sequences encoding proteins of the Cu transporter (CTR) family identified four AsCTR cDNAs, which were, like AsMT1s, confirmed in both populations. The predicted AsCTR proteins showed homology to vacuolar (AsCTR1 and AsCTR4) and plasma membrane (AsCTR2 and AsCTR3) CTRs. Heterologous expression of AsCTR2, AsCTR3 and their translational fusions with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in Cu uptake-deficient S. cerevisiae indicated that both AsCTRs are functional Cu and Ag uptake transporters: recombinant genes complemented growth defects and increased Cu and Ag uptake rates in yeasts and the GFP-tagged protein localized to the cell periphery. Site directed mutagenesis revealed the importance of the conserved-among-CTRs M-X3-M motif for the AsCTR2- and AsCTR3-mediated transport of both Cu and Ag. These results provide the first evidence that fungal CTRs can recognize Ag for transport.

Photoelectrochemical Properties and Photostabilities of High Surface Area CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-Doped CuBi 2O 4 Photocathodes

DOE PAGES

Kang, Donghyeon; Hill, James C.; Park, Yiseul; ...

2016-06-09

Here, electrochemical synthesis methods were developed to produce CuBi 2O 4, a promising p-type oxide for use in solar water splitting, as high surface area electrodes with uniform coverage. These methods involved electrodepositing nanoporous Cu/Bi films with a Cu:Bi ratio of 1:2 from dimethyl sulfoxide or ethylene glycol solutions, and thermally oxidizing them to CuBi 2O 4 at 450°C in air. Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes were also prepared by adding a trace amount of Ag+ in the plating medium and codepositing Ag with the Cu/Bi films. In the Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4, Ag+ ions substitutionally replaced Bi3+ ions andmore » increased the hole concentration in CuBi 2O 4. As a result, photocurrent enhancements for both O 2 reduction and water reduction were achieved. Furthermore, while undoped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes suffered from anodic photocorrosion during O 2 reduction due to poor hole transport, Ag-doped CuBiO 4 effectively suppressed anodic photocorrosion. The flat-band potentials of CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes prepared in this study were found to be more positive than 1.3 V vs RHE in a 0.1 M NaOH solution (pH 12.8), which make these photocathodes highly attractive for use in solar hydrogen production. The optimized CuBi 2O 4/Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 photocathode showed a photocurrent onset for water reduction at 1.1 V vs RHE, achieving a photovoltage higher than 1 V for water reduction. The thermodynamic feasibility of photoexcited electrons in the conduction band of CuBi 2O 4 to reduce water was also confirmed by detection of H 2 during photocurrent generation. This study provides new understanding for constructing improved CuBi 2O 4 photocathodes by systematically investigating photocorrosion as well as photoelectrochemical properties of high-quality CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 photoelectrodes for photoreduction of both O 2 and water.« less

Photoelectrochemical Properties and Photostabilities of High Surface Area CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-Doped CuBi 2O 4 Photocathodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kang, Donghyeon; Hill, James C.; Park, Yiseul

Here, electrochemical synthesis methods were developed to produce CuBi 2O 4, a promising p-type oxide for use in solar water splitting, as high surface area electrodes with uniform coverage. These methods involved electrodepositing nanoporous Cu/Bi films with a Cu:Bi ratio of 1:2 from dimethyl sulfoxide or ethylene glycol solutions, and thermally oxidizing them to CuBi 2O 4 at 450°C in air. Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes were also prepared by adding a trace amount of Ag+ in the plating medium and codepositing Ag with the Cu/Bi films. In the Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4, Ag+ ions substitutionally replaced Bi3+ ions andmore » increased the hole concentration in CuBi 2O 4. As a result, photocurrent enhancements for both O 2 reduction and water reduction were achieved. Furthermore, while undoped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes suffered from anodic photocorrosion during O 2 reduction due to poor hole transport, Ag-doped CuBiO 4 effectively suppressed anodic photocorrosion. The flat-band potentials of CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 electrodes prepared in this study were found to be more positive than 1.3 V vs RHE in a 0.1 M NaOH solution (pH 12.8), which make these photocathodes highly attractive for use in solar hydrogen production. The optimized CuBi 2O 4/Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 photocathode showed a photocurrent onset for water reduction at 1.1 V vs RHE, achieving a photovoltage higher than 1 V for water reduction. The thermodynamic feasibility of photoexcited electrons in the conduction band of CuBi 2O 4 to reduce water was also confirmed by detection of H 2 during photocurrent generation. This study provides new understanding for constructing improved CuBi 2O 4 photocathodes by systematically investigating photocorrosion as well as photoelectrochemical properties of high-quality CuBi 2O 4 and Ag-doped CuBi 2O 4 photoelectrodes for photoreduction of both O 2 and water.« less

Ion Conduction Path and Low-Temperature Form:. Argyrodite-Type Superionic Conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onoda, M.; Wada, H.; Sato, A.; Ishii, M.

2007-01-01

The structures of the orthorhombic room-temperature phase of Cu8GeS6 (phase II) and the monoclinic low-temperature phase of Ag7TaS6 (phase II) have been successfully refined based on X-ray diffraction data from 12-fold twinned (Cu8GeS6 II) and 24-fold twinned (Ag7TaS6 II) crystals. Respectively among 6 major and 6 minor twin domains of Cu8GeS6 II, or among 12 major and 12 minor twin domains of Ag7TaS6 II, the argyrodite-type frameworks, GeS6 or TaS6, can be superposed to each other in principle, and only Cu-Cu or Ag-Ag network directions differ. At higher temperature, the crystals were considered to be 2-fold twinned crystals of superionic-conductor phase I with a space group F 43m. On cooling, each domain transforms into 6 domains of orthorhombic Cu8GeS6 II or 12 domains of monoclinic Ag7TaS6 II. Superposed projections along 6 directions of the structure of Cu8GeS6 II and along 12 directions of the structure of Ag7TaS6 II seem to show approximate expressions for Cu-ion and Ag-ion conduction paths in superionic-conductor phases, Cu8GeS6 I and Ag7TaS6I.

MgO buffer layers on rolled nickel or copper as superconductor substrates

DOEpatents

Paranthaman, Mariappan; Goyal, Amit; Kroeger, Donald M.; List, III, Frederic A.

2001-01-01

Buffer layer architectures are epitaxially deposited on biaxially-textured rolled-Ni and/or Cu substrates for high current conductors, and more particularly buffer layer architectures such as MgO/Ag/Pt/Ni, MgO/Ag/Pd/Ni, MgO/Ag/Ni, MgO/Ag/Pd/Cu, MgO/Ag/Pt/Cu, and MgO/Ag/Cu. Techniques used to deposit these buffer layers include electron beam evaporation, thermal evaporation, rf magnetron sputtering, pulsed laser deposition, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), combustion CVD, and spray pyrolysis.

Method for making MgO buffer layers on rolled nickel or copper as superconductor substrates

DOEpatents

Paranthaman, Mariappan; Goyal, Amit; Kroeger, Donald M.; List, III, Frederic A.

2002-01-01

Buffer layer architectures are epitaxially deposited on biaxially-textured rolled-Ni and/or Cu substrates for high current conductors, and more particularly buffer layer architectures such as MgO/Ag/Pt/Ni, MgO/Ag/Pd/Ni, MgO/Ag/Ni, MgO/Ag/Pd/Cu, MgO/Ag/Pt/Cu, and MgO/Ag/Cu. Techniques used to deposit these buffer layers include electron beam evaporation, thermal evaporation, rf magnetron sputtering, pulsed laser deposition, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), combustion CVD, and spray pyrolysis.

Fabrication and surface enhanced Raman scattering effect of centimeter level AgCuAu composite nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Dapeng; Zhang, Song; Yang, Wei; Chen, Jian

2017-10-01

Centimeter level AgCuAu composite nanowires were prepared by a solid-state ionics method under a direct current electric field (DCEF) using fast ionic conductor RbAg4I5 films and vacuum thermal evaporation method. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the AuAgCu composite nanowires were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), respectively. Raman enhancement performance of the AgCuAu composite nanowires substrates was detected by Rhodamine 6G (R6G) aqueous solutions as probe molecules. Long-range order and short-range order AgCuAu composite nanowires with the length of 1 cm were prepared. The nanowires were bamboo-shaped with high surface roughness and the diameters of nanowires ranged from 60 to 100 nm. The molar ratio of Ag:Cu:Au in composite nanowires is 15:2:1. The intrinsic Raman peaks of 10-16 mol/L R6G at 612, 773, 1125, 1182, 1307, 1361, 1418, 1506, 1545, 1575, 1597, 1650 cm-1 are all present when AgCuAu composite nanowires were used as the SERS substrates.

Integrated approach to assess the environmental impact of mining activities: estimation of the spatial distribution of soil contamination (Panasqueira mining area, Central Portugal).

PubMed

Candeias, Carla; Ávila, Paula F; Ferreira da Silva, Eduardo; Teixeira, João Paulo

2015-03-01

Through the years, mining and beneficiation processes in Panasqueira Sn-W mine (Central Portugal) produced large amounts of As-rich mine wastes laid up in huge tailings and open-air impoundments (Barroca Grande and Rio tailings) that are the main source of pollution in the surrounding area once they are exposed to the weathering conditions leading to the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD) and consequently to the contamination of the surrounding environments, particularly soils. The active mine started the exploration during the nineteenth century. This study aims to look at the extension of the soil pollution due to mining activities and tailing erosion by combining data on the degree of soil contamination that allows a better understanding of the dynamics inherent to leaching, transport, and accumulation of some potential toxic elements in soil and their environmental relevance. Soil samples were collected in the surrounding soils of the mine, were digested in aqua regia, and were analyzed for 36 elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Selected results are that (a) an association of elements like Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Cu, W, and Zn strongly correlated and controlled by the local sulfide mineralization geochemical signature was revealed; (b) the global area discloses significant concentrations of As, Bi, Cd, and W linked to the exchangeable and acid-soluble bearing phases; and (c) wind promotes the mechanical dispersion of the rejected materials, from the milled waste rocks and the mineral processing plant, with subsequent deposition on soils and waters. Arsenic- and sulfide-related heavy metals (such as Cu and Cd) are associated to the fine materials that are transported in suspension by surface waters or associated to the acidic waters, draining these sites and contaminating the local soils. Part of this fraction, especially for As, Cd, and Cu, is temporally retained in solid phases by precipitation of soluble secondary minerals (through the precipitation of hydrated metal sulfates) in warm, dry periods, but such minerals are easily dissolved during rainy periods. Climate is an important instability factor, and the hot and dry summers and cold, rainy, and windy winters in this region are physical phenomena that enhance the good receptivity of these soils to retain some of the metals present in the primary and also the secondary mineralogy. Considering the obtained results from both the sequential chemical extraction and the environmental risk assessment according to the risk assessment code, Ag, Cd, Cu, and Zn are classified with very high risk while As is classified with medium risk.

Evaluation of the amalgamation reaction of experimental Ag-Sn-Cu alloys containing Pd using a mercury plating technique.

PubMed

Koike, Marie; Ferracane, Jack L; Fujii, Hiroyuki; Okabe, Toru

2003-09-01

A mercury plating technique was used to determine the phases forming on experimental Ag-Sn-Cu alloy powders (with and without Pd) exposed to electrolytically deposited mercury. Four series of alloy powders were made: a) 1.5% Pd with 10-14% Cu (CU series); b) 1.0% Pd with 10-14% Cu (1PD series); c) 1.5% Pd with different ratios of Ag3Sn (gamma) to Ag4Sn (beta) with 12% Cu (AGSN series); and d) 9-13% Cu with no Pd (NOPD series). Each powder was pressed on a freshly prepared amalgam specimen made from the same powder and metallographically polished until cross sections appeared; mercury was electroplated on the alloy particles. Alloy powders, amalgams and electroplated specimens were examined using XRD and SEM/EDS. XRD confirmed the presence of gamma2 in amalgams made from alloys with Cu < 13% or with Ag3Sn/Ag4Sn > 0.8. Specimens with moderately plated Hg showed gamma1 (Ag2Hg3) polyhedra and eta' Cu6Sn5, but not gamma2. This method effectively identifies alloys prone to forming gamma2.

Risk assessment of toxic heavy metals in the abandoned metal mine areas, Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J. S.; Chon, H. T.

2003-04-01

The purpose of this study is to assess the risk of adverse health effects on human exposure to toxic heavy metals influenced by past mining activities. Environmental geochemical survey was undertaken in the abandoned metal mine areas (Dongil Au-Ag-Cu-Zn mine, Okdong Cu-Pb-Zn mine, Myungbong Au-Ag mine). After appropriate sample preparation, tailings, soils, crop plants and groundwaters were analyzed for As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn by ICP-AES and ICP-MS. Health risk assessment of toxic heavy metals has been performed with chemical analytical data for environmental media. Arsenic and other heavy metals are highly elevated in the tailings from the Dongil mine (8,720 As mg/kg, 5.9 Cd mg/kg, 3,610 Cu mg/kg, 5,850 Pb mg/kg, 630 Zn mg/kg), but heavy metals except As from the Okdong mine (72 As mg/kg, 53.6 Cd mg/kg, 910 Cu mg/kg, 1,590 Pb mg/kg, 5,720 Zn mg/kg) and only As from the Myungbong mine (5,810 As mg/kg). These significant concentrations can impact on soils and waters around the tailing files. Also, elevated levels of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn are found in agricultural soils from these mine areas. Risk assessment modeling is subdivided into main four stages, i.e. hazard identification, exposure assessment, toxicity (dose-response) assessment and risk characterization. In order to assess exposure it is necessary to calculate the average daily dose (ADD) of contaminant via the three identified pathways (soil, groundwater and food (rice grain) pathways). In dose-response assessment for non-carcinogens, reference doses (RfD) are calculated and that for carcinogens, slope factors (SF) are obtained by US-EPA IRIS database. In risk characterization, the results of toxicity assessment and exposure assessment are integrated to arrive at quantitative estimates of cancer risks and hazard quotients. Toxic (non-cancer) risks are indicated in terms of a hazard quotient (H.Q.) and this risk exists for H.Q.>1. The H.Q. values for only As from the Dongil and Myungbong mine areas are 2.1 and 1.35, respectively. Therefore, toxic risk for As exists via exposure (ingestion) of contaminated soil, groundwater and rice grain in these mine areas, more than 1.0. The cancer risks for As in groundwater used by drinking water in the Dongil, the Okdong and the Myungbong mine areas are 9E-4, 1E-4 and 6E-4, respectively. These risk levels in the Dongil and the Myungbong mine exceed in the range of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 1,000,000 required the remedial actions.

Microstructures and Properties of 40Cu/Ag(Invar) Composites Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy and Subsequent Thermo-Mechanical Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xin; Huang, Yingqiu; Liu, Xiangyu; Yang, Lei; Shi, Changdong; Wu, Yucheng; Tang, Wenming

2018-03-01

Composites of 40Cu/Ag(Invar) were prepared via pressureless sintering and subsequent thermo-mechanical treatment from raw materials of electroless Ag-plated Invar alloy powder and electrolytic Cu powder. Microstructures and properties of the prepared composites were studied to evaluate the effect of the Ag layer on blocking Cu/Invar interfacial diffusion in the composites. The electroless-plated Ag layer was dense, uniform, continuous, and bonded tightly with the Invar alloy substrate. During sintering of the composites, the Ag layer effectively prevented Cu/Invar interfacial diffusion. During cold-rolling, the Ag layer was deformed uniformly with the Invar alloy particles. The composites exhibited bi-continuous network structure and considerably improved properties. After sintering at 775 °C and subsequent thermo-mechanical treatment, the 40Cu/Ag(Invar) composites showed satisfactory comprehensive properties: relative density of 99.0 pct, hardness of HV 253, thermal conductivity of 55.7 W/(m K), and coefficient of thermal expansion of 11.2 × 10-6/K.

Sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions by fluorescent Ag nanoclusters synthesized via a hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jing; Ren, Xiangling; Meng, Xianwei; Fang, Zheng; Tang, Fangqiong

2013-09-01

An easily prepared fluorescent Ag nanoclusters (Ag NCs) probe for the sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions was developed here. The Ag NCs were synthesized by using polymethacrylic acid sodium salt as a template via a convenient hydrothermal process. The as-prepared fluorescent Ag NCs were monodispersed, uniform and less than 2 nm in diameter, and can be quenched in the presence of mercury (Hg2+) or copper (Cu2+) ions. Excellent linear relationships existed between the quenching degree of the Ag NCs and the concentrations of Hg2+ or Cu2+ ions in the range of 10 nM to 20 μM or 10 nM to 30 μM, respectively. By using ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) as the masking agent of Cu2+, Hg2+ was exclusively detected in coexistence with Cu2+ with high sensitivity (LOD = 10 nM), which also provided a reusable detection method for Cu2+. Furthermore, the different quenching phenomena caused by the two metals ions such as changes in visible colour, shifts of UV absorbance peaks and changes in size of Ag NCs make it easy to distinguish between them. Therefore the easily synthesized fluorescent Ag NCs may have great potential as Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions sensors.An easily prepared fluorescent Ag nanoclusters (Ag NCs) probe for the sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions was developed here. The Ag NCs were synthesized by using polymethacrylic acid sodium salt as a template via a convenient hydrothermal process. The as-prepared fluorescent Ag NCs were monodispersed, uniform and less than 2 nm in diameter, and can be quenched in the presence of mercury (Hg2+) or copper (Cu2+) ions. Excellent linear relationships existed between the quenching degree of the Ag NCs and the concentrations of Hg2+ or Cu2+ ions in the range of 10 nM to 20 μM or 10 nM to 30 μM, respectively. By using ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) as the masking agent of Cu2+, Hg2+ was exclusively detected in coexistence with Cu2+ with high sensitivity (LOD = 10 nM), which also provided a reusable detection method for Cu2+. Furthermore, the different quenching phenomena caused by the two metals ions such as changes in visible colour, shifts of UV absorbance peaks and changes in size of Ag NCs make it easy to distinguish between them. Therefore the easily synthesized fluorescent Ag NCs may have great potential as Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions sensors. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr03329e

Platinum-group element, Gold, Silver and Base Metal distribution in compositionally zoned sulfide droplets from the Medvezky Creek Mine, Noril'sk, Russia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barnes, S.-J.; Cox, R.A.; Zientek, M.L.

2006-01-01

Concentrations of Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Re, Zn and Platinum-group elements (PGE) have been determined in sulfide minerals from zoned sulfide droplets of the Noril'sk 1 Medvezky Creek Mine. The aims of the study were; to establish whether these elements are located in the major sulfide minerals (pentlandite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and cubanite), to establish whether the elements show a preference for a particular sulfide mineral and to investigate the model, which suggests that the zonation in the droplets is caused by the crystal fractionation of monosulfide solid solution (mss). Nickel, Cu, Ag, Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Rh and Pd, were found to be largely located in the major sulfide minerals. In contrast, less than 25% of the Au, Cd, Pt and Zn in the rock was found to be present in these sulfides. Osmium, Ir, Ru, Rh and Re were found to be concentrated in pyrrhotite and pentlandite. Palladium and Co was found to be concentrated in pentlandite. Silver, Cd and Zn concentrations are highest in chalcopyrite and cubanite. Gold and platinum showed no preference for any of the major sulfide minerals. The enrichment of Os, Ir, Ru, Rh and Re in pyrrhotite and pentlandite (exsolution products of mss) and the low levels of these elements in the cubanite and chalcopyrite (exsolution products of intermediate solid solution, iss) support the mss crystal fractionation model, because Os, Ir, Ru, Rh and Re are compatible with mss. The enrichment of Ag, Cd and Zn in chalcopyrite and cubanite also supports the mss fractionation model these minerals are derived from the fractionated liquid and these elements are incompatible with mss and thus should be enriched in the fractionated liquid. Gold and Pt do not partition into either iss or mss and become sufficiently enriched in the final fractionated liquid to crystallize among the iss and mss grains as tellurides, bismithides and alloys. During pentlandite exsolution Pd appears to have diffused from the Cu-rich portion of the droplet into pentlandite. ?? Springer-Verlag 2006.

Chemical manipulation of phase stability and electronic behavior in Cu 4−x Ag x Se 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Olvera, A.; Bailey, T. P.; Uher, C.

Gradual stoichiometric chemical substitution of Cu by Ag in the p-type Cu 2 Se phase enables phase segregation and incremental switching of the electronic transport to n-type behavior for large Ag/Cu ratios.

Chemical manipulation of phase stability and electronic behavior in Cu 4−x Ag x Se 2

DOE PAGES

Olvera, A.; Bailey, T. P.; Uher, C.; ...

2018-01-01

Gradual stoichiometric chemical substitution of Cu by Ag in the p-type Cu 2 Se phase enables phase segregation and incremental switching of the electronic transport to n-type behavior for large Ag/Cu ratios.

Structure and photoelectrochemistry of silver-copper-indium-diselenide ((AgCu)InSe2) thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lin Rui; Li, Tong; Wang, Hao; Pang, Wei; Chen, Yi Chuan; Song, Xue Mei; Zhang, Yong Zhe; Yan, Hui

2018-02-01

In this work, silver (Ag) precursors with different thicknesses were sputtered on the surfaces of CuIn alloys, and (AgCu)InSe2 (ACIS) films were formed after selenization at 550 °C under nitrogen condition using a rapid thermal process furnace. The structure and electrical properties of the ACIS films were investigated. The result showed that the distribution of Ag+ ion was more uniform with increasing the thickness of Ag precursor, and the surface of the thin-film became more homogeneous and denser. When Ag/Cu ratio ≥0.249, the small grain particles disappeared. The band gap can be rationally controlled by adjusting Ag content. When (Ag + Cu)/In ratio ≥ 1.15, the surface of the ACIS thin-film mainly exhibited n-type semiconductor. Through the photoelectrochemistry measurement, it was observed that the incorporation of Ag+ ions could improve photocurrent by adjusting the band gap. With the Ag precursor thickness increased, the dark current decreased at the more negative potential.

Texturization of diamond-wire-sawn multicrystalline silicon wafer using Cu, Ag, or Ag/Cu as a metal catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shing-Dar; Chen, Ting-Wei

2018-06-01

In this work, Cu, Ag, or Ag/Cu was used as a metal catalyst to study the surface texturization of diamond-wire-sawn (DWS) multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) wafer by a metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) method. The DWS wafer was first etched by standard HF-HNO3 acidic etching, and it was labeled as AE-DWS wafer. The effects of ratios of Cu(NO3)2:HF, AgNO3:HF, and AgNO3:Cu(NO3)2 on the morphology of AE-DWS wafer were investigated. After the process of MACE, the wafer was treated with a NaF/H2O2 solution. In this process, H2O2 etched the nanostructure, and NaF removed the oxidation layer. The Si {1 1 1} plane was revealed by etching the wafer in a mixture of 0.03 M Cu(NO3)2 and 1 M HF at 55 °C for 2.5 min. These parallel Si {1 1 1} planes replaced some parallel saw marks on the surface of AE-DWS wafers without forming a positive pyramid or an inverted pyramid structure. The main topography of the wafer is comprised of silicon nanowires grown in <1 0 0> direction when Ag or Ag/Cu was used as a metal catalyst. When silicon is etched in a mixed solution of Cu(NO3)2, AgNO3, HF and H2O2 at 55 °C with a concentration ratio of [Cu2+]/[Ag+] of 50 or at 65 °C with a concentration ratio of [Cu2+]/[Ag+] of 33, a quasi-inverted pyramid structure can be obtained. The reflectivity of the AE-DWS wafers treated with MACE is lower than that of the multiwire-slurry-sawn (MWSS) mc-Si wafers treated with traditional HF + HNO3 etching.

Trophic transfer of trace metals from the polychaete worm Nereis diversicolor to the polychaete N. virens and the decapod crustacean Palaemonetes varians

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rainbow, P.S.; Poirier, L.; Smith, B.D.; Brix, K.V.; Luoma, S.N.

2006-01-01

Diet is an important exposure route for the uptake of trace metals by aquatic invertebrates, with trace metal trophic transfer depending on 2 stages - assimilation and subsequent accumulation by the predator. This study investigated the trophic transfer of trace metals from the sediment-dwelling polychaete worm Nereis diversicolor from metal-rich estuarine sediments in southwestern UK to 2 predators - another polychaete N. virens (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Fe) and the decapod crustacean Palaemonetes varians (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Fe, Ag, As, Mn). N. virens showed net accumulation of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd from the prey; accumulation increased with increasing prey concentration, but a coefficient of trophic transfer decreased with increasing prey concentration, probably because a higher proportion of accumulated metal in the prey is bound in less trophically available (insoluble) detoxified forms. The trace metal accumulation patterns of P. varians apparently restricted significant net accumulation of metals from the diet of N. diversicolor to just Cd. There was significant mortality of the decapods fed on the diets of metal-rich worms. Metal-rich invertebrates that have accumulated metals from the rich historical store in the sediments of particular SW England estuaries can potentially pass these metals along food chains, with accumulation and total food chain transfer depending on the metal assimilation efficiencies and accumulation patterns of the animal at each trophic level. This trophic transfer may be significant enough to have ecotoxicological effects. ?? Inter-Research 2006.

In Vitro and In Vivo Effectiveness of an Innovative Silver-Copper Nanoparticle Coating of Catheters To Prevent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection

PubMed Central

Ballo, Myriam K. S.; Pulgarin, César; Hopf, Nancy; Berthet, Aurélie; Kiwi, John; Moreillon, Philippe; Bizzini, Alain

2016-01-01

In this study, silver/copper (Ag/Cu)-coated catheters were investigated for their efficacy in preventing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in vitro and in vivo. Ag and Cu were sputtered (67/33% atomic ratio) on polyurethane catheters by direct-current magnetron sputtering. In vitro, Ag/Cu-coated and uncoated catheters were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or rat plasma and exposed to MRSA ATCC 43300 at 104 to 108 CFU/ml. In vivo, Ag/Cu-coated and uncoated catheters were placed in the jugular vein of rats. Directly after, MRSA (107 CFU/ml) was inoculated in the tail vein. Catheters were removed 48 h later and cultured. In vitro, Ag/Cu-coated catheters preincubated in PBS and exposed to 104 to 107 CFU/ml prevented the adherence of MRSA (0 to 12% colonization) compared to uncoated catheters (50 to 100% colonization; P < 0.005) and Ag/Cu-coated catheters retained their activity (0 to 20% colonization) when preincubated in rat plasma, whereas colonization of uncoated catheters increased (83 to 100%; P < 0.005). Ag/Cu-coating protection diminished with 108 CFU/ml in both PBS and plasma (50 to 100% colonization). In vivo, Ag/Cu-coated catheters reduced the incidence of catheter infection compared to uncoated catheters (57% versus 79%, respectively; P = 0.16) and bacteremia (31% versus 68%, respectively; P < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy of explanted catheters suggests that the suboptimal activity of Ag/Cu catheters in vivo was due to the formation of a dense fibrin sheath over their surface. Ag/Cu-coated catheters thus may be able to prevent MRSA infections. Their activity might be improved by limiting plasma protein adsorption on their surfaces. PMID:27353266

The synthesis of Ag/polypyrrole coaxial nanocables via ion adsorption method using different oxidants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Teng; Xie, Huxiao; Zhang, Jiangru; Zahoor, Amad; Li, Xiaoyu

2011-03-01

Ag/polypyrrole (PPy) coaxial nanocables (NCs) were synthesized by an ion adsorption method. In this method, the pre-made Ag nanowires (NWs) were dispersed in the aqueous solution of copper acetate (Cu(Ac)2), and the Cu2+ ions adsorbed onto the surface of Ag NWs can oxidize pyrrole monomers to polymerize into uniform PPy sheath outside Ag NWs after the Cu(Ac)2-treated Ag NWs were re-dispersed in the aqueous solution of pyrrole. The morphology of NCs was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The relationship between the thickness of polymer sheath and the concentration of Cu(Ac)2 was established. As Cu(Ac)2 which served as the oxidant can also be replaced by AgNO3 in this synthesis, the differences on the structure of polymer sheath caused by different oxidants were studied by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Comparing with the characterization results of Ag/PPy NCs synthesized using AgNO3 as the oxidant which indicates the random arrangement of PPy chains at the interface between polymer sheath and Ag NWs, PPy chain oxidized by Cu2+ tends to show a relatively ordered conformation at the interface with the pyrrole rings identically taking the plane vertical to the surface of Ag NWs. In addition, although the main part of the polymer sheath was composed of PPy whatever kind of oxidant was used, the sheath of the NCs oxidized by Cu2+ is typical for the existence of Cu(I)-pyrrole coordinate structures with strong Cu(I)-N bond signal shown in XPS characterization.

Trace elements in farmed fish (Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharyngodon idella and Oncorhynchus mykiss) from Beijing: implication from feed.

PubMed

Jiang, Haifeng; Qin, Dongli; Mou, Zhenbo; Zhao, Jiwei; Tang, Shizhan; Wu, Song; Gao, Lei

2016-06-01

Concentrations of 30 trace elements, Li, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Mo, Zn, Se, Sr, Co, Al, Ti, As, Cs, Sc, Te, Ba, Ga, Pb, Sn, Cd, Sb, Ag, Tm, TI, Be, Hg and U in major cultured freshwater fish species (common carp-Cyprinus carpio, grass carp-Ctenopharyngodon idella and rainbow trout-Oncorhynchus mykiss) with the corresponding feed from 23 fish farms in Beijing, China, were investigated. The results revealed that Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Sr, Se were the major accumulated essential elements and Al, Ti were the major accumulated non-essential elements, while Mo, Co, Ga, Sn, Cd, Sb, Ag, Tm, U, TI, Be, Te, Pb and Hg were hardly detectable. Contents of investigated trace elements were close to or much lower than those in fish from other areas in China. Correlation analysis suggested that the elemental concentrations in those fish species were relatively constant and did not vary much with the fish feed. In comparison with the limits for aquafeeds and fish established by Chinese legislation, Cd in 37.5% of rainbow trout feeds and As in 20% of rainbow trout samples exceeded the maximum limit, assuming that inorganic As accounts for 10% of total As. Further health risk assessment showed that fish consumption would not pose risks to consumers as far as non-essential element contaminants are concerned. However, the carcinogenic risk of As in rainbow trout for the inhabitants in Beijing exceeded the acceptable level of 10(-)(4), to which more attention should be paid.

Coinage metal coordination chemistry of stable primary, secondary and tertiary ferrocenylethyl-based phosphines.

PubMed

Azizpoor Fard, M; Rabiee Kenaree, A; Boyle, P D; Ragogna, P J; Gilroy, J B; Corrigan, J F

2016-02-21

Ferrocene-based phosphines constitute an important auxiliary ligand in inorganic chemistry. Utilizing the (ferrocenylethyl)phosphines (FcCH2CH2)3-nHnP (Fc = ferrocenyl; n = 2, 1; n = 1, 2; n = 0, 3) the synthesis of a series of coordination complexes [(FcCH2CH2)3-nHnPCuCl]4 (n = 2, 1-CuCl; n = 0, 3-CuCl), [(FcCH2CH2)2HPCuCl] (2-CuCl), {[(FcCH2CH2)H2P]2AgCl}2 (1-AgCl), [(FcCH2CH2)2HPAgCl] (2-AgCl), [(FcCH2CH2)3PAgCl]4 (3-AgCl), [(FcCH2CH2)3PM(OAc)]4 (M = Cu, 3-CuOAc M = Ag, 3-AgOAc), [(FcCH2CH2)3-nHnPAuCl] (n = 1, 2-AuCl; n = 0, 3-AuCl), via the reaction between the free phosphine and MX (M = Cu, Ag and Au; X = Cl, OAc), is described. The reaction between the respective phosphine with a suspension of metal-chloride or -acetate in a 1 : 1 ratio in THF at ambient temperature affords coordinated phosphine-coinage metal complexes. Varying structural motifs are observed in the solid state, as determined via single crystal X-ray analysis of 1-CuCl, 3-CuCl, 1-AgCl, 3-AgCl, 3-CuOAc, 3-AgOAc, 2-AuCl and 3-AuCl. Complexes 1-CuCl and 3-CuCl are tetrameric Cu(i) cubane-like structures with a Cu4Cl4 core, whereas silver complexes with primary and tertiary phosphine reveal two different structural types. The structure of 1-AgCl, unlike the rest, displays the coordination of two phosphines to each silver atom and shows a quadrangle defined by two Ag and two Cl atoms. In contrast, 3-AgCl is distorted from a cubane structure via elongation of one of the ClAg distances. 3-CuOAc and 3-AgOAc are isostructural with step-like cores, while complexes 2-AuCl and 3-AuCl reveal a linear geometry of a phosphine gold(i) chloride devoid of any aurophilic interactions. All of the complexes were characterized in solution by multinuclear (1)H, (13)C{(1)H} and (31)P NMR spectroscopic techniques; the redox chemistry of the series of complexes was examined using cyclic voltammetry. This class of complexes has been found to exhibit one reversible Fe(ii)/Fe(iii) oxidation couple, suggesting the absence of electronic communication between the ferrocenyl units on individual phosphine ligands as well as between different phosphines on the polymetallic cores.

Monitoring of trace metals and pharmaceuticals as anthropogenic and socio-economic indicators of urban and industrial impact on surface waters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vystavna, Yuliya

2014-05-01

The research focuses on the monitoring of trace metals and pharmaceuticals as potential anthropogenic indicators of industrial and urban influences on surface water in poorly gauged transboundary Ukraine/Russia region. This study includes analysis of tracers use for the indication of water pollution events, including controlled and emerging discharges, and discussion of the detection method of these chemicals. The following criteria were proposed for the evaluation of indicators: specificity (physical chemical properties), variability (spatial and temporal) and practicality (capacity of the sampling and analytical techniques). The combination of grab and passive water sampling (i.e. DGT and POCIS) procedure was applied for the determination of dissolved and labile trace metals (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) and pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine, diazepam, paracetamol, caffeine, diclofenac and ketoprofen). Samples were analysed using ICP - MS (trace metals) and LC-MS/MS ESI +/- (pharmaceuticals). Our results demonstrate the distinctive spatial and temporal patterns of trace elements distribution along an urban watercourse. Accordingly, two general groups of trace metals have been discriminated: 'stable' (Cd and Cr) and 'time-varying' (Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb). The relationship Cd >> Cu > Ag > Cr ≥ Zn was proposed as an anthropogenic signature of the industrial and urban activities pressuring the environment from point sources (municipal wastewaters) and the group Pb - Ni was discussed as a relevant fingerprint of the economic activity (industry and transport) mainly from non-point sources (run-off, atmospheric depositions, etc.). Pharmaceuticals with contrasting hydro-chemical properties of molecules (water solubility, bioaccumulation, persistence during wastewater treatment processes) were discriminated on conservative, labile and with combined properties in order to provide information on wastewater treatment plant efficiency, punctual events (e.g. accidents on sewage works, run-off) and uncontrolled discharges. Applying mass balance modeling, medicaments were described as relevant socio-economic indicators, which can give a picture of main social aspects of the region.

Investigation of Pd-Modified Ag-CuO Air Braze Filler Metals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Darsell, Jens T.; Hardy, John S.; Kim, Jin Yong

2006-01-10

Palladium was added as a ternary component to a series of silver - copper oxide alloys in an effort to increase the use temperature of these materials for potential ceramic air brazing applications. Large portions of the silver component of the Ag-CuO system were substituted by palladium forming the following alloys: (100-y)[(100-z)Pd - (z)Ag] - (y)CuOx where y = 0 - 34 mol% CuOx, z = 50 - 100 mol% silver, and x = 0, 0.5, and 1, denoting copper metal, Cu2O, or CuO. From differential scanning calorimetry, it was determined that the addition of palladium causes an increase inmore » the solidus and liquidus temperatures of the resulting Pd-Ag-CuO brazes. In general, the liquidus was found to increase by approximately 220°C for the (100-y)(25Pd - 75Ag) - (z)CuOx filler metal compositions relative to comparable Ag-CuOx alloys. Likewise, the solidus was found to increase for these alloys, respectively by 185°C and 60°C, respectively for CuOx contents of y = 0 - 1mol% and 4 - 10 mol%. For the (100-y)(50Pd - 50Ag) - (y)CuOx alloys, the solidus increased between 280 - 390°C over a copper oxide compositional range of x = 0 to 8 mol%. It was determined from sessile drop experiments that palladium causes an increase in the wetting angle for all of the samples tested. Alloy compositions of (100-y)(25Pd - 75Ag) - (y)CuOx displayed increased wetting angles of 5-20° relative to comparable binary compositions. (100-y)(50Pd - 50Ag) - (y)CuOx alloys exhibited an increase in contact angle of 10-60° and compositions containing less than 10 mol% CuOx were not able to wet the substrate. Scanning electron microscopy indicates that the microstructure of the braze consists of Ag-Pd solid solution with CuOx precipitates. In general, a reaction layer consisting of CuAlO2 forms adjacent to the alumina substrate. However, the formation of this layer is apparently hindered by the addition of large amounts of palladium, causing poor wetting behavior, as denoted by substantial porosity found along the braze/substrate interface. The reduction in wettability can be compensated by increasing the CuO content slightly.« less

Graphene oxide reinforced core-shell structured Ag@Cu2O with tunable hierarchical morphologies and their morphology-dependent electrocatalytic properties for bio-sensing applications.

PubMed

Gan, Tian; Wang, Zhikai; Shi, Zhaoxia; Zheng, Dongyun; Sun, Junyong; Liu, Yanming

2018-07-30

In this study, a facile solution approach was developed for the synthesis of a series of core-shell structured Ag@Cu 2 O nanocrystals of various shapes including triangles, spheres, and cubes with well-defined stable heterojunctions. The electrooxidation of dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA), guanine (G), and adenine (A) using these hybrids revealed morphology-dependent sensing properties, with activities and accumulation ability following the order, triangular Ag@Cu 2 O > spherical Ag@Cu 2 O > cubic Ag@Cu 2 O. Further, we constructed a novel graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet-reinforced triangular Ag@Cu 2 O ternary hetero-nanostructure. Such a hybrid with a three-dimensional interconnected hierarchical architecture is suitable for catalysis, since it not only leads to improved interfacial electron transfer, but also readily exposes the highly catalytic Ag@Cu 2 O to the reactants. Therefore, more enhanced electrochemical activities were observed for the oxidation of DA, UA, G, and A. This study provides an efficient way to synthesize morphology-controlled Ag@Cu 2 O heterogeneous catalysts for the fabrication of potential biosensors, and also opens up attractive avenues in the design of multifunctional ternary noble metal-semiconductor-carbon hybrids. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A direct evidence of floating-off mechanism of Ag surfactant in Cu/Co multilayers probed by secondary ion mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amir, S. M.; Gupta, Mukul; Gupta, Ajay

2012-06-01

In this work we have investigated the floating-off mechanism of Ag surfactant added during the growth of Cu/Co multilayers. It was found that Ag surfactant added at the bottom of the multilayer floats towards the surface making Co-on-Cu and Cu-on-Co interfaces smooth and symmetric which are otherwise rough and asymmetric. The addition of Ag surfactant in Cu/Co multilayer balances the difference of the surface free energies of Cu and Co as a result smooth interfaces are obtained.

Controlling intermetallic compound growth in SnAgCu/Ni-P solder joints by nanosized Cu6Sn5 addition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, Szu-Tsung; Lin, Yung-Chi; Duh, Jenq-Gong

2006-03-01

Nanosized Cu6Sn5 dispersoids were incorporated into Sn and Ag powders and milled together to form Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu composite solders by a mechanical alloying process. The aim of this study was to investigate the interfacial reaction between SnAgCu composite solder and electroless Ni-P/Cu UBM after heating for 15 min. at 240°C. The growth of the IMCs formed at the composite solder/EN interface was retarded as compared to the commercial Sn3Ag0.5Cu solder joints. With the aid of the elemental distribution by x-ray color mapping in electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), it was revealed that the SnAgCu composite solder exhibited a refined structure. It is proposed that the Cu6Sn5 additives were pinned on the grain boundary of Sn after heat treatment, which thus retarded the movement of Cu toward the solder/EN interface to form interfacial compounds. In addition, wetting is an essential prerequisite for soldering to ensure good bonding between solder and substrate. It was demonstrated that the contact angles of composite solder paste was <25°, and good wettability was thus assured.

Microstructures and fatigue life of SnAgCu solder joints bearing Nano-Al particles in QFP devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Liang; Fan, Xi-ying; Guo, Yong-huan; He, Cheng-wen

2014-05-01

Microstructures and fatigue life of SnAgCu and SnAgCu bearing nano-Al particles in QFP (Quad flat package) devices were investigated, respectively. Results show that the addition of nano-Al particles into SnAgCu solder can refine the microstructures of matrix microstructure. Moreover, the nano-Al particles present in the solder matrix, act as obstacles which can create a back stress, resisting the motion of dislocations. In QFP device, it is found that the addition of nano-Al particles can increase the fatigue life by 32% compared with the SnAgCu solder joints during thermal cycling loading.

Two-Phase Eutectic Growth in Al-Cu and Al-Cu-Ag

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senninger, Oriane; Peters, Matthew; Voorhees, Peter W.

2018-02-01

The microstructure developed by two-phase lamellar eutectics (α ) -(θ {-Al}2{Cu}) in Al-Cu and Al-Cu-Ag alloys is analyzed. A model of two-phase eutectic growth in multicomponent alloys is used to determine the scaling law of the eutectic microstructure using the alloy thermophysical properties. The application of the model to these alloys shows that the addition of Ag to Al-Cu alloys does not significantly change the length scale of the microstructure, which is in agreement with previous experimental studies. This is explained by the combined phenomena of the decrease in interface energies with the addition of Ag and the superheating of the (α ) phase interface induced by the Ag composition profile.

Effect of Ag Addition on the Electrochemical Performance of Cu10Al in Artificial Saliva

PubMed Central

Salgado-Salgado, R. J.; Sotelo-Mazon, O.; Rodriguez-Diaz, R. A.; Salinas-Solano, G.

2016-01-01

In this work we proposed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of four different alloys by electrochemical techniques, a binary alloy Cu10Al, and three ternary alloys Cu10Al-xAg (x = 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) to be used like biomaterials in dental application. Biomaterials proposed were tested in artificial saliva at 37°C for 48 h. In addition, pure metals Cu, Al, Ag, and Ti as reference materials were evaluated. In general the short time tests indicated that the Ag addition increases the corrosion resistance and reduces the extent of localized attack of the binary alloy. Moreover, tests for 48 hours showed that the Ag addition increases the stability of the passive layer, thereby reducing the corrosion rate of the binary alloy. SEM analysis showed that Cu10Al alloy was preferably corroded by grain boundaries, and the Ag addition modified the form of attack of the binary alloy. Cu-rich phases reacted with SCN− anions forming a film of CuSCN, and the Ag-rich phase is prone to react with SCN− anions forming AgSCN. Thus, binary and ternary alloys are susceptible to tarnish in the presence of thiocyanate ions. PMID:27660601

Reassessment of Atomic Mobilities in fcc Cu-Ag-Sn System Aiming at Establishment of an Atomic Mobility Database in Sn-Ag-Cu-In-Sb-Bi-Pb Solder Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Huixia; Zhang, Lijun; Cheng, Kaiming; Chen, Weimin; Du, Yong

2017-04-01

To establish an accurate atomic mobility database in solder alloys, a reassessment of atomic mobilities in the fcc (face centered cubic) Cu-Ag-Sn system was performed as reported in the present work. The work entailed initial preparation of three fcc Cu-Sn diffusion couples, which were used to determine the composition-dependent interdiffusivities at 873 K, 923 K, and 973 K, to validate the literature data and provide new experimental data at low temperatures. Then, atomic mobilities in three boundary binaries, fcc Cu-Sn, fcc Ag-Sn, and fcc Cu-Ag, were updated based on the data for various experimental diffusivities obtained from the literature and the present work, together with the available thermodynamic database for solder alloys. Finally, based on the large number of interdiffusivities recently measured from the present authors, atomic mobilities in the fcc Cu-Ag-Sn ternary system were carefully evaluated. A comprehensive comparison between various calculated/model-predicted diffusion properties and the experimental data was used to validate the reliability of the obtained atomic mobilities in ternary fcc Cu-Ag-Sn alloys.

Elemental Precursor Solution Processed (Cu1-xAgx)2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Photovoltaic Devices with over 10% Efficiency.

PubMed

Qi, Yafang; Tian, Qingwen; Meng, Yuena; Kou, Dongxing; Zhou, Zhengji; Zhou, Wenhui; Wu, Sixin

2017-06-28

The partial substitution of Cu + with Ag + into the host lattice of Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 thin films can reduce the open-circuit voltage deficit (V oc,deficit ) of Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 (CZTSSe) solar cells. In this paper, elemental Cu, Ag, Zn, Sn, S, and Se powders were dissolved in solvent mixture of 1,2-ethanedithiol (edtH 2 ) and 1,2-ethylenediamine (en) and used for the formation of (Cu 1-x Ag x ) 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 (CAZTSSe) thin films with different Ag/(Ag + Cu) ratios. The key feature of this approach is that the impurity atoms can be absolutely excluded. Further results indicate that the variations of grain size, band gap, and depletion width of the CAZTSSe layer are generally determined by Ag substitution content. Benefiting from the V oc enhancement (∼50 mV), the power conversion efficiency is successfully increased from 7.39% (x = 0) to 10.36% (x = 3%), which is the highest efficiency of Ag substituted devices so far.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhukov, A. A., E-mail: azhukov@issp.ac.ru; Chernysheva, M. V.; Eliseev, A. A.

We report the results on the measurements of the work function of single-walled carbon nanotubes encapsulated by Agl (AgI@SWCNT), AgCl (AgCl@SWCNT), and CuBr (CuBr@SWCNT) by the local Kelvin probe technique. We found the values of the work function of tubes encapsulated with AgI and AgCl (Φ(AgI@SWCNT) = 5.08 ± 0.02, Φ(AgCl@SWCNT) = 5.10 ± 0.02 eV) to exceed substantially that of pristine carbon nanotubes, and the value of the work function of carbon nanotubes encapsulated with CuBr is Φ(CuBr@SWCNT) = 4.89 ± 0.03 (eV). The measurements are carried out using different kinds of microscope probes including multi-walled carbon nanotube tips.

Validation of an analytical method based on the high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry for the fast-sequential determination of several hazardous/priority hazardous metals in soil

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The aim of this paper was the validation of a new analytical method based on the high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry for the fast-sequential determination of several hazardous/priority hazardous metals (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in soil after microwave assisted digestion in aqua regia. Determinations were performed on the ContrAA 300 (Analytik Jena) air-acetylene flame spectrometer equipped with xenon short-arc lamp as a continuum radiation source for all elements, double monochromator consisting of a prism pre-monocromator and an echelle grating monochromator, and charge coupled device as detector. For validation a method-performance study was conducted involving the establishment of the analytical performance of the new method (limits of detection and quantification, precision and accuracy). Moreover, the Bland and Altman statistical method was used in analyzing the agreement between the proposed assay and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry as standardized method for the multielemental determination in soil. Results The limits of detection in soil sample (3σ criterion) in the high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry method were (mg/kg): 0.18 (Ag), 0.14 (Cd), 0.36 (Co), 0.25 (Cr), 0.09 (Cu), 1.0 (Ni), 1.4 (Pb) and 0.18 (Zn), close to those in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry: 0.12 (Ag), 0.05 (Cd), 0.15 (Co), 1.4 (Cr), 0.15 (Cu), 2.5 (Ni), 2.5 (Pb) and 0.04 (Zn). Accuracy was checked by analyzing 4 certified reference materials and a good agreement for 95% confidence interval was found in both methods, with recoveries in the range of 94–106% in atomic absorption and 97–103% in optical emission. Repeatability found by analyzing real soil samples was in the range 1.6–5.2% in atomic absorption, similar with that of 1.9–6.1% in optical emission spectrometry. The Bland and Altman method showed no statistical significant difference between the two spectrometric methods for 95% confidence interval. Conclusions High-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry can be successfully used for the rapid, multielemental determination of hazardous/priority hazardous metals in soil with similar analytical performances to those in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. PMID:23452327

Validation of an analytical method based on the high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry for the fast-sequential determination of several hazardous/priority hazardous metals in soil.

PubMed

Frentiu, Tiberiu; Ponta, Michaela; Hategan, Raluca

2013-03-01

The aim of this paper was the validation of a new analytical method based on the high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry for the fast-sequential determination of several hazardous/priority hazardous metals (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in soil after microwave assisted digestion in aqua regia. Determinations were performed on the ContrAA 300 (Analytik Jena) air-acetylene flame spectrometer equipped with xenon short-arc lamp as a continuum radiation source for all elements, double monochromator consisting of a prism pre-monocromator and an echelle grating monochromator, and charge coupled device as detector. For validation a method-performance study was conducted involving the establishment of the analytical performance of the new method (limits of detection and quantification, precision and accuracy). Moreover, the Bland and Altman statistical method was used in analyzing the agreement between the proposed assay and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry as standardized method for the multielemental determination in soil. The limits of detection in soil sample (3σ criterion) in the high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry method were (mg/kg): 0.18 (Ag), 0.14 (Cd), 0.36 (Co), 0.25 (Cr), 0.09 (Cu), 1.0 (Ni), 1.4 (Pb) and 0.18 (Zn), close to those in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry: 0.12 (Ag), 0.05 (Cd), 0.15 (Co), 1.4 (Cr), 0.15 (Cu), 2.5 (Ni), 2.5 (Pb) and 0.04 (Zn). Accuracy was checked by analyzing 4 certified reference materials and a good agreement for 95% confidence interval was found in both methods, with recoveries in the range of 94-106% in atomic absorption and 97-103% in optical emission. Repeatability found by analyzing real soil samples was in the range 1.6-5.2% in atomic absorption, similar with that of 1.9-6.1% in optical emission spectrometry. The Bland and Altman method showed no statistical significant difference between the two spectrometric methods for 95% confidence interval. High-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry can be successfully used for the rapid, multielemental determination of hazardous/priority hazardous metals in soil with similar analytical performances to those in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

Declining metal levels at Foundry Cove (Hudson River, New York): response to localized dredging of contaminated sediments.

PubMed

Mackie, Joshua A; Natali, Susan M; Levinton, Jeffrey S; Sañudo-Wilhelmy, Sergio A

2007-09-01

This study examines the effectiveness of remediating a well-recognized case of heavy metal pollution at Foundry Cove (FC), Hudson River, New York. This tidal freshwater marsh was polluted with battery-factory wastes (1953-1979) and dredged in 1994-1995. Eight years after remediation, dissolved and particulate metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Ag) were found to be lower than levels in the lower Hudson near New York City. Levels of metals (Co, Ni, Cd) on suspended particles were comparatively high. Concentrations of surface sediment Cd throughout the marsh system remain high, but have decreased both in the dredged and undredged areas: Cd was 2.4-230mg/kg dw of sediment in 2005 vs. 109-1500mg/kg in the same area in 1983. The rate of tidal export of Cd from FC has decreased by >300-fold, suggesting that dredging successfully stemmed a major source of Cd to the Hudson River.

Reaction-diffusion-induced explosive crystallization in a metal-selenium nanometer film structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kogai, V. Ya.

2016-03-01

Experimental data for reaction-diffusion-induced explosive crystallization in a nanodimensional metal (Cu, Ag)/selenium structure are presented. It is found that after the metal layer has completely diffused into the amorphous Se film, the electrical potential rises from 0.14 to 1.21 V in the Cu(30 nm)/Se(140 nm) heterolayer and from 0.01 to 1.17 V in the Ag(30 nm)/Se(140 nm) heterolayer. The metals diffusing into the amorphous Se layer interact with Se, forming nuclei of a new phase (CuSe or Ag2Se). The intense growth of the CuSe and Ag2Se crystallization centers results in a considerable liberation of latent energy in the form of phase transformation heat and in explosive growth of CuSe and Ag2Se nanocrystalline particles. The mean size of CuSe and Ag2Se crystallites equals 25 and 50 nm, respectively.

Thermoelectric properties of CuS/Ag{sub 2}S nanocomposites synthesed by modified polyol method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tarachand,, E-mail: tarachand@csr.res.in; Sharma, Vikash; Ganesan, V.

This is the report on successful synthesis of Ag doped CuS nanostructures by modified polyol method. The resulting samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Particle size of pure CuS nanoparticles (NPs) was 17 nm, 38 nm and 97 nm as determined from Scherrer formula, AFM and DLS, respectively. Introduction of Ag led to formation of CuS/Ag{sub 2}S composites. A transition at 55 K in thermopower is ascribed to structural transformation from hexagonal to orthorhombic structure. Further, their thermoelectric properties exhibit remarkable change owing to Agmore » doping in CuS nanostructures. The power factor improves with increasing Ag content. They reveal that CuS/Ag{sub 2}S nanocomposites are some of the potential candidates for generation of thermoelectricity in future.« less

Cu6Sn5 Whiskers Precipitated in Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/Cu Interconnection in Concentrator Silicon Solar Cells Solder Layer

PubMed Central

Zhang, Liang; Liu, Zhi-quan; Yang, Fan; Zhong, Su-juan

2017-01-01

Cu6Sn5 whiskers precipitated in Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/Cu interconnection in concentrator silicon solar cells solder layer were found and investigated after reflow soldering and during aging. Ag3Sn fibers can be observed around Cu6Sn5 whiskers in the matrix microstructure, which can play an active effect on the reliability of interconnection. Different morphologies of Cu6Sn5 whiskers can be observed, and hexagonal rod structure is the main morphology of Cu6Sn5 whiskers. A hollow structure can be observed in hexagonal Cu6Sn5 whiskers, and a screw dislocation mechanism was used to represent the Cu6Sn5 growth. Based on mechanical property testing and finite element simulation, Cu6Sn5 whiskers were regarded as having a negative effect on the durability of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/Cu interconnection in concentrator silicon solar cells solder layer. PMID:28772686

Inhalable Andrographolide-β-cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes for Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia by Regulating Immune Responses.

PubMed

Zhang, Tongtong; Zhu, Lifei; Li, Miao; Hu, Yuzhen; Zhang, Erfeng; Jiang, Qingcheng; Han, Guang; Jin, Yiguang

2017-05-01

Bacterial pneumonia is a serious disease with high mortality if no appropriate and immediate therapy is available. Andrographolide (AG) is an anti-inflammatory agent extracted from a traditional Chinese herb andrographis paniculata. Oral AG tablets and pills are clinically applied for treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. However, the low solubility and bioavailability of AG lead to high doses and long-term therapy. Here we developed an andrographolide-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (AG-β-CD) for inhalation therapy of Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia. AG-β-CD was identified with X-ray diffraction and FT-IR. Surprisingly, both AG-β-CD and AG showed little in vitro anti-S. aureus activity. However, pulmonary delivery of AG, AG-β-CD, or penicillin had significant anti-S. aureus pneumonia effects. Leukocytes, neutrophils, white blood cells, total proteins, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB p65 expression, and bacterial colonies in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids were detected. Pulmonary delivery of AG and AG-β-CD led to bacterial inhibition and inflammation alleviation by regulating immune responses, while penicillin only killed bacteria without significant immune regulation. Moreover, the antipneumonia activity of AG-β-CD was much higher than that of AG, probably resulting from locally accelerated AG dissolution due to β-CD inclusion. The aerodynamic diameter of AG-β-CD powders was 2.03 μm, suitable for pulmonary delivery. Inhalable AG-β-CD is a promising antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medicine for the treatment of S. aureus pneumonia by regulating immune responses, and the effect is enhanced by β-CD inclusion. AG and its formulations might be potent weapons against the resistant bacterial pneumonia due to their specific mechanism in the future.

Corrosion resistance evaluation of Pd-free Ag-Au-Pt-Cu dental alloys.

PubMed

Fujita, Takeshi; Shiraishi, Takanobu; Takuma, Yasuko; Hisatsune, Kunihiro

2011-01-01

The corrosion resistance of nine experimental Pd-free Ag-Au-Pt-Cu dental alloys in a 0.9% NaCl solution was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). CV measurements revealed that the breakdown potential (E(bd)) and zero current potential (E(zc)) increased with increasing Au/(Au+Ag) atomic ratio. Thus, the Au/(Au+Ag) atomic ratio, but not the Cu content, influenced the corrosion resistance of Ag-Au-Pt-Cu alloys. After the forward scan of CV, both optical and scanning electron microscope images showed that in all the experimental alloys, the matrix phase was corroded but not the second phase. From corrosion resistance viewpoint, the Ag-Au-Pt-Cu alloys seemed to be suitable for clinical application.

Helminth antigens selectively differentiate unsensitized CD45RA+ CD4+ human T cells in vitro.

PubMed

Steel, C; Nutman, T B

1998-01-01

Human filarial helminth infections are characterized by type 2 immune responses to parasite Ag that can persist for the life of the individual; one possible cause for this may be prenatal exposure to the blood-borne microfilarial (Mf) stage of the parasite. To examine the relationship between early exposure to filarial Ag and subsequent immune responsiveness, CD45RA+ CD4+ cells frp, normal unsensitized donors were stimulated in vitro with soluble microfilarial Ag (MfAg) from the filarial parasite Brugia malayi in the presence of APCs. MfAg alone induced proliferation and IFN-gamma and IL-5 production in unsensitized CD45RA+ CD4+ cells, demonstrating the ability of filarial Ags to prime naive T cells in the absence of exogenous cytokines and dendritic cells. Adding exogenous cytokine(s) (particularly IL-12 and IL-4) during priming was able to alter the MfAg-specific responses of CD45RA+ CD4+ cells as well as subsequent responses to Ag. Interestingly, priming solely with MfAg led to enhanced IL-5 production following Ag restimulation, suggesting that MfAg preferentially primes for type 2 responses. These data demonstrate that filarial Ags by themselves can specifically prime CD45RA+ CD4+ cells in vitro and do so in such a way as to deviate the immune response.

Structural and magnetic phase transitions in CeCu 6-xT x (T = Ag,Pd)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poudel, Lekhanath N.; De la cruz, Clarina; Payzant, E. Andrew

The structural and the magnetic properties of CeCu 6-xAg x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.85) and CeCu 6-xPd x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) have been studied using neutron diffraction, resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS), x-ray diffraction measurements, and first principles calculations. The structural and magnetic phase diagrams of CeCu 6-xAg x and CeCu 6-xPd x as a function of Ag/Pd composition are reported. The end member, CeCu 6, undergoes a structural phase transition from an orthorhombic ( Pnma) to a monoclinic (P2 1/c) phase at 240 K. In CeCu 6-xAg x, the structural phase transition temperature (T s) decreases linearlymore » with Ag concentration and extrapolates to zero at x S ≈ 0.1. The structural transition in CeCu 6-xPd x remains unperturbed with Pd substitution within the range of our study. The lattice constant b slightly decreases with Ag/Pd doping, whereas a and c increase with an overall increase in the unit cell volume. Both systems, CeCu 6-xAg x and CeCu 6-xPd x, exhibit a magnetic quantum critical point (QCP), at x ≈ 0.2 and x ≈ 0.05, respectively. Near the QCP, long range antiferromagnetic ordering takes place at an incommensurate wave vector (δ 1 0 δ 2), where δ 1 ~ 0.62, δ 2 ~ 0.25, x = 0.125 for CeCu 6-xPd x and δ 1 ~ 0.64, δ 2 ~ 0.3, x = 0.3 for CeCu 6-xAg x. As a result, the magnetic structure consists of an amplitude modulation of the Ce moments which are aligned along the c axis of the orthorhombic unit cell.« less

Structural and magnetic phase transitions in CeCu 6-xT x (T = Ag,Pd)

DOE PAGES

Poudel, Lekhanath N.; De la cruz, Clarina; Payzant, E. Andrew; ...

2015-12-15

The structural and the magnetic properties of CeCu 6-xAg x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.85) and CeCu 6-xPd x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) have been studied using neutron diffraction, resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS), x-ray diffraction measurements, and first principles calculations. The structural and magnetic phase diagrams of CeCu 6-xAg x and CeCu 6-xPd x as a function of Ag/Pd composition are reported. The end member, CeCu 6, undergoes a structural phase transition from an orthorhombic ( Pnma) to a monoclinic (P2 1/c) phase at 240 K. In CeCu 6-xAg x, the structural phase transition temperature (T s) decreases linearlymore » with Ag concentration and extrapolates to zero at x S ≈ 0.1. The structural transition in CeCu 6-xPd x remains unperturbed with Pd substitution within the range of our study. The lattice constant b slightly decreases with Ag/Pd doping, whereas a and c increase with an overall increase in the unit cell volume. Both systems, CeCu 6-xAg x and CeCu 6-xPd x, exhibit a magnetic quantum critical point (QCP), at x ≈ 0.2 and x ≈ 0.05, respectively. Near the QCP, long range antiferromagnetic ordering takes place at an incommensurate wave vector (δ 1 0 δ 2), where δ 1 ~ 0.62, δ 2 ~ 0.25, x = 0.125 for CeCu 6-xPd x and δ 1 ~ 0.64, δ 2 ~ 0.3, x = 0.3 for CeCu 6-xAg x. As a result, the magnetic structure consists of an amplitude modulation of the Ce moments which are aligned along the c axis of the orthorhombic unit cell.« less

Evaluation of Die-Attach Bonding Using High-Frequency Ultrasonic Energy for High-Temperature Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jong-Bum; Aw, Jie-Li; Rhee, Min-Woo

2014-09-01

Room-temperature die-attach bonding using ultrasonic energy was evaluated on Cu/In and Cu/Sn-3Ag metal stacks. The In and Sn-3Ag layers have much lower melting temperatures than the base material (Cu) and can be melted through the heat generated during ultrasonic bonding, forming intermetallic compounds (IMCs). Samples were bonded using different ultrasonic powers, bonding times, and forces and subsequently aged at 300°C for 500 h. After aging, die shear testing was performed and the fracture surfaces were inspected by scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that the shear strength of Cu/In joints reached an upper plateau after 100 h of thermal aging and remained stable with aging time, whereas that of the Cu/Sn-3Ag joints decreased with increasing aging time. η-Cu7In4 and (Cu,Au)11In9 IMCs were observed at the Cu/In joint, while Cu3Sn and (Ag,Cu)3Sn IMCs were found at the Cu/Sn-3Ag joint after reliability testing. As Cu-based IMCs have high melting temperatures, they are highly suitable for use in high-temperature electronics, but can be formed at room temperature using an ultrasonic approach.

Distribution of Ag in Cu-sulfides in Kupferschiefer deposit, SW Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozub, Gabriela A.

2014-05-01

The Cu-Ag Kupferschiefer deposit located at the Fore-Sudetic Monocline (SW Poland) is a world class deposit of stratabound type. The Cu-Ag mineralization in the deposit occurs in the Permian sedimentary rocks (Rotliegend and Zechstein) in three lithological types of ore: the dolomite, the black shale and the sandstone. Silver, next to copper, is the most important element in the Kupferschiefer deposit (Salamon 1979; Piestrzyński 2007; Pieczonka 2011). Although occurrence of the Ag-minerals such as native silver, silver amalgams, stromeyerite, jalpaite and mckinstryite, silver is mainly present in the deposit due to isomorphic substitutions in Cu-minerals such as chalcocite, bornite, tennantite, covellite and chalcopyrite. The aim of the study was to define distribution of silver in Cu-minerals and correlate occurrence of Ag-enriched Cu-sulfides with native silver and silver amalgams. Identification of minerals and textural observation were performed using field emission scanning electron microscope. Analyzes of chemical composition of Cu-sulfides were performed utilizing electron microprobe. Silver concentration in Cu sulfides ranges from 0.1 to 10.4 wt.% in chalcocite, 0.2-15.8 wt.% in bornite, 0.1-2.9 wt.% in tennantite, 0.05-0.3 wt.% in chalcopyrite and ca. 0.4 wt.% in covellite. In general, distribution of silver in Cu-minerals is irregular, as indicated by high variations of Ag concentration in each mineral. Content of Ag in Cu-sulphides, in samples where native silver and silver amalgams are not found, is lower than in samples, where native silver and silver amalgams are noted. The chemical analyzes of Ag-bearing Cu-minerals indicate decrease of Cu content in minerals with high Ag concentration. In such case, decrease of Fe content is also noted in bornite. Lack of micro-inclusions of the native silver or silver amalgams in the Cu-minerals indicates that presence of Ag is mainly related to the isomorphic substitutions. This is in agreement with previous reports on high Ag content reaching 49 wt.% Ag in bornite and 1.8 wt.% Ag in chalcocite occurring due to Ag substitution in Cu-minerals without modification of their crystallographic structure (Salamon 1979; Banaś et al 2007; Kucha 2007; Piestrzyński 2007, Pieczonka 2011). Acknowledgements. This work was supported by the National Science Centre research grant (No 2011/03/N/ST10/04619). References: Kucha H and Mayer W (2007) Geochemistry. [In:] Piestrzyński A (Ed) Monografia KGHM Polska Miedź SA., pp 197-207 (In Polish) Pieczonka J (2011) Factors controlling distribution of ore minerals within copper deposit, Fore-Sudetic Monocline, SW Poland. 195 pp (In Polish) Piestrzyński A (2007) Ore minerals. [In:] Piestrzyński A (Ed) Monografia KGHM Polska Miedź SA., pp 167-197 (in Polish) Salamon W (1979) Occurrence of the Ag and Mo in the Zechstein sediments of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. Prace Mineralogiczne, PAN 62, pp 1-52 (In Polish)

Reduction of Ag{sup I}, Au{sup III}, Cu{sup II}, and Hg{sup II} by Fe{sup II}/Fe{sup III} hydroxysulfate green rust.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O'Loughlin, E. J.; Kelly, S. D.; Kemner, K. M.

Green rusts are mixed Fe{sup II}/Fe{sup III} hydroxides that are found in many suboxic environments where they are believed to play a central role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron. X-ray absorption fine structure analysis of hydroxysulfate green rust suspensions spiked with aqueous solutions of AgCH{sub 3}COO, AuCl{sub n}(OH){sub 4-n}, CuCl{sub 2}, or HgCl{sub 2} showed that Ag{sup I}, Au{sup III}, Cu{sup II}, and Hg{sup II} were readily reduced to Ag{sup 0}, Au{sup 0}, Cu{sup 0}, and Hg{sup 0}. Imaging of the resulting solids from the Ag{sup I}-, Au{sup III}-, and Cu{sup II}-amended green rust suspensions by transmission electron microscopymore » indicated the formation of submicron-sized particles of Ag{sup 0}, Au{sup 0}, and Cu{sup 0}. The facile reduction of Ag{sup I}, Au{sup III}, Cu{sup II}, and Hg{sup II} to Ag{sup 0}, Au{sup 0}, Cu{sup 0}, and Hg{sup 0}, respectively, by green rust suggests that the presence of green rusts in suboxic soils and sediments can have a significant impact on the biogeochemistry of silver, gold, copper, and mercury, particularly with respect to their mobility.« less

Synthesis of some transition metal complexes with new heterocyclic thiazolyl azo dye and their uses as sensitizers in photo reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AL-Adilee, Khalid J.; Abass, Ahmed K.; Taher, Ali M.

2016-03-01

A new heterocyclic thiazolylazo dye ligand, 2- [bar2-(4, 5- dimethyl thiazolyl) azo ] -4-Ethoxy Phenol (DMeTAEP), (LH) was synthesized by the diazotization of 4.5-dimethyl thiazolylazonium chloride and coupling with 4- Ethoxy phenol in alkaline alcoholic solution under suitable optimized experimental conditions to yield a new azo dye ligand. The structure of ligand and its complexes was prepared from Co(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), Ag (I) and Au(III) ions. They confirmed by XRD, SEM, (TG-DTG) thermal analysis, 1H-NMR,UV-visb, mass and FT-IR spectroscopic methods, elemental analysis, atomic absorption, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductance. The mole ratio [M: L], it was also studied which was 1:1 for Ag (I) and Au (III) complexes and 1:2 The rest of the metal complexes. The isolated solid complexes are found to have the general formula [M (L)2 ] Cln.mH2O, where n = 1, m = 0 when M = Co (III) and n = 0, m = 1 when M = Ni (II), and Hg(II) while n = 0 and m = 0 when M = Cu (II), Zn (II), Cd (II) and ]ML (H2O)] of Ag(I) - complex but Au(III)-complex structural formula was [Au(L)Cl] Cl conductivity measurements for prepared complexes showed 1:1 electrolyte for Co(III(and Au(III) complexes and non - electrolyte the rest of complexes. The spectral and analytical data revealed that this ligand behaves as a tridentate chelating agent and coordination number of all metal ions were found to be six except for Ag (I) and Au (III) which was four. The activities of complexes were examined as sensitizers in the photocatalytic reaction of p-nitro aniline (PNA) which is used as a model of water pollutants.

Pulse laser ablation of Au, Ag, and Cu metal targets in liquid for nanoparticle production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herbani, Y.; Irmaniar; Nasution, R. S.; Mujtahid, F.; Masse, S.

2018-03-01

We have fabricated metal and oxide nanoparticles using pulse laser ablation of Au, Ag, and Cu metal targets immersed in water. While laser ablation of Au and Ag targets in water produced metal nanoparticles which were stable for a month even without any dispersant, we found CuO nanoparticles for Cu target due to rapid oxidation of Cu in water resulted in its poor stability. Au, Ag, and CuO nanoparticles production were barely identified by naked eyes for their distinctive colour of red, yellow, and dark green colloidal suspensions, respectively. It was also verified using UV-Vis spectrometer that Au, Ag, and CuO colloidal nanoparticles have their respective surface plasmon resonance at 520, 400, and 620 nm. TEM observation showed that particle sizes for all the fabricated nanoparticles were in the range of 20 – 40 nm with crystalline structures.

Two mechanisms of oral malodor inhibition by zinc ions.

PubMed

Suzuki, Nao; Nakano, Yoshio; Watanabe, Takeshi; Yoneda, Masahiro; Hirofuji, Takao; Hanioka, Takashi

2018-01-18

The aim of this study was to reveal the mechanisms by which zinc ions inhibit oral malodor. The direct binding of zinc ions to gaseous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was assessed in comparison with other metal ions. Nine metal chlorides and six metal acetates were examined. To understand the strength of H2S volatilization inhibition, the minimum concentration needed to inhibit H2S volatilization was determined using serial dilution methods. Subsequently, the inhibitory activities of zinc ions on the growth of six oral bacterial strains related to volatile sulfur compound (VSC) production and three strains not related to VSC production were evaluated. Aqueous solutions of ZnCl2, CdCl2, CuCl2, (CH3COO)2Zn, (CH3COO)2Cd, (CH3COO)2Cu, and CH3COOAg inhibited H2S volatilization almost entirely. The strengths of H2S volatilization inhibition were in the order Ag+ > Cd2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+. The effect of zinc ions on the growth of oral bacteria was strain-dependent. Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25586 was the most sensitive, as it was suppressed by medium containing 0.001% zinc ions. Zinc ions have an inhibitory effect on oral malodor involving the two mechanisms of direct binding with gaseous H2S and suppressing the growth of VSC-producing oral bacteria.

Two mechanisms of oral malodor inhibition by zinc ions

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Nao; Nakano, Yoshio; Watanabe, Takeshi; Yoneda, Masahiro; Hirofuji, Takao; Hanioka, Takashi

2018-01-01

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to reveal the mechanisms by which zinc ions inhibit oral malodor. Material and Methods The direct binding of zinc ions to gaseous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was assessed in comparison with other metal ions. Nine metal chlorides and six metal acetates were examined. To understand the strength of H2S volatilization inhibition, the minimum concentration needed to inhibit H2S volatilization was determined using serial dilution methods. Subsequently, the inhibitory activities of zinc ions on the growth of six oral bacterial strains related to volatile sulfur compound (VSC) production and three strains not related to VSC production were evaluated. Results Aqueous solutions of ZnCl2, CdCl2, CuCl2, (CH3COO)2Zn, (CH3COO)2Cd, (CH3COO)2Cu, and CH3COOAg inhibited H2S volatilization almost entirely. The strengths of H2S volatilization inhibition were in the order Ag+ > Cd2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+. The effect of zinc ions on the growth of oral bacteria was strain-dependent. Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25586 was the most sensitive, as it was suppressed by medium containing 0.001% zinc ions. Conclusions Zinc ions have an inhibitory effect on oral malodor involving the two mechanisms of direct binding with gaseous H2S and suppressing the growth of VSC-producing oral bacteria. PMID:29364345

Internally consistent database for sulfides and sulfosalts in the system Ag 2S-Cu 2S-ZnS-Sb 2S 3-As 2S 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sack, Richard O.

2000-11-01

An updated thermodynamic database for Ag 2S-Cu 2S-ZnS-Sb 2S 3-As 2S 3 sulfides and sulfosalts applicable to temperatures above 119°C is developed to calculate phase relations for polybasite-pearceite- and fahlore-bearing assemblages. It is based on pre-existing and new constraints on activity-composition, Ag-Cu and As-Sb partitioning, and other relations, and on experiments (200-300°C, evacuated silica tubes) conducted to define the stability of the polybasite-pearceite [(Ag 1- x,Cu x) 16(Sb 1- y,As y) 2S 11] + ZnS sphalerite assemblage with respect to assemblages containing (Ag,Cu) 2S sulfides coexisting with (Cu, Ag) 10Zn 2(Sb,As) 4S 13 fahlore sulfosalts. It was found that the thermodynamics of mixing of bcc- and hcp-(Ag,Cu) 2S solutions, which are fast-ion conductors, may be described by using site multiplicities of metals α Ag,Cu > 2 and temperature-dependent regular solution parameters. We obtained estimates for the Gibbs energies of formation for Ag 16Sb 2S 11 and Cu 16Sb 2S 11 polybasite endmembers from the simple sulfides (Ag 2S, Cu 2S, and Sb 2S 3) of -30.79 and -4.07 kJ/gfw at 200°C, and -32.04 and -0.59 kJ/gfw at 400°C, respectively, that are about one half kJ/gfw more positive and about 6 kJ/gfw more negative than those estimated by Harlov and Sack (1995b). The corresponding estimates for formation energies of Ag 10Zn 2Sb 4S 13 and Cu 10Zn 2Sb 4S 13 fahlores (-20.29 and -105.29 kJ/gfw at 200°C and -23.72 and -105.76 kJ/gfw at 400°C) are comparable to, and roughly 110 kJ/gfw more positive than, the corresponding estimates of Ebel and Sack (1994). We also determined that the Gibbs energies of the As-Sb exchange reactions: 1/4Ag 10Zn2Sb4S13+1/2Ag 16As2S11=1/2Ag 16Sb2S11+1/4Ag 10Zn2As4S13Sb-fahlorepearceitepolybasiteAs-fahlore and Ag3SbS3+1/2Ag 16As2S11=1/2Ag 16Sb2S11+Ag3AsS3pyrargyritepearceitepolybasiteproustite are, respectively, 8.75 and 0.40 kJ/gfw in the range 150-350°C, and these predictions are consistent with As-Sb partitioning relations observed in nature and produced in laboratory studies. Finally, we obtain estimates for the Gibbs energies of formation of Cu 10Fe 2Sb 4S 13 and Ag 10Fe 2Sb 4S 13 fahlores (-63.92 and +11.46 kJ/gfw at 200°C and -75.73 and -3.31 kJ/gfw at 400°C).

Zinc Resistance Mechanisms of P1B-type ATPases in Sinorhizobium meliloti CCNWSX0020

PubMed Central

Lu, Mingmei; Li, Zhefei; Liang, Jianqiang; Wei, Yibing; Rensing, Christopher; Wei, Gehong

2016-01-01

The Sinorhizobium meliloti (S. meliloti) strain CCNWSX0020 displayed tolerance to high levels exposures of multiple metals and growth promotion of legume plants grown in metal-contaminated soil. However, the mechanism of metal-resistant strain remains unknown. We used five P1B-ATPases deletions by designating as ∆copA1b, ∆fixI1, ∆copA3, ∆zntA and ∆nia, respectively to investigate the role of P1B-ATPases in heavy metal resistance of S. meliloti. The ∆copA1b and ∆zntA mutants were sensitive to zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in different degree, whereas the other mutants had no significant influence on the metal resistance. Moreover, the expression of zntA was induced by Zn, Cd and Pb whereas copA1b was induced by copper (Cu) and silver (Ag). This two deletions could led to the increased intracellular concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd, but not of Cu. Complementation of ∆copA1b and ∆zntA mutants showed a restoration of tolerance to Zn, Cd and Pb to a certain extent. Taken together, the results suggest an important role of copA1b and zntA in Zn homeostasis and Cd and Pb detoxification in S. meliloti CCNWSX0020. PMID:27378600

Functionalized paper--A readily accessible adsorbent for removal of dissolved heavy metal salts and nanoparticles from water.

PubMed

Setyono, Daisy; Valiyaveettil, Suresh

2016-01-25

Paper, a readily available renewable resource, comprises of interwoven cellulosic fibers, which can be functionalized to develop interesting low-cost adsorbent material for water purification. In this study, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-functionalized paper was used for the removal of hazardous pollutants such as Au and Ag nanoparticles, Cr(VI) anions, Ni(2+), Cd(2+), and Cu(2+) cations from spiked water samples. Compared to untreated paper, the PEI-coated paper showed significant improvement in adsorption capacities toward the pollutants investigated in this study. Kinetics, isotherm models, pH, and desorption studies were carried out to study the adsorption mechanism of pollutants on the adsorbent surface. Adsorption of pollutants was better described by pseudo-second order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model. Maximum adsorption of anionic pollutants was achieved at pH 5 while that of cations was at pH>6. Overall, the PEI-functionalized paper showed interesting Langmuir adsorption capacities for heavy metal ions such as Cr(VI) (68 mg/g), Ni(2+) (208 mg/g), Cd(2+) (370 mg/g), and Cu(2+) (435 mg/g) ions at neutral pH. In addition, the modified paper was also used to remove Ag-citrate (79 mg/g), Ag-PVP (46 mg/g), Au-citrate (30 mg/g), Au-PVP (17 mg/g) nanoparticles from water. Desorption of NPs from the adsorbent was done by washing with 2 M HCl or thiourea solution, while heavy metal ions were desorbed using 1 M NaOH or HNO3 solution. The modified paper retained its extraction efficiencies upon desorption of pollutants. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid direct conversion of Cu2-xSe to CuAgSe nanoplatelets via ion exchange reactions at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moroz, N. A.; Olvera, A.; Willis, G. M.; Poudeu, P. F. P.

2015-05-01

The use of template nanostructures for the creation of photovoltaic and thermoelectric semiconductors is becoming a quickly expanding synthesis strategy. In this work we report a simple two-step process enabling the formation of ternary CuAgSe nanoplatelets with a great degree of control over the composition and shape. Starting with hexagonal nanoplatelets of cubic Cu2-xSe, ternary CuAgSe nanoplatelets were generated through a rapid ion exchange reaction at 300 K using AgNO3 solution. The Cu2-xSe nanoplatelet template and the final CuAgSe nanoplatelets were analyzed by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that both the low temperature pseudotetragonal and the high temperature cubic forms of CuAgSe phase were created while maintaining the morphology of the Cu2-xSe nanoplatelet template. Thermal and electronic transport measurements of hot-pressed pellets of the synthesized CuAgSe nanoplatelets showed a drastic reduction in the thermal conductivity and a sharp transition from n-type (S = -45 μV K-1) to p-type (S = +200 μV K-1) semiconducting behavior upon heating above the structural transition from the low temperature orthorhombic to the high temperature super-ionic cubic phase. This simple reaction process utilizing a template nanostructure matrix represents an energy efficient, cost-efficient, and versatile strategy to create interesting materials with lower defect density and superior thermoelectric performance.The use of template nanostructures for the creation of photovoltaic and thermoelectric semiconductors is becoming a quickly expanding synthesis strategy. In this work we report a simple two-step process enabling the formation of ternary CuAgSe nanoplatelets with a great degree of control over the composition and shape. Starting with hexagonal nanoplatelets of cubic Cu2-xSe, ternary CuAgSe nanoplatelets were generated through a rapid ion exchange reaction at 300 K using AgNO3 solution. The Cu2-xSe nanoplatelet template and the final CuAgSe nanoplatelets were analyzed by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that both the low temperature pseudotetragonal and the high temperature cubic forms of CuAgSe phase were created while maintaining the morphology of the Cu2-xSe nanoplatelet template. Thermal and electronic transport measurements of hot-pressed pellets of the synthesized CuAgSe nanoplatelets showed a drastic reduction in the thermal conductivity and a sharp transition from n-type (S = -45 μV K-1) to p-type (S = +200 μV K-1) semiconducting behavior upon heating above the structural transition from the low temperature orthorhombic to the high temperature super-ionic cubic phase. This simple reaction process utilizing a template nanostructure matrix represents an energy efficient, cost-efficient, and versatile strategy to create interesting materials with lower defect density and superior thermoelectric performance. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01451d

Rapid direct conversion of Cu(2-x)Se to CuAgSe nanoplatelets via ion exchange reactions at room temperature.

PubMed

Moroz, N A; Olvera, A; Willis, G M; Poudeu, P F P

2015-06-07

The use of template nanostructures for the creation of photovoltaic and thermoelectric semiconductors is becoming a quickly expanding synthesis strategy. In this work we report a simple two-step process enabling the formation of ternary CuAgSe nanoplatelets with a great degree of control over the composition and shape. Starting with hexagonal nanoplatelets of cubic Cu2-xSe, ternary CuAgSe nanoplatelets were generated through a rapid ion exchange reaction at 300 K using AgNO3 solution. The Cu2-xSe nanoplatelet template and the final CuAgSe nanoplatelets were analyzed by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that both the low temperature pseudotetragonal and the high temperature cubic forms of CuAgSe phase were created while maintaining the morphology of the Cu2-xSe nanoplatelet template. Thermal and electronic transport measurements of hot-pressed pellets of the synthesized CuAgSe nanoplatelets showed a drastic reduction in the thermal conductivity and a sharp transition from n-type (S = -45 μV K(-1)) to p-type (S = +200 μV K(-1)) semiconducting behavior upon heating above the structural transition from the low temperature orthorhombic to the high temperature super-ionic cubic phase. This simple reaction process utilizing a template nanostructure matrix represents an energy efficient, cost-efficient, and versatile strategy to create interesting materials with lower defect density and superior thermoelectric performance.

The Effect of (Ag, Ni, Zn)-Addition on the Thermoelectric Properties of Copper Aluminate

PubMed Central

Yanagiya, Shun-ichi; Van Nong, Ngo; Xu, Jianxiao; Pryds, Nini

2010-01-01

Polycrystalline bulk copper aluminate Cu1-x-yAgxByAlO2 with B = Ni or Zn were prepared by spark plasma sintering and subsequent thermal treatment. The influence of partial substitution of Ag, Ni and Zn for Cu-sites in CuAlO2 on the high temperature thermoelectric properties has been studied. The addition of Ag and Zn was found to enhance the formation of CuAlO2 phase and to increase the electrical conductivity. The addition of Ag or Ag and Ni on the other hand decreases the electrical conductivity. The highest power factor of 1.26 × 10-4 W/mK2 was obtained for the addition of Ag and Zn at 1,060 K, indicating a significant improvement compared with the non-doped CuAlO2 sample.

Comparison of the early stages of condensation of Cu and Ag on Mo/100/ with Cu and Ag on W/100/

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soria, F.; Poppa, H.

1980-01-01

The adsorption and condensation of Cu and Ag, up to several monolayers in thickness, onto Mo(100) has been observed at pressures below 2 times 10 to the -10th torr in a study that used combined LEED, Auger, TDS (Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy), and work function measurements in a single experimental setup. The results show that Cu behaves similarly on Mo(100) and W(100) substrates, while some differences are found for Ag adsorption.

Anthropogenic metal enrichment of snow and soil in north-eastern European Russia.

PubMed

Walker, T R; Young, S D; Crittenden, P D; Zhang, H

2003-01-01

Trace metal composition of winter snowpack, snow-melt filter residues and top-soil samples were determined along three transects through industrial towns in the Usa basin, North-East Russia: Inta, Usinsk and Vorkuta. Snow was analysed for Ag, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn using ICP-MS (Ca and K by F-AAS for Vorkuta only), pH and acidity/alkalinity. Filter residues were analysed for: Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn using F-AAS and GF-AAS; top-soil samples were analysed for Ba, Cu, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn using F-AAS. Results indicate elevated concentrations of elements associated with alkaline combustion ash around the coal mining towns of Vorkuta and Inta. There is little evidence of deposition around the gas and oil town of Usinsk. Atmospheric deposition in the vicinity of Vorkuta, and to a lesser extent Inta, added significantly to the soil contaminant loading as a result of ash fallout. Acid deposition was associated with pristine areas whereas alkaline combustion ash near to emission sources more than compensated for the acidity caused by SO2.

Method for forming silver-copper mixed kesterite semiconductor film

DOEpatents

Gershon, Talia S.; Gunawan, Oki; Lee, Yun S.; Mankad, Ravin

2018-01-23

After forming a layer of a Cu-deficient kesterite compound having the formula Cu.sub.2-xZn.sub.1+xSn(S.sub.ySe.sub.1-y).sub.4, wherein 0

Photoelectron spectroscopic and computational study of (M-CO2)- anions, M = Cu, Ag, Au

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xinxing; Lim, Eunhak; Kim, Seong K.; Bowen, Kit H.

2015-11-01

In a combined photoelectron spectroscopic and computational study of (M-CO2)-, M = Au, Ag, Cu, anionic complexes, we show that (Au-CO2)- forms both the chemisorbed and physisorbed isomers, AuCO 2- and Au-(CO2), respectively; that (Ag-CO2)- forms only the physisorbed isomer, Ag-(CO2); and that (Cu-CO2)- forms only the chemisorbed isomer, CuCO 2- . The two chemisorbed complexes, AuCO 2- and CuCO 2- , are covalently bound, formate-like anions, in which their CO2 moieties are significantly reduced. These two species are examples of electron-induced CO2 activation. The two physisorbed complexes, Au-(CO2) and Ag-(CO2), are electrostatically and thus weakly bound.

Volatilization, transport and sublimation of metallic and non-metallic elements in high temperature gases at Merapi Volcano, Indonesia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Symonds, R.B.; Rose, William I.; Reed, M.H.; Lichte, F.E.; Finnegan, David L.

1987-01-01

Condensates, silica tube sublimates and incrustations were sampled from 500-800??C fumaroles and lava samples were collected at Merapi Volcano, Indonesia in Jan.-Feb., 1984. With respect to the magma, Merapi gases are enriched by factors greater than 105 in Se, Re, Bi and Cd; 104-105 in Au, Br, In, Pb and W; 103-104 in Mo, Cl, Cs, S, Sn and Ag; 102-103 in As, Zn, F and Rb; and 1-102 in Cu, K, Na, Sb, Ni, Ga, V, Fe, Mn and Li. The fumaroles are transporting more than 106 grams/day ( g d) of S, Cl and F; 104-106 g/d of Al, Br, Zn, Fe, K and Mg; 103-104 g d of Pb, As, Mo, Mn, V, W and Sr; and less than 103 g d of Ni, Cu, Cr, Ga, Sb, Bi, Cd, Li, Co and U. With decreasing temperature (800-500??C) there were five sublimate zones found in silica tubes: 1) cristobalite and magnetite (first deposition of Si, Fe and Al); 2) K-Ca sulfate, acmite, halite, sylvite and pyrite (maximum deposition of Cl, Na, K, Si, S, Fe, Mo, Br, Al, Rb, Cs, Mn, W, P, Ca, Re, Ag, Au and Co); 3) aphthitalite (K-Na sulfate), sphalerite, galena and Cs-K. sulfate (maximum deposition of Zn, Bi, Cd, Se and In; higher deposition of Pb and Sn); 4) Pb-K chloride and Na-K-Fe sulfate (maximum deposition of Pb, Sn and Cu); and 5) Zn, Cu and K-Pb sulfates (maximum deposition of Pb, Sn, Ti, As and Sb). The incrustations surrounding the fumaroles are also chemically zoned. Bi, Cd, Pb, W, Mo, Zn, Cu, K, Na, V, Fe and Mn are concentrated most in or very close to the vent as expected with cooling, atmospheric contamination and dispersion. The highly volatile elements Br, Cl, As and Sb are transported primarily away from high temperature vents. Ba, Si, P, Al, Ca and Cr are derived from wall rock reactions. Incomplete degassing of shallow magma at 915??C is the origin of most of the elements in the Merapi volcanic gas, although it is partly contaminated by particles or wall rock reactions. The metals are transported predominantly as chloride species. As the gas cools in the fumarolic environment, it becomes saturated with sublimate phases that fractionate from the gas in the order of their equilibrium saturation temperatures. Devolatilization of a cooling batholith could transport enough acids and metals to a hydrothermal system to play a significant role in forming an ore deposit. However, sublimation from a high temperature, high velocity carrier gas is not efficient enough to form a large ore deposit. Re, Se, Cd and Bi could be used as supporting evidence for magmatic fluid transport in an ore deposit. ?? 1987.

Toxicity of silver and copper to Cucurbita pepo: differential effects of nano and bulk-size particles.

PubMed

Musante, Craig; White, Jason C

2012-09-01

The phytotoxicity of bulk and nanoparticle Cu and Ag was directly compared. NP Ag reduced biomass and transpiration by 66-84% when compared with bulk Ag. The Ag ion concentration was 4.4-10-times greater in NP than bulk particle solutions. The Cu ion concentration was 1.4-4.4-times greater in bulk than NP amended solutions. Humic acid (50 mg/L) decreased the ion content of bulk Cu solution by 38-42% but increased ion Cu content of NP solutions by 1.4-2.9 times. Bulk and NP Cu were highly phytotoxic; growth and transpiration were reduced by 60-70% relative to untreated controls. NP Cu phytotoxicity was unaffected by solution type, but humic acid (50 mg/L) completely alleviated phytotoxicity caused by bulk Cu. The data demonstrate differential toxicity of Ag NP relative to bulk Ag. The finding that humic acid and solution chemistry differentially impact bulk and NP behavior highlights the importance of evaluating nanoparticles under environmentally relevant conditions. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background concentrations and reference values for heavy metals in soils of Cuba.

PubMed

Alfaro, Mirelys Rodríguez; Montero, Alfredo; Ugarte, Olegario Muñiz; do Nascimento, Clístenes Williams Araújo; de Aguiar Accioly, Adriana Maria; Biondi, Caroline Miranda; da Silva, Ygor Jacques Agra Bezerra

2015-01-01

The potential threat of heavy metals to human health has led to many studies on permissible levels of these elements in soils. The objective of this study was to establish quality reference values (QRVs) for Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, As, Hg, V, Ba, Sb, Ag, Co, and Mo in soils of Cuba. Geochemical associations between trace elements and Fe were also studied, aiming to provide an index for establishing background concentrations of metals in soils. Surface samples of 33 soil profiles from areas of native forest or minimal anthropic influence were collected. Samples were digested (USEPA method 3051A), and the metals were determined by ICP-OES. The natural concentrations of metals in soils of Cuba followed the order Fe > Mn > Ni > Cr > Ba > V > Zn > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Sb > Ag > Cd > Mo > Hg. The QRVs found for Cuban soils were as follows (mg kg(-1)): Ag (1), Ba (111), Cd (0.6), Co (25), Cr (153), Cu (83), Fe (54,055), Mn (1947), Ni (170), Pb (50), Sb (6), V (137), Zn (86), Mo (0.1), As (19), and Hg (0.1). The average natural levels of heavy metals are above the global average, especially for Ni and Cr. The chemical fractionation of soil samples presenting anomalous concentrations of metals showed that Cu, Ni, Cr, Sb, and As have low bioavailability. This suggests that the risk of contamination of agricultural products via plant uptake is low. However, the final decision on the establishment of soil QRVs in Cuba depends on political, economic, and social issues and in-depth risk analyses considering all routes of exposure to these elements.

Role of Dispersion in Metallophilic Hg···M Interactions (M = Cu, Ag, Au) within Coinage Metal Complexes of Bis(6-diphenylphosphinoacenaphth-5-yl)mercury.

PubMed

Hupf, Emanuel; Kather, Ralf; Vogt, Matthias; Lork, Enno; Mebs, Stefan; Beckmann, Jens

2016-11-07

The previously reported bis(6-diphenylphosphinoacenaphth-5-yl)mercury (1) was used as ligand for the preparation of the copper(I) complexes, 1·CuCl and [1·Cu(NCMe)]BF 4 , which were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. DFT calculations employing topological analysis of the electron and electron pair densities within the AIM and ELI-D space-partitioning schemes revealed significant metallophilic Hg···Cu interactions. Evaluation of noncovalent bonding aspects according to the noncovalent interaction (NCI) index was applied not only for the Cu complexes 1·CuCl and [1·Cu(NCMe)]BF 4 but also for the previously reported Ag and Au complexes, namely, [1·MCl] (M = Ag, Au) and [1·M(NCMe) n ] + (M = Ag, n = 2; M = Au, n = 0), and facilitated the assignment of attractive dispersive Hg···M interactions with the Hg···Cu contacts being comparable to the Hg···Ag but weaker than the Hg···Au interactions. The localization of the attractive noncovalent bonding regions increases in the order Cu < Ag < Au.

Higher-efficiency photoelectrochemical electrodes of titanium dioxide-based nanoarrays sensitized simultaneously with plasmonic silver nanoparticles and multiple metal sulfides photosensitizers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Keying; Liu, Zhifeng; Han, Jianhua; Zhang, Xueqi; Li, Yajun; Hong, Tiantian; Zhou, Cailou

2015-07-01

This paper describes a novel design of high-efficiency photoelectrochemical water splitting electrode, i.e., ordered TiO2 nanorod arrays (NRs) sensitized simultaneously with noble metal (Ag), binary metal sulfides (Ag2S) and ternary metal sulfides (Ag3CuS2) multiple photosensitizers for the first time. The TiO2/Ag/Ag2S/Ag3CuS2 NRs heterostructure is successfully synthesized through successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) and a simple ion-exchange process based on ionic reaction mechanism. On the basis of an optimal quantity of Ag, Ag2S and Ag3CuS2 nanoparticles, such TiO2/Ag/Ag2S/Ag3CuS2 NRs exhibit a higher photoelectrochemical activity ever reported for TiO2-based nanoarrays in PEC water splitting, the photocurrent density is up to 9.82 mA cm-2 at 0.47 V versus Ag/AgCl, respectively. This novel architecture is able to increase electron collection efficiency and suppress carrier recombination via (i) a higher efficiency of light-harvesting through these multiple photosensitizers (Ag, Ag2S and Ag3CuS2); (ii) the efficient separation of photo-induced electrons and holes due to the direct electrical pathways; (iii) the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Ag nanoparticles, which enhances the efficient charge separation and high carrier mobility. This work is useful to explore feasible routes to further enhance the performance of oxide semiconductors for PEC water splitting to produce clean H2 energy.

Electronic structures and nonlinear optical properties of trinuclear transition metal clusters M-(mu-S)-M' (M = Mo, W; M' = Cu, Ag, Au).

PubMed

Chen, Xihua; Wu, Kechen; Snijders, Jaap G; Lin, Chensheng

2003-01-27

A series of trinuclear metal clusters MS4(M'PPh3)2(M'PPh3) (M = Mo, W; M' = Cu, Ag, Au) have been studied using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The static polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities of the model clusters have been calculated using the finite-field (F-F) method. The model clusters, divided into two groups, are alike in the structure of two fragments of rhombic units M-(mu-S)2-M' (M = Mo, W; M' = Cu, Ag, Au), perpendicular to each other, which are joined by sharing the bridge metal M. It is the charge transfer from one of these moieties to the other in these characteristic sulfido-transitional metal cores that is responsible for the polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities. This kind of electronic delocalization, different from that of the planar pi-system, is interesting and warrants further investigation. The structural effects on properties are important. In these models, considerable third-order nonlinearities are exhibited. The element substitution effect of Mo and W is weak, while that of Cu and Ag is relatively substantial. An overall order is gamma xxxx(Mo-Ag) > gamma xxxx(W-Ag) > gamma xxxx(Mo-Au) > gamma xxxx(W-Au) > gamma xxxx (Mo-Cu) > gamma xxxx(W-Cu) and gamma av(Mo-Ag) approximately gamma av(W-Ag) > gamma av(Mo-Au) approximately gamma av(W-Au) approximately gamma av (Mo-Cu) approximately gamma av(W-Cu).

Properties of Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu Solder Alloy with Trace Rare Earth Element Y Additions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, H.; Tian, J.; Shi, Y. W.; Lei, Y. P.; Xia, Z. D.

2007-07-01

In the current research, trace rare earth (RE) element Y was incorporated into a promising lead-free solder, Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu, in an effort to improve the comprehensive properties of Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu solder. The range of Y content in Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu solder alloys varied from 0 wt.% to 1.0 wt.%. As an illustration of the advantage of Y doping, the melting temperature, wettability, mechanical properties, and microstructures of Sn3.8Ag0.7CuY solder were studied. Trace Y additions had little influence on the melting behavior, but the solder showed better wettability and mechanical properties, as well as finer microstructures, than found in Y-free Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu solder. The Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu0.15Y solder alloy exhibited the best comprehensive properties compared to other solders with different Y content. Furthermore, interfacial and microstructural studies were conducted on Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu0.15Y solder alloys, and notable changes in microstructure were found compared to the Y-free alloy. The thickness of an intermetallic compound layer (IML) was decreased during soldering, and the growth of the IML was suppressed during aging. At the same time, the growth of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) inside the solder was reduced. In particular, some bigger IMC plates were replaced by fine, granular IMCs.

Vegetation and Cold Trapping Modulating Elevation-dependent Distribution of Trace Metals in Soils of a High Mountain in Eastern Tibetan Plateau.

PubMed

Bing, Haijian; Wu, Yanhong; Zhou, Jun; Li, Rui; Luo, Ji; Yu, Dong

2016-04-07

Trace metals adsorbed onto fine particles can be transported long distances and ultimately deposited in Polar Regions via the cold condensation effect. This study indicated the possible sources of silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb) and zinc (Zn) in soils on the eastern slope of Mt. Gongga, eastern Tibetan Plateau, and deciphered the effects of vegetation and mountain cold condensation on their distributions with elevation. The metal concentrations in the soils were comparable to other mountains worldwide except the remarkably high concentrations of Cd. Trace metals with high enrichment in the soils were influenced from anthropogenic contributions. Spatially, the concentrations of Cu and Zn in the surface horizons decreased from 2000 to 3700 m a.s.l., and then increased with elevation, whereas other metals were notably enriched in the mid-elevation area (approximately 3000 m a.s.l.). After normalization for soil organic carbon, high concentrations of Cd, Pb, Sb and Zn were observed above the timberline. Our results indicated the importance of vegetation in trace metal accumulation in an alpine ecosystem and highlighted the mountain cold trapping effect on trace metal deposition sourced from long-range atmospheric transport.

Controlled preparation of Ag–Cu{sub 2}O nanocorncobs and their enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Siyuan; Zhang, Shengsen; College of Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642

Graphical abstract: The corncob-like Ag–Cu{sub 2}O nanostructure with suitably exposed Ag surface exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than Ag@Cu{sub 2}O nanocables and Cu{sub 2}O nanowires. - Highlights: • Ag–Cu{sub 2}O nanocorncobs have been controllably prepared by a simple synthesis. • The possible formation mechanism of Ag–Cu{sub 2}O has been studied. • Ag–Cu{sub 2}O exhibits noticeable improved photocurrent compared with the pure Cu{sub 2}O NWs. • Ag–Cu{sub 2}O with suitably exposed Ag surface shows much higher photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: Novel corncob-like nano-heterostructured Ag–Cu{sub 2}O photocatalyst has been controllably prepared by adjusting the synthetic parameters, and the possible formation mechanism hasmore » been also studied. The photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performances demonstrated that the as-prepared Ag–Cu{sub 2}O nanocorncobs exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than both pure Cu{sub 2}O nanowires and cable-like Ag@Cu{sub 2}O nano-composites. It was concluded that Ag–Cu{sub 2}O nanocorncobs with suitably exposed Ag surface not only effectively inhibit the recombination of electron–hole pairs but also suitably increase the active sites of electronic conduction, and thus increasing the photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation.« less

Tunable photoluminescent metal-organic-frameworks and method of making the same

DOEpatents

Nenoff, Tina M.; Sava Gallis, Dorina Florentina; Rohwer, Lauren E.S.

2017-08-22

The present disclosure is directed to new photoluminescent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The newly developed MOFs include either non rare earth element (REE) transition metal atoms or limited concentrations of REE atoms, including: Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Y, Ru, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ir, Pb, Bi, that are located in the MOF framework in site isolated locations, and have emission colors ranging from white to red, depending on the metal concentration levels and/or choice of ligand.

Heavy metals in wild rice from northern Wisconsin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bennett, J.P.; Chiriboga, E.; Coleman, J.; Waller, D.M.

2000-01-01

Wild rice grain samples from various parts of the world have been found to have elevated concentrations of heavy metals, raising concern for potential effects on human health. It was hypothesized that wild rice from north-central Wisconsin could potentially have elevated concentrations of some heavy metals because of possible exposure to these elements from the atmosphere or from water and sediments. In addition, no studies of heavy metals in wild rice from Wisconsin had been performed, and a baseline study was needed for future comparisons. Wild rice plants were collected from four areas in Bayfield, Forest, Langlade, Oneida, Sawyer and Wood Counties in September, 1997 and 1998 and divided into four plant parts for elemental analyses: roots, stems, leaves and seeds. A total of 194 samples from 51 plants were analyzed across the localities, with an average of 49 samples per part depending on the element. Samples were cleaned of soil, wet digested, and analyzed by ICP for Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mg, Pb, Se and Zn. Roots contained the highest concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Se. Copper was highest in both roots and seeds, while Zn was highest just in seeds. Magnesium was highest in leaves. Seed baseline ranges for the 10 elements were established using the 95% confidence intervals of the medians. Wild rice plants from northern Wisconsin had normal levels of the nutritional elements Cu, Mg and Zn in the seeds. Silver, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Se were very low in concentration or within normal limits for food plants. Arsenic and Pb, however, were elevated and could pose a problem for human health. The pathway for As, Hg and Pb to the plants could be atmospheric.

A bacterial view of the periodic table: genes and proteins for toxic inorganic ions.

PubMed

Silver, Simon; Phung, Le T

2005-12-01

Essentially all bacteria have genes for toxic metal ion resistances and these include those for Ag+, AsO2-, AsO4(3-), Cd2+ Co2+, CrO4(2-), Cu2+, Hg2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, TeO3(2-), Tl+ and Zn2+. The largest group of resistance systems functions by energy-dependent efflux of toxic ions. Fewer involve enzymatic transformations (oxidation, reduction, methylation, and demethylation) or metal-binding proteins (for example, metallothionein SmtA, chaperone CopZ and periplasmic silver binding protein SilE). Some of the efflux resistance systems are ATPases and others are chemiosmotic ion/proton exchangers. For example, Cd2+-efflux pumps of bacteria are either inner membrane P-type ATPases or three polypeptide RND chemiosmotic complexes consisting of an inner membrane pump, a periplasmic-bridging protein and an outer membrane channel. In addition to the best studied three-polypeptide chemiosmotic system, Czc (Cd2+, Zn2+, and Co2), others are known that efflux Ag+, Cu+, Ni2+, and Zn2+. Resistance to inorganic mercury, Hg2+ (and to organomercurials, such as CH3Hg+ and phenylmercury) involve a series of metal-binding and membrane transport proteins as well as the enzymes mercuric reductase and organomercurial lyase, which overall convert more toxic to less toxic forms. Arsenic resistance and metabolizing systems occur in three patterns, the widely-found ars operon that is present in most bacterial genomes and many plasmids, the more recently recognized arr genes for the periplasmic arsenate reductase that functions in anaerobic respiration as a terminal electron acceptor, and the aso genes for the periplasmic arsenite oxidase that functions as an initial electron donor in aerobic resistance to arsenite.

The effect of silver (Ag) addition to mechanical and electrical properties of copper alloy (Cu) casting product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Felicia, Dian M.; Rochiem, R.; Laia, Standley M.

2018-04-01

Copper have good mechanical properties and good electrical conductivities. Therefore, copper usually used as electrical components. Silver have better electrical conductivities than copper. Female contact resistor is one of the electrical component used in circuit breaker. This study aims to analyze the effect of silver addition to hardness, strength, and electric conductivity properties of copper alloy. This study uses variation of 0; 0.035; 0.07; 0.1 wt. % Ag (silver) addition to determine the effect on mechanical properties and electrical properties of copper alloy through sand casting process. Modelling of thermal analysis and structural analysis was calculated to find the best design for the sand casting experiments. The result of Cu-Ag alloy as cast will be characterized by OES test, metallography test, Brinell hardness test, tensile test, and LCR meter test. The result of this study showed that the addition of silver increase mechanical properties of Cu-Ag. The maximum hardness value of this alloy is 83.1 HRB which is Cu-0.01 Ag and the lowest is 52.26 HRB which is pure Cu. The maximum strength value is 153.2 MPa which is Cu-0.07 Ag and the lowest is 94.6 MPa which is pure Cu. Silver addition decrease electrical properties of this alloy. The highest electric conductivity is 438.98 S/m which is pure Cu and the lowest is 52.61 S.m which is Cu-0.1 Ag.

Hierarchical nano-on-micro copper with enhanced catalytic activity towards electro-oxidation of hydrazine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Xiaodong; Liu, Yuan; Scheel, Kyle R.; Li, Yong; Yu, Yunhua; Yang, Xiaoping; Peng, Zhonghua

2018-03-01

The electrochemical properties of catalyst materials are highly dependent on the materials structure and architecture. Herein, nano-on-micro Cu electrodes are fabricated by growing Cu microcrystals on Ni foam substrate, followed by introducing Cu nanocrystals onto the surface of the Cu microcrystals. The introduction of Cu nanocrystals onto the surface of Cu microcrystals is shown to dramatically increase the electrochemically active surface area and thus significantly enhances the catalytic activity of the catalyst electrode towards electro-oxidation of hydrazine. The onset potential (-1.04 V vs. Ag/AgCl) of the nano-on-micro Cu electrode is lower than those of the reported Cu-based catalysts under similar testing conditions, and a current density of 16 mA·cm-2, which is 2 times that of the microsized Cu electrode, is achieved at a potential of -0.95 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Moreover, the nano-on-micro Cu electrode demonstrates good long-term stability.

Microstructural Evolution and Tensile Properties of SnAgCu Mixed with Sn-Pb Solder Alloys (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

AFRL-RX-WP-TP-2009-4132 MICROSTRUCTURAL EVOLUTION AND TENSILE PROPERTIES OF SnAgCu MIXED WITH Sn-Pb SOLDER ALLOYS (PREPRINT...PROPERTIES OF SnAgCu MIXED WITH Sn-Pb SOLDER ALLOYS (PREPRINT) 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER FA8650-04-C-5704 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT...ANSI Std. Z39-18 Microstructural evolution and tensile properties of SnAgCu mixed with Sn-Pb solder alloys Fengjiang Wang,1 Matthew O’Keefe,1,2 and

Prediction of Phase Formation in Nanoscale Sn-Ag-Cu Solder Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Min; Lv, Bailin

2016-01-01

In a dynamic nonequilibrium process, the effective heat of formation allows the heat of formation to be calculated as a function of concentrations of the reacting atoms. In this work, we used the effective heat of formation rule to predict the formation and size of compound phases in a nanoscale Sn-Ag-Cu lead-free solder. We calculated the formation enthalpy and effective formation enthalpy of compounds in the Sn-Ag, Sn-Cu, and Ag-Cu systems by using the Miedema model and effective heat of formation. Our results show that, considering the surface effect of the nanoparticle, the effective heat of formation rule successfully predicts the phase formation and sizes of Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5 compounds, which agrees well with experimental data.

Effect of Strain Rate on Joint Strength and Failure Mode of Lead-Free Solder Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jian; Lei, Yongping; Fu, Hanguang; Guo, Fu

2018-03-01

In surface mount technology, the Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder joint has a shorter impact lifetime than a traditional lead-tin solder joint. In order to improve the impact property of SnAgCu lead-free solder joints and identify the effect of silver content on tensile strength and impact property, impact experiments were conducted at various strain rates on three selected SnAgCu based solder joints. It was found that joint failure mainly occurred in the solder material with large plastic deformation under low strain rate, while joint failure occurred at the brittle intermetallic compound layer without any plastic deformation at a high strain rate. Joint strength increased with the silver content in SnAgCu alloys in static tensile tests, while the impact property of the solder joint decreased with increasing silver content. When the strain rate was low, plastic deformation occurred with failure and the tensile strength of the Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder joint was higher than that of Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu; when the strain rate was high, joint failure mainly occurred at the brittle interface layer and the Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu solder joint had a better impact resistance with a thinner intermetallic compound layer.

Kinetic trapping through coalescence and the formation of patterned Ag-Cu nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grammatikopoulos, Panagiotis; Kioseoglou, Joseph; Galea, Antony; Vernieres, Jerome; Benelmekki, Maria; Diaz, Rosa E.; Sowwan, Mukhles

2016-05-01

In recent years, due to its inherent flexibility, magnetron-sputtering has been widely used to synthesise bi-metallic nanoparticles (NPs) via subsequent inert-gas cooling and gas-phase condensation of the sputtered atomic vapour. Utilising two separate sputter targets allows for good control over composition. Simultaneously, it involves fast kinetics and non-equilibrium processes, which can trap the nascent NPs into metastable configurations. In this study, we observed such configurations in immiscible, bi-metallic Ag-Cu NPs by scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), and noticed a marked difference in the shape of NPs belonging to Ag- and Cu-rich samples. We explained the formation of Janus or Ag@Cu core/shell metastable structures on the grounds of in-flight mixed NP coalescence. We utilised molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) computer simulations to demonstrate that such configurations cannot occur as a result of nanoalloy segregation. Instead, sintering at relatively low temperatures can give rise to metastable structures, which eventually can be stabilised by subsequent quenching. Furthermore, we compared the heteroepitaxial diffusivities along various surfaces of both Ag and Cu NPs, and emphasised the differences between the sintering mechanisms of Ag- and Cu-rich NP compositions: small Cu NPs deform as coherent objects on large Ag NPs, whereas small Ag NPs dissolve into large Cu NPs, with their atoms diffusing along specific directions. Taking advantage of this observation, we propose controlled NP coalescence as a method to engineer mixed NPs of a unique, patterned core@partial-shell structure, which we refer to as a ``glass-float'' (ukidama) structure.In recent years, due to its inherent flexibility, magnetron-sputtering has been widely used to synthesise bi-metallic nanoparticles (NPs) via subsequent inert-gas cooling and gas-phase condensation of the sputtered atomic vapour. Utilising two separate sputter targets allows for good control over composition. Simultaneously, it involves fast kinetics and non-equilibrium processes, which can trap the nascent NPs into metastable configurations. In this study, we observed such configurations in immiscible, bi-metallic Ag-Cu NPs by scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), and noticed a marked difference in the shape of NPs belonging to Ag- and Cu-rich samples. We explained the formation of Janus or Ag@Cu core/shell metastable structures on the grounds of in-flight mixed NP coalescence. We utilised molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) computer simulations to demonstrate that such configurations cannot occur as a result of nanoalloy segregation. Instead, sintering at relatively low temperatures can give rise to metastable structures, which eventually can be stabilised by subsequent quenching. Furthermore, we compared the heteroepitaxial diffusivities along various surfaces of both Ag and Cu NPs, and emphasised the differences between the sintering mechanisms of Ag- and Cu-rich NP compositions: small Cu NPs deform as coherent objects on large Ag NPs, whereas small Ag NPs dissolve into large Cu NPs, with their atoms diffusing along specific directions. Taking advantage of this observation, we propose controlled NP coalescence as a method to engineer mixed NPs of a unique, patterned core@partial-shell structure, which we refer to as a ``glass-float'' (ukidama) structure. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08256k

Vacuum Brazing of WC-8Co Cemented Carbides to Carbon Steel Using Pure Cu and Ag-28Cu as Filler Metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X. Z.; Liu, G. W.; Tao, J. N.; Shao, H. C.; Fu, H.; Pan, T. Z.; Qiao, G. J.

2017-02-01

The wetting and spreading behavior of commercial pure Cu and Ag-28Cu alloy on WC-8Co cemented carbide were investigated by the sessile drop technique. The contact angle of both systems obviously decreases with moderately increasing the wetting temperature. Vacuum brazing of the WC-8Co cemented carbide to SAE1045 steel using the pure Cu or Ag-28Cu as filler metal was further carried out based on the wetting results. The interfacial interactions and joint mechanical behavior involving microhardness, shear strength and fracture were analyzed and discussed. An obvious Fe-Cu-Co transition layer is detected at the WC-8Co/Cu interface, while no obvious reaction layer is observed at the whole WC-8Co/Ag-28Cu/SAE1045 brazing seam. The microhardness values of the two interlayers and the steel substrate near the two interlayers increase more or less, while those of WC-8Co cemented carbide substrates adjacent to the two interlayers decrease. The WC-8Co/SAE1045 joints using pure Cu and Ag-28Cu alloy as filler metals obtain average shear strength values of about 172 and 136 MPa, and both of the joint fractures occur in the interlayers.

II-I2-IV-VI4 (II = Sr,Ba; I = Cu,Ag; IV = Ge,Sn; VI = S,Se): Earth-Abundant Chalcogenides for Thin Film Photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Tong; Huhn, William P.; Shin, Donghyeop; Mitzi, David B.; Blum, Volker; Saparov, Bayrammurad

Chalcogenides such as CdTe, CIGSSe, and CZTSSe are successful for thin film photovoltaics (PV) but contain elements that are rare, toxic, or prone to the formation of detrimental antisite disorder. Recently, the BaCu2SnS4-xSex system has been shown to offer a prospective path to circumvent these problems. While early prototypes show efficiencies of a few percent, many avenues remain to optimize the materials, including the underlying chemical composition. In this work, we explore 16 compounds II-I2-IV-VI4 to help identify new candidate materials for PV, with predictions based on both known experimental and computationally derived structures that belong to five different space groups. We employ hybrid density functional theory (HSE06) to explore the band gap tunability by substituting different elements, and other characteristics such as the effective mass and the absorption coefficient. Compounds containing Cu (rather than Ag) are found to have direct or nearly direct band gaps. Depending on the compound, replacing S with Se leads to a decrease of the predicted band gaps by 0.2-0.8 eV and to somewhat decreasing hole effective masses.

Modulation of metallothionein and metal partitioning in liver and kidney of Solea senegalensis after long-term acclimation to two environmental temperatures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Siscar, R.; Torreblanca, A.; Ramo, J. del

Juveniles of Solea senegalensis were fed with commercial pellets under controlled conditions at two environmental Mediterranean temperatures (15 and 20 °C) for two months. After this period, the accumulation of essential and non-essential metals and metallothionein (MT) levels was measured in liver and kidney by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and pulse polarography, respectively. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for selected metals in both tissues was calculated in relation to levels present in the feed. Tissue partitioning (liver/kidney) and molar ratios, considering the metal protective mechanisms: MT and Selenium (Se), were included for evaluating the detoxification capacity of each tissue.more » Ag, Cd, Cu and Mn were preferentially accumulated in the liver whereas Co, Fe, Hg, Se and Zn were found in larger concentrations in the kidney, and higher temperature enhanced the accumulation of some of them, but not all. MT content in liver, but not in kidney, was also influenced by temperature changes and by length of exposure. The BAF revealed that Cu was taken up mainly by the liver whereas Se was efficiently taken up by both tissues. The high molar ratios of MT and most metals denoted the kidney's remarkable spare capacity for metal detoxification through MT binding. Moreover, the potential protective role of Se was also more evident in kidney as a higher Se:Cd and Se:Ag molar ratios were reached in this organ. In contrast to other fish, the storage of Cd in kidney was particularly low. - Highlights: • Long-term increases in temperature entailed changes in MT and metal content in liver. • The liver is the preferred storage organ for most metals. • Se assimilation from feed results in a high BAF in the liver and kidney. • MT/metal and Se/metal are higher in kidney than in liver for most metals, except Cd.« less

Aspects of the structural evolution of lead-free solder joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zribi, A.; Kinyanjui, R.; Borgesen, P.; Zavalij, L.; Cotts, E. J.

2002-06-01

Studies of the formation of intermetallic compounds at some lead-free solder/metallization interfaces are briefly reviewed in this article. SnAgCu/Ni and SnAgCu/Cu interfaces are examined in particular. It has been found that (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 forms at SnAgCu/Ni interfaces until copper is depleted from the solder matrix. This article also contrasts the formation of (Au,Ni)Sn4 and related compounds in PbSn/Ni solder joints and lead-free solder joints.

Structural and superionic properties of Ag+-rich ternary phases within the AgI-MI2 systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hull, S.; Keen, D. A.; Berastegui, P.

2002-12-01

The effects of temperature on the crystal structure and ionic conductivity of the compounds Ag2CdI4, Ag2ZnI4 and Ag3SnI5 have been investigated by powder diffraction and impedance spectroscopy techniques. varepsilon-Ag2CdI4 adopts a tetragonal crystal structure under ambient conditions and abrupt increases in the ionic conductivity are observed at 407(2), 447(3) and 532(4) K, consistent with the sequence of transitions varepsilon-Ag2CdI 4 rightarrow beta-Ag2CdI 4 + beta-AgI + CdI2 rightarrow alpha-AgI + CdI2 rightarrow alpha-Ag2CdI4. Hexagonal beta-Ag2CdI4 is metastable at ambient temperature. The ambient-temperature beta phase of Ag2ZnI4 is orthorhombic and the structures of beta-Ag2CdI4 and beta-Ag2ZnI4 can, respectively, be considered as ordered derivatives of the wurtzite (beta) and zincblende (gamma) phases of AgI. On heating Ag2ZnI4, there is a 12-fold increase in ionic conductivity at 481(1) K and a further eightfold increase at 542(3) K. These changes result from decomposition of beta-Ag2ZnI4 into alpha-AgI + ZnI2, followed by the appearance of superionic alpha-Ag2ZnI4 at the higher temperature. The hexagonal crystal structure of alpha-Ag2ZnI4 is a dynamically disordered counterpart to the beta modification. Ag3SnI5 is only stable at temperatures in excess of 370(3) K and possesses a relatively high ionic conductivity (sigma approx 0.19Omega-1 cm-1 at 420 K) due to dynamic disorder of the Ag+ and Sn2+ within a cubic close packed I- sublattice. The implications of these findings for the wider issue of high ionic conductivity in AgI-MI2 compounds is discussed, with reference to recently published studies of Ag4PbI6 and Ag2HgI4 and new data for the temperature dependence of the ionic conductivity of the latter compound.

Effect of Cu concentration on morphology of Sn-Ag-Cu solders by mechanical alloying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, Szu-Tsung; Duh, Jenq-Gong

2004-12-01

The mechanical alloying (MA) process is considered an alternative approach to produce solder materials. In this study, the effect of Cu concentration in the ternary Sn-3.5Ag-xCu (x=0.2, 0.7, and 1) solder by MA was investigated. The (Cu,Sn) solid solution was precipitated as the Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound (IMC), which was distributed nonuniformly through the microstructure. The Cu6Sn5 IMC, which was present in the SnAgCu solder with high Cu composition, causes the as-milled MA particle to fracture to a smaller size. Appreciable distinction on morphology of as-milled MA powders with different Cu content was revealed. When the Cu concentration was low (x=0.2), MA particle aggregated to a spherical ingot with large particle size. For higher Cu concentration (x=0.7 and x=1), the MA particle turned to flakes with smaller particle size. The distinction of the milling mechanism of Sn-3.5Ag-xCu (x=0.2, 0.7, and 1) solder by the MA process was discussed. An effective approach was developed to reduce the particle size of the SnAgCu solder from 1 mm down to 10-100 µm by doping the Cu6Sn5 nanoparticle during the MA process. In addition, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results also ensure the compatibility to apply the solder material for the reflow process.

The Effect of Mo Particles Addition in Ag-Cu-Ti Filler Alloy on Ti(C,N)-Based Cermet/45 Steel-Brazed Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Hu; Du, Xueming; Huang, Xiaokai; Xu, Weijian; Yao, Zhenhua

2018-05-01

Reliable brazing of Ti(C,N)-based cermet and 45 steel was successfully achieved by using the Mo-particle-reinforced Ag-Cu-Ti composite filler. The effects of Mo content on the interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermet/45 steel joints were analyzed. The results showed that the joint microstructure was primarily composed of Ni3Ti+Cu3Ti2, Ag(s,s)+Cu(s.s), CuTi+Mo, Ti-based solid solution, and FeTi+Fe2Ti. With the increase in Mo content in filler, the thickness of the Ni3Ti+Cu3Ti2 layer adjacent to the Ti(C,N)-based cermet decreases, while more blocky Ti-Cu intermetallic were observed in the brazing seam. The shear strength of the joint could be significantly improved by adding suitable amounts of Mo into the Ag-Cu-Ti filler, and the peak value of 263 MPa was achieved when the alloys were brazed with Ag-Cu-Ti+8wt.%Mo composite filler at 920 °C for 20 min.

Evaluation of Caenorhabditis elegans as an acute lethality and a neurotoxicity screening model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, P.L.

1988-01-01

This investigation evaluated C. elegans as a lethality and neurotoxicity screening model. The lethality experiments were performed in both agar and an aquatic medium. The salts of 8 metals (Hg, Be, Al, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Sr) were used in the agar studies and the salts of 14 metals (Ag, Hg, Cu, Be, Al, Pb, Cr, As, Tl, Zn, Cd, Ni, Sr, and Sb) were used in the aquatic tests. In each of these tests an LC50 value was determined. The data from the agar plates were compared to the published mammalian oral LD50 values for salts of themore » same metals. Within this set of chemicals C. elegans was found to be a predictor of mammalian acute lethality, generating LC50 values parallel to the rat and mouse LD50 values. The aquatic data were compared to data from EPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria documents. C. elegans was found to be less sensitive than Daphnia but generally more sensitive than the other invertebrate organisms that are presently used. The neurotoxicity testing also was performed in both agar and an aquatic media. The testing in agar was conducted with the salts of 4 metals (Cu, Be, Pb, and Hg) and 2 organophosphate pesticides (malathion and vapona). The studies in an aquatic medium tested the salts of 4 metals (Cu, Be, Pb, and Hg).« less

Ag2S/CdS/TiO2 Nanotube Array Films with High Photocurrent Density by Spotting Sample Method.

PubMed

Sun, Hong; Zhao, Peini; Zhang, Fanjun; Liu, Yuliang; Hao, Jingcheng

2015-12-01

Ag2S/CdS/TiO2 hybrid nanotube array films (Ag2S/CdS/TNTs) were prepared by selectively depositing a narrow-gap semiconductor-Ag2S (0.9 eV) quantum dots (QDs)-in the local domain of the CdS/TiO2 nanotube array films by spotting sample method (SSM). The improvement of sunlight absorption ability and photocurrent density of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube array films (TNTs) which were obtained by anodic oxidation method was realized because of modifying semiconductor QDs. The CdS/TNTs, Ag2S/TNTs, and Ag2S/CdS/TNTs fabricated by uniformly depositing the QDs into the TNTs via the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method were synthesized, respectively. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) results demonstrated that the Ag2S/CdS/TNTs prepared by SSM and other films were successfully prepared. In comparison with the four films of TNTs, CdS/TNTs, Ag2S/TNTs, and Ag2S/CdS/TNTs by SILAR, the Ag2S/CdS/TNTs prepared by SSM showed much better absorption capability and the highest photocurrent density in UV-vis range (320~800 nm). The cycles of local deposition have great influence on their photoelectric properties. The photocurrent density of Ag2S/CdS/TNTs by SSM with optimum deposition cycles of 6 was about 37 times that of TNTs without modification, demonstrating their great prospective applications in solar energy utilization fields.

The behavior of chalcophile elements during magmatic differentiation as observed in Kilauea Iki lava lake, Hawaii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greaney, Allison T.; Rudnick, Roberta L.; Helz, Rosalind T.; Gaschnig, Richard M.; Piccoli, Philip M.; Ash, Richard D.

2017-08-01

We quantify the behavior of Cu, Ga, Ge, As, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, W, Tl, Pb, and Bi during the differentiation of a picritic magma in the Kilauea Iki lava lake, Hawaii, using whole rock and glass differentiation trends, as well as partition coefficients in Cu-rich sulfide blebs and minerals. Such data allow us to constrain the partitioning behavior of these elements between sulfide and silicate melts, as well as the chalcophile element characteristics of the mantle source of the Kilauea lavas. Nearly all of the elements are generally incompatible on a whole-rock scale, with concentrations increasing exponentially below ∼6 wt% MgO. However, in-situ laser ablation data reveal that Cu, Ag, Bi, Cd, In, Pb, and Sn are chalcophile; As, Ge, Sb, and Tl are weakly chalcophile to lithophile; and Mo, Ga, and W are lithophile. The average Dsulfide/silicate melt values are: DAg = 1252 ± 1201 (2SD), DBi = 663 ± 576, DCd = 380 ± 566, DIn = 40 ± 34, DPb = 34 ± 18, DSn = 5.3 ± 3.6, DAs = 2.4 ± 7.6, DGe = 1.6 ± 1.4, DSb = 1.3 ± 1.5, DTl = 1.1 ± 1.7, DMo = 0.56 ± 0.6, DGa = 0.10 ± 0.3, and DW = 0.11 ± 0.1. These findings are consistent with experimental partitioning studies and observations of Ni-rich sulfide liquid in mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB), despite the different compositions of the KI sulfides. The KI glasses and whole rocks are enriched in As, Ag, Sb, W, and Bi, relative to elements of similar compatibility (as established by abundances in MORB), mimicking enrichments found in basalts from the Manus back arc basin (Jenner et al., 2012) and the upper continental crust (UCC). These enrichments suggest the presence of terrigenous sediments in the Kilauea mantle source. The KI source is calculated to be a mixture of depleted MORB mantle (DMM) and 10-20% recycled crust composed of MORB and minor terrigenous sediments.

LaCu 6-xAg x: A promising host of an elastic quantum critical point

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poudel, Lekh; Dela Cruz, Clarina R.; Koehler, Michael R.

Structural properties of LaCu 6-xAg x have been investigated using neutron and x-ray diffraction, and resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) measurements. Diffraction measurements indicate a continuous structural transition from orthorhombic (Pnma) to monoclinic (P2₁/C) structure. RUS measurements show softening of natural frequencies at the structural transition, consistent with the elastic nature of the structural ground state. The structural transition temperatures in LaCu 6-xAg x decrease with Ag composition until the monoclinic phase is completely suppressed at x c=0.225. All of the evidence is consistent with the presence of an elastic quantum critical point in LaCu 6-xAg x.

Electronic structure of clean and Ag-covered single-crystalline Bi2Sr2CuO6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindberg, P. A. P.; Shen, Z.-X.; Wells, B. O.; Mitzi, D. B.; Lindau, I.; Spicer, W. E.; Kapitulnik, A.

1989-11-01

Photoemission studies of single-crystalline samples of Bi2Sr2CuO6 show clear resemblance to the corresponding data for single crystals of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8. In particular, a sharp Fermi-level cutoff, giving evidence of metallic conductivity at room temperature, as well as single-component O 1s emission and Cu 2p satellites with a strength amounting to about 50% of that of the main Cu 2p line, are observed. An analysis of the relative core-level photoemission intensities shows that the preferential cleavage plane of single-crystalline Bi2Sr2CuO6 is between adjacent Bi-O layers. Deposition of Ag adatoms causes only weak reaction with the Bi and O ions of the Bi2Sr2CuO6 substrate, while the Cu states rapidly react with the Ag adatoms, as monitored by a continuous reduction of the Cu 2p satellite intensity as the Ag overlayer becomes thicker.

Central Tibetan Plateau atmospheric trace metals contamination: A 500-year record from the Puruogangri ice core.

PubMed

Beaudon, Emilie; Gabrielli, Paolo; Sierra-Hernández, M Roxana; Wegner, Anna; Thompson, Lonnie G

2017-12-01

A ~500-year section of ice core (1497-1992) from the Puruogangri ice cap has been analyzed at high resolution for 28 trace elements (TEs: Ag, Al, As, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Nb, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, U, V and Zn) to assess different atmospheric contributions to the ice and provide a temporal perspective on the diverse atmospheric influences over the central Tibetan Plateau (TP). At least two volcanic depositions have significantly impacted the central TP over the past 500years, possibly originating from the Billy Mitchell (1580, Papua New Guinea) and the Parker Peak (1641, Philippines) eruptions. A decreasing aeolian dust input to the ice cap allowed the detection of an atmospheric pollution signal. The anthropogenic pollution contribution emerges in the record since the early 1900s (for Sb and Cd) and increases substantially after 1935 (for Ag, Zn, Pb, Cd and Sb). The metallurgy (Zn, Pb and steel smelting) emission products (Cd, Zn, Pb and Ag) from the former Soviet Union and especially from central Asia (e.g., Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan) likely enhanced the anthropogenic deposition to the Puruogangri ice cap between 1935 and 1980, suggesting that the westerlies served as a conveyor of atmospheric pollution to central Tibet. The impact of this industrial pollution cumulated with that of the hemispheric coal and gasoline combustion which are respectively traced by Sb and Pb enrichment in the ice. The Chinese steel production accompanying the Great Leap Forward (1958-1961) and the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) is proposed as a secondary but proximal source of Pb pollution affecting the ice cap between 1958 and 1976. The most recent decade (1980-1992) of the enrichment time series suggests that Puruogangri ice cap recorded the early Sb, Cd, Zn, Pb and Ag pollution originating from developing countries of South (i.e., India) and East (i.e., China) Asia and transported by the summer monsoonal circulation. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Twin-mediated epitaxial growth of highly lattice-mismatched Cu/Ag core-shell nanowires.

PubMed

Weng, Wei-Lun; Hsu, Chin-Yu; Lee, Jheng-Syun; Fan, Hsin-Hsin; Liao, Chien-Neng

2018-05-31

Lattice-mismatch is an important factor for the heteroepitaxial growth of core-shell nanostructures. A large lattice-mismatch usually leads to a non-coherent interface or a polycrystalline shell layer. In this study, a conformal Ag layer is coated on Cu nanowires with dense nanoscale twin boundaries through a galvanic replacement reaction. Despite a large lattice mismatch between Ag and Cu (∼12.6%), the Ag shell replicates the twinning structure in Cu nanowires and grows epitaxially on the nanotwinned Cu nanowire. A twin-mediated growth mechanism is proposed to explain the epitaxy of high lattice-mismatch bimetallic systems in which the misfit dislocations are accommodated by coherent twin boundaries.

Temperature dependence of the dielectric response of anodized Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickmott, T. W.

2003-03-01

The temperature dependence of capacitance, CM, and conductance, GM, of Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors with Cu, Ag, and Au electrodes has been measured between 100 and 340 K at seven frequencies between 10 kHz and 1 MHz. Al2O3 films between 15 and 64 nm thick were formed by anodizing evaporated Al films in borate-glycol or borate-H2O electrolyte. The interface capacitance at the Al2O3-metal interface, CI, which is in series with the capacitance CD due to the Al2O3 dielectric, is determined from plots of 1/CM versus insulator thickness. CI is not fixed for a given metal-insulator interface but depends on the vacuum system used to deposit the metal electrode. CI is nearly temperature independent. When CI is taken into account the dielectric constant of Al2O3 determined from capacitance measurements is ˜8.3 at 295 K. The dielectric constant does not depend on anodizing electrolyte, insulator thickness, metal electrode, deposition conditions for the metal electrode or measurement frequency. By contrast, GM of Al-Al2O3-metal capacitors depends on both the deposition conditions of the metal and on the metal. For Al-Al2O3-Cu capacitors, GM is larger for capacitors with large values of 1/CI that result when Cu is evaporated in an oil-pumped vacuum system. For Al-Al2O3-Ag capacitors, GM does not depend on the Ag deposition conditions.

The Effect of Cu:Ag Atomic Ratio on the Properties of Sputtered Cu–Ag Alloy Thin Films

PubMed Central

Hsieh, Janghsing; Hung, Shunyang

2016-01-01

Cu–Ag thin films with various atomic ratios were prepared using a co-sputtering technique, followed by rapid thermal annealing at various temperatures. The films’ structural, mechanical, and electrical properties were then characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), FESEM, nano-indentation, and TEM as functions of compositions and annealing conditions. In the as-deposited condition, the structure of these films transformed from a one-phase to a dual-phase state, and the resistivity shows a twin-peak pattern, which can be explained in part by Nordheim’s Rule and the miscibility gap of Cu–Ag alloy. After being annealed, the films’ resistivity followed the mixture rule in general, mainly due to the formation of a dual-phase structure containing Ag-rich and Cu-rich phases. The surface morphology and structure also varied as compositions and annealing conditions changed. The recrystallization of these films varied depending on Ag–Cu compositions. The annealed films composed of 40 at % to 60 at % Cu had higher hardness and lower roughness than those with other compositions. Particularly, the Cu50Ag50 film had the highest hardness after being annealed. From the dissolution testing, it was found that the Cu-ion concentration was about 40 times higher than that of Ag. The galvanic effect and over-saturated state could be the cause of the accelerated Cu dissolution and the reduced dissolution of the Ag. PMID:28774033

Study on the Visible-Light Photocatalytic Performance and Degradation Mechanism of Diclofenac Sodium under the System of Hetero-Structural CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 with H2O2

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiaojuan; Li, Ning; Xu, Song; Cai, Yumin

2018-01-01

Two kinds of CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 with different heterojunction structures were prepared based on the combination of hydrothermal and in-situ precipitation methods with surfactant additives (sodium citrate and sodium stearate), and their characteristics were systematically resolved by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)/ High-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), UV-vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectra (DRS) and Photoluminescence (PL). Meanwhile, the photocatalytic properties of the catalysts were determined for diclofenac sodium (DS) degradation and the photocatalytic mechanism was also explored. The results indicate that both of the two kinds of CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 exhibit higher photocatalytic efficiency, mineralization rate, and stability than that of pure CuBi2O4 or Ag3PO4. Moreover, the catalytic activity of CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 can be further enhanced by adding H2O2. The free radical capture experiments show that in the pure CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 photocatalytic system, the OH• and O2•− are the main species participating in DS degradation; however, in the CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 photocatalytic system with H2O2, all OH•, h+, and O2•− take part in the DS degradation, and the contribution order is OH• > h+ > O2•−. Accordingly, the photocatalytic mechanism of CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 could be explained by the Z-Scheme theory, while the catalysis of CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 with H2O2 follows the heterojunction energy band theory. PMID:29597267

Synthesis and characterization of CuAlO(2) and AgAlO(2) delafossite oxides through low-temperature hydrothermal methods.

PubMed

Xiong, Dehua; Zeng, Xianwei; Zhang, Wenjun; Wang, Huan; Zhao, Xiujian; Chen, Wei; Cheng, Yi-Bing

2014-04-21

In this work, we present one-step low temperature hydrothermal synthesis of submicrometer particulate CuAlO2 and AgAlO2 delafossite oxides, which are two important p-type transparent conducting oxides. The synthesis parameters that affect the crystal formation processes and the product morphologies, including the selection of starting materials and their molar ratios, the pH value of precursors, the hydrothermal temperature, pressure, and reaction time, have been studied. CuAlO2 crystals have been synthesized from the starting materials of CuCl and NaAlO2 at 320-400 °C, and from Cu2O and Al2O3 at 340-400 °C, respectively. AgAlO2 crystals have been successfully synthesized at the low temperature of 190 °C, using AgNO3 and Al(NO3)3 as the starting materials and NaOH as the mineralizer. The detailed elemental compositions, thermal stability, optical properties, and synthesis mechanisms of CuAlO2 and AgAlO2 also have been studied. Noteworthy is the fact that both CuAlO2 and AgAlO2 can be stabilized up to 800 °C, and their optical transparency can reach 60%-85% in the visible range. Besides, it is believed the crystal formation mechanisms uncovered in the synthesis of CuAlO2 and AgAlO2 will prove insightful guildlines for the preparation of other delafossite oxides.

A highly selective and simple fluorescent sensor for mercury (II) ion detection based on cysteamine-capped CdTe quantum dots synthesized by the reflux method.

PubMed

Ding, Xiaojie; Qu, Lingbo; Yang, Ran; Zhou, Yuchen; Li, Jianjun

2015-06-01

Cysteamine (CA)-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) (CA-CdTe QDs) were prepared by the reflux method and utilized as an efficient nano-sized fluorescent sensor to detect mercury (II) ions (Hg(2+) ). Under optimum conditions, the fluorescence quenching effect of CA-CdTe QDs was linear at Hg(2+) concentrations in the range of 6.0-450 nmol/L. The detection limit was calculated to be 4.0 nmol/L according to the 3σ IUPAC criteria. The influence of 10-fold Pb(2+) , Cu(2+) and Ag(+) on the determination of Hg(2+) was < 7% (superior to other reports based on crude QDs). Furthermore, the detection sensitivity and selectivity were much improved relative to a sensor based on the CA-CdTe QDs probe, which was prepared using a one-pot synthetic method. This CA-CdTe QDs sensor system represents a new feasibility to improve the detection performance of a QDs sensor by changing the synthesis method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Long-term records of trace metal content of western Mediterranean seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) meadows: Natural and anthropogenic contributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tovar-SáNchez, Antonio; Serón, Juan; Marbã, Núria; Arrieta, Jesús M.; Duarte, Carlos M.

2010-06-01

We discuss Al, Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn contents in seagrass Posidonia oceanica rhizomes from the Balearic Archipelago for the last 3 decades. Time series of metal concentration in P. oceanica were measured by dating rhizomes using retrospective procedures. The highest concentrations of Al (174.73 μg g-1), Cd (3.56 μg g-1), Cr (1.34 μg g-1), Cu (32.15 μg g-1), Pb (8.51 μg g-1), and Zn (107.14 μg g-1) were measured in meadows located around the largest and most densely populated island (Mallorca Island). There was a general tendency for Ag concentration to decrease with time (up to 80% from 1990 to 2005 in sample from Mallorca Island), which could be attributed to a reduction of the anthropogenic sources. Nickel and Zn concentrations were the unique elements that showed a consistent temporal trend in all samples, increasing their concentrations since year 1996 at all studied stations; this trend matched with the time series of UV-absorbing aerosols particles in the air (i.e., aerosols index) over the Mediterranean region (r2: 0.78, p < 0.001 for Cabrera Island), suggesting that P. oceanica could be an efficient recorder of dust events. A comparison of enrichment factors in rhizomes relative to average crustal material indicates that suspended aerosol is also the most likely source for Cr and Fe to P. oceanica.

Orebody Modelling for Exploration: The Western Mineralisation, Broken Hill, NSW

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lotfolah Hamedani, Mohammad, E-mail: mlotfham@gmail.com; Plimer, Ian Rutherford; Xu Chaoshui

2012-09-15

The Western Mineralisation in the Broken Hill deposit was studied to identify the zonation sequence of lithogeochemical haloes along and across the strike of the orebody. Samples used are from 77 drill holes and the samples were assayed for Pb, Zn, Fe, S, Cu, Ag, Cd, Sb, Bi and As. Variogram analyses were calculated for all the elements and kriging was used to construct the 3D block model. Analysis of cross sections along and across the strike of the orebody shows that Bi and Sb form broader halos around sulphide masses and this suggests that they are pathfinder elements formore » the Pb and Zn elements of this orebody. The threshold concentrations (minimum anomaly) of the 10 elements were determined using the concentration-area analysis. On east-west vertical cross sections, the values of linear productivity, variability gradient and zonality index were calculated for each element. Based on the maximum zonality index of each element, the sequence of geochemical zonation pattern was determined from top to bottom of the orebody. The result shows that S, Pb, Zn and Cd tend to concentrate in the upper part of the mineralisation whereas Ag, Cu, Bi and As have a tendency to concentrate in the lower part of the mineralised rocks. Also, an empirical product ratio index was developed based on the position of the elements in the zonation sequence. The methods and results of this research are applicable to exploration of similar Zn and Pb sulphide ore deposits.« less

Antibacterial and Antimycotic Activity of Cotton Fabrics, Impregnated with Silver and Binary Silver/Copper Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eremenko, A. M.; Petrik, I. S.; Smirnova, N. P.; Rudenko, A. V.; Marikvas, Y. S.

2016-01-01

Effective method of obtaining of the bactericidal bandage materials by impregnation of cotton fabric by aqueous solutions of silver and copper salts followed by a certain regime of heat treatment is developed. The study of obtained materials by methods of optical spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and X-ray phase analysis showed the formation of crystalline silver nanoparticles (NPs) and bimetallic Ag/Cu composites with the corresponding surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bands in the absorption spectra. High antimicrobial and antimycotic properties of tissues with low concentrations of Ag and Ag/Cu nanoparticles (Ag/Cu NPs) (in the range 0.06-0.25 weight percent (wt%) for Ag and 0.015-0.13 wt% for Ag/Cu) is confirmed in experiments with a wide range of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi: Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans yeasts, and micromycetes . Textile materials with Ag NPs demonstrate high antibacterial activity, while fabrics doped with bimetallic composite Ag/Cu have pronounced antimycotic properties. Bactericidal and antifungal properties of the obtained materials do not change after a washing. Production of such materials is extremely fast, convenient, and cost-effective.

Transfer of volatiles and metals from mafic to felsic magmas in composite magma chambers: An experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Haihao; Audétat, Andreas

2017-02-01

In order to determine the behavior of metals and volatiles during intrusion of mafic magma into the base of silicic, upper crustal magma chambers, fluid-rock partition coefficients (Dfluid/rock) of Li, B, Na, S, Cl, K, Mn, Fe, Rb, Sr, Ba, Ce, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd, Mo, As, Se, Sb, Te, W, Tl, Pb and Bi were determined experimentally at 2 kbar and 850 °C close to the solidus of mafic magma. In a first step, volatile-bearing mafic glasses were prepared by melting a natural basaltic trachyandesite in the presence of volatile-bearing fluids at 1200 °C/10 kbar in piston cylinder presses. The hydrous glasses were then equilibrated in subsequent experiments at 850 °C/2 kbar in cold-seal pressure vessels, which caused 80-90% of the melt to crystallize. After 0.5-2.0 days of equilibration, the exsolved fluid was trapped by means of in-situ fracturing in the form of synthetic fluid inclusions in quartz. Both the mafic rock residue and the fluid inclusions were subsequently analyzed by laser-ablation ICP-MS for major and trace elements. Reverse experiments were conducted by equilibrating metal-bearing aqueous solutions with rock powder and then trapping the fluid. In two additional experiments, information on relative element mobilities were obtained by reacting fluids that exsolved from crystallizing mafic magma with overlying silicic melts. The combined results suggest that under the studied conditions S, Cl, Cu, Se, Br, Cd and Te are most volatile (Dfluid/rock >10), followed by Li, B, Zn, As, Ag, Sb, Cs, W, Tl, Pb and Bi (Dfluid/rock = 1-10). Less volatile are Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Rb, Sr, Mo and Rb (Dfluid/rock 0.1-1), and the least fluid-mobile elements are Al, Si, Ti, Zr, Ba and Ce (Dfluid/rock <0.1). This trend is broadly consistent with relative element volatilities determined on natural high-temperature fumarole gases, although some differences exist. Based on the volatility data and measured mineral-melt and sulfide-melt partition coefficients, volatile fluxing in felsic natural samples may be identified by Cu, Se, Te and Cd-enrichment in magmatic sulfides, and by As, Se, Cd and Bi-enrichment in magmatic apatite.

Eu9Cd4-xCM2+x-y□ySb9: Ca9Mn4Bi9-type structure stuffed with coinage metals (Cu, Ag, and Au) and the challenges with classical valence theory in describing these possible zintl phases.

PubMed

Kazem, Nasrin; Hurtado, Antonio; Klobes, Benedikt; Hermann, Raphaël P; Kauzlarich, Susan M

2015-02-02

The synthesis, crystal structure, magnetic properties, and europium Mössbauer spectroscopy of the new members of the 9-4-9 Zintl family of Eu(9)Cd(4-x)CM(2+x-y)□(y)Sb(9) (CM = coinage metal: Au, Ag, and Cu) are reported. These compounds crystallize in the Ca(9)Mn(4)Bi(9) structure type (9-4-9) with the 4g interstitial site almost half-occupied by coinage metals; these are the first members in the 9-4-9 family where the interstitial positions are occupied by a monovalent metal. All previously known compounds with this structure type include divalent interstitials where these interstitials are typically the same as the transition metals in the anionic framework. Single-crystal magnetic susceptibility data indicate paramagnetic behavior for all three compounds with antiferromagnetic ordering below 10 K (at 100 Oe) that shifts to lower temperature (<7 K) by applying a 3 T magnetic field. (151)Eu Mössbauer spectra were collected on polycrystalline powder samples of Eu(9)Cd(4-x)CM(2+x-y)□(y)Sb(9) at 50 and 6.5 K in order to evaluate the valence of Eu cations. Although the Zintl formalism states that the five crystallographically distinct Eu sites in Eu(9)Cd(4-x)CM(2+x-y)□(y)Sb9 should bear Eu(2+), the Mössbauer spectral isomer shifts are clearly indicative of both 2+ and 3+ valence of the Eu cations with the Cu- and Au-containing compounds showing higher amounts of Eu(3+). This electronic configuration leads to an excess of negative charge in these compounds that contradicts the expected valence-precise requirement of Zintl phases. The spectra obtained at 6.5 K reveal magnetic ordering for both Eu(2+) and Eu(3+). The field dependence of Eu(2+) indicates two distinct magnetic sublattices, with higher and lower fields, and of a small field for Eu(3+). The site symmetry of the five Eu sites is not distinguishable from the Mössbauer data.

A study on electromigration-inducing intergranular fracture of fine silver alloy wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsueh, Hao-Wen; Hung, Fei-Yi; Lui, Truan-Sheng

2017-01-01

In this study, Pd-coated Cu, Ag (purity = 4 N), and Ag alloy (Ag-8Au-3Pd) wires were employed to measure the tensile properties during current stressing using the so-called dynamic current tensile (DCT) test. Both the tensile strength and elongation of the wires decreased dramatically in the DCT test, particularly of the Ag-based wires, and the fracture morphology of the Cu-based and Ag-based wires was ductile fracture and intergranular fracture, respectively. Compared to the Cu-based wires, electromigration occurred more easily in the Ag-based wires, and it always generated voids and cracks at the grain boundaries; therefore, the fracture morphology of the Ag-based wires was intergranular fracture owing to the weakened grain boundary. Further, the results indicated that the Ag-based wires could not carry a higher current density than the Cu-based wires, primarily because their extremely low strength and elongation in current stressing might cause serious reliability problems.

Effects of Cu and Ag as ternary and quaternary additions on some physical properties of SnSb7 bearing alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Bediwi, A. B.

2004-02-01

The structure, electrical resistivity, and elastic modulus of SnSb7 and SnSb7X (X = Cu , Ag, or Cu and Ag) rapidly solidified alloys have been investigated using X-ray diffractometer, double bridge, and dynamic resonance techniques. Copper and silver additions to SnSb result in the formation of a eutectic matrix containing embedded crystals (intermetallic phases) of SnCu, SnAg, and SnSb. The hard crystals SnCu, SnAg, and SnSb increase the overall hardness and wear resistance of SnSb bearing alloys. Addition of copper and silver improves internal friction, electrical conductivity, and elastic modulus values of SnSb rapidly solidified bearing alloys. The internal friction, elastic modulus, and electrical resistivity values are relatively sensitive to the composition of the intermediate phases in the matrix. The SbSb(7)Cu(2)g(2) has better properties (lowest internal friction, cost, adequate elastic modulus, and electrical resistivity) for bearing alloys as compared to cast iron and bronzes.

The effect of intermetallic compound morphology on Cu diffusion in Sn-Ag and Sn-Pb solder bump on the Ni/Cu Under-bump metallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Guh-Yaw; Duh, Jenq-Gong

2005-01-01

The eutectic Sn-Ag solder alloy is one of the candidates for the Pb-free solder, and Sn-Pb solder alloys are still widely used in today’s electronic packages. In this tudy, the interfacial reaction in the eutectic Sn-Ag and Sn-Pb solder joints was investigated with an assembly of a solder/Ni/Cu/Ti/Si3N4/Si multilayer structures. In the Sn-3.5Ag solder joints reflowed at 260°C, only the (Ni1-x,Cux)3Sn4 intermetallic compound (IMC) formed at the solder/Ni interface. For the Sn-37Pb solder reflowed at 225°C for one to ten cycles, only the (Ni1-x,Cux)3Sn4 IMC formed between the solder and the Ni/Cu under-bump metallization (UBM). Nevertheless, the (Cu1-y,Niy)6Sn5 IMC was observed in joints reflowed at 245°C after five cycles and at 265°C after three cycles. With the aid of microstructure evolution, quantitative analysis, and elemental distribution between the solder and Ni/Cu UBM, it was revealed that Cu content in the solder near the solder/IMC interface played an important role in the formation of the (Cu1-y,Niy)6Sn5 IMC. In addition, the diffusion behavior of Cu in eutectic Sn-Ag and Sn-Pb solders with the Ni/Cu UBM were probed and discussed. The atomic flux of Cu diffused through Ni was evaluated by detailed quantitative analysis in an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). During reflow, the atomic flux of Cu was on the order of 1016-1017 atoms/cm2sec in both the eutectic Sn-Ag and Sn-Pb systems.

Anomalous creep in Sn-rich solder joints

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Song, Ho Geon; Morris Jr., John W.; Hua, Fay

2002-03-15

This paper discusses the creep behavior of example Sn-rich solders that have become candidates for use in Pb-free solder joints. The specific solders discussed are Sn-3.5Ag, Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu, Sn-0.7Cu and Sn-10In-3.1Ag, used in thin joints between Cu and Ni-Au metallized pads.

The design of novel visible light driven Ag/CdO as smart nanocomposite for photodegradation of different dye contaminants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saravanakumar, K.; Muthuraj, V.; Jeyaraj, M.

2018-01-01

In this paper, we report a novel visible light driven Ag/CdO photocatalyst, fabricated for the first time via one pot hydrothermal method and further applied for the photodegradation of two important exemplar water contaminants, Malachite green and Acid Orange 7. The microstructure, composition and optical properties of Ag/CdO nanocomposites were thoroughly investigated by various techniques. Scanning electron microscopy clearly shows that Ag NPs were strongly embedded between the CdO nanoparticles. Among the series of synthesized Ag/CdO nanocomposites, (5%) Ag/CdO nanocomposite possesses enhanced photocatalytic activity. This result was attributed to the synergistic effect between Ag and CdO, and mainly Ag NPs can act as an electron trap site, which could reduce the recombination of the electron-hole and induce the visible light absorption. The active species trapping experiments implicate radOH and O2rad - radicals as the respective primary and secondary reactive species responsible for oxidative photodegradation of organic pollutants. On the basis of the results, a possible photocatalytic mechanism has also been proposed.

ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite for visible light-induced photocatalytic degradation of industrial textile effluents.

PubMed

Saravanan, R; Mansoob Khan, M; Gupta, Vinod Kumar; Mosquera, E; Gracia, F; Narayanan, V; Stephen, A

2015-08-15

A ternary ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite was synthesized using thermal decomposition method. The resulting nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation for the degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue compared with binary ZnO/Ag and ZnO/CdO nanocomposites. The ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite was also used for the degradation of the industrial textile effluent (real sample analysis) and degraded more than 90% in 210 min under visible light irradiation. The small size, high surface area and synergistic effect in the ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite is responsible for high photocatalytic activity. These results also showed that the Ag nanoparticles induced visible light activity and facilitated efficient charge separation in the ZnO/Ag/CdO nanocomposite, thereby improving the photocatalytic performance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Phase constitution and interface structure of nano-sized Ag-Cu/AlN multilayers: Experiment and ab initio modeling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pigozzi, Giancarlo; Janczak-Rusch, Jolanta; Passerone, Daniele

2012-10-29

Nano-sized Ag-Cu{sub 8nm}/AlN{sub 10nm} multilayers were deposited by reactive DC sputtering on {alpha}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}(0001) substrates. Investigation of the phase constitution and interface structure of the multilayers evidences a phase separation of the alloy sublayers into nanosized grains of Ag and Cu. The interfaces between the Ag grains and the quasi-single-crystalline AlN sublayers are semi-coherent, whereas the corresponding Cu/AlN interfaces are incoherent. The orientation relationship between Ag and AlN is constant throughout the entire multilayer stack. These observations are consistent with atomistic models of the interfaces as obtained by ab initio calculations.

Thermoelectric properties and chemical potential tuning by Cu-doping in n-type ionic conductors CuxAg2-xSe0.5Te0.5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Min Ho; Yun, Jae Hyun; Ahn, Kyunghan; Rhyee, Jong-Soo

2017-12-01

Copper and silver chalcogenides with superionic conduction behavior have shown impressively high ZT values, but there has been no intensive effort to optimize their carrier density to further improve their ZT values. Here, we prepared polycrystalline CuxAg2-xSe0.5Te0.5 (x = 0.01, 0.05, 0.1) samples using high temperature melting followed by hot-press sintering, and characterized their thermoelectric properties. We demonstrated that Cu substitution for Ag was achieved with <10% Cu content for CuxAg2-xSe0.5Te0.5 and the Cu doping was quite effective and significantly enhanced the compound's n-type carrier density, which was one order of magnitude higher than the pristine Ag2Se0.5Te0.5 (4.10 × 1018 cm-3). Impressively, the enhancement in electrical conductivity with increasing Cu content was greater than the decrease in absolute value of the Seebeck coefficient in the superionic conduction state. This led to relatively high power factors for Cu0.1Ag1.99Se0.5Te0.5, ranging between 1.10 and 1.30 mW m-1 K-2 over the broad temperature range of 400-560 K, and resulted in the highest ZT of 0.85 at 560 K. Furthermore, ZT values approached >0.7 over a wide temperature range of 460-560 K for x > 0.05. We suggest that the unusual Cu doping effect in Ag2Se0.5Te0.5 can be attributed to the creation of Cu ion conduction in addition to Ag ion conduction, and the optimization of the compound's n-type carrier density.

Effects of PCB Pad Metal Finishes on the Cu-Pillar/Sn-Ag Micro Bump Joint Reliability of Chip-on-Board (COB) Assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Youngsoon; Lee, Seyong; Shin, Ji-won; Paik, Kyung-Wook

2016-06-01

While solder bumps have been used as the bump structure to form the interconnection during the last few decades, the continuing scaling down of devices has led to a change in the bump structure to Cu-pillar/Sn-Ag micro-bumps. Cu-pillar/Sn-Ag micro-bump interconnections differ from conventional solder bump interconnections in terms of their assembly processing and reliability. A thermo-compression bonding method with pre-applied b-stage non-conductive films has been adopted to form solder joints between Cu pillar/Sn-Ag micro bumps and printed circuit board vehicles, using various pad metal finishes. As a result, various interfacial inter-metallic compounds (IMCs) reactions and stress concentrations occur at the Cu pillar/Sn-Ag micro bumps joints. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the influence of pad metal finishes on the structural reliability of fine pitch Cu pillar/Sn-Ag micro bumps flip chip packaging. In this study, four different pad surface finishes (Thin Ni ENEPIG, OSP, ENEPIG, ENIG) were evaluated in terms of their interconnection reliability by thermal cycle (T/C) test up to 2000 cycles at temperatures ranging from -55°C to 125°C and high-temperature storage test up to 1000 h at 150°C. The contact resistances of the Cu pillar/Sn-Ag micro bump showed significant differences after the T/C reliability test in the following order: thin Ni ENEPIG > OSP > ENEPIG where the thin Ni ENEPIG pad metal finish provided the best Cu pillar/Sn-Ag micro bump interconnection in terms of bump joint reliability. Various IMCs formed between the bump joint areas can account for the main failure mechanism.

The decomposition of mixed oxide Ag2Cu2O3: Structural features and the catalytic properties in CO and C2H4 oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svintsitskiy, Dmitry A.; Kardash, Tatyana Yu.; Slavinskaya, Elena M.; Stonkus, Olga A.; Koscheev, Sergei V.; Boronin, Andrei I.

2018-01-01

The mixed silver-copper oxide Ag2Cu2O3 with a paramelaconite crystal structure is a promising material for catalytic applications. The as-prepared sample of Ag2Cu2O3 consisted of brick-like particles extended along the [001] direction. A combination of physicochemical techniques such as TEM, XPS and XRD was applied to investigate the structural features of this mixed silver-copper oxide. The thermal stability of Ag2Cu2O3 was investigated using in situ XRD under different reaction conditions, including a catalytic CO + O2 mixture. The first step of Ag2Cu2O3 decomposition was accompanied by the appearance of ensembles consisting of silver nanoparticles with sizes of 5-15 nm. Silver nanoparticles were strongly oriented to each other and to the surface of the initial Ag2Cu2O3 bricks. Based on the XRD data, it was shown that the release of silver occurred along the a and b axes of the paramelaconite structure. Partial decomposition of Ag2Cu2O3 accompanied by the formation of silver nanoparticles was observed during prolonged air storage under ambient conditions. The high reactivity is discussed as a reason for spontaneous decomposition during Ag2Cu2O3 storage. The full decomposition of the mixed oxide into metallic silver and copper (II) oxide took place at temperatures higher than 300 °C regardless of the nature of the reaction medium (helium, air, CO + O2). Catalytic properties of partially and fully decomposed samples of mixed silver-copper oxide were measured in low-temperature CO oxidation and C2H4 epoxidation reactions.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wen, Haiming; van Rooyen, Isabella J.

Here, detailed electron microscopy studies were performed to investigate the distribution and composition of fission products in the SiC layer of a tristructural isotropic coated particle exhibiting localized corrosion. Previous studies on this particle indicated that pure carbon areas in the SiC layer, resulting from localized corrosion of SiC by Pd, provide pathways for Ag, Cd and Cs migration. This study reveals the presence of Ag- and/or Cd-containing precipitates in un-corroded SiC areas. Ag/Cd may exist by themselves or coexist with Pd. Ag/Cd mainly transport along SiC grain boundaries. An Ag-Pd-Cd precipitate was identified at a stacking fault inside amore » SiC grain, suggesting that intragranular transport of Ag/Cd is possible. Ce is present with Pd or Pd-U in some precipitates >50 nm. U and Ce frequently coexist with each other, whereas Ag/Cd usually does not coexist with U or Ce. No Cs was detected in any precipitates in the areas examined.« less

Estimated Prevalence of Cryptococcus Antigenemia (CrAg) among HIV-Infected Adults with Advanced Immunosuppression in Namibia Justifies Routine Screening and Preemptive Treatment.

PubMed

Sawadogo, Souleymane; Makumbi, Boniface; Purfield, Anne; Ndjavera, Christophine; Mutandi, Gram; Maher, Andrew; Kaindjee-Tjituka, Francina; Kaplan, Jonathan E; Park, Benjamin J; Lowrance, David W

2016-01-01

Cryptococcal meningitis is common and associated with high mortality among HIV infected persons. The World Health Organization recommends that routine Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening in ART-naïve adults with a CD4+ count <100 cells/μL followed by pre-emptive antifungal therapy for CrAg-positive patients be considered where CrAg prevalence is ≥3%. The prevalence of CrAg among HIV adults in Namibia is unknown. We estimated CrAg prevalence among HIV-infected adults receiving care in Namibia for the purpose of informing routine screening strategies. The study design was cross-sectional. De-identified plasma specimens collected for routine CD4+ testing from HIV-infected adults enrolled in HIV care at 181 public health facilities from November 2013 to January 2014 were identified at the national reference laboratory. Remnant plasma from specimens with CD4+ counts <200 cells/μL were sampled and tested for CrAg using the IMMY® Lateral Flow Assay. CrAg prevalence was estimated and assessed for associations with age, sex, and CD4+ count. A total of 825 specimens were tested for CrAg. The median (IQR) age of patients from whom specimens were collected was 38 (32-46) years, 45.9% were female and 62.9% of the specimens had CD4 <100 cells/μL. CrAg prevalence was 3.3% overall and 3.9% and 2.3% among samples with CD4+ counts of CD4+<100 cells/μL and 100-200 cells/μL, respectively. CrAg positivity was significantly higher among patients with CD4+ cells/μL < 50 (7.2%, P = 0.001) relative to those with CD4 cells/μL 50-200 (2.2%). This is the first study to estimate CrAg prevalence among HIV-infected patients in Namibia. CrAg prevalence of ≥3.0% among patients with CD4+<100 cells/μL justifies routine CrAg screening and preemptive treatment among HIV-infected in Namibia in line with WHO recommendations. Patients with CD4+<100 cells/μL have a significantly greater risk for CrAg positivity. Revised guidelines for ART in Namibia now recommend routine screening for CrAg.

Ag-Cu nanoalloyed film as a high-performance cathode electrocatalytic material for zinc-air battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Yimin; Chen, Fuyi; Jin, Yachao; Liu, Zongwen

2015-04-01

A novel Ag50Cu50 film electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The electrocatalyst actually is Ag-Cu alloyed nanoparticles embedded in amorphous Cu film, based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization. The rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements provide evidence that the ORR proceed via a four-electron pathway on the electrocatalysts in alkaline solution. And it is much more efficient than pure Ag catalyst. The catalytic layer has maximum power density of 67 mW cm-2 and an acceptable cell voltage at 0.863 V when current densities increased up to 100 mA cm-2 in the Ag50Cu50-based primary zinc-air battery. The resulting rechargeable zinc-air battery exhibits low charge-discharge voltage polarization of 1.1 V at 20 mAcm-2 and high durability over 100 cycles in natural air.

Heavy metal tolerance and accumulation of Triarrhena sacchariflora, a large amphibious ornamental grass.

PubMed

Tian, R N; Yu, S; Wang, S G; Zhang, Y; Tang, J Y; Liu, Y L; Nie, Y H

2013-01-01

In this study, we report the tolerance and accumulation of Triarrhena sacchariflora to copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd). The results show that T. sacchariflora had strong tolerance to Cu and Cd stress. The tolerance indexes (TI) were greater than 0.5 for all treatments. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) to Cu and Cd were both above 1.0. The accumulation ability of roots was stronger than that of shoots, and ranges of BCF to Cu and Cd in roots were 37.89-79.08 and 83.96-300.57, respectively. However, the translocation ability to Cu and Cd was weak, with more than 86% of Cu or Cd accumulated in roots, suggesting an exclusion strategy for heavy metal tolerance. The uptake efficiency (UE) and translocation efficiency (TE) to Cu and Cd increased linearly as the Cu and Cd concentration in the substrate increased. UE was higher than TE, with a maximum of 2,118.90 μg g(-1) root dry weight (DW) (50 mg L(-1) Cu) and 1,847.51 μg g(-1) root DW (20 mg L(-1)Cd), respectively. The results indicate that T. sacchariflora is a Cu- and Cd-tolerant non-hyperaccumulator plant, suggesting that T. sacchariflora could play an important role in phytoremediation in areas contaminated with Cu and Cd.

Pollution evaluation of total and acid-leachable trace elements in surface sediments of Hooghly River Estuary and Sundarban Mangrove Wetland (India).

PubMed

Mondal, Priyanka; Reichelt-Brushett, Amanda J; Jonathan, M P; Sujitha, S B; Sarkar, Santosh Kumar

2018-02-01

The present work investigated the spatial distribution and ecological risk assessment of total and mild acid-leachable trace elements in surface sediments (top 0-10 cm; grain size ≤ 63 μm) along the Hooghly (Ganges) River Estuary and Sundarban Mangrove Wetland, India. The trace elements, analyzed by ICPMS, showed wide range of variations with the following descending order (mean values expressed in milligrams per kilogram): Fe (25,050 ± 4918) > Al (16,992 ± 4172) > Mn (517 ± 102) > Zn (53 ± 18) > Cu (33 ± 11) > Cr (29 ± 7) > Ni (27 ± 6) > Pb (14 ± 3) > As (5 ± 1) > Se (0.37 ± 0.10) > Cd (0.17 ± 0.13) > Ag (0.16 ± 0.19) > Hg (0.05 ± 0.10). In the acid-leachable fraction, Cd (92%) is dominated followed by Pb (81%), Mn (77%), Cu (70%), and Se (58%) indicating their high mobility, imposing negative impact on the adjacent benthos. The sediment pollution indices (both enrichment factor and contamination factor) suggested severe pollution by Ag at the sampling site Sajnekhali, a wildlife sanctuary in Sundarban. The mean probable effect level quotient indicated that surface sediments in the vicinity of the studied region have 21% probability of toxicity to biota. The result of multivariate analyses affirms lithogenic sources (e.g., weathering parent rocks, dry deposition) for As, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Ni, whereas Cd and Hg originated from anthropogenic activities (such as urban and industrial activities). Both human-induced stresses and natural processes controlled trace element accumulation and distribution in the estuarine system, and remedial measures are required to mitigate the potential impacts of these hazardous trace elements.

Marine chemistry of the permian phosphoria formation and basin, Southeast Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Piper, D.Z.

2001-01-01

Major components in the Meade Peak Member of the Phosphoria Formation are apatite, dolomite, calcite, organic matter, and biogenic silica-a marine fraction; and aluminosilicate quartz debris-a terrigenous fraction. Samples from Enoch Valley, in southeast Idaho, have major element oxide abundances of Al2O3, Fe2O3, K2O, and TiO2 that closely approach the composition of the world shale average. Factor analysis further identifies the partitioning of several trace elements-Ba, Ga, Li, Sc, and Th and, at other sites in southeast Idaho and western Wyoming, B, Co, Cs, Hf, Rb, and Ta-totally into this fraction. Trace elements that fail to show such correlations or factor loadings include Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Se, the rare earth elements (REE), U, V, and Zn. Their terrigenous contribution is determined from minimum values of trace elements versus the terrigenous fraction. These minima too define trace element concentrations in the terrigenous fraction that approximately equal their concentrations in the world shale average. The marine fraction of trace elements represents the difference between the bulk trace element content of a sample and the terrigenous contribution. Of the trace elements enriched above a terrigenous contribution, Ag, Cr, Cu, Mo, and Se show strong loadings on the factor with an organic matter loading and U and the REE on the factor with a strong apatite loading. Cd, Ni, V, and Zn do not show a strong correlation with any of the marine components but are, nonetheless, strongly enriched above a terrigenous contribution. Interelement relationships between the trace elements identify two seawater sources-planktonic debris and basinal bottom water. Relationships between Cd, Cu, Mo, Zn, and possibly Ni and Se suggest a solely biogenic source. Their accumulation rates, and that of PO3-4, further identify the level of primary productivity as having been moderate and the residence time of water in the basin at 4.5 yr. Enrichments of Cr, U, V, and the REE, above both terrigenous and biogenic contributions, define bottom-water redox conditions as having been oxygen depleted, that is, denitrifying but not sulfate reducing.

Ag- and Cu-doped multifunctional bioactive nanostructured TiCaPCON films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shtansky, D. V.; Batenina, I. V.; Kiryukhantsev-Korneev, Ph. V.; Sheveyko, A. N.; Kuptsov, K. A.; Zhitnyak, I. Y.; Anisimova, N. Yu.; Gloushankova, N. A.

2013-11-01

A key property of multicomponent bioactive nanostructured Ti(C,N)-based films doped with Ca, P, and O (TiCaPCON) that can be improved further is their antibacterial effect that should be achieved without compromising the implant bioactivity and biocompatibility. The present work is focused on the study of structure, chemical, mechanical, tribological, and biological properties of Ag- and Cu-doped TiCaPCON films. The films with Ag (0.4-4 at.%) and Cu (13 at.%) contents were obtained by simultaneous sputtering of a TiC0.5-Ca3(PO4)2 target and either an Ag or a Cu target. The film structure was studied using X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy, and Raman-shift and IR spectroscopy. The films were characterized in terms of their hardness, elastic modulus, dynamic impact resistance, friction coefficient and wear rate (both in air and normal saline), surface wettability, electrochemical behavior and Ag or Cu ion release in normal saline. Particular attention was paid to the influence of inorganic bactericides (Ag and Cu ions) on the bactericidal activity against unicellular yeast fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae and gram-positive bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, as well as on the attachment, spreading, actin cytoskeleton organization, focal adhesions, and early stages of osteoblastic cell differentiation. The obtained results show that the Ag-doped films are more suitable for the protection of metallic surfaces against bacterial infection compared with their Cu-doped counterpart. In particular, an excellent combination of mechanical, tribological, and biological properties makes Ag-doped TiCaPCON film with 1.2 at.% of Ag very attractive material for bioengineering and modification of load-bearing metal implant surfaces.

Effect of silver doping on the elastic properties of CdS nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, P. C.; Das, R.

2018-05-01

CdS and Ag doped CdS (CdS/Ag) nanoparticles have been prepared via chemical method from a Cadmium acetate precursor and Thiourea. The synthesized CdS and CdS/Ag nanoparticles have been characterized by the X-ray Diffraction and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope. Here, these nanoparticles have been synthesized at room temperature and all the characterization have also been done at room temperature only. The XRD results reveal that the products are crystalline with cubic zinc blende structure. HRTEM images show that the prepared nanoparticles are nearly spherical in shape. Williamson-Hall method and Size-Strain Plot (SSP) have been used to study the individual contribution of crystalline sizes and lattice strain on the peak broadening of the CdS and CdS/Ag nanoparticles. The different modified model of Williamson-Hall method such as, uniform deformation model, uniform stress deformation model and uniform energy density deformation model and SSP method have been used to calculate the different physical parameter such as lattice strain, stress and energy density for all diffraction peaks of the XRD, corresponding to the CdS and silver doped CdS (CdS/Ag). The obtained results reveal that the average particle size of the prepared CdS and CdS/Ag nanoparticles estimated from the HRTEM images, Williamson-Hall analysis and SSP method are highly correlated with each other. Further, all these result confirms that doping of Ag significantly affects the elastic properties of CdS.

A cross-reactive sensor array for the fluorescence qualitative analysis of heavy metal ions.

PubMed

Kang, Huaizhi; Lin, Liping; Rong, Mingcong; Chen, Xi

2014-11-01

A cross-reactive sensor array using mercaptopropionic acid modified cadmium telluride (CdTe), glutathione modified CdTe, poly(methacrylic acid) modified silver nanoclusters, bovine serum albumin modified gold nanoclusters, rhodamine derivative and calcein blue as fluorescent indicators has been designed for the detection of seven heavy metal ions (Ag(+), Hg(2+), Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Cr(3+), Mn(2+) and Cd(2+)). The discriminatory capacity of the sensor array to different heavy metal ions in different pH solutions has been tested and the results have been analyzed with linear discriminant analysis. Results showed that the sensor array could be used to qualitatively analyze the selected heavy metal ions. The array performance was also evaluated in the identification of known and unknown samples and the preliminary results suggested the promising practicability of the designed sensor assay. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural and optoelectronic studies on Ag-CdS quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim Mohammed S., M.; Gubari, Ghamdan M. M.; Huse, Nanasaheb P.; Dive, Avinash S.; Sharma, Ramphal

2018-05-01

In the present study, we have successfully deposited CdS quantum dot thin films and Ag doped CdS on a glass slide by simple and economical chemical bath deposition at room temperature. The X-ray diffraction method analysis reveals that CdS thin films exhibit hexagonal structure when compared with standard JCPDS data. The estimated average crystallite size of the quantum dots and resulted in the least crystallite size of ˜9 nm. a comparison between the optical and electrical properties of the films before and after doping Ag was made through measuring and analyzing the curves for UV and I-V. From UV absorption spectra we observed that the samples exhibited a band edge near ˜400 nm with a slight deviation with the presence of excitonic peak for both CdS and Ag doped CdS. The presence of excitonic peak may be referred to the formation of quantum dots. The calculated band gap energy of thin films was found to be 3.45 eV and 3.15 eV for both CdS and Ag doped CdS thin films respectively, where the optical absorption spectra of Ag doped CdS nanoparticles also exhibit shift with respect to that of CdS quantum dots thin films. The photosensitive of CdS thin films show an increase in photocurrent when Ag doped CdS.

Human exposure assessment of silver and copper migrating from an antimicrobial nanocoated packaging material into an acidic food simulant.

PubMed

Hannon, Joseph Christopher; Kerry, Joseph P; Cruz-Romero, Malco; Azlin-Hasim, Shafrina; Morris, Michael; Cummins, Enda

2016-09-01

To examine the human exposure to a novel silver and copper nanoparticle (AgNP and CuNP)/polystyrene-polyethylene oxide block copolymer (PS-b-PEO) food packaging coating, the migration of Ag and Cu into 3% acetic acid (3% HAc) food simulant was assessed at 60 °C for 10 days. Significantly lower migration was observed for Ag (0.46 mg/kg food) compared to Cu (0.82 mg/kg food) measured by inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). In addition, no distinct population of AgNPs or CuNPs were observed in 3% HAc by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The predicted human exposure to Ag and Cu was used to calculate a margin of exposure (MOE) for ionic species of Ag and Cu, which indicated the safe use of the food packaging in a hypothetical scenario (e.g. as fruit juice packaging). While migration exceeded regulatory limits, the calculated MOE suggests current migration limits may be conservative for specific nano-packaging applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relative abundance of chemical forms of Cu(II) and Cd(II) on soybean roots as influenced by pH, cations and organic acids

PubMed Central

Zhou, Qin; Liu, Zhao-dong; Liu, Yuan; Jiang, Jun; Xu, Ren-kou

2016-01-01

Little information is available on chemical forms of heavy metals on integrate plant roots. KNO3 (1 M), 0.05M EDTA at pH6 and 0.01 M HCl were used sequentially to extract the exchangeable, complexed and precipitated forms of Cu(II) and Cd(II) from soybean roots and then to investigate chemical form distribution of Cu(II) and Cd(II) on soybean roots. Cu(II) and Cd(II) adsorbed on soybean roots were mainly exchangeable form, followed by complexed form, while their precipitated forms were very low under acidic conditions. Soybean roots had a higher adsorption affinity to Cu(II) than Cd(II), leading to higher toxic of Cu(II) than Cd(II). An increase in solution pH increased negative charge on soybean and thus increased exchangeable Cu(II) and Cd(II) on the roots. Ca2+, Mg2+ and NH4+ reduced exchangeable Cu(II) and Cd(II) levels on soybean roots and these cations showed greater effects on Cd(II) than Cu(II) due to greater adsorption affinity of the roots to Cu(II) than Cd(II). L-malic and citric acids decreased exchangeable and complexed Cu(II) on soybean roots. In conclusion, Cu(II) and Cd(II) mainly existed as exchangeable and complexed forms on soybean roots. Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations and citric and L-malic acids can potentially alleviate Cu(II) and Cd(II) toxicity to plants. PMID:27805020

Interfacial reactions and compound formation of Sn-Ag-Cu solders by mechanical alloying on electroless Ni-P/Cu under bump metallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, Szu-Tsung; Duh, Jenq-Gong

2005-08-01

Electroless Ni-P under bump metallization (UBM) has been widely used in electronic interconnections due to the good diffusion barrier between Cu and solder. In this study, the mechanical alloying (MA) process was applied to produce the SnAgCu lead-free solder pastes. Solder joints after annealing at 240°C for 15 min were employed to investigate the evolution of interfacial reaction between electroless Ni-P/Cu UBM and SnAgCu solder with various Cu concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 wt.%. After detailed quantitative analysis with an electron probe microanalyzer, the effect of Cu content on the formation of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at SnAgCu solder/electroless Ni-P interface was evaluated. When the Cu concentration in the solder was 0.2 wt.%, only one (Ni, Cu)3Sn4 layer was observed at the solder/electroless Ni-P interface. As the Cu content increased to 0.5 wt.%, (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 formed along with (Ni, Cu)3Sn4. However, only one (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 layer was revealed, if the Cu content was up to 1 wt.%. With the aid of microstructure evolution, quantitative analysis, and elemental distribution by x-ray color mapping, the presence of the Ni-Sn-P phase and P-rich layer was evidenced.

Silver nanostructures from Ag(CN) 2 - reduction by citrate ions in the presence of dodecyl sulfate and Cu2+ ions. Synthesis and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López-Miranda, A.; Viramontes-Gamboa, G.; López-Valdivieso, A.

2014-02-01

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles has been investigated using Ag(CN) 2 - species as precursor, citrate ions as reducing agent, and dodecyl sulfate ions as stabilizer, at pH 11 and 97 °C, in a batch stirred glass reactor. The role of Cu2+ ions in the synthesis was also studied. Bird- of- paradise flower-type nanostructures composed of AgCN nanowires having inside Ag and AgCN nanoparticles were produced in the absence of Cu2+ ions. The nanostructures slowly grew and transformed to AgCN nanowires with embedded Ag and AgCN nanoparticles, having a mean size of 9.7 ± 3.6 nm. The presence of Cu2+ ions in the synthesis significantly enhanced the production of the nanostructures. Nanowires having a thickness of 63 ± 33 nm and length of up to 20 μm were produced. Cu2+ ions also simultaneously lead to the synthesis of ordinary free Ag nanoparticles with a bimodal size distribution (mean sizes of 9.9 ± 3.9 and 65.5 ± 27 nm) and a low experimental formation kinetic rate constant of 1.22 × 10-4 s-1. Feasible mechanisms are presented for the origin of the AgCN nanowires, Ag and AgCN nanoparticles inside the nanowires, and for the free Ag nanoparticles. UV/Vis spectrometry was used to measure the surface plasmon resonance of the nanoparticles and the synthesis kinetic rate constant of the free Ag nanoparticles. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, EDS-SEM, EDS-TEM, and HRTEM were used to characterize the size, crystal structure, texture, and chemical composition of the synthesis products.

Spatial distribution of Cd and Cu in soils in Shenyang Zhangshi Irrigation Area (SZIA), China*

PubMed Central

Sun, Li-na; Yang, Xiao-bo; Wang, Wen-qing; Ma, Li; Chen, Su

2008-01-01

Heavy metal contamination of soils, derived from sewage irrigation, mining and inappropriate utilization of various agrochemicals and pesticides, and so on, has been of wide concern in the last several decades. The Shenyang Zhangshi Irrigation Area (SZIA) in China is a representative area of heavy metal contamination of soils resulting from sewage irrigation for about 30 years. This study investigated the spatial distribution and temporal variation of soil cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) contamination in the SZIA. The soil samples were collected from the SZIA in 1990 and 2004; Cd and Cu in soils was analyzed and then the spatial distribution and temporal variation of Cd and Cu in soils were modeled using Kriging methods. The results show that long-term sewage irrigation had caused serious Cd and Cu contamination in soils. The mean and the maximum of soil Cd are markedly higher than the levels in second grade standard soil (LSGSS) in China, and the maximum of soil Cu is close to the LSGSS in China in 2004 and is more than the LSGSS in China in 1990. The contamination magnitude of soil Cd and the soil extent of Cd contamination had evidently increased since sewage irrigation ceased in 1992. The contamination magnitude of soil Cu and the soil extent of Cu contamination had evidently increased in topsoil, but obviously decresed in subsoil. The soil contamination of Cd and Cu was mainly related to Cd and Cu reactivation of contaminated sediments in Shenyang Xi River and the import of Cd and Cu during irrigation. The eluviation of Cd and Cu in contaminated topsoil with rainfall and irrigation water was another factor of temporal-spatial variability of Cd and Cu contamination in soils. PMID:18357631

Coexistence of bipolar and unipolar resistive switching behaviors in the double-layer Ag/ZnS-Ag/CuAlO2/Pt memory device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lei; Xu, Haiyang; Wang, Zhongqiang; Yu, Hao; Ma, Jiangang; Liu, Yichun

2016-01-01

The coexistence of uniform bipolar and unipolar resistive-switching (RS) characteristics was demonstrated in a double-layer Ag/ZnS-Ag/CuAlO2/Pt memory device. By changing the compliance current (CC) from 1 mA to 10 mA, the RS behavior can be converted from the bipolar mode (BRS) to the unipolar mode (URS). The temperature dependence of low resistance states further indicates that the CFs are composed of the Ag atoms and Cu vacancies for the BRS mode and URS mode, respectively. For this double-layer structure device, the thicker conducting filaments (CFs) will be formed in the ZnS-Ag layer, and it can act as tip electrodes. Thus, the formation and rupture of these two different CFs are located in the CuAlO2 layer, realizing the uniform and stable BRS and URS.

Equilibrium composition of interphase boundaries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wynblatt, P.

1990-01-01

Two modeling approaches have been used to investigate segregation effects at interphase boundaries. The first approach is based on the nearest neighbor bond model, used in conjunction with the regular solution approximation, and is an extension of an earlier framework developed to address segregation phenomena at free surfaces. In order to model a semicoherent interphase boundary, we have employed a second modeling approach, based on Monte Carol simulation, in conjunction with the embedded atom method (EAM). The EAM is a powerful new method for describing interatomic interactions in metallic systems. It includes certain many-body interactions that depend on the localmore » environment of an atom. The Monte Carol approach has been applied to semicoherent interphase boundaries in Cu-Ag-Au alloys dilute in Au. These alloys consist of coexisting Cu-rich and Ag-rich phases, which differ in lattice constant by about 12%, such that good matching across in interface occurs when nine structural units of the Cu-rich phase are opposed to eight structural units of the Ag-rich phase. Thus far, interfaces with two different orientations have been studied: {l brace}001{r brace}-Cu//{l brace}001{r brace}-Ag, {l angle}110{r angle}-Cu//{l angle}110{r angle}-Ag; and {l brace}111{r brace}-Cu//{l brace}111{r brace}-Ag, {l angle}110{r angle}-Cu//{l angle}110{r angle}-Ag. These two interfaces will be referred to as the (001) and (111) interphase boundaries, for short. 18 refs.« less

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Cordia dichotoma fruit extract and its enhanced antibacterial, anti-biofilm and photo catalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bharathi, Devaraj; Vasantharaj, Seerangaraj; Bhuvaneshwari, V.

2018-05-01

The present study describes the antibacterial, anti-biofilm and photo catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Cordia dichotoma fruits (Cd-AgNPs) for the first time. The phyto-synthesized Cd-AgNPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). FE-SEM and TEM observation showed that the average size of 2–60 nm with spherical shape of Cd-AgNPs and the presence of phyto-compounds which are responsible for capping and reduction were studied by FT-IR. XRD studies revealed the face-centered cubic structure of Cd-AgNPs. The synthesized Cd-AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, assayed using agar well diffusion method. Phyto-synthesized Cd-AgNPs exhibited more than 90% inhibition of biofilm activity formed by S. aureus and E. coli. Furthermore, photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet (CV) under UV light irradiation using Cd-AgNPs was performed. Synthesized Cd-AgNPs exhibited ∼85% degradation activity for CV. Collectively, our findings suggest that C.dichotoma is a green source for the eco-friendly synthesis of Cd-AgNPs, which further can be used as a novel biocidal agent against bacterial pathogens and a potent photo catalytic agent.

Antigen targeting to antigen-presenting cells enhances presentation to class II-restricted T lymphocytes.

PubMed Central

Scardino, A; Paroli, M; De Petrillo, G; Michel, M L; Barnaba, V

1994-01-01

Receptor-mediated uptake increases by several orders of magnitude the efficiency of APC to internalize Ag, and is stringently required for the Ag-presenting function of T lymphocytes due to their inability to take up Ag non-specifically. We have previously reported that hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBenvAg) can be internalized by T cells via transferrin receptor (TfR). To evaluate if Ag targeting to receptors expressed on APC could be an effective tool for promoting Ag uptake and presentation, we tested the capacity of activated T cells not expressing TfR to induce HBenvAg-specific T-cell responses when pulsed with a hybrid particle containing HBenvAg coupled to gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), exploiting the ability of gp120 to bind to CD4 receptor. We found that CD4+/TfR- T cells pulsed either with the hybrid particle or peptide (S193-207) but not with S, L Ag, a recombinant form of HBenvAg, induced a specific proliferative response of a T-cell clone recognizing peptide (S193-207) of HBenvAg. The finding that the addition of anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) before the pulsing of CD4+/TfR- T cells with the hybrid particle drastically blocked the specific T-cell response, together with the finding that CD8+/TfR- T cells were unable to serve as APC even if pulsed with this molecule, demonstrated that CD4 receptor was crucial for the HBenvAg internalization. On the other hand, HBenvAg presentation by CD4+/TfR+ T cells pulsed with the hybrid particle was inhibited only when both anti-CD4 and anti-TfR were added before the pulsing. These results suggest that Ag targeting to APC receptors may be usefully exploited to improve Ag-presentation efficiency in potential immunotherapeutic approaches. PMID:7907575

Interactions of Cd and Cu in anaerobic estuarine sediments. 1: Partitioning in geochemical fractions of sediments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rule, J.H.; Alden, R.W. III

1996-04-01

Partitioning of Cd and Cu between geochemical fractions of an anaerobic estuarine sediment was determined after equilibrating fine-sandy sediment with different combinations of added Cd (0, 2.5, 5 mg/kg) and Cu(0, 12.5, 25 mg/kg). Sediments were placed in aquaria with 20 ppt seawater where bioassay test organisms were exposed for 14 d. At the start and conclusion of the experimental period, sediments were sequentially extracted to determine the elemental content of the exchangeable (EP), easily reducible (ERP), organic- sulfide (OSP), moderately reducible (MRP), and acid extractable (AEP) phases. Partitioning of the metals in both the native and treated sediments was,more » for Cd: OSP {much_gt} ERP > AEP > EP (MRP was below detection) and for Cu: OSP {much_gt} AEP > ERP > MRP > EP. Cadmium extracted in all phases and Cu in the EP, RP, and OSP were proportional to the respective treatments. The EP-Cd, ERP-Cd, and OSP-Cd were affected by the Cu treatment and significant interactions occurred between Cd and Cu for the EP-Cd, ERP-Cd, OSP-Cd, EP-Cu, and ERP-Cu. Increasing levels of applied Cd and Cu resulted in greater amounts of EP-Cd and ERP-Cd, fractions that are the most bioavailable and the most readily available for desorption into the water column. A significant conclusion is that the input of nontoxic metals may affect the geochemical phase distribution, potential bioavailability, and toxicity of native sediment metals.« less

Cu-doped CdS and its application in CdTe thin film solar cell

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deng, Yi; College of Electronic and Information Engineering, Hankou University, Wuhan, Hubei 430212; Yang, Jun

2016-01-15

Cu is widely used in the back contact formation of CdTe thin film solar cells. However, Cu is easily to diffuse from the back contact into the CdTe absorber layer and even to the cell junction interface CdS/CdTe. This phenomenon is generally believed to be the main factor affecting the CdTe solar cell stability. In this study Cu was intentionally doped in CdS thin film to study its effect on the microstructural, optical and electrical properties of the CdS material. Upon Cu doping, the V{sub Cd{sup −}} and the surface-state-related photoluminescence emissions were dramatically decreased/quenched. The presence of Cu atommore » hindered the recrystallization/coalescence of the nano-sized grains in the as-deposited CdS film during the air and the CdCl{sub 2} annealing. CdTe thin film solar cell fabricated with Cu-doped CdS window layers demonstrated much decreased fill factor, which was induced by the increased space-charge recombination near the p-n junction and the worsened junction crystalline quality. Temperature dependent current-voltage curve measurement indicated that the doped Cu in the CdS window layer was not stable at both room and higher temperatures.« less

Assessing metal contamination from construction and demolition (C&D) waste used to infill wetlands: using Deroceras reticulatum (Mollusca: Gastropoda).

PubMed

Staunton, John A; Mc Donnell, Rory J; Gormally, Michael J; Williams, Chris D; Henry, Tiernan; Morrison, Liam

2014-11-01

Large quantities of construction and demolition waste (C&D) are produced globally every year, with little known about potential environmental impacts. In the present study, the slug, Deroceras reticulatum (Mollusca: Gastropoda) was used as the first biomonitor of metals (Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Ti, Tl, V and Zn) on wetlands post infilling with construction and demolition (C&D) waste. The bioaccumulation of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Sb, Se and Tl were found to be significantly elevated in slugs collected on C&D waste when compared to unimproved pastures (control sites), while Mo, Se and Sr had significantly higher concentrations in slugs collected on C&D waste when compared to known contaminated sites (mining locations), indicating the potential hazardous nature of C&D waste to biota. Identifying exact sources for these metals within the waste can be problematic, due to its heterogenic nature. Biomonitors are a useful tool for future monitoring and impact studies, facilitating policy makers and regulations in other countries regarding C&D waste infill. In addition, improving separation of C&D waste to allow increased reuse and recycling is likely to be effective in reducing the volume of waste being used as infill, subsequently decreasing potential metal contamination.

Adsorption heights and bonding strength of organic molecules on a Pb-Ag surface alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stadtmüller, Benjamin; Haag, Norman; Seidel, Johannes; van Straaten, Gerben; Franke, Markus; Kumpf, Christian; Cinchetti, Mirko; Aeschlimann, Martin

2016-12-01

The understanding of the fundamental geometric and electronic properties of metal-organic hybrid interfaces is a key issue on the way to improving the performance of organic electronic and spintronic devices. Here, we studied the adsorption heights of copper-II-phthalocyanine (CuPc) and 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTCDA) on a Pb1Ag2 surface alloy on Ag(111) using the normal-incidence x-ray standing waves technique. We find a significantly larger adsorption height of both molecules on the Pb-Ag surface alloy compared to the bare Ag(111) surface which is caused by the larger size of Pb. This increased adsorption height suppresses the partial chemical interaction of both molecules with Ag surface atoms. Instead, CuPc and PTCDA molecules bond only to the Pb atoms with different interaction strength ranging from a van der Waals-like interaction for CuPc to a weak chemical interaction with additional local bonds for PTCDA. The different adsorption heights for CuPc and PTCDA on Pb1Ag2 are the result of local site-specific molecule-surface bonds mediated by functional molecular groups and the different charge donating and accepting character of CuPc and PTCDA.

Energetics of the formation of Cu-Ag core–shell nanoparticles

DOE PAGES

Chandross, Michael

2014-10-06

Our work presents molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations aimed at developing an understanding of the formation of core–shell Cu-Ag nanoparticles. The effects of surface and interfacial energies were considered and used to form a phenomenological model that calculates the energy gained upon the formation of a core–shell structure from two previously distinct, non-interacting nanoparticles. In most cases, the core–shell structure was found to be energetically favored. Specifically, the difference in energy as a function of the radii of the individual Cu and Ag particles was examined, with the assumption that a core–shell structure forms. In general, it was foundmore » that the energetic gain from forming such a structure increased with increasing size of the initial Ag particle. This result was interpreted as a result of the reduction in surface energy. Moreover, for two separate particles, both Cu and Ag contribute to the surface energy; however, for a core–shell structure, the only contribution to the surface energy is from the Ag shell and the Cu contribution is changed to a Cu–Ag interfacial energy, which is always smaller.« less

The Effect of Palladium Additions on the Solidus/Liquidus Temperatures and Wetting Properties of Ag-CuO Based Air Brazes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Darsell, Jens T.; Weil, K. Scott

2007-05-16

As a means of increasing the use temperature of ceramic-ceramic and ceramic-metal air brazes, palladium was investigated as possible ternary addition to the currently employed silver - copper oxide system. The silver component was directly substituted with palladium to form the following series of alloys: (100-y)[(100-z)Pd - (z)Ag] - (y)CuOx where y = 0 - 34 mol% CuOx, z = 50 - 100 mol% silver, and x = 0, 0.5, and 1, denoting copper metal, Cu2O, or CuO. From differential scanning calorimetry, it was determined that the addition of palladium causes an increase in the solidus and liquidus temperatures ofmore » the resulting Pd-Ag-CuO brazes. In general, the liquidus was found to increase by approximately 220°C for the (100-y)(25Pd - 75Ag) - (z)CuOx filler metal compositions relative to comparable Ag-CuOx alloys. Likewise, the solidus was found to increase for these alloys, respectively by 185°C and 60°C, respectively for CuOx contents of y = 0 - 1mol% and 4 - 10 mol%. For the (100-y)(50Pd - 50Ag) - (y)CuOx alloys, the solidus increased between 280 - 390°C over a copper oxide compositional range of x = 0 to 8 mol%. It was determined from sessile drop experiments conducted on alumina substrates that in all cases the palladium causes an increase in the wetting angle relative to the corresponding binary braze. Alloy compositions of (100-y)(25Pd - 75Ag) - (y)CuOx displayed increased wetting angles of 5-20° relative to comparable binary compositions. (100-y)(50Pd - 50Ag) - (y)CuOx alloys exhibited an increase in contact angle of 10-60° and compositions containing less than 10 mol% CuOx were not able to wet the substrate. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the microstructure of the braze consists of discrete CuOx precipitates in an alloyed silver-palladium matrix. In both the binary and ternary filler metal formulations, a reaction layer consisting of CuAlO2 was observed along the interface with the alumina substrate. This reaction product appears to be beneficial in promoting wetting by the remaining braze filler metal. However the formation of this layer is hindered as the concentration of palladium in the filler metal is increased, which appears to be the primary cause of poor wettability in these compositions, as indicated by the substantial amount of porosity found along the braze/substrate interface.« less

Vegetation and Cold Trapping Modulating Elevation-dependent Distribution of Trace Metals in Soils of a High Mountain in Eastern Tibetan Plateau

PubMed Central

Bing, Haijian; Wu, Yanhong; Zhou, Jun; Li, Rui; Luo, Ji; Yu, Dong

2016-01-01

Trace metals adsorbed onto fine particles can be transported long distances and ultimately deposited in Polar Regions via the cold condensation effect. This study indicated the possible sources of silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb) and zinc (Zn) in soils on the eastern slope of Mt. Gongga, eastern Tibetan Plateau, and deciphered the effects of vegetation and mountain cold condensation on their distributions with elevation. The metal concentrations in the soils were comparable to other mountains worldwide except the remarkably high concentrations of Cd. Trace metals with high enrichment in the soils were influenced from anthropogenic contributions. Spatially, the concentrations of Cu and Zn in the surface horizons decreased from 2000 to 3700 m a.s.l., and then increased with elevation, whereas other metals were notably enriched in the mid-elevation area (approximately 3000 m a.s.l.). After normalization for soil organic carbon, high concentrations of Cd, Pb, Sb and Zn were observed above the timberline. Our results indicated the importance of vegetation in trace metal accumulation in an alpine ecosystem and highlighted the mountain cold trapping effect on trace metal deposition sourced from long-range atmospheric transport. PMID:27052807

The design of novel visible light driven Ag/CdO as smart nanocomposite for photodegradation of different dye contaminants.

PubMed

Saravanakumar, K; Muthuraj, V; Jeyaraj, M

2018-01-05

In this paper, we report a novel visible light driven Ag/CdO photocatalyst, fabricated for the first time via one pot hydrothermal method and further applied for the photodegradation of two important exemplar water contaminants, Malachite green and Acid Orange 7. The microstructure, composition and optical properties of Ag/CdO nanocomposites were thoroughly investigated by various techniques. Scanning electron microscopy clearly shows that Ag NPs were strongly embedded between the CdO nanoparticles. Among the series of synthesized Ag/CdO nanocomposites, (5%) Ag/CdO nanocomposite possesses enhanced photocatalytic activity. This result was attributed to the synergistic effect between Ag and CdO, and mainly Ag NPs can act as an electron trap site, which could reduce the recombination of the electron-hole and induce the visible light absorption. The active species trapping experiments implicate OH and O 2 - radicals as the respective primary and secondary reactive species responsible for oxidative photodegradation of organic pollutants. On the basis of the results, a possible photocatalytic mechanism has also been proposed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cd doping at PVD-CdS/CuInGaSe 2 heterojunctions

DOE PAGES

He, Xiaoqing; Paulauskas, Tadas; Ercius, Peter; ...

2017-02-20

In this paper, we report on direct evidence of Cd doping of the CuInGaSe 2 (CIGS) surface in physical vapor deposited (PVD) CdS/CIGS heterojunctions by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and related techniques. We find Cd doping of the CIGS near-surface region regardless of the presence or absence of Cu rich domains in the CdS for both zinc-blende (zb) and wurtzite (wz) CdS. However, we find that the Cd penetrates much farther into the CIGS when Cu-rich domains are present in the CdS. This suggests that Cu exchanges with Cd, increasing the concentration gradient for Cd in the CIGS andmore » thus driving Cd into the CIGS surface. The Cd doping is clearly resolved at atomic resolution in aberration-corrected STEM-high angle annular dark field images. In zb-CdS/CIGS heterojunctions, Cd is shown to substitute for both Cu and Ga atoms, while in wz-CdS/CIGS heterojunctions Cd seems to predominantly occupy Cu sites. Finally, Cd doping in the CIGS surface layer suggests the formation of a p-n homojunction in the CIGS, which may account for the high device efficiencies, comparable to CBD-CdS/CIGS processed structures.« less

High resolution electron microscopy study of a high Cu variant of Weldalite (tm) 049 and a high strength Al-Cu-Ag-Mg-Zr alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herring, R. A.; Gayle, Frank W.; Pickens, Joseph R.

1991-01-01

Weldalite (trademark) 049 is an Al-Cu-Li-Ag-Mg alloy that is strengthened in artificially aged tempers primarily by very thin plate-like precipitates lying on the set of (111) matrix planes. This precipitate might be expected to be the T(sub 1) phase, Al2CuLi, which has been observed in Al-Cu-Li alloys. However, in several ways this precipitate is similar to the omega phase which also appears as the set of (111) planes plates and is found in Al-Cu-Ag-Mg alloys. The study was undertaken to identify the set of (111) planes precipitate or precipitates in Weldalite (trademark) 049 in the T8 (stretched and artificially aged) temper, and to determine whether T(sub 1), omega, or some other phase is primarily responsible for the high strength (i.e., 700 MPa tensile strength) in this Al-Cu-Li-Ag-Mg alloy.

Modified pulse laser deposition of Ag nanostructure as intermediate for low temperature Cu-Cu bonding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ziyu; Cai, Jian; Wang, Qian; Liu, Lei; Zou, Guisheng

2018-07-01

To lower the Cu-Cu bonding temperature and save the time of the bonding process applied for 3D integration, the Ag nanostructure deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was designed and decorated on the Cu pads as intermediate. Influences of different PLD process parameters on the designed Ag nanostructure morphology were investigated in this work. The large nanoparticles (NP) defects, NPs coverage rate on the Cu pad, and NPs size distribution were adopted to evaluate the PLD parameters based on the NPs morphology observation and the Cu-Cu bonding quality. The medium laser power of 0.8 W, smaller distance between target and substrate, and protective container should be applied in the optimized PLD to obtain the Ag nanostructure. Then a loose 3D mesh Ag nanostructure consisted of the protrusions and grooves was formed and the morphology observation proved the nanostructure deposition mechanism was contributed to the block of nano-film nucleation and nanoparticles absorption. Finally, the relationship between the bonding temperature and pressure suitable for the Ag nanostructure had been determined based on shear strength and interface observation. The results revealed the combination of higher bonding temperature (250 °C) and lower pressure (20 MPa), or lower bonding temperature (180 °C) and higher pressure (50 MPa) can both achieve the bonding process with the short bonding time of 5 min and annealing at 200 °C for 25 min in vacuum furnace.

Early recycling compartment trafficking of CD1a is essential for its intersection and presentation of lipid antigens.

PubMed

Cernadas, Manuela; Cavallari, Marco; Watts, Gerald; Mori, Lucia; De Libero, Gennaro; Brenner, Michael B

2010-02-01

A major step in understanding differences in the nature of Ag presentation was the realization that MHC class I samples peptides transported to the endoplasmic reticulum from the cytosol, whereas MHC class II samples peptides from lysosomes. In contrast to MHC class I and II molecules that present protein Ags, CD1 molecules present lipid Ags for recognition by specific T cells. Each of the five members of the CD1 family (CD1a-e) localizes to a distinct subcompartment of endosomes. Accordingly, it has been widely assumed that the distinct trafficking of CD1 isoforms must also have evolved to enable them to sample lipid Ags that traffic via different routes. Among the CD1 isoforms, CD1a is unusual because it does not have a tyrosine-based cytoplasmic sorting motif and uniquely localizes to the early endocytic recycling compartment. This led us to predict that CD1a might have evolved to focus on lipids that localize to early endocytic/recycling compartments. Strikingly, we found that the glycolipid Ag sulfatide also localized almost exclusively to early endocytic and recycling compartments. Consistent with colocalization of CD1a and sulfatide, wild-type CD1a molecules efficiently presented sulfatide to CD1a-restricted, sulfatide-specific T cells. In contrast, CD1a:CD1b tail chimeras, that retain the same Ag-binding capacity as CD1a but traffic based on the cytoplasmic tail of CD1b to lysosomes, failed to present sulfatide efficiently. Thus, the intracellular trafficking route of CD1a is essential for efficient presentation of lipid Ags that traffic through the early endocytic and recycling pathways.

Impact of Cu(II)-doping on the vulnerability of Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 revealed by Atomic Force Microscopy.

PubMed

Rasheed, Wasia; Perveen, Samina; Mustafa, Ghulam; Shah, Muhammad Raza; Ahmed, Shakil; Uzzaman, Sami

2018-05-08

E. coli strain is a gram-negative bacterium known to induce both extra-intestinal infections and intestinal infections. For survival of microbes, metal intake and accessibility should be according to their physiological requirements. Peculiarly, copper homeostasis is critical for E. coli survival and growth. Therefore in this study, an extensive work is conducted to investigate the impact of Cu(II)-doping on the susceptibility of Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 against Cu(II)-selective Cefaclor-silver nanoconjugates (i.e., Cf-AgNPs) and its organic precursor (i.e. Cefaclor). At first, the maximal non-cytotoxic dose of Cu(II) that was sub-lethal for Escherichia coli was determined by MTT assay and was found to be 100 μg/L. Afterwards, MICs of Cf-AgNPs and Cefaclor against controlled and Cu(II)-doped E. coli cells were determined by using Agar well diffusion method. The susceptibility of E. coli cells against Cf-AgNPs was increased upon Cu(II) doping, whereas the bactericidal activity of Cefaclor against Cu(II)-doped E. coli cells was retarded due to hydrolysis. In addition, morphological changes induced in controlled and Cu(II)-doped samples of E. coli after treatment with Cefaclor and Cf-AgNPs were also monitored by Atomic force microscopy (AFM). The obtained results from both Agar well diffusion method and AFM confirmed that Cf-AgNPs are more effective against Cu(II)-doped Escherichia coli. Moreover, thermal profile of Cu(II)-selective Cf-AgNPs was also demonstrated by TGA and DSC. This study can be an important part of the relevant state-of-the-art. Indeed, further clinical studies are necessary to determine the relevant role of Cf-AgNPs compared with that of the Cefaclor now available. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Size effect model on kinetics of interfacial reaction between Sn-xAg-yCu solders and Cu substrate

PubMed Central

Huang, M. L.; Yang, F.

2014-01-01

The downsizing of solder balls results in larger interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) grains and less Cu substrate consumption in lead-free soldering on Cu substrates. This size effect on the interfacial reaction is experimentally demonstrated and theoretically analyzed using Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu and Sn-3.5Ag solder balls. The interfacial reaction between the Sn-xAg-yCu solders and Cu substrates is a dynamic response to a combination of effects of interfacial IMC growth, Cu substrate consumption and composition variation in the interface zone. A concentration gradient controlled (CGC) kinetics model is proposed to explain the combined effects. The concentration gradient of Cu at the interface, which is a function of solder volume, initial Cu concentration and reaction time, is the root cause of the size effect. We found that a larger Cu concentration gradient results in smaller Cu6Sn5 grains and more consumption of Cu substrate. According to our model, the growth kinetics of interfacial Cu6Sn5 obeys a t1/3 law when the molten solder has approached the solution saturation, and will be slower otherwise due to the interfering dissolution mechanism. The size effect introduced in this model is supported by a good agreement between theoretical and experimental results. Finally, the scope of application of this model is discussed. PMID:25408359

Intermetallic Compounds Formed in Sn-20In-2.8Ag Solder BGA Packages with Ag/Cu Pads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, C. C.; Wang, S. S.; Huang, K. W.; Chuang, T. H.

2009-03-01

The interfacial reactions in a Sn-20In-2.8Ag solder ball grid array (BGA) package with immersion Ag surface finish are investigated. After reflow, the Ag thin film dissolves quickly into the solder matrix, and scallop-shaped intermetallic layers, with compositions of (Cu0.98Ag0.02)6(In0.59Sn0.41)5, appear at the interfaces between Sn-20In-2.8Ag solder ball and Cu pad. No evident growth of the (Cu0.98Ag0.02)6(Sn0.59In0.41)5 intermetallic compounds was observed after prolonged aging at 100 °C. However, the growth accelerated at 150 °C, with more intermetallic scallops floating into the solder matrix. The intermetallic thickness versus the square root of reaction time ( t 1/2) shows a linear relation, indicating that the growth of intermetallic compounds is diffusion-controlled. Ball shear tests show that the strength of Sn-20In-2.8Ag solder joints after reflow is 4.4 N, which increases to 5.18 N and 5.14 N after aging at 100 and 150 °C, respectively.

Study of Sn and SnAgCu Solders Wetting Reaction on Ni/Pd/Au Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, C. Y.; Wei, Y. S.; Lin, E. J.; Hsu, Y. C.; Tang, Y. K.

2016-12-01

Wetting reactions of pure Sn and Sn-Ag-Cu solder balls on Au(100 Å and 1000 Å)/Pd(500 Å)/Ni substrates were investigated. The (Au, Pd)Sn4 phase formed in the initial interfacial reaction between pure Sn and Au(100 Å and 1000 Å)/Pd(500 Å)/Ni substrates. Then, the initially formed (Au, Pd)Sn4 compound layer either dissolved or spalled into the molten Sn solder with 3 s of reflowing. The exposed Ni under-layer reacted with Sn solder and formed an interfacial Ni3Sn4 compound. We did not observe spalling compound in the Sn-Ag-Cu case, either on the thin Au (100 Å) or the thick Au (1000 Å) substrates. This implies that the Cu content in the Sn-Ag-Cu solder can efficiently suppress the spalling effect and really stabilize the interfacial layer. Sn-Ag-Cu solder has a better wetting than that of the pure Sn solder, regardless of the Au thickness of the Au/Pd/Ni substrate. For both cases of pure Sn and Sn-Ag-Cu, the initial wetting (<3-s reflowing) on the thin Au (100 Å) substrate is better than that of the thick Au (1000 Å) substrate. Over 3-s reflowing, the wetting on the thicker Au layer (1000 Å) substrate becomes better than the wetting on the thinner Au layer (100 Å) substrate.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guo, D.; Akis, R.; Brinkman, D.

An improved model of copper p-type doping in CdTe absorbers is proposed that accounts for the mechanisms related to tightly bound Cu(i)-Cu(Cd) and Cd(i)-Cu(Cd) complexes that both limit diffusion and cause self-compensation of Cu species. The new model explains apparent discrepancy between DFT-calculated and fitted diffusion parameters of Cu reported in our previous work, and allows for better understanding of performance and metastabilities in CdTe PV devices.

Chemical Origin of the Stability Difference between Copper(I)- and Silver(I)-Based Halide Double Perovskites.

PubMed

Xiao, Zewen; Du, Ke-Zhao; Meng, Weiwei; Mitzi, David B; Yan, Yanfa

2017-09-25

Recently, Cu I - and Ag I -based halide double perovskites have been proposed as promising candidates for overcoming the toxicity and instability issues inherent within the emerging Pb-based halide perovskite absorbers. However, up to date, only Ag I -based halide double perovskites have been experimentally synthesized; there are no reports on successful synthesis of Cu I -based analogues. Here we show that, owing to the much higher energy level for the Cu 3d 10 orbitals than for the Ag 4d 10 orbitals, Cu I atoms energetically favor 4-fold coordination, forming [CuX 4 ] tetrahedra (X=halogen), but not 6-fold coordination as required for [CuX 6 ] octahedra. In contrast, Ag I atoms can have both 6- and 4-fold coordinations. Our density functional theory calculations reveal that the synthesis of Cu I halide double perovskites may instead lead to non-perovskites containing [CuX 4 ] tetrahedra, as confirmed by our material synthesis efforts. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Bioremediation of agricultural solid waste leachates with diverse species of Cu (II) and Cd (II) by periphyton.

PubMed

Yang, Jiali; Liu, Junzhuo; Wu, Chenxi; Kerr, Philip G; Wong, Po-Keung; Wu, Yonghong

2016-12-01

The aim of this work was to study the bioremediation of agricultural solid waste leachates with high-concentrations of Cu (II) and Cd (II) after washing the wastes with water and Na 2 EDTA solution (0.2M). Results indicate that Cu (II) and Cd (II) are mainly comprised of Cu 2 (OH) 2 2+ , Cu 3 (OH) 4 2+ , CuOH + , Cu(H 2 O) 4 (OH) 2 , Cd 2+ and CdOH + in the water-washed leachates and Cu(EDTA) 2- , Cu(HEDTA) - , Cd(EDTA) 2- and Cd(HEDTA) - in the Na 2 EDTA-washed leachates. Cu (II) removal efficiency by selected native periphyton from the water- and Na 2 EDTA-washed leachates were 80.5% and 68.4% respectively, and for Cd (II) it was 57.1% and 64.6%, because the periphyton was able to maintain a stable pH of the leachates and regulate its microbial composition and carbon metabolic capability to acclimate the chemical conditions of the leachates. This study provides a new biomeasure to treat leachates with high-concentration Cu 2+ and Cd 2+ , and contribute valuable insights into the relationships between periphyton characteristics and heavy metals. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vitro chemical and biological effects of Ag, Cu and Cu + Zn adjunction in 46S6 bioactive glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunetel, L.; Wers, E.; Novella, A.; Bodin, A.; Pellen-Mussi, P.; Oudadesse, H.

2015-09-01

Three bioactive glasses belonging to the system SiO2-CaO- Na2O-P2O5 elaborated by conventional melt-quenching techniques were doped with silver, copper and copper + zinc. They were characterized using the usual physical methods. Human osteoblast cells Saos-2 and human endothelial cells EAhy926 were used for viability assays and to assess the metallic ions, self toxicity. Human monocyte cells THP-1 were used to measure interleukins IL1β and IL6 release. Glass chemical structures did not vary much on introduction of metal ions. A layer of hydroxyapatite was observed on every glass after 30 days of SBF immersion. A proliferative action was seen on Saos-2 after 24 h of incubation, EAhy926 growth was not affected. For both cell lines, a moderate cytotoxicity was found after 72 h. Dose-dependent toxic effects of Ag, Cu and Zn ions were observed on Saos-2 and EAhy926 cells. Measured CD50 of silver against these two cell lines were 8 to 20 fold lower than copper and zinc’s. Except undoped control glass, all doped glasses tested showed anti-inflammatory properties by preventing IL1β and IL6 excretion by differentiated THP-1. In conclusion, strictly monitored adjunction of metal ions to bioglasses ensures good anti-inflammatory properties without altering their biocompatibility.

Mineralogy, chemical composition and structure of the MIR Mound, TAG Hydrothermal Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepanova, T. V.; Krasnov, S. G.; Cherkashev, G. A.

The study of samples collected from the surface of the MIR mound (TAG Hydrothermal Field) by video-controlled hydraulic grab allowed identification of a number of mineralogical types. These include pyrite-chalcopyrite (Py-Cp), bornite-chalcopyrite-opaline (Bn-Cp-Op) and sphalerite-opaline (Sp-Op) sulfide chimneys, massive sulfides composed of pyrite (Py), chalcopyrite-pyrite (Cp-Py), marcasite-pyrite-opaline (Mc-Py-Op), sphalerite-pyrite-opaline (Sp-Py-Op) and sphalerite-chalcopyrite-pyrite-opaline (Sp-Cp-Py-Op), as well as siliceous and Fe-Mn oxide hydrothermal deposits. Most of the minor elements (Ag, Au, Cd, Ga, Hg, Sb and Pb) are associated with Zn-rich massive sulfides, Co Bi, Pb, and As with Ferich ones, while Cu-rich sulfides are depleted of trace metals. Cu-enriched assemblages are concentrated in the northern part, Zn-enriched in the center, and siliceous rocks in the south of the MIR mound. According to paragenetic relations, the development of the mound started with the formation of quartz (originally opaline) rocks and dendritic assemblages of melnikovite-pyrite, followed by deposition of chalcopyrite and recrystallization of primary pyrite, subsequent generation of sphalerite-rich assemblages and final deposition of opaline rocks. The late renewal of hydrothermal activity led to local formation of Cu-rich chimneys enriched in Au, Ag, Hg and Pb probably due to their remobilization from inner parts of the deposit.

Metallic elements and metalloids in Boletus luridus, B. magnificus and B. tomentipes mushrooms from polymetallic soils from SW China.

PubMed

Falandysz, Jerzy; Zhang, Ji; Wiejak, Anna; Barałkiewicz, Danuta; Hanć, Anetta

2017-08-01

Yunnan Province in China is known for its high biodiversity of mushrooms and a diverse geochemistry of soil bedrock and polymetallic soils, but our knowledge of mineral compositions of mushrooms from Yunnan is scarce. The metallic trace elements, Ag, Ba, Co, Cd, Cs, Cu, Cr, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Tl, U and Zn, and the metalloids, As and Sb, have been investigated using validated methods with a dynamic reactive cell by mass spectroscopy - inductive coupled plasma and cold vapour - atomic absorption spectroscopy on three popular species of Boletus mushrooms from Southwestern China. The trace mineral profiles in caps and stipes of B. luridus (24 individuals), B. magnificus (29 individuals) and B. tomentipes (38 individuals) have been evaluated. The interspecific differences in the content of several trace elements could be attributed to known differences in the geochemistry of soils in Yunnan, but for copper a difference was observed within species. The mean values of concentrations in composite samples of caps for B. luridus, B. magnificus and B. tomentipes from three to four locations were at the ranges (mgkg -1 dry biomass): Ag (1.3-3.7), As (0.79-53), Ba (4.0-12), Co (0.68-1.2), Cd (0.79-2.2), Cs (0.67-55), Cu (37-77), Cr (5.0-7.6), Hg (2.1-5.4), Li (0.15-0.61), Mn (13-28), Ni (0.86-4.6), Pb (0.59-1.8), Rb (90-120), Sb (0.014-0.088), Sr (0.63-1.6), V (1.4-2.2), Tl (0.017-0.054), U (0.029-0.065) and Zn (130-180). Caps of Boletus mushrooms were richer in Ag, Cu, Hg and Zn than stipes, while other elements were distributed roughly equally between both morphological parts. B. luridus, B. magnificus and B. tomentipes grew in certain sites in Yunnan contained Ag, As, Ba, Cr, Hg, Ni, Sr or V at elevated concentration. A specific geochemistry of the soils type (latosols, lateritic red earths, and red and yellow earths in the Circum-Pacific Mercuriferous Belt of Southwestern China) can explain occurrence of some minerals at greater or elevated amount in mushrooms in Yunnan, while number of available research and data on mineral composition of mushrooms due to geochemical anomalies of soil parent material is so far little. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

IL-5 promotes induction of antigen-specific CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells that suppress autoimmunity.

PubMed

Tran, Giang T; Hodgkinson, Suzanne J; Carter, Nicole M; Verma, Nirupama D; Plain, Karren M; Boyd, Rochelle; Robinson, Catherine M; Nomura, Masaru; Killingsworth, Murray; Hall, Bruce M

2012-05-10

Immune responses to foreign and self-Ags can be controlled by regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing CD4 and IL-2Rα chain (CD25). Defects in Tregs lead to autoimmunity, whereas induction of Ag-specific CD4+CD25+ Tregs restores tolerance. Ag-specific CD4+CD25+ FOXP3+Tregs activated by the T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine, IL-4, and specific alloantigen promote allograft tolerance. These Tregs expressed the specific IL-5Rα and in the presence of IL-5 proliferate to specific but not third-party Ag. These findings suggest that recombinant IL-5 (rIL-5) therapy may promote Ag-specific Tregs to mediate tolerance. This study showed normal CD4+CD25+ Tregs cultured with IL-4 and an autoantigen expressed Il-5rα. Treatment of experimental autoimmune neuritis with rIL-5 markedly reduced clinical paralysis, weight loss, demyelination, and infiltration of CD4+ (Th1 and Th17) CD8+ T cells and macrophages in nerves. Clinical improvement was associated with expansion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs that expressed Il-5rα and proliferated only to specific autoantigen that was enhanced by rIL-5. Depletion of CD25+ Tregs or blocking of IL-4 abolished the benefits of rIL-5. Thus, rIL-5 promoted Ag-specific Tregs, activated by autoantigen and IL-4, to control autoimmunity. These findings may explain how Th2 responses, especially to parasitic infestation, induce immune tolerance. rIL-5 therapy may be able to induce Ag-specific tolerance in autoimmunity.

Novel p-Type Conductive Semiconductor Nanocrystalline Film as the Back Electrode for High-Performance Thin Film Solar Cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Ming-Jian; Lin, Qinxian; Yang, Xiaoyang; Mei, Zongwei; Liang, Jun; Lin, Yuan; Pan, Feng

2016-02-10

Thin film solar cells, due to the low cost, high efficiency, long-term stability, and consumer applications, have been widely applied for harvesting green energy. All of these thin film solar cells generally adopt various metal thin films as the back electrode, like Mo, Au, Ni, Ag, Al, graphite, and so forth. When they contact with p-type layer, it always produces a Schottky contact with a high contact potential barrier, which greatly affects the cell performance. In this work, we report for the first time to find an appropriate p-type conductive semiconductor film, digenite Cu9S5 nanocrystalline film, as the back electrode for CdTe solar cells as the model device. Its low sheet resistance (16.6 Ω/sq) could compare to that of the commercial TCO films (6-30 Ω/sq), like FTO, ITO, and AZO. Different from the traditonal metal back electrode, it produces a successive gradient-doping region by the controllable Cu diffusion, which greatly reduces the contact potential barrier. Remarkably, it achieved a comparable power conversion efficiency (PCE, 11.3%) with the traditional metal back electrode (Cu/Au thin films, 11.4%) in CdTe cells and a higher PCE (13.8%) with the help of the Au assistant film. We believe it could also act as the back electrode for other thin film solar cells (α-Si, CuInS2, CIGSe, CZTS, etc.), for their performance improvement.

Micro-structure and properties of Cu-0.5 wt%Ag alloy fine wires with severe cold plastic deformation treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu-sen, Wang; Yuan-wang, Zhang; Da-wei, Yao

2018-04-01

In this work, the Cu-0.5 wt% Ag alloy was prepared and then sold solution treated at 760 °C for 4 h and aged at 400 °C for 4 h. The severe cold plastic deformation treatment with a maximum true strain of 11.48 was applied to obtain the Cu-0.5 wt%Ag fine wires with the diameter of 0.087 mm. Then the fine wires were given eight intermediate heat treatments at 300 °C–350 °C for 10–60 min. Properties of the fine wires with different annealing heat treatments were analyzed, results showed that after the annealing process of 350 °C, 20 min was applied to Cu-0.5 wt% Ag fine wires, their conductivity, tensile strength and elongation could reach 98.6%IACS, 367 MPa and 8%, respectively. This demonstrated that the Cu-0.5 wt% Ag processes high strength and high conductivity properties and was a promising conductive material.

Simple preparation and highly selective detection of silver ions using an electrochemical sensor based on sulfur-doped graphene and a 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine composite modified electrode.

PubMed

Fu, Yang; Yang, Yajie; Tuersun, Tayierjiang; Yu, Yuan; Zhi, Jinfang

2018-04-30

A novel electrochemical sensor based on sulfur (S)-doped graphene (S-Gr) and a 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) composite (S-Gr-TMB) modified glassy carbon (GCE) electrode for highly selective quantitative detection of silver ions (Ag+) were fabricated. The S-Gr-TMB composite was first prepared via electrostatic interaction between TMB and S-Gr and then, the composite was coated on the surface of GCE. The resultant S-Gr-TMB/GCE electrode showed a significant voltammetric response to Ag+ at 0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl due to the synergistic effect of S-Gr and TMB. The sensor showed good linearity from 50 μM to 400 μM with a detection limit of 2.15 μM towards the determination of Ag+. In addition, after the addition of Fe3+ and other metal ions, including Al3+, Ca2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Cu2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+, in the same concentration, the current signal remained almost unchanged, revealing that the proposed electrochemical sensor exhibited a high selectivity for Ag+, which solves the nonselective problem of TMB as a spectral probe. This enhanced detection performance is attributed to two factors: (1) S-Gr has excellent electrical conductivity; (2) the coupling interactions between Ag-S are speculated to result in strengthened enrichment for Ag and good selective performance.

Structure formation in Ag-X (X = Au, Cu) alloys synthesized far-from-equilibrium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elofsson, V.; Almyras, G. A.; Lü, B.; Garbrecht, M.; Boyd, R. D.; Sarakinos, K.

2018-04-01

We employ sub-monolayer, pulsed Ag and Au vapor fluxes, along with deterministic growth simulations, and nanoscale probes to study structure formation in miscible Ag-Au films synthesized under far-from-equilibrium conditions. Our results show that nanoscale atomic arrangement is primarily determined by roughness build up at the film growth front, whereby larger roughness leads to increased intermixing between Ag and Au. These findings suggest a different structure formation pathway as compared to the immiscible Ag-Cu system for which the present study, in combination with previously published data, reveals that no significant roughness is developed, and the local atomic structure is predominantly determined by the tendency of Ag and Cu to phase-separate.

Effect of Intermetallic on Electromigration and Atomic Diffusion in Cu/SnAg3.0Cu0.5/Cu Joints: Experimental and First-Principles Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Wei; Liu, Lijuan; Li, Baoling; Wu, Ping

2009-06-01

Electromigration phenomena in a one-dimensional Cu/SnAg3.0Cu0.5/Cu joint were investigated with current stressing. The special effect of intermetallic compound (IMC) layers on the formation of serious electromigration damage induced by nonuniform current density distribution was discussed based on experimental results. Meanwhile, hillocks were observed both at the anode and near the cathode of the joint, and they were described as the result of diffusion of atoms and compressive stress released along grain boundaries to the relatively free surface. Moreover, the diffusion behavior of Cu at the cathode was analyzed with the electromigration equation, and the stability of Ag atoms in the solder during electromigration was evaluated with a first-principles method.

Electroreduction of CO{sub 2} using copper-deposited on boron-doped diamond (BDD)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Panglipur, Hanum Sekar; Ivandini, Tribidasari A., E-mail: ivandini.tri@sci.ui.ac.id; Einaga, Yasuaki

Electroreduction of CO{sub 2} was studied at copper-modified boron-doped diamond (Cu-BDD) electrodes as the working electrode. The Cu-BDD electrodes were prepared by electrochemical reduction with various concentrations of CuSO{sub 4} solutions. FE-SEM was utilized to characterize the electrodes. At Cu-BDD electrodes, a reduction peak at around -1.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl) attributtable to CO{sub 2} reductions could be observed by cyclic voltammetry technique of CO{sub 2} bubbled in water containing 0.1M NaCl. Accordingly, electroreduction of CO{sub 2} was conducted at -1.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl) using amperometry technique. The chemical products of the electroreduction analyzed by using HPLC showed the formation of formaldehyde, formicmore » acid, and acetic acid at Cu-BDD electrodes.« less

Wetting and Brazing of Alumina by Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu-Ti Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, J. R.; Song, X. G.; Hu, S. P.; Liu, D.; Guo, W. J.; Fu, W.; Cao, J.

2017-12-01

The wetting behavior of Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu (wt pct) with the addition of Ti on alumina was studied at 1273 K (1000 °C) using the sessile drop method. The wettability of Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu is significantly enhanced with the addition of Ti. Ti accumulates on the interface and reacts with O, producing TiO and yields good wetting. However, wetting is inhibited in high Ti containing droplets as intense Ti-Sn reactions take place. As a result of these competing reactions, the wettability of Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu-2Ti is the best, with the lowest equilibrium contact angle 24.6 deg. Thermodynamic calculations indicate that the value of the final contact angle cos θ varies linearly with Ti fraction in the Ti-Sn reaction-free case. The influence of the Ti-Sn reaction on wetting is quantitatively characterized by the deviation from the theoretical data. The adverse impact of Ti-Sn reaction on wetting increases in intensity with the droplets containing more Ti as the reaction between Ti and Sn becomes more intense and rapid. Alumina/alumina is brazed using different Ti containing Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu-Ti brazing metals at 1273 K (1000 °C) for 25 minutes. Pores are observed in joints prepared with Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu-0.7, 3, and 4Ti because of poor wettability. The highest joints shear strength of 28.6 MPa is obtained with Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu-2Ti.

Synthesis of Two-Electron Bimetallic Cu-Ag and Cu-Au Clusters by using [Cu13 (S2 CNn Bu2 )6 (C≡CPh)4 ]+ as a Template.

PubMed

Silalahi, Rhone P Brocha; Chakrahari, Kiran Kumarvarma; Liao, Jian-Hong; Kahlal, Samia; Liu, Yu-Chiao; Chiang, Ming-Hsi; Saillard, Jean-Yves; Liu, C W

2018-03-02

Atomically precise Cu-rich bimetallic superatom clusters have been synthesized by adopting a galvanic exchange strategy. [Cu@Cu 12 (S 2 CN n Bu 2 ) 6 (C≡CPh) 4 ][CuCl 2 ] (1) was used as a template to generate compositionally uniform clusters [M@Cu 12 (S 2 CN n Bu 2 ) 6 (C≡CPh) 4 ][CuCl 2 ], where M=Ag (2), Au (3). Structures of 1, 2 and 3 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and the results were supported by ESI-MS. The anatomies of clusters 1-3 are very similar, with a centred cuboctahedral cationic core that is surrounded by six di-butyldithiocarbamate (dtc) and four phenylacetylide ligands. The doped Ag and Au atoms were found to preferentially occupy the centre of the 13-atom cuboctahedral core. Experimental and theoretical analyses of the synthesized clusters revealed that both Ag and Au doping result in significant changes in cluster stability, optical characteristics and enhancement in luminescence properties. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of Cadmium and Copper Exposure on Growth, Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity in the Medicinal Plant Sambung Nyawa (Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr).

PubMed

Ibrahim, Mohd Hafiz; Chee Kong, Yap; Mohd Zain, Nurul Amalina

2017-10-12

A randomized complete block (RCBD) study was designed to investigate the effects of cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) on the growth, bioaccumulation of the two heavy metals, metabolite content and antibacterial activities in Gyanura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. Nine treatments including (1) control (no Cd and Cu); (2) Cd 2 = cadmium 2 mg/L; (3) Cd 4 = cadmium 4 mg/L; (4) Cu 70 = copper 70 mg/L; (5) Cu 140 = copper 140 mg/L); (6) Cd 2 + Cu 70 = cadmium 2 mg/L + copper 70 mg/L); (7) Cd 2 + Cu 140 = cadmium 2 mg/L + copper 70 mg/L); (8) Cd 4 + Cu 70 = cadmium 4 mg/L+ copper 70 mg/L and (9) Cd 4 + Cu 140 = cadmium 4 mg/L + copper 140 mg/L) were evaluated in this experiment. It was found that the growth parameters (plant dry weight, total leaf area and basal diameter) were reduced with the exposure to increased concentrations of Cd and Cu and further decreased under interaction between Cd and Cu. Production of total phenolics, flavonoids and saponin was observed to be reduced under combined Cd and Cu treatment. The reduction in the production of plant secondary metabolites might be due to lower phenyl alanine lyase (PAL) activity under these conditions. Due to that, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and antibacterial activities was also found to be reduced by the combined treatments. The current experiments show that the medicinal properties of G. procumbens are reduced by cadmium and copper contamination. The accumulation of heavy metal also was found to be higher than the safety level recommended by the WHO in the single and combined treatments of Cd and Cu. These results indicate that exposure of G. procumbens to Cd and Cu contaminated soil may potentially harm consumers due to bioaccumulation of metals and reduced efficacy of the herbal product.

RRR and thermal conductivity of Ag and Ag0.2wt%Mg alloy in Ag/Bi-2212 wires

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Pei; Ye, L.; Jiang. J., Jiang. J.

The residual resistivity ratio (RRR) and thermal conductivity of metal matrix in metal/superconductor composite wires are important parameters for designing superconducting magnets. However, the resistivity of silver in reacted Ag/Bi-2212 wires has yet to be determined over temperature range from 4.2 K to 80 K because Bi-2212 filaments have a critical transition temperature Tc of ~ 80 K, and because it is unknown whether the RRR of Ag/Bi-2212 degrades with Cu diffusing from Bi-2212 filaments into silver sheathes at elevated temperatures and to what degree it varies with heat treatment. We measured the resistivity of stand-alone Ag and AgMg (Ag-0.2wt%Mg)more » wires as well as the resistivity of Ag and Ag- 0.2wt%Mg in the state-of-the-art Ag/Bi-2212 round wires reacted in 1 bar oxygen at 890 °C for 1, 8, 24 and 48 hours and quickly cooled to room temperature. The heat treatment was designed to reduce the critical current Ic of Bi-2212 wires to nearly zero while allowing Cu loss to fully manifest itself. We determined that pure silver exhibits a RRR of ~ 220 while the oxide-dispersion strengthened AgMg exhibits a RRR of ~ 5 in stand-alone samples. A surprising result is that the RRR of silver in the composite round wires doesn’t degrade with extended time at 890 °C for up to 48 hours. This surprising result may be explained by our observation that the Cu that diffuses into the silver tends to form Cu2O precipitates in oxidizing atmosphere, instead of forming Ag-Cu solution alloy. We also measured the thermal conductivity and the magneto-resistivity of pure Ag and Ag-0.2 wt%Mg from 4.2 K to 300 K in magnetic fields up to 14.8 T and summarized them using a Kohler plot.« less

Humidity and illumination organic semiconductor copper phthalocyanine sensor for environmental monitoring.

PubMed

Karimov, K S; Qazi, I; Khan, T A; Draper, P H; Khalid, F A; Mahroof-Tahir, M

2008-06-01

In this investigation properties of organic semiconductor copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) capacitive humidity and illumination sensors were studied. Organic thin film was deposited by vacuum evaporation on a glass substrate with silver surface-type electrodes to form the Ag/CuPc/Ag sensor. The capacitance of the samples was evaluated at room temperature in the relative humidity range of 35-92%. It was observed that capacitance of the Ag/CuPc/Ag sensor increases with increase in humidity. The ratio of the relative capacitance to relative humidity was about 200. It is assumed that in general the capacitive response of the sensor is associated with polarization due to absorption of water molecules and transfer of charges (electrons and holes). It was observed that under filament lamp illumination of up to 1,000 lx the capacitance of the Ag/CuPc/Ag photo capacitive detectors increased continuously by 20% as compared to dark condition. It is assumed that photo capacitive response of the sensor is associated with polarization due to transfer of photo-generated electrons and holes. An equivalent circuit of the Ag/CuPc/Ag capacitive humidity and illumination sensor was developed. Humidity and illumination dependent capacitance properties of this sensor make it attractive for use in humidity and illumination multi-meters. The sensor may be used in instruments for environmental monitoring of humidity and illumination.

Cooling thermal parameters and microstructure features of directionally solidified ternary Sn–Bi–(Cu,Ag) solder alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Silva, Bismarck L., E-mail: bismarck_luiz@yahoo.com.br; Garcia, Amauri; Spinelli, José E.

Low temperature soldering technology encompasses Sn–Bi based alloys as reference materials for joints since such alloys may be molten at temperatures less than 180 °C. Despite the relatively high strength of these alloys, segregation problems and low ductility are recognized as potential disadvantages. Thus, for low-temperature applications, Bi–Sn eutectic or near-eutectic compositions with or without additions of alloying elements are considered interesting possibilities. In this context, additions of third elements such as Cu and Ag may be an alternative in order to reach sounder solder joints. The length scale of the phases and their proportions are known to be themore » most important factors affecting the final wear, mechanical and corrosions properties of ternary Sn–Bi–(Cu,Ag) alloys. In spite of this promising outlook, studies emphasizing interrelations of microstructure features and solidification thermal parameters regarding these multicomponent alloys are rare in the literature. In the present investigation Sn–Bi–(Cu,Ag) alloys were directionally solidified (DS) under transient heat flow conditions. A complete characterization is performed including experimental cooling thermal parameters, segregation (XRF), optical and scanning electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and length scale of the microstructural phases. Experimental growth laws relating dendritic spacings to solidification thermal parameters have been proposed with emphasis on the effects of Ag and Cu. The theoretical predictions of the Rappaz-Boettinger model are shown to be slightly above the experimental scatter of secondary dendritic arm spacings for both ternary Sn–Bi–Cu and Sn–Bi–Ag alloys examined. - Highlights: • Dendritic growth prevailed for the ternary Sn–Bi–Cu and Sn–Bi–Ag solder alloys. • Bi precipitates within Sn-rich dendrites were shown to be unevenly distributed. • Morphology and preferential region for the Ag{sub 3}Sn growth depend on Ag content and Ṫ{sub L}. • Rappaz-Boettinger model reasonably estimated the experimental scatter of λ{sub 2}.« less

Functionalized CdS quantum dots-based luminescence probe for detection of heavy and transition metal ions in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Chen, Jinlong; Zheng, Aifang; Gao, Yingchun; He, Chiyang; Wu, Genhua; Chen, Youcun; Kai, Xiaoming; Zhu, Changqing

2008-03-01

Strong luminescence CdS quantum dots (QDs) have been prepared and modified with l-cysteine by a facile seeds-assistant technique in water. They are water-soluble and highly stable in aqueous solution. CdS QDs evaluated as a luminescence probe for heavy and transition metal (HTM) ions in aqueous solution was systematically studied. Five HTM ions such as silver(I) ion, copper(II) ion, mercury(II) ion, cobalt(II) ion, and nickel(II) ion significantly influence the photophysics of the emission from the functionalized CdS QDs. Experiment results showed that the fluorescence emission from CdS QDs was enhanced significantly by silver ion without any spectral shift, while several other bivalent HTM ions, such as Hg(2+), Cu(2+), Co(2+), and Ni(2+), exhibited effective optical quenching effect on QDs. Moreover, an obvious red-shift of emission band was observed in the quenching of CdS QDs for Hg(2+) and Cu(2+) ions. Under the optimal conditions, the response was linearly proportional to the concentration of Ag(+) ion ranging from 1.25 x 10(-7) to 5.0 x 10(-6)molL(-1) with a detection limit of 2.0 x 10(-8)molL(-1). The concentration dependence of the quenching effect on functionalized QDs for the other four HTM ions could be well described by typical Stern-Volmer equation, with the linear response of CdS QDs emission proportional to the concentration ranging from 1.50 x 10(-8) to 7.50 x 10(-7)molL(-1) for Hg(2+) ion, 3.0 x 10(-7) to 1.0 x 10(-5)molL(-1) for Ni(2+) ion, 4.59 x 10(-8) to 2.295 x 10(-6)molL(-1) for Cu(2+) ion, and 1.20 x 10(-7) to 6.0 x 10(-6)molL(-1) Co(2+) ion, respectively. Based on the distinct optical properties of CdS QDs system with the five HTM ions, and the relatively wide linear range and rapid response to HTM ions, CdS QDs can be developed as a potential identified luminescence probe for familiar HTM ions detection in aqueous solution.

Copper Mesh Templated by Breath-Figure Polymer Films as Flexible Transparent Electrodes for Organic Photovoltaic Devices.

PubMed

Zhou, Weixin; Chen, Jun; Li, Yi; Wang, Danbei; Chen, Jianyu; Feng, Xiaomiao; Huang, Zhendong; Liu, Ruiqing; Lin, Xiujing; Zhang, Hongmei; Mi, Baoxiu; Ma, Yanwen

2016-05-04

Metal mesh is a significant candidate of flexible transparent electrodes to substitute the current state-of-the-art material indium tin oxide (ITO) for future flexible electronics. However, there remains a challenge to fabricate metal mesh with order patterns by a bottom-up approach. In this work, high-quality Cu mesh transparent electrodes with ordered pore arrays are prepared by using breath-figure polymer films as template. The optimal Cu mesh films present a sheet resistance of 28.7 Ω·sq(-1) at a transparency of 83.5%. The work function of Cu mesh electrode is tuned from 4.6 to 5.1 eV by Ag deposition and the following short-time UV-ozone treatment, matching well with the PSS (5.2 eV) hole extraction layer. The modified Cu mesh electrodes show remarkable potential as a substitute of ITO/PET in the flexible OPV and OLED devices. The OPV cells constructed on our Cu mesh electrodes present a similar power conversion efficiency of 2.04% as those on ITO/PET electrodes. The flexible OLED prototype devices can achieve a brightness of 10 000 cd at an operation voltage of 8 V.

Synthesis, spectral studies and biological evaluation of 2-aminonicotinic acid metal complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nawaz, Muhammad; Abbasi, Muhammad Waseem; Hisaindee, Soleiman; Zaki, Muhammad Javed; Abbas, Hira Fatima; Mengting, Hu; Ahmed, M. Arif

2016-05-01

We synthesized 2-aminonicotinic acid (2-ANA) complexes with metals such as Co(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), Ag(I),Cr(III), Cd(II) and Cu(II) in aqueous media. The complexes were characterized and elucidated using FT-IR, UV-Vis, a fluorescence spectrophotometer and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA data showed that the stoichiometry of complexes was 1:2 metal/ligand except for Ag(I) and Mn(II) where the ratio was 1:1. The metal complexes showed varied antibacterial, fungicidal and nematicidal activities. The silver and zinc complexes showed highest activity against Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis respectively. Fusarium oxysporum was highly susceptible to nickel and copper complexes whereas Macrophomina phaseolina was completely inert to the complexes. The silver and cadmium complexes were effective against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica.

Mineral Composition and Nutritive Value of Isotonic and Energy Drinks.

PubMed

Leśniewicz, Anna; Grzesiak, Magdalena; Żyrnicki, Wiesław; Borkowska-Burnecka, Jolanta

2016-04-01

Several very popular brands of isotonic and energy drinks consumed for fluid and electrolyte supplementation and stimulation of mental or physical alertness were chosen for investigation. Liquid beverages available in polyethylene bottles and aluminum cans as well as products in the form of tablets and powder in sachets were studied. The total concentrations of 21 elements (Ag, Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn), both essential and toxic, were simultaneously determined in preconcentrated drink samples by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) equipped with pneumatic and ultrasonic nebulizers. Differences between the mineral compositions of isotonic and energy drinks were evaluated and discussed. The highest content of Na was found in both isotonic and energy drinks, whereas quite high concentrations of Mg were found in isotonic drinks, and the highest amount of calcium was quantified in energy drinks. The concentrations of B, Co, Cu, Ni, and P were higher in isotonic drinks, but energy drinks contained greater quantities of Ag, Cr, Zn, Mn, and Mo and toxic elements, as Cd and Pb. A comparison of element contents with micronutrient intake and tolerable levels was performed to evaluate contribution of the investigated beverages to the daily diet. The consumption of 250 cm(3) of an isotonic drink provides from 0.32% (for Mn) up to 14.8% (for Na) of the recommended daily intake. For the energy drinks, the maximum recommended daily intake fulfillment ranged from 0.02% (for V) to 19.4 or 19.8% (for Mg and Na).

Trace elements in winter snow of the Dolomites (Italy): a statistical study of natural and anthropogenic contributions.

PubMed

Gabrielli, P; Cozzi, G; Torcini, S; Cescon, P; Barbante, C

2008-08-01

Knowledge of the occurrence of trace elements deposited in fresh alpine snow is very limited. Although current sources of major ionic inorganic species have been well established, this is not the case for many trace elements. This manuscript attempts to reconstruct the origin of Ag, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Mn, Pb, Sb, Ti, U, V and Zn in winter surface snow, extensively collected in the Dolomites region (Eastern Alps, Italy). Sampling of surface snow was conducted weekly during the winter 1998 at 21 sites at altitudes ranging from approximately 1000 to approximately 3000 m. This led to a remarkable dataset of trace element concentrations in surface snow from low latitudes. Here we show a preliminary statistical investigation conducted on the 366 samples collected. It was found that V, Sb, Zn, Cd, Mo and Pb have a predominantly anthropogenic origin, linked to the road traffic in the alpine valleys and the nearby heavily industrialised area of the Po Valley. In addition, the occasionally strong Fe and Cr input may reflect the mechanical abrasion of ferrous components of the vehicles. However, much of the Fe along with Mn, U and Ti originates primarily from the geological background of the Dolomites. A marine contribution was found to be negligible for all the trace elements. The origin of other trace elements is less clear: Ag can be possibly attributed to a predominantly anthropogenic origin while Cr, Co, Cu and Ba are usually from crustal rocks but different than the Dolomites.

Factors Affecting Oxidation of Thiosalts by Thiobacilli

PubMed Central

Silver, M.; Dinardo, O.

1981-01-01

The effects of temperature, initial pH, and the concentrations of ammonium, phosphate, and heavy metals on the oxidation of thiosalts by an authentic strain of Thiobacillus thiooxidans (ATCC 8085) and by a mixed culture isolated from a base metal-processing mill effluent pond were studied. The optimum temperature was 30°C and the optimum initial pH was 3.75 for both cultures using thiosulfate and for the mixed culture using tetrathionate. T. thiooxidans ATCC 8085 did not oxidize tetrathionate. For a thiosalt concentration of 2,000 ppm (2,000 mg/liter), maximal rates of destruction occurred at concentrations of ammonium ion above 2 mg/liter and in the presence of 1 mg of phosphate per liter. Under optimal conditions, the rate of thiosulfate oxidation by the pure culture was 55 ± 3 mg/liter per h; the mixed culture oxidized thiosulfate at the rate of 40 ± 1 mg/liter per h and tetrathionate at the rate of 50 ± 2 mg/liter per h. Metal ions caused normal inhibition kinetics in the oxidation of thiosulfate by T. thiooxidans ATCC 8085. Ki values were calculated for cadmium (16 mg/liter), copper (0.46 mg/liter), lead (2 mg/liter), silver (3.1 mg/liter), and zinc (33 mg/liter). Only a slight additive effect was apparent in the presence of all of these metal ions. The mixed culture of thiosalt-oxidizing bacteria was less sensitive to heavy metal inhibition; the order of inhibition of thiosulfate oxidation was Cd < Zn < Pb < Ag < Cu, and that of tetrathionate oxidation was Zn < Cd < Pb < Ag < Cu. PMID:16345785

Distribution of fission products palladium, silver, cerium and cesium in the un-corroded areas of the locally corroded SiC layer of a neutron irradiated TRISO fuel particle

DOE PAGES

Wen, Haiming; van Rooyen, Isabella J.

2017-04-14

Here, detailed electron microscopy studies were performed to investigate the distribution and composition of fission products in the SiC layer of a tristructural isotropic coated particle exhibiting localized corrosion. Previous studies on this particle indicated that pure carbon areas in the SiC layer, resulting from localized corrosion of SiC by Pd, provide pathways for Ag, Cd and Cs migration. This study reveals the presence of Ag- and/or Cd-containing precipitates in un-corroded SiC areas. Ag/Cd may exist by themselves or coexist with Pd. Ag/Cd mainly transport along SiC grain boundaries. An Ag-Pd-Cd precipitate was identified at a stacking fault inside amore » SiC grain, suggesting that intragranular transport of Ag/Cd is possible. Ce is present with Pd or Pd-U in some precipitates >50 nm. U and Ce frequently coexist with each other, whereas Ag/Cd usually does not coexist with U or Ce. No Cs was detected in any precipitates in the areas examined.« less

Quantum dot sensitized solar cell based on TiO2/CdS/Ag2S heterostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawar, Sachin A.; Patil, Dipali S.; Kim, Jin Hyeok; Patil, Pramod S.; Shin, Jae Cheol

2017-04-01

Quantum dot sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) is fabricated based on a stepwise band structure of TiO2/CdS/Ag2S to improve the photoconversion efficiency of TiO2/CdS system by incorporating a low band gap Ag2S QDs. Vertically aligned TiO2 nanorods assembly is prepared by a simple hydrothermal technique. The formation of CdS and Ag2S QDs over TiO2 nanorods assembly as a photoanode is carried out by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. The synthesized electrode materials are characterized by XRD, XPS, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Optical, solar cell and electrochemical performances. The results designate that the QDs of CdS and Ag2S have efficiently covered exterior surfaces of TiO2 nanorods assembly. A cautious evaluation between TiO2/CdS and TiO2/CdS/Ag2S sensitized cells tells that CdS and Ag2S synergetically helps to enhance the light harvesting ability. Under AM 1.5G illumination, the photoanodes show an improved power conversion efficiency of 1.87%, in an aqueous polysulfide electrolyte with short-circuit photocurrent density of 7.03 mA cm-2 which is four fold higher than that of a TiO2/CdS system.

Ultra-low temperature sintering of Cu@Ag core-shell nanoparticle paste by ultrasonic in air for high-temperature power device packaging.

PubMed

Ji, Hongjun; Zhou, Junbo; Liang, Meng; Lu, Huajun; Li, Mingyu

2018-03-01

Sintering of low-cost Cu nanoparticles (NPs) for interconnection of chips to substrate at low temperature and in atmosphere conditions is difficult because they are prone to oxidation, but dramatically required in semiconductor industry. In the present work, we successfully synthesized Cu@Ag NPs paste, and they were successfully applied for joining Cu/Cu@Ag NPs paste/Cu firstly in air by the ultrasonic-assisted sintering (UAS) at a temperature of as low as 160 °C. Their sintered microstructures featuring with dense and crystallized cells are completely different from the traditional thermo-compression sintering (TCS). The optimized shear strength of the joints reached to 54.27 MPa, exhibiting one order of magnitude higher than TCS at the same temperature (180 °C) under the UAS. This ultra-low sintering temperature and high performance of the sintered joints were ascribed to ultrasonic effects. The ultrasonic vibrations have distinct effects on the metallurgical reactions of the joints, resulting in the contact and growth of Cu core and the stripping and connection of Ag shell, which contributes to the high shear strength. Thus, the UAS of Cu@Ag NPs paste has a great potential to be applied for high-temperature power device packaging. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Melting curve of metals Cu, Ag and Au under pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tam, Pham Dinh; Hoc, Nguyen Quang; Tinh, Bui Duc; Tan, Pham Duy

2016-01-01

In this paper, the dependence of the melting temperature of metals Cu, Ag and Au under pressure in the interval from 0 kbar to 40 kbar is studied by the statistical moment method (SMM). This dependence has the form of near linearity and the calculated slopes of melting curve are 3.9 for Cu, 5.7 for Ag and 6 for Au. These results are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Unusual attempt to direct the growth of bimetallic Ag@Pt nanorods on electrochemically reduced graphene oxide nanosheets by electroless exchange of Cu by Pt for an efficient alcohol oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeena, S. E.; Gnanaprakasam, P.; Selvaraju, T.

2017-01-01

A simple and an efficient tool for the direct growth of bimetallic Ag@Pt nanorods (NRDs) on electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) nanosheets was developed at glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Initially, Cu shell was grown on Ag core as Ag@Cu NRD by the seed-mediated growth method. Accordingly, Cu shell has been successfully replaced by Pt using the electroless galvanic replacement method with ease by effective functionalization of L-tryptophan on ERGO surface (L-ERGO), which eventually plays an important role in the direct growth of one-dimensional bimetallic NRDs. As a result, the synthesized Ag@Pt NRD-supported L-ERGO nanosheets (Ag@Pt NRDs/L-ERGO/GCE) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and Raman spectroscopy. Anodic stripping voltammetry was used to explore its electrochemical properties. Finally, the developed bimetallic Ag@Pt NRDs/L-ERGO/GCEs were studied as a better electrocatalyst compared to the commercial catalysts such as Pt40/C or Pt20/C-loaded electrode for the oxidation of ethanol or methanol with a high tolerance level and an enhanced current density. In addition, the long-term stability was studied using chronoamperometry for 1000 s at the bimetallic NRD electrode for alcohol oxidation which impedes the fouling properties. The unfavourable and favourable electrooxidation of ethanol at Ag@Cu NRDs/L-ERGO/GCE (a) and Ag@Pt NRDs/L-ERGO/GCE (b) is discussed. The synergistic effect of Ag core and catalytic properties of Pt shell at Ag@Pt NRDs/L-ERGO/GCE tend to strongly minimize the CO poisoning effect and enhanced ethanol electrooxidation.

CD209-336A/G promotor polymorphism and its clinical associations in sickle cell disease Egyptian Pediatric patients.

PubMed

Afifi, Rasha Abdel-Raouf; Kamal, Dina; Sayed, Riham El; Ekladious, Sherif M M; Shaheen, Gehan H; Yousry, Sherif M; Hussein, Rania Elsayed

2018-06-01

To detect the frequency of CD209 A>G polymorphism in sickle cell disease (SCD) Egyptian patients and to evaluate the use of CD209 A>G polymorphism as a genetic predictor of SCD clinical heterogeneity. A total of 100 Egyptian children with SCD and 100 Egyptian controls were tested for CD209 A>G polymorphism and were followed up prospectively between June 2012 and December 2014. Comparison of CD209 A>G polymorphism among cases and controls did not show statistically significant difference (p = .742). In addition, comparison of the allelic frequency did not show statistically significant difference (p = .738). Infections occurred more frequently among the heterozygous genotype (AG; 60.5%) and homozygous genotype (GG; 75%) patients than among the wild (AA) genotype (24.1%; p < .001). The use of hydroxyurea treatment was significantly higher among the wild (AA) genotype (47%) than the heterozygous (AG; 21%) and homozygous (GG; 5%) genotypes (p = .003). We found no significant difference between our population of Egyptian SCD cases and controls regarding CD209 A>G polymorphism. Infections occurred more frequently among the heterozygous genotype (AG) and homozygous genotype (GG) patients. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A colorimetric assay for measuring iodide using Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles coupled with Cu(2+).

PubMed

Zeng, Jingbin; Cao, Yingying; Lu, Chun-Hua; Wang, Xu-Dong; Wang, Qianru; Wen, Cong-Ying; Qu, Jian-Bo; Yuan, Cunguang; Yan, Zi-Feng; Chen, Xi

2015-09-03

Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and coupled with copper ion (Cu(2+)) for the colorimetric sensing of iodide ion (I(-)). This assay relies on the fact that the absorption spectra and the color of metallic core-shell NPs are sensitive to their chemical ingredient and dimensional core-to-shell ratio. When I(-) was added to the Au@Ag core-shell NPs-Cu(2+) system/solution, Cu(2+) can oxidize I(-) into iodine (I2), which can further oxidize silver shells to form silver iodide (AgI). The generated Au@AgI core-shell NPs led to color changes from yellow to purple, which was utilized for the colorimetric sensing of I(-). The assay only took 10 min with a lowest detectable concentration of 0.5 μM, and it exhibited excellent selectivity for I(-) over other common anions tested. Furthermore, Au@Ag core-shell NPs-Cu(2+) was embedded into agarose gels as inexpensive and portable "test strips", which were successfully used for the semi-quantitation of I(-) in dried kelps. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electron affinities and ionization energies of Cu and Ag delafossite compounds: A hybrid functional study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Mao-Sheng; Yarbro, Sam; Barton, Phillip T.; Seshadri, Ram

2014-01-01

Using density functional theory with a hybrid functional, we calculate the ionization energies and electron affinities of a series of delafossite compounds (AMO2: A =Cu, Ag; M =B, Al, Ga, In, Sc). The alignments of the valence band maximum and the conduction band minimum, which directly relate to the ionization energies and electron affinities, were obtained by calculations of supercell slab models constructed in a nonpolar orientation. Our calculations reveal that the ionization energy decreases with an increasing atomic number of group-III elements, and thus suggest an improved p-type doping propensity for heavier compounds. For keeping both a low ionization energy and a band gap of sufficient size, CuScO2 is superior to the Cu-based group-III delafossites. By analyzing the electronic structures, we demonstrate that the compositional trend of the ionization energies and electron affinities is the result of a combined effect of d-band broadening due to Cu(Ag)-Cu(Ag) coupling and a repositioning of the d-band center.

New high-strength, high-conductivity Cu-Ag alloy sheets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sakai, Y.; Inoue, K.; Maeda, H.

1995-04-01

A sheet-conductor fabrication method has been developed for Cu-Ag alloys containing 6--24 wt% Ag in which high-strength and high-conductivity are obtained by coldworking combined with intermediate heat treatments. The intermediate heat treatments were repeated three times at 400--450 C for 1--2 h at appropriate stages of cold-rolling. The optimized Cu-24 wt% Ag alloy sheet with a 96% reduction ratio shows an ultimate tensile strength of 1,050 MPa and an electrical conductivity of 75% IACS at room temperature. Anisotropy in the strength with respect to the rolling direction is less than 10%, and no anisotropy in the electrical conductivity occurs. Themore » authors demonstrated the ability to manufacture the Cu-Ag sheets for Bitter magnet on a commercial basis. The sheets fabricated by this method are promising as conductors for high-field Bitter magnet coils.« less

CdO nanorods and Cd(OH)2/Ag core/satellite nanorods: Rapid and efficient sonochemical synthesis, characterization and their magnetic properties.

PubMed

Abbas, Mohamed; Tawfik, Wael; Chen, Jiangang

2018-01-01

We have designed an efficient and direct sonochemical method for the facile synthesis of Cd(OH) 2 , CdO, and Cd(OH) 2 /Ag core/satellite nanorods. A Cd(OH) 2 nanorod was synthesized with a one-pot, environmentally-friendly aqueous sonochemical reaction, followed by calcination at 500°C to produce CdO nanorods. Thirty minutes of re-ultrasonicated CdO nanorods in the presence of the Ag precursor was sufficient for phase transformation from the cubic structure of CdO to the monoclinic crystalline structure of Cd(OH) 2 , accompanied by deposition of Ag nanodots on the surface to form Cd(OH) 2 /Ag core/satellite nanorods. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, N 2 Brunauer-Emmett-Teller adsorption-desorption, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy measurements confirmed the successful formation of the various phases and the unique morphology of the nanorods/satellites. We also measured the magnetic properties using a vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature, and the produced nanorods showed weak unsaturated ferromagnetic properties with a magnetic moment values of 0.105 and 0.076emu/g for CdO and Cd(OH) 2 /Ag NRs, respectively. In conclusion, our one-pot, cost-effective, sonochemical approach holds promise for the synthesis of various oxides and core/satellite nanoparticles. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Disorganized Amygdala Networks in Conduct-Disordered Juvenile Offenders With Callous-Unemotional Traits.

PubMed

Aghajani, Moji; Klapwijk, Eduard T; van der Wee, Nic J; Veer, Ilya M; Rombouts, Serge A R B; Boon, Albert E; van Beelen, Peter; Popma, Arne; Vermeiren, Robert R J M; Colins, Olivier F

2017-08-15

The developmental trajectory of psychopathy seemingly begins early in life and includes the presence of callous-unemotional (CU) traits (e.g., deficient emotional reactivity, callousness) in conduct-disordered (CD) youth. Though subregion-specific anomalies in amygdala function have been suggested in CU pathophysiology among antisocial populations, system-level studies of CU traits have typically examined the amygdala as a unitary structure. Hence, nothing is yet known of how amygdala subregional network function may contribute to callous-unemotionality in severely antisocial people. We addressed this important issue by uniquely examining the intrinsic functional connectivity of basolateral amygdala (BLA) and centromedial amygdala (CMA) networks across three matched groups of juveniles: CD offenders with CU traits (CD/CU+; n = 25), CD offenders without CU traits (CD/CU-; n = 25), and healthy control subjects (n = 24). We additionally examined whether perturbed amygdala subregional connectivity coincides with altered volume and shape of the amygdaloid complex. Relative to CD/CU- and healthy control youths, CD/CU+ youths showed abnormally increased BLA connectivity with a cluster that included both dorsal and ventral portions of the anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortices, along with posterior cingulate, sensory associative, and striatal regions. In contrast, compared with CD/CU- and healthy control youths, CD/CU+ youths showed diminished CMA connectivity with ventromedial/orbitofrontal regions. Critically, these connectivity changes coincided with local hypotrophy of BLA and CMA subregions (without being statistically correlated) and were associated to more severe CU symptoms. These findings provide unique insights into a putative mechanism for perturbed attention-emotion interactions, which could bias salience processing and associative learning in youth with CD/CU+. Copyright © 2016 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of sediments and organisms in identifying sources of biologically available trace metal contamination

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thomson, E.A.; Luoma, S.N.; Johansson, C.E.; Cain, D.J.

1984-01-01

Sediments and an indicator organism (Macoma balthica, a deposit-feeding bivalve) were used to assess the relative importance of secondary sewage, urban runoff, a landfill containing metal-enriched ash wastes and a yacht harbor in contributing to Ag, Cu and Zn enrichment in South San Francisco Bay. Spatial gradients in sediments and organisms showed Cu and Ag enrichment originated from sewage discharge, whereas Zn enrichment originated from both sewage and urban runoff. Elevated concentrations of Cu in the sediments of the yacht harbor resulted from a high abundance of fine particles. The biological availability of Cu, Ag and Zn did not coincide with metal enrichment in sediments. The availability of Cu and Ag was greatest nearest the sewage outfall and greater in winter and spring than in summer. The availability of Zn in urban runoff appeared to be lower than the availability of Zn associated with sewage.

Grindability of dental cast Ti-Ag and Ti-Cu alloys.

PubMed

Kikuchi, Masafumi; Takahashi, Masatoshi; Okabe, Toru; Okuno, Osamu

2003-06-01

Experimental Ti-Ag alloys (5, 10, and 20 mass% Ag) and Ti-Cu alloys (2, 5, and 10 mass% Cu) were cast into magnesia molds using a dental casting machine, and their grindability was investigated. At the lowest grinding speed (500 m min(-1)), there were no statistical differences among the grindability values of the titanium and titanium alloys. The grindability of the alloys increased as the grinding speed increased. At the highest grinding speed (1500 m x min(-1)), the grindability of the 20% Ag, 5% Cu, and 10% Cu alloys was significantly higher than that of titanium. It was found that alloying with silver or copper improved the grindability of titanium, particularly at a high speed. It appeared that the decrease in elongation caused by the precipitation of small amounts of intermetallic compounds primarily contributed to the favorable grindability of the experimental alloys.

Empathic Accuracy in Male Adolescents with Conduct Disorder and Higher versus Lower Levels of Callous-Unemotional Traits.

PubMed

Martin-Key, N; Brown, T; Fairchild, G

2017-10-01

Adolescents with disruptive behavior disorders are reported to show deficits in empathy and emotion recognition. However, prior studies have mainly used questionnaires to measure empathy or experimental paradigms that are lacking in ecological validity. We used an empathic accuracy (EA) task to study EA, emotion recognition, and affective empathy in 77 male adolescents aged 13-18 years: 37 with Conduct Disorder (CD) and 40 typically-developing controls. The CD sample was divided into higher callous-emotional traits (CD/CU+) and lower callous-unemotional traits (CD/CU-) subgroups using a median split. Participants watched films of actors recalling happy, sad, surprised, angry, disgusted or fearful autobiographical experiences and provided continuous ratings of emotional intensity (assessing EA), as well as naming the emotion (recognition) and reporting the emotion they experienced themselves (affective empathy). The CD and typically-developing groups did not significantly differ in EA and there were also no differences between the CD/CU+ and CD/CU- subgroups. Participants with CD were significantly less accurate than controls in recognizing sadness, fear, and disgust, all ps < 0.050, rs ≥ 0.30, whilst the CD/CU- and CD/CU+ subgroups did not differ in emotion recognition. Participants with CD also showed affective empathy deficits for sadness, fear, and disgust relative to controls, all ps < 0.010, rs ≥ 0.33, whereas the CD/CU+ and CD/CU- subgroups did not differ in affective empathy. These results extend prior research by demonstrating affective empathy and emotion recognition deficits in adolescents with CD using a more ecologically-valid task, and challenge the view that affective empathy deficits are specific to CD/CU+.

Ag plasmonic nanostructures and a novel gel electrolyte in a high efficiency TiO2/CdS solar cell.

PubMed

Kumar, P Naresh; Deepa, Melepurath; Srivastava, Avanish Kumar

2015-04-21

A novel photoanode architecture with plasmonic silver (Ag) nanostructures embedded in titania (TiO2), which served as the wide band gap semiconducting support and CdS quantum dots (QDs), as light absorbers, is presented. Ag nanostructures were prepared by a polyol method and are comprised of clumps of nanorods, 15-35 nm wide, interspersed with globular nanoparticles and they were characterized by a face centered cubic lattice. Optimization of Ag nanostructures was achieved on the basis of a superior power conversion efficiency (PCE) obtained for the cell with a Ag/TiO2/CdS electrode encompassing a mixed morphology of Ag nano-rods and particles, relative to analogous cells with either Ag nanoparticles or Ag nanorods. Interfacial charge transfer kinetics was unraveled by fluorescence quenching and lifetime studies. Ag nanostructures improve the light harvesting ability of the TiO2/CdS photoanode via (a) plasmonic and scattering effects, which induce both near- and far-field enhancements which translate to higher photocurrent densities and (b) charging effects, whereby, photoexcited electron transfer from TiO2 to Ag is facilitated by Fermi level equilibration. Owing to the spectacular ability of Ag nanostructures to increase light absorption, a greatly increased PCE of 4.27% and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 55% (at 440 nm) was achieved for the cell based on Ag/TiO2/CdS, greater by 42 and 66%, respectively, compared to the TiO2/CdS based cell. In addition, the liquid S(2-) electrolyte was replaced by a S(2-) gel containing fumed silica, and the redox potential, conductivity and p-type conduction of the two were deduced to be comparable. Although the gel based cells showed diminished solar cell performances compared to their liquid counterparts, nonetheless, the Ag/TiO2/CdS electrode continued to outperform the TiO2/CdS electrode. Our studies demonstrate that Ag nanostructures effectively capture a significant chunk of the electromagnetic spectrum and aid QD solar cells in delivering high power conversion efficiencies.

Systemic immunological tolerance to ocular antigens is mediated by TRAIL-expressing CD8+ T cells.

PubMed

Griffith, Thomas S; Brincks, Erik L; Gurung, Prajwal; Kucaba, Tamara A; Ferguson, Thomas A

2011-01-15

Systemic immunological tolerance to Ag encountered in the eye restricts the formation of potentially damaging immune responses that would otherwise be initiated at other anatomical locations. We previously demonstrated that tolerance to Ag administered via the anterior chamber (AC) of the eye required Fas ligand-mediated apoptotic death of inflammatory cells that enter the eye in response to the antigenic challenge. Moreover, the systemic tolerance induced after AC injection of Ag was mediated by CD8(+) regulatory T cells. This study examined the mechanism by which these CD8(+) regulatory T cells mediate tolerance after AC injection of Ag. AC injection of Ag did not prime CD4(+) T cells and led to increased TRAIL expression by splenic CD8(+) T cells. Unlike wild-type mice, Trail(-/-) or Dr5(-/-) mice did not develop tolerance to Ag injected into the eye, even though responding lymphocytes underwent apoptosis in the AC of the eyes of these mice. CD8(+) T cells from Trail(-/-) mice that were first injected via the AC with Ag were unable to transfer tolerance to naive recipient wild-type mice, but CD8(+) T cells from AC-injected wild-type or Dr5(-/-) mice could transfer tolerance. Importantly, the transferred wild-type (Trail(+/+)) CD8(+) T cells were also able to decrease the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells into the eye; however, Trail(-/-) CD8(+) T cells were unable to limit the inflammatory cell ingress. Together, our data suggest that "helpless" CD8(+) regulatory T cells generated after AC injection of Ag enforce systemic tolerance in a TRAIL-dependent manner to inhibit inflammation in the eye.

Systemic immunological tolerance to ocular antigens is mediated by TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-expressing CD8+ T cells*

PubMed Central

Griffith, Thomas S.; Brincks, Erik L.; Gurung, Prajwal; Kucaba, Tamara A.; Ferguson, Thomas A.

2010-01-01

Systemic immunological tolerance to Ag encountered in the eye restricts the formation of potentially damaging immune responses that would otherwise be initiated at other anatomical locations. We previously demonstrated that tolerance to Ag administered via the anterior chamber (AC) of the eye required FasL-mediated apoptotic death of inflammatory cells that enter the eye in response to the antigenic challenge. Moreover, the systemic tolerance induced after AC injection of Ag was mediated by CD8+ regulatory T cells. The present study examined the mechanism by which these CD8+ regulatory T cells mediate tolerance after AC injection of Ag. AC injection of Ag did not prime CD4+ T cells, and led to increased TRAIL expression by splenic CD8+ T cells. Unlike wildtype mice, Trail−/− or Dr5−/− mice did not develop tolerance to Ag injected into the eye, even though responding lymphocytes underwent apoptosis in the AC of the eyes of these mice. CD8+ T cells from Trail−/− mice that were first injected AC with Ag were unable to transfer tolerance to naïve recipient wildtype mice, but CD8+ T cells from AC-injected wildtype or Dr5−/− mice could transfer tolerance. Importantly, the transferred wildtype (Trail+/+) CD8+ T cells were also able to decrease the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells into the eye; however, Trail−/− CD8+ T cells were unable to limit the inflammatory cell ingress. Together, our data suggest that “helpless” CD8+ regulatory T cells generated after AC injection of Ag enforce systemic tolerance in a TRAIL-dependent manner to inhibit inflammation in the eye. PMID:21169546

The Clinical Utility of the Proposed DSM-5 Callous-Unemotional Subtype of Conduct Disorder in Young Girls

PubMed Central

Pardini, Dustin; Stepp, Stephanie; Hipwell, Alison; Stouthamer-Loeber, Magda; Loeber, Rolf

2012-01-01

Objective A callous-unemotional (CU) subtype of conduct disorder (CD) has been proposed as an addition to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This study tested the hypothesis that young girls with the CU subtype of CD will exhibit more severe antisocial behavior and less severe internalizing problems over time relative to girls with CD alone. Secondly, the developmental outcomes of girls with CU traits in the absence of CD was examined because these girls will be overlooked by the proposed CU subtyping scheme. Method Theses issues were examined in a community sample of 1862 girls aged 6-8 at study onset. Outcomes included internalizing and externalizing problems, academic achievement, and global impairment assessed concurrently and at a six year follow-up. Results Girls with the CU subtype of CD had higher levels of externalizing disorder symptoms, bullying, relational aggression, and global impairment than girls with CD alone. Girls with CD alone tended to have more anxiety problems than girls with the CU subtype of CD. Girls with high CU traits without CD exhibited higher ODD and ADHD symptoms and lower academic achievement at the six-year follow-up relative to girls without CU traits and CD. Group differences at the six year follow-up were primarily accounted for by baseline differences on the outcomes. Conclusions The proposed DSM-5 CU subtype of CD identifies young girls who exhibit lower anxiety problems and more severe aggression, CD symptoms, academic problems and global impairment across time than girls with CD alone. PMID:22176940

Risk Assessment and Source Identification of 17 Metals and Metalloids on Soils from the Half-Century Old Tungsten Mining Areas in Lianhuashan, Southern China.

PubMed

Guo, Li; Zhao, Weituo; Gu, Xiaowen; Zhao, Xinyun; Chen, Juan; Cheng, Shenggao

2017-11-29

Background: Mining activities always emit metal(loid)s into the surrounding environment, where their accumulation in the soil may pose risks and hazards to humans and ecosystems. Objective : This paper aims to determine of the type, source, chemical form, fate and transport, and accurate risk assessment of 17 metal(loid) contaminants including As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ag, B, Bi, Co, Mo, Sb, Ti, V, W and Sn in the soils collected from an abandoned tungsten mining area, and to guide the implementing of appropriate remediation strategies. Methods : Contamination factors ( CFs ) and integrated pollution indexes ( IPIs ) and enrichment factors ( EFs ) were used to assess their ecological risk and the sources were identified by using multivariate statistics analysis, spatial distribution investigation and correlation matrix. Results : The IPI and EF values indicated the soils in the mine site and the closest downstream one were extremely disturbed by metal(loid)s such as As, Bi, W, B, Cu, Pb and Sn, which were emitted from the mining wastes and acid drainages and delivered by the runoff and human activities. Arsenic contamination was detected in nine sites with the highest CF values at 24.70 next to the mining site. The Cd contamination scattered in the paddy soils around the resident areas with higher fraction of bioavailable forms, primarily associated with intense application of phosphorus fertilizer. The lithogenic elements V, Ti, Ag, Ni, Sb, Mo exhibit low contamination in all sampling points and their distribution were depended on the soil texture and pedogenesis process. Conclusions : The long term historical mining activities have caused severe As contamination and higher enrichment of the other elements of orebody in the local soils. The appropriate remediation treatment approach should be proposed to reduce the bioavailability of Cd in the paddy soils and to immobilize As to reclaim the soils around the mining site. Furthermore, alternative fertilizing way and irrigating water sources are urgencies to reduce the input of Cd and As into the local soils effectively.

Colloidal inorganic nanocrystals: Nucleation, growth and biological applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynch, Jared James

Colloidal inorganic nanocrystals are a class of material whose size ranges from a few nanometers to a hundred nanometers in dimension. These nanocrystals have size dependent properties that differ significantly from the bulk material counterparts. Due to their unique physical properties colloidal inorganic nanocrystals have several promising applications in a diverse range of areas, such as biomedical diagnosis, catalysis, plasmonics, high-density data storage and solar energy conversion. This dissertation presents the study of the formation of iron oxide nanocrystals under the influence of solvent and Ar gas bubbles, the phase transfer of metal oxide nanocrystals into water using inorganic ions, and the doping of semiconductor CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals with copper and silver ions. First, the formation of iron oxide nanocrystals is investigated in the presence of boiling solvent or Ar bubbles. Using a non-injection based synthesis method, the thermal decomposition of iron oleate was studied under various reaction conditions, and the role of the bubbles on the nucleation and growth of iron oxide nanocrystals was determined. Kinetics studies were used to elucidate how latent heat transfer from the bubbles allows for "active monomers" to form preferentially from exothermic reactions taking place during nucleation. General insights into colloidal inorganic nanocrystal formation are discussed. Second, a non-injection based synthesis for CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals is used to make high quality semiconductor particles which are intentionally doped with Cu or Ag ions. The Ag ions effect on the optical properties of the CdS/ZnS nanocrystals is investigated. The absorption and fluorescence of the samples is measured as a function of time and temperature. Proposed mechanisms for the observations are given and thoroughly discussed. Comparisons between previous results for Cu doped CdS/ZnS nanocrystals are also made to further understand how doping of semiconductor nanocrystals can be realized. Finally, a novel phase transfer process is demonstrated using inorganic salts, such as sodium arsenite, to make water soluble metal oxide nanocrystals. The water soluble iron oxide nanocrystals are fully characterized by several complementary techniques and then used in cellular studies. The arsenite-coated iron oxide composite nanocrystals (AICN) are shown to be effective cancer therapy agents.

Risk Assessment and Source Identification of 17 Metals and Metalloids on Soils from the Half-Century Old Tungsten Mining Areas in Lianhuashan, Southern China

PubMed Central

Guo, Li; Zhao, Weituo; Gu, Xiaowen; Zhao, Xinyun; Chen, Juan; Cheng, Shenggao

2017-01-01

Background: Mining activities always emit metal(loid)s into the surrounding environment, where their accumulation in the soil may pose risks and hazards to humans and ecosystems. Objective: This paper aims to determine of the type, source, chemical form, fate and transport, and accurate risk assessment of 17 metal(loid) contaminants including As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ag, B, Bi, Co, Mo, Sb, Ti, V, W and Sn in the soils collected from an abandoned tungsten mining area, and to guide the implementing of appropriate remediation strategies. Methods: Contamination factors (CFs) and integrated pollution indexes (IPIs) and enrichment factors (EFs) were used to assess their ecological risk and the sources were identified by using multivariate statistics analysis, spatial distribution investigation and correlation matrix. Results: The IPI and EF values indicated the soils in the mine site and the closest downstream one were extremely disturbed by metal(loid)s such as As, Bi, W, B, Cu, Pb and Sn, which were emitted from the mining wastes and acid drainages and delivered by the runoff and human activities. Arsenic contamination was detected in nine sites with the highest CF values at 24.70 next to the mining site. The Cd contamination scattered in the paddy soils around the resident areas with higher fraction of bioavailable forms, primarily associated with intense application of phosphorus fertilizer. The lithogenic elements V, Ti, Ag, Ni, Sb, Mo exhibit low contamination in all sampling points and their distribution were depended on the soil texture and pedogenesis process. Conclusions: The long term historical mining activities have caused severe As contamination and higher enrichment of the other elements of orebody in the local soils. The appropriate remediation treatment approach should be proposed to reduce the bioavailability of Cd in the paddy soils and to immobilize As to reclaim the soils around the mining site. Furthermore, alternative fertilizing way and irrigating water sources are urgencies to reduce the input of Cd and As into the local soils effectively. PMID:29186069

In Situ Activation of Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cells in the Presence of Antigen in Organotypic Brain Slices1

PubMed Central

Ling, Changying; Verbny, Yakov I.; Banks, Matthew I.; Sandor, Matyas; Fabry, Zsuzsanna

2012-01-01

The activation of Ag-specific T cells locally in the CNS could potentially contribute to the development of immune-mediated brain diseases. We addressed whether Ag-specific T cells could be stimulated in the CNS in the absence of peripheral lymphoid tissues by analyzing Ag-specific T cell responses in organotypic brain slice cultures. Organotypic brain slice cultures were established 1 h after intracerebral OVA Ag microinjection. We showed that when OVA-specific CD8+ T cells were added to Ag-containing brain slices, these cells became activated and migrated into the brain to the sites of their specific Ags. This activation of OVA-specific T cells was abrogated by the deletion of CD11c+ cells from the brain slices of the donor mice. These data suggest that brain-resident CD11c+ cells stimulate Ag-specific naive CD8+ T cells locally in the CNS and may contribute to immune responses in the brain. PMID:18523307

Antimicrobial effect of TiO2 doped with Ag and Cu on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angelov, O.; Stoyanova, D.; Ivanova, I.

2016-10-01

Antimicrobial effect of TiO2 doped with Ag and Cu on Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida is studied. The thin films are deposited on glass substrates without heating during the deposition by r.f. magnetron co-sputtering of TiO2 target and pieces of Ag and Cu. The studied films, thickness about 65 nm, were as deposited and annealed (5200C, 4h, N2+5%H2, 4Pa). The as deposited thin films TiO2:Ag:Cu have band gap energy of 3.56 eV little higher than the band gap of crystalline anatase TiO2 which can be explained with the quantum effect of the granular structure of r.f. magnetron sputtered films. The annealed samples have band gap of 2.52 eV due to formation of donor levels from Ag and Cu atoms near the bottom of the conduction band. The toxic effect was determined through the classical Koch's method and the optical density measurements at λ=610 nm. The as deposited TiO2:Ag:Cu thin films demonstrate stronger inhibition effect - bactericidal for P. putida and bacteriostatic for E. coli (up to the 6th hour) in comparison with the annealed samples. The both methods of study show the same trends of the bacterial growth independently of their different sensitivity which confirms the observed effect.

WETTING AND REACTIVE AIR BRAZING OF BSCF FOR OXYGEN SEPARATION DEVICES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

LaDouceur, Richard M.; Meier, Alan; Joshi, Vineet V.

Reactive air brazes Ag-CuO and Ag-V2O5 were evaluated for brazing Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O(3-δ) (BSCF). BSCF has been determined in previous work to have the highest potential mixed ionic/electronic conducting (MIEC) ceramic material based on the design and oxygen flux requirements of an oxy-fuel plant such as an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) used to facilitate high-efficiency carbon capture. Apparent contact angles were observed for Ag-CuO and Ag-V2O5 mixtures at 1000 °C for isothermal hold times of 0, 10, 30, and 60 minutes. Wetting apparent contact angles (θ<90°) were obtained for 1%, 2%, and 5% Ag-CuO and Ag-V2O5 mixtures, with the apparent contactmore » angles between 74° and 78° for all compositions and furnace dwell times. Preliminary microstructural analysis indicates that two different interfacial reactions are occurring: Ag-CuO interfacial microstructures revealed the same dissolution of copper oxide into the BSCF matrix to form copper-cobalt-oxygen rich dissolution products along the BSCF grain boundaries and Ag-V2O5 interfacial microstructures revealed the infiltration and replacement of cobalt and iron with vanadium and silver filling pores in the BSCF microstructure. The Ag-V2O5 interfacial reaction product layer was measured to be significantly thinner than the Ag-CuO reaction product layer. Using a fully articulated four point flexural bend test fixture, the flexural fracture strength for BSCF was determined to be 95 ± 33 MPa. The fracture strength will be used to ascertain the success of the reactive air braze alloys. Based on these results, brazes were fabricated and mechanically tested to begin to optimize the brazing parameters for this system. Ag-2.5% CuO braze alloy with a 2.5 minute thermal cycle achieved a hermetic seal with a joint flexural strength of 34 ± 15 MPa and Ag-1% V2O5 with a 30 minute thermal cycle had a joint flexural strength of 20 ± 15 MPa.« less

Alternative buffer layer development in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xin, Peipei

Cu(In,Ga)Se2-based thin film solar cells are considered to be one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies. Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar devices have the potential advantage of low-cost, fast fabrication by using semiconductor layers of only a few micrometers thick and high efficiency photovoltaics have been reported at both the cell and the module levels. CdS via chemical bath deposition (CBD) has been the most widely used buffer option to form the critical junction in CIGS-based thin film photovoltaic devices. However, the disadvantages of CdS can’t be ignored - regulations on cadmium usage are getting stricter primarily due to its toxicity and environmental impacts, and the proper handling of the large amount of toxic chemical bath waste is a massive and expensive task. This dissertation is devoted to the development of Cd-free alternative buffer layers in CIGS-based thin film solar cells. Based on the considerations of buffer layer selection criteria and extensive literature review, Zn-compound buffer materials are chosen as the primary investigation candidates. Radio frequency magnetron sputtering is the preferred buffer deposition approach since it’s a clean and more controllable technique compared to CBD, and is readily scaled to large area manufacturing. First, a comprehensive study of the ZnSe1-xOx compound prepared by reactive sputtering was completed. As the oxygen content in the reactive sputtering gas increased, ZnSe1-xOx crystallinity and bandgap decreased. It’s observed that oxygen miscibility in ZnSe was low and a secondary phase formed when the O2 / (O2 + Ar) ratio in the sputtering gas exceeded 2%. Two approaches were proposed to optimize the band alignment between the CIGS and buffer layer. One method focused on the bandgap engineering of the absorber, the other focused on the band structure modification of the buffer. As a result, improved current of the solar cell was achieved although a carrier transport barrier at the junction interface still limited the device performance. Second, an investigation of Zn(S,O) buffer layers was completed. Zn(S,O) films were sputtered in Ar using a ZnO0.7S0.3 compound target. Zn(S,O) films had the composition close to the target with S / (S+O) ratio around 0.3. Zn(S,O) films showed the wurtzite structure with the bandgap about 3.2eV. The champion Cu(In,Ga)Se2 / Zn(S,O) cell had 12.5% efficiency and an (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 / Zn(S,O) cell achieved 13.2% efficiency. Detailed device analysis was used to study the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 absorbers, the influence of absorber surface treatments, the effects of device treatments, the sputtering damage and the Na concentration in the absorber. Finally alternative buffer layer development was applied to an innovative superstrate CIGS configuration. The superstrate structure has potential benefits of improved window layer properties, cost reduction, and the possibility to implement back reflector engineering techniques. The application of three buffer layer options - CdS, ZnO and ZnSe was studied and limitations of each were characterized. The best device achieved 8.6% efficiency with a ZnO buffer. GaxOy formation at the junction interface was the main limiting factor of this device performance. For CdS / CIGS and ZnSe / CIGS superstrate devices extensive inter-diffusion between the absorber and buffer layer under CIGS growth conditions was the critical problem. Inter-diffusion severely deteriorated the junction quality and led to poorly behaved devices, despite different efforts to optimize the fabrication process.

Transcriptome Analysis of Mycobacteria-Specific CD4+ T Cells Identified by Activation-Induced Expression of CD154.

PubMed

Kunnath-Velayudhan, Shajo; Goldberg, Michael F; Saini, Neeraj K; Johndrow, Christopher T; Ng, Tony W; Johnson, Alison J; Xu, Jiayong; Chan, John; Jacobs, William R; Porcelli, Steven A

2017-10-01

Analysis of Ag-specific CD4 + T cells in mycobacterial infections at the transcriptome level is informative but technically challenging. Although several methods exist for identifying Ag-specific T cells, including intracellular cytokine staining, cell surface cytokine-capture assays, and staining with peptide:MHC class II multimers, all of these have significant technical constraints that limit their usefulness. Measurement of activation-induced expression of CD154 has been reported to detect live Ag-specific CD4 + T cells, but this approach remains underexplored and, to our knowledge, has not previously been applied in mycobacteria-infected animals. In this article, we show that CD154 expression identifies adoptively transferred or endogenous Ag-specific CD4 + T cells induced by Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination. We confirmed that Ag-specific cytokine production was positively correlated with CD154 expression by CD4 + T cells from bacillus Calmette-Guérin-vaccinated mice and show that high-quality microarrays can be performed from RNA isolated from CD154 + cells purified by cell sorting. Analysis of microarray data demonstrated that the transcriptome of CD4 + CD154 + cells was distinct from that of CD154 - cells and showed major enrichment of transcripts encoding multiple cytokines and pathways of cellular activation. One notable finding was the identification of a previously unrecognized subset of mycobacteria-specific CD4 + T cells that is characterized by the production of IL-3. Our results support the use of CD154 expression as a practical and reliable method to isolate live Ag-specific CD4 + T cells for transcriptomic analysis and potentially for a range of other studies in infected or previously immunized hosts. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

The Effects of Adding Elements of Zinc and Magnesium on Ag-Cu Eutectic Alloy for Warming Acupuncture

PubMed Central

Park, Il Song; Kim, Keun Sik; Lee, Min Ho

2013-01-01

The warming acupuncture for hyperthermia therapy is made of STS304. However, its needle point cannot be reached to a desirable temperature due to heat loss caused by low thermal conductivity, and the quantification of stimulation condition and the effective standard establishment of warming acupuncture are required as a heat source. Accordingly, in this study, after Ag-Cu alloys with different composition ratios were casted and then mixed with additives to improve their physical and mechanical properties, the thermal conductivity and biocompatibility of the alloy specimens were evaluated for selecting suitable material. Ag-Cu binary alloys and ternary alloys added 5 wt% Zn or 2 wt% Mg were casted and then cold drawn to manufacture needles for acupuncture, and their physical properties, thermal conductivity, and biocompatibility were evaluated for their potential use in warming acupuncture. The results of this study showed that the physical and mechanical properties of the Ag-Cu alloys were improved by additives and that the thermal conductivity, machinability, and biocompatibility of the Ag-Cu alloys were improved by Mg addition. PMID:24078827

The effects of adding elements of zinc and magnesium on ag-cu eutectic alloy for warming acupuncture.

PubMed

Kim, Yu Kyoung; Park, Il Song; Kim, Keun Sik; Lee, Min Ho

2013-01-01

The warming acupuncture for hyperthermia therapy is made of STS304. However, its needle point cannot be reached to a desirable temperature due to heat loss caused by low thermal conductivity, and the quantification of stimulation condition and the effective standard establishment of warming acupuncture are required as a heat source. Accordingly, in this study, after Ag-Cu alloys with different composition ratios were casted and then mixed with additives to improve their physical and mechanical properties, the thermal conductivity and biocompatibility of the alloy specimens were evaluated for selecting suitable material. Ag-Cu binary alloys and ternary alloys added 5 wt% Zn or 2 wt% Mg were casted and then cold drawn to manufacture needles for acupuncture, and their physical properties, thermal conductivity, and biocompatibility were evaluated for their potential use in warming acupuncture. The results of this study showed that the physical and mechanical properties of the Ag-Cu alloys were improved by additives and that the thermal conductivity, machinability, and biocompatibility of the Ag-Cu alloys were improved by Mg addition.

Hints for Metal-Preference Protein Sequence Determinants: Different Metal Binding Features of the Five Tetrahymena thermophila Metallothioneins

PubMed Central

Espart, Anna; Marín, Maribel; Gil-Moreno, Selene; Palacios, Òscar; Amaro, Francisco; Martín-González, Ana; Gutiérrez, Juan C.; Capdevila, Mercè; Atrian, Sílvia

2015-01-01

The metal binding preference of metallothioneins (MTs) groups them in two extreme subsets, the Zn/Cd- and the Cu-thioneins. Ciliates harbor the largest MT gene/protein family reported so far, including 5 paralogs that exhibit relatively low sequence similarity, excepting MTT2 and MTT4. In Tetrahymena thermophila, three MTs (MTT1, MTT3 and MTT5) were considered Cd-thioneins and two (MTT2 and MTT4) Cu-thioneins, according to gene expression inducibility and phylogenetic analysis. In this study, the metal-binding abilities of the five MTT proteins were characterized, to obtain information about the folding and stability of their cognate- and non-cognate metal complexes, and to characterize the T. thermophila MT system at protein level. Hence, the five MTTs were recombinantly synthesized as Zn2+-, Cd2+- or Cu+-complexes, which were analyzed by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), circular dichroism (CD), and UV-vis spectrophotometry. Among the Cd-thioneins, MTT1 and MTT5 were optimal for Cd2+ coordination, yielding unique Cd17- and Cd8- complexes, respectively. When binding Zn2+, they rendered a mixture of Zn-species. Only MTT5 was capable to coordinate Cu+, although yielding heteronuclear Zn-, Cu-species or highly unstable Cu-homometallic species. MTT3 exhibited poor binding abilities both for Cd2+ and for Cu+, and although not optimally, it yielded the best result when coordinating Zn2+. The two Cu-thioneins, MTT2 and MTT4 isoforms formed homometallic Cu-complexes (major Cu20-MTT) upon synthesis in Cu-supplemented hosts. Contrarily, they were unable to fold into stable Cd-complexes, while Zn-MTT species were only recovered for MTT4 (major Zn10-MTT4). Thus, the metal binding preferences of the five T. thermophila MTs correlate well with their previous classification as Cd- and Cu-thioneins, and globally, they can be classified from Zn/Cd- to Cu-thioneins according to the gradation: MTT1>MTT5>MTT3>MTT4>MTT2. The main mechanisms underlying the evolution and specialization of the MTT metal binding preferences may have been internal tandem duplications, presence of doublet and triplet Cys patterns in Zn/Cd-thioneins, and optimization of site specific amino acid determinants (Lys for Zn/Cd- and Asn for Cu-coordination). PMID:25798065

Differential kinetics and specificity of EBV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells during primary infection.

PubMed

Precopio, Melissa L; Sullivan, John L; Willard, Courtney; Somasundaran, Mohan; Luzuriaga, Katherine

2003-03-01

The generation and maintenance of virus-specific CD4(+) T cells in humans are not well understood. We used short in vitro stimulation assays followed by intracellular cytokine staining to characterize the timing, magnitude, and Ag specificity of CD4(+) T cells over the course of primary EBV infection. Lytic and latent protein-specific CD4(+) T cells were readily detected at presentation with acute infectious mononucleosis and declined rapidly thereafter. Responses to BZLF-1, BMLF-1, and Epstein-Barr nuclear Ag-3A were more commonly detected than responses to Epstein-Barr nuclear Ag-1. Concurrent analyses of BZLF-1-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells revealed differences in the expansion, specificity, and stability of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell-mediated responses over time. Peripheral blood EBV load directly correlated with the frequency of EBV-specific CD4(+) T cell responses at presentation and over time, suggesting that EBV-specific CD4(+) T cell responses are Ag-driven.

One-pot synthesis of silica-hybridized Ag{sub 2}S–CuS nanocomposites with tunable nonlinear optical properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ann Mary, K.A.; Unnikrishnan, N.V., E-mail: nvu100@yahoo.com; Philip, Reji

2015-10-15

Highlights: • Silica modified QDs of CuS and Ag{sub 2}S is developed at room temperature. • Formation of Ag{sub 2}S/CuS nanocomposites is confirmed from XRD and FFT of HRTEM images. • The concentration dependent growth of silica modified QDs is discussed. • Nonlinear absorption observed in ns excitations is dominated by SA and ESA. • Tuning of optical limiting efficiency is achieved with relative Ag{sub 2}S content. - Abstract: In the present work we report a simple, facile route developed for preparing silica hybridized copper sulfide and silver sulfide quantum dots at room temperature. By adjusting the concentration of themore » precursors, Ag{sub 2}S can form Ag{sub 2}S–CuS nanocomposites which are self regulated in one pot. Their crystalline, structural and optical properties have been investigated in detail, and the optical limiting nature is studied from fluence-dependent transmittance measurements employing short (5 ns) laser pulses at 532 nm. Ag{sub 2}S nanoparticles are found to have large third order nonlinear optical coefficients with a relatively lower optical limiting threshold of 1.7 J cm{sup −2}, while the nonlinearity of the nanocomposites is found to lie in between that of Ag{sub 2}S and CuS nanoparticles. These results suggest pathways for designing good quality optical limiters with tunable optical limiting efficiencies by varying the constituent nanocrystal compositions.« less

Heavy metals contamination and their risk assessment around the abandoned base metals and Au-Ag mines in Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chon, Hyo-Taek

2017-04-01

Heavy metals contamination in the areas of abandoned Au-Ag and base metal mines in Korea was investigated in order to assess the level of metal pollution, and to draw general summaries about the fate of toxic heavy metals in different environments. Efforts have been made to compare the level of heavy metals, chemical forms, and plant uptake of heavy metals in each mine site. In the base-metals mine areas, significant levels of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were found in mine dump soils developed over mine waste materials and tailings. Leafy vegetables tend to accumulate heavy metals(in particular, Cd and Zn) higher than other crop plants, and high metal concentrations in rice crops may affect the local residents' health. In the Au-Ag mining areas, arsenic would be the most characteristic contaminant in the nearby environment. Arsenic and heavy metals were found to be mainly associated with sulfide gangue minerals, and the mobility of these metals would be enhanced by the effect of continuing weathering and oxidation. According to the sequential extraction of metals in soils, most heavy metals were identified as non-residual chemical forms, and those are very susceptible to the change of ambient conditions of a nearby environment. The concept of pollution index(PI) of soils gives important information on the extent and degree of multi-element contamination, and can be applied to the evaluation of mine soils before their agricultural use and remediation. The risk assessment process comprising exposure assessment, dose-response assessment, and risk characterization was discussed, and the results of non-cancer risk of As, Cd, and Zn, and those of cancer risk of As were suggested.

2005 DoD Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-12-15

free Solder Issues Temperature stress Prevailing Pb-free solder replacement ( SnAgCu ) has ~35°C higher reflow temperature Infant mortality Latent...SnCu, SnAgCu Few microns to over 1mm Electrically conductive Crystalline Whisker induced failures: Short Circuit – bridges two adjacent pins Metal

Widths of atomic 4s and 4p vacancy states, 46 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 50

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsiungchen, M.; Crasemann, B.; Yin, L. I.; Tsang, T.; Adler, I.

1975-01-01

Auger and X-ray photoelectron spectra involving N1, N2, and N3 vacancy states of Pd, Ag, Cd, In, and Sn were measured and compared with results of free atom calculations. As previously observed in Cu and Zn Auger spectra that involve 3d-band electrons, free-atom characteristics with regard to widths and structure were found in the Ag and Cd M4-N4,5N4,5 and M5-N4,5N4,5 Auger spectra that arise from transitions of 4d-band electrons. Theoretical N1 widths computed with calculated free-atom Auger energies agree well with measurements. Theory however predicts wider N2 than N3 vacancy states (as observed for Xe), while the measured N2 and N3 widths are nearly equal to each other and to the average of the calculated N2 and N3 widths. The calculations are made difficult by the exceedingly short lifetime of some 4p vacancies and by the extreme sensitivity of super-Coster-Kronig rates, which dominate the deexcitation, to the transition energy and to the fine details of the atomic potential.

Does fish reproduction and metabolic activity influence metal levels in fish intestinal parasites, acanthocephalans, during fish spawning and post-spawning period?

PubMed

Filipović Marijić, Vlatka; Vardić Smrzlić, Irena; Raspor, Biserka

2014-10-01

Application of fish intestinal parasites, acanthocephalans, as bioindicators in metal exposure assessment usually involves estimation of their metal levels and bioconcentration factors. Metal levels in parasite final host, fishes, are influenced by fish physiology but there is no data for acanthocephalan metal levels. Gastrointestinal Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd, Ag levels in European chub (Squalius cephalus L.) from the Sava River were significantly higher during chub spawning (April/May) compared to the post-spawning period (September). In acanthocephalans (Pomphorhynchus laevis and Acanthocephalus anguillae) significantly higher metal levels during chub spawning were observed only for Zn in P. laevis. Bioconcentration factors were twice as high for Fe, Mn, Ag, Pb in the post-spawning period, probably as a consequence of lower gastrointestinal metal levels in fish rather than metal exposure. Therefore, bioconcentration factors should be interpreted with caution, due to their possible variability in relation to fish physiology. In addition, gastrointestinal Cu, Cd and Pb levels were lower in infected than uninfected chub, indicating that metal variability in fishes might be affected by the presence of acanthocephalans. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Local distortions and reduction in T/sub c/ in the ceramic superconductor La/sub 1. 8/Sr/sub 0. 2/Cu/sub 1-//sub x/Ag/sub x/O/sub 4/

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muraleedharan, K.; Rambabu, D.

1987-12-01

Substitution of Ag for Cu in the high-T/sub c/ ceramic superconductor La/sub 1.8/Sr/sub 0.2/CuO/sub 4/ has been found to reduce T/sub c/. The infrared absorption spectra of these superconducting systems show that the vibrational mode, which disappears at xapprox.0.15 for La/sub 2-//sub x/Sr/sub x/CuO/sub 4/ appears at a reduced frequency in the Ag-substituted systems. It is argued that the local distortions around the Ag sites result in both the reduction of T/sub c/ as well as the appearance of the absorption peak at 630 cm/sup -1/.

Beta-Tin Grain Formation in Aluminum-Modified Lead-Free Solder Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reeve, Kathlene N.; Handwerker, Carol A.

2018-01-01

The limited number of independent β-Sn grain orientations that typically form during solidification of Sn-based solders and the resulting large β-Sn grain size have major effects on overall solder performance and reliability. This study analyzes whether additions of Al to Sn-Cu and Sn-Cu-Ag alloys can be used to change the grain size, morphology, and twinning structures of atomized (as-solidified) and re-melted (reflowed) β-Sn dendrites as determined using scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction for as-solidified and reflow cycled (20-250°C, 1-5 cycles) Sn-Cu-Al and Sn-Ag-Cu-Al drip atomized spheres (260 μm diameter). The resulting microstructures were compared to as-solidified and reflow cycled Sn-Ag-Cu spheres (450 μm diameter) as well as as-solidified Sn-Ag-Cu, Sn-Cu, and Sn-Ag microstructures from the literature. Previous literature observations reporting reductions in undercooling and β-Sn grain size with Al micro-alloying additions could not be correlated to the presence of the Cu9Al4 phase or Al solute. The as-solidified spheres displayed no change in β-Sn dendrite structure or grain size when compared to non-Al-modified alloys, and the reflow cycled spheres produced high undercoolings (22-64°C), indicating a lack of potent nucleation sites. The current findings highlighted the role of Ag in the formation of the interlaced twinning structure and demonstrated that with deliberate compositional choices, formation of the alloy's β-Sn grain structure (cyclical twinning versus interlaced twinning) could be influenced, in both the as-solidified and reflow cycled states, though still not producing the fine-grain sizes and multiple orientations desired for improved thermomechanical properties.

Structural plasticity: how intermetallics deform themselves in response to chemical pressure, and the complex structures that result.

PubMed

Berns, Veronica M; Fredrickson, Daniel C

2014-10-06

Interfaces between periodic domains play a crucial role in the properties of metallic materials, as is vividly illustrated by the way in which the familiar malleability of many metals arises from the formation and migration of dislocations. In complex intermetallics, such interfaces can occur as an integral part of the ground-state crystal structure, rather than as defects, resulting in such marvels as the NaCd2 structure (whose giant cubic unit cell contains more than 1000 atoms). However, the sources of the periodic interfaces in intermetallics remain mysterious, unlike the dislocations in simple metals, which can be associated with the exertion of physical stresses. In this Article, we propose and explore the concept of structural plasticity, the hypothesis that interfaces in complex intermetallic structures similarly result from stresses, but ones that are inherent in a defect-free parent structure, rather than being externally applied. Using DFT-chemical pressure analysis, we show how the complex structures of Ca2Ag7 (Yb2Ag7 type), Ca14Cd51 (Gd14Ag51 type), and the 1/1 Tsai-type quasicrystal approximant CaCd6 (YCd6 type) can all be traced to large negative pressures around the Ca atoms of a common progenitor structure, the CaCu5 type with its simple hexagonal 6-atom unit cell. Two structural paths are found by which the compounds provide relief to the Ca atoms' negative pressures: a Ca-rich pathway, where lower coordination numbers are achieved through defects eliminating transition metal (TM) atoms from the structure; and a TM-rich path, along which the addition of spacer Cd atoms provides the Ca coordination environments greater independence from each other as they contract. The common origins of these structures in the presence of stresses within a single parent structure highlights the diverse paths by which intermetallics can cope with competing interactions, and the role that structural plasticity may play in navigating this diversity.

Optical studies of CdSe/HgSe and CdSe/Ag2Se core/shell nanoparticles embedded in gelatin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azhniuk, Yu M.; Dzhagan, V. M.; Raevskaya, A. E.; Stroyuk, A. L.; Kuchmiy, S. Ya; Valakh, M. Ya; Zahn, D. R. T.

2008-11-01

CdSe/HgSe and CdSe/Ag2Se core-shell nanoparticles are obtained by colloidal synthesis from aqueous solutions in the presence of gelatin. Optical absorption, luminescence, and Raman spectra of the nanoparticles obtained are measured. The variation of the optical spectra of CdSe/HgSe and CdSe/Ag2Se core-shell nanoparticles with the shell thickness is discussed. Sharp non-monotonous variation of the photoluminescence spectra at low shell coverage is observed.

Critical elements in sediment-hosted deposits (clastic-dominated Zn-Pb-Ag, Mississippi Valley-type Zn-Pb, sedimentary rock-hosted Stratiform Cu, and carbonate-hosted Polymetallic Deposits): A review: Chapter 12

USGS Publications Warehouse

Marsh, Erin; Hitzman, Murray W.; Leach, David L.

2016-01-01

Some sediment-hosted base metal deposits, specifically the clastic-dominated (CD) Zn-Pb deposits, carbonate-hosted Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits, sedimentary-rock hosted stratiform copper deposits, and carbonate-hosted polymetallic (“Kipushi type”) deposits, are or have been important sources of critical elements including Co, Ga, Ge, and Re. The generally poor data concerning trace element concentrations in these types of sediment-hosted ores suggest that there may be economically important concentrations of critical elements yet to be recognized.

Site Preference of Ternary Alloying Additions to AuTi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozzolo, Guillermo; Mosca, Hugo O.; Noebe, Ronald D.

2006-01-01

Atomistic modeling of the site substitution behavior of several alloying additions, namely. Na, Mg, Al, Si. Sc, V, Cr, Mn. Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr. Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt in B2 TiAu is reported. The 30 elements can be grouped according to their absolute preference for a specific site, regardless of concentration, or preference for available sites in the deficient sublattice. Results of large scale simulations are also presented, distinguishing between additions that remain in solution from those that precipitate a second phase.

Ultrahigh Oxidation Resistance and High Electrical Conductivity in Copper-Silver Powder.

PubMed

Li, Jiaxiang; Li, Yunping; Wang, Zhongchang; Bian, Huakang; Hou, Yuhang; Wang, Fenglin; Xu, Guofu; Liu, Bin; Liu, Yong

2016-12-22

The electrical conductivity of pure Cu powder is typically deteriorated at elevated temperatures due to the oxidation by forming non-conducting oxides on surface, while enhancing oxidation resistance via alloying is often accompanied by a drastic decline of electrical conductivity. Obtaining Cu powder with both a high electrical conductivity and a high oxidation resistance represents one of the key challenges in developing next-generation electrical transferring powder. Here, we fabricate a Cu-Ag powder with a continuous Ag network along grain boundaries of Cu particles and demonstrate that this new structure can inhibit the preferential oxidation in grain boundaries at elevated temperatures. As a result, the Cu-Ag powder displays considerably high electrical conductivity and high oxidation resistance up to approximately 300 °C, which are markedly higher than that of pure Cu powder. This study paves a new pathway for developing novel Cu powders with much enhanced electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance in service.

CD4/CD8/Dendritic cell complexes in the spleen: CD8+ T cells can directly bind CD4+ T cells and modulate their response

PubMed Central

Barinov, Aleksandr; Galgano, Alessia; Krenn, Gerald; Tanchot, Corinne; Vasseur, Florence

2017-01-01

CD4+ T cell help to CD8+ T cell responses requires that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells interact with the same antigen presenting dendritic cell (Ag+DC), but it remains controversial whether helper signals are delivered indirectly through a licensed DC and/or involve direct CD4+/CD8+ T cell contacts and/or the formation of ternary complexes. We here describe the first in vivo imaging of the intact spleen, aiming to evaluate the first interactions between antigen-specific CD4+, CD8+ T cells and Ag+DCs. We show that in contrast to CD4+ T cells which form transient contacts with Ag+DC, CD8+ T cells form immediate stable contacts and activate the Ag+DC, acquire fragments of the DC membranes by trogocytosis, leading to their acquisition of some of the DC properties. They express MHC class II, and become able to present the specific Marilyn peptide to naïve Marilyn CD4+ T cells, inducing their extensive division. In vivo, these CD8+ T cells form direct stable contacts with motile naïve CD4+ T cells, recruiting them to Ag+DC binding and to the formation of ternary complexes, where CD4+ and CD8+ T cells interact with the DC and with one another. The presence of CD8+ T cells during in vivo immune responses leads to the early activation and up-regulation of multiple functions by CD4+ T lymphocytes. Thus, while CD4+ T cell help is important to CD8+ T cell responses, CD8+ T cells can interact directly with naïve CD4+ T cells impacting their recruitment and differentiation. PMID:28686740

Stability enhancement of Cu2S against Cu vacancy formation by Ag alloying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barman, Sajib K.; Huda, Muhammad N.

2018-04-01

As a potential solar absorber material, Cu2S has proved its importance in the field of renewable energy. However, almost all the known minerals of Cu2S suffer from spontaneous Cu vacancy formation in the structure. The Cu vacancy formation causes the structure to possess very high p-type doping that leads the material to behave as a degenerate semiconductor. This vacancy formation tendency is a major obstacle for this material in this regard. A relatively new predicted phase of Cu2S which has an acanthite-like structure was found to be preferable than the well-known low chalcocite Cu2S. However, the Cu-vacancy formation tendency in this phase remained similar. We have found that alloying silver with this structure can help to reduce Cu vacancy formation tendency without altering its electronic property. The band gap of silver alloyed structure is higher than pristine acanthite Cu2S. In addition, Cu diffusion in the structure can be reduced with Ag doped in Cu sites. In this study, a systematic approach is presented within the density functional theory framework to study Cu vacancy formation tendency and diffusion in silver alloyed acanthite Cu2S, and proposed a possible route to stabilize Cu2S against Cu vacancy formations by alloying it with Ag.

Stability enhancement of Cu2S against Cu vacancy formation by Ag alloying.

PubMed

Barman, Sajib K; Huda, Muhammad N

2018-04-25

As a potential solar absorber material, Cu 2 S has proved its importance in the field of renewable energy. However, almost all the known minerals of Cu 2 S suffer from spontaneous Cu vacancy formation in the structure. The Cu vacancy formation causes the structure to possess very high p-type doping that leads the material to behave as a degenerate semiconductor. This vacancy formation tendency is a major obstacle for this material in this regard. A relatively new predicted phase of Cu 2 S which has an acanthite-like structure was found to be preferable than the well-known low chalcocite Cu 2 S. However, the Cu-vacancy formation tendency in this phase remained similar. We have found that alloying silver with this structure can help to reduce Cu vacancy formation tendency without altering its electronic property. The band gap of silver alloyed structure is higher than pristine acanthite Cu 2 S. In addition, Cu diffusion in the structure can be reduced with Ag doped in Cu sites. In this study, a systematic approach is presented within the density functional theory framework to study Cu vacancy formation tendency and diffusion in silver alloyed acanthite Cu 2 S, and proposed a possible route to stabilize Cu 2 S against Cu vacancy formations by alloying it with Ag.

Pb-free Sn-Ag-Cu ternary eutectic solder

DOEpatents

Anderson, Iver E.; Yost, Frederick G.; Smith, John F.; Miller, Chad M.; Terpstra, Robert L.

1996-06-18

A Pb-free solder includes a ternary eutectic composition consisting essentially of about 93.6 weight % Sn-about 4.7 weight % Ag-about 1.7 weight % Cu having a eutectic melting temperature of about 217.degree. C. and variants of the ternary composition wherein the relative concentrations of Sn, Ag, and Cu deviate from the ternary eutectic composition to provide a controlled melting temperature range (liquid-solid "mushy" zone) relative to the eutectic melting temperature (e.g. up to 15.degree. C. above the eutectic melting temperature).

Pb-free Sn-Ag-Cu ternary eutectic solder

DOEpatents

Anderson, I.E.; Yost, F.G.; Smith, J.F.; Miller, C.M.; Terpstra, R.L.

1996-06-18

A Pb-free solder includes a ternary eutectic composition consisting essentially of about 93.6 weight % Sn-about 4.7 weight % Ag-about 1.7 weight % Cu having a eutectic melting temperature of about 217 C and variants of the ternary composition wherein the relative concentrations of Sn, Ag, and Cu deviate from the ternary eutectic composition to provide a controlled melting temperature range (liquid-solid ``mushy`` zone) relative to the eutectic melting temperature (e.g. up to 15 C above the eutectic melting temperature). 5 figs.

Structural and optical properties of Ag-doped copper oxide thin films on polyethylene napthalate substrate prepared by low temperature microwave annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Sayantan; Alford, T. L.

2013-06-01

Silver doped cupric oxide thin films are prepared on polyethylene naphthalate (flexible polymer) substrates. Thin films Ag-doped CuO are deposited on the substrate by co-sputtering followed by microwave assisted oxidation of the metal films. The low temperature tolerance of the polymer substrates led to the search for innovative low temperature processing techniques. Cupric oxide is a p-type semiconductor with an indirect band gap and is used as selective absorption layer solar cells. X-ray diffraction identifies the CuO phases. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry measurements confirm the stoichiometry of each copper oxide formed. The surface morphology is determined by atomic force microscopy. The microstructural properties such as crystallite size and the microstrain for (-111) and (111) planes are calculated and discussed. Incorporation of Ag led to the lowering of band gap in CuO. Consequently, it is determined that Ag addition has a strong effect on the structural, morphological, surface, and optical properties of CuO grown on flexible substrates by microwave annealing. Tauc's plot is used to determine the optical band gap of CuO and Ag doped CuO films. The values of the indirect and direct band gap for CuO are found to be 2.02 eV and 3.19 eV, respectively.

Development of Cu Clad Cu-Zr Based Metallic Glass and Its Solderability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terajima, Takeshi; Kimura, Hisamichi; Inoue, Akihisa

Soldering is a candidate technique for joining metallic glasses. It can be processed far below the crystallization temperatures of the various metallic glasses so that there is no possibility of crystallization. However, wettability of Cu-Zr based metallic glass by Pb free solder is poor because a strong surface oxide film interferes direct contact between them. To overcome the problem, Cu thin film clad metallic glass was developed. It was preliminary produced by casting a melt of Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 pre-alloy into Cu mold cavity, inside which Cu thin film with 2 mm in thickness was set on the wall. Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 metallic glass, whose surface Cu thin film was welded to, was successfully produced. From the microstructure analyses, it was found that reaction layer was formed at the interface between Cu and Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 metallic glass, however, there was no oxide in the Cu clad layer. Solderability to the metallic glass was drastically increased. The Cu clad layer played an important role to prevent the formation of surface oxide film and consequently improved the solderability.

Solid Liquid Interdiffusion Bonding of (Pb, Sn)Te Thermoelectric Modules with Cu Electrodes Using a Thin-Film Sn Interlayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuang, T. H.; Lin, H. J.; Chuang, C. H.; Yeh, W. T.; Hwang, J. D.; Chu, H. S.

2014-12-01

A (Pb, Sn)Te thermoelectric element plated with a Ni barrier layer and a Ag reaction layer has been joined with a Cu electrode coated with Ag and Sn thin films using a solid-liquid interdiffusion bonding method. This method allows the interfacial reaction between Ag and Sn such that Ag3Sn intermetallic compounds form at low temperature and are stable at high temperature. In this study, the bonding strength was about 6.6 MPa, and the specimens fractured along the interface between the (Pb, Sn)Te thermoelectric element and the Ni barrier layer. Pre-electroplating a film of Sn with a thickness of about 1 μm on the thermoelectric element and pre-heating at 250°C for 3 min ensures the adhesion between the thermoelectric material and the Ni barrier layer. The bonding strength is thus increased to a maximal value of 12.2 MPa, and most of the fractures occur inside the thermoelectric material. During the bonding process, not only the Ag3Sn intermetallics but also Cu6Sn5 forms at the Ag3Sn/Cu interface, which transforms into Cu3Sn with increases in the bonding temperature or bonding time.

Thermophysical Properties of Sn-Ag-Cu Based Pb-Free Solders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sok Won; Lee, Jaeran; Jeon, Bo-Min; Jung, Eun; Lee, Sang Hyun; Kang, Kweon Ho; Lim, Kwon Taek

2009-06-01

Lead-tin (Pb-Sn) alloys are the dominant solders used for electronic packaging because of their low cost and superior properties required for interconnecting electronic components. However, increasing environmental and health concerns over the toxicity of lead, combined with global legislation to limit the use of Pb in manufactured products, have led to extensive research and development studies of lead-free solders. The Sn-Ag-Cu ternary eutectic alloy is considered to be one of the promising alternatives. Except for thermal properties, much research on several properties of Sn-Ag-Cu alloy has been performed. In this study, five Sn-xAg-0.5Cu alloys with variations of Ag content x of 1.0 mass%, 2.5 mass%, 3.0 mass%, 3.5 mass%, and 4.0 mass% were prepared, and their thermal diffusivity and specific heat were measured from room temperature to 150 °C, and the thermal conductivity was calculated using the measured thermal diffusivity, specific heat, and density values. Also, the linear thermal expansion was measured from room temperature to 170 °C. The results show that Sn-3.5Ag-0.5Cu is the best candidate because it has a maximum thermal conductivity and a low thermal expansion, which are the ideal conditions to be a proper packaging alloy for effective cooling and thermostability.

The interaction of Ag with Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dou, S. X.; Song, K. H.; Liu, H. K.; Sorrell, C. C.; Apperley, M. H.; Gouch, A. J.; Savvides, N.; Hensley, D. W.

1989-10-01

Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor compounds have been doped with up to 30 wt% Ag, sintered under variable oxygen partial pressure, and characterised in terms of the electrical and crystallographic behaviour. In contrast to previous reports that claim that Ag is the only metal non-poisoning to the superconductivity of Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O (BSCCO), it has been found that Ag additions to Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O depress Tc and Jc drastically and cause a large decrease in lattice parameters when samples are treated in air or pure oxygen. However, the lattice parameters, Tc and Jc remain unaffected by Ag additions when samples are heat treated in 0.030-0.067 atm oxygen. It is clear that the Ag reacts with and destabilises the superconducting phase when the samples are treated in air or pure oxygen while, when the samples are heat treated in low oxygen partial pressures, the Ag remains as an isolated inert metal phase that improves the weak links between the grains. This discovery clearly shows the feasibility of Ag-clad superconductor wire. For Ag-clad superconductor tape of 0.1 mm 2 cross sectional area heat treated in air, Jc was measured to be 54 A/cm 2. The same specimen sintered in 0.067 atm oxygen showed that the Jc increased to 2078 A/cm 2.

The effects of composition and temperature on chalcophile and lithophile element partitioning into magmatic sulphides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiseeva, Ekaterina S.; Wood, Bernard J.

2015-08-01

We develop a comprehensive model to describe trace and minor element partitioning between sulphide liquids and anhydrous silicate liquids of approximately basaltic composition. We are able thereby to account completely for the effects of temperature and sulphide composition on the partitioning of Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Ge, In, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, Tl, V and Zn. The model was developed from partitioning experiments performed in a piston-cylinder apparatus at 1.5 GPa and 1300 to 1700 °C with sulphide compositions covering the quaternary FeSsbnd NiSsbnd CuS0.5sbnd FeO. Partitioning of most elements is a strong function of the oxygen (or FeO) content of the sulphide. This increases linearly with the FeO content of the silicate melt and decreases with Ni content of the sulphide. As expected, lithophile elements partition more strongly into sulphide as its oxygen content increases, while chalcophile elements enter sulphide less readily with increasing oxygen. We parameterised the effects by using the ε-model of non-ideal interactions in metallic liquids. The resulting equation for partition coefficient of an element M between sulphide and silicate liquids can be expressed as We used our model to calculate the amount of sulphide liquid precipitated along the liquid line of descent of MORB melts and find that 70% of silicate crystallisation is accompanied by ∼0.23% of sulphide precipitation. The latter is sufficient to control the melt concentrations of chalcophile elements such as Cu, Ag and Pb. Our partition coefficients and observed chalcophile element concentrations in MORB glasses were used to estimate sulphur solubility in MORB liquids. We obtained between ∼800 ppm (for primitive MORB) and ∼2000 ppm (for evolved MORB), values in reasonable agreement with experimentally-derived models. The experimental data also enable us to reconsider Ce/Pb and Nd/Pb ratios in MORB. We find that constant Ce/Pb and Nd/Pb ratios of 25 and 20, respectively, can be achieved during fractional crystallisation of magmas generated by 10% melting of depleted mantle provided the latter contains >100 ppm S and about 650 ppm Ce, 550 ppm Nd and 27.5 ppb Pb. Finally, we investigated the hypothesis that the pattern of chalcophile element abundances in the mantle was established by segregation of a late sulphide matte. Taking the elements Cu, Ag, Pb and Zn as examples we find that the Pb/Zn and Cu/Ag ratios of the mantle can, in principle, be explained by segregation of ∼0.4% sulphide matte to the core.

Antigen sensitivity of CD22-specific chimeric TCR is modulated by target epitope distance from the cell membrane.

PubMed

James, Scott E; Greenberg, Philip D; Jensen, Michael C; Lin, Yukang; Wang, Jinjuan; Till, Brian G; Raubitschek, Andrew A; Forman, Stephen J; Press, Oliver W

2008-05-15

We have targeted CD22 as a novel tumor-associated Ag for recognition by human CTL genetically modified to express chimeric TCR (cTCR) recognizing this surface molecule. CD22-specific cTCR targeting different epitopes of the CD22 molecule promoted efficient lysis of target cells expressing high levels of CD22 with a maximum lytic potential that appeared to decrease as the distance of the target epitope from the target cell membrane increased. Targeting membrane-distal CD22 epitopes with cTCR(+) CTL revealed defects in both degranulation and lytic granule targeting. CD22-specific cTCR(+) CTL exhibited lower levels of maximum lysis and lower Ag sensitivity than CTL targeting CD20, which has a shorter extracellular domain than CD22. This diminished sensitivity was not a result of reduced avidity of Ag engagement, but instead reflected weaker signaling per triggered cTCR molecule when targeting membrane-distal epitopes of CD22. Both of these parameters were restored by targeting a ligand expressing the same epitope, but constructed as a truncated CD22 molecule to approximate the length of a TCR:peptide-MHC complex. The reduced sensitivity of CD22-specific cTCR(+) CTL for Ag-induced triggering of effector functions has potential therapeutic applications, because such cells selectively lysed B cell lymphoma lines expressing high levels of CD22, but demonstrated minimal activity against autologous normal B cells, which express lower levels of CD22. Thus, our results demonstrate that cTCR signal strength, and consequently Ag sensitivity, can be modulated by differential choice of target epitopes with respect to distance from the cell membrane, allowing discrimination between targets with disparate Ag density.

Toxic and essential elements in Lebanese cheese.

PubMed

Bou Khozam, Rola; Pohl, Pawel; Al Ayoubi, Baydaa; Jaber, Farouk; Lobinski, Ryszard

2012-01-01

Concentrations of 20 minor, trace and ultratrace elements relevant to human health (Ag, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, V) were determined in four different varieties of the most consumed cheese in Lebanon (Halloumi, Double Crème, Baladi, Labneh) sampled at five different provinces (Grand Beirut, South of Lebanon, North of Lebanon, Mount of Lebanon and Beka'a) during the wet and dry seasons. The analyses were carried out by double focussing sector field inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in order to avoid errors due to polyatomic interferences. Levels of toxic elements (As, Cd, Pb) were generally below the WHO permissible levels in dairy products. Concentrations of most elements were considerably affected by the type of cheese, the geographical site and the season of sampling.

Effect of CdS Growth Time on the Optical Properties of One-Pot Preparation of CdS-Ag2S Binary Compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karimipour, M.; Izadian, L.; Molaei, M.

2018-02-01

CdS-Ag2S binary nanoparticles were synthesized using a facile one-pot microwave irradiation method. The effect of initial nucleation of CdS quantum dots (QDs) using 3 min, 5 min, and 7 min of microwave irradiation on the optical properties of the final compound was studied. The composition and crystal structure of the compounds were verified using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. They revealed that existence of Ag and Cd elements with an atomic ratio of 0.19 crystalizes in the form of monoclinic Ag2S and hexagonal CdS. Scanning electron microscope images showed a spherical morphology of the resultant compound, and transmission electron microscope images showed the formation of fine particles of CdS-Ag2S composites with an average size of 5-7 nm and 10-14 nm for CdS and Ag2S, respectively. Photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that the initial growth time of CdS has a crucial effect on the emission of binary compounds such that for 3 min and 5 min of irradiation of CdS solution, the binary compound obtains strong red and considerable near-IR emission (850 nm), but for longer time, it rapidly quenches. The results indicate that the strong red emission can be tuned from 600 nm up to 700 nm with prolonging nucleation time of CdS. This study also emphasized that the origin of red emission strongly depends on the size and defects created in the CdS QDs.

Metal complexes of the nanosized ligand N-benzoyl-N‧-(p-amino phenyl) thiourea: Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial activity and the metal uptake capacity of its ligating resin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elhusseiny, Amel F.; Eldissouky, Ali; Al-Hamza, Ahmed M.; Hassan, Hammed H. A. M.

2015-11-01

The new nanosized N-benzoyl-N‧-(p-amino phenyl) thiourea ligand H2L was synthesized by nanoprecipitation method. The [Cu (H2L)2 Cl]·2H2O, [Zn (H2L)2(OAc)2], [Cd (H2L)2Cl2] and [Hg (H2L)2Cl2] complexes were synthesized and characterized by various physicochemical methods. Results revealed that the ligand act as hypodentate and bonded to the metal ion via the sulfur atom forming mononuclear non-electrolyte diamagnetic complex. Magnetic moment results indicated a reduction of Cu (II) to Cu (I) during the coordination process. Thermal studies demonstrated variable stabilities of the complexes and [Zn (H2L)2(OAc)2] exhibited the highest thermal stability while [Hg (H2L)2Cl2] was volatile. The prepared compounds were screened against different pathogenic microorganisms. The ligand performed high antibacterial activity against certain bacterial strain compared to its complexes, and the standard bacteriocide in use. The ligand was successfully immobilized on modified Amberlite XAD-16 forming the hypodentate ligating resin PS-SO2-H2L. The new resin was characterized and the extent of metal adsorption reached maximum at pH 6.0 for Cu (II), Cd (II) and Ag (I), with an adsorption amount of 4.3, 4.0 and 3.7 mmol g-1 respectively. The nanosized H2L represents a new category of promising adsorbent that would have a practical impact on biological and water treatment applications.

Using elemental profiles and stable isotopes to trace the origin of green coffee beans on the global market.

PubMed

Santato, Alessandro; Bertoldi, Daniela; Perini, Matteo; Camin, Federica; Larcher, Roberto

2012-09-01

A broad elemental profile incorporating 54 elements (Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Mo, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Er, Tm, Yb, Re, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi and U) in combination with δ(2) H, δ(13) C, δ(15) N and δ(18) O was used to characterise the composition of 62 green arabica (Coffea arabica) and robusta (Coffea canephora) coffee beans grown in South and Central America, Africa and Asia, the four most internationally renowned areas of production. The δ(2) H, Mg, Fe, Co and Ni content made it possible to correctly assign 95% of green coffee beans to the appropriate variety. Canonical discriminant analysis, performed using δ(13) C, δ(15) N, δ(18) O, Li, Mg, P, K, Mn, Co, Cu, Se, Y, Mo, Cd, La and Ce correctly traced the origin of 98% of coffee beans. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Chemical characteristics and source of size-fractionated atmospheric particle in haze episode in Beijing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Jihua; Duan, Jingchun; Zhen, Naijia; He, Kebin; Hao, Jiming

2016-01-01

The abundance, behavior, and source of chemical species in size-fractionated atmospheric particle were studied with a 13-stage low pressure impactor (ELPI) during high polluted winter episode in Beijing. Thirty three elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Si, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Sr, Zr, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, and Pb) and eight water soluble ions (Cl-, NO3-, SO42 -, NH4+, Na+, K+, Ca2 +, and Mg2 +) were determined by ICP/MS and IC, respectively. The size distribution of TC (OC + EC) was reconstructed. Averagely, 51.5 ± 5.3% and 74.1 ± 3.7% of the total aerosol mass was distributed in the sub-micron (PM1) and fine particle (PM2.5), respectively. A significant shift to larger fractions during heavy pollution episode was observed for aerosol mass, NH4+, SO42 -, NO3-, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb. The mass size distributions of NH4+, SO42 -, NO3-, and K were dominated by accumulation mode. Size distributions of elements were classified into four main types: (I) elements were enriched within the accumulation mode (< 1 μm, Ge, Se, Ag, Sn, Sb, Cs, Hg, Ti, and Pb); (II) those mass (K, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, and Cd) was resided mainly within the accumulation mode, ranged from 1 to 2 μm; (III) Na, V, Co, Ni, and Ga were distributed among fine, intermediate, and coarse modes; and (IV) those which were mainly found within particles larger than 2.7 μm (Al, Mg, Si, Ca, Sc, Tl, Fe, Sr, Zr, and Ba). [H+]cor showed an accumulation mode at 600-700 nm and the role of Ca2 + should be fully considered in the estimation of acidity. The acidity in accumulation mode particles suggested that generally gaseous NH3 was not enough to neutralize sulfate completely. PMF method was applied for source apportionment of elements combined with water soluble ions. Dust, vehicle, aged coal combustion, and sea salt were identified, and the size resolved source apportionments were discussed. Aged coal combustion was the important source of fine particles and dust contributed most to coarse particle.

Discrimination between mineralized and unmineralized alteration zones using primary geochemical haloes in the Darreh-Zar porphyry copper deposit in Kerman, southeastern Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parsapoor, A.; Khalili, M.; Maghami, M.

2017-08-01

Primary geochemical haloes were studied at the Darreh-Zar porphyry Cu-deposit, southern Iran. In terms of geochemical signatures, high K2O/Na2O enrichment, HREEs and HFSE's depletion in the potassic alteration, high (La/Sm)cn, (La/Yb)cn and (Gd/Yb)cn ratios in mineralized sericitic and potassic zones and notable depletion in the REEs content in argillic alteration is recognized. Further, Mg, Li, Sc, P enrichment and W depletion can serve to separate potassic alteration from the other altered zones, while (Eu/Eu*)cn and (Ce/Ce*)cn don't show pronounced changes in different alteration zones. The coupled positive Tl, Se, S, Rb, Co, Cs, Mo, K and negative Te, Ta, Ti, Sr, Rb, As, Bi, Ga, Hf, In, Mn, Zn and Zr anomalies can be adequately used in discriminating between the mineralized zones (potassic, chlorite-sericite and sericite alterations) and the barren (propylitic zone). The behavior of the trace elements on isocon diagrams reveal that HFSEs are depleted in mineralized altered zones and display variations in the amounts in the barren facies. Zonality index in the axial direction from drill holes 146 to 124 estimates the zonality sequence as Pb-Zn-Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn in the surface horizons. The calculated zonality in five drill holes and six levels indicates that the level of 550 m at the DH 117 in the central part of the area has the highest value (0.76) for Cu. The zonality sequence from the surface to the depth is variable and can be demonstrated as follow: DH 146: Pb-Zn-Cu-Mo-Ag; DH 137: Zn-Cu-Mo-Pb-Ag; DH 117: Ag-Zn-Pb-Mo-Cu; DH: 121: Cu-Mo-Zn-Ag-Pb; DH 136: Pb-Ag-Zn-Cu-Mo; DH 124: Zn-Mo-Cu-Pb-Ag. Available data of the enrichment factors shows different enrichment for copper and molybdenum (i.e. EF > 10), selenium and silver (i.e. EF > 5), tin and LREEs (i.e. 1 < EF < 5).

Rapid green assembly of antimicrobial nanobunches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byeon, Jeong Hoon

2016-05-01

Antimicrobial nanobunches with different amounts of chitosan-capped Ag were prepared by continuous gas-liquid green route under ultrasound irradiation. Spark-produced aerosol Cu nanoparticles were directly injected into an ultrasound Ag(I)-chitosan reaction cell for efficient hydrosolization of the Cu particles and the subsequent incorporation of Ag and chitosan on Cu. Subsequently, electrospraying was used to form of chitosan-capped Cu-Ag nanobunch coatings. The time required for reducing the bacterial proliferation to 50% dropped to ~1 h at a nanobunch concentration of 10 μg mL-1 from the 2.0 min Ag(I) reaction time, and was further decreased to ~0.5 h by increasing the concentration of the nanobunches to 90 μg mL-1. The nanobunches were directly coated onto the substrate using an electrospray device to fabricate transparent films and composite fibers. The antimicrobial activity of the composite carbon fibers was then evaluated via the disc diffusion method.

Inorganic Thin-film Sensor Membranes with PLD-prepared Chalcogenide Glasses: Challenges and Implementation

PubMed Central

Kloock, Joachim P.; Mourzina, Youlia G.; Ermolenko, Yuri; Doll, Theodor; Schubert, Jürgen; Schöning, Michael J.

2004-01-01

Chalcogenide glasses offer an excellent “challenge” for their use and implementation in sensor arrays due to their good sensor-specific advantages in comparison to their crystalline counterparts. This paper will give an introduction on the preparation of chalcogenide glasses in the thin-film state. First, single microsensors have been prepared with the methods of semiconductor technology. In a next step, three microsensors are implemented onto one single silicon substrate to an “one chip” sensor array. Different ionselective chalcogenide glass membranes (PbSAgIAs2S3, CdSAgIAs2S3, CuAgAsSeTe and TlAgAsIS) were prepared by means of the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) process. The different sensor membranes and structures have been physically characterized by means of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy and video microscopy. The electrochemical behavior has been investigated by potentiometric measurements.

Synthesis, spectral studies and biological evaluation of 2-aminonicotinic acid metal complexes.

PubMed

Nawaz, Muhammad; Abbasi, Muhammad Waseem; Hisaindee, Soleiman; Zaki, Muhammad Javed; Abbas, Hira Fatima; Mengting, Hu; Ahmed, M Arif

2016-05-15

We synthesized 2-aminonicotinic acid (2-ANA) complexes with metals such as Co(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), Ag(I),Cr(III), Cd(II) and Cu(II) in aqueous media. The complexes were characterized and elucidated using FT-IR, UV-Vis, a fluorescence spectrophotometer and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA data showed that the stoichiometry of complexes was 1:2 metal/ligand except for Ag(I) and Mn(II) where the ratio was 1:1. The metal complexes showed varied antibacterial, fungicidal and nematicidal activities. The silver and zinc complexes showed highest activity against Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis respectively. Fusarium oxysporum was highly susceptible to nickel and copper complexes whereas Macrophomina phaseolina was completely inert to the complexes. The silver and cadmium complexes were effective against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microstructure and Interfacial Reactions During Vacuum Brazing of Stainless Steel to Titanium Using Ag-28 pct Cu Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laik, A.; Shirzadi, A. A.; Sharma, G.; Tewari, R.; Jayakumar, T.; Dey, G. K.

2015-02-01

Microstructural evolution and interfacial reactions during vacuum brazing of grade-2 Ti and 304L-type stainless steel (SS) using eutectic alloy Ag-28 wt pct Cu were investigated. A thin Ni-depleted zone of -Fe(Cr, Ni) solid solution formed on the SS-side of the braze zone (BZ). Cu from the braze alloy, in combination with the dissolved Fe and Ti from the base materials, formed a layer of ternary compound , adjacent to Ti in the BZ. In addition, four binary intermetallic compounds, CuTi, CuTi, CuTi and CuTi formed as parallel contiguous layers in the BZ. The unreacted Ag solidified as islands within the layers of CuTi and CuTi. Formation of an amorphous phase at certain locations in the BZ could be revealed. The -Ti(Cu) layer, formed due to diffusion of Cu into Ti-based material, transformed to an -Ti + CuTi eutectoid with lamellar morphology. Tensile test showed that the brazed joints had strength of 112 MPa and failed at the BZ. The possible sequence of events that led to the final microstructure and the mode of failure of these joints were delineated.

Length scale of the dendritic microstructure affecting tensile properties of Al-(Ag)-(Cu) alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duarte, Roberto N.; Faria, Jonas D.; Brito, Crystopher; Veríssimo, Nathalia C.; Cheung, Noé; Garcia, Amauri

2016-12-01

The dependence of tensile properties on the length scale of the dendritic morphology of Al-Cu, Al-Ag and Al-Ag-Cu alloys is experimentally investigated. These alloys were directionally solidified (DS) under a wide range of cooling rates (Ṫ), permitting extensive microstructural scales to be examined. Experimental growth laws are proposed relating the primary dendritic arm spacing, λ1 to Ṫ and tensile properties to λ1. It is shown that the most significant effect of the scale of λ1 on the tensile properties is that of the ternary alloy, which is attributed to the more homogeneous distribution of the eutectic mixture for smaller λ1 and by the combined reinforcement roles of the intermetallics present in the ternary eutectic: Al2Cu and nonequilibrium Ag3Al.

New hermetic sealing material for vacuum brazing of stainless steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hildebrandt, S.; Wiehl, G.; Silze, F.

2016-03-01

For vacuum brazing applications such as in vacuum interrupter industry Hermetic Sealing Materials (HSM) with low partial pressure are widely used. AgCu28 dominates the hermetic sealing market, as it has a very good wetting behavior on copper and metallized ceramics. Within recent decades wetting on stainless steel has become more and more important. However, today the silver content of HSMs is more in focus than in the past decades, because it has the biggest impact on the material prices. Umicore Technical Materials has developed a new copper based HSM, CuAg40Ga10. The wettability on stainless steel is significantly improved compared to AgCu28 and the total silver content is reduced by almost 44%. In this article the physical properties of the alloy and its brazed joints will be presented compared to AgCu28.

Biocorrosion Evaluation on a Zr-Cu-Ag-Ti Metallic Glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Shresh; Anwar, Rebin; Ryu, Wookha; Park, E. S.; Vincent, S.

2018-04-01

Metallic glasses are in high demand for fabrication of variety of innovative products, in particular surgical and biomedical tools and devices owing to its excellent biocompatible properties. In the present investigation, a novel Zr39.5Cu50.5Ag4Ti6 metallic glass composition was synthesized using melt spinning technique. Potentiodynamic polarization studies were conducted to investigate bio-corrosion behaviour of Zr39.5Cu50.5Ag4Ti6 metallic glass. The test were conducted in various simulated artificial body conditions such as artificial saliva solution, phosphate-buffered saline solution, artificial blood plasma solution, and Hank’s balanced saline solution. The bio-corrosion results of metallic glass were compared with traditional biomaterials. The study aims to provide bio-compatible properties of Zr39.5Cu50.5Ag4Ti6 metallic glass.

Thermal Stability of Silver Paste Sintering on Coated Copper and Aluminum Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pei, Chun; Chen, Chuantong; Suganuma, Katsuaki; Fu, Guicui

2018-01-01

The thermal stability of silver (Ag) paste sintering on coated copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) substrates has been investigated. Instead of conventional zincating or nickel plating, magnetron sputtering was used to achieve coating with titanium (Ti) and Ag. Silicon (Si) chips were bonded to coated Cu and Al substrates using a mixture of submicron Ag flakes and particles under 250°C and 0.4 MPa for 30 min. The joints were then subject to aging testing at 250°C for duration of 200 h, 500 h, and 1000 h. Two types of joints exhibited satisfactory initial shear strength above 45 MPa. However, the shear strength of the joints on Al substrate decreased to 28 MPa after 1000 h of aging, while no shear strength decline was detected for the joints on Cu substrate. Fracture surface analysis revealed that the vulnerable points of the two types of joints were (1) the Ag layer and (2) the interface between the Ti layer and Cu substrate. Based on the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and simulations, cracks in the Ag layer were identified as the cause of the shear strength degradation in the joints on Al substrate. The interface evolution of the joints on Cu substrate was ascribed to Cu migration and discontinuity points that initialized in the Ti layer. This study reveals that Al exhibited superior thermal stability with sintered Ag paste.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, Pragati, E-mail: pkumar.phy@gmail.com; Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110 007; Saxena, Nupur

This work shows the influence of Ag concentration on structural properties of pulsed laser deposited nanocrystalline CdS thin film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies confirm the dopant concentration in CdS films and atomic concentration of elements. XPS studies show that the samples are slightly sulfur deficient. GAXRD scan reveals the structural phase transformation from cubic to hexagonal phase of CdS without appearance of any phase of CdO, Ag{sub 2}O or Ag{sub 2}S suggesting the substitutional doping of Ag ions. Photoluminescence studies illustrate that emission intensity increases with increase in dopant concentration upto 5% and then decreases for higher dopant concentration.

TL and EPR studies of Cu, Ag and P doped Li2B4O7 phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Can, N.; Karali, T.; Townsend, P. D.; Yildiz, F.

2006-05-01

Key characteristics of a newly prepared tissue-equivalent, highly sensitive thermoluminescence dosimeter, Li2B4O7:Cu,Ag,P, are presented. The material was developed at the Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Belgrade, in the form of sintered pellets. A new preparation procedure has greatly increased the sensitivity of the basic copper activated lithium borate and the glow curve of Li2B4O7 : Cu,Ag,P consists of a well-defined main dosimetric peak situated at about 460-465 K with a sensitivity which is about four to five times higher than that of LiF : Mg,Ti (TLD-100). The exceptionally good response features of Li2B4O7 : Cu,Ag,P are attributed to the incorporation of Cu as a dopant. Both low and high temperature emission spectra are presented and the origins of the various emission bands are considered. Additional data are provided from electron paramagnetic resonance measurements.

Reduce on the Cost of Photovoltaic Power Generation for Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells by Double Printing of Ag/Cu Front Contact Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Zhuoyin; Liu, Zhou; Chen, Jianlin; Liao, Lida; Chen, Jian; Li, Cong; Li, Wei

2018-06-01

With the development of photovoltaic industry, the cost of photovoltaic power generation has become the significant issue. And the metallization process has decided the cost of original materials and photovoltaic efficiency of the solar cells. Nowadays, double printing process has been introduced instead of one-step printing process for front contact of polycrystalline silicon solar cells, which can effectively improve the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of silicon solar cells. Here, the relative cheap Cu paste has replaced the expensive Ag paste to form Ag/Cu composite front contact of silicon solar cells. The photovoltaic performance and the cost of photovoltaic power generation have been investigated. With the optimization on structure and height of Cu finger layer for Ag/Cu composite double-printed front contact, the silicon solar cells have exhibited a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 18.41%, which has reduced 3.42 cent per Watt for the cost of photovoltaic power generation.

Soil-applied zinc and copper suppress cadmium uptake and improve the performance of cereals and legumes.

PubMed

Murtaza, Ghulam; Javed, Wasim; Hussain, Amir; Qadir, Manzoor; Aslam, Muhammad

2017-02-01

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of soil-applied Zn and Cu on absorption and accumulation of Cd applied through irrigation water in legume (chickpea and mung bean) and cereal (wheat and maize) crops. The results revealed that Cd in irrigation water at higher levels (2 and 5 mg L -1 ) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the plant biomass while the soil application of Zn and Cu, singly or combined, favored the biomass production. Plant tissue Cd concentration increased linearly with the increasing application of Cd via irrigation water. While Cd application caused a redistribution of metals in grains, straw, and roots with the highest concentration of Cd, Zn, and Cu occurred in roots followed by straw and grains. Zinc addition to soil alleviated Cd toxicity by decreasing Cd concentration in plant tissues due to a possible antagonistic effect. The addition of Cu to the soil had no consistent effects on Zn and Cd contents across all crops. Inhibitory effects of Cd on the uptake and accumulation of Zn and Cu have also been observed at higher Cd load. Thus, soil-applied Zn and Cu antagonized Cd helping the plant to cope with its toxicity and suppressed the toxic effects of Cd in plant tissues, thus favoring plant growth.

Soldering Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Sn-1.0Ag-0.5Cu Solder with Minor Aluminum Addition

PubMed Central

Leong, Yee Mei; Haseeb, A.S.M.A.

2016-01-01

Driven by the trends towards miniaturization in lead free electronic products, researchers are putting immense efforts to improve the properties and reliabilities of Sn based solders. Recently, much interest has been shown on low silver (Ag) content solder SAC105 (Sn-1.0Ag-0.5Cu) because of economic reasons and improvement of impact resistance as compared to SAC305 (Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu. The present work investigates the effect of minor aluminum (Al) addition (0.1–0.5 wt.%) to SAC105 on the interfacial structure between solder and copper substrate during reflow. The addition of minor Al promoted formation of small, equiaxed Cu-Al particle, which are identified as Cu3Al2. Cu3Al2 resided at the near surface/edges of the solder and exhibited higher hardness and modulus. Results show that the minor addition of Al does not alter the morphology of the interfacial intermetallic compounds, but they substantially suppress the growth of the interfacial Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound (IMC) after reflow. During isothermal aging, minor alloying Al has reduced the thickness of interfacial Cu6Sn5 IMC but has no significant effect on the thickness of Cu3Sn. It is suggested that of atoms of Al exert their influence by hindering the flow of reacting species at the interface. PMID:28773645

Crystallization kinetics of Mg–Cu–Yb–Ca–Ag metallic glasses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsarkov, Andrey A., E-mail: tsarkov@misis.ru; WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-Ku, Sendai 980-8577; Zanaeva, Erzhena N.

The paper presents research into a Mg–Cu–Yb system based metallic glassy alloys. Metallic glasses were prepared using induction melting and further injection on a spinning copper wheel. The effect of alloying by Ag and Ca on the glass forming ability and the kinetics of crystallization of Mg–Cu–Yb system based alloys were studied. The differential scanning calorimeter and X-ray diffractometer were used to investigate the kinetics of crystallization and the phase composition of the samples. An indicator of glass forming ability, effective activation energy of crystallization, and enthalpy of mixing were calculated. An increase of the Ca and Ag content hasmore » a positive effect on the glass forming ability, the effective activation energy of crystallization, and the enthalpy of mixing. The highest indicators of the glass forming ability and the thermal stability were found for alloys that contain both alloying elements. The Ag addition suppresses precipitation of the Mg{sub 2}Cu phase during crystallization. A dual-phase glassy-nanocrystalline Mg structure was obtained in Mg{sub 65}Cu{sub 25}Yb{sub 10} and Mg{sub 59.5}Cu{sub 22.9}Yb{sub 11}Ag{sub 6.6} alloys after annealing. Bulk samples with a composite glassy-crystalline structure were obtained in Mg{sub 59.5}Cu{sub 22.9}Yb{sub 11}Ag{sub 6.6} and Mg{sub 64}Cu{sub 21}Yb{sub 9.5}Ag{sub 5.5} alloys. A thermodynamic database for the Mg–Cu–Yb–Ca–Ag system was created to compare the process of crystallization of alloys with polythermal sections of the Mg–Cu–Yb–Ca–Ag phase diagram. - Highlights: • New alloy compositions based on Mg–Cu–Yb system were developed and investigated. • Increasing content of Ag and Ca leads to improving GFA. • Bulk samples with a composite glassy-crystalline structure were obtained. • Thermodynamic database for Mg–Cu–Yb–Ca–Ag system was created.« less

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of the photocatalytic performance of Ag-CdMoO{sub 4} solar light driven plasmonic photocatalyst

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adhikari, Rajesh; Malla, Shova; Gyawali, Gobinda

2013-09-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Ag-CdMoO{sub 4} solar light driven photocatalyst was successfully synthesized. • Photocatalyst exhibited strong absorption in the visible region. • Photocatalytic activity was significantly enhanced. • Enhanced activity was caused by the SPR effect induced by Ag nanoparticles. - Abstract: Ag-CdMoO{sub 4} plasmonic photocatalyst was synthesized in ethanol/water mixture by photo assisted co-precipitation method at room temperature. As synthesized powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analyzer. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by performing the degradation experiment over methylenemore » blue (MB) and indigo carmine (IC) as model dyes under simulated solar light irradiation. The results revealed that the Ag-CdMoO{sub 4} showed the higher photocatalytic performance as compared to CdMoO{sub 4} nanoparticles. Dispersion of Ag nanoparticles over the surface of CdMoO{sub 4} nanoparticles causes the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and enhances the broad absorption in the entire visible region of the solar spectrum. Hence, dispersion of Ag nanoparticles over CdMoO{sub 4} nanoparticles could be the better alternative to enhance the absorption of visible light by scheelite crystal family for effective photocatalysis.« less

Characterization of Raw and Decopperized Anode Slimes from a Chilean Refinery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melo Aguilera, Evelyn; Hernández Vera, María Cecilia; Viñals, Joan; Graber Seguel, Teófilo

2016-04-01

This work characterizes raw and decopperized slimes, with the objective of identifying the phases in these two sub-products. The main phases in copper anodes are metallic copper, including CuO, which are present in free form or associated with the presence of copper selenide or tellurides (Cu2(Se,Te)) and several Cu-Pb-Sb-As-Bi oxides. During electrorefining, the impurities in the anode release and are not deposited in the cathode, part of them dissolving and concentrated in the electrolyte, and others form a raw anode slime that contains Au, Ag, Cu, As, Se, Te and PGM, depending on the composition of the anode. There are several recovery processes, most of which involve acid leaching in the first step to dissolve copper, whose product is decopperized anode slime. SEM analysis revealed that the mineralogical species present in the raw anode slime under study were mainly eucarite (CuAgSe), naumannite (Ag2Se), antimony arsenate (SbAsO4), and lead sulfate (PbSO4). In the case of decopperized slime, the particles were mainly composed of SbAsO4 (crystalline appearance), non-stoichiometric silver selenide (Ag(2- x)Se), and chlorargyrite (AgCl).

Chitosan-stabilized Silver Nanoparticles for Colorimetric Assay of Mercury (II) Ions in aqueous system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zarlaida, Fitri; Adlim, M.; Syukri Surbakti, M.; Fairuz Omar, Ahmad

2018-05-01

Mercury is considered as dangerous pollutant. Among the many form of mercury, the most stable and soluble in water is mercury (II) ions which it cause threat to human health and surroundings. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) used in this method were prepared by chitosan (chi) which act as stabilizing agent. The Chi-AgNPs has good dispersity with size ranging from 2.50 to 6.00 nm as shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and it is stable for 3 months. Color of Chi-AgNPs fades from brownish-yellow to colorless only with Hg2+ ions, but it shows no significant changes upon addition of other metal ions such as Al3+, Ba2+, Ca2+, Cd2+, Cr3+, Co2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, K+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Na+, Ni2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+. The detection limit for Hg2+ ions by bare-eye is estimated to be ∼1µM. This method can be used for sensing mercury(II) ions in numerous water samples.

Loading Ag nanoparticles on Cd(II) boron imidazolate framework for photocatalysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Min; State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002; Zhang, De-Xiang

2016-05-15

An amine-functionalized Cd(II) boron imidazolate framework (BIF-77) with three-dimensional open structure has been successfully synthesized, which can load Ag nanoparticles (NPs) for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB). - Graphical abstract: An amine-functionalized neutral Cd(II) boron imidazolate framework can load Ag NPs and show excellent photocatalytic degradation behavious for MB. - Highlights: • Amine-functionalization. • Neutral boron imidazolate framework. • Loading Ag nanoparticles (NPs). • Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue.

First-principles study of roles of Cu and Cl in polycrystalline CdTe

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Ji-Hui; Park, Ji-Sang; Metzger, Wyatt

2016-01-28

Cu and Cl treatments are important processes to achieve high efficiency polycrystalline cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells, thus it will be beneficial to understand the roles they play in both bulk CdTe and CdTe grain boundaries (GBs). Using first-principles calculations, we systematically study Cu and Cl-related defects in bulk CdTe. We find that Cl has only a limited effect on improving p-type doping and too much Cl can induce deep traps in bulk CdTe, whereas Cu can enhance p-type doping of bulk CdTe. In the presence of GBs, we find that, in general, Cl and Cu will prefer to staymore » at GBs, especially for those with Te-Te wrong bonds, in agreement with experimental observations.« less

Copper(I), silver(I) and gold(I) halide complexes with the dithioformamidinium dihalides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peyronel, Giorgio; Malavasi, Wanda; Pignedoli, Anna

Some copper(I), silver(I) and gold(I) halide complexes with the dithioformamidinium dihalides (Tu 2X 2) were prepared and studied by infrared spectroscopy and conductometry: 3CuX.2Tu 2X 2(XCl,I), CuBr.Tu 2Br 2, 4CuBr.3.5Tu 2Br 2.MeOH, 2CuBr.Tu 2Br 2.0.66EtOH, 3CuI.2Tu 2I 2, 2AgCl.2.5Tu 2Cl 2, 3AgCl.2Tu 2Cl 2.0.5EtOH, 3AgCl.Tu 2Cl 2, 2AgBr.2Tu 2Br 2.0.5Tu 2(NO 3) 2.H 2O, AgBr.Tu 2Br 2, 4AgBr.Tu 2Br 2, 4AgI.0.5Tu 2I 2.EtOH, AuCl.1.5Tu 2Cl 2, 4AuCl.3.5Tu 2Cl 2.2DMF, AuBr.4Tu 2Br 2, AuBr.2Tu 2Br 2.1.5DMF, AuI.5Tu 2I 2, AuI.Tu 2I 2. A decrease of the ν(NH), δ(NH 2) and ν(CN 2) frequencies and an increase of the ν(CS) frequencies indicate an N-coordination of the dithioformamidinium cation to the metal ions; ν(MN) and ν(MX) frequencies are tentatively assigned in the far-infrared spectra.

Assessment of health status of oysters (Crassostreagigas) exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of Ag and Cu in brackish waters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rementeria, Ane; Mikolaczyk, Mathilde; Peña, Ainhize; Lanceleur, Laurent; Blanc, Gérard; Soto, Manu; Schäfer, Jörg; Zaldibar, Beñat

2017-12-01

Human activities have altered estuarine environments leading to increased presence of different pollutants including metals. Although the implementation of new environmental policies has caused a considerable decrease in trace metal concentrations in estuaries around the Bay of Biscay, some elements such as copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) are still present in relatively high concentrations. Oysters have been widely used in environmental biomonitoring programs as sentinel organisms. Oysters Crassostrea gigas from an uncontaminated estuary were exposed to sublethal, environmentally relevant concentrations of Cu (2000 ng Cu/L) and Ag (500 ng Ag/L) during 14 days in brackish water (S = 18). A battery of cell and tissue level (exposure) biomarkers at different levels of biological complexity was applied and integrated into the Integrative Biological Response (IBR) index including: metallothionein contents, intralysosomal metal accumulation, digestive gland atrophy and digestive gland tissue integrity. Condition Index (CI) was incorporated into the IBR index as a complementary parameter that reflects the general physiological condition of oysters (organism level). Results indicated an increase in intralysosomal metal accumulation after 7 and 14 days of exposure to Ag together with an increase in the digestive epithelium atrophy and lipofuscin content after 7 days of exposure to Ag. The responses detected with the aid of biomarkers integrated in the IBR index showed higher toxicity in oysters exposed to Ag, inducing the clear onset of detoxification processes which also occurred, to a lower extent, in Cu-exposed oysters.

Petrographic, fluid inclusion and isotopic study of the Dikulushi Cu-Ag deposit, Katanga (D.R.C.): implications for exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haest, Maarten; Muchez, Philippe; Dewaele, Stijn; Boyce, Adrian J.; von Quadt, Albrecht; Schneider, Jens

2009-07-01

The Dikulushi Cu-Ag vein-type deposit is located on the Kundelungu Plateau, in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.). The Kundelungu Plateau is situated to the north of the Lufilian Arc that hosts the world-class stratiform Cu-Co deposits of the Central African Copperbelt. A combined petrographic, fluid inclusion and stable isotope study revealed that the mineralisation at Dikulushi developed during two spatially and temporally distinct mineralising episodes. An early Cu-Pb-Zn-Fe mineralisation took place during the Lufilian Orogeny in a zone of crosscutting EW- and NE-oriented faults and consists of a sequence of sulphides that precipitated from moderate-temperature, saline H2O-NaCl-CaCl2-rich fluids. These fluids interacted extensively with the country rocks. Sulphur was probably derived from thermochemical reduction of Neoproterozoic seawater sulphate. Undeformed, post-orogenic Cu-Ag mineralisation remobilised the upper part of the Cu-Pb-Zn-Fe mineralisation in an oxidising environment along reactivated and newly formed NE-oriented faults in the eastern part of the deposit. This mineralisation is dominated by massive Ag-rich chalcocite that precipitated from low-temperature H2O-NaCl-KCl fluids, generated by mixing of moderate- and low-saline fluids. The same evolution in mineralisation assemblages and types of mineralising fluids is observed in three other Cu deposits on the Kundelungu Plateau. Therefore, the recognition of two distinct types of (vein-type) mineralisation in the study area has a profound impact on the exploration in the Kundelungu Plateau region. The identification of a Cu-Ag type mineralisation at the surface could imply the presence of a Cu-Pb-Zn-Fe mineralisation at depth.

Undercooling Behavior and Intermetallic Compound Coalescence in Microscale Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu Solder Balls and Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu/Cu Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, M. B.; Ma, X.; Zhang, X. P.

2012-11-01

The microstructure of microscale solder interconnects and soldering defects have long been known to have a significant influence on the reliability of electronic packaging, and both are directly related to the solidification behavior of the undercooled solder. In this study, the undercooling behavior and solidification microstructural evolution of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder balls with different diameters (0.76 mm, 0.50 mm, and 0.30 mm) and the joints formed by soldering these balls on Cu open pads of two diameters (0.48 mm and 0.32 mm) on a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) incorporated into the reflow process. Results show that the decrease in diameter of the solder balls leads to an obvious increase in the undercooling of the balls, while the undercooling of the solder joints shows a dependence on both the diameter of the solder balls and the diameter ratio of solder ball to Cu pad (i.e., D s/ D p), and the diameter of the solder balls has a stronger influence on the undercooling of the joints than the dimension of the Cu pad. Coarse primary intermetallic compound (IMC) solidification phases were formed in the smaller solder balls and joints. The bulk Ag3Sn IMC is the primary solidification phase in the as-reflowed solder balls. Due to the interfacial reaction and dissolution of Cu atoms into the solder matrix, the primary Ag3Sn phase can be suppressed and the bulk Cu6Sn5 IMC is the only primary solidification phase in the as-reflowed solder joints.

Constitutive CD40L Expression on B Cells Prematurely Terminates Germinal Center Response and Leads to Augmented Plasma Cell Production in T Cell Areas

PubMed Central

Bolduc, Anna; Long, Eugene; Stapler, Dale; Cascalho, Marilia; Tsubata, Takeshi; Koni, Pandelakis A.; Shimoda, Michiko

2013-01-01

CD40/CD40L engagement is essential to T cell-dependent B cell proliferation and differentiation. However, the precise role of CD40 signaling through cognate T–B interaction in the generation of germinal center and memory B cells is still incompletely understood. To address this issue, a B cell-specific CD40L transgene (CD40LBTg) was introduced into mice with B cell-restricted MHC class II deficiency. Using this mouse model, we show that constitutive CD40L expression on B cells alone could not induce germinal center differentiation of MHC class II-deficient B cells after immunization with T cell-dependent Ag. Thus, some other MHC class II-dependent T cell-derived signals are essential for the generation of germinal center B cells in response to T cell-dependent Ag. In fact, CD40LBTg mice generated a complex Ag-specific IgG1 response, which was greatly enhanced in early, but reduced in late, primary response compared with control mice. We also found that the frequency of Ag-specific germinal center B cells in CD40LBTg mice was abruptly reduced 1 wk after immunization. As a result, the numbers of Ag-specific IgG1 long-lived plasma cells and memory B cells were reduced. By histology, large numbers of Ag-specific plasma cells were found in T cell areas adjacent to Ag-specific germinal centers of CD40LBTg mice, temporarily during the second week of primary response. These results indicate that CD40L expression on B cells prematurely terminated their ongoing germinal center response and produced plasma cells. Our results support the notion that CD40 signaling is an active termination signal for germinal center reaction. PMID:20505142

Trace and minor elements in sphalerite from metamorphosed sulphide deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lockington, Julian A.; Cook, Nigel J.; Ciobanu, Cristiana L.

2014-12-01

Sphalerite is a common sulphide and is the dominant ore mineral in Zn-Pb sulphide deposits. Precise determination of minor and trace element concentrations in sulphides, including sphalerite, by Laser-Ablation Inductively-Coupled-Plasma Mass-Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a potentially valuable petrogenetic tool. In this study, LA-ICP-MS is used to analyse 19 sphalerite samples from metamorphosed, sphalerite-bearing volcanic-associated and sedimentary exhalative massive sulphide deposits in Norway and Australia. The distributions of Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Ga, Se, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Hg, Tl, Pb and Bi are addressed with emphasis on how concentrations of these elements vary with metamorphic grade of the deposit and the extent of sulphide recrystallization. Results show that the concentrations of a group of trace elements which are believed to be present in sphalerite as micro- to nano-scale inclusions (Pb, Bi, and to some degree Cu and Ag) diminish with increasing metamorphic grade. This is interpreted as due to release of these elements during sphalerite recrystallization and subsequent remobilization to form discrete minerals elsewhere. The concentrations of lattice-bound elements (Mn, Fe, Cd, In and Hg) show no correlation with metamorphic grade. Primary metal sources, physico-chemical conditions during initial deposition, and element partitioning between sphalerite and co-existing sulphides are dominant in defining the concentrations of these elements and they appear to be readily re-incorporated into recrystallized sphalerite, offering potential insights into ore genesis. Given that sphalerite accommodates a variety of trace elements that can be precisely determined by contemporary microanalytical techniques, the mineral has considerable potential as a geothermometer, providing that element partitioning between sphalerite and coexisting minerals (galena, chalcopyrite etc.) can be quantified in samples for which the crystallization temperature can be independently constrained.

Heavy metals pollution levels and children health risk assessment of Yerevan kindergartens soils.

PubMed

Tepanosyan, Gevorg; Maghakyan, Nairuhi; Sahakyan, Lilit; Saghatelyan, Armen

2017-08-01

Children, the most vulnerable urban population group, are exceptionally sensitive to polluted environments, particularly urban soils, which can lead to adverse health effects upon exposure. In this study, the total concentrations of Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, and Zn were determined in 111 topsoil samples collected from kindergartens in Yerevan. The objectives of this study were to evaluate heavy metal pollution levels of kindergarten's soils in Yerevan, compare with national legal and international requirements on heavy metal contents in kindergarten soil, and assess related child health risk. Multivariate geostatistical analyses suggested that the concentrations of Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mo, Pb, and Zn observed in the kindergarten's topsoil may have originated from anthropogenic sources, while Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ti, and V mostly come from natural sources. According to the Summary pollution index (Zc), 102 kindergartens belong to the low pollution level, 7 to the moderate and only 2 to the high level of pollution. Summary concentration index (SCI) showed that 109 kindergartens were in the allowable level, while 2 featured in the low level of pollution. The health risk assessment showed that in all kindergartens except for seven, non-carcinogenic risk for children was detected (HI>1), while carcinogenic risk from arsenic belongs to the very low (allowable) level. Cr and multi-element carcinogenic risk (RI) exceeded the safety level (1.0E- 06) in all kindergartens and showed that the potential of developing cancer, albeit small, does exist. Therefore, city's kindergartens require necessary remedial actions to eliminate or reduce soil pollution and heavy metal-induced health risks. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analytical Results for 42 Fluvial Tailings Cores and 7 Stream Sediment Samples from High Ore Creek, Northern Jefferson County, Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fey, David L.; Church, Stan E.

1998-01-01

Metal-mining related wastes in the Boulder River basin study area in northern Jefferson County, Montana have been implicated in their detrimental effects on water quality with regard to acid-generation and toxic-metal solubility. Sediments, fluvial tailings and water from High Ore Creek have been identified as significant contributors to water quality degradation of the Boulder River below Basin, Montana. A study of 42 fluvial tailings cores and 7 stream sediments from High Ore Creek was undertaken to determine the concentrations of environmentally sensitive elements (i.e. Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) present in these materials, and the mineral phases containing those elements. Two sites of fluvial deposition of mine-waste contaminated sediment on upper High Ore Creek were sampled using a one-inch soil probe. Forty-two core samples were taken producing 247 subsamples. The samples were analyzed by ICP-AES (inductively coupled-plasma atomic emission spectroscopy) using a total mixed-acid digestion. Results of the core analyses show that the elements described above are present at very high concentrations (to 22,000 ppm As, to 460 ppm Ag, to 900 ppm Cd, 4,300 ppm Cu, 46,000ppm Pb, and 50,000 ppm Zn). Seven stream-sediment samples were also analyzed by ICP-AES for total element content and for leachable element content. Results show that the sediment of High Ore Creek has elevated levels of ore-related metals throughout its length, down to the confluence with the Boulder River, and that the metals are, to a significant degree, contained in the leachable phase, namely the hydrous amorphous iron- and manganese-hydroxide coatings on detrital sediment particles.

A spectroscopic and voltammetric study of the pH-dependent Cu(II) coordination to the peptide GGGTH: relevance to the fifth Cu(II) site in the prion protein.

PubMed

Hureau, Christelle; Charlet, Laurent; Dorlet, Pierre; Gonnet, Florence; Spadini, Lorenzo; Anxolabéhère-Mallart, Elodie; Girerd, Jean-Jacques

2006-09-01

The GGGTH sequence has been proposed to be the minimal sequence involved in the binding of a fifth Cu(II) ion in addition to the octarepeat region of the prion protein (PrP) which binds four Cu(II) ions. Coordination of Cu(II) by the N- and C-protected Ac-GGGTH-NH(2) pentapeptide (P(5)) was investigated by using potentiometric titration, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, UV-vis spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry experiments. Four different Cu(II) complexes were identified and characterized as a function of pH. The Cu(II) binding mode switches from NO(3) to N(4) for pH values ranging from 6.0 to 10.0. Quasi-reversible reduction of the [Cu(II)(P(5))H(-2)] complex formed at pH 6.7 occurs at E (1/2)=0.04 V versus Ag/AgCl, whereas reversible oxidation of the [Cu(II)(P(5))H(-3)](-) complex formed at pH 10.0 occurs at E (1/2)=0.66 V versus Ag/AgCl. Comparison of our EPR data with those of the rSHaPrP(90-231) (Burns et al. in Biochemistry 42:6794-6803, 2003) strongly suggests an N(3)O binding mode at physiological pH for the fifth Cu(II) site in the protein.

Spreading Dynamics and Interfacial Characteristics of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu- xBi Melting on Cu Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Bingsheng; Chen, Junwei; Yuan, Zhangfu; Zang, Likun; Zhang, Lina; Wu, Yan

2016-05-01

The effects of Bi addition on the properties of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu molten alloy on Cu substrates are discussed using wettability and interface microstructure analysis. The changes of the contact angles between Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu- xBi and Cu substrates with the spreading time are described by Dezellus model. It indicates that the spreading process is governed by the interfacial reaction during the dwelling time. The interface microstructure is observed to clarify the effects of reactions on the spreading behavior. It is found that Cu6Sn5 is formed adjacent to the solder and Cu3Sn appears over the substrate with Bi added at 613K, indicating that Bi exists between the intermetallics and the addition of Bi can hinder the diffusion of copper towards the interior of the solder. Therefore the existence of Bi decreases the agglomeration of Cu-Sn grains. The growth of intermetallics is thus limited and the shape of intermetallics transforms from scallop to zigzag consequently. However, the segregation phenomenon appears when the additive amount of Bi is more than 5.5mass %, which could lead to the occurrence of fracture and degrade the performance of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu- xBi alloy. The results of the present study provide basic physical and chemical data for the application of lead-free solder in the future microgravity space environment.

1,1'-Bis(pyrazol-3-yl)ferrocene: A Clip Ligand That Forms Supramolecular Aggregates and Prismatic Hexanuclear Coinage Metal Complexes.

PubMed

Veronelli, Mattia; Dechert, Sebastian; Demeshko, Serhiy; Meyer, Franc

2015-07-20

Two ferrocene derivatives with appended pyrazole substituents, namely, 1,1'-bis(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)ferrocene (H2LH) and 1,1'-bis(5-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)ferrocene (H2LF), were synthesized. In solid state they form distinct H-bonded dimers with orthogonal (H2LH, C2 symmetry) or antiparallel (H2LF, C2h symmetry) arrangement of the two ferrocene/pyrazole hybrid molecules. Supramolecular dimerization was also detected in solution at low temperatures, though diffusion-ordered spectroscopy and variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy revealed several dynamic processes. Redox potentials of the ferrocene derivatives are affected by the nature of the pyrazole substituent (Me, CF3). In their deprotonated form [LR]2-, both ferrocene/pyrazole hybrids serve as ligands and form oligonuclear CuI, AgI, and AuI complexes that were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. X-ray crystallography revealed the structures of Cu6L3H and Ag6L3F, which both contain two parallel and eclipsed [M(μ-pz)]3 metallamacrocycles (M = Cu, Ag) linked by three ferrocene units. MI···MI distances between the two triangular M3N6 decks are shorter in Ag6L3F (3.28-3.30 vs 3.44-3.51 Å in the case of Cu6L3H), indicating substantial intramolecular closed-shell Ag(d10)-Ag(d10) interactions. However, Cu6L3H features close intermolecular Cu···Cu contacts as short as 3.37 Å. Mössbauer data for both the ligands and complexes were collected, and electrochemical properties were measured; preliminary luminescence data are reported.

Improving the efficiency of cadmium sulfide-sensitized titanium dioxide/indium tin oxide glass photoelectrodes using silver sulfide as an energy barrier layer and a light absorber

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) and silver sulfide (Ag2S) nanocrystals are deposited on the titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocrystalline film on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate to prepare CdS/Ag2S/TiO2/ITO photoelectrodes through a new method known as the molecular precursor decomposition method. The Ag2S is interposed between the TiO2 nanocrystal film and CdS nanocrystals as an energy barrier layer and a light absorber. As a consequence, the energy conversion efficiency of the CdS/Ag2S/TiO2/ITO electrodes is significantly improved. Under AM 1.5 G sunlight irradiation, the maximum efficiency achieved for the CdS(4)/Ag2S/TiO2/ITO electrode is 3.46%, corresponding to an increase of about 150% as compared to the CdS(4)/TiO2/ITO electrode without the Ag2S layer. Our experimental results show that the improved efficiency is mainly due to the formation of Ag2S layer that may increase the light absorbance and reduce the recombination of photogenerated electrons with redox ions from the electrolyte. PMID:25411566

Structural and optical properties of (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} polycrystalline thin film alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boyle, J. H.; Shafarman, W. N.; Birkmire, R. W.

2014-06-14

The structural and optical properties of pentenary alloy (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} polycrystalline thin films were characterized over the entire compositional range at a fixed (Cu + Ag)/(In + Ga) ratio. Films deposited at 550 °C on bare and molybdenum coated soda-lime glass by elemental co-evaporation in a single-stage process with constant incident fluxes exhibit single phase chalcopyrite structure, corresponding to 122 spacegroup (I-42d) over the entire compositional space. Unit cell refinement of the diffraction patterns show that increasing Ag substitution for Cu, the refined a{sub o} lattice constant, (Ag,Cu)-Se bond length, and anion displacement increase in accordance with the theoretical model proposed by Jaffe, Wei, andmore » Zunger. However, the refined c{sub o} lattice constant and (In,Ga)-Se bond length deviated from theoretical expectations for films with mid-range Ag and Ga compositions and are attributed to influences from crystallographic bond chain ordering or cation electronegativity. The optical band gap, derived from transmission and reflection measurements, widened with increasing Ag and Ga content, due to influences from anion displacement and cation electronegativity, as expected from theoretical considerations for pseudo-binary chalcopyrite compounds.« less

Co-Precipitation, Strength and Electrical Resistivity of Cu–26 wt % Ag–0.1 wt % Fe Alloy

PubMed Central

Li, Rui; Wang, Engang

2017-01-01

Both a Cu–26 wt % Ag (Fe-free) alloy and Cu–26 wt % Ag–0.1 wt % Fe (Fe-doping) alloy were subjected to different heat treatments. We studied the precipitation kinetics of Ag and Cu, microstructure evolution, magnetization, hardness, strength, and electrical resistivity of the two alloys. Fe addition was incapable of changing the precipitation kinetics of Ag and Cu; however, it decreased the size and spacing of rod-shaped Ag precipitates within a Cu matrix, because Fe might affect the elastic strain field and diffusion field, suppressing the nucleation of Ag precipitates. Magnetization curves showed that γ-Fe precipitates were precipitated out of the Cu matrix, along with Ag precipitates in Fe-doping alloy after heat treatments. The yield strength of the Fe-doping alloy was higher than that of the Fe-free alloy, and the maximum increment was about 41.3%. The electrical conductivity in the aged Fe-doping alloy was up to about 67% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). Hardness, strength, and electrical resistivity were intensively discussed, based on the microstructural characterization and solute contributions of both alloys. Our results demonstrated that an increasing fraction of nanoscale γ-Fe precipitates and decreasing spacing between Ag precipitates resulted in the increasing strength of the Fe-doping alloy. PMID:29207505

Microstructure, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Ag/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x Self-lubricating Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Hua; Zhang, Du; Wang, Yuqi; Zhang, Yi; Ji, Xiaorui; Song, Haojie; Li, Changsheng

2014-01-01

Ag/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x self-lubricating composites were successfully fabricated by a facile powder metallurgy method. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized composites and the worn surface after tribometer testing are characterized by using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy together with energy dispersive spectrometry. The results indicated that self-lubricating composites are composed of superconductor phase and Ag phase. Moreover, the effects of Ag on mechanical and tribological properties of the novel composites were investigated. The friction test results showed that the friction coefficient of the pure Bi2212 against stainless steel is about 0.40 at ambient temperature and abruptly decreases to about 0.17 when the temperature is cooled to 77 K. The friction coefficients of the composites from room temperature to high temperature were lower and more stable than those of pure Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x . When the content of Ag is 10 wt.%, the Ag/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x composites exhibited excellent tribological performance, the improved tribological properties are attributed to the formation of soft metallic Ag films at the contacted zone of the composites.

Inactivation of bacteria from contaminated streams in Limpopo, South Africa by silver- or copper-nanoparticle paper filters

PubMed Central

Dankovich, Theresa A.; Levine, Jonathan S.; Potgieter, Natasha; Dillingham, Rebecca; Smith, James A.

2016-01-01

There is an urgent need for inexpensive point-of-use methods to purify drinking water in developing countries to reduce the incidence of illnesses caused by waterborne pathogens. Previously, our work showed the deactivation of laboratory-cultured bacteria by percolation through a thick paper sheet containing either silver (Ag) or copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NP). In this study, these paper filters containing AgNPs or CuNPs have been tested with water sourced from contaminated streams in Limpopo, South Africa. Following the percolation of the contaminated stream water through the metal nanoparticle (MNP) papers, the water quality of the filtered effluent was evaluated with respect to the colony counts of total coliform and E. coli bacteria, turbidity, and either silver or copper ions. Influent total coliform bacteria concentrations from the stream water in Limpopo ranged from 250 CFU/100 mL to 1,750,000 CFU/100 mL. With the less contaminated stream water (250 - 15,000 CFU/100 mL), both AgNP and CuNP papers showed complete inactivation of the coliform bacteria. With the surface water with higher coliform bacteria levels (500,000 - 1,000,000 CFU/100 mL), both the AgNP and CuNP papers showed similar results with a slightly higher bacteria reduction of log10 5.1 for the AgNP papers than the log10 4.8 reduction for the CuNP papers. E. coli results followed similar trends. For most water purification experiments, the metal release from the sheets was minimal, with values under 0.1 ppm for Ag and 1.0 ppm for Cu (the current US EPA and WHO drinking water limits for Ag and Cu, respectively). These results show good potential for the use of paper embedded with silver and/or copper nanoparticles as effective point-of-use water purifiers. PMID:27022474

Optimization of Post-selenization Process of Co-sputtered CuIn and CuGa Precursor for 11.19% Efficiency Cu(In, Ga)Se2 Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Ke; Han, Kaikai; Kuang, Zhongcheng; Jin, Ranran; Hu, Junxia; Guo, Longfei; Liu, Ya; Lu, Zhangbo; Du, Zuliang

2017-04-01

In this work, CuInGa alloy precursor films are fabricated by co-sputtering of CuIn and CuGa targets simultaneously. After selenization in a tube-type rapid thermal annealing system under a Se atmosphere, the Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber layers are obtained. Standard soda lime glass (SLG)/Mo/CIGS/CdS/i-ZnO/ITO/Ag grid structural solar cells are fabricated based on the selenized CIGS absorbers. The influences of selenization temperatures on the composition, crystallinity, and device performances are systematically investigated by x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and the current density-voltage ( J- V) measurement. It is found that the elemental ratio of Cu/(In + Ga) strongly depends on the selenization temperatures. Because of the appropriate elemental ratio, a 9.92% conversion efficiency is reached for the CIGS absorber selenized at 560°C. After the additional optimization by pre-annealing treatment at 280°C before the selenization, a highest conversion efficiency of 11.19% with a open-circuit ( V oc) of 456 mV, a short-circuit ( J sc) of 40.357 mA/cm2 and a fill factor of 60.82% without antireflection coating has been achieved. Above 13% efficiency improvement was achievable. Our experimental findings presented in this work demonstrate that the post-selenization of co-sputtered CuIn and CuGa precursor is a promising way to fabricate high quality CIGS absorbers.

Metallomics and NMR-based metabolomics of Chlorella sp. reveal the synergistic role of copper and cadmium in multi-metal toxicity and oxidative stress.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenlin; Tan, Nicole G J; Fu, Baohui; Li, Sam F Y

2015-03-01

Industrial wastewaters often contain high levels of metal mixtures, in which metal mixtures may have synergistic or antagonistic effects on aquatic organisms. A combination of metallomics and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR)-based metabolomics was employed to understand the consequences of multi-metal systems (Cu, Cd, Pb) on freshwater microalgae. Morphological characterization, cell viability and chlorophyll a determination of metal-spiked Chlorella sp. suggested synergistic effects of Cu and Cd on growth inhibition and toxicity. While Pb has no apparent effect on Chlorella sp. metabolome, a substantial decrease of sucrose, amino acid content and glycerophospholipid precursors in Cu-spiked microalgae revealed Cu-induced oxidative stress. Addition of Cd to Cu-spiked cultures induced more drastic metabolic perturbations, hence we confirmed that Cu and Cd synergistically influenced photosynthesis inhibition, oxidative stress and membrane degradation. Total elemental analysis revealed a significant decrease in K, and an increase in Na, Mg, Zn and Mn concentrations in Cu-spiked cultures. This indicated that Cu is more toxic to Chlorella sp. as compared to Cd or Pb, and the combination of Cu and Cd has a strong synergistic effect on Chlorella sp. oxidative stress induction. Oxidative stress is confirmed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis, which demonstrated a drastic decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio solely in Cu-spiked cultures. Interestingly, we observed Cu-facilitated Cd and Pb bioconcentration in Chlorella sp. The absence of phytochelatins and an increment of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) yields in Cu-spiked cultures suggested that the mode of bioconcentration of Cd and Pb is through adsorption of free metals onto the algal EPS rather than intracellular chelation to phytochelatins.

Assessment of combined toxicity of heavy metals from industrial wastewaters on Photobacterium phosphoreum T3S

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeb, BibiSaima; Ping, Zheng; Mahmood, Qaisar; Lin, Qiu; Pervez, Arshid; Irshad, Muhammad; Bilal, Muhammad; Bhatti, Zulfiqar Ahmad; Shaheen, Shahida

2017-07-01

This research work is focusing on the toxicities of heavy metals of industrial origin to anaerobic digestion of the industrial wastewater. Photobacterium phosphoreum T3S was used as an indicator organism. The acute toxicities of heavy metals on P. phosphoreum T3S were assessed during 15-min half inhibitory concentration (IC50) as indicator at pH 5.5-6. Toxicity assays involved the assessment of multicomponent mixtures using TU and MTI approaches. The results of individual toxicity indicated that the toxicity of Cd, Cu and Pb on P. phosphoreum increased with increasing concentrations and there was a linear correlation. The 15-min IC50 values of Cd, Cu and Pb were 0.537, 1.905 and 1.231 mg/L, respectively, and their toxic order was Cd > Pb > Cu. The combined effects of Cd, Cu and Pb were assayed by equivalent concentration mixing method. The results showed that the combined effects of Cd + Cu, Cd + Pb, Cu + Pb, Cd + Cu + Pb were antagonistic, antagonistic and partly additive. The combined effect of three heavy metals was partly additive.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THERMOLUMINESCENCE LiF:Mg,Cu,Ag NANOPHOSPHOR.

PubMed

Yahyaabadi, A; Torkzadeh, F; Rezaei-Ochbelagh, D

2018-04-23

A nanophosphor of LiF:Mg,Cu,Ag was prepared by planetary ball milling for the first time in the laboratory. The size and shape of the nanophosphor were confirmed by XRD and SEM, which showed that it was cubic in shape and ~53 nm in size. The thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics of this nanophosphor were then investigated. It was found that the optimum annealing condition was 250°C for 10 min. The TL sensitivity of the prepared nanopowder was less than that of its micropowder counterpart and the TL glow curve structure exhibited several peaks. The LiF:Mg,Cu,Ag nanophosphor exhibited a linear response over a range of doses from 1 Gy to ~10 kGy. From this study, it appears that LiF:Mg,Cu,Ag nanophosphor is a good candidate for dosimetry because of its linearity over a range of doses, low tendency to fade, good repeatability and simple glow curve structure.

Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting by oxides heterojunction photocathode coupled with Ag.

PubMed

Lu, Xue; Liu, Zhifeng

2017-08-14

A novel one-dimensional Co 3 O 4 /CuO/Ag composite structure film was directly grown on indium tin oxide glass substrate by a simple hydrothermal method and electrodeposition method. The film was employed for the first time as a photocathode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting to generate hydrogen. The photocurrent density of the Co 3 O 4 /CuO/Ag composite structure achieved -5.13 mA cm -2 at -0.2 V vs. RHE, which is roughly 12.8 times that of 1D Co 3 O 4 nanowires and 3.31 times Co 3 O 4 /CuO heterojunction photocathodes. The enhanced PEC performance of this Co 3 O 4 /CuO/Ag composite structure ascribes increased light-harvesting and light-absorption, distensible photoresponse range, decreased interface charge transfer resistance, and improved photogenerated electron-hole pairs transfer and separation.

Colorimetric detection of trace copper ions based on catalytic leaching of silver-coated gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Lou, Tingting; Chen, Lingxin; Chen, Zhaopeng; Wang, Yunqing; Chen, Ling; Li, Jinhua

2011-11-01

A colorimetric, label-free, and nonaggregation-based silver coated gold nanoparticles (Ag/Au NPs) probe has been developed for detection of trace Cu(2+) in aqueous solution, based on the fact that Cu(2+) can accelerate the leaching rate of Ag/Au NPs by thiosulfate (S(2)O(3)(2-)). The leaching of Ag/Au NPs would lead to dramatic decrease in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption as the size of Ag/Au NPs decreased. This colorimetric strategy based on size-dependence of nanoparticles during their leaching process provided a highly sensitive (1.0 nM) and selective detection toward Cu(2+), with a wide linear detection range (5-800 nM) over nearly 3 orders of magnitude. The cost-effective probe allows rapid and sensitive detection of trace Cu(2+) ions in water samples, indicating its potential applicability for the determination of copper in real samples.

Effect of current crowding on whisker growth at the anode in flip chip solder joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Fan-Yi; Chen, Kai; Tu, K. N.; Lai, Yi-Shao

2007-12-01

Owing to the line-to-bump configuration in flip chip solder joints, current crowding occurs when electrons enter into or exit from the solder bump. At the cathode contact, where electrons enter into the bump, current crowding induced pancake-type void formation has now been observed widely. At the anode contact, where electrons exit from the bump, we report here that whisker is formed. Results of both eutectic SnPb and SnAgCu solder joints are presented and compared. The cross-sectioned surface in SnPb showed dimple and bulge after electromigration, while that of SnAgCu remained flat. The difference is due to a larger back stress in the SnAgCu, consequently, electromigration in SnAgCu is slower than that in SnPb. Nanoindentation markers were used to measure the combined atomic fluxes of back stress and electromigration.

Anand constitutive model of lead-free solder joints in 3D IC device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Liang; Liu, Zhi-quan; Ji, Yu-tong

2016-08-01

Anand constitutive relation of SnAgCu and SnAgCu-nano Al solders were studied under uniaxial tension, and the constitutive model was used in the finite element simulation to analyze the stress-strain response of lead-free solder joints in 3D IC devices. The results showed that the nine parameters of the Anand model can be determined from separated constitutive relations and experimental results. Based on Anand model, the finite element method was selected to calculate the stress-strain response of lead-free solder joints, it was found that in the 3D IC device the maximum stress-strain concentrated in the concern solder joints, the stress-strain of SnAgCu-nano Al solder joints was lower than that of SnAgCu solder joints, which represented that the addition of nano Al particles can enhance the reliability of lead-free solder joints in 3D IC devices.

An assessment of silver copper sulfides for photovoltaic applications: theoretical and experimental insights.

PubMed

Savory, Christopher N; Ganose, Alex M; Travis, Will; Atri, Ria S; Palgrave, Robert G; Scanlon, David O

2016-08-28

As the worldwide demand for energy increases, low-cost solar cells are being looked to as a solution for the future. To attain this, non-toxic earth-abundant materials are crucial, however cell efficiencies for current materials are limited in many cases. In this article, we examine the two silver copper sulfides AgCuS and Ag 3 CuS 2 as possible solar absorbers using hybrid density functional theory, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, XPS and Hall effect measurements. We show that both compounds demonstrate promising electronic structures and band gaps for high theoretical efficiency solar cells, based on Shockley-Queisser limits. Detailed analysis of their optical properties, however, indicates that only AgCuS should be of interest for PV applications, with a high theoretical efficiency. From this, we also calculate the band alignment of AgCuS against various buffer layers to aid in future device construction.

Matrix infrared spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations for the coinage-metal fluorides: comparisons of Ar-AuF, Ne-AuF, and Molecules MF2 and MF3.

PubMed

Wang, Xuefeng; Andrews, Lester; Brosi, Felix; Riedel, Sebastian

2013-01-21

The reactions of laser-ablated Au, Ag, and Cu atoms with F(2) in excess argon and neon gave new absorptions in the M-F stretching region of their IR spectra, which were assigned to metal-fluoride species. For gold, a Ng-AuF bond was identified in mixed neon/argon samples. However, this bonding was much weaker with AgF and CuF. Molecules MF(2) and MF(3) (M=Au, Ag, Cu) were identified from the isotopic distribution of the Cu and Ag atoms, comparison of the frequencies for three metal fluorides, and theoretical frequency calculations. The AuF(5) molecule was characterized by its strongest stretching mode and theoretical frequency calculations. Additional evidence was observed for the formation of the Au(2) F(6) molecule. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ultrahigh Oxidation Resistance and High Electrical Conductivity in Copper-Silver Powder

PubMed Central

Li, Jiaxiang; Li, Yunping; Wang, Zhongchang; Bian, Huakang; Hou, Yuhang; Wang, Fenglin; Xu, Guofu; Liu, Bin; Liu, Yong

2016-01-01

The electrical conductivity of pure Cu powder is typically deteriorated at elevated temperatures due to the oxidation by forming non-conducting oxides on surface, while enhancing oxidation resistance via alloying is often accompanied by a drastic decline of electrical conductivity. Obtaining Cu powder with both a high electrical conductivity and a high oxidation resistance represents one of the key challenges in developing next-generation electrical transferring powder. Here, we fabricate a Cu-Ag powder with a continuous Ag network along grain boundaries of Cu particles and demonstrate that this new structure can inhibit the preferential oxidation in grain boundaries at elevated temperatures. As a result, the Cu-Ag powder displays considerably high electrical conductivity and high oxidation resistance up to approximately 300 °C, which are markedly higher than that of pure Cu powder. This study paves a new pathway for developing novel Cu powders with much enhanced electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance in service. PMID:28004839

Retrogenic ICOS Expression Increases Differentiation of KLRG-1hiCD127loCD8+ T Cells during Listeria Infection and Diminishes Recall Responses.

PubMed

Liu, Danya; Burd, Eileen M; Coopersmith, Craig M; Ford, Mandy L

2016-02-01

Following T cell encounter with Ag, multiple signals are integrated to collectively induce distinct differentiation programs within Ag-specific CD8(+) T cell populations. Several factors contribute to these cell fate decisions, including the amount and duration of Ag, exposure to inflammatory cytokines, and degree of ligation of cosignaling molecules. The ICOS is not expressed on resting T cells but is rapidly upregulated upon encounter with Ag. However, the impact of ICOS signaling on programmed differentiation is not well understood. In this study, we therefore sought to determine the role of ICOS signaling on CD8(+) T cell programmed differentiation. Through the creation of novel ICOS retrogenic Ag-specific TCR-transgenic CD8(+) T cells, we interrogated the phenotype, functionality, and recall potential of CD8(+) T cells that receive early and sustained ICOS signaling during Ag exposure. Our results reveal that these ICOS signals critically impacted cell fate decisions of Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells, resulting in increased frequencies of KLRG-1(hi)CD127(lo) cells, altered BLIMP-1, T-bet, and eomesodermin expression, and increased cytolytic capacity as compared with empty vector controls. Interestingly, however, ICOS retrogenic CD8(+) T cells also preferentially homed to nonlymphoid organs and exhibited reduced multicytokine functionality and reduced ability to mount secondary recall responses upon challenge in vivo. In sum, our results suggest that an altered differentiation program is induced following early and sustained ICOS expression, resulting in the generation of more cytolyticly potent, terminally differentiated effectors that possess limited capacity for recall response. Copyright © 2016 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

CD4 Cell Count Threshold for Cryptococcal Antigen Screening of HIV-Infected Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Ford, Nathan; Shubber, Zara; Jarvis, Joseph N; Chiller, Tom; Greene, Greg; Migone, Chantal; Vitoria, Marco; Doherty, Meg; Meintjes, Graeme

2018-03-04

Current guidelines recommend screening all people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) who have a CD4 count ≤100 cells/µL for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) to identify those patients who could benefit from preemptive fluconazole treatment prior to the onset of meningitis. We conducted a systematic review to assess the prevalence of CrAg positivity at different CD4 cell counts. We searched 4 databases and abstracts from 3 conferences up to 1 September 2017 for studies reporting prevalence of CrAg positivity according to CD4 cell count strata. Prevalence estimates were pooled using random effects models. Sixty studies met our inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was 6.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7%-7.3%; 54 studies) among patients with CD4 count ≤100 cells/µL and 2.0% (95% CI, 1.2%-2.7%; 21 studies) among patients with CD4 count 101-200 cells/µL. Twenty-one studies provided sufficient information to compare CrAg prevalence per strata; overall, 18.6% (95% CI, 15.4%-22.2%) of the CrAg-positive cases identified at ≤200 cells/µL (n = 11823) were identified among individuals with a CD4 count 101-200 cells/µL. CrAg prevalence was higher among inpatients (9.8% [95% CI, 4.0%-15.5%]) compared with outpatients (6.3% [95% CI, 5.3%-7.4%]). The findings of this review support current recommendations to screen all PLHIV who have a CD4 count ≤100 cells/µL for CrAg and suggest that screening may be considered at CD4 cell count ≤200 cells/µL.

First-principles study of roles of Cu and Cl in polycrystalline CdTe

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Ji -Hui; Yin, Wan -Jian; Park, Ji -Sang

2016-01-25

In this study, Cu and Cl treatments are important processes to achieve high efficiency polycrystalline cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells, thus it will be beneficial to understand the roles they play in both bulk CdTe and CdTe grain boundaries (GBs). Using first-principles calculations, we systematically study Cu and Cl-related defects in bulk CdTe. We find that Cl has only a limited effect on improving p-type doping and too much Cl can induce deep traps in bulk CdTe, whereas Cu can enhance ptype doping of bulk CdTe. In the presence of GBs, we find that, in general, Cl and Cu willmore » prefer to stay at GBs, especially for those with Te-Te wrong bonds, in agreement with experimental observations.« less

The Influence of Processing on Strengthening Mechanisms in Pb-Free Solder Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mutuku, Francis; Arfaei, Babak; Cotts, Eric J.

2017-04-01

The number, and the spacing, of Ag3Sn precipitates in Sn-Ag-Cu/Cu solder joints were related to separate processing parameters. The mechanical properties of an individual solder joint were directly related to the resulting distribution of different dispersoids in the joint. As the number of Ag3Sn precipitates increased, so did solder joint strength and shear fatigue lifetime. The room-temperature shear fatigue lifetime was inversely correlated with the separation between Ag3Sn precipitates. Bi and Sb solid solution strengthening was found to result in significantly larger values of shear strength and shear fatigue lifetime for one Pb-free solder. Room-temperature shear fatigue lifetime tests were identified as a relatively straightforward, yet sensitive means to gain insight into the reliability of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solder joints.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel/Brass Joints Brazed by Sn-Electroplated Ag Brazing Filler Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xingxing; Peng, Jin; Cui, Datian

2018-05-01

To develop a high-Sn-content AgCuZnSn brazing filler metal, the BAg50CuZn was used as the base filler metal and a Sn layer was electroplated upon it. Then, the 304 stainless steel and the H62 brass were induction-brazed with the Sn-plated brazing filler metals. The microstructures of the joints were examined with an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope and an x-ray diffractometer. The corresponding mechanical properties were obtained with a universal tensile testing machine. The results indicated that the induction brazed joints consisted of the Ag phase, the Cu phase and the CuZn phase. When the content of Sn in the Sn-plated Ag brazing filler metal was 6.0 or 7.2 wt.%, the Cu5Zn8, the Cu41Sn11 and the Ag3Sn phases appeared in the brazed joint. The tensile strength of the joints brazed with the Sn-plated filler metal was higher compared to the joints with the base filler metal. When the content of Sn was 6.0 wt.%, the highest tensile strength of the joint reached to 395 MPa. The joint fractures presented a brittle mode, mixed with a low amount of ductile fracture, when the content of Sn exceeded 6.0 wt.%.

Tailoring Morphology and Size of Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Sn-5.5 wt.%Sb-1 wt.%(Cu,Ag) Solder Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dias, Marcelino; Costa, Thiago A.; Soares, Thiago; Silva, Bismarck L.; Cheung, Noé; Spinelli, José E.; Garcia, Amauri

2018-02-01

Transient directional solidification experiments, and further optical and scanning electron microscopy analyses and tensile tests, allowed the dependence of tensile properties on the micromorphology and length scale of the dendritic/cellular matrix of ternary Sn-5.5Sb-1Ag and Sn-5.5Sb-1Cu alloys to be determined. Extensive ranges of cooling rates were obtained, which permitted specific values of cooling rate for each sample examined along the length of the casting to be attributed. Very broad microstructural length scales were revealed as well as the presence of either cells or dendrites for the Ag-containing alloy. Hereafter, microstructural spacing values such as the cellular spacing, λ c, and the primary dendritic spacing, λ 1, may be correlated with thermal solidification parameters, that is, the cooling rate and the growth rate. While, for the Cu-containing Sn-Sb alloy, the β-Sn matrix is characterized only by the presence of dendritic arrangements, the Ag-containing Sn-Sb alloy is shown to have high-velocity β-Sn cells associated with high cooling rate regions, i.e., positions closer to the bottom of the alloy casting, with the remaining positions being characterized by a complex growth of β-Sn dendrites. Minor additions of Cu and Ag increase both the yield and ultimate tensile strengths when compared with the corresponding values of the binary Sn-5.5Sb alloy, with a small reduction in ductility. This has been attributed to the homogeneous distribution of the Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5 intermetallic particles related to smaller λ 1 characterizing the dendritic zones of the ternary Sn-Sb-(Cu,Ag) alloys. In addition, the Ag-modified Sn-Sb alloy exhibited an initial wetting angle consistent with that characterizing the binary Sn-5.5Sb alloy.

The intermetallic formation and growth kinetics at the interface of near eutectic tin-silver-copper solder alloys and gold/nickel metallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Mao

The formation of a one micron thick layer of an intermetallic compound between a solder alloy and a metallic substrate generally constitutes a good solder joint in an electronic device. However, if the compound grows too thick, and/or if multiple intermetallic compounds form, poor solder joint reliability may result. Thus significant interest has been focused on intermetallic compound phase selection and growth kinetics at such solder/metal interfaces. The present study focuses on one such specific problem, the formation and growth of intermetallic compounds at near eutectic Sn-Ag-Cu solder alloy/Ni interfaces. Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder was reflowed on Au/Ni substrates, resulting in the initial formation and growth of (CuNi)6Sn 5 at Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu /Ni interfaces. (NiCu)3Sn4 formed between the (CuNi)6Sn5 and the Ni substrate when the concentration of Cu in the liquid SnAgCu solder decreased to a critical value which depended upon temperature: 0.37, 0.31 and 0.3(wt.%) at reflow temperatures of 260°C, 245°C and 230°C respectively. The growth rate of (CuNi)6Sn5 was found to be consistent with extrapolations of a diffusion limited growth model formulated for lower temperature, solid state diffusion couples. The long range diffusion of Cu did not limit growth rates. The spalling of (CuNiAu)6Sn5 from (NiCu)3 Sn4 surfaces during reflow was also examined. When the Cu concentration in the solder decreased to approximately 0.28wt.%, the (Cu,Ni,Au) 6Sn5 was observed to spall. Compressive stress in (CuNiAu) 6Sn5 and weak adhesion between (CuNiAu)6Sn 5 and (NiCu)3Sn4 was found to cause this effect.

A Study on the Physical Properties and Interfacial Reactions with Cu Substrate of Rapidly Solidified Sn-3.5Ag Lead-Free Solder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Hai-Tao; Wang, Jie; Qu, Lin; Zhao, Ning; Kunwar, A.

2013-08-01

A rapidly solidified Sn-3.5Ag eutectic alloy produced by the melt-spinning technique was used as a sample in this research to investigate the microstructure, thermal properties, solder wettability, and inhibitory effect of Ag3Sn on Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound (IMC). In addition, an as-cast Sn-3.5Ag solder was prepared as a reference. Rapidly solidified and as-cast Sn-3.5Ag alloys of the same size were soldered at 250°C for 1 s to observe their instant melting characteristics and for 3 s with different cooling methods to study the inhibitory effect of Ag3Sn on Cu6Sn5 IMC. Experimental techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and energy-dispersive spectrometry were used to observe and analyze the results of the study. It was found that rapidly solidified Sn-3.5Ag solder has more uniform microstructure, better wettability, and higher melting rate as compared with the as-cast material; Ag3Sn nanoparticles that formed in the rapidly solidified Sn-3.5Ag solder inhibited the growth of Cu6Sn5 IMC during aging significantly much strongly than in the as-cast material because their number in the rapidly solidified Sn-3.5Ag solder was greater than in the as-cast material with the same soldering process before aging. Among the various alternative lead-free solders, this study focused on comparison between rapidly solidified and as-cast solder alloys, with the former being observed to have better properties.

Facile preparation of dendritic Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures on the surface of Cu foil for application as a SERS-substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Zao; Tan, Xiulan; Niu, Gao; Xu, Xibin; Li, Xibo; Ye, Xin; Luo, Jiangshan; Luo, Binchi; Wu, Weidong; Tang, Yongjian; Yi, Yougen

2012-05-01

Dendritic Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures have been synthesized on the surface of Cu foil via a multi-stage galvanic replacement reaction (MGRR) of Ag dendrites in a Na2PdCl4 solution. After five stages of replacement reaction, one obtained structures with protruding Ag-Pd flakes; these will mature into many porous structures with a few Ag atoms that are left over dendrites. The dendritic Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology of the products strongly depended on the stage of galvanic replacement reaction and reaction temperature. The morphology and composition-dependent surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of the as-synthesized Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures were investigated. The effectiveness of these dendritic Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures on the surface of Cu foil as substrates toward SERS detection was evaluated by using rhodamine 6G (R6G) as a probe molecule. The results indicate that as-synthesized dendritic Ag-Pd bimetallic nanostructures are good candidates for SERS spectroscopy.

Exposure of women to trace elements through the skin by direct contact with underwear clothing.

PubMed

Nguyen, Thao; Saleh, Mahmoud A

2017-01-02

Heavy metals pose a potential danger to human health when present in textile materials. In the present study, inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) was used to determine the concentrations and the identity of extractable inorganic elements from different brands of women undergarments. A total of 120 samples consisting of 63 cottons, 44 nylons and 13 polyesters manufactured in 14 different countries having different colors were analyzed for their extractable metals contents. Elements analyzed were Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Ti, V and Zn. Cotton undergarments were rich in Al, Fe and Zn, nylon undergarments had high levels of Cr, Cu and Al, while polyester fabrics contained higher levels of Ni and Fe compared to cotton or nylon. With respect to manufacturing countries, China, Egypt and India showed the highest concentrations of metals in all fabrics. With respect to the color, black garments were characteristic by high concentration of Fe, blue colors with Cu, brown garments with Fe and Cu, green garments with Cu and Fe, pink garments with Al, purple garments with Al and Cu and red garments with Cr, Zn and Al. The consumer should be made aware of the potential dangers of these metals in their clothing.

Mechanical Deformation Behavior of Sn-Ag-Cu Solders with Minor Addition of 0.05 wt.% Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammad, A. E.; El-Taher, A. M.

2014-11-01

The aim of the present work is to develop a comparative evaluation of the microstructural and mechanical deformation behavior of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solders with the minor addition of 0.05 wt.% Ni. Test results showed that, by adding 0.05Ni element into SAC solders, generated mainly small rod-shaped (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 intermetallic compounds (IMCs) inside the β-Sn phase. Moreover, increasing the Ag content and adding Ni could result in the change of the shape and size of the IMC precipitate. Hence, a significant improvement is observed in the mechanical properties of SAC solders with increasing Ag content and Ni addition. On the other hand, the tensile results of Ni-doped SAC solders showed that both the yield stress and ultimate tensile strengths decrease with increasing temperature and with decreasing strain rate. This behavior was attributed to the competing effects of work hardening and dynamic recovery processes. The Sn-2.0Ag-0.5Cu-0.05Ni solder displayed the highest mechanical properties due to the formation of hard (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 IMCs. Based on the obtained stress exponents and activation energies, it is suggested that the dominant deformation mechanism in SAC (205)-, SAC (0505)- and SAC (0505)-0.05Ni solders is pipe diffusion, and lattice self-diffusion in SAC (205)-0.05Ni solder. In view of these results, the Sn-2.0Ag-0.5Cu-0.05Ni alloy is a more reliable solder alloy with improved properties compared with other solder alloys tested in the present work.

Cu2O Photocathode for Low Bias Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Enabled by NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxide Co-Catalyst

PubMed Central

Qi, Huan; Wolfe, Jonathan; Fichou, Denis; Chen, Zhong

2016-01-01

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are bimetallic hydroxides that currently attract considerable attention as co-catalysts in photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems in view of water splitting under solar light. A wide spectrum of LDHs can be easily prepared on demand by tuning their chemical composition and structural morphology. We describe here the electrochemical growth of NiFe-LDH overlayers on Cu2O electrodes and study their PEC behavior. By using the modified Cu2O/NiFe-LDH electrodes we observe a remarkable seven-fold increase of the photocurrent intensity under an applied voltage as low as −0.2 V vs Ag/AgCl. The origin of such a pronounced effect is the improved electron transfer towards the electrolyte brought by the NiFe-LDH overlayer due to an appropriate energy level alignment. Long-term photostability tests reveal that Cu2O/NiFe-LDH photocathodes show no photocurrent loss after 40 hours of operation under light at −0.2 V vs Ag/AgCl low bias condition. These improved performances make Cu2O/NiFe-LDH a suitable photocathode material for low voltage H2 production. Indeed, after 8 hours of H2 production under −0.2 V vs Ag/AgCl the PEC cell delivers a 78% faradaic efficiency. This unprecedented use of Cu2O/NiFe-LDH as an efficient photocathode opens new perspectives in view of low biasd or self-biased PEC water splitting under sunlight illumination. PMID:27487918

Is vetiver grass of interest for the remediation of Cu and Cd to protect marketing gardens in Burkina Faso?

PubMed

Ondo Zue Abaga, Norbert; Dousset, Sylvie; Mbengue, Saliou; Munier-Lamy, Colette

2014-10-01

In Burkina-Faso, urban vegetable agriculture is often characterized by urban solid waste fertilizer inputs containing heavy metals such as Cu and Cd. Thus, the relevance of surrounding urban vegetable plots with vetiver hedges to reduce environmental pollution by Cu and Cd was investigated by adsorption studies and pot experiments. Vetiver biomass, its metal contents and, its total and MgCl2 extractable soil metals were monitored over 6months in the presence of a mixture of metal at two concentrations: 2-10 and 100-500mgkg(-1), for Cd and Cu, respectively. The Freundlich adsorption coefficient (Kf) values increased after vetiver growth and were significantly higher for vertisol than for lixisol. After 6months, the vetiver that was grown on lixisol accumulated more metal, increasing up to 4635mgkg(-1) for Cu and to 21.8mgkg(-1) for Cd, than did the vetiver that was grown on vertisol, increasing up to 1534mgkg(-1) for Cu and to 7.2mgkg(-1) for Cd. The metal bioconcentration factor, which was significantly higher for Cd, increased with the applied concentration and ranged from 1.6 to 14 for Cu and from 2.3 to 22 for Cd. Additionally, the translocation factors were higher for Cd (0.38-7.3) than for Cu (0.07-2.6), and the translocation was easiest from lixisol than from vertisol. Thus our results demonstrate the ability of vetiver for Cu and Cd phytoremediation in Burkina Faso soils. Nevertheless, these results should be confirmed across the field to advocate the establishment of vetiver hedges. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization and modeling of microstructural evolution of near-eutectic tin-silver-copper solder joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zbrzezny, Adam R.

Near-eutectic Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solders are currently considered as major lead-free replacement candidates for Sn-Pb eutectic alloys in microelectronics applications. In this thesis, the microstructural thermal stability including recrystallization, grain growth behavior, Pb and Au contamination effects and interaction of the SAC solder with Cu and Ni substrates were investigated. The true eutectic composition of the Sn-Ag-Cu alloy was verified to be Sn3.5Ag0.9Cu wt.%, and the eutectic melting temperature was determined to be 217.4 +/- 0.8°C. The system was classified as belonging to faceting (Cu6Sn5)-faceting (Ag3Sn)-nonfaceting (Sn matrix) ternary eutectic. The most significant consequence of Pb contamination was the formation of a quaternary eutectic phase (Sn-Ag-Cu-Pb) with a melting point at 176°C. Similarly, the presence of gold in the SAC alloy led to a development of a new quaternary phase (Sn-Ag-Cu-Au) melting at 204°C. Prolonged aging of SAC-4 wt.% Au on nickel resulted in the deposition of a new, previously unreported, intermetallic (IMC) layer, ((Au1-xCUx)6Sn 5, 15 wt.% of Au) on top of the existing (Cu1-yNi y)6Sn5 layer. The interfacial products that formed during soldering to copper were Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn. Soldering to nickel resulted in the formation of one layer, (Cu1-yNiy) 6Sn5, which was different from the expected Ni3Sn 4 layer. A small copper content in the SAC solder (0.7 wt.%) was sufficient to promote this thermodynamic shift. Intermetallic growth on Cu during solid state aging was established to be bulk diffusion controlled. The IMC layers in the SAC system grew at a slower rate than in the Sn-Pb system. It was found that the reliability of SAC solder joints on copper was considerably better than on nickel due to copper enrichment during reflow and subsequent Cu6Sn5 intermetallic precipitation. Enhanced copper and silver diffusion followed by tin recrystallization and grain growth, cavity nucleation and subsequent micro-crack linkage formed the framework of a proposed microstructural model of solder degradation mechanisms under cyclic creep conditions. A multilayer diffusion model of the SAC/Cu couple was proposed and employed for predicting intermetallic layer growth kinetics. In general, the calculated IMC thicknesses for short and intermediate aging times were in reasonable agreement with the experimental data.

In situ imaging of microstructure formation in electronic interconnections

PubMed Central

Salleh, M. A. A. Mohd; Gourlay, C. M.; Xian, J. W.; Belyakov, S. A.; Yasuda, H.; McDonald, S. D.; Nogita, K.

2017-01-01

The development of microstructure during melting, reactive wetting and solidification of solder pastes on Cu-plated printed circuit boards has been studied by synchrotron radiography. Using Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu/Cu and Sn-0.7Cu/Cu as examples, we show that the interfacial Cu6Sn5 layer is present within 0.05 s of wetting, and explore the kinetics of flux void formation at the interface between the liquid and the Cu6Sn5 layer. Quantification of the nucleation locations and anisotropic growth kinetics of primary Cu6Sn5 crystals reveals a competition between the nucleation of Cu6Sn5 in the liquid versus growth of Cu6Sn5 from the existing Cu6Sn5 layer. Direct imaging confirms that the β-Sn nucleates at/near the Cu6Sn5 layer in Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu/Cu joints. PMID:28079120

Highly reflective Ag-Cu alloy-based ohmic contact on p-type GaN using Ru overlayer.

PubMed

Son, Jun Ho; Jung, Gwan Ho; Lee, Jong-Lam

2008-12-15

We report on a metallization scheme of high reflectance, low resistance, and smooth surface morphology ohmic contact on p-type GaN. Ag-Cu alloy/Ru contact showed low contact resistivity as low as 6.2 x 10(-6) Ohms cm(2) and high reflectance of 91% at 460 nm after annealing at 400 degrees C in air ambient. The oxidation annealing promoted the out-diffusion of Ga atoms to dissolve in an Ag-Cu layer with the formation of an Ag-Ga solid solution, lowering the contact resistivity. The Ru overlayer acts as a diffusion barrier for excessive oxygen incorporation during oxidation annealing, resulting in high reflectance, good thermal stability, and smooth surface quality of the contact.

Electromigration effect upon the Sn-0.7 wt% Cu/Ni and Sn-3.5 wt% Ag/Ni interfacial reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chih-ming; Chen, Sinn-wen

2001-08-01

This study investigates the effect of electromigration upon the interfacial reactions between the promising lead-free solders, Sn-Cu and Sn-Ag, with Ni substrate. Sandwich-type reaction couples, Sn-0.7 wt% Cu/Ni/Sn-0.7 wt% Cu and Sn-3.5 wt% Ag/Ni/Sn-3.5 wt% Ag, were reacted at 160, 180, and 200 °C for various lengths of time with and without the passage of electric currents. Without passage of electric currents through the couples, only one intermetallic compound Ni3Sn4 with ˜7 at. % Cu solubility was found at both interfaces of the Sn-0.7 wt% Cu/Ni couples. With the passage of an electric current of 500 A/cm2 density, the Cu6Sn5 phase was formed at the solder/Ni interface besides the Ni3Sn4 phase. Similar to those without the passage of electric currents, only the Ni3Sn4 phase was found at the Ni/solder interface. Directions of movement of electrons, Sn, and Cu atoms are the same at the solder/Ni interface, and the growth rates of the intermetallic layers were enhanced. At the Ni/solder interface, the electrons flow in the opposite direction of the Sn and Cu movement, and the growth rates of the intermetallic layers were retarded. Only the Ni3Sn4 phase was formed from the Sn-3.5 wt% Ag/Ni interfacial reaction with and without the passage of electric currents. Similar to the Sn-0.7 wt% Cu/Ni system, the movement of electrons enhances or retards the growth rates of the intermetallic layers at the solder/Ni and Ni/solder interfaces, respectively. Calculation results show the apparent effective charge za* decreases in magnitude with raising temperatures, which indicates the electromigration effect becomes insignificant at higher temperatures.

Pentavalent and tetravalent uranium selenides, Tl3Cu4USe6 and Tl2Ag2USe4: syntheses, characterization, and structural comparison to other layered actinide chalcogenide compounds.

PubMed

Bugaris, Daniel E; Choi, Eun Sang; Copping, Roy; Glans, Per-Anders; Minasian, Stefan G; Tyliszczak, Tolek; Kozimor, Stosh A; Shuh, David K; Ibers, James A

2011-07-18

The compounds Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) and Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4) were synthesized by the reaction of the elements in excess TlCl at 1123 K. Both compounds crystallize in new structure types, in space groups P2(1)/c and C2/m, respectively, of the monoclinic system. Each compound contains layers of USe(6) octahedra and MSe(4) (M = Cu, Ag) tetrahedra, separated by Tl(+) cations. The packing of the octahedra and the tetrahedra within the layers is compared to the packing arrangements found in other layered actinide chalcogenides. Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) displays peaks in its magnetic susceptibility at 5 and 70 K. It exhibits modified Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with an effective magnetic moment of 1.58(1) μ(B) in the temperature range 72-300 K, whereas Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4) exhibits modified Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with μ(eff) = 3.4(1) μ(B) in the temperature range 100-300 K. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) results from scanning transmission X-ray spectromicroscopy confirm that Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) has Se bonding characteristic of discrete Se(2-) units, Cu bonding generally representative of Cu(+), and U bonding consistent with a U(4+) or U(5+) species. On the basis of these measurements, as well as bonding arguments, the formal oxidation states for U may be assigned as +5 in Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) and +4 in Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4).

Heavy metal concentration in mangrove surface sediments from the north-west coast of South America.

PubMed

Fernández-Cadena, J C; Andrade, S; Silva-Coello, C L; De la Iglesia, R

2014-05-15

Mangrove ecosystems are coastal estuarine systems confined to the tropical and subtropical regions. The Estero Salado mangrove located in Guayaquil, Ecuador, has suffered constant disturbances during the past 20 years, due to industrial wastewater release. However, there are no published data for heavy metals present in its sediments and the relationship with anthropogenic disturbance. In the present study, metal concentrations were evaluated in surface sediment samples of the mangrove, showing that B, Cd, Cu, Pb, Se, V, and Zn levels exceeded those declared in international environmental quality standards. Moreover, several metals (Pb, Sn, Cd, Ag, Mo, Zn and Ni) could be linked to the industrial wastewater present in the studied area. In addition, heavy metal levels detected in this mangrove are higher than previous reports on mangrove sediments worldwide, indicating that this mangrove ecosystem is one of the most disrupted on earth. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of polymer-stabilized monometallic Cu and bimetallic Cu/Ag nanoparticles and their surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Danhui; Liu, Xiaoheng

2013-03-01

The present study demonstrates a facile process for the production of spherical-shaped Cu and Ag nanoparticles synthesized and stabilized by hydrazine and gelatin, respectively. Advantages of the synthetic method include its production of water dispersible copper and copper/silver nanoparticles at room temperature under no inert atmosphere. The resulting nanoparticles (copper or copper/silver) are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nanometallic dispersions were characterized by surface plasmon absorbance measuring at 420 and 572 nm for Ag and Cu nanoparticles, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of nanoparticles in the range of ˜10 nm (silver), and ˜30 nm (copper). The results also demonstrate that the reducing order of Cu2+/Ag+ is important for the formation of the bimetallic nanoparticles. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering effects of copper and copper/silver nanoparticles were also displayed. It was found that the enhancement ability of copper/silver nanoparticles was little higher than the copper nanoparticles.

Green synthesis of silver and copper nanoparticles using ascorbic acid and chitosan for antimicrobial applications.

PubMed

Zain, N Mat; Stapley, A G F; Shama, G

2014-11-04

Silver and copper nanoparticles were produced by chemical reduction of their respective nitrates by ascorbic acid in the presence of chitosan using microwave heating. Particle size was shown to increase by increasing the concentration of nitrate and reducing the chitosan concentration. Surface zeta potentials were positive for all nanoparticles produced and these varied from 27.8 to 33.8 mV. Antibacterial activities of Ag, Cu, mixtures of Ag and Cu, and Ag/Cu bimetallic nanoparticles were tested using Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Of the two, B. subtilis proved more susceptible under all conditions investigated. Silver nanoparticles displayed higher activity than copper nanoparticles and mixtures of nanoparticles of the same mean particle size. However when compared on an equal concentration basis Cu nanoparticles proved more lethal to the bacteria due to a higher surface area. The highest antibacterial activity was obtained with bimetallic Ag/Cu nanoparticles with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.054 and 0.076 mg/L against B. subtilis and E. coli, respectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructures of Pd-containing dispersants for admixed dental amalgams.

PubMed

Chern Lin, J H; Greener, E H

1991-10-01

Blended Pd-containing dispersants were developed by the utilization of a Ag-Cu eutectic into which Pd was substituted for Ag or Cu in concentrations of up to 20 wt%. Compositions were melted either in argon-filled sealed vycor tubes or in a graphite-linked carbon crucible of an induction furnace with an argon blanket. Ingots of approximately 1.5 cm in diameter were sectioned to 0.2 cm in thickness and polished through standard metallographic polishing procedures. The possible compounds were identified by XRD. The microstructures of the alloys were examined by SEM/EDS. XRD analysis of the alloys revealed the preferential dissolution of Pd in Cu when the Pd concentration was less than or equal to 10 wt%. When the Pd concentration exceeded 20 wt%, Pd was found to be dissolved in both Ag and Pd. No Cu3Pd x-ray diffraction peaks were found for alloys with Pd concentration of up to 20 wt%. SEM/EDS analysis confirmed XRD results; lamellae of Ag and Cu-Pd were found in alloys with Pd concentration less than or equal to 10 wt%.

Cation hydrolysis and the regulation of trace metal composition in seawater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, M. Dileep

1987-08-01

Thermodynamic calculations have been performed for cation hydrolysis, including temperatures from 2°C to the high values of significance near Mid-Oceanic Ridge Systems (MORS). Eighteen elements with wide range of residence times ( t) in seawater (Mn, Th, Al, Bi, Ce, Co, Cr(III), Fe, Nd, Pb, Sc, Sm, Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni and Zn) have been considered. A model for the regulation of trace metal composition in seawater by cation hydrolytic processes, including those at MORS, is presented. Results show an increase in the abundance of neutral metal hydroxyl species with increase in temperature. During hydrothermal mixing, as the temperature increases, transformation from lower positive hydroxyl complexes to higher or neutral complexes would occur for Cd, Ce, Co, Cr(III), Cu, Mn, Nd, Ni, Pb, Sm and Zn. pH values for adsorption of the metal ion onto solid surfaces have direct relation with pH values of hydrolysis. Co, Mn and Pb could be oxidized to higher states (at Mn-oxide surfaces) that would occur even at MORS. Ce can also be oxidized at 25°C. Solubility calculations show that Al, Bi, Cr(III), Sc, Fe and Th are saturated while Ce, Nd and Sm are not with respect to their oxyhydroxide solids at their concentrations in seawater at 25°C. Cu, Hg, Ni and Zn reach saturation equilibrium at 250°C, whereas Co, Mn and Pb exhibit unsaturation. The results suggest an increase in scavenging capacity of a cation with rise in temperature.

Controlling electron beam-induced structure modifications and cation exchange in cadmium sulfide-copper sulfide heterostructured nanorods.

PubMed

Zheng, Haimei; Sadtler, Bryce; Habenicht, Carsten; Freitag, Bert; Alivisatos, A Paul; Kisielowski, Christian

2013-11-01

The atomic structure and interfaces of CdS/Cu2S heterostructured nanorods are investigated with the aberration-corrected TEAM 0.5 electron microscope operated at 80 kV and 300 kV applying in-line holography and complementary techniques. Cu2S exhibits a low-chalcocite structure in pristine CdS/Cu2S nanorods. Under electron beam irradiation the Cu2S phase transforms into a high-chalcocite phase while the CdS phase maintains its wurtzite structure. Time-resolved experiments reveal that Cu(+)-Cd(2+) cation exchange at the CdS/Cu2S interfaces is stimulated by the electron beam and proceeds within an undisturbed and coherent sulfur sub-lattice. A variation of the electron beam current provides an efficient way to control and exploit such irreversible solid-state chemical processes that provide unique information about system dynamics at the atomic scale. Specifically, we show that the electron beam-induced copper-cadmium exchange is site specific and anisotropic. A resulting displacement of the CdS/Cu2S interfaces caused by beam-induced cation interdiffusion equals within a factor of 3-10 previously reported Cu diffusion length measurements in heterostructured CdS/Cu2S thin film solar cells with an activation energy of 0.96 eV. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical trend of superconducting transition temperature in hole-doped delafossite of CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakanishi, Akitaka; Katayama-Yoshida, Hiroshi

2012-12-01

We have performed the first-principles calculations about the superconducting transition temperature Tc of hole-doped delafossite CuAlO2, AgAlO2 and AuAlO2. Calculated Tc are about 50 K (CuAlO2), 40 K (AgAlO2) and 3 K(AuAlO2) at maximum in the optimum hole-doping concentration. The low Tc of AuAlO2 is attributed to the weak electron-phonon interaction caused by the low covalency and heavy atomic mass.

Atomic-absorption determination of rhodium in chromite concentrates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schnepfe, M.M.; Grimaldi, F.S.

1969-01-01

Rhodium is determined in chromite concentrates by atomic absorption after concentration either by co-precipitation with tellurium formed by the reduction of tellurite with tin(II) chloride or by fire assay into a gold bead. Interelement interferences in the atomic-absorption determination are removed by buffering the solutions with lanthanum sulphate (lanthanum concentration 1%). Substantial amounts of Ag, Al, Au, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ho, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Te, Ti, V, Y, Zn and platinum metals can be tolerated. A lower limit of approximately 0.07 ppm Rh can be determined in a 3-g sample. ?? 1969.

Removal of uranium from soil samples for ICP-OES analysis of RCRA metals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wero, M.; Lederer-Cano, A.; Billy, C.

1995-12-01

Soil samples containing high levels of uranium present unique analytical problems when analyzed for toxic metals (Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se and Tl) because of the spectral interference of uranium in the ICP-OES emission spectrometer. Methods to remove uranium from the digestates of soil samples, known to be high in uranium, have been developed that reduce the initial uranium concentration (1-3%) to less than 500 ppm. UTEVA ion exchange columns, used as an ICP-OES analytical pre-treatment, reduces uranium to acceptable levels, permitting good analytical results of the RCRA metals by ICP-OES.

Optimisation of flame parameters for simultaneous multi-element atomic absorption spectrometric determination of trace elements in rocks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kane, J.S.

1988-01-01

A study is described that identifies the optimum operating conditions for the accurate determination of Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Ag, Bi and Cd using simultaneous multi-element atomic absorption spectrometry. Accuracy was measured in terms of the percentage recoveries of the analytes based on certified values in nine standard reference materials. In addition to identifying optimum operating conditions for accurate analysis, conditions resulting in serious matrix interferences and the magnitude of the interferences were determined. The listed elements can be measured with acceptable accuracy in a lean to stoicheiometric flame at measurement heights ???5-10 mm above the burner.

Comparative Study of ENIG and ENEPIG as Surface Finishes for a Sn-Ag-Cu Solder Joint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Jeong-Won; Noh, Bo-In; Jung, Seung-Boo

2011-09-01

Interfacial reactions and joint reliability of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder with two different surface finishes, electroless nickel-immersion gold (ENIG) and electroless nickel-electroless palladium-immersion gold (ENEPIG), were evaluated during a reflow process. We first compared the interfacial reactions of the two solder joints and also successfully revealed a connection between the interfacial reaction behavior and mechanical reliability. The Sn-Ag-Cu/ENIG joint exhibited a higher intermetallic compound (IMC) growth rate and a higher consumption rate of the Ni(P) layer than the Sn-Ag-Cu/ENEPIG joint. The presence of the Pd layer in the ENEPIG suppressed the growth of the interfacial IMC layer and the consumption of the Ni(P) layer, resulting in the superior interfacial stability of the solder joint. The shear test results show that the ENIG joint fractured along the interface, exhibiting indications of brittle failure possibly due to the brittle IMC layer. In contrast, the failure of the ENEPIG joint only went through the bulk solder, supporting the idea that the interface is mechanically reliable. The results from this study confirm that the Sn-Ag-Cu/ENEPIG solder joint is mechanically robust and, thus, the combination is a viable option for a Pb-free package system.

Deformation response of cube-on-cube and non-coherent twin interfaces in AgCu eutectic after dynamic plastic compression

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eftink, Benjamin P.; Mara, Nathan Allan; Kingstedt, Owen T.

For this research, Split-Hopkinson pressure bar dynamic compression experiments were conducted to determine the defect/interface interaction dependence on interface type, bilayer thickness and interface orientation with respect to the loading direction in the Ag-Cu eutectic system. Specifically, the deformation microstructure in alloys with either a cube-on-cube orientation relationship with {111} Ag||{111} Cu interface habit planes or a twin orientation relationship with {more » $$\\overline{3}13$$} Ag||{$$\\overline{1}12$$} Cu interface habit planes and with bilayer thicknesses of 500 nm, 1.1 µm and 2.2 µm were probed using TEM. The deformation was carried by dislocation slip and in certain conditions, deformation twinning. The twinning response was dependent on loading orientation with respect to the interface plane, bilayer thickness, and interface type. Twinning was only observed when loading at orientations away from the growth direction and decreased in prevalence with decreasing bilayer thickness. Twinning in Cu was dependent on twinning partial dislocations being transmitted from Ag, which only occurred for cube-on-cube interfaces. Lastly, dislocation slip and deformation twin transfer across the interfaces is discussed in terms of the slip transfer conditions developed for grain boundaries in FCC alloys.« less

Deformation response of cube-on-cube and non-coherent twin interfaces in AgCu eutectic after dynamic plastic compression

DOE PAGES

Eftink, Benjamin P.; Mara, Nathan Allan; Kingstedt, Owen T.; ...

2017-12-02

For this research, Split-Hopkinson pressure bar dynamic compression experiments were conducted to determine the defect/interface interaction dependence on interface type, bilayer thickness and interface orientation with respect to the loading direction in the Ag-Cu eutectic system. Specifically, the deformation microstructure in alloys with either a cube-on-cube orientation relationship with {111} Ag||{111} Cu interface habit planes or a twin orientation relationship with {more » $$\\overline{3}13$$} Ag||{$$\\overline{1}12$$} Cu interface habit planes and with bilayer thicknesses of 500 nm, 1.1 µm and 2.2 µm were probed using TEM. The deformation was carried by dislocation slip and in certain conditions, deformation twinning. The twinning response was dependent on loading orientation with respect to the interface plane, bilayer thickness, and interface type. Twinning was only observed when loading at orientations away from the growth direction and decreased in prevalence with decreasing bilayer thickness. Twinning in Cu was dependent on twinning partial dislocations being transmitted from Ag, which only occurred for cube-on-cube interfaces. Lastly, dislocation slip and deformation twin transfer across the interfaces is discussed in terms of the slip transfer conditions developed for grain boundaries in FCC alloys.« less

Molecular oxygen adsorption and dissociation on Au12M clusters with M = Cu, Ag or Ir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez-Díaz, Laura M.; Pérez, Luis A.

2018-03-01

In this work, we present a density functional theory study of the structural and electronic properties of isolated neutral clusters of the type Au12M, with M = Cu, Ag, or Ir. On the other hand, there is experimental evidence that gold-silver, gold-copper and gold-iridium nanoparticles have an enhanced catalytic activity for the CO oxidation reaction. In order to address these phenomena, we also performed density functional calculations of the adsorption and dissociation of O2 on these nanoparticles. Moreover, to understand the effects of Cu, Ag, and Ir impurity atoms on the dissociation of O2, we also analyze this reaction in the corresponding pure gold cluster. The results indicate that the substitution of one gold atom in a Au13 cluster by Ag, Cu or Ir diminishes the activation energy barrier for the O2 dissociation by nearly 1 eV. This energy barrier is similar for Au12Ag and Au12Cu, whereas for Au12Ir is even lower. These results suggest that the addition of other transition metal atoms to gold nanoclusters can enhance their catalytic activity towards the CO oxidation reaction, independently of the effect that the substrate could have on supported nanoclusters.

Inhibition of growth of S. epidermidis by hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanoplates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abinaya, C.; Mayandi, J.; Osborne, J.; Frost, M.; Ekstrum, C.; Pearce, J. M.

2017-07-01

The antibacterial effect of zinc oxide (ZnO#1) as prepared and annealed (ZnO#2) at 400 °C, Cu doped ZnO (CuZnO), and Ag doped ZnO (AgZnO) nanoplates on Staphylococcus epidermidis was investigated for the inhibition and inactivation of cell growth. The results shows that pure ZnO and doped ZnO samples exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) as compared to tryptic soy broth (TSB). Also it is observed that S. epidermidis was extremely sensitive to treatment with ZnO nanoplates and it is clear that the effect is not purely depend on Cu/Ag. Phase identification of a crystalline material and unit cell dimensions were studied by x-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides information on sample’s surface topography and the EDX confirms the presence of Zn, O, Cu and Ag. X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the elemental composition and electronic state of the elements that exist within the samples. These studies confirms the formation of nanoplates and the presence of Zn, O, Ag, Cu with the oxidation states  +2, -2, 0 and  +2 respectively. These results indicates promising antibacterial applications of these ZnO-based nanoparticles synthesized with low-cost hydrothermal methods.

Influence of Cu, Au and Ag on structural and surface properties of bioactive coatings based on titanium.

PubMed

Wojcieszak, D; Mazur, M; Kalisz, M; Grobelny, M

2017-02-01

In this work influence of copper, silver and gold additives on structural and surface properties of biologically active thin films based on titanium have been described. Coatings were prepared by magnetron sputtering method. During each process metallic discs (targets) - Ti and the additive (Cu, Ag or Au) were co-sputtered in argon atmosphere. Structural investigation of as-deposited coatings was performed with the aid of XRD and SEM/EDS method. It was found that all prepared thin films were homogenous. Addition of Cu, Ag and Au resulted in nanocrystalline structure. Moreover, influence of these additives on hardness and antibacterial activity of titanium coatings was also studied. Ti-Cu, Ti-Ag and Ti-Au films had lower hardness as-compared to Ti. According to AAS results the difference of their activity was related to the ion migration process. It was found that Ti-Ag and Ti-Au coatings had biocidal effect related to direct contact of their surface with microorganisms. In the case of Ti-Cu antimicrobial activity had direct and indirect nature due to efficient ion migration process from the film surface to the surrounding environment. Functional features of coatings such as wettability and corrosion resistance were also examined and included in the comprehensive analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A dislocation density based micromechanical constitutive model for Sn-Ag-Cu solder alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lu; Yao, Yao; Zeng, Tao; Keer, Leon M.

2017-10-01

Based on the dislocation density hardening law, a micromechanical model considering the effects of precipitates is developed for Sn-Ag-Cu solder alloys. According to the microstructure of the Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu thin films, intermetallic compounds (IMCs) are assumed as sphere particles embedded in the polycrystalline β-Sn matrix. The mechanical behavior of polycrystalline β-Sn matrix is determined by the elastic-plastic self-consistent method. The existence of IMCs not only impedes the motion of dislocations but also increases the overall stiffness. Thus, a dislocation density based hardening law considering non-shearable precipitates is adopted locally for single β-Sn crystal, and the Mori-Tanaka scheme is applied to describe the overall viscoplastic behavior of solder alloys. The proposed model is incorporated into finite element analysis and the corresponding numerical implementation method is presented. The model can describe the mechanical behavior of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu and Sn-1.0Ag-0.5Cu alloys under high strain rates at a wide range of temperatures. Furthermore, the overall Young’s modulus changes due to different contents of IMCs is predicted and compared with experimental data. Results show that the proposed model can describe both elastic and inelastic behavior of solder alloys with reasonable accuracy.

Cu doping concentration effect on the physical properties of CdS thin films obtained by the CBD technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albor Aguilera, M. L.; Flores Márquez, J. M.; Remolina Millan, A.; Matsumoto Kuwabara, Y.; González Trujillo, M. A.; Hernández Vásquez, C.; Aguilar Hernandez, J. R.; Hernández Pérez, M. A.; Courel-Piedrahita, M.; Madeira, H. T. Yee

2017-08-01

Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) semiconductors are direct band gap materials; when these types of material are used in solar cells, they provide efficiencies of 22.1% and 12.6%, respectively. Most traditional fabrication methods involve expensive vacuum processes including co-evaporation and sputtering techniques, where films and doping are conducted separately. On the other hand, the chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique allows an in situ process. Cu-doped CdS thin films working as a buffer layer on solar cells provide good performing devices and they may be deposited by low cost techniques such as chemical methods. In this work, Cu-doped CdS thin films were deposited using the CBD technique on SnO2:F (FTO) substrates. The elemental analysis and mapping reconstruction were conducted by EDXS. Morphological, optical and electrical properties were studied, and they revealed that Cu doping modified the CdS structure, band-gap value and the electrical properties. Cu-doped CdS films show high resistivity compared to the non-doped CdS. The appropriate parameters of Cu-doped CdS films were determined to obtain an adequate window or buffer layer on CIGS and CZTS photovoltaic solar cells.

Nondestructive Investigation of Heterojunction Interfacial Properties Using Two-Wavelength Raman Spectroscopy on Thin-Film CdS/CdTe Solar Cells.

PubMed

Zeng, Guanggen; Harrison, Paul; Kidman, Ali; Al-Mebir, Alaa; Feng, Lianghuan; Wu, Judy

2016-09-01

Raman spectra specific to CdS and CdTe were obtained on the CdS/CdTe heterojunction interface by employing two excitation wavelengths of λ1 = 488 nm and λ2 = 633 nm, respectively, from the glass side of Glass/FTO/CdS/CdTe/HgTe:Cu:graphite/Ag solar cells fabricated using pulsed-laser deposition (PLD). This two-wavelength Raman spectroscopy approach, with one wavelength selected below the absorption edge of the window layer (λ2 in this case), allows nondestructive characterization of the CdS/CdTe heterojunction and therefore correlation of the interfacial properties with the solar cell performance. In this study, the evolution of the interfacial strain relaxation during cell fabrication process was found to be affected not only by the inter-diffusion of S and Te corresponding to the formation of CdSxTe1-x ternary alloy with a various x from ∼0.01 to ∼0.067, but also by the variation in misfit dislocations (MDs) at CdS/CdTe interface from Raman TO/LO ratio ∼2.85 for as-deposited sample to TO/LO ∼4.44 for the cells post treatment. This is consistent with the change of the Urbach energy from 0.03 eV to 0.09 eV, indicative of the deterioration of crystalline quality of CdTe at interface although improved CdTe crystalline quality was observed away from the interface after the CdCl2 annealing. This difference crucially impacted on the rectification characteristics of the CdS/CdTe heterojunction and therefore the solar cell performance. © The Author(s) 2016.

SERS-Based Flavonoid Detection Using Ethylenediamine-β-Cyclodextrin as a Capturing Ligand

PubMed Central

Choi, Jae Min; Hahm, Eunil; Park, Kyeonghui; Jeong, Daham; Rho, Won-Yeop; Kim, Jaehi; Jeong, Dae Hong; Lee, Yoon-Sik; Jhang, Sung Ho; Chung, Hyun Jong; Cho, Eunae; Yu, Jae-Hyuk; Jun, Bong-Hyun; Jung, Seunho

2017-01-01

Ethylenediamine-modified β-cyclodextrin (Et-β-CD) was immobilized on aggregated silver nanoparticle (NP)-embedded silica NPs (SiO2@Ag@Et-β-CD NPs) for the effective detection of flavonoids. Silica NPs were used as the template for embedding silver NPs to create hot spots and enhance surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals. Et-β-CD was immobilized on Ag NPs to capture flavonoids via host-guest inclusion complex formation, as indicated by enhanced ultraviolet absorption spectra. The resulting SiO2@Ag@Et-β-CD NPs were used as the SERS substrate for detecting flavonoids, such as hesperetin, naringenin, quercetin, and luteolin. In particular, luteolin was detected more strongly in the linear range 10−7 to 10−3 M than various organic molecules, namely ethylene glycol, β-estradiol, isopropyl alcohol, naphthalene, and toluene. In addition, the SERS signal for luteolin captured by the SiO2@Ag@Et-β-CD NPs remained even after repeated washing. These results indicated that the SiO2@Ag@Et-β-CD NPs can be used as a rapid, sensitive, and selective sensor for flavonoids. PMID:28336842

Natural inorganic nanoparticles--formation, fate, and toxicity in the environment.

PubMed

Sharma, Virender K; Filip, Jan; Zboril, Radek; Varma, Rajender S

2015-12-07

The synthesis, stability, and toxicity of engineered metal nanoparticles (ENPs) have been extensively studied during the past two decades. In contrast, research on the formation, fate, and ecological effects of naturally-occurring nanoparticles (NNPs) has become a focus of attention only recently. The natural existence of metal nanoparticles and their oxides/sulfides in waters, wastewaters, ore deposits, mining regions, and hydrothermal vents, as exemplified by the formation of nanoparticles containing silver and gold (AgNPs and AuNPs), Fe, Mn, pyrite (FeS2), Ag2S, CuS, CdS, and ZnS, is dictated largely by environmental conditions (temperature, pH, oxic/anoxic, light, and concentration and characteristics of natural organic matter (NOM)). Examples include the formation of nanoparticles containing pyrite, Cu and Zn-containing pyrite, and iron in hydrothermal vent black smoker emissions. Metal sulfide nanoparticles can be formed directly from their precursor ions or indirectly by sulfide ion-assisted transformation of the corresponding metal oxides under anaerobic conditions. This tutorial focuses on the formation mechanisms, fate, and toxicity of natural metal nanoparticles. Natural waters containing Ag(I) and Au(III) ions in the presence of NOM generate AgNPs and AuNPs under thermal, non-thermal, and photochemical conditions. These processes are significantly accelerated by existing redox species of iron (Fe(II)/Fe(III)). NOM, metal-NOM complexes, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as O2˙(-), ˙OH, and H2O2 are largely responsible for the natural occurrence of nanoparticles. AgNPs and AuNPs emanating from Ag(I)/Au(III)-NOM reactions are stable for several months, thus indicating their potential to be transported over long distances from their point of origin. However, endogenous cations present in natural waters can destabilize the nanoparticles, with divalent cations (e.g., Ca(2+), Mg(2+)) being more influential than their monovalent equivalents (e.g., Na(+), K(+)). The toxicity of NNPs may differ from that of ENPs because of differences in the coatings on the nanoparticle surfaces. An example of this phenomenon is presented and is briefly discussed.

Influence of the Ag concentration on the medium-range order in a CuZrAlAg bulk metallic glass

DOE PAGES

Gammer, C.; Escher, B.; Ebner, C.; ...

2017-03-21

Fluctuation electron microscopy of bulk metallic glasses of CuZrAl(Ag) demonstrates that medium-range order is sensitive to minor compositional changes. Furthermore, by analyzing nanodiffraction patterns medium-range order is detected with crystal-like motifs based on the B2 CuZr structure and its distorted structures resembling the martensitic ones. This result thus demonstrates some structural homology between the metallic glass and its high temperature crystalline phase. The amount of medium-range order seems slightly affected with increasing Ag concentration (0, 2, 5 at.%) but the structural motifs of the medium-range ordered clusters become more diverse at the highest Ag concentration. The decrease of dominant clustersmore » is consistent with the destabilization of the B2 structure measured by calorimetry and accounts for the increased glass-forming ability.« less

Influence of the Ag concentration on the medium-range order in a CuZrAlAg bulk metallic glass

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gammer, C.; Escher, B.; Ebner, C.

Fluctuation electron microscopy of bulk metallic glasses of CuZrAl(Ag) demonstrates that medium-range order is sensitive to minor compositional changes. Furthermore, by analyzing nanodiffraction patterns medium-range order is detected with crystal-like motifs based on the B2 CuZr structure and its distorted structures resembling the martensitic ones. This result thus demonstrates some structural homology between the metallic glass and its high temperature crystalline phase. The amount of medium-range order seems slightly affected with increasing Ag concentration (0, 2, 5 at.%) but the structural motifs of the medium-range ordered clusters become more diverse at the highest Ag concentration. The decrease of dominant clustersmore » is consistent with the destabilization of the B2 structure measured by calorimetry and accounts for the increased glass-forming ability.« less

Heat shock protein 90-mediated peptide-selective presentation of cytosolic tumor antigen for direct recognition of tumors by CD4(+) T cells.

PubMed

Tsuji, Takemasa; Matsuzaki, Junko; Caballero, Otavia L; Jungbluth, Achim A; Ritter, Gerd; Odunsi, Kunle; Old, Lloyd J; Gnjatic, Sacha

2012-04-15

Tumor Ag-specific CD4(+) T cells play important functions in tumor immunosurveillance, and in certain cases they can directly recognize HLA class II-expressing tumor cells. However, the underlying mechanism of intracellular Ag presentation to CD4(+) T cells by tumor cells has not yet been well characterized. We analyzed two naturally occurring human CD4(+) T cell lines specific for different peptides from cytosolic tumor Ag NY-ESO-1. Whereas both lines had the same HLA restriction and a similar ability to recognize exogenous NY-ESO-1 protein, only one CD4(+) T cell line recognized NY-ESO-1(+) HLA class II-expressing melanoma cells. Modulation of Ag processing in melanoma cells using specific molecular inhibitors and small interfering RNA revealed a previously undescribed peptide-selective Ag-presentation pathway by HLA class II(+) melanoma cells. The presentation required both proteasome and endosomal protease-dependent processing mechanisms, as well as cytosolic heat shock protein 90-mediated chaperoning. Such tumor-specific pathway of endogenous HLA class II Ag presentation is expected to play an important role in immunosurveillance or immunosuppression mediated by various subsets of CD4(+) T cells at the tumor local site. Furthermore, targeted activation of tumor-recognizing CD4(+) T cells by vaccination or adoptive transfer could be a suitable strategy for enhancing the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy.

Thermal cycling reliability of Cu/SnAg double-bump flip chip assemblies for 100 μm pitch applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, Ho-Young; Kim, Ilho; Lee, Soon-Bok; Jung, Gi-Jo; Park, Byung-Jin; Paik, Kyung-Wook

2009-01-01

A thick Cu column based double-bump flip chip structure is one of the promising alternatives for fine pitch flip chip applications. In this study, the thermal cycling (T/C) reliability of Cu/SnAg double-bump flip chip assemblies was investigated, and the failure mechanism was analyzed through the correlation of T/C test and the finite element analysis (FEA) results. After 1000 thermal cycles, T/C failures occurred at some Cu/SnAg bumps located at the edge and corner of chips. Scanning acoustic microscope analysis and scanning electron microscope observations indicated that the failure site was the Cu column/Si chip interface. It was identified by a FEA where the maximum stress concentration was located during T/C. During T/C, the Al pad between the Si chip and a Cu column bump was displaced due to thermomechanical stress. Based on the low cycle fatigue model, the accumulation of equivalent plastic strain resulted in thermal fatigue deformation of the Cu column bumps and ultimately reduced the thermal cycling lifetime. The maximum equivalent plastic strains of some bumps at the chip edge increased with an increased number of thermal cycles. However, equivalent plastic strains of the inner bumps did not increase regardless of the number of thermal cycles. In addition, the z-directional normal plastic strain ɛ22 was determined to be compressive and was a dominant component causing the plastic deformation of Cu/SnAg double bumps. As the number of thermal cycles increased, normal plastic strains in the perpendicular direction to the Si chip and shear strains were accumulated on the Cu column bumps at the chip edge at low temperature region. Thus it was found that the Al pad at the Si chip/Cu column interface underwent thermal fatigue deformation by compressive normal strain and the contact loss by displacement failure of the Al pad, the main T/C failure mode of the Cu/SnAg flip chip assembly, then occurred at the Si chip/Cu column interface shear strain deformation during T/C.

U-Pb, Re-Os and Ar-Ar dating of the Linghou polymetallic deposit, Southeastern China: Implications for metallogenesis of the Qingzhou-Hangzhou metallogenic belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Yanwen; Xie, Yuling; Liu, Liang; Lan, Tingguan; Yang, Jianling; Sebastien, Meffre; Yin, Rongchao; Liang, Songsong; Zhou, Limin

2017-04-01

The Qingzhou-Hangzhou metallogenic belt (QHMB) in Southeastern China has gained increasingly attention in recent years. However, due to the lack of reliable ages on intrusions and associated deposits in this belt, the tectonic setting and metallogenesis of the QHMB have not been well understood. The Linghou polymetallic deposit in northwestern Zhejiang Province is one of the typical deposits of the QHMB. According to the field relationships, this deposit consists of the early Cu-Au-Ag and the late Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization stages. Molybdenite samples with a mineral assemblage of molybdenite-chalcopyrite-pyrite ± quartz are collected from the copper mining tunnel near the Cu-Au-Ag ore bodies. Six molybdenite samples give the Re-Os model ages varying from 160.3 to 164.1 Ma and yield a mean age of 162.2 ± 1.4 Ma for the Cu-Au-Ag mineralization. Hydrothermal muscovite gives a well-defined Ar-Ar isochron age of 160.2 ± 1.1 Ma for the Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization. Three phases of granodioritic porphyry have been distinguished in this deposit, and LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating shows that they have formed at 158.8 ± 2.4 Ma, 158.3 ± 1.9 Ma and 160.6 ± 2.1 Ma, comparable to the obtained ages of the Cu-Au-Ag and Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization. Therefore, these intrusive rocks have a close temporal and spatial relationship with the Cu-Au-Ag and Pb-Zn-Cu ore bodies. The presences of skarn minerals (e.g., garnet) and vein-type ores, together with the previous fluid inclusion and H-O-C-S-Pb isotopic data, clearly indicate that the Cu-Au-Ag and Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization are genetically related to these granodiorite porphyries. This conclusion excludes the possibility that this deposit is of ;SEDEX; type and formed in a sag basin of continental rifts setting as previously proposed. Instead, it is proposed that the Linghou polymetallic and other similar deposits in the QHMB, such as the 150-160 Ma Yongping porphyry-skarn Cu-Mo, Dongxiang porphyry? Cu, Shuikoushan/Kangjiawang skarn Pb-Zn, Fozichong skarn Pb-Zn and Dabaoshan porphyry-skarn deposits are of magmatic-hydrothermal origin and likely formed in a subduction-related setting. This work provides new insight that these intrusion-related deposits (e.g., porphyry and skarn types) of middle to late Jurassic age can be the most important targets for exploration in the QHMB.

Effect of Solder-Joint Geometry on the Low-Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Sn- xAg-0.7Cu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hwa-Teng; Huang, Kuo-Chen

2016-12-01

Low-cycle fatigue tests of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) Pb-free solder joints under fixed displacement were performed to evaluate the influence of Ag content (0-3 wt.%) and solder-joint geometry (barrel and hourglass types) on solder-joint fatigue behavior and reliability. The solder joints were composed of fine particles of Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5, which aggregated as an eutectic constituent at grain boundaries of the primary β-Sn phase and formed a dense network structure. A decrease in the Ag content resulted in coarsening of the β-Sn and eutectic phases, which, in turn, decreased the strength of the joint and caused earlier failure. Solder joints in the hourglass form exhibited better fatigue performance with longer life than barrel-type joints. The sharp contact angle formed between the solder and the Cu substrate by the barrel-type joints concentrated stress, which compromised fatigue reliability. The addition of Ag to the solder, however, enhanced fatigue performance because of strengthening caused by Ag3Sn formation. The cracks of the barrel-type SAC solder joints originated mostly at the contact corner and propagated along the interfacial layer between the interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) and solder matrix. Hourglass-type solder joints, however, demonstrated both crack initiation and propagation in the solder matrix (solder mode). The addition of 1.5-2.0 wt.% Ag to SAC solder appears to enhance the fatigue performance of solder joints while maintaining sufficient strength.

Quantum tunneling in real space: Tautomerization of single porphycene molecules on the (111) surface of Cu, Ag, and Au.

PubMed

Kumagai, Takashi; Ladenthin, Janina N; Litman, Yair; Rossi, Mariana; Grill, Leonhard; Gawinkowski, Sylwester; Waluk, Jacek; Persson, Mats

2018-03-14

Tautomerization in single porphycene molecules is investigated on Cu(111), Ag(111), and Au(111) surfaces by a combination of low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is revealed that the trans configuration is the thermodynamically stable form of porphycene on Cu(111) and Ag(111), whereas the cis configuration occurs as a meta-stable form. The trans → cis or cis → trans conversion on Cu(111) can be induced in an unidirectional fashion by injecting tunneling electrons from the STM tip or heating the surface, respectively. We find that the cis ↔ cis tautomerization on Cu(111) occurs spontaneously via tunneling, verified by the negligible temperature dependence of the tautomerization rate below ∼23 K. Van der Waals corrected DFT calculations are used to characterize the adsorption structures of porphycene and to map the potential energy surface of the tautomerization on Cu(111). The calculated barriers are too high to be thermally overcome at cryogenic temperatures used in the experiment and zero-point energy corrections do not change this picture, leaving tunneling as the most likely mechanism. On Ag(111), the reversible trans ↔ cis conversion occurs spontaneously at 5 K and the cis ↔ cis tautomerization rate is much higher than on Cu(111), indicating a significantly smaller tautomerization barrier on Ag(111) due to the weaker interaction between porphycene and the surface compared to Cu(111). Additionally, the STM experiments and DFT calculations reveal that tautomerization on Cu(111) and Ag(111) occurs with migration of porphycene along the surface; thus, the translational motion couples with the tautomerization coordinate. On the other hand, the trans and cis configurations are not discernible in the STM image and no tautomerization is observed for porphycene on Au(111). The weak interaction of porphycene with Au(111) is closest to the gas-phase limit and therefore the absence of trans and cis configurations in the STM images is explained either by the rapid tautomerization rate or the similar character of the molecular frontier orbitals of the trans and cis configurations.

Quantum tunneling in real space: Tautomerization of single porphycene molecules on the (111) surface of Cu, Ag, and Au

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumagai, Takashi; Ladenthin, Janina N.; Litman, Yair; Rossi, Mariana; Grill, Leonhard; Gawinkowski, Sylwester; Waluk, Jacek; Persson, Mats

2018-03-01

Tautomerization in single porphycene molecules is investigated on Cu(111), Ag(111), and Au(111) surfaces by a combination of low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is revealed that the trans configuration is the thermodynamically stable form of porphycene on Cu(111) and Ag(111), whereas the cis configuration occurs as a meta-stable form. The trans → cis or cis → trans conversion on Cu(111) can be induced in an unidirectional fashion by injecting tunneling electrons from the STM tip or heating the surface, respectively. We find that the cis ↔ cis tautomerization on Cu(111) occurs spontaneously via tunneling, verified by the negligible temperature dependence of the tautomerization rate below ˜23 K. Van der Waals corrected DFT calculations are used to characterize the adsorption structures of porphycene and to map the potential energy surface of the tautomerization on Cu(111). The calculated barriers are too high to be thermally overcome at cryogenic temperatures used in the experiment and zero-point energy corrections do not change this picture, leaving tunneling as the most likely mechanism. On Ag(111), the reversible trans ↔ cis conversion occurs spontaneously at 5 K and the cis ↔ cis tautomerization rate is much higher than on Cu(111), indicating a significantly smaller tautomerization barrier on Ag(111) due to the weaker interaction between porphycene and the surface compared to Cu(111). Additionally, the STM experiments and DFT calculations reveal that tautomerization on Cu(111) and Ag(111) occurs with migration of porphycene along the surface; thus, the translational motion couples with the tautomerization coordinate. On the other hand, the trans and cis configurations are not discernible in the STM image and no tautomerization is observed for porphycene on Au(111). The weak interaction of porphycene with Au(111) is closest to the gas-phase limit and therefore the absence of trans and cis configurations in the STM images is explained either by the rapid tautomerization rate or the similar character of the molecular frontier orbitals of the trans and cis configurations.

AGS67E, an Anti-CD37 Monomethyl Auristatin E Antibody–Drug Conjugate as a Potential Therapeutic for B/T-Cell Malignancies and AML: A New Role for CD37 in AML

PubMed Central

Pereira, Daniel S.; Guevara, Claudia I.; Jin, Liqing; Mbong, Nathan; Verlinsky, Alla; Hsu, Ssucheng J.; Aviña, Hector; Karki, Sher; Abad, Joseph D.; Yang, Peng; Moon, Sung-Ju; Malik, Faisal; Choi, Michael Y.; An, Zili; Morrison, Kendall; Challita-Eid, Pia M.; Doñate, Fernando; Joseph, Ingrid B.J.; Kipps, Thomas J.; Dick, John E.; Stover, David R.

2015-01-01

CD37 is a tetraspanin expressed on malignant B cells. Recently, CD37 has gained interest as a therapeutic target. We developed AGS67E, an antibody–drug conjugate that targets CD37 for the potential treatment of B/T-cell malignancies. It is a fully human monoclonal IgG2 antibody (AGS67C) conjugated, via a protease-cleavable linker, to the microtubule-disrupting agent mono-methyl auristatin E (MMAE). AGS67E induces potent cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell-cycle alterations in many non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cell lines and patient-derived samples in vitro. It also shows potent antitumor activity in NHL and CLL xenografts, including Rituxan-refractory models. During profiling studies to confirm the reported expression of CD37 in normal tissues and B-cell malignancies, we made the novel discovery that the CD37 protein was expressed in T-cell lymphomas and in AML. AGS67E bound to >80% of NHL and T-cell lymphomas, 100% of CLL and 100% of AML patient-derived samples, including CD34+CD38− leukemic stem cells. It also induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell-cycle alterations in AML cell lines and antitumor efficacy in orthotopic AML xenografts. Taken together, this study shows not only that AGS67E may serve as a potential therapeutic for B/T-cell malignancies, but it also demonstrates, for the first time, that CD37 is well expressed and a potential drug target in AML. PMID:25934707

Cutting Edge: Protection by Antiviral Memory CD8 T Cells Requires Rapidly Produced Antigen in Large Amounts.

PubMed

Remakus, Sanda; Ma, Xueying; Tang, Lingjuan; Xu, Ren-Huan; Knudson, Cory; Melo-Silva, Carolina R; Rubio, Daniel; Kuo, Yin-Ming; Andrews, Andrew; Sigal, Luis J

2018-05-15

Numerous attempts to produce antiviral vaccines by harnessing memory CD8 T cells have failed. A barrier to progress is that we do not know what makes an Ag a viable target of protective CD8 T cell memory. We found that in mice susceptible to lethal mousepox (the mouse homolog of human smallpox), a dendritic cell vaccine that induced memory CD8 T cells fully protected mice when the infecting virus produced Ag in large quantities and with rapid kinetics. Protection did not occur when the Ag was produced in low amounts, even with rapid kinetics, and protection was only partial when the Ag was produced in large quantities but with slow kinetics. Hence, the amount and timing of Ag expression appear to be key determinants of memory CD8 T cell antiviral protective immunity. These findings may have important implications for vaccine design. Copyright © 2018 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Existence of CD8α-like dendritic cells with a conserved functional specialization and a common molecular signature in distant mammalian species.

PubMed

Contreras, Vanessa; Urien, Céline; Guiton, Rachel; Alexandre, Yannick; Vu Manh, Thien-Phong; Andrieu, Thibault; Crozat, Karine; Jouneau, Luc; Bertho, Nicolas; Epardaud, Mathieu; Hope, Jayne; Savina, Ariel; Amigorena, Sebastian; Bonneau, Michel; Dalod, Marc; Schwartz-Cornil, Isabelle

2010-09-15

The mouse lymphoid organ-resident CD8alpha(+) dendritic cell (DC) subset is specialized in Ag presentation to CD8(+) T cells. Recent evidence shows that mouse nonlymphoid tissue CD103(+) DCs and human blood DC Ag 3(+) DCs share similarities with CD8alpha(+) DCs. We address here whether the organization of DC subsets is conserved across mammals in terms of gene expression signatures, phenotypic characteristics, and functional specialization, independently of the tissue of origin. We study the DC subsets that migrate from the skin in the ovine species that, like all domestic animals, belongs to the Laurasiatheria, a distinct phylogenetic clade from the supraprimates (human/mouse). We demonstrate that the minor sheep CD26(+) skin lymph DC subset shares significant transcriptomic similarities with mouse CD8alpha(+) and human blood DC Ag 3(+) DCs. This allowed the identification of a common set of phenotypic characteristics for CD8alpha-like DCs in the three mammalian species (i.e., SIRP(lo), CADM1(hi), CLEC9A(hi), CD205(hi), XCR1(hi)). Compared to CD26(-) DCs, the sheep CD26(+) DCs show 1) potent stimulation of allogeneic naive CD8(+) T cells with high selective induction of the Ifngamma and Il22 genes; 2) dominant efficacy in activating specific CD8(+) T cells against exogenous soluble Ag; and 3) selective expression of functional pathways associated with high capacity for Ag cross-presentation. Our results unravel a unifying definition of the CD8alpha(+)-like DCs across mammalian species and identify molecular candidates that could be used for the design of vaccines applying to mammals in general.

Nitric oxide overcomes Cd and Cu toxicity in in vitro-grown tobacco plants through increasing contents and activities of rubisco and rubisco activase.

PubMed

Khairy, Alaaldin Idris H; Oh, Mi Jeong; Lee, Seung Min; Kim, Da Som; Roh, Kwang Soo

2016-06-01

Toxic heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) are global problems that are a growing threat to the environment. Despite some heavy metals are required for plant growth and development, others are considered toxic elements and do not play any known physiological role in plant cells. Elevated doses of Cd or Cu cause toxicity in plants and generate damages due to the stress condition and eventually cause a significant reduction in quantity and quality of crop plants. The nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is reported to alleviate the toxicity of some heavy metals like Cd and Cu. In the current study, the role of NO in alleviating stresses of Cd and Cu was investigated in in vitro -grown tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum ) Based on plant growth, total chlorophyll contents, contents and activities of rubisco and rubisco activase. According to the results of this study, the growth and total chlorophyll contents of Cd/Cu stressed plants were hugely decreased in the absence of SNP, while the supplementation of SNP resulted in a significant increase of both fresh weight and total chlorophyll contents. Remarkable reductions of Rubisco and rubisco activase contents and activities were observed in Cd and Cu-induced plants. SNP supplementation showed the highest contents and activities of rubisco and rubisco activase compared to the control and Cu/Cd-stressed plants. Taken together, our findings suggest that SNP could play a protective role in regulation of plant responses to abiotic stresses such as Cd and Cu by enhancing Rubisco and Rubisco activase.

Study of Metal-NH[subscript 3] Interfaces (Metal= Cu, Ni, Ag) Using Potentiostatic Curves

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nunes, Nelson; Martins, Angela; Leitao, Ruben Elvas

2007-01-01

Experiment is conducted to determine the kinetic parameters of metal-solution interfaces. During the experiment the kinetic parameters for the interfaces Cu-NH[subscript 3], Ag-NH[subscript 3] and Ni-NH[subscript 3] is easily determined.

CD22 Promotes B-1b Cell Responses to T Cell-Independent Type 2 Antigens.

PubMed

Haas, Karen M; Johnson, Kristen L; Phipps, James P; Do, Cardinal

2018-03-01

CD22 (Siglec-2) is a critical regulator of B cell activation and survival. CD22 -/- mice generate significantly impaired Ab responses to T cell-independent type 2 (TI-2) Ags, including haptenated Ficoll and pneumococcal polysaccharides, Ags that elicit poor T cell help and activate BCR signaling via multivalent epitope crosslinking. This has been proposed to be due to impaired marginal zone (MZ) B cell development/maintenance in CD22 -/- mice. However, mice expressing a mutant form of CD22 unable to bind sialic acid ligands generated normal TI-2 Ab responses, despite significantly reduced MZ B cells. Moreover, mice treated with CD22 ligand-binding blocking mAbs, which deplete MZ B cells, had little effect on TI-2 Ab responses. We therefore investigated the effects of CD22 deficiency on B-1b cells, an innate-like B cell population that plays a key role in TI-2 Ab responses. B-1b cells from CD22 -/- mice had impaired BCR-induced proliferation and significantly increased intracellular Ca 2+ concentration responses following BCR crosslinking. Ag-specific B-1b cell expansion and plasmablast differentiation following TI-2 Ag immunization was significantly impaired in CD22 -/- mice, consistent with reduced TI-2 Ab responses. We generated CD22 -/- mice with reduced CD19 levels (CD22 -/- CD19 +/- ) to test the hypothesis that augmented B-1b cell BCR signaling in CD22 -/- mice contributes to impaired TI-2 Ab responses. BCR-induced proliferation and intracellular Ca 2+ concentration responses were normalized in CD22 -/- CD19 +/- B-1b cells. Consistent with this, TI-2 Ag-specific B-1b cell expansion, plasmablast differentiation, survival, and Ab responses were rescued in CD22 -/- CD19 +/- mice. Thus, CD22 plays a critical role in regulating TI-2 Ab responses through regulating B-1b cell signaling thresholds. Copyright © 2018 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Selective divalent cobalt ions detection using Ag2O3-ZnO nanocones by ICP-OES method for environmental remediation.

PubMed

Rahman, Mohammed M; Khan, Sher Bahadar; Marwani, Hadi M; Asiri, Abdullah M

2014-01-01

Here, we have synthesized Ag2O3-ZnO nanocones (NCs) by a wet-chemical route using reducing agents at low temperature. The structural, optical and morphological properties of Ag2O3-ZnO NCs were investigated by several conventional techniques such as powder XRD, XPS, FESEM, XEDS, FTIR and UV/vis. spectroscopy. The analytical parameters of prepared NCs were also calculated for a selective detection of divalent cobalt [Co(II)] prior to its determination by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The selectivity of NCs toward various metal ions, including Cd(II), Co(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), and Zn(II) was studied. Results of the selectivity study demonstrated that Ag2O3-ZnO NC phase was the most selective towards Co(II) ion. The uptake capacity for Co(II) ion was experimentally calculated to be ∼76.69 mgg-1. Moreover, adsorption isotherm data provided that the adsorption process was mainly monolayer on homogeneous adsorbent surfaces of Ag2O3-ZnO NCs. Kinetic study revealed that the adsorption of Co(II) on Ag2O3-ZnO NCs phase followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In addition, thermodynamic results provided that the adsorption mechanism of Co(II) ions on Ag2O3-ZnO NCs was a spontaneous process and thermodynamically favorable. Finally, the proposed method was validated by applying it to real environmental water samples with reasonable results.

Selective Divalent Cobalt Ions Detection Using Ag2O3-ZnO Nanocones by ICP-OES Method for Environmental Remediation

PubMed Central

Rahman, Mohammed M.; Khan, Sher Bahadar; Marwani, Hadi M.; Asiri, Abdullah M.

2014-01-01

Here, we have synthesized Ag2O3-ZnO nanocones (NCs) by a wet-chemical route using reducing agents at low temperature. The structural, optical and morphological properties of Ag2O3-ZnO NCs were investigated by several conventional techniques such as powder XRD, XPS, FESEM, XEDS, FTIR and UV/vis. spectroscopy. The analytical parameters of prepared NCs were also calculated for a selective detection of divalent cobalt [Co(II)] prior to its determination by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The selectivity of NCs toward various metal ions, including Cd(II), Co(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), and Zn(II) was studied. Results of the selectivity study demonstrated that Ag2O3-ZnO NC phase was the most selective towards Co(II) ion. The uptake capacity for Co(II) ion was experimentally calculated to be ∼76.69 mgg−1. Moreover, adsorption isotherm data provided that the adsorption process was mainly monolayer on homogeneous adsorbent surfaces of Ag2O3-ZnO NCs. Kinetic study revealed that the adsorption of Co(II) on Ag2O3-ZnO NCs phase followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In addition, thermodynamic results provided that the adsorption mechanism of Co(II) ions on Ag2O3-ZnO NCs was a spontaneous process and thermodynamically favorable. Finally, the proposed method was validated by applying it to real environmental water samples with reasonable results. PMID:25464507

Trends and problems in CdS/Cu/x/S thin film solar cells - A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinuzzi, S.

1982-03-01

The methods currently used to fabricate CdS/CuS solar cells are reviewed, along with comparisons of the effects on performance of the various preparation techniques. Attention is given to thermal evaporation, sputter, and chemical spray formation of the CdS layers, noting that most experience is presently with the evaporative and spray processes. CuS layers are formed in dip or wet process chemiplating, electroplating, vacuum deposition in flash and sputter modes, solid state reaction, or spray deposition. Any of the CuS film techniques can be used with any of the CdS layer processes, while spraying and sputtering are noted to offer the best alternatives for industrial production. Band profiles, I-V characteristics, photocurrent levels, and capacitance-voltage characteristics are outlined for the differently formed cells, and CdS/CuS and CdZnS/CuS cells are concluded to exhibit the highest performance features. Areas of improvement necessary to bring the cells to commercial status are discussed.

Carrier providers or killers: The case of Cu defects in CdTe

DOE PAGES

Yang, Ji -Hui; Metzger, Wyatt K.; Wei, Su -Huai

2017-07-24

Defects play important roles in semiconductors for optoelectronic applications. Common intuition is that defects with shallow levels act as carrier providers and defects with deep levels are carrier killers. Here, taking the Cu defects in CdTe as an example, we show that relatively shallow defects can play both roles. Using first-principles calculation methods combined with thermodynamic simulations, we study the dialectic effects of Cu-related defects on hole density and lifetime in bulk CdTe. Because CuCd can form a relatively shallow acceptor, we find that increased Cu incorporation into CdTe indeed can help achieve high hole density; however, too much Cumore » can cause significant non-radiative recombination. We discuss strategies to balance the contradictory effects of Cu defects based on the calculated impact of Cd chemical potential, copper defect concentrations, and annealing temperature on lifetime and hole density. Lastly, these findings advance the understanding of the potential complex defect behaviors of relatively shallow defect states in semiconductors.« less

Carrier providers or killers: The case of Cu defects in CdTe

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Ji -Hui; Metzger, Wyatt K.; Wei, Su -Huai

Defects play important roles in semiconductors for optoelectronic applications. Common intuition is that defects with shallow levels act as carrier providers and defects with deep levels are carrier killers. Here, taking the Cu defects in CdTe as an example, we show that relatively shallow defects can play both roles. Using first-principles calculation methods combined with thermodynamic simulations, we study the dialectic effects of Cu-related defects on hole density and lifetime in bulk CdTe. Because CuCd can form a relatively shallow acceptor, we find that increased Cu incorporation into CdTe indeed can help achieve high hole density; however, too much Cumore » can cause significant non-radiative recombination. We discuss strategies to balance the contradictory effects of Cu defects based on the calculated impact of Cd chemical potential, copper defect concentrations, and annealing temperature on lifetime and hole density. Lastly, these findings advance the understanding of the potential complex defect behaviors of relatively shallow defect states in semiconductors.« less

Mycobacterium tuberculosis PstS1 amplifies IFN-γ and induces IL-17/IL-22 responses by unrelated memory CD4+ T cells via dendritic cell activation.

PubMed

Palma, Carla; Schiavoni, Giovanna; Abalsamo, Laura; Mattei, Fabrizio; Piccaro, Giovanni; Sanchez, Massimo; Fernandez, Carmen; Singh, Mahavir; Gabriele, Lucia

2013-09-01

The immunological mechanisms that modulate protection during Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection or vaccination are not fully understood. Secretion of IFN-γ and, to a lesser extent, of IL-17 by CD4(+) T cells plays a major role both in protection and immunopathology. Few Mtb Ags interacting with DCs affect priming, activation, and regulation of Ag-unrelated CD4(+) T-cell responses. Here we demonstrate that PstS1, a 38 kDa-lipoprotein of Mtb, promotes Ag-independent activation of memory T lymphocytes specific for Ag85B or Ag85A, two immunodominant protective Ags of Mtb. PstS1 expands CD4(+) and CD8(+) memory T cells, amplifies secretion of IFN-γ and IL-22 and induces IL-17 production by effector memory cells in an Ag-unrelated manner in vitro and in vivo. These effects were mediated through the stimulation of DCs, particularly of the CD8α(-) subtype, which respond to PstS1 by undergoing phenotypic maturation and by secreting IL-6, IL-1β and, to a lower extent, IL-23. IL-6 secretion by PstS1-stimulated DCs was required for IFN-γ, and to a lesser extent for IL-22 responses by Ag85B-specific memory T cells. These results may open new perspectives for immunotherapeutic strategies to control Th1/Th17 immune responses in Mtb infections and in vaccinations against tuberculosis. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Some features of the trace metal biogeochemistry in the deep-sea hydrothermal vent fields (Menez Gwen, Rainbow, Broken Spur at the MAR and 9°50‧N at the EPR): A synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demina, Ludmila L.; Holm, Nils G.; Galkin, Sergey V.; Lein, Alla Yu.

2013-10-01

Along with summarizing the published literature and our own data some new results on properties of the trace metal biogeochemistry in the deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystems at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) and East Pacific Rise (EPR) are shown. Differences in mean concentrations of big group of trace metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, As, Pb, Cd, Ag, Hg) between the biotope water of the low- and high-temperature hydrothermal vent fields were firstly revealed. The same trace metals were studied in different groups of organisms within different temperature zones at one and the same vent field (9°50‧N EPR), as well as in fauna inhabiting geochemically different vent sites. Distribution patterns of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ag, Ni, Cr, Co, As, Se, Sb, and Hg in different taxa gave an evidence of the influence of environmental and biological parameters on their bioaccumulation in organisms. Among the animals a particular “champion” with respect to the trace metal content was found to be a polychaeta Alvinella pompejana that inhabits the hottest places of the vent sulfide chimneys of the 9°50‧N field, EPR. New data on the trace metal distribution between soft tissues and carbonate shell let us estimate a role of biomineralization in the accumulation of metals in the Bathimodiolus mussels. Contrasting geochemical behavior was revealed for Cu that is enriched in soft tissues of mussels and depleted in shells, on the one hand, and Mn that is accumulated almost totally in mussel shells, on the other hand. Deep-sea hydrothermal biological communities demonstrate a strong concentration function, and bioconcentration factors (BCF) of trace metals estimated for Bathimodiolus mussels collected at the four hydrothermal fields vary within the limits of n102-n105 and are similar to that of the littoral mussels. Due to this and to the high values of biomasses per square meter, the hydrothermal fauna may be considered as a newly discovered biological filter of the oceans.

A new s-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase-linked method for adenosine detection based on DNA-templated fluorescent Cu/Ag nanoclusters.

PubMed

Ahn, Jun Ki; Kim, Hyo Yong; Baek, Songyi; Park, Hyun Gyu

2017-07-15

We herein describe a novel fluorescent method for the rapid and selective detection of adenosine by utilizing DNA-templated Cu/Ag nanoclusters (NCs) and employing s-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH). SAHH is allowed to promote hydrolysis reaction of s-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and consequently produces homocysteine, which would quench the fluorescence signal from DNA-templated Cu/Ag nanoclusters employed as a signaling probe in this study. On the other hand, adenosine significantly inhibits the hydrolysis reaction and prevent the formation of homocysteine. Consequently, highly enhanced fluorescence signal from DNA-Cu/Ag NCs is retained, which could be used to identify the presence of adenosine. By employing this design principle, adenosine was sensitively detected down to 19nM with high specificity over other adenosine analogs such as AMP, ADP, ATP, cAMP, guanosine, cytidine, and urine. Finally, the diagnostic capability of this method was successfully verified by reliably detecting adenosine present in a real human serum sample. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Light triggered interfacial damage self-healing of poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) fiber composites.

PubMed

Hu, Zhen; Shao, Qing; Huang, Yudong; Yu, Long; Zhang, Dayu; Xu, Xirong; Lin, Jing; Liu, Hu; Guo, Zhanhu

2018-05-04

The interfacial microcracks in the resin matrix composites are difficult to be detected and repaired. However, the self-healing concept provides opportunities to fabricate composites with unusual properties. In the present study, photothermal conversion Ag-Cu 2 S nanoparticles were immobilized onto poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers via a polydopamine chemistry. Benefitting from the photothermal effects of Ag-Cu 2 S, the obtained PBO fibers (Ag-Cu 2 S-PBO) efficiently converted the light energy into heat under Xenon lamp irradiation. Then, single PBO fiber composites were prepared using thermoplastic polyurethane as the matrix. It was found that the interfacial damage caused by single fiber pull-out was simply self-healed by Xe light irradiation. This wonderful interfacial damage self-healing property was mainly attributed to the in situ heating generation via photothermal effects of Ag-Cu 2 S in the composite interface. This paper reports a novel strategy to construct advanced composites with light-triggered self-healing properties, which will provide inspiration for preparing high performance composite materials.

Mechanical, structural and thermal properties of Ag-Cu and ZnO reinforced polylactide nanocomposite films.

PubMed

Ahmed, Jasim; Arfat, Yasir Ali; Castro-Aguirre, Edgar; Auras, Rafael

2016-05-01

Plasticized polylactic acid (PLA) based nanocomposite films were prepared by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) and two selected nanoparticles (NPs) [silver-copper (Ag-Cu) alloy (<100 nm) and zinc oxide (ZnO) (<50 and <100 nm)] through solvent casting method. Incorporation of Ag-Cu alloy into the PLA/PEG matrix increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) significantly. The crystallinity of the nanocomposites (NCs) was significantly influenced by NP incorporation as evidenced from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The PLA nanocomposite reinforced with NPs exhibited much higher tensile strength than that of PLA/PEG blend. Melt rheology of NCs exhibited a shear-thinning behavior. The mechanical property drastically reduced with a loading of NPs, which is associated with degradation of PLA. SEM micrographs exhibited that both Ag-Cu alloy and ZnO NPs were dispersed well in the PLA film matrix. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Light triggered interfacial damage self-healing of poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) fiber composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Zhen; Shao, Qing; Huang, Yudong; Yu, Long; Zhang, Dayu; Xu, Xirong; Lin, Jing; Liu, Hu; Guo, Zhanhu

2018-05-01

The interfacial microcracks in the resin matrix composites are difficult to be detected and repaired. However, the self-healing concept provides opportunities to fabricate composites with unusual properties. In the present study, photothermal conversion Ag-Cu2S nanoparticles were immobilized onto poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers via a polydopamine chemistry. Benefitting from the photothermal effects of Ag-Cu2S, the obtained PBO fibers (Ag-Cu2S-PBO) efficiently converted the light energy into heat under Xenon lamp irradiation. Then, single PBO fiber composites were prepared using thermoplastic polyurethane as the matrix. It was found that the interfacial damage caused by single fiber pull-out was simply self-healed by Xe light irradiation. This wonderful interfacial damage self-healing property was mainly attributed to the in situ heating generation via photothermal effects of Ag-Cu2S in the composite interface. This paper reports a novel strategy to construct advanced composites with light-triggered self-healing properties, which will provide inspiration for preparing high performance composite materials.

The effects of CuO particle size on microstructure evolution of AgCuO compo-sites in plastic deformation process: finite element simulation and experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhiguo; Cao, Hanxing; Zhou, Xiaolong; Zhou, Zhaobo; Cao, Jianchun

2018-04-01

The effects of CuO with different particle sizes on the microstructure evolution of AgCuO composite material during plastic deformation process were investigated by finite element (FE) analysis and experiment. The results are as follows: with the decrease of CuO particle size, the degree of radial compression and axial elongation of CuO particle cluster increase gradually, as well as the dispersion of CuO also increase. Meanwhile, the shape of CuO particles is constantly transformed from polygonal to fibrous, which makes the number of linear fibrous CuO increase continuously while bent fibrous CuO reduce gradually. By comparing the simulation and experiment results we find that there are four different typical microstructure regions, which caused by the interaction between monoclinic and cubic CuO during the extrusion process.

Interfacial Redox Reactions Associated Ionic Transport in Oxide-Based Memories.

PubMed

Younis, Adnan; Chu, Dewei; Shah, Abdul Hadi; Du, Haiwei; Li, Sean

2017-01-18

As an alternative to transistor-based flash memories, redox reactions mediated resistive switches are considered as the most promising next-generation nonvolatile memories that combine the advantages of a simple metal/solid electrolyte (insulator)/metal structure, high scalability, low power consumption, and fast processing. For cation-based memories, the unavailability of in-built mobile cations in many solid electrolytes/insulators (e.g., Ta 2 O 5 , SiO 2 , etc.) instigates the essential role of absorbed water in films to keep electroneutrality for redox reactions at counter electrodes. Herein, we demonstrate electrochemical characteristics (oxidation/reduction reactions) of active electrodes (Ag and Cu) at the electrode/electrolyte interface and their subsequent ions transportation in Fe 3 O 4 film by means of cyclic voltammetry measurements. By posing positive potentials on Ag/Cu active electrodes, Ag preferentially oxidized to Ag + , while Cu prefers to oxidize into Cu 2+ first, followed by Cu/Cu + oxidation. By sweeping the reverse potential, the oxidized ions can be subsequently reduced at the counter electrode. The results presented here provide a detailed understanding of the resistive switching phenomenon in Fe 3 O 4 -based memory cells. The results were further discussed on the basis of electrochemically assisted cations diffusions in the presence of absorbed surface water molecules in the film.

XAFS study of copper and silver nanoparticles in glazes of medieval middle-east lustreware (10th-13th century)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padovani, S.; Puzzovio, D.; Sada, C.; Mazzoldi, P.; Borgia, I.; Sgamellotti, A.; Brunetti, B. G.; Cartechini, L.; D'Acapito, F.; Maurizio, C.; Shokoui, F.; Oliaiy, P.; Rahighi, J.; Lamehi-Rachti, M.; Pantos, E.

2006-06-01

It has recently been shown that lustre decoration of medieval and Renaissance pottery consists of silver and copper nanoparticles dispersed in the glassy matrix of the ceramic glaze. Here the findings of an X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) study on lustred glazes of shards belonging to 10th and 13rd century pottery from the National Museum of Iran are reported. Absorption spectra in the visible range have been also measured in order to investigate the relations between colour and glaze composition. Gold colour is mainly due to Ag nanoparticles, though Ag+, Cu+ and Cu2+ ions can be also dispersed within the glassy matrix, with different ratios. Red colour is mainly due to Cu nanoparticles, although some Ag nanoparticles, Ag+ and Cu+ ions can be present. The achievement of metallic Cu and the absence of Cu2+ indicate a higher reduction of copper in red lustre. These findings are in substantial agreement with previous results on Italian Renaissance pottery. In spite of the large heterogeneity of cases, the presence of copper and silver ions in the glaze confirms that lustre formation is mediated by a copper- and silver-alkali ion exchange, followed by nucleation and growth of metal nanoparticles.

Ce{sub 2}AgYb{sub 5/3}Se{sub 6}, La{sub 2}CuErTe{sub 5}, and Ce{sub 2}CuTmTe{sub 5}: Three new quaternary interlanthanide chalcogenides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Babo, Jean-Marie; Albrecht-Schmitt, Thomas E., E-mail: talbrec1@nd.edu

2013-01-15

Three new ordered quaternary interlanthanide chalcogenides, Ce{sub 2}AgYb{sub 5/3}Se{sub 6}, La{sub 2}CuErTe{sub 5}, and Ce{sub 2}CuTmTe{sub 5}, have been prepared by direct reaction of the elements in molten NaBr at 900 Degree-Sign C. Each compound forms a new structure-type. The Ce{sub 2}AgYb{sub 5/3}Se{sub 6} structure consists of {infinity}{sup 2}{l_brace} [AgYb{sub 5/6}Se{sub 6}]{sup 6-}{r_brace} layers intercalated by Ce{sup 3+} cations. These layers are composed of {infinity}{sup 1}{l_brace} [Yb{sub 5/3}Se{sub 6}]{sup 7-}{r_brace} quadruplet ribbons of [YbSe{sub 6}]{sup 9-} octahedra and infinite {infinity}{sup 1}{l_brace} [AgSe{sub 6}]{sup 11-}{r_brace} double chains of [AgSe{sub 5}]{sup 9-}. The La{sub 2}CuErTe{sub 5} structure is made of one-dimensional {infinity}{supmore » 1}{l_brace} [CuErTe{sub 5}]{sup 6-}{r_brace} ribbons separated by La{sup 3+} cations. These ribbons are formed by cis-edge sharing {infinity}{sup 1}{l_brace} [CuTe{sub 2}]{sup 3-}{r_brace} tetrahedral chains and trans-edge sharing {infinity}{sup 1}{l_brace} [ErTe{sub 4}]{sup 5-}{r_brace} chains. While La{sub 2}CuErTe{sub 5} crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma, Ce{sub 2}CuTmTe{sub 5} crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m. The latter crystal structure is assembled from {infinity}{sup 2}{l_brace} [CuTmTe{sub 5}]{sup 6-}{r_brace} layers intercalated by Ce{sup 3+} cations. These layers consist of single {infinity}{sup 1}{l_brace} [TmTe{sub 4}]{sup 5-}{r_brace} chains connected to each other through dimers or pseudo-double chains. - Graphical abstract: [CuTe{sub 4}]{sup 7-} tetrahedra sharing cis-edges to yield chains in the La{sub 2}CuErTe{sub 5}. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer New ordered interlanthanide tellurides. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer New quaternary chalcogenides. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Low-dimensional lanthanide chalcogenide substructures. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Flux synthesis of new chalcogenides.« less

Binding Selectivity of Methanobactin from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b for Copper(I), Silver(I), Zinc(II), Nickel(II), Cobalt(II), Manganese(II), Lead(II), and Iron(II)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCabe, Jacob W.; Vangala, Rajpal; Angel, Laurence A.

2017-12-01

Methanobactin (Mb) from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is a member of a class of metal binding peptides identified in methanotrophic bacteria. Mb will selectively bind and reduce Cu(II) to Cu(I), and is thought to mediate the acquisition of the copper cofactor for the enzyme methane monooxygenase. These copper chelating properties of Mb make it potentially useful as a chelating agent for treatment of diseases where copper plays a role including Wilson's disease, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. Utilizing traveling wave ion mobility-mass spectrometry (TWIMS), the competition for the Mb copper binding site from Ag(I), Pb(II), Co(II), Fe(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) has been determined by a series of metal ion titrations, pH titrations, and metal ion displacement titrations. The TWIMS analyses allowed for the explicit identification and quantification of all the individual Mb species present during the titrations and measured their collision cross-sections and collision-induced dissociation patterns. The results showed Ag(I) and Ni(II) could irreversibly bind to Mb and not be effectively displaced by Cu(I), whereas Ag(I) could also partially displace Cu(I) from the Mb complex. At pH ≈ 6.5, the Mb binding selectivity follows the order Ag(I)≈Cu(I)>Ni(II)≈Zn(II)>Co(II)>>Mn(II)≈Pb(II)>Fe(II), and at pH 7.5 to 10.4 the order is Ag(I)>Cu(I)>Ni(II)>Co(II)>Zn(II)>Mn(II)≈Pb(II)>Fe(II). Breakdown curves of the disulfide reduced Cu(I) and Ag(I) complexes showed a correlation existed between their relative stability and their compact folded structure indicated by their CCS. Fluorescence spectroscopy, which allowed the determination of the binding constant, compared well with the TWIMS analyses, with the exception of the Ni(II) complex. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Binding Selectivity of Methanobactin from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b for Copper(I), Silver(I), Zinc(II), Nickel(II), Cobalt(II), Manganese(II), Lead(II), and Iron(II).

PubMed

McCabe, Jacob W; Vangala, Rajpal; Angel, Laurence A

2017-12-01

Methanobactin (Mb) from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is a member of a class of metal binding peptides identified in methanotrophic bacteria. Mb will selectively bind and reduce Cu(II) to Cu(I), and is thought to mediate the acquisition of the copper cofactor for the enzyme methane monooxygenase. These copper chelating properties of Mb make it potentially useful as a chelating agent for treatment of diseases where copper plays a role including Wilson's disease, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. Utilizing traveling wave ion mobility-mass spectrometry (TWIMS), the competition for the Mb copper binding site from Ag(I), Pb(II), Co(II), Fe(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) has been determined by a series of metal ion titrations, pH titrations, and metal ion displacement titrations. The TWIMS analyses allowed for the explicit identification and quantification of all the individual Mb species present during the titrations and measured their collision cross-sections and collision-induced dissociation patterns. The results showed Ag(I) and Ni(II) could irreversibly bind to Mb and not be effectively displaced by Cu(I), whereas Ag(I) could also partially displace Cu(I) from the Mb complex. At pH ≈ 6.5, the Mb binding selectivity follows the order Ag(I)≈Cu(I)>Ni(II)≈Zn(II)>Co(II)>Mn(II)≈Pb(II)>Fe(II), and at pH 7.5 to 10.4 the order is Ag(I)>Cu(I)>Ni(II)>Co(II)>Zn(II)>Mn(II)≈Pb(II)>Fe(II). Breakdown curves of the disulfide reduced Cu(I) and Ag(I) complexes showed a correlation existed between their relative stability and their compact folded structure indicated by their CCS. Fluorescence spectroscopy, which allowed the determination of the binding constant, compared well with the TWIMS analyses, with the exception of the Ni(II) complex. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Essential trace elements and antioxidant status in relation to severity of HIV in Nigerian patients.

PubMed

Olaniyi, J A; Arinola, O G

2007-01-01

This study was designed to determine the plasma levels of some antioxidants and trace elements in three severity groups of HIV patients compared with non-HIV-infected controls. The plasma levels of antioxidants (total antioxidant, albumin, bilirubin and uric acid) and trace elements (Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Se) were estimated spectrophotometrically in controls and patients with CD4 counts of <200; 200-499 and > or =500 cells/microl. Uric acid and Zn were significantly higher, while vitamin E and all the trace elements (except Zn) were significantly lower in HIV-infected patients compared to healthy controls. The highest level of uric acid was observed in those with CD4 counts of <200 cells/microl. All the trace elements (except Zn) were higher in HIV subjects with a CD4 count of 200-499 cells/microl compared to >500 cells/microl. Only uric acid and Zn showed significant correlation with CD4 count. Based on the results of this study, we recommend routine assessment and appropriate supplementation of antioxidants/trace elements in HIV subjects. This supplementation is hoped to strengthen the immune system and reduce the adverse consequences of HIV- related oxidative stress. Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Functionalized layered double hydroxide with nitrogen and sulfur co-decorated carbondots for highly selective and efficient removal of soft Hg2+ and Ag+ ions.

PubMed

Asiabi, Hamid; Yamini, Yadollah; Shamsayei, Maryam; Molaei, Karam; Shamsipur, Mojtaba

2018-05-28

A facile composite was fabricated via direct assembly of nitrogen and sulfur co-decorated carbon dots with abundant oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of the positively charged layered double hydroxide (N,S-CDs-LDH). The novel N,S-CDs-LDH demonstrates highly selective bindings (M-S) and an extremely efficient removal capacity for soft metal ions such as Ag + and Hg 2+ ions. N,S-CDs-LDH displayed a selectivity order of Ag + > Hg 2+ > Cu 2+ > Pb 2+ > Zn 2+ > Cd 2+ for their adsorption. The enormous capacities for Hg 2+ (625.0 mg g -1 ) and Ag + (714.3 mg g -1 ) and very high distribution coefficients (K d ) of 9.9 × 10 6 mL g -1 (C 0  = 20 mg L -1 ) and 2.0 × 10 7 mL g -1 (C 0  = 20 mg L -1 ) for Hg 2+ and Ag + , respectively, place the N,S-CDs-LDH at the top of LDH based materials known for such removal. The adsorption kinetic curves for Hg 2+ and Ag + fitted well with the pseudo-second order model. For Hg 2+ and Ag + , an exceptionally rapid capture with removal ∼100% within 80 min was observed (C ions  = 30 mg L -1 and V/m ratio of 1000). The adsorption isotherms were well described using Langmuir isotherm. The N,S-CDs-LDH was successfully applied to highly efficient removal of Hg 2+ and Ag + from aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identification of a candidate CD5 homologue in the amphibian Xenopus laevis.

PubMed

Jürgens, J B; Gartland, L A; Du Pasquier, L; Horton, J D; Göbel, T W; Cooper, M D

1995-11-01

We identified a novel T cell Ag in the South African clawed toad (Xenopus laevis) by a mAb designated 2B1. This Ag is present in relatively high levels on most thymocytes, approximately 65% of splenocytes, 55% of PBL, and 65% of intestinal lymphocytes, but is rarely seen on IgM+ B cells in any of these tissues. Lymphocytes bearing the 2B1 Ag proliferate in response to stimulation with Con A or PHA, whereas the 2B1- lymphocytes are reactive to LPS. Biochemical analysis indicates that this Ag is a differentially phosphorylated glycoprotein of 71 to 82 kDa. The protein core of 64 kDa bears both N- and O-linked carbohydrate side chains. The amino-terminal protein sequence of the 2B1 Ag shares significant homology with both the macrophage scavenger receptor type 1 motif and the mammalian CD5/CD6 family. The biochemical characteristics and cellular distribution of the 2B1 Ag suggest that it represents the CD5 homologue in X. laevis. While T cells constitutively express this highly conserved molecule, Xenopus B cells acquire the CD5 homologue only when they are stimulated in the presence of T cells.

Cold cathodes for sealed off CO2 lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hochuli, U. E.; Sciacca, T. P.; Hurt, C. R.

1973-01-01

Experimental results of a group of theoretically selected cold cathode materials are presented. These tests indicate Ag-CuO, Cu, and Pt-Cu as three new cold cathode materials for sealed-off CO2 lasers. The power output of a test laser with an Ag-CuO cathode and a gas volume of only 50 cu cm varied from 0.72 W to 1.1 W at 3000 hours and still yields 0.88 W after 8000 hours. Gas discharge tubes with Cu cathodes and a volume of 25 cu cm yield lifetimes in excess of 10,000 hours. Gas analysis results, obtained from a similar tube over a period of 3000 hours, look most promising. A Pt-Cu alloy cathode shows an extremely promising V-I characteristic over a period of 2800 hours.

CD4 Cell Count Threshold for Cryptococcal Antigen Screening of HIV-Infected Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Ford, Nathan; Shubber, Zara; Jarvis, Joseph N; Chiller, Tom; Greene, Greg; Migone, Chantal; Vitoria, Marco; Doherty, Meg; Meintjes, Graeme

2018-01-01

Abstract Background Current guidelines recommend screening all people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) who have a CD4 count ≤100 cells/µL for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) to identify those patients who could benefit from preemptive fluconazole treatment prior to the onset of meningitis. We conducted a systematic review to assess the prevalence of CrAg positivity at different CD4 cell counts. Methods We searched 4 databases and abstracts from 3 conferences up to 1 September 2017 for studies reporting prevalence of CrAg positivity according to CD4 cell count strata. Prevalence estimates were pooled using random effects models. Results Sixty studies met our inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was 6.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7%–7.3%; 54 studies) among patients with CD4 count ≤100 cells/µL and 2.0% (95% CI, 1.2%–2.7%; 21 studies) among patients with CD4 count 101–200 cells/µL. Twenty-one studies provided sufficient information to compare CrAg prevalence per strata; overall, 18.6% (95% CI, 15.4%–22.2%) of the CrAg-positive cases identified at ≤200 cells/µL (n = 11823) were identified among individuals with a CD4 count 101–200 cells/µL. CrAg prevalence was higher among inpatients (9.8% [95% CI, 4.0%–15.5%]) compared with outpatients (6.3% [95% CI, 5.3%–7.4%]). Conclusions The findings of this review support current recommendations to screen all PLHIV who have a CD4 count ≤100 cells/µL for CrAg and suggest that screening may be considered at CD4 cell count ≤200 cells/µL. PMID:29514236

Thermally-restorable optical degradation and the mechanism of current transport in Cu2S-CdS photovoltaic cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fahrenbruch, A. L.; Bube, R. H.

1974-01-01

The photovoltaic properties of single-crystal Cu2S-CdS heterojunctions have been investigated as a function of heat treatment by detailed measurements of the dependence of short-circuit current on photon energy, temperature, and the state of optical degradation or enhancement. A coherent picture is formulated for the relationship between enhancement and optical degradation, and their effect on the transport of short-circuit photoexcited current and dark, forward-bias current in the cell. Optical degradation in the Cu2S-CdS cell is shown to be closely identical to optical degradation of lifetime in a homogeneous CdS:Cd:Cu crystal, indicating that the CdS:Cu layer near the junction interface controls carrier transport in the cell. It is proposed that both the photoexcited short-circuit current and the dark, forward-bias current are controlled by a tunneling-recombination process through interface states.

Heat treatment effects in Cu2S-CdS heterojunction photovoltaic cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fahrenbruch, A. L.; Bube, R. H.

1974-01-01

The dependence of the short-circuit current on photon energy, temperature, and the state of optical degradation (or enhancement) is determined in a study of the photovoltaic properties of Cu2S-CdS single-crystal heterojunctions. A coherent formulation is proposed for the relationship between enhancement and optical degradation and for their effects on the transport of a short-circuit photoexcited current and dark forward-bias current in a photovoltaic cell. Optical degradation in a Cu2S-CdS cell is shown to be identical to the optical degradation of lifetime in a homogeneous CdS:Cd:Cu crystal.

Ionic-to-Electronic Conductivity Crossover in CdTe-AgI-As2Te3 Glasses: An 110mAg Tracer Diffusion Study.

PubMed

Kassem, M; Alekseev, I; Bokova, M; Le Coq, D; Bychkov, E

2018-04-12

Conductivity isotherms of (CdTe) x (AgI) 0.5- x/2 (As 2 Te 3 ) 0.5- x/2 glasses (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) reveal a nonmonotonic behavior with increasing CdTe content reminiscent of mixed cation effect in oxide and chalcogenide glasses. Nevertheless, the apparent similarity appears to be partly incorrect. Using 110m Ag tracer diffusion measurements, we show that semiconducting CdTe additions produce a dual effect: (i) decreasing the Ag + ion transport by a factor of ≈200 with a simultaneous increase of the diffusion activation energy and (ii) increasing the electronic conductivity by 1.5 orders of magnitude. Consequently, the conductivity minimum at x = 0.05 reflects an ionic-to-electronic transport crossover; the silver-ion transport number decreases by 3 orders of magnitude with increasing x.

Biomonitoring of 33 Elements in Blood and Urine Samples from Coastal Populations in Sanmen County of Zhejiang Province.

PubMed

Zhang, Su-jing; Luo, Ru-xin; Ma, Dong; Zhuo, Xian-yi

2016-04-01

To determine the normal reference values of 33 elements, Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, Zn and Zr, in the blood and urine samples from the general population in Sanmen County of Zhejiang province, a typical coastal area of eastern China. The 33 elements in 272 blood and 300 urine samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The normality test of data was conducted using SPSS 17.0 Statistics. The data was compared with other reports. The normal reference values of the 33 elements in the blood and urine samples from the general population in Sanmen County were obtained, which of some elements were found to be similar with other reports, such as Co, Cu, Mn and Sr, while As, Cd, Hg and Pb were generally found to be higher than those previously reported. There was a wide variation between the reports from different countries in blood Ba. The normal reference values of the 33 elements in the blood and urine samples from the general population in Sanmen County are established, and successfully applied to two poisoning cases.

Natural and anthropic effects on hydrochemistry and major and trace elements in the water mass of a Spanish Pyrenean glacial lake set.

PubMed

Santolaria, Zoe; Arruebo, Tomás; Pardo, Alfonso; Rodríguez-Casals, Carlos; Matesanz, José María; Lanaja, Francisco Javier; Urieta, José Santiago

2017-07-01

This study presents the key hydrochemical characteristics and concentration levels of major (Ca, Mg, Na, Si, K, Sr, Fe) and trace (Ba, Sc, Cr, Mn, Al, As, Li, Co, Cu, U, Pb, Hg, Au, Sn, Zn, Cd, Ag, Ni) elements in the water mass of four selected Pyrenean cirque glacial lakes (Sabocos, Baños, Truchas and Escalar tarns) with different catchment features, between 2010 and 2013. Resulting data set is statistically analyzed to discriminate between the natural or anthropic origin of the elements. Analyses indicate that in all cases, the main source of most major and trace elements is geological weathering, being thus individual bedrock composition the main driver of differences between lakes. Several anthropogenic sources of airborne Cu, Sc, Co, and Cr must be also considered. The shallowness of the lake is also a factor that may influence element cycling and concentration levels in its water mass. Concentrations of anthropogenic elements were low, comparable to those reported in other glacial lakes, way below the WHO, US EPA, EC, and Spanish legal limits for drinking water quality, indicating the absence of serious pollution. Toxic heavy metals Cd, Pb, Hg, and Zn were not detected in any of the tarns.

Determination of Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, Copper and Silver Using a Carbon Paste Electrode and a Screen Printed Electrode Modified with Chromium(III) Oxide

PubMed Central

Koudelkova, Zuzana; Syrovy, Tomas; Ambrozova, Pavlina; Moravec, Zdenek; Kubac, Lubomir; Hynek, David; Adam, Vojtech

2017-01-01

In this study, the preparation and electrochemical application of a chromium(III) oxide modified carbon paste electrode (Cr-CPE) and a screen printed electrode (SPE), made from the same material and optimized for the simple, cheap and sensitive simultaneous determination of zinc, cadmium, lead, copper and the detection of silver ions, is described. The limits of detection and quantification were 25 and 80 µg·L−1 for Zn(II), 3 and 10 µg·L−1 for Cd(II), 3 and 10 µg·L−1 for Pb(II), 3 and 10 µg·L−1 for Cu(II), and 3 and 10 µg·L−1 for Ag(I), respectively. Furthermore, this promising modification was transferred to the screen-printed electrode. The limits of detection for the simultaneous determination of zinc, cadmium, copper and lead on the screen printed electrodes were found to be 350 µg·L−1 for Zn(II), 25 µg·L−1 for Cd(II), 3 µg·L−1 for Pb(II) and 3 µg·L−1 for Cu(II). Practical usability for the simultaneous detection of these heavy metal ions by the Cr-CPE was also demonstrated in the analyses of wastewaters. PMID:28792450

Arsenic speciation and spatial and interspecies differences of metal concentrations in mollusks and crustaceans from a South China estuary.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Wang, Wen-Xiong; Zhang, Li

2013-05-01

Arsenic speciation and concentrations were determined in mollusks and crustaceans in the intertidal zone from twelve locations in Zhanjiang estuary, South China. Metal concentrations (Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were also concurrently determined in these species. Arsenic speciation analysis showed that the less-toxic arsenobetaine (AsB) constituted 80.6-98.8 % of all As compounds, and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) constituted 0.47-3.44 %. Monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and As(V) were only detected in the whelk Drupa fiscella and the crab Heteropilumnus ciliatus, respectively. Arsenite [As(III)] was not detected in any of the sampled specimens, but there were also unidentified other As species. A strong spatial variation of metals in the oyster Saccostrea cucullata was found in the estuary, confirming that oysters can be used as a good biomonitor of metal contamination in the studied area. The concentrations of eight metals in the studied mollusks and crustaceans clearly revealed that these invertebrates accumulated different metals to different degrees. Furthermore, As, Cd, Cu, Hg, and Pb contents in mollusks and crustacean samples were below the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) safe concentrations, thus there was no obvious health risk from the intake of the metals through marine mollusks and crustaceans consumption.

Determination of Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, Copper and Silver Using a Carbon Paste Electrode and a Screen Printed Electrode Modified with Chromium(III) Oxide.

PubMed

Koudelkova, Zuzana; Syrovy, Tomas; Ambrozova, Pavlina; Moravec, Zdenek; Kubac, Lubomir; Hynek, David; Richtera, Lukas; Adam, Vojtech

2017-08-09

In this study, the preparation and electrochemical application of a chromium(III) oxide modified carbon paste electrode (Cr-CPE) and a screen printed electrode (SPE), made from the same material and optimized for the simple, cheap and sensitive simultaneous determination of zinc, cadmium, lead, copper and the detection of silver ions, is described. The limits of detection and quantification were 25 and 80 µg·L -1 for Zn(II), 3 and 10 µg·L -1 for Cd(II), 3 and 10 µg·L -1 for Pb(II), 3 and 10 µg·L -1 for Cu(II), and 3 and 10 µg·L -1 for Ag(I), respectively. Furthermore, this promising modification was transferred to the screen-printed electrode. The limits of detection for the simultaneous determination of zinc, cadmium, copper and lead on the screen printed electrodes were found to be 350 µg·L -1 for Zn(II), 25 µg·L -1 for Cd(II), 3 µg·L -1 for Pb(II) and 3 µg·L -1 for Cu(II). Practical usability for the simultaneous detection of these heavy metal ions by the Cr-CPE was also demonstrated in the analyses of wastewaters.

Historical record of European emissions of heavy metals to the atmosphere since the 1650s from alpine snow/ice cores drilled near Monte Rosa.

PubMed

Barbante, Carlo; Schwikowski, Margit; Döring, Thomas; Gäggeler, Heinz W; Schotterer, Ulrich; Tobler, Leo; van de Velde, Katja; Ferrari, Christophe; Cozzi, Giulio; Turetta, Andrea; Rosman, Kevin; Bolshov, Michael; Capodaglio, Gabriele; Cescon, Paolo; Boutron, Claude

2004-08-01

Cr, Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sb, Pt, Au, and U have been determined in clean room conditions by inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry and other analytical techniques, in various sections of two dated snow/ice cores from the high-altitude (4450 m asl) glacier saddle Colle Gnifetti, Monte Rosa massif, located in the Swiss-Italian Alps. These cores cover a 350-year time period, from 1650 to 1994. The results show highly enhanced concentrations for most metals in snow/ice dated from the second half of the 20th century, compared with concentrations in ancient ice dated from the 17th and 18th centuries. The highest increase factors from the pre-1700 period to the post-1970 period are observed for Cd (36), Zn (19), Bi (15), Cu (11), and Ni (9), confirming the importance of atmospheric pollution by heavy metals in Europe. Metal concentrations observed in Colle Gnifetti snow around 1980 appear to be quantitatively related to metal emissions from Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, and Austria at that time, making it possible to reconstruct past changes in metal emission in these countries during the last centuries.

Neem leaf glycoprotein promotes dual generation of central and effector memory CD8(+) T cells against sarcoma antigen vaccine to induce protective anti-tumor immunity.

PubMed

Ghosh, Sarbari; Sarkar, Madhurima; Ghosh, Tithi; Guha, Ipsita; Bhuniya, Avishek; Saha, Akata; Dasgupta, Shayani; Barik, Subhasis; Bose, Anamika; Baral, Rathindranath

2016-03-01

We have previously shown that Neem Leaf Glycoprotein (NLGP) mediates sustained tumor protection by activating host immune response. Now we report that adjuvant help from NLGP predominantly generates CD44(+)CD62L(high)CCR7(high) central memory (TCM; in lymph node) and CD44(+)CD62L(low)CCR7(low) effector memory (TEM; in spleen) CD8(+) T cells of Swiss mice after vaccination with sarcoma antigen (SarAg). Generated TCM and TEM participated either to replenish memory cell pool for sustained disease free states or in rapid tumor eradication respectively. TCM generated after SarAg+NLGP vaccination underwent significant proliferation and IL-2 secretion following SarAg re-stimulation. Furthermore, SarAg+NLGP vaccination helps in greater survival of the memory precursor effector cells at the peak of the effector response and their maintenance as mature memory cells, in comparison to single modality treatment. Such response is corroborated with the reduced phosphorylation of FOXO in the cytosol and increased KLF2 in the nucleus associated with enhanced CD62L, CCR7 expression of lymph node-resident CD8(+) T cells. However, spleen-resident CD8(+) T memory cells show superior efficacy for immediate memory-to-effector cell conversion. The data support in all aspects that SarAg+NLGP demonstrate superiority than SarAg vaccination alone that benefits the host by rapid effector functions whenever required, whereas, central-memory cells are thought to replenish the memory cell pool for ultimate sustained disease free survival till 60 days following post-vaccination tumor inoculation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Steady State Dendritic Cells Present Parenchymal Self-Antigen and Contribute to, but Are Not Essential for, Tolerization of Naive and Th1 Effector CD4 Cells1

PubMed Central

Hagymasi, Adam T.; Slaiby, Aaron M.; Mihalyo, Marianne A.; Qui, Harry Z.; Zammit, David J.; Lefrançois, Leo; Adler, Adam J.

2010-01-01

Bone marrow-derived APC are critical for both priming effector/memory T cell responses to pathogens and inducing peripheral tolerance in self-reactive T cells. In particular, dendritic cells (DC) can acquire peripheral self-Ags under steady state conditions and are thought to present them to cognate T cells in a default tolerogenic manner, whereas exposure to pathogen-associated inflammatory mediators during the acquisition of pathogen-derived Ags appears to reprogram DCs to prime effector and memory T cell function. Recent studies have confirmed the critical role of DCs in priming CD8 cell effector responses to certain pathogens, although the necessity of steady state DCs in programming T cell tolerance to peripheral self-Ags has not been directly tested. In the current study, the role of steady state DCs in programming self-reactive CD4 cell peripheral tolerance was assessed by combining the CD11c-diphtheria toxin receptor transgenic system, in which DC can be depleted via treatment with diphtheria toxin, with a TCR-transgenic adoptive transfer system in which either naive or Th1 effector CD4 cells are induced to undergo tolerization after exposure to cognate parenchymally derived self-Ag. Although steady state DCs present parenchymal self-Ag and contribute to the tolerization of cognate naive and Th1 effector CD4 cells, they are not essential, indicating the involvement of a non-DC tolerogenic APC population(s). Tolerogenic APCs, however, do not require the cooperation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. Similarly, DC were required for maximal priming of naive CD4 cells to vaccinia viral-Ag, but priming could still occur in the absence of DC. PMID:17641018

Lead-free solder

DOEpatents

Anderson, Iver E.; Terpstra, Robert L.

2001-05-15

A Sn--Ag--Cu eutectic alloy is modified with one or more low level and low cost alloy additions to enhance high temperature microstructural stability and thermal-mechanical fatigue strength without decreasing solderability. Purposeful fourth or fifth element additions in the collective amount not exceeding about 1 weight % (wt. %) are added to Sn--Ag--Cu eutectic solder alloy based on the ternary eutectic Sn--4.7%Ag--1.7%Cu (wt. %) and are selected from the group consisting essentially of Ni, Fe, and like-acting elements as modifiers of the intermetallic interface between the solder and substrate to improve high temperature solder joint microstructural stability and solder joint thermal-mechanical fatigue strength.

Relationship between morphologies and orientations of Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains in Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder joints on different Cu pads

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tian, Yanhong, E-mail: tianyh@hit.edu.cn; Zhang, Rui; Hang, Chunjin

2014-02-15

The morphologies and orientations of Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds in the Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder joints both on polycrystalline and single crystal Cu pads under different peak reflow temperatures and times above liquids were investigated. The relationship between Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grain orientations and morphologies was clarified. At the interface of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/polycrystalline Cu pad, scalloped Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds formed at 250 °C and roof shape Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} formed at 300 °C. Both scalloped Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} and roof shape Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} had a preferred orientation of (0001) plane being parallel to polycrystalline Cu pad surface. Besides, themore » percentage of large angle grain boundaries increased as the peak reflow temperature rose. At the interface of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/(111) single crystal Cu pad, the Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds were mainly scallop-type at 250 °C and were prism type at 300 °C. The prismatic Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains grew along the three preferred directions with the inter-angles of 60° on (111) single crystal Cu pad while along two perpendicular directions on (100) single crystal Cu pad. The orientation relationship between Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains and the single crystal Cu pads was investigated by electron backscatter diffraction technology. In addition, two types of hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} intermetallic compounds were found inside the joints of polycrystalline Cu pads. The long hexagonal Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} strips were observed in the joints reflowing at 250 °C while the hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} strips with the ‘▪’ shape cross-sections appeared at 300 °C, which was attributed to the different grain growth rates of different Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} crystal faces. - Highlights: • The orientation of interfacial Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grains was obtained by EBSD technology. • Two types of hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} strips were found at different temperatures. • The formation mechanism of hollowed Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} was elaborated based on Bravais law. • The relationship between Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} grain orientations and morphologies was clarified.« less

Application of gold compositional analyses to mineral exploration in the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Antweiler, J.C.; Campbell, W.L.

1977-01-01

Native gold is a mineral composed of Au, Ag and Cu in solid solution and it usually contains one or more trace metals as lattice impurities, as mineral inclusions, in grain boundaries or in surface coatings. Alloy proportions of Au, Ag and Cu, together with certain other elements, can be thought of as constituting a gold "signature". Gold is associated with a great variety of ore deposits and has characteristic signatures for each of several types of ore deposits. Signatures for gold derived from igneous-metamorphic, hypothermal, mesothermal and epithermal deposits reflect conditions of ore formation by their content of Ag, Cu and characteristic associated elements. At higher temperatures of ore formation, gold has low Ag and high Cu content, and Bi and Pb are the most abundant trace elements. But at lower temperatures of ore formation, Ag is high, Cu is low, and Pb is the most abundant trace element. The same trend in gold signatures is observable in gold mining districts, such as Central City, Colorado, where zoning as shown by mineral assemblages indicates ore deposition at progressively lower temperatures as the distance from a central high-temperature zone increases. The signatures of gold may be useful in searching for porphyry Cu deposits. Signatures from Butte (Montana), Mineral Park (Arizona) and Cala Abajo (Puerto Rico), on the basis of limited sampling, are similar and distinctive. They are characterized by a similar assemblage of trace elements and are relatively high in both Ag and Cu. Another application of gold compositional data is in tracing placer gold to its bedrock source. For example, the Ag content of placer gold in the Tarryall district of Colorado differed from that of nearly all of the bedrock sources of gold found by early prospectors. However, one lightly prospected area peripheral to the Tertiary quartz monzonite stock at Montgomery Gulch contains gold with a Ag content similar to that of the placer gold. This area is the most likely source of the gold in the productive placers and may be a potential exploration target. Gold signatures may be useful in prospecting for metals other than gold. Several metals of low crustal abundance - notably Sn, W, Mo and the Pt group metals - are detected in analyses of some gold samples and may indicate economic deposits of these metals. ?? 1977.

Structural variability in Cu(I) and Ag(I) coordination polymers with a flexible dithione ligand: Synthesis, crystal structure, microbiological and theoretical studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beheshti, Azizolla, E-mail: a.beheshti@scu.ac.ir; Nozarian, Kimia; Babadi, Susan Soleymani

Two new compounds namely [Cu(SCN)(µ-L)]{sub n} (1) and ([Ag (µ{sub 2}-L)](ClO{sub 4})){sub n} (2) have been synthesized at room temperature by one-pot reactions between the 1,1-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(1,3-dihydro-3-methyl-1H-imidazole- 2-thione) (L) and appropriate copper(I) and silver(I) salts. These polymers have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, XRPD, TGA, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, antibacterial activity and scanning probe microscopy studies. In the crystal structure of 1, copper atoms have a distorted trigonal planar geometry with a CuS{sub 2}N coordination environment. Each of the ligands in the structure of 1 acting as a bidentate S-bridging ligand to form a 1D chain structure. Additionally, themore » adjacent 1D chains are interconnected by the intermolecular C-H…S interactions to create a 2D network structure. In contrast to 1, in the cationic 3D structure of 2 each of the silver atoms exhibits an AgS{sub 4} tetrahedral geometry with 4-membered Ag{sub 2}S{sub 2} rings. In the structure of 2, the flexible ligand adopts two different conformations; gauche-anti-gauche and anti-anti-anti. The antibacterial studies of these polymers showed that polymer 2 is more potent antibacterial agent than 1. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) study of the treated bacteria was carried out to investigate the structural changes cause by the interactions between the polymers and target bacteria. Theoretical study of polymer 1 investigated by the DFT calculations indicates that observed transitions at 266 nm and 302 nm in the UV–vis spectrum could be attributed to the π→π* and MLCT transitions, respectively. - Graphical abstract: Two new Cu(I) and Ag(I) coordination polymers have been have been synthesized by one-pot reactions. Copper complex has a 2D non-covalent structure, but silver compound is a 3D coordination compound. These compounds have effective antibacterial activity. - Highlights: • Cu(I) and Ag(I) based coordination polymers have different network structures. • Ag(I) polymer has more antibacterial activity than Cu(I) polymer. • DFT calculations of Cu(I) polymer has been investigated. • Cu(I) and Ag(I) polymers can destroy the structure of chromosomal and plasmid DNA.« less

Chemical vapor transport of chalcopyrite semiconductors: CuGaS2 and AgGaS2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauck, R.; Cardona, M.; Kremer, R. K.; Siegle, G.; Bhosale, J. S.; Ramdas, A. K.; Alawadhi, H.; Miotkowski, I.; Romero, A. H.; Muñoz, A.; Burger, A.

2014-09-01

Crystals of CuGaS2 and AgGaS2 with different isotopic compositions have been grown by chemical vapor transport (CVT) using iodine as the transport agent. Before performing the CVT growth, sulfur and copper were purified by sublimation and etching, respectively. 109Ag and the etched 71Ga isotopes were purified from oxides by vacuum annealing. Transparent yellow orange crystals of CuGaS2 and greenish yellow crystals of AgGaS2 were obtained in the shape of platelets, chunks, rods and needles in sizes of up to 8 mm (CuGaS2) and 30 mm (AgGaS2). These crystals were used to study their electronic, vibrational and thermodynamic properties. Higher excitonic states (n=2,3) were observed at low temperatures with wavelength-modulated reflectivity spectroscopy, thus proving an excellent surface and crystal quality. In addition, the experimentally determined non-monotonic temperature dependence of the excitonic energies can be well fitted by using two Bose-Einstein oscillators and their statistical factors, corresponding to characteristic acoustic and optical phonon frequencies. Isotopic shift of excitonic energies has also been successfully observed in these crystals.

Resistive switching mechanism of Ag/ZrO2:Cu/Pt memory cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Shibing; Liu, Qi; Lv, Hangbing; Li, Yingtao; Wang, Yan; Zhang, Sen; Lian, Wentai; Zhang, Kangwei; Wang, Ming; Xie, Hongwei; Liu, Ming

2011-03-01

Resistive switching mechanism of zirconium oxide-based resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices composed of Cu-doped ZrO2 film sandwiched between an oxidizable electrode and an inert electrode was investigated. The Ag/ZrO2:Cu/Pt RRAM devices with crosspoint structure fabricated by e-beam evaporation and e-beam lithography show reproducible bipolar resistive switching. The linear I- V relationship of low resistance state (LRS) and the dependence of LRS resistance ( R ON) and reset current ( I reset) on the set current compliance ( I comp) indicate that the observed resistive switching characteristics of the Ag/ZrO2:Cu/Pt device should be ascribed to the formation and annihilation of localized conductive filaments (CFs). The physical origin of CF was further analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). CFs were directly observed by cross-sectional TEM. According to EDS and elemental mapping analysis, the main chemical composition of CF is determined by Ag atoms, coming from the Ag top electrode. On the basis of these experiments, we propose that the set and reset process of the device stem from the electrochemical reactions in the zirconium oxide under different external electrical stimuli.

Cellular immune responses in patients with hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance induced by antiviral therapy

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The mechanisms by which chronic hepatitis B is completely resolved through antiviral therapy are unknown, and the contribution of acquired T cell immunity to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance has not been investigated. Therefore, we measured the T-cell responses to core and envelope antigens in patients with HBsAg seroclearance. Methods Fourteen subjects with HBsAg seroclearance following antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B, 7 HBeAg-positive immunotolerant HBV carriers and 9 HBeAg-negative inactive HBsAg carriers were recruited. HBV-specific T-cell responses to recombinant HBV core (rHBcAg) and envelope (rHBsAg) proteins and pools of core and envelope peptides were measured using an ELISPOT assay detecting interferon-gamma and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) assays detecting interferon-gamma or interleukin 2. Results Interferon-gamma ELISPOT assays showed a low frequency of weak responses to the rHBsAg and S peptide pool in the HBsAg seroclearance group, and the response frequency to the rHBcAg and the C peptide pool was higher than to the rHBsAg (P < 0.001) and S peptide pool (P = 0.001) respectively. A higher response frequency to C than S peptide pools was confirmed in the interferon-gamma ICS assays for both CD4+ (P = 0.033) and CD8+ (P = 0.040) T cells in the HBsAg seroclearance group. The responses to C and S antigens in the inactive carriers were similar. Conclusions There was a low frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to envelope antigens in Chinese subjects with HBsAg seroclearance following antiviral therapy. It is unlikely that these immune responses are responsible for HBsAg seroclearance in these subjects. PMID:21320337

Annual suspended sediment and trace element fluxes in the Mississippi, Columbia, Colorado, and Rio Grande drainage basins

USGS Publications Warehouse

Horowitz, A.J.; Elrick, K.A.; Smith, J.J.

2001-01-01

Suspended sediment, sediment-associated, total trace element, phosphorus (P), and total organic carbon (TOC) fluxes were determined for the Mississippi, Columbia, Rio Grande, and Colorado Basins for the study period (the 1996, 1997, and 1998 water years) as part of the US Geological Survey's redesigned National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) programme. The majority (??? 70%) of Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Ba, P, As, Fe, Mn, and Al are transported in association with suspended sediment; Sr transport seems dominated by the dissolved phase, whereas the transport of Li and TOC seems to be divided equally between both phases. Average dissolved trace element levels are markedly lower than reported during the original NASQAN programme; this seems due to the use of 'clean' sampling, processing, and analytical techniques rather than to improvements in water quality. Partitioning between sediment and water for Ag, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co, V, Be, As, Sb, Hg, and Ti could not be estimated due to a lack of detectable dissolved concentrations in most samples. Elevated suspended sediment-associated Zn levels were detected in the Ohio River Basin and elevated Hg levels were detected in the Tennessee River, the former may affect the mainstem Mississippi River, whereas the latter probably do not. Sediment-associated concentrations of Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Co, Ba, Mo, Sb, Hg, and Fe are markedly elevated in the upper Columbia Basin, and appear to be detectable (Zn, Cd) as far downstream as the middle of the basin. These elevated concentrations seem to result from mining and/or mining-related activities. Consistently detectable concentrations of dissolved Se were found only in the Colorado River Basin. Calculated average annual suspended sediment fluxes at the mouths of the Mississippi and Rio Grande Basins were below, whereas those for the Columbia and Colorado Basins were above previously published annual values. Downstream suspended sediment-associated and total trace element fluxes increase in the Mississippi and Columbia Basins, whereas fluxes markedly decrease in the Colorado Basin. No consistent pattern in trace element fluxes was detected in the Rio Grande Basin.

Electronic, optical properties and chemical bonding in six novel 1111-like chalcogenide fluorides AMChF (A=Sr, Ba; M=Cu, Ag; and Ch=S, Se, Te) from first principles calculations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bannikov, V.V.; Shein, I.R.; Ivanovskii, A.L., E-mail: ivanovskii@ihim.uran.ru

2012-12-15

Employing first-principles band structure calculations, we have examined the electronic, optical properties and the peculiarities of the chemical bonding for six newly synthesized layered quaternary 1111-like chalcogenide fluorides SrAgSF, SrAgSeF, SrAgTeF, BaAgSF, BaAgSeF, and SrCuTeF, which are discussed in comparison with some isostructural 1111-like chalcogenide oxides. We found that all of the studied phases AMChF (A=Sr, Ba; M=Cu, Ag; and Ch=S, Se, Te) are semiconductors for which the fitted 'experimental' gaps lie in the interval from 2.23 eV (for SrAgSeF) to 3.07 eV (for SrCuTeF). The near-Fermi states of AMChF are formed exclusively by the valence orbitals of the atomsmore » from the blocks (MCh); thus, these phases belong to the layered materials with 'natural multiple quantum wells'. The bonding in these new AMChF phases is described as a high-anisotropic mixture of ionic and covalent contributions, where ionic M-Ch bonds together with covalent M-Ch and Ch-Ch bonds take place inside blocks (MCh), while inside blocks (AF) and between the adjacent blocks (MCh)/(AF) mainly ionic bonds emerge. - Graphical Abstract: Isoelectronic surface for SrAgSeF and atomic-resolved densities of states for SrAgTeF, and SrCuTeF. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Very recently six new layered 1111-like chalcogenide fluorides AMChF were synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Electronic, optical properties for AMChF phases were examined from first principles. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer All these materials are characterized as non-magnetic semiconductors. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Bonding is highly anisotropic and includes ionic and covalent contributions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Introduction of magnetic ions in AMChF is proposed for search of novel magnetic materials.« less

Metal Flux Growth, Structural Relations, and Physical Properties of EuCu2Ge2 and Eu3T2In9 (T = Cu and Ag).

PubMed

Subbarao, Udumula; Roy, Soumyabrata; Sarma, Saurav Ch; Sarkar, Sumanta; Mishra, Vidyanshu; Khulbe, Yatish; Peter, Sebastian C

2016-10-17

Single crystals (SCs) of the compounds Eu 3 Ag 2 In 9 and EuCu 2 Ge 2 were synthesized through the reactions run in liquid indium. Eu 3 Ag 2 In 9 crystallizes in the La 3 Al 11 structure type [orthorhombic space group (SG) Immm] with the lattice parameters: a = 4.8370(1) Å, b = 10.6078(3) Å, and c = 13.9195(4) Å. EuCu 2 Ge 2 crystallizes in the tetragonal ThCr 2 Si 2 structure type (SG I4/mmm) with the lattice parameters: a = b = 4.2218(1) Å, and c = 10.3394(5) Å. The crystal structure of Eu 3 Ag 2 In 9 is comprised of edge-shared hexagonal rings consisting of indium. The one-dimensional chains of In 6 rings are shared through the edges, which are further interconnected with other six-membered rings forming a three-dimensional (3D) stable crystal structure along the bc plane. The crystal structure of EuCu 2 Ge 2 can be explained as the complex [CuGe] (2+δ)- polyanionic network embedded with Eu ions. These polyanionic networks present in the crystal structure of EuCu 2 Ge 2 are shared through the edges of the 011 plane containing Cu and Ge atoms, resulting in a 3D network. The structural relationship between Eu 3 T 2 In 9 and EuCu 2 Ge 2 has been discussed in detail, and we conclude that Eu 3 T 2 In 9 is the metal deficient variant of EuCu 2 Ge 2 . The magnetic susceptibilities of Eu 3 T 2 In 9 (T = Cu and Ag) and EuCu 2 Ge 2 were measured between 2 and 300 K. In all cases, magnetic susceptibility data followed Curie-Weiss law above 150 K. Magnetic moment values obtained from the measurements indicate the probable mixed/intermediate valent behavior of the europium atoms, which was further confirmed by X-ray absorption studies and bond distances around the Eu atoms. Electrical resistivity measurements suggest that Eu 3 T 2 In 9 and EuCu 2 Ge 2 are metallic in nature.

Green Synthesis of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Effect on the Unicellular Alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Nhung H. A.; Padil, Vinod Vellora Thekkae; Slaveykova, Vera I.; Černík, Miroslav; Ševců, Alena

2018-05-01

Recently, the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles has attracted wide attention due to its feasibility and very low environmental impact. This approach was applied in this study to synthesise nanoscale gold (Au), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag) and copper oxide (CuO) materials in simple aqueous media using the natural polymer gum karaya as a reducing and stabilising agent. The nanoparticles' (NPs) zeta-potential, stability and size were characterised by Zetasizer Nano, UV-Vis spectroscopy and by electron microscopy. Moreover, the biological effect of the NPs (concentration range 1.0-20.0 mg/L) on a unicellular green alga ( Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) was investigated by assessing algal growth, membrane integrity, oxidative stress, chlorophyll ( Chl) fluorescence and photosystem II photosynthetic efficiency. The resulting NPs had a mean size of 42 (Au), 12 (Pt), 1.5 (Pd), 5 (Ag) and 180 (CuO) nm and showed high stability over 6 months. At concentrations of 5 mg/L, Au and Pt NPs only slightly reduced algal growth, while Pd, Ag and CuO NPs completely inhibited growth. Ag, Pd and CuO NPs showed strong biocidal properties and can be used for algae prevention in swimming pools (CuO) or in other antimicrobial applications (Pd, Ag), whereas Au and Pt lack these properties and can be ranked as harmless to green alga.

Localized surface plasmon behavior of Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles stabilized by rice-starch and gelatin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singh, Manish Kumar; Mandal, R. K., E-mail: rkmandal.met@itbhu.ac.in; Manda, Premkumar

The purpose of this communication was to understand localized surface plasmon behavior of a series of Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles capped by rice-starch and gelatin. The structures of dried powders were investigated with the help of X-ray diffraction. The analysis revealed Ag-rich and Cu-rich phases with maximum solid solubility of Cu ∼9 atom per cent; 8 atom per cent and Ag ∼ 16 atom per cent; 14 atom per cent in rice-starch and gelatin capped samples respectively. Transmission electron microscope was used for knowing the particle size as well as to supplement FCC phase formations of Ag-rich and Cu-rich solid phasesmore » arrived at based on X-ray diffraction studies. The UV-Vis spectra of sols were examined for the formation and stability of alloy nanoparticles. The temporal evolution of LSPR curves gave us to assert that the sol is stable for more than two months. Small angle X-ray scattering in the sol state was extensively utilized to understand nature of suspensions in terms of fractals. Such a study is important for having a correlation between LSPR behaviors with those of nanoparticle dispersion in aqueous media. It is believed that this work will be a contribution to the emerging field of plasmonics that include applications in the area of photophysical processes and photochemical reactions.« less

Effects of Ag and Cu ions on the microbial corrosion of 316L stainless steel in the presence of Desulfovibrio sp.

PubMed

Unsal, Tuba; Ilhan-Sungur, Esra; Arkan, Simge; Cansever, Nurhan

2016-08-01

The utilization of Ag and Cu ions to prevent both microbial corrosion and biofilm formation has recently increased. The emphasis of this study lies on the effects of Ag and Cu ions on the microbial corrosion of 316L stainless steel (SS) induced by Desulfovibrio sp. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization were used to analyze the corrosion behavior. The biofilm formation, corrosion products and Ag and Cu ions on the surfaces were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and elemental mapping. Through circuit modeling, EIS results were used to interpret the physicoelectric interactions between the electrode, biofilm and culture interfaces. EIS results indicated that the metabolic activity of Desulfovibrio sp. accelerated the corrosion rate of SS in both conditions with and without ions. However, due to the retardation in the growth of Desulfovibrio sp. in the presence of Ag and Cu ions, significant decrease in corrosion rate was observed in the culture with the ions. In addition, SEM and EIS analyses revealed that the presence of the ions leads to the formation on the SS of a biofilm with different structure and morphology. Elemental analysis with EDS detected mainly sulfide- and phosphorous-based corrosion products on the surfaces. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Localized surface plasmon behavior of Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles stabilized by rice-starch and gelatin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Manish Kumar; Manda, Premkumar; Singh, A. K.; Mandal, R. K.

2015-10-01

The purpose of this communication was to understand localized surface plasmon behavior of a series of Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles capped by rice-starch and gelatin. The structures of dried powders were investigated with the help of X-ray diffraction. The analysis revealed Ag-rich and Cu-rich phases with maximum solid solubility of Cu ˜9 atom per cent; 8 atom per cent and Ag ˜ 16 atom per cent; 14 atom per cent in rice-starch and gelatin capped samples respectively. Transmission electron microscope was used for knowing the particle size as well as to supplement FCC phase formations of Ag-rich and Cu-rich solid phases arrived at based on X-ray diffraction studies. The UV-Vis spectra of sols were examined for the formation and stability of alloy nanoparticles. The temporal evolution of LSPR curves gave us to assert that the sol is stable for more than two months. Small angle X-ray scattering in the sol state was extensively utilized to understand nature of suspensions in terms of fractals. Such a study is important for having a correlation between LSPR behaviors with those of nanoparticle dispersion in aqueous media. It is believed that this work will be a contribution to the emerging field of plasmonics that include applications in the area of photophysical processes and photochemical reactions.

Synthesis of tin, silver and their alloy nanoparticles for lead-free interconnect applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Hongjin

SnPb solders have long been used as interconnect materials in microelectronic packaging. Due to the health threat of lead to human beings, the use of lead-free interconnect materials is imperative. Three kinds of lead-free interconnect materials are being investigated, namely lead-free metal solders (SnAg, SnAgCu, etc.), electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). However, there are still limitations for the full utilization of these lead-free interconnect materials in the microelectronic packaging, such as higher melting point of lead-free metal solders, lower electrical conductivity of the ECAs and poor adhesion of CNTs to substrates. This thesis is devoted to the research and development of low processing temperature lead-free interconnect materials for microelectronic packaging applications with an emphasis on fundamental studies of nanoparticles synthesis, dispersion and oxidation prevention, and nanocomposites fabrication. Oxide-free tin (Sn), tin/silver (96.5Sn3.5Ag) and tin/silver/copper (96.5Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu) alloy nanoparticles with different sizes were synthesized by a low temperature chemical reduction method. Both size dependent melting point and latent heat of fusion of the synthesized nanoparticles were obtained. The nano lead-free solder pastes/composites created by dispersing the SnAg or SnAgCu alloy nanoparticles into an acidic type flux spread and wet on the cleaned copper surface at 220 to 230°C. This study demonstrated the feasibility of nano sized SnAg or SnAgCu alloy particle pastes for low processing temperature lead-free interconnect applications in microelectronic packaging.

Thermoelectric Behavior of Low Thermal Conductivity Cu-based and IV-V Chalcogenides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olvera, Alan Anthony

In an ever-changing global environment, energy-related issues have become a central feature in the day-to-day conversations of the general public. A niche field that has recently made major advancements in conversion performance is thermoelectric (TE) energy conversion, where progress in material optimization has resulted in the highest efficiency thermoelectric materials to date. This includes superionic copper chalcogenides and IV-VI selenide compounds, such as Cu2Se and PbSe. Hence, this work focuses on the reliable synthesis and characterization of thermoelectric Cu-based and IV-V compounds. The electronic and optical properties of Cu-based energy conversion materials are greatly affected by synthesis-induced defects. To alleviate this issue, a novel method is developed using the topochemical redox reaction of CuSe 2 into the desired material. It is predicted that CuSe2 -serves as a sacrificial structural template for the facile synthesis of structurally related materials. This was specifically verified in the case of CuInSe 2, where CuSe2 is gradually transformed into CuInSe 2 when reacted with elemental indium. Evidently, this synthetic method is a potential avenue for new material prediction and fabrication of novel composite materials. Using the method described, a composite of CuInSe2 and the known TE material, Cu2Se, is formed. Considering the structural similarity of both compounds, the efficiency of Cu2Se is drastically increased due to enhanced carrier mobility provided by tetrahedral indium subunits. These subunits simultaneously disrupt phonon propagation which result in reduced thermal conductivity and increased TE efficiency (ZT ≈ 2.6 at 850K). More significant is the increased chemical stability of Cu2Se while under applied current and temperature. It is observed that 1 mol % indium stabilizes Cu-ion migration, encouraging the commercialization of Cu 2Se. Currently, CuAgSe is the only promising n-type Cu-based superionic TE material. Accordingly, to find a compatible material for p-type Cu2Se at high temperatures, a series of materials with the formula Cu4-xAgxSe2 were synthesized. It was found that the composition of Cu3AgSe2 ( x = 1) is a two-phase mixture at low temperatures but becomes a single-phase p-type superionic material above 440 K. On the other hand, CuAg 3Se2 (x = 3) remains a two-phase n-type mixture throughout the measured temperature range, contrary to reports of CuAg3Se2 as a single-phase high temperature material. The most important finding is the high temperature n-type behavior of CuAgSe (x = 2), which is the first instance of CuAgSe as an n-type superionic material above 470 K. It is proposed that off-stoichiometry leads to p-type behavior of CuAgSe. Moving to IV-V compounds, a detailed experimental and computational study of the material Pb7Bi4Se13 shows excellent thermoelectric properties for a non-optimized system. It behaves as an n-type material with a small band gap of about 0.23 eV, which is confirmed by band structure calculations and experimental results. It demonstrates ultralow thermal conductivity largely due to the complex atomic-scale structure and heavy constituent atoms. This results in a ZT of approximately 0.9 at 775 K, which is a promising value for further optimization. Additional results from CuSe2 structural template reactions show that several composite materials and new materials can be predicted and synthesized. This includes Cu2Se-Cu(Ga,Al)Se2 composites and new materials such as Cu(Zn,Ni)1.5Se2 and CuPb 0.75Se2. Further work in Sn-Bi-Se compounds is discussed due their complex crystal structure that may result in promising thermoelectric properties. Finally, the preliminary results of high entropy chalcogenides are presented with discussion on future development.

A Reduced Antigen Load In Vivo, Rather Than Weak Inflammation, Causes a Substantial Delay in CD8+ T Cell Priming against Mycobacterium bovis (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin)1

PubMed Central

Russell, Marsha S.; Iskandar, Monica; Mykytczuk, Oksana L.; Nash, John H. E.; Krishnan, Lakshmi; Sad, Subash

2014-01-01

Regardless of the dose of Ag, Ag presentation occurs rapidly within the first few days which results in rapid expansion of the CD8+ T cell response that peaks at day 7. However, we have previously shown that this rapid priming of CD8+ T cells is absent during infection of mice with Mycobacterium bovis (bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)). In this study, we have evaluated the mechanisms responsible for the delayed CD8+ T cell priming. Because BCG replicates poorly and survives within phagosomes we considered whether 1) generation of reduced amounts of Ag or 2) weaker activation by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) during BCG infection is responsible for the delay in CD8+ T cell priming. Using rOVA-expressing bacteria, our results indicate that infection of mice with BCG-OVA generates greatly reduced levels of OVA, which are 70-fold lower in comparison to the levels generated during infection of mice with Listeria monocytogenes-expressing OVA. Furthermore, increasing the dose of OVA, but not PAMP signaling during BCG-OVA infection resulted in rapid Ag presentation and consequent expansion of the CD8+ T cell response, indicating that the generation of reduced Ag levels, not lack of PAMP-associated inflammation, was responsible for delayed priming of CD8+ T cells. There was a strong correlation between the relative timing of Ag presentation and the increase in the level of OVA in vivo. Taken together, these results reveal that some slowly replicating pathogens, such as mycobacteria, may facilitate their chronicity by generating reduced Ag levels which causes a substantial delay in the development of acquired immune responses. PMID:17579040

Accumulation of Cd, Cu and Zn in shoots of maize (Zea mays L.) exposed to 0.8 or 20 nM Cd during vegetative growth and the relation with xylem sap composition.

PubMed

Nguyen, C; Soulier, A J; Masson, P; Bussière, S; Cornu, J Y

2016-02-01

This work focuses on the exposure of maize plants to nanomolar concentrations of Cd, which is relevant for agricultural soils cropped with food and feed plants. Maize plants were cultivated in nutrient solution at 0.8 or 20 nM Cd during the vegetative growth stages. No significant hormesis or toxic effects of Cd were observed on maize growth, but a decrease in the allocation of Cd to shoots between the 0.8 and 20 nM Cd exposures revealed that the plants already responded to these low concentrations of Cd according to a shoot Cd excluder strategy. The Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations in shoots decreased with time as the result of an early decrease in the root/shoot ratio and of a decrease in the coefficient of allocation to aboveground for Zn and Cd at 20 nM. As a consequence, shoots of young plants were richer in micronutrients Cu and Zn but also in toxic Cd. The rate of delivery of Cd, Cu and Zn from xylem sap was successfully used to predict the time course of concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn in the shoot. However, it overestimated the actual concentrations of Cd in the shoot, presumably because the reallocation of this trace element from shoots back to roots was not taken into account.

Bismuth selenides from St. Andreasberg, Germany: an oxidised five-element style of mineralisation and its relation to post-Variscan vein-type deposits of central Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabral, Alexandre Raphael; Ließmann, Wilfried; Jian, Wei; Lehmann, Bernd

2017-10-01

Carbonate veinlets at Roter Bär, a former underground mine in the polymetallic St. Andreasberg vein district of the Harz Mountains, Germany, host selenide minerals that are characterised as Bi-Ag-bearing clausthalite (PbSe), tiemannite (HgSe), guanajuatite (Bi2Se3) and a number of selenides of Bi, Zn, Cu, Ag and Pd. An unnamed Bi-Pb-Ag selenide species with some Hg and Cu, ideally Bi4Pb3Ag2Se10, is reported here. Specular hematite is disseminated within the clausthalite, at the marginal zones of which other selenide minerals are located. The occurrence of bohdanowiczite (AgBiSe2) and umangite (Cu3Se2) constrains the formation temperature to ≤120 °C, and the selenide-hematite assemblage (plus barite in the carbonate gangue) identifies highly oxidised conditions. Selenide assemblages of Pb, Bi, Ag, with and without Co and Ni, occur in many parts of the Variscan basement of central Europe (Harz, Erzgebirge, Schwarzwald and Bohemian Massif) and represent a high-oxidation variety of five-element (Ag-As-Bi-Co-Ni) veins.