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Keywords = Ag-SnO2-ZnO composites

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16 pages, 4578 KiB  
Article
Corrosion Behavior Analysis of Novel Sn-2.5Ag-1.0Bi-0.8Cu-0.05Ni and Sn-1.8Bi-0.75Cu-0.065Ni Pb-Free Solder Alloys via Potentiodynamic Polarization Test
by Sang Hoon Jung and Jong-Hyun Lee
Metals 2025, 15(6), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15060670 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 362
Abstract
The corrosion behaviors of newly developed solder alloys with excellent mechanical properties, Sn-2.5 Ag-1.0 Bi-0.8 Cu-0.05 Ni (SABC25108N) and Sn-1.5 Bi-0.75 Cu-0.065 Ni (SBC15075N), are analyzed to supplement the corrosion behavior of the limited corrosion data in Pb- and Zn-free solder compositions. A [...] Read more.
The corrosion behaviors of newly developed solder alloys with excellent mechanical properties, Sn-2.5 Ag-1.0 Bi-0.8 Cu-0.05 Ni (SABC25108N) and Sn-1.5 Bi-0.75 Cu-0.065 Ni (SBC15075N), are analyzed to supplement the corrosion behavior of the limited corrosion data in Pb- and Zn-free solder compositions. A potentiodynamic polarization test is conducted on these compositions in a NaCl electrolyte solution, the results of which are compared with those of conventional Sn-3.0 (wt%) Ag-0.5Cu and Sn-1.2Ag-0.5Cu-0.05Ni alloys. The results indicate that SBC15075N exhibits the lowest corrosion potential and highest corrosion current density, thus signifying the lowest corrosion resistance. By contrast, SABC25108N exhibits the lowest corrosion current density and highest corrosion resistance. Notably, SABC25108N shows a slower corrosion progression in the active state and exhibits the longest passive state. The difference in corrosion resistance is affected more significantly by the formation and distribution of the Ag3Sn intermetallic compound phase owing to the high Ag content instead of by the presence of Bi or Ni. This uniform dispersion of Ag3Sn IMC phases in the SABC25108N alloy effectively suppressed corrosion propagation along the grain boundaries and reduced the formation of corrosion products, such as Sn3O(OH)2Cl2, thereby enhancing the overall corrosion resistance. These findings provide valuable insights into the optimal design of solder alloys and highlight the importance of incorporating sufficient Ag content into multicomponent compositions to improve corrosion resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Welding Materials and Green Joint Technology—2nd Edition)
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28 pages, 2282 KiB  
Article
Variation in the Composition of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Ash
by Bruno Valentim, Alexandra Guedes, Iwona Kuźniarska-Biernacka, Joana Dias and Georgeta Predeanu
Minerals 2024, 14(11), 1146; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14111146 - 12 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
Unlike municipal solid waste bottom ash (MSWBA), fly ash (MSWFA) is landfilled due to its toxicity. However, MSWFA may also be a source of elements. Ash samples collected from a Portuguese MSW incinerator from different locations and over six months were analyzed. Their [...] Read more.
Unlike municipal solid waste bottom ash (MSWBA), fly ash (MSWFA) is landfilled due to its toxicity. However, MSWFA may also be a source of elements. Ash samples collected from a Portuguese MSW incinerator from different locations and over six months were analyzed. Their geochemical composition was normalized to the upper continental crust (UCC) and compared since metal enrichment may be used as an indicator for potential recovery. The potential recovery economic viability was also assessed for metals K, Sb, Cu, Pb, and Zn, considering the ore cut-off grade and minimum industrial grade (MIG) from Chinese geological and mineral industry standards. Compared to the global samples, only the Baghouse 1 FA size fraction’s coarse fraction showed a slight enrichment (1- to 5-fold) in Bi, Nb, and Zr. After wet sieving, most trace elements were enriched in all fractions, but Sb, Bi, Pb, Zn, Ag, As, Cd, Sn, Se, and Hg were depleted in the coarse fractions and enriched in the fine ones. For Baghouse 1 samples collected over 6 months, the normalization to the UCC showed enrichment of Zn and Pb between 10× and 50×, Zr, Cu, In, and Se between 50× and 100×, and Ag, Mn, Cd, Sb, and Bi at more than 100×. Over six months, the Baghouse 1 FA soluble fraction ranged between 21 wt.% and 30 wt.%, and its precipitates comprised 27% CaO, 6% Na2O, and 9% K2O. The K concentration in the MSWFA was above the cut-off and the MIG, and K could be concentrated in precipitates via simple washing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy of Remining Secondary Raw Materials)
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17 pages, 5464 KiB  
Article
Kinetic Study of Oxidation of Ag-Sn-Zn Solid Solution Powders via Hot Mechanochemical Processing
by Danny Guzmán, Augusto Figueroa, Alvaro Soliz, Alexis Guzmán, Claudio Aguilar, Felipe M. Galleguillos-Madrid, Carlos Portillo and Syed Ismat Shah
Materials 2024, 17(20), 5115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205115 - 19 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1489
Abstract
Ag-based electrical contact materials are essential in low-voltage devices such as relays, switches, circuit breakers, and contactors. Historically, Ag-CdO composites have been preferred due to their superior electrical and thermal conductivities, resistance to arcing, and mechanical strength. However, the toxicity of Cd has [...] Read more.
Ag-based electrical contact materials are essential in low-voltage devices such as relays, switches, circuit breakers, and contactors. Historically, Ag-CdO composites have been preferred due to their superior electrical and thermal conductivities, resistance to arcing, and mechanical strength. However, the toxicity of Cd has led to increased restrictions on its use. With the aim of contributing to the development of a new environment-friendly, Ag-Zn2SnO4-based electrical contact material, the kinetics of the hot mechanochemical oxidation of a Ag-Sn-Zn solid solution obtained by mechanical alloying were investigated. The results indicated that the proposed synthesis route produces Ag-based composites with a homogeneous distribution of nanoscale Zn2SnO4 precipitates, which is unattainable through conventional material processing methods. This kinetic study established that the mechanochemical oxidation of the Ag-Sn-Zn solid solution follows the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov model. An analysis of the microstructure and the relationship between the activation energy “Ea” and the Avrami exponent “n” from experimental data fitting suggests that the primary mechanism for the oxidation of the Ag-Sn-Zn solid solution during the hot mechanochemical process is related to the three-dimensional oxide growth being limited by oxygen diffusion after its immediate initial nucleation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Advanced Metal Matrix Composites (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 12477 KiB  
Article
Influence of Al2O3 Nanoparticles on the Morphology and Growth Kinetics of Cu-Sn Intermetallic Compounds in Sn-Ag-Zn/Cu Solder Joints
by Lung-Chuan Tsao and Pei-Chun Lai
Crystals 2024, 14(10), 894; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14100894 - 14 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1025
Abstract
Intermetallic compounds (IMCs) growth can simultaneously bring about low-resistance electrical pathways and drastically reduce joint lifetime. Recently, incorporated trace nanoparticles into the free-Pb solder were found to promote the performance of the solder joints. Sn3Ag0.9Zn (SAZ) nano-composite solders were developed by doping 0.5 [...] Read more.
Intermetallic compounds (IMCs) growth can simultaneously bring about low-resistance electrical pathways and drastically reduce joint lifetime. Recently, incorporated trace nanoparticles into the free-Pb solder were found to promote the performance of the solder joints. Sn3Ag0.9Zn (SAZ) nano-composite solders were developed by doping 0.5 wt.% Al2O3 nanoparticles into the SAZ solder. The IMCs formation and growth behavior at the interfacial reactions between the SAZ-0.5Al2O3 nano-composite solder and the Cu substrate during soldering at temperatures ranging from 250 to 325 °C for 30 min were investigated. The results showed that after the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles into the SAZ solder, the elongated-type IMCs layer changed into a prism-type IMCs layer, and Ag3Sn nanoparticles were absorbed on the grain surface of the interfacial Cu6Sn5 phase, effectively suppressing the growth of the IMCs layers. The activation energies (Q) for the IMCs layers (Cu6Sn5 + Cu3Sn) were determined to be 36.4 and 39.1 kJ/mol for the SAZ/Cu and SAZ-Al2O3/Cu solders, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crystalline Metals and Alloys)
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29 pages, 17840 KiB  
Article
Geochronology and Geochemistry of Granodiorite Porphyry in the Baoshan Cu-Pb-Zn Deposit, South China: Insights into Petrogenesis and Metallogeny
by Xueling Dai, Ke Chen, Junke Zhang, Yongshun Li, Mingpeng He and Zhongfa Liu
Minerals 2024, 14(9), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14090897 - 30 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 968
Abstract
The Baoshan Cu-Pb-Zn deposit is situated at the intersection of the Qin-Hang Cu polymetallic and Nanling W-Sn polymetallic metallogenic belts. The age, lithology, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of granodiorite porphyry within the deposit remain subjects of debate. Additionally, there is a lack of [...] Read more.
The Baoshan Cu-Pb-Zn deposit is situated at the intersection of the Qin-Hang Cu polymetallic and Nanling W-Sn polymetallic metallogenic belts. The age, lithology, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of granodiorite porphyry within the deposit remain subjects of debate. Additionally, there is a lack of comparative studies with the W-Sn-related granites in the region. This study conducted whole-rock major and trace element analysis, Sr-Nd isotope analysis, and zircon U-Pb dating on the Baoshan granodiorite porphyry. The zircon U-Pb age of the granodiorite porphyry is 162 ± 1 Ma. The whole-rock SiO2 and K2O contents range from 65.87 to 68.21 wt.% and 3.42 to 5.62 wt.%, respectively, indicating that the granodiorite porphyry belongs to high-potassium calc-alkaline I-type granite. The granodiorite porphyry is characterized by enrichment in LREE and depletion in HREE (LREE/HREE ratio = 6.2–21.2). The samples of granodiorite porphyry generally exhibit weak negative Eu anomalies or no Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.62–1.04, mean = 0.82). The (87Sr/86Sr)i and εNd(t) values are 0.707717–0.709506 and −7.54 to −4.87, respectively. The whole-rock geochemical composition and Sr-Nd isotopic values indicate that the magma originated from the partial melting of the Mesoproterozoic ancient crust and Neoproterozoic mafic juvenile lower crust, with the addition of high oxygen fugacity and water-rich lithospheric mantle melts. The source of the granodiorite porphyry in the Baoshan deposit is significantly different from the crust-derived metapelite source of the W-Sn-related granite in the area, indicating that different magma sources might be the main reason for the co-spatial and nearly contemporaneous development of Cu-Pb-Zn and W-Sn mineralization in the southern Hunan region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ag-Pb-Zn Deposits: Geology and Geochemistry)
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31 pages, 12899 KiB  
Review
Research Overview on the Electromigration Reliability of SnBi Solder Alloy
by Wenjie Li, Liwei Guo, Dan Li and Zhi-Quan Liu
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122848 - 11 Jun 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2501
Abstract
Due to the continuous miniaturization and high current-carrying demands in the field of integrated circuits, as well as the desire to save space and improve computational capabilities, there is a constant drive to reduce the size of integrated circuits. However, highly integrated circuits [...] Read more.
Due to the continuous miniaturization and high current-carrying demands in the field of integrated circuits, as well as the desire to save space and improve computational capabilities, there is a constant drive to reduce the size of integrated circuits. However, highly integrated circuits also bring about challenges such as high current density and excessive Joule heating, leading to a series of reliability issues caused by electromigration. Therefore, the service reliability of integrated circuits has always been a concern. Sn-based solders are widely recognized in the industry due to their availability, minimal technical issues during operation, and good compatibility with traditional solders. However, solders that are mostly Sn-based, such as SAC305 and SnZn, have a high melting point for sophisticated electronic circuits. When Bi is added, the melting point of the solder decreases but may also lead to problems related to electromigration reliability. This article reviews the general principles of electromigration in SnBi solder joints on Cu substrates with current flow, as well as the phenomena of whisker formation, voids/cracks, phase separation, and resistance increase caused by atomic migration due to electromigration. Furthermore, it explores methods to enhance the reliability of solder joint by additives including Fe, Ni, Ag, Zn, Co, RA (rare earth element), GNSs (graphene nanosheets), FNS (Fullerene) and Al2O3. Additionally, modifying the crystal orientation within the solder joint or introducing stress to the joint can also improve its reliability to some extent without changing the composition conditions. The corresponding mechanisms of reliability enhancement are also compared and discussed among the literature. Full article
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21 pages, 7286 KiB  
Article
Sphalerite and Pyrite Geochemistry from the Pusangguo Co-Rich Cu–Zn–Pb Skarn Deposit, Tibet: Implications for Element Occurrence and Mineralization
by Zhuang Li, Hao Tan, Feng Zhao, Zuopeng Xiang, Han Wu and Peng Zhang
Minerals 2023, 13(9), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13091165 - 1 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2955
Abstract
The Pusangguo deposit (1.42 Mt @ 1.42% Cu, 0.14 Mt @ 1.82% Zn, 0.08 Mt @ 1.01% Pb, and 285.8 t Co @ 140 g/t Co) is the first Co-rich Cu-Zn-Pb skarn deposit discovered in the Gangdese metallogenic belt. However, the trace and [...] Read more.
The Pusangguo deposit (1.42 Mt @ 1.42% Cu, 0.14 Mt @ 1.82% Zn, 0.08 Mt @ 1.01% Pb, and 285.8 t Co @ 140 g/t Co) is the first Co-rich Cu-Zn-Pb skarn deposit discovered in the Gangdese metallogenic belt. However, the trace and minor element geochemistry of the sulfides in this deposit has not been studied, limiting further understanding of elements’ occurrence and mineralization. Here, we identified four ore stages, and two types of sphalerites (SpI and SpII) and pyrites (PyI and PyII), in this deposit. In this study, LA-ICP-MS in-situ trace element analyses were conducted on sphalerite and pyrite, to obtain their chemical compositions, elemental substitution mechanisms, and mineralization physicochemical conditions. The results indicate that two types of sphalerites are generally more enriched with Co than pyrite. SpI has higher concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Ag, and As compared to SpII. Both types of sphalerite have very low contents of Sn, Ge, and Ga. PyII has higher contents of most trace elements, such as Co, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu, As, Sn, Se, Pb, Ag, and Bi, compared to PyI. Both types of pyrite are poor in Mn, Ga, Ge, and Cd, but enriched in As, Co, and Ni. The Mn, Fe, Co, and Cd in sphalerite, and Co, Ni, and Mn in pyrite are generally lattice-bound, while Cu, As, Ag, and Sb are usually present in both micro-inclusions and coupled substitution. Significant elemental correlations in sphalerite indicate the possible substitution mechanisms 2Fe2+ + Ga2+ ↔ 3Zn2+, 2Fe2+ + Ge4+ ↔ 4Zn2+, and (Sb3+, Sn3+) + (Cu+, Ag+) ↔ 2Zn2+. The correlation trends between trace elements in pyrite suggest the coupled substitution mechanisms of (Tl+ + Cu+ + Ag+) + (As3+ + Sb3+) ↔ 2Zn2+ and As3+ + Cu+ ↔ 2Zn2+. The mineralization temperature at Pusangguo, as determined by the GGIMFis sphalerite geothermometer, is 237–345 °C (avg. 307 °C), consistent with the high Zn/Cd ratio (avg. 203), low Ga/In (avg. 0.06), and high In/Ge (avg. 15.9) in sphalerite, and high Co/Ni ratio (avg. 24) in pyrite. These results indicate that the ore-forming fluid was high-temperature, with a low sulfur fugacity (fS2) (10−13.4 to 10−8.3) and low oxygen fugacity (fO2). The high temperature, and low sulfur fugacity and oxygen fugacity of the ore-forming fluid, and the fluid-mixing process, jointly controlled the sulfide precipitation, which caused the formation of the Pusangguo deposit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sulfide Mineralogy and Geochemistry)
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28 pages, 8500 KiB  
Review
Metallogenic Model and Prospecting Progress of the Qiandongshan–Dongtangzi Large Pb-Zn Deposit, Fengtai Orefield, West Qinling Orogeny
by Ruiting Wang, Zhenjia Pang, Qingfeng Li, Geli Zhang, Jiafeng Zhang, Huan Cheng, Wentang Wu and Hongbo Yang
Minerals 2023, 13(9), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13091163 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1534
Abstract
The Qiandongshan–Dongtangzi large Pb-Zn deposit is located in the Fengxian–Taibai (abbr. Fengtai) polymetallic orefield. The ore bodies primarily occur within and around the contact surface between the limestone of the Gudaoling Formation and the phyllite of the Xinghongpu Formation, which are clearly controlled [...] Read more.
The Qiandongshan–Dongtangzi large Pb-Zn deposit is located in the Fengxian–Taibai (abbr. Fengtai) polymetallic orefield. The ore bodies primarily occur within and around the contact surface between the limestone of the Gudaoling Formation and the phyllite of the Xinghongpu Formation, which are clearly controlled by anticline and specific lithohorizon. Magmatic rocks are well developed in the mining area, consisting mainly of granitoid plutons and mafic–felsic dikes. Previous metallogenic geochronology studies have yielded a narrow range of ages between 226 and 211 Ma, overlapped by the extensive magmatism during the Late Triassic period in this region. The ω(Co)/ω(Ni) ratio of pyrite in lead–zinc ore ranges from 4.44 to 15.57 (avg. 8.56), implying that its genesis is probably related to volcanic and magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. The δD and δ18O values (ranging from −94.2‰ to −82‰, and 18.89‰ to 20.72‰, respectively,) of the ore-bearing quartz indicate that the fluids were perhaps derived from a magmatic source. The δ34S values of ore-related sulfides display a relatively narrow range of 4.29‰ to 9.63‰ and less than 10‰, resembling those of magmatic-hydrothermal origin Pb-Zn deposits. The Pb isotopic composition of the sulfides from the Qiandongshan–Dongtangzi Pb-Zn deposit (with 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.06 to 18.14, the 207Pb/204Pb ratios of 15.61 to 15.71, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 38.15 to 38.50) is similar to that of the Late Triassic Xiba granite pluton, suggesting that they share the same Pb source. The contents of W, Mo, As, Sb, Hg, Bi, Cd, and other elements associated with magmatic-hydrothermal fluids are high in lead–zinc ores, and the contents of Sn, W, Co, and Ni are also enriched in sphalerite. The contents of trace elements and rare earth elements in the ore are similar to those in the Xiba granite pluton, and they maybe propose a magmatic-hydrothermal origin as well. As a result of this information, the Qiandongshan–Dongtangzi large Pb-Zn deposit may be classified as a magmatic hydrothermal stratabound type, with the Si/Ca contact area being the ore-forming structural plane. Thus, a mineralization model has been proposed based on a comparative analysis of the geological and geochemical properties of the lead–zinc deposit in the Fengtai orefield. It is considered that the secondary anticlines developed on both wings of the Qiandongshan–Dongtangzi composite anticline are the favorable sites for Pb-Zn deposition. Accordingly, the Si/Ca plane and secondary anticline are the major ore-controlling factors and prospecting targets. The verification project was first set up on the north wing of the composite anticline, and thick lead–zinc ore bodies were found in all verification boreholes, accumulating successful experience for deep exploration of lead–zinc deposits in this region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genesis and Evolution of Pb-Zn-Ag Polymetallic Deposits)
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15 pages, 2304 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Arc Erosion Behavior of Ag-SnO2-ZnO Electrical Contact Materials
by Danny Guzmán, Felipe González, Diego Muranda, Claudio Aguilar, Alexis Guzmán, Álvaro Soliz, Lorena Lozada, Iñigo Iturriza and Felipe Castro
Materials 2023, 16(10), 3618; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16103618 - 9 May 2023
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3021
Abstract
This study investigated the synthesis of Ag-SnO2-ZnO by powder metallurgy methods and their subsequent electrical contact behavior. The pieces of Ag-SnO2-ZnO were prepared by ball milling and hot pressing. The arc erosion behavior of the material was evaluated using [...] Read more.
This study investigated the synthesis of Ag-SnO2-ZnO by powder metallurgy methods and their subsequent electrical contact behavior. The pieces of Ag-SnO2-ZnO were prepared by ball milling and hot pressing. The arc erosion behavior of the material was evaluated using homemade equipment. The microstructure and phase evolution of the materials were investigated through X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that, although the mass loss of the Ag-SnO2-ZnO composite (9.08 mg) during the electrical contact test was higher than that of the commercial Ag-CdO (1.42 mg), its electrical conductivity remained constant (26.9 ± 1.5% IACS). This fact would be related to the reaction of Zn2SnO4’s formation on the material’s surface via electric arc. This reaction would play an important role in controlling the surface segregation and subsequent loss of electrical conductivity of this type of composite, thus enabling the development of a new electrical contact material to replace the non-environmentally friendly Ag-CdO composite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Powder Metallurgy: Materials and Processing)
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19 pages, 6819 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Lead Smelting Technology in the Early Bronze Age Based on Smelting Slag from the Central Plains of China
by Shuoyang Li, Yanxiang Li, Rong Zhu and Hongyang Wang
Metals 2023, 13(2), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13020435 - 20 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3448
Abstract
To explore the source of Pb in Bronze Age artefacts from the Central Plains (Zhongyuan) in China, we investigated non-ferrous minerals from the Qingyuan archaeological site in Yuanqu County near the Zhongtiao Mountains. Fragments of smelting slag from the Erlitou cultural layer were [...] Read more.
To explore the source of Pb in Bronze Age artefacts from the Central Plains (Zhongyuan) in China, we investigated non-ferrous minerals from the Qingyuan archaeological site in Yuanqu County near the Zhongtiao Mountains. Fragments of smelting slag from the Erlitou cultural layer were collected. The smelting slag was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and lead isotope analysis. The SEM and EDS results confirmed that the slag contained Pb, Pb–As, and Cu–Pb–Sn inclusions and non-metal impurities such as low-Zn spinels. The XRD results signified that the bulk of the slag comprised Fe–Mn–Si phases. The chemical state of Pb was mainly Pb–O with some metallic Pb, as identified by XPS. The theoretical melting point was calculated using FactSage7.1 based on the composition and phase characterisation. The calculated temperature was 1100–1200 °C, which agreed well with the actual melting point of 1114–1354 °C. The slag composition and inclusion phases indicated that Pb–Zn–O ores with Mn and As were added during reduction smelting in Qingyuan. The raw materials of smelting included crude Pb with minor amounts of Cu, As, and Sn. Lead isotope analysis revealed that the lead materials produced in Qingyuan were likely transferred to Yanshi City in the Shang Dynasty. The findings of this study provide significant clues for exploring lead mineral production in the Central Plains during the Early Bronze Age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metals for Art and Cultural Heritage)
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14 pages, 6231 KiB  
Article
Impact of 1,8-Diiodooctane (DIO) Additive on the Active Layer Properties of Cu2ZnSnS4 Kesterite Thin Films Prepared by Electrochemical Deposition for Photovoltaic Applications
by Elmoiz Merghni Mkawi, Yas Al-Hadeethi, Bassim Arkook and Elena Bekyarova
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1659; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041659 - 16 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2174
Abstract
Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films using various 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) polymer additive concentrations were fabricated by the electrochemical deposition method. The optical, electrical, morphological, and structural properties of the CZTS thin films synthesized using different concentrations of 5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, [...] Read more.
Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films using various 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) polymer additive concentrations were fabricated by the electrochemical deposition method. The optical, electrical, morphological, and structural properties of the CZTS thin films synthesized using different concentrations of 5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 15 mg/mL, and 20 mg/mL were investigated using different techniques. Cyclic voltammetry exhibited three cathodic peaks at −0.15 V, −0.54 V, and −0.73 V, corresponding to the reduction of Cu2+, Sn2+, Sn2+, and Zn2+ metal ions, respectively. The analysis of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern indicated the formation of the pure kesterite crystal structure, and the Raman spectra showed pure CZTS with the A1 mode of vibration. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) indicated that the films are well grown, with compact, crack-free, and uniform deposition and a grain size of approximately 4 µm. For sample DIO-20 mg/mL, the elemental composition of the CZTS thin film was modified to Cu:Zn:Sn: and S = 24.2:13.3:12.3:50.2, which indicates a zinc-rich and copper-poor composition. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed the existence of Cu, Sn, Zn, and S elements and revealed the element oxidation states. The electrochemical deposition synthesis increased the absorption of the CZTS film to more than 104 cm−1 with a band gap between 1.62 eV and 1.51 eV. Finally, the photovoltaic properties of glass/CZTS/CdS/n-ZnO/aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO)/Ag solar cells were investigated. The best-performing photovoltaic device, with a DIO concentration of 20 mg/mL, had a short-circuit current density of 16.44 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 0.465 V, and a fill factor of 64.3%, providing a conversion efficiency of 4.82%. Full article
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15 pages, 5333 KiB  
Article
Electrochemical Polarization as a Sustainable Method for the Formation of Bronze Patina Layers on a Quaternary Copper Alloy: Insight into Patina Morphology and Corrosion Behaviour
by Rafael González-Parra, Alba Covelo, Arturo Barba and Miguel Hernández
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1899; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031899 - 19 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3308
Abstract
The bronze patina is aesthetically pleasing and enhances the corrosion resistance of the metallic object. This corrosion product layer can develop naturally, through aging or artificially. However, artificial methods require substances that are hazardous to human health and the environment. In this study, [...] Read more.
The bronze patina is aesthetically pleasing and enhances the corrosion resistance of the metallic object. This corrosion product layer can develop naturally, through aging or artificially. However, artificial methods require substances that are hazardous to human health and the environment. In this study, a sustainable approach to patina development, based on the anodic polarization of a 85.5Cu-4.2Pb-4.5Sn-5.7Zn copper alloy immersed in 0.1 M NaCl + 0.01 M NaHCO3 were characterized using polarization curves, chronoamperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electrochemical noise measurements, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that the anodic potential modifies the current density as well as the diffusion coefficient of oxygen associated with a thicker corrosion product layer. Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical noise show that the porous behaviour and corrosion resistance increases as the potential becomes more anodic due to the formation of a protective layer. This behaviour corresponded with the results acquired by chronoamperometry. The surface characterization shows that the potential applied changes the surface morphology and composition of the corrosion products, being identified the crystalline phases of nantokite and atacamite although Cu, Cl, O, Zn, and Pb elements were also detected. Full article
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23 pages, 20692 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Naturally Formed Nanoparticles in Various Media and Their Prospecting Significance in Chaihulanzi Deposit
by Meiqu Lu, Jianjin Cao, Zhengyang Wang and Guoqiang Wang
Minerals 2022, 12(10), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12101289 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2066
Abstract
In recent years, the exploration of concealed deposits has become extremely urgent as the shortage of surface resources worsens. In this study, naturally formed nanoparticles in five media (deep-seated fault gouge, ascending gas flow, soil, shallow groundwater and deep groundwater) in Chaihulanzi Au [...] Read more.
In recent years, the exploration of concealed deposits has become extremely urgent as the shortage of surface resources worsens. In this study, naturally formed nanoparticles in five media (deep-seated fault gouge, ascending gas flow, soil, shallow groundwater and deep groundwater) in Chaihulanzi Au deposit, China, were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The characteristics of category, shape, lattice parameters, chemical component and association were obtained. The results show that deep media can carry natural nanoparticles to the surface media, resulting in an increased proportion of O and metal chemical valence such as Pb and Cu in nanoparticles. The metal elements Au, Ag, Cu, Zn and As in nanoparticles correspond to those of orebody minerals. Au-Ag-Cu, Fe-As, Cu-Sn and Pb-Zn element associations in nanoparticles are similar to those of mineral composition or orebody paragenesis in Chaihulanzi deposit. Compared with nanoparticle characteristics in deposit and background areas, it can be deduced that natural ore-bearing nanoparticles come from concealed orebodies. With the characteristics of more oxide forms and the dislocation of the crystal lattice, these nanoparticles are formed by faulting and oxidation. Nanoparticles produced in concealed orebodies that migrate from the deep to the surface media could be used for prospecting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Nanoparticles in Surface Media of Ore Deposits)
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14 pages, 1498 KiB  
Article
Materials and Energy Balance of E-Waste Smelting—An Industrial Case Study in China
by Fengchun Ye, Zhihong Liu and Longgong Xia
Metals 2021, 11(11), 1814; https://doi.org/10.3390/met11111814 - 11 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4774
Abstract
The application of Nerin Recycling Technologies (NRT) in electronic waste (E-waste) smelting was introduced in this study, and the material and energy balance was calculated based on the practical data with the METSIM software (METSIM International, USA). The main results are as follows: [...] Read more.
The application of Nerin Recycling Technologies (NRT) in electronic waste (E-waste) smelting was introduced in this study, and the material and energy balance was calculated based on the practical data with the METSIM software (METSIM International, USA). The main results are as follows: (1) the optimized processing parameters in the NRT smelting practice were the E-waste feeding rate of 5.95 t/h, oxidation smelting duration of 3.5 h, reduction smelting duration of 0.5 h, oxygen enrichment of 21–40 vol.%, oxygen consumption of 68.06 Nm3/ton raw material, slag temperature of 1280 °C, slag composition: Fe/SiO2 mass ratio of 0.8–1.4, CaO, 15–20 wt.%, Cu in crude copper ≥ 95 wt.%, Cu in slag, 0.5 wt.%, recovery of Cu, Au, and Ag ≥ 98%; (2) 98.49% Au, 98.04% Ag, 94.11% Ni, and 79.13% Sn entered the crude copper phase in the smelting process, 76.73% Pb and 67.22% Zn volatilized to the dust phase, and all halogen elements terminated in the dust and off-gas; (3) total heat input of the process was 79,480 MJ/h, the energy released by chemical reactions accounted for 69.94% of the total, and heat from fuels burning accounted for 33.04%. The energy brought away by the off-gas was 38,440 MJ/h, which was the largest part in heat output. The heat loss with the smelting slag accounted for 28.47% of the total. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-ferrous Metal Recycling)
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20 pages, 13607 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Surface Water Quality in the Podu Iloaiei Dam Lake (North-Eastern Romania): Potential Implications for Aquaculture Activities in the Area
by Cornelia Amarandei, Alina-Giorgiana Negru, Laurentiu-Valentin Soroaga, Simona-Maria Cucu-Man, Romeo-Iulian Olariu and Cecilia Arsene
Water 2021, 13(17), 2395; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172395 - 31 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3243
Abstract
The Podu Iloaiei Dam Lake located on the Bahluet River from Bahlui hydrographic basin, north-eastern Romania, is one of the most important water resources used for aquaculture activities in the region of interest. In the present study, the chemical composition related to water-soluble [...] Read more.
The Podu Iloaiei Dam Lake located on the Bahluet River from Bahlui hydrographic basin, north-eastern Romania, is one of the most important water resources used for aquaculture activities in the region of interest. In the present study, the chemical composition related to water-soluble ions and elements was assessed in both water and sediment samples collected from the area of interest during July 2017 and October 2017, representative months for warm and cold seasons, respectively. Water-soluble ions (H3C2O2, HCO2, C2O42−, F, Cl, NO2, Br, NO3, SO42−, Li+, Na+, NH4+, K+, and Ca2+) were analyzed by ion chromatography, while inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to quantify water-soluble fractions of elements (Be, B, Mg, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ru, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, Ba, Ir, Tl, Pb, Bi, and U). Evidence was obtained on the contributions of both anthropogenic and natural (pedologic) related sources in controlling the chemical composition of the water and sediment samples in the area. Analysis of Piper diagrams revealed the existence of CO32−/HCO3 and Ca2+/Mg2+ as dominant species for the sediment samples. The interest water pool was found to be oligotrophic over the warm period and eutrophic over the cold period. Overall, abundances and the association of chemical species in the area seemed to be controlled by a complex interplay between the water body’s main characteristics, meteorological factors, and anthropogenic activities. Moreover, the present results suggest that precautions should be taken for physicochemical parameter monitoring and prevention acts for surface water quality assurance in order to control the potential negative influence of some chemical parameters on fish productivity. Reported data also have a high potential to be used by experts in the field of developing lake water management policies for a sustainable exploitation of various aquatic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Water)
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