Search Results (128)

This study explores the magmatic and hydrothermal evolution of porphyry–skarn–transitional Cu-Mo-W-Au systems within the Nilüfer Mineralization Complex (NMC), located in the westernmost segment of the Eocene Tavşanlı Metallogenic Belt, NW Türkiye. Through integration of field data, whole-rock geochemistry, Re–Os molybdenite dating, and amphibole–biotite mineral chemistry, the petrogenetic controls on mineralization across four spatially associated mineralized regions (Kirazgedik, Güneybudaklar, Kozbudaklar, and Delice) were examined. The earliest and thermally most distinct phase is represented by the Kirazgedik porphyry system, characterized by high temperature (~930 °C), oxidized quartz monzodioritic intrusions emplaced at ~2.7 kbar. Rising fO₂ and volatile enrichment during magma ascent facilitated structurally focused Cu-Mo mineralization. At Güneybudaklar, Re–Os geochronology yields an age of ~49.9 Ma, linking Mo- and W-rich mineralization to a transitional porphyry–skarn environment developed under moderately oxidized (ΔFMQ + 1.8 to +0.5) and hydrous (up to 7 wt.% H₂O) magmatic conditions. Kozbudaklar represents a more reduced, volatile-poor skarn system, leading to Mo-enriched scheelite mineralization typical of late-stage W-skarns. The Delice system, developed at the contact of felsic cupolas and carbonates, records the broadest range of redox and fluid compositions. Mixed oxidized–reduced fluid signatures and intense fluid–rock interaction reflect complex, multistage fluid evolution involving both magmatic and external inputs. Geochemical and mineralogical trends—from increasing silica and Rb to decreasing Sr and V—trace a systematic evolution from mantle-derived to felsic, volatile-rich magmas. Structurally, mineralization is controlled by oblique fault zones that localize magma emplacement and hydrothermal flow. These findings support a unified genetic model in which porphyry and skarn mineralization styles evolved continuously from multiphase magmatic systems during syn-to-post-subduction processes, offering implications for exploration models in the Western Tethyan domain. Full article

A facile fabrication method was developed for the growth of Cu_1.8Se nanosheets (NSs) on a Cu foil substrate, enabling dual-functionality as an electrochemical sensor for H₂O₂ and an active surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. The process involved the preparation of Cu(OH)₂ nanowires (NWs) via electrochemical oxidation, followed by chemical conversion to Cu_1.8Se through a selenization process. The morphology, composition, and microstructure of the resulting Cu_1.8Se NSs were systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Cu_1.8Se NSs exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for H₂O₂ reduction, achieving a notably low detection limit of 1.25 μM and demonstrating rapid response and high sensitivity with a linear relationship in amperometric detection. Additionally, SERS experiments using Rhodamine B as a probe molecule and the Cu_1.8Se NS/Cu foil as a substrate displayed outstanding performance, with a detection limit as low as 1 μM. The flower-like structure of the Cu_1.8Se NSs exhibited linear dependence between analyte concentration and detection signals, along with satisfactory reproducibility in dual-sensing applications. These findings underscore the scalability and potential of this fabrication approach for advanced sensor development. Full article

The Aghbar-Bou Azzer East mining district (ABED) is located between the Bou Azzer East and Aghbar deposits. It is an area of approximately 7 km long towards ENE–WSW and 2 km wide towards N–S. In this barren area, volcano-sedimentary rocks are attributed to the Ouarzazate group outcrop (Ediacarian age): they are composed of volcanic rocks (ignimbrite, andesite, rhyolite, dacite, etc.) covered by the Adoudou detritic formation in angular unconformity. Given the absence of serpentinite outcrops, exploration investigation in this area has been very limited. This paper aims to use ionic leach geochemistry (on samples of soil) to detect the presence of Co-bearing arsenides above hidden ore deposits in this unexplored area of the Bou Azzer inlier. In addition, a detailed structural analysis allowed the identification of four families of faults and fractures with or without filling. Three directional major fault systems of several kilometers in length and variable orientation in both the Cryogenian basement and the Ediacaran cover have been identified: (i) ENE–WSW, (ii) NE–SW, and (iii) NW–SE. Several geochemical anomalies for Co, As, Ni, Ag, and Cu are aligned along three main directions, including NE–SW, NW–SE, and ENE–WSW. They are particularly well-defined in the western zone but are only minor in the central and eastern zones. Some of these anomalies correlate with the primary structural features observed in the studied area. These trends are consistent with those known under mining exploitation in nearby ore deposits, supporting the potential for similar mineralization in the ABED. Based on structural analysis and ionic leach geochemistry, drilling programs were conducted in the study area, confirming the continuity of serpentinites at depth beneath the Ediacaran cover and the presence of Co–Fe-bearing arsenide ores. This validates the ionic geochemistry technique as a reliable method for exploring buried ore deposits. Full article

The Duobaoshan mineralization area in Heilongjiang Province is a key copper–molybdenum–gold polymetallic region in China. Its southeastern Fudiyingzi–Bacheli area, located at the intersection of the NW-trending copper and NE-trending gold belts, exhibits favorable mineralization conditions. Despite over 70 years of placer gold mining and the discovery of one small copper deposit and one gold deposit, the area remains underexplored with significant peripheral exploration potential. This study integrates 1:50,000 geological mapping, high-precision magnetic surveys, phase-induced polarization, and soil geochemistry through multi-source data fusion for comprehensive mineral prediction. Key steps include delineating Cu, Au, and Mo anomalies and analyzing their associations with Zn, Cd, Ag, As, etc.; inferring NE-, NW-, and near-EW-trending linear structures via magnetic boundary enhancement; dividing high/low resistivity zones and identifying nine significant and six weak phase anomalies using phase-induced polarization; establishing a mineralization model based on typical deposits; and delineating four priority exploration targets. These results provide a scientific basis for further exploration in shallow coverage areas. Full article

The Dehbid region, located in the southern part of the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SSZ), is a significant iron oxide mining district with over 20 iron oxide deposits (IODs) and reserves of up to 50 million tons of iron oxide ores. The region features a NW–SE oriented ductile shear zone, parallel to the Zagros thrust zone, experienced significant deformation. Detailed structural studies indicate that the iron mineralization is primarily stratiform to stratabound and hosted in late Triassic to early Jurassic silicified dolomites and schists. These ore deposits consist of lenticular iron oxide orebodies and exhibit various structures and textures, including banded, laminated, folded, disseminated, and massive forms of magnetite and hematite. The Fe₂O₃ content in the mineralized layers varies from 30 to 91 wt%, whereas MnO has an average of 3.9 wt%. The trace elements are generally low, except for elevated concentrations of Cu (up to 4350 ppm) and Zn (up to 3270 ppm). Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis of magnetite reveals high concentrations of Mg, Al, Si, Mn, Ti, Cu, and Zn, with significant depletion of elements such as Ga, Ge, As, and Nb. This study refutes the hypothesis of vein-like or hydrothermal genesis, providing evidence for a sedimentary origin based on the trace element geochemistry of magnetite and LA-ICP-MS geochemical data. The Dehbid banded iron ores (BIOs) are thought to have formed under geodynamic conditions similar to those of BIOs in back-arc tectonic settings. The combination of anoxic conditions, submarine hydrothermal iron fluxes, and redox fluctuations is essential for the formation of these deposits, suggesting that similar iron–manganese deposits can form during the Phanerozoic under specific geodynamic and oceanographic conditions, particularly in tectonically active back-arc environments. Full article

To meet the stringent demands of next-generation flexible optoelectronic devices, a novel fabrication approach is employed that integrates the spray-coating of copper nanowires (Cu NWs) with the magnetron sputtering of SrTiO₃ thin films, thereby yielding SrTiO₃/Cu NWs/SrTiO₃ hybrid thin films. The incorporation of the SrTiO₃ layers results in improved optical performance, with the transmittance of the Cu NW network increasing from 83.5% to 84.2% and a concurrent reduction in sheet resistance from 16.9 Ω/sq to 14.5 Ω/sq. Moreover, after subjecting the hybrid thin films to 100 repeated tape-peeling tests and 2000 bending cycles with a bending radius of 5.0 mm, the resistance remains essentially unchanged, which underscores the films’ exceptional mechanical flexibility and robust adhesion. Additionally, the hybrid thin films are subjected to rigorous high-temperature, high-humidity, and oxidative conditions, where the resistance exhibits outstanding stability. These results substantiate the potential of the SrTiO₃/Cu NWs/SrTiO₃ hybrid thin films for integration into flexible and wearable electronic devices, delivering enhanced optoelectronic performance and long-term reliability under demanding conditions. Full article

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃⁻RR) to ammonia (NH₃) presents an alternative, sustainable approach to ammonia production. However, the existing catalysts suffer from poor NH₃ yield under lower concentrations of NO₃⁻, and the kinetic understanding of bimetal catalysis is lacking. In this study, a Co₃O₄–modified Cu₂₊₁O nanowire (CoCuNWs) catalyst with a high specific surface area was synthesized to effectively produce NH₃ from a 10 mM KNO₃ basic solution. CoCuNWs demonstrated a high NH₃ yield rate of 0.30 mmol h⁻¹ cm⁻² with an NH₃ Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 96.7% at −0.2 V vs. RHE, which is 1.5 times higher than the bare Cu₂₊₁O NWs. The synergistic effect between Co₃O₄ and Cu₂₊₁O significantly enhanced both the nitrate conversion and ammonia yield. Importantly, it is revealed that the surface of CoCuNWs is kinetically more easily saturated with NO₃⁻ (NO₂⁻) ions than that of Cu₂₊₁O NWs, as evidenced by both the higher current density and the plateau occurring at higher NO_x⁻ concentrations. In addition, CoCuNWs exhibit a higher diffusion coefficient of NO₃⁻, being 1.6 times higher than that of Cu₂₊₁O NWs, which also indicates that the presence of Co₃O₄ could promote the diffusion and adsorption of NO₃⁻ on CoCuNWs. Moreover, the ATR–SEIRAS analysis was applied to illustrate the reduction pathway of NO₃⁻ to NH₃ on CoCuNWs, which follows the formation of the key intermediate from *NO₂⁻, *NO, *NH₂OH to *NH₃. This work presents a strategy for constructing dual–metal catalysts for NO₃⁻RR and provides an insight to understand the catalysis from the perspective of the kinetics. Full article

Copper nanowires (Cu NWs) are considered a promising alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO) and silver nanowires (Ag NWs) due to their excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, abundant reserves, and low cost. They have been widely applied in various optoelectronic devices. In this study, Cu NWs were synthesized using copper chloride (CuCl₂) as the precursor, monoethanolamine (MEA) as the complexing agent, and hydrated hydrazine (N₂H₄) as the reducing agent under strongly alkaline conditions at 60 °C. Notably, this is the first time that MEA has been employed as a complexing agent in this synthesis method for Cu NWs. Through a series of experiments, the optimal conditions for the CuCl₂–MEA–N₂H₄ system in Cu NWs synthesis were determined. This study revealed that the presence of amines plays a crucial role in nanowire formation, as the co-ordination of MEA with copper in this system provides selectivity for the nanowire growth direction. MEA prevents the excessive conversion of Cu(I) complexes into Cu₂O octahedral precipitates and exhibits an adsorption effect during Cu NWs formation. The different adsorption tendencies of MEA at the nanowire ends and lateral surfaces, depending on its concentration, influence the growth of the Cu NWs, as directly reflected by changes in their diameter and length. At an MEA concentration of 210 mM, the synthesized Cu NWs have an average diameter of approximately 101 nm and a length of about 28 μm. To fabricate transparent conductive films, the Cu NW network was transferred onto a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate by applying a pressure of 20 MPa using a tablet press to ensure strong adhesion between the Cu NW-coated mixed cellulose ester (MCE) filter membrane and the PET substrate. Subsequently, the MCE membrane was dissolved by acetone and isopropanol immersion. The resulting Cu NW transparent conductive film exhibited a sheet resistance of 52 Ω sq⁻¹ with an optical transmittance of 86.7%. Full article

With the increasing demand for alternatives to traditional indium tin oxide (ITO), copper nanowires (Cu NWs) have gained significant attention due to their excellent conductivity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of synthesis. However, challenges such as wire–wire contact resistance and oxidation susceptibility hinder their practical applications. This review discusses the development and challenges associated with Cu NW-based flexible transparent conductors (FTCs). Cu NWs are considered a promising alternative to traditional materials like ITO, thanks to their high electrical conductivity and low cost. This paper explores various synthesis methods for Cu NWs, including template-assisted synthesis, hydrazine reduction, and hydrothermal processes, while highlighting the advantages and limitations of each approach. The key challenges, such as contact resistance, oxidation, and the need for protective coatings, are also addressed. Several strategies to enhance the conductivity and stability of Cu NW-based FTCs are proposed, including thermal sintering, laser sintering, acid treatment, and photonic sintering. Additionally, protective coatings like noble metal core–shell layers, electroplated layers, and conductive polymers like PEDOT:PSS are discussed as effective solutions. The integration of graphene with Cu NWs is explored as a promising method to improve oxidation resistance and overall performance. The review concludes with an outlook on the future of Cu NWs in flexible electronics, emphasizing the need for scalable, cost-effective solutions to overcome current challenges and improve the practical application of Cu NW-based FTCs in advanced technologies such as displays, solar cells, and flexible electronics. Full article

The polyol method under a single pot has successfully produced a coating of CuO, TiO₂, and the combination of CuO/TiO₂ around Ag NWs under sequential addition. The Ag NWs and their coating with a pure metal oxide and a hybrid of metal oxide were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with EDX, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Visible, photoluminescent (PL) spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The formation of ultra-thin NWs was also been seen in the presence of the TiO₂ coating. The ultra-thin and co-axial coating of each metal oxide and their hybrid form preserved the SPR of the Ag NWs and demonstrated photon harvesting from the 400–800 nm range. The band gap hybridization was confirmed by CV for the Ag@CuO/TiO₂ design, which made the structure a reliable catalyst. Therefore, the material expresses excellent photocatalytic activities for carcinogenic textile dyes such as turquoise blue (TB), sapphire blue (SB), and methyl orange (MO), with and without the reagent H₂O₂. The hybrid form (i.e., Ag@CuO/TiO₂) exhibited degradation within 6 min in the presence of H₂O₂. Additionally, the material showed antibacterial activities against various bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus pumilus) when assayed using broth media. Therefore, the materials have established degrading and disinfection roles suitable for environmental perspectives. The role of coating with each metal oxide and their hybrid texture further improved the growth of Ag NWs. The preparatory route possibly ensued metal–metal oxide and metal–hybrid metal oxide Schottky junctions, which would expectedly transform it into a diode material for electronic applications. Full article

The development of micro glucose sensors plays a vital role in the management and monitoring of diabetes, facilitating real-time tracking of blood glucose levels. In this paper, we developed a three-layer core-sheath microwire (NW@CuO@Co₃O₄) with nickel wire as the core and copper oxide and cobalt oxide nanowires as the sheath. The unique core-sheath structure of microwire enables it to have both good conductivity and excellent electrochemical catalytic activity when used as an electrode for glucose detecting. The non-enzymatic glucose sensor base on a NW@CuO@Co₃O₄ core-sheath wire exhibits a high sensitivity of 4053.1 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻², a low detection limit 0.89 μM, and a short response time of less than 2 s. Full article

Nanocomposites composed of Cu and Mo were investigated by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the incoherent interface between Cu and Mo. In order to select an appropriate potential capable of accurately describing the Cu-Mo system, five many-body potentials were compared: three Embedded Atom Method (EAM) potentials, a Tight Binding Second Moment Approximation (TB-SMA) potential, and a Modified Embedded Atom Method (MEAM) potential. Among these, the EAM potential proposed by Zhou in 2001 was determined to provide the best compromise for the current study. The simulated system was constructed with two layers of Cu and Mo forming an incoherent fcc-Cu(111)/bcc-Mo(110) interface, based on the Nishiyama–Wassermann (NW) and Kurdjumov–Sachs (KS) orientation relationships (OR). The interfacial energies were calculated for each orientation relationship. The NW configuration emerged as the most stable, with an interfacial energy of 1.83 J/m², compared to 1.97 J/m² for the KS orientation. Subsequent simulations were dedicated to modeling Cu atomic deposition onto a Mo(110) substrate at 300 K. These simulations resulted in the formation of a dense layer with only a few defects in the two Cu planes closest to the interface. The interfacial structures were characterized by computing selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns. A direct comparison of theoretical and numerical SAED patterns confirmed the presence of the NW orientation relationship in the nanocomposites formed during deposition, corroborating the results obtained with the model fcc-Cu(111)/bcc-Mo(110) interfaces. Full article

The Mahu Sag, where the Mahu 1 well block is located, is one of the most important hydrocarbon-rich depressions in the Junggar Basin, NW China. The Permian Upper Wuerhe Formation (UWF) constitutes the primary layer of the unconventional tight oil reservoir in the Mahu Oilfield. To explore the provenance and sedimentary environment during the deposition of the UWF in the study area, we determined the clay mineralogy and whole-rock geochemical composition of argillaceous rocks. The results show that the primary minerals in argillaceous rock are feldspar, clay minerals, quartz, and a minor amount of hematite. The clay minerals identified included illite, smectite, kaolinite, chlorite, and illite/smectite mixed layers. The tectonic setting of the provenance area for the UWF is a continental island arc, associated with a cutting magmatic arc. The main provenance area is related to the Baogutu tectonic belt (the Zhayier Mountain and the Hala’alate Mountain). The bedrock primarily consists of acidic igneous rocks, with minor occurrences of intermediate–basic igneous and sedimentary rock. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) shows that the parent rocks of the argillaceous rocks have experienced moderate–strong chemical weathering. Combining the Sr/Cu and ΣLREE/ΣHREE ratios, δEu values, and clay mineral characteristics, we determined that the paleoclimate during the deposition of the UWF was generally warm and humid, with occasional short-term dry and cold periods. The UWF gradually changes, according to the relative humidity and enhanced chemical weathering from the bottom to the top. An analysis of trace elements, paleosalinity, and paleowater depth indicate that the studied argillaceous rocks were deposited in a shallow-water oxidation environment of continental fresh water with weak hydrodynamic conditions. Full article

Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a widely used broad-spectrum antibiotic, poses a serious threat to human health and environmental safety due to its residues. The complementary monomers molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor (MIECLS) based on a polyvinylpyrrolidone-functionalized copper nanowires (CuNWs@PVP) luminescent probe was constructed for the ultra-sensitive detection of CIP. CuNWs with low cost and high conductivity exhibited near-infrared electrochemiluminescence (NIR ECL) properties, yet their self-aggregation and oxidation led to a weakened emission phenomenon. PVP with solvent affinity and large skeleton was in situ attached to CuNWs surface to avoid CuNWs sedimentation and aggregation, and self-enhanced ECL signals were achieved. The bifunctional monomers molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) possessed complementary active centers that increased their affinity with CIP, enhancing the accurate and sensitive detection of the target substances. The linear range of CIP using MIECLS was 5.00 × 10⁻⁹–5.00 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 2.59 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹, while the recovery rates of CIP in the spiking recovery experiment were 84.39% to 92.48%. The combination of bifunctional monomer MIP and NIR copper-based nano-luminescent probe provides a new method for the detection of CIP in food. Full article

A mechanically robust flexible transparent conductor with high thermal and chemical stability was fabricated from welded silver nanowire networks (w-Ag-NWs) sandwiched between multilayer graphene (MLG) and polyimide (PI) films. By modifying the gas flow dynamics and surface chemistry of the Cu surface during graphene growth, a highly crystalline and uniform MLG film was obtained on the Cu foil, which was then directly coated on the Ag-NW networks to serve as a barrier material. It was found that the highly crystalline layers in the MLG film compensate for structural defects, thus forming a perfect barrier film to shield Ag NWs from oxidation and sulfurization. MLG/w-Ag-NW composites were then embedded into the surface of a transparent and colorless PI thin film by spin-coating. This allowed the MLG/w-Ag-NW/PI composite to retain its original structural integrity due to the intrinsic physical and chemical properties of PI, which also served effectively as a binder. In view of its unique sandwich structure and the chemical welding of the Ag NWs, the flexible substrate-cum-electrode had an average sheet resistance of ≈34 Ω/sq and a transmittance of ≈91% in the visible range, and also showed excellent stability against high-temperature annealing and sulfurization. Full article