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17 pages, 8037 KB  
Article
Evolution of the Ore-Bearing Fluid of Alin Sb–Au Orebodies in Shuixie Cu–Co Orefield, SW China: Constraints on the Rare Earth Element and Trace Element Components of Auriferous Pyrite and Host Rock
by Guo Li, Shanshan Ru, Chuandong Xue and Wei Wang
Minerals 2025, 15(5), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15050491 - 6 May 2025
Viewed by 429
Abstract
The Shuixie Cu–Co polymetallic orefield, located in western Yunnan Province (southeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau), is renowned for its Cu–Co mineralization. A recent resource reassessment identified Sb–Au and Cu–Co–Bi (Sb–Au) orebodies as genetically associated with primary Cu–Co mineralization. The mineralization characteristics and [...] Read more.
The Shuixie Cu–Co polymetallic orefield, located in western Yunnan Province (southeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau), is renowned for its Cu–Co mineralization. A recent resource reassessment identified Sb–Au and Cu–Co–Bi (Sb–Au) orebodies as genetically associated with primary Cu–Co mineralization. The mineralization characteristics and microscopic observations indicate that gold mineralization in the Sb–Au orebodies follow a pulsating fluid injection model. The model includes four pulses: (1) euhedral gold-poor pyrite (PyI1) precipitation; (2) margin-parallel growth of gold-rich pyrite (PyI2) on PyI1; (3) continued growth of gold-rich pyrite (PyI3) along PyI2; and (4) outermost concentric gold-rich pyrite (PyI4) formation. This study examined gold-bearing pyrite in orebodies and host rocks. In situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) analysis of pyrite and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) whole-rock trace element analysis were conducted to track the ore-forming fluid evolution. Compared with CI chondrite, pyrites from all pulses were enriched in LREEs over HREEs. The pyrite REE distribution curves exhibited right-skewed patterns, reflecting LREE enrichment. The Hf/Sm, Nb/La, and Th/La ratios were generally below 1, indicating high-field-strength element depletion. These results suggest a Cl-rich, F-poor ore-forming fluid. The pyrite trace elements showed enrichment in the chalcophile elements (e.g., Cu and Pb) and exceptionally high Bi levels compared with the continental crust. The chalcophile elements (e.g., Zn and Cd) were depleted, whereas iron-group elements (e.g., Co) were enriched and Ni was depleted. The pyrite δCe values (0.87–1.28, mean = 1.01) showed weak anomalies, indicating a reducing ore-forming environment. The δEu values of pyrite during pulses 1 to 4 ranged widely, from 0.2–3.01 (mean of 1.17), 0.27–1.39 (0.6), and 0.41–1.40 (0.96) to 0.4–1.36 (0.84), respectively, suggesting an initial temperature decline and subsequent increase in the ore-forming fluid. Significant variations were found in the Y/Ho, Zr/Hf, and Nb/Ta ratios across pulses, indicating the potential involvement of high-temperature hydrothermal fluids or late-stage alteration during ore formation. The Y/Ho ratio of pyrite overlapped most closely with that of the continental crust of China, indicating a close relationship between the ore-forming fluids and the crust. Full article
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29 pages, 5916 KB  
Article
Metal Fingerprints of Eocene Rhyolite Magmas Coincident with Carlin-Type Gold Deposition in Nevada USA
by Celestine N. Mercer, Hannah R. Babel, Cameron M. Mercer and Albert H. Hofstra
Minerals 2025, 15(5), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15050479 - 4 May 2025
Viewed by 891
Abstract
Eocene magmatic systems contemporaneous with world-class Carlin-type Au deposits in Nevada (USA) have been proposed by some researchers as a key ingredient for Au mineralization, though evidence conclusively demonstrating their genetic relationship remains tenuous. This study provides the first direct evidence of the [...] Read more.
Eocene magmatic systems contemporaneous with world-class Carlin-type Au deposits in Nevada (USA) have been proposed by some researchers as a key ingredient for Au mineralization, though evidence conclusively demonstrating their genetic relationship remains tenuous. This study provides the first direct evidence of the pre-eruptive metal budget of volatile- and metal-charged silicic magmas coincident in time (~41 to 34 Ma) and space (within 5 km) with Carlin-type Au deposits. We characterize the pre-eruptive metal fingerprints of these diverse magmatic systems to assess their potential as sources of metals for Carlin-type Au mineralization. Metal abundances from quartz-hosted melt inclusions (Au, Te, Ag, Sb, Tl, Mo, W, Sn, As, Pb, Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn) characterized in situ by SHRIMP-RG and LA-ICP-MS represent our best (and only) estimates for the pre-eruptive metal budget in these systems. Median metal concentrations are generally within one order of magnitude of average upper crust and average continental rhyolite values. But there are two notable exceptions, with median Au contents extending >1 order of magnitude higher than average upper crust and median Cu contents ranging >1 order of magnitude lower than upper crust. Despite this, melts contain lower Au/Cu (<0.1), Au/Ag (<5), and Au/Tl (<0.3) than most ore-grade Carlin-type rock samples and quartz-hosted fluid inclusions, regardless of their age and timing relative to nearby Carlin-type Au mineralization. The metal fingerprints of these magmatic systems, defined both by traditional and multivariate compositional data analysis techniques, are distinct from one another. Yet none are particularly specialized, e.g., high Au/Cu, in terms of being ideal ingredients as postulated by magmatic models for Carlin-type Au mineralization. Magmatic Au contents do not appear to be correlated with rhyolite “flavors” in the way that Cu, Sn, and Nb contents are. Fluid/melt partitioning modeling and magma volume estimates support the idea that a diverse array of non-specialized silicic magmas could feasibly contribute some or potentially all of the Au, Ag, and Cu in Carlin-type systems. The compositional diversity among contemporaneous magmatic systems could possibly contribute to some of the diversity observed across Carlin-type Au districts in Nevada. Full article
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20 pages, 4913 KB  
Article
Provenance and Paleo-Environment of the Late Carboniferous Bauxite Formations in Southern Shanxi
by Dongna Liu, Wenjie Jia, Fenghua Zhao, Rongrong Li, Shangqing Zhang, Jun Zhao and Ning Li
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10358; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210358 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1404
Abstract
The Carboniferous Benxi Formation in southern Shanxi of North China has significant bauxite resource potential; however, the source of its metallogenic material and its sedimentary environment remain unclear. The microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry methods were [...] Read more.
The Carboniferous Benxi Formation in southern Shanxi of North China has significant bauxite resource potential; however, the source of its metallogenic material and its sedimentary environment remain unclear. The microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry methods were applied in this study to examine the mineralogical, petrographic, and geochemical characteristics. Geochemical proxies of La/Y, Sr/Ba, Al2O3/TiO2, Zr/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Sc, and Th/Co were analyzed to investigate the paleo-depositional environment and provenance of the aluminum-bearing strata. The findings indicate that diaspores are the primary ore minerals in bauxite, while kaolinite and rutile are the predominant gangue minerals. Both the bauxite and claystone/aluminous rocks exhibit high enrichment in Li, Bi, and U, with relative enrichment in In, Sb, Th, Nb, and Ta. Li is notably concentrated in the claystone/aluminous rocks, reaching up to 1994.00 μg/g, primarily occurring in cookeite and boehmite, while U is highly concentrated in the bauxite. The aluminum-bearing strata were primarily formed under alkaline-reducing conditions, with changes in acidity and alkalinity of the environment during the sedimentary diagenetic process. Marine transgressions significantly impacted the sedimentary environment of the aluminum-bearing strata, and the paleoclimate was characterized as hot and humid. The principal factors contributing to enrichment of aluminum in the sedimentary basin were the in situ weathering of aluminum-rich source rocks and the transport of clastic materials from high-aluminum source rocks. The source rocks were closely associated with intermediate-acidic magmatic rocks and potentially related to the weathering of Ordovician carbonates. Full article
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15 pages, 2257 KB  
Article
Long-Term Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Wild-Type and Omicron XBB.1.5 in Indonesian Residents after Vaccination and Infection
by Karismananda, Ammar Abdurrahman Hasyim, Akihiko Sakamoto, Kyouhei Yamagata, Kartika Hardianti Zainal, Desi Dwirosalia Ningsih Suparman, Ika Yustisia, Marhaen Hardjo, Syahrijuita Kadir, Mitsuhiro Iyori, Shigeto Yoshida and Yenni Yusuf
Antibodies 2024, 13(3), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/antib13030072 - 2 Sep 2024
Viewed by 2072
Abstract
In the post-pandemic era, evaluating long-term immunity against COVID-19 has become increasingly critical, particularly in light of continuous SARS-CoV-2 mutations. This study aimed to assess the long-term humoral immune response in sera collected in Makassar. We measured anti-RBD IgG levels and neutralization capacity [...] Read more.
In the post-pandemic era, evaluating long-term immunity against COVID-19 has become increasingly critical, particularly in light of continuous SARS-CoV-2 mutations. This study aimed to assess the long-term humoral immune response in sera collected in Makassar. We measured anti-RBD IgG levels and neutralization capacity (NC) against both the Wild-Type (WT) Wuhan-Hu and Omicron XBB.1.5 variants across groups of COVID-19-vaccinated individuals with no booster (NB), single booster (SB), and double booster (DB). The mean durations since the last vaccination were 25.11 months, 19.24 months, and 16.9 months for the NB, SB, and DB group, respectively. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of breakthrough infection (BTI) history, with a mean duration since the last confirmed infection of 21.72 months. Our findings indicate fair long-term WT antibody (Ab) titers, with the DB group showing a significantly higher level than the other groups. Similarly, the DB group demonstrated the highest anti-Omicron XBB.1.5 Ab titer, yet it was insignificantly different from the other groups. Although the level of anti-WT Ab titers was moderate, we observed near-complete (96–97%) long-term neutralization against the WT pseudo-virus for all groups. There was a slight decrease in NC against Omicron XBB.1.5 compared to the WT among all groups, as DB group, SB group, and NB group showed 80.71 ± 3.9%, 74.29 ± 6.7%, and 67.2 ± 6.3% neutralization activity, respectively. A breakdown analysis based on infection and vaccine status showed that booster doses increase the NC against XBB.1.5, particularly in individuals without BTI. Individuals with BTI demonstrate a better NC compared to their counterpart uninfected individuals with the same number of booster doses. Our findings suggest that long-term immunity against SARS-CoV-2 persists and is effective against the mutant variant. Booster doses enhance the NC, especially among uninfected individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review Collection on Humoral Immunity)
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20 pages, 13744 KB  
Article
Research on Alloying Elements’ Influence on CuETP-Grade Copper’s Mechanical and Electrical Properties
by Krystian Franczak, Michał Sadzikowski, Paweł Kwaśniewski, Grzegorz Kiesiewicz, Wojciech Ściężor and Szymon Kordaszewski
Materials 2024, 17(12), 3020; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17123020 - 20 Jun 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1809
Abstract
The continuous industrial development that occurs worldwide generates the need to develop new materials with increasingly higher functional properties. This need also applies to the basic material for electricity purposes, which is copper. In this article, we carry out studies on the influence [...] Read more.
The continuous industrial development that occurs worldwide generates the need to develop new materials with increasingly higher functional properties. This need also applies to the basic material for electricity purposes, which is copper. In this article, we carry out studies on the influence of various alloying elements such as Mg, In, Si, Nb, Hf, Sb, Ni, Al, Fe, Zr, Cr, Zn, P, Ag, Sc, Pb, Sn, Co, Ti, Mn, Te and Bi on the electrical and mechanical properties of ETP-grade copper. The research involves producing copper alloys using the gravity die casting method with alloy additions of 0.1 wt.%, 0.3 wt.% and 0.5 wt.%. All resulting materials are cold-worked to produce wires, which are subsequently homogenized and annealed. The materials produced in this manner undergo testing to determine their specific electrical conductivity, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and Vickers hardness (HV10 scale). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Properties, and Applications of New Metallic Alloys)
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17 pages, 7383 KB  
Article
Genesis of Cu-Sn Mineralization in the Shuangjianzishan Super-Large Silver Deposit, Inner Mongolia: Trace Element Constraints from Chalcopyrite and Cassiterite
by Yu Liu, Biao Jiang, Yuchuan Chen, Liwen Wu, Yushan Zuo and Zhao Liu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3822; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093822 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1675
Abstract
The Shuangjianzishan silver polymetallic deposit is located in the copper–tin–lead–zinc–silver polymetallic metallogenic belt in the Southern Great Xing’an Range, with silver resources of more than 18,000 t, which is the largest silver polymetallic deposit in Asia. Early studies concluded that the Shuangjianzishan deposit [...] Read more.
The Shuangjianzishan silver polymetallic deposit is located in the copper–tin–lead–zinc–silver polymetallic metallogenic belt in the Southern Great Xing’an Range, with silver resources of more than 18,000 t, which is the largest silver polymetallic deposit in Asia. Early studies concluded that the Shuangjianzishan deposit is typically an epithermal Ag-Pb-Zn deposit that lacks a high-temperature mineralization stage. In recent years, with the deepening of research, a large amount of Cu-Sn mineralization has been found in the deep part of the Shuangjianzishan deposit, but it is less studied. The laser-ablation inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) technique is used to investigate the distribution and substitution of trace elements in chalcopyrite and cassiterite. In this paper, the trace element study of chalcopyrite and cassiterite from the Shuangjianzishan deposit reveals that Sn, In, As, Se, Sb, and Tl mainly exist in chalcopyrite in isomorphic form, while Pb, Bi, and Ni mainly exist in chalcopyrite in the form of mineral inclusions. The enrichment of the high-temperature elements Sn and Se in chalcopyrite, and the deficit of the middle- and low-temperature elements Ga, Sb, etc., reflect that the chalcopyrite in the Shuangjianzishan deposit was formed in a middle- and high-temperature environment, and it also indicates that the early ore-forming hydrothermal solution may be rich in Sn. Fe, In, Co, and Ni mainly exist in cassiterite in isomorphic form, and the content of W in cassiterite is high. There are two main forms, one is isomorphic and the other is wolframite inclusion. Cassiterite has Fe-rich and W-U-poor characteristics, indicating that cassiterite from the Shuangjianzishan deposit was formed under relatively oxidized conditions, and the relative enrichment of elements such as Fe, W, Zr, and Hf indicates that the temperature of cassiterite formation was high. The elemental content and inter-ionic coupling relationships suggest that the cassiterite from the Shuangjianzishan deposit may have an elemental replacement mechanism of W6+ + Fe2+ ↔ 2Sn4+ or Fe3+ + OH ↔ Sn4+ + O2−. The trace elements in cassiterite of the Shuangjianzishan deposit are rich in Fe and Mn and depleted in Nb and Ta, according to the Fe-W diagram, and the tin mineralization of the Shuangjianzishan deposit belongs to cassiterite–sulfide-type tin mineralization. Chalcopyrite Co/Ni ratios >1 are consistent with the characteristics of chalcopyrite genesis in hydrothermal deposits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances, Challenges, and Illustrations in Applied Geochemistry)
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13 pages, 3734 KB  
Article
Constructing Enhanced Composite Solid-State Electrolytes with Sb/Nb Co-Doped LLZO and PVDF-HFP
by Jinhai Cai, Yingjie Liu, Yingying Tan, Wanying Chang, Jingyi Wu, Tong Wu and Chunyan Lai
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 3115; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14073115 - 8 Apr 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2698
Abstract
Composite solid-state electrolytes are viewed as promising materials for solid-state lithium-ion batteries due to their combined advantages of inorganic solid-state electrolytes and solid-state polymer electrolytes. In this study, the solid electrolytes Li6.7−xLa3Zr1.7−xSb0.3NbxO12 [...] Read more.
Composite solid-state electrolytes are viewed as promising materials for solid-state lithium-ion batteries due to their combined advantages of inorganic solid-state electrolytes and solid-state polymer electrolytes. In this study, the solid electrolytes Li6.7−xLa3Zr1.7−xSb0.3NbxO12 (LLZSNO) with Sb and Nb co-doping were prepared by a high-temperature solid-phase method. Results indicate that Sb/Nb co-doping causes lattice deformation in LLZO and increases the lithium vacancy concentration and conductivity of LLZO. Then, with the co-doped LLZSNO as an inorganic filler, a composite solid electrolyte of polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) was prepared with a casting method. The obtained composite solid electrolyte exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 1.76 × 10−4 S/cm at room temperature, a wide electrochemical stable window of 5.2 V, and a lithium-ion transfer number of 0.32. The Li|LiFePO4 coin battery with the composite solid electrolyte shows a high specific capacity of 161.2 mAh/g and a Coulombic efficiency close to 100% at 1 C. In addition, the symmetrical lithium battery Li|Li with the composite electrolyte could cycle stably for about 1500 h without failure at room temperature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Lithium Ion Based Next Generation Batteries)
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20 pages, 3666 KB  
Article
Trace Elements in Pernik Sub-Bituminous Coals and Their Combustion Products Derived from the Republika Thermal Power Station, Bulgaria
by Mariana G. Yossifova, Greta M. Eskenazy, Stanislav V. Vassilev and Dimitrina A. Dimitrova
Minerals 2024, 14(3), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14030313 - 16 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2302
Abstract
The contents of 49 trace elements in sub-bituminous Pernik coals and their waste products from preparation and combustion processes were investigated. The studied coals have trace element contents higher than the respective Clarke values for brown coals and some of them may pose [...] Read more.
The contents of 49 trace elements in sub-bituminous Pernik coals and their waste products from preparation and combustion processes were investigated. The studied coals have trace element contents higher than the respective Clarke values for brown coals and some of them may pose environmental concerns. The elements Li, Rb, Cs, Ba, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Er, Ga, Zr, Sn, V, Nb, Ta, W, F, Cu, Zn, In, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, and Th in the feed coals have concentrations that exceed twice the Clarke values. Most element contents in bottom ash are enriched compared with those in feed coal. Some of the volatile elements are equal or significantly depleted including Sn, Mo, Sb, F, Bi, Cd, Ge, and Pb. Fly ash has higher contents of Ga, Zr, Hf, Sn, V, Nb, Mo, and F in comparison with bottom ash. Most elements have a significant positive correlation with ash yield, indicating their inorganic association. The mixed wastes (coal slurry, bottom ash, and fly ash) in the disposal pond are slightly depleted of most of the elements studied with the exclusion of Cl, Ba, and Br. The Pernik coals and their waste products are unpromising for the extraction of REY due to their low element contents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrography, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry of Coals)
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30 pages, 7813 KB  
Article
Machine Learning Prediction and Optimization of Performance and Emissions Characteristics of IC Engine
by Mallesh B. Sanjeevannavar, Nagaraj R. Banapurmath, V. Dananjaya Kumar, Ashok M. Sajjan, Irfan Anjum Badruddin, Chandramouli Vadlamudi, Sanjay Krishnappa, Sarfaraz Kamangar, Rahmath Ulla Baig and T. M. Yunus Khan
Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13825; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813825 - 16 Sep 2023
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4109
Abstract
In this work, a study was conducted to investigate the effects of different biodiesel blends with hydrogen peroxide additive on the performance and emissions of an internal combustion engine under various operating parameters. A CI engine was operated with diesel, four dissimilar biodiesels, [...] Read more.
In this work, a study was conducted to investigate the effects of different biodiesel blends with hydrogen peroxide additive on the performance and emissions of an internal combustion engine under various operating parameters. A CI engine was operated with diesel, four dissimilar biodiesels, and H2O2 at various proportions. The biodiesel blends used were Jatropha (D60JB30A10, D60JB34A6, D60JB38A2, D60JB40), Honge (D60HB30A10, D60HB34A6, D60HB38A2, D60HB40), Simarouba (D60SB30A10, D60SB34A6, D60SB38A2, D60SB40), and Neem (D60NB30A10, D60NB34A6, D60NB38A2, D60NB40). The engine was tested at different injection operating pressures (200, 205, and 210 bar), a speed of 1500 rpm, and a CR of 17.5:1. From the experiments conducted, it was highlighted that, under specific conditions, i.e., with an injection pressure of 205 bar, 80% load, a compression ratio of 17.5, an injection timing set at 230 before top dead center, and an engine speed of 1500 rpm, the biodiesel blends D60JB30A10, D60HB30A10, D60SB30A10, and D60NB30A10 achieved the highest brake thermal efficiencies of 24%, 23.9675%, 23.935%, and 23.9025%, respectively. Notably, the blend D60JB30A10 stood out with the highest brake thermal efficiency of 24% among these tested blends. Similarly, when evaluating emissions under the same operational conditions, the D60JB30A10 blend exhibited the lowest emissions levels: CO (0.16% Vol), CO2 (7.8% Vol), HC (59 PPM), and Smoke (60 HSU), while NOx (720 PPM) emissions showed a relative increase with higher concentrations of the hydrogen-based additive. The D60HB30A10, D60SB30A10, and D60NB30A10 blends showed higher emissions in comparison. Additionally, the study suggests that machine learning techniques can be employed to predict engine performance and emission characteristics, thereby cutting down on time and costs associated with traditional engine trials. Specifically, machine learning methods, like XG Boost, random forest regressor, decision tree regressor, and linear regression, were utilized for prediction purposes. Among these techniques, the XG Boost model demonstrated highly accurate predictions, followed by the random forest regressor, decision tree regressor, and linear regression models. The accuracy of the predictions for XG Boost model was assessed through evaluation metrics such as R2-Score (0.999), Root Mean Squared Error (0.540), Mean Squared Error (0.248), and Mean Absolute Error (0.292), which allowed for a thorough analysis of the algorithm’s performance compared to actual values. Full article
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12 pages, 4037 KB  
Article
Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of Nb-Doped Ti(FeCoNi)Sb Pseudo-Ternary Half-Heusler Alloys Prepared Using the Microwave Method
by Ruipeng Zhang, Jianbiao Kong, Yangbo Hou, Linghao Zhao, Junliang Zhu, Changcun Li and Degang Zhao
Materials 2023, 16(16), 5528; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165528 - 9 Aug 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1655
Abstract
Pseudo-ternary half-Heusler thermoelectric materials, which are formed by filling the B sites of traditional ternary half-Heusler thermoelectric materials of ABX with equal atomic proportions of various elements, have attracted more and more attention due to their lower intrinsic lattice thermal conductivity. High-purity and [...] Read more.
Pseudo-ternary half-Heusler thermoelectric materials, which are formed by filling the B sites of traditional ternary half-Heusler thermoelectric materials of ABX with equal atomic proportions of various elements, have attracted more and more attention due to their lower intrinsic lattice thermal conductivity. High-purity and relatively dense Ti1−xNbx(FeCoNi)Sb (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07 and 0.1) alloys were prepared via microwave synthesis combined with rapid hot-pressing sintering, and their thermoelectric properties are investigated in this work. The Seebeck coefficient was markedly increased via Nb substitution at Ti sites, which resulted in the optimized power factor of 1.45 μWcm−1K−2 for n-type Ti0.93Nb0.07(FeCoNi)Sb at 750 K. In addition, the lattice thermal conductivity was largely decreased due to the increase in phonon scattering caused by point defects, mass fluctuation and strain fluctuation introduced by Nb-doping. At 750 K, the lattice thermal conductivity of Ti0.97Nb0.03(FeCoNi)Sb is 2.37 Wm−1K−1, which is 55% and 23% lower than that of TiCoSb and Ti(FeCoNi)Sb, respectively. Compared with TiCoSb, the ZT of the Ti1−xNbx(FeCoNi)Sb samples were significantly increased. The average ZT values of the Nb-doped pseudo-ternary half-Heusler samples were dozens of times that of the TiCoSb prepared using the same process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials Physics in Thermoelectric Materials)
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24 pages, 3021 KB  
Article
Environmental Geochemistry of Potentially Toxic Metals in Phosphate Rocks, Products, and Their Wastes in the Algerian Phosphate Mining Area (Tébessa, NE Algeria)
by Bilal Boumaza, Tatiana Vladimirovna Chekushina, Rabah Kechiched, Nouara Benabdeslam, Lemya Brahmi, Dmitry Evgenievich Kucher and Nazih Yacer Rebouh
Minerals 2023, 13(7), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13070853 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5016
Abstract
This study is focused on the environmental geochemistry of potentially toxic metals (PTMs)-bearing products and wastes in a mining area in Djebel Onk (NE Algeria) and their potential ecological and health risk assessment. Representative samples from (i) commercial products and (ii) grain size [...] Read more.
This study is focused on the environmental geochemistry of potentially toxic metals (PTMs)-bearing products and wastes in a mining area in Djebel Onk (NE Algeria) and their potential ecological and health risk assessment. Representative samples from (i) commercial products and (ii) grain size classes of wastes were mineralogically characterized using X-ray diffraction. The major and PTMs elements in the samples were chemically analyzed via ICP-AES and ICP-MS, respectively. The results reveal that the samples were mostly composed of carbonate fluorapatite (P2O5 > 24 wt %) and yielded PTM concentrations within the average range of phosphorites in neighboring countries and worldwide deposits as well. The concentrations of V, Cd, As, Ni, and Pb in the products were found to be within the acceptable values according to various standards, such as the Canadian and German Fertilizer Ordinance policies. Geochemically, PTMs distribution is linked to the main sub-composition of phosphate rock (apatite, clay, and dolomite). The Enrichment Factors (EF) display very-high-to-extremely-high enrichment of PTMs (Cr, Zn, As, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Tl, Th, and U), while V, Co, Cu, Ni, Zr, Ga, Nb, and Pb show minor and moderate-to-high enrichments. Among all the PTMs, Cd, Tl, and U display a very high ecological risk (PERI) and contribute most to the total risk index (RI). The human health risk assessment of PTMs represented by the Hazard Index (HI) indicates that the non-carcinogenic risks are below the threshold values (HI < 1), while the HI values are higher for children than they are for adults. However, the cancer index (life time cancer risk) for Cr, Ni, As, and Cd for children and Cd for adults is greater than the acceptable threshold. These results are useful for phosphate beneficiation via removing these PTMs from the commercial product for efficient waste management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Formation, Mineralogy, Geochemistry of Phosphate Deposits)
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27 pages, 5239 KB  
Article
Multi-Element Assessment of Potentially Toxic and Essential Elements in New and Traditional Food Varieties in Sweden
by Barbro Kollander, Ilia Rodushkin and Birgitta Sundström
Foods 2023, 12(9), 1831; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091831 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4194
Abstract
With the global movement toward the consumption of a more sustainable diet that includes a higher proportion of plant-based foods, it is important to determine how such a change could alter the intake of cadmium and other elements, both essential and toxic. In [...] Read more.
With the global movement toward the consumption of a more sustainable diet that includes a higher proportion of plant-based foods, it is important to determine how such a change could alter the intake of cadmium and other elements, both essential and toxic. In this study, we report on the levels of a wide range of elements in foodstuffs that are both traditional and “new” to the Swedish market. The data were obtained using analytical methods providing very low detection limits and include market basket data for different food groups to provide the general levels in foods consumed in Sweden and to facilitate comparisons among traditional and “new” food items. This dataset could be used to estimate changes in nutritional intake as well as exposure associated with a change in diet. The concentrations of known toxic and essential elements are provided for all the food matrices studied. Moreover, the concentrations of less routinely analyzed elements are available in some matrices. Depending on the food variety, the dataset includes the concentrations of inorganic arsenic and up to 74 elements (Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hf, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, W, V, Y, Zn, Zr, rare Earth elements (REEs) (Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Ho, La, Lu, Nd, Pr, Sm, Tb, Tm, and Yb), platinum group elements (PGEs) (Ir, Os, Pd, Pr, Pt, Re, Rh, Ru, and Pr), and halogens (Br, Cl, and I)). The main focus (and thus the most detailed information on variation within a given food group) is on foods that are currently the largest contributors to dietary cadmium exposure in Sweden, such as pasta, rice, potato products, and different sorts of bread. Additionally, elemental concentrations in selected food varieties regarded as relatively new or “novel” to the Swedish market are provided, including teff flour, chia seeds, algae products, and gluten-free products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
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22 pages, 7009 KB  
Article
Crystal Structures of Xenon(VI) Salts: XeF5Ni(AsF6)3, XeF5AF6 (A = Nb, Ta, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pt, Au), and XeF5A2F11 (A = Nb, Ta)
by Zoran Mazej and Evgeny Goreshnik
Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3370; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083370 - 11 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2465
Abstract
Experiments on the preparation of the new mixed cations XeF5M(AF6)3 (M = Cu, Ni; A = Cr, Nb, Ta, Ru, Rh, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, As), XeF5M(SbF6)3 (M = Sn, Pb), and [...] Read more.
Experiments on the preparation of the new mixed cations XeF5M(AF6)3 (M = Cu, Ni; A = Cr, Nb, Ta, Ru, Rh, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, As), XeF5M(SbF6)3 (M = Sn, Pb), and XeF5M(BF4)x(SbF6)3-x (x = 1, 2, 3; M = Co, Mn, Ni, Zn) salts were successful only in the preparation of XeF5Ni(AsF6)3. In other cases, mixtures of different products, mostly XeF5AF6 and XeF5A2F11 salts, were obtained. The crystal structures of XeF5Ni(AsF6)3, XeF5TaF6, XeF5RhF6, XeF5IrF6, XeF5Nb2F11, XeF5Ta2F11, and [Ni(XeF2)2](IrF6)2 were determined for the first time on single crystals at 150 K by X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures of XeF5NbF6, XeF5PtF6, XeF5RuF6, XeF5AuF6, and (Xe2F11)2(NiF6) were redetermined by the same method at 150 K. The crystal structure of XeF5RhF6 represents a new structural type in the family of XeF5AF6 salts, which crystallize in four different structural types. The XeF5A2F11 salts (M = Nb, Ta) are not isotypic and both represent a new structure type. They consist of [XeF5]+ cations and dimeric [A2F11] anions. The crystal structure of [Ni(XeF2)2](IrF6)2 is a first example of a coordination compound in which XeF2 is coordinated to the Ni2+ cation. Full article
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20 pages, 4261 KB  
Article
National-Scale Geochemical Baseline of 69 Elements in Laos Stream Sediments
by Wei Wang, Xueqiu Wang, Bimin Zhang, Qiang Wang, Dongsheng Liu, Zhixuan Han, Sounthone LAOLO, Phomsylalai SOUKSAN, Hanliang Liu, Jian Zhou, Xinbin Cheng and Lanshi Nie
Minerals 2022, 12(11), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12111360 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4415
Abstract
Geochemical baselines are crucial to explore mineral resources and monitor environmental changes. This study presents the first Laos geochemical baseline values of 69 elements. The National-scale Geochemical Mapping Project of Lao People’s Democratic Republic conducted comprehensive stream sediment sampling across Laos, yielding 2079 [...] Read more.
Geochemical baselines are crucial to explore mineral resources and monitor environmental changes. This study presents the first Laos geochemical baseline values of 69 elements. The National-scale Geochemical Mapping Project of Lao People’s Democratic Republic conducted comprehensive stream sediment sampling across Laos, yielding 2079 samples collected at 1 sample/100 km2, and 69 elements were analyzed. Based on the results of LGB value, R-mode factor analysis, and scatter plot analysis, this paper analyzes the relationship between the 69 elements and the geological background, mineralization, hypergene processes and human activities in the study area. The median values of element contents related to the average crustal values were: As, B, Br, Cs, Hf, Li, N, Pb, Sb, Zr, and SiO2, >1.3 times; Ba, Be, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Ga, Mn, Mo, Ni, S, Sc, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, Zn, Eu, Al2O3, Tot.Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, and Na2O, <0.7 times; and Ag, Au, Bi, Cd, Ge, Hg, I, In, Nb, P, Rb, Se, Sn, Ta, Th, U, W, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and K2O, 0.7–1.3 times. R-mode factor analysis based on principal component analysis and varimax rotation showed that they fall into 12 factors related to bedrock, (rare earth, ferrum-group, and major Al2O3 and K2O elements; mineralization–Au, Sb, and As) and farming activities–N, Br, S, and C). This study provides basic geochemical data for many fields, including basic geology, mineral exploration, environmental protection and agricultural production in Laos. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Metal Minerals)
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16 pages, 1962 KB  
Article
Application of Machine Learning Algorithms to Classification of Pb–Zn Deposit Types Using LA–ICP–MS Data of Sphalerite
by Guo-Tao Sun and Jia-Xi Zhou
Minerals 2022, 12(10), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12101293 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3389
Abstract
Pb–Zn deposits supply a significant proportion of critical metals, such as In, Ga, Ge, and Co. Due to the growing demand for critical metals, it is urgent to clarify the different types of Pb–Zn deposits to improve exploration. The trace element concentrations of [...] Read more.
Pb–Zn deposits supply a significant proportion of critical metals, such as In, Ga, Ge, and Co. Due to the growing demand for critical metals, it is urgent to clarify the different types of Pb–Zn deposits to improve exploration. The trace element concentrations of sphalerite can be used to classify the types of Pb–Zn deposits. However, it is difficult to assess the multivariable system through simple data analysis directly. Here, we collected more than 2200 analyses with 14 elements (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ga, Ge, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Pb, and Bi) from 65 deposits, including 48 analyses from carbonate replacement (CR), 684 analyses from distal magmatic-hydrothermal (DMH), 197 analyses from epithermal, 456 analyses from Mississippi Valley-type (MVT), 199 analyses from sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX), 377 analyses from skarn, and 322 analyses from volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) types of Pb–Zn deposits. The critical metals in different types of deposits are summarized. Machine learning algorithms, namely, decision tree (DT), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), naive Bayes (NB), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM), are applied to process and explore the classification. Learning curves show that the DT and RF classifiers are the most suitable for classification. Testing of the DT and RF classifier yielded accuracies of 91.2% and 95.4%, respectively. In the DT classifier, the feature importances of trace elements suggest that Ni (0.22), Mn (0.17), Cd (0.13), Co (0.11), and Fe (0.09) are significant for classification. Furthermore, the visual DT graph shows that the Mn contents of sphalerite allow the division of the seven classes into three groups: (1) depleted in Mn, including MVT and CR types; (2) enriched in Mn, including epithermal, skarn, SEDEX, and VMS deposits; and (3) DMH deposits, which have variable Mn contents. Data mining also reveals that VMS and skarn deposits have distinct Co and Ni contents and that SEDEX and DMH deposits have different Ni and Ge contents. The optimal DT and RF classifiers are deployed at Streamlit cloud workspace. Researchers can select DT or RF classifier and input trace element data of sphalerite to classify the Pb–Zn deposit type. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pb-Zn Deposits and Associated Critical Metals)
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