Synthesis and crystal structure of two zinc-containing complexes of triethanolamine

Enhancing Sulfidization and Flotation of Smithsonite Using Eco-Friendly Triethanolamine: Insights from Experimental and Simulation Studies

Triethanolamine (TEA) is a promising eco-friendly alternative to inorganic ammonia for enhancing surface sulfidization and flotation recovery of smithsonite. Micro-flotation experiments revealed an enhancement in smithsonite recovery to 95.21% with TEA modification, comparable to the results obtained using ammonia. The mechanisms behind the ability of TEA to enhance the sulfidization process were investigated through surface analysis and molecular dynamics simulations. TEA modification increased the content of sulfidization products, the proportion of crucial S22- in adsorbed products, and the thickness and size of the sulfidization product layer. The complexation of TEA with Zn sites formed positively charged Zn-TEA complexes that adsorb onto the smithsonite surface. These complexes promoted negatively charged HS- adsorption, creating a multi-layered adsorption structure. Moreover, TEA modification reduced the total energy required for the sulfidization. These findings open up new possibilities for using eco-friendly reagents in mineral processing, highlighting the potential of TEA in green mineral processing practices.

Strategy of Electrolyte Design: Triethanolamine as a Polydentate Ligand to Improve Solvation of Zinc in Zinc-Air Batteries

The zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are regarded as the most potential energy storage device for the next generation. However, the zinc anode passivation and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolyte situations inhibit the zinc plate working efficiency, which needs to improve zinc solvation and better electrolyte strategy. In this work, we propose a design of new electrolyte by using a polydentate ligand to stabilize the zinc ion divorced from the zinc anode. The formation of the passivation film is suppressed greatly, compared to the traditional electrolyte. The characterization result presents that the quantity of the passivation film is reduced to nearly 33% of pure KOH result. Besides, triethanolamine (TEA) as an anionic surfactant inhibits the HER effect to improve the efficiency of the zinc anode. The discharging and recycling test indicates that the specific capacity of the battery with the effect of TEA is improved to nearly 85 mA h/cm² compared to 0.21 mA h/cm² in 0.5 mol/L KOH, which is 350 times the result of the blank group. The electrochemical analysis results also indicate that zinc anode self-corrosion is palliated. With density function theory, calculation results prove the new complex existence and structure in electrolytes by the data of the molecular orbital (highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital). A new theory of multi-dentate ligand inhibiting passivation is elicited and provides a new direction for ZABs' electrolyte design.

Motoc) S, Visan A, Cretu C, Scarpelli F, Crispini A, Manea F, Szerb EI. Hetero-Bimetallic Ferrocene-Containing Zinc(II)-Terpyridyl-Based Metallomesogen: Structural and Electrochemical Characterization

The synthesis, as well as the mesomorphic and electrochemical properties, of a hetero-bimetallic coordination complex able to self-assemble into a columnar liquid crystalline phase is reported herein. The mesomorphic properties were investigated by polarized optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. Electrochemical properties were explored by cyclic voltammetry (CV), relating the hetero-bimetallic complex behaviour to previously reported analogous monometallic Zn(II) compounds. The obtained results highlight how the presence of the second metal centre and the supramolecular arrangement in the condensed state pilot the function and properties of the new hetero-bimetallic Zn/Fe coordination complex.

Contribution of the Scientific School of Academician M.G. Voronkov to the Development of the Chemistry of Biologically Active Atranes (Protatranes and Hydrometallatranes) (A Review)

The main results of the many years' studies of the scientific school of Academician Mikhail G. Voronkov in the field of two subgroups of the atrane family (protatranes and hydrometallatranes) as well as the results of research in continuation of the studies initiated by Academician M. G. Voronkov have been summarized and presented. Long-term studies of atranes under the leadership of M. G. Voronkov have led to the discovery of their unique biological activity and the creation of a series of unique original drugs and means of agricultural chemicalization: biostimulants and adaptogens for agricultural plants, animals, useful insects and microorganisms.