High-Performance Organic Field-Effect Transistors Based on Two-Dimensional Vat Orange 3 Crystals

The exploration and research of low-cost,environmentally friendly,and sustainable organic semiconductor materials are of immense significance in various fields,including electronics,optoelectronics,and energy conversion.Unfortunately,these semiconductors have almost poor charge transport properties,which range from∼10^(−4) cm^(2)·V^(−1)·s^(−1) to∼10^(−2) cm^(2)·V^(−1)·s^(−1).Vat orange 3,as one of these organic semiconductors,has great potential due to its highly conjugated structure.We obtain high-quality multilayered Vat orange 3 crystals with two-dimensional(2D)growth on h-BN surfaces with thickness of 10–100 nm using physical vapor transport.Raman’s results confirm the stability of the chemical structure of Vat orange 3 during growth.Furthermore,by leveraging the structural advantages of 2D materials,an organic field-effect transistor with a 2D vdW vertical heterostructure is further realized with h-BN encapsulation and multilayered graphene contact electrodes,resulting in an excellent transistor performance with On/Off ratio of 104 and high field-effect mobility of 0.14 cm^(2)·V^(−1)·s^(−1).Our results show the great potential of Vat orange 3 with 2D structures in future nano-electronic applications.Furthermore,we showcase an approach that integrates organic semiconductors with 2D materials,aiming to offer new insights into the study of organic semiconductors.

Apples to oranges:environmentally derived,dynamic regulation of serotonin neuron subpopulations in adulthood?

Traumatic brain injury(TBI)is a public health problem with an undue economic burden that impacts nearly every age,ethnic,and gender group across the globe(Capizzi et al.,2020).TBIs are often sustained during a dynamic range of exposures to energetic environmental forces and as such outcomes are typically heterogeneous regarding severity and pathology(Capizzi et al.,2020).

Global analysis of basic leucine zipper transcription factors in trifoliate orange and the function identification of PtbZIP49 in salt tolerance

As one of the most widely distributed and highly conserved transcription factors in eukaryotes,basic leucine zipper proteins(bZIPs)are involved in a variety of biological processes in plants,but they are largely unknown in citrus.In this study,56 bZIP family members were identified genome-wide from an important citrus rootstock,namely trifoliate orange(Poncirus trifoliata L.Raf.),and these putative bZIPs were named PtbZIP1—PtbZIP56.All PtbZIPs were classified into 13 subgroups by phylogenetic comparison with Arabidopsis thaliana bZIPs(AtbZIPs),and they were randomly distributed on nine known(50 genes)chromosomes and one unknown(6 genes)chromosome.Sequence analysis revealed the detailed characteristics of PtPZIPs,including their amino acid length,isoelectric point(pI),molecular weight(MW),predicted subcellular localization,gene structure,and conserved motifs.Prediction of promoter elements suggested the presence of drought,low-temperature,wound,and defense and stress responsive elements,as well as multiple hormone-responsive cis-acting elements.Spatiotemporal expression analysis showed the transcriptional patterns of PtbZIPs in different tissues and under dehydration,high salt,ABA,and IAA treatments.In addition,21 PtbZIPs were predicted to have direct or indirect protein—protein interactions.Among these,PtbZIP49 was experimentally proven to interact with PtbZIP1 or PtbZIP11 by using a yeast two-hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation(BiFC).Subcellular localization analysis further revealed that PtbZIP1,PtbZIP11,and PtbZIP49 were localized in the nucleus.Moreover,PtbZIP49 was functionally identified as having an important role in salt stress via ectopic expression in A.thaliana and silenced in trifoliate orange using virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS).This study provided comprehensive information on PtbZIP transcription factors in citrus and highlights their potential functions in abiotic stress.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Orange and Lemon Peel Extract and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Properties

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of orange and lemon peels, as a reducing agent, and silver nitrate salts as a source of silver ions is a promising field of research due to the versatility of biomedical applications of metal nanoparticles. In this paper, AgNPs were synthetized at different reaction parameters such as the type and concentration of the extracts, metal salt concentration, temperature, speed stirring, and pH. The antibacterial properties of the obtained silver nanoparticles against E. coli, as well as the physical and chemical characteristics of the synthesized silver nanoparticles, were investigated. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of AgNPs. In addition to green biogenic synthesis, chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles was also carried out. The optimal temperature for extraction was 65˚C, while for the synthesis of AgNPs was 35˚C. The synthesis is carried out in an acidic environment (pH = 4.7 orange and pH = 3.8 lemon), neutral (pH = 7) and alkaline (pH = 10), then for different concentrations of silver nitrate solution (0.5 mM - 1 mM), optimal time duration of the reaction was 60 min and optimal stirring speed rotation was 250 rpm on the magnetic stirrer. The physical properties of the synthesized silver nanoparticles (conductivity, density and refractive index) were also studied, and the passage of laser light through the obtained solution and distilled water was compared. Positive inhibitory effect on the growth of new Escherichia coli colonies have shown AgNPs synthesized at a basic pH value and at a 0.1 mM AgNO3 using orange or lemon peel extract, while for a 0.5 mM AgNO3 using lemon peel extract.

Understanding changes in volatile compounds and fatty acids of Jincheng orange peel oil at different growth stages using GC-MS

Jincheng orange(Citrus sinensis Osbeck)is widely grown in Chongqing,China,and is commonly consumed because of its characteristic aroma contributed by the presence of diverse volatile compounds.The changes in aroma during the development and maturation of fruit are indicators for ripening and harvest time.However,the influence of growth stages on the volatile compounds in Jincheng orange remains unclear.In addition,volatiles originate from fatty acids,most of which are the precursors of volatile substances.On this basis,gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was performed to elaborate the changes in volatile constituents and fatty acids as precursors.This study tested proximately 60 volatiles and 8 fatty acids at 9 growth and development stages(AF1-AF9).Of those compounds,more than 92.00%of total volatiles and 87.50%of fatty acids were terpenoid and saturated fatty acids,respectively.As shown in the PCA plot,the AF5,AF6,and AF9 stages were confirmed as completely segregated and appeared different.In addition,most of the volatiles and fatty acids first increased at the beginning of the development stage,then decreased from the AF6 development stage,and finally increased at the AF9 maturity stage.Moreover,the highest contents of terpenoid,alcohols,aldehydes,ketones,and saturated fatty acids in Jincheng orange peel oil were d-limonene,linalool,octanal,cyclohexanone,and stearic acid during development stages,respectively.Our results found that the growth stages significantly affected the volatile constituents and precursors in Jincheng orange peel oil.

Design of an Interconnection Architecture and Sizing of Two (2) EPC Core Networks: The Case of Orange-Guinea

With the arrival of the 4G and 5G,the telecommunications networks have experienced a large expansion of these networks.That enabled the integration of many services and adequate flow,thus enabling the operators to respond to the growing demand of users.This rapid evolution has given the operators to adapt,their methods to the new technologies that increase.This complexity becomes more important,when these networks include several technologies to access different from the heterogeneous network like in the 4G network.The dimensional new challenges tell the application and the considerable increase in demand for services and the compatibility with existing networks,the management of mobility intercellular of users and it offers a better quality of services.Thus,the proposed solution to meet these new requirements is the sizing of the EPC(Evolved Packet Core)core network to support the 5G access network.For the case of Orange Guinea,this involves setting up an architecture for interconnecting the core networks of Sonfonia and Camayenne.The objectives of our work are of two orders:(1)to propose these solutions and recommendations for the heart network EPC sizing and the deployment to be adopted;(2)supply and architectural interconnection in the heart network EPC and an existing heart network.In our work,the model of traffic in communication that we use to calculate the traffic generated with each technology has link in the network of the heart.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Salvia miltiorrhiza with orange roots uncovers the role of Sm2OGD3 in catalyzing 15,16-dehydrogenation of tanshinones

Salvia miltiorrhiza is well known for its clinical practice in treating heart and cardiovascular diseases.Its roots,used for traditional Chinese medicine materials,are usually brick-red due to accumulation of red pigments,such as tanshinone IIA and tanshinone I.Here we report a S.miltiorrhiza line(shh)with orange roots.Compared with the red roots of normal S.miltiorrhiza plants,the contents of tanshinones with a single bond at C-15,16 were increased,whereas those with a double bond at C-15,16 were significantly decreased in shh.We assembled a high-quality chromosome-level genome of shh.Phylogenomic analysis showed that the relationship between two S.miltiorrhiza lines with red roots was closer than the relationship with shh.It indicates that shh could not be the mutant of an extant S.miltiorrhiza line with red roots.Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses showed that a 1.0 kb DNA fragment was deleted in shh Sm2OGD3m.Complementation assay showed that overexpression of intact Sm2OGD3 in shh hairy roots recovered furan D-ring tanshinone accumulation.Consistently,in vitro protein assay showed that Sm2OGD3 catalyzed the conversion of cyptotanshinone,15,16-dihydrotanshinone I and 1,2,15,16-tetrahydrotanshinone I into tanshinone IIA,tanshinone I and 1,2-dihydrotanshinone I,respectively.Thus,Sm2OGD3 functions as tanshinone 15,16-dehydrogenase and is a key enzyme in tanshinone biosynthesis.The results provide novel insights into the metabolic network of medicinally important tanshinone compounds.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals gonadal dynamic changes during sex differentiation in hermaphroditic protogynous orange-spotted grouper(Epinephelus coioides)

DEAR EDITOR,Sex differentiation is a complex process that requires many factors to regulate gonadal proliferation, differentiation,development, and organization. In teleosts, the molecular mechanisms of sex differentiation are diverse and unclear.

CsTT8 regulates anthocyanin accumulation in blood orange through alternative splicing transcription

A homologous gene of basic-helix-loop-helix AtTT8 in Arabidopsis thaliana was identified in juice sac cells of pulp tissues from blood orange(Citrus sinensis cv‘Tarocco’),which was designated as CsTT8 in this study.Additionally,the mRNA levels of TT8 with the full-length open reading frame were significantly higher in‘Tarocco’than in mutant fruit lacking pigment in pulp or peel tissues.However,an alternative splicing transcript,Δ15-TT8,with the fourth exon skipped,was also identified from transcripts different in length from that in‘Tarocco’.The mRNA levels ofΔ15-TT8 were higher in mutant fruit lacking pigment in pulp or peel tissues than in the wild type.Therefore,the TT8/Δ15-TT8 mRNA level ratio was found to be crucial for sufficient pigment in either pulp or peel tissues.TT8 from blood orange fruit demonstrated the capacity for nucleus localization and binding to other proteins.In contrast,Δ15-TT8,lacking the fourth exon,lost its ability to interact with RUBY1 and to localize at the nucleus.Using a dual luciferase reporter assay and transient overexpression in tobacco,we proved that two regulatory complexes formed by a functional TT8 with different MYB(v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog)-type partners significantly promoted expression of an anthocyanin biosynthetic gene and a proton pumping gene,leading to anthocyanin and citrate production.Our findings suggest that TT8,rather than dysfunctionalΔ15-TT8,is possibly involved in modulating anthocyanin biosynthesis and its transport into vacuoles by proton gradients.However,increased mRNA levels of the dysfunctional alternative splicing transcript may act as a negative feedback to downregulate TT8 expression and limit anthocyanin accumulation in blood oranges.

Use of Agent Purple, Agent Orange and Agent Blue on Royal Thai Air Force Base Perimeters in Thailand during the Vietnam War

Seven Royal Thai Air Force bases in Thailand were used by the United States Air Force (USAF) during the Vietnam War as staging hubs for operations in Laos and Cambodia. Five bases in Thailand, including Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Ubon, Korat, U-Tapao and Udorn endured sniper fire interdiction, perimeter penetration, and sapper (combat engineer) attacks. Nam Phong, an eighth Royal Thai Air Force base was used by the United States Marine Corps air operations starting in 1972. US Military personnel stationed throughout Thailand were also attacked by Communists insurgents. Two herbicides, Agent Purple and Agent Orange containing 2, 4, 5-T contaminated with dioxin (TCDD—2, 3, 7, 8 tetrachlorodibenzodioxin) and a third herbicide, the arsenic-based Agent Blue, were routinely received at these Thailand airbases in support of air missions and to keep airbases and perimeter fences clear of vegetation. Udorn Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base, established in the 1950s was consistently a target of enemy attacks during this period. The Thai government allowed the United States to use five bases, covertly, and two other Thai bases, openly, due to concerns that the civil war inside Laos might spread into Thailand. The US Air Force began, in 1961, to provide the air defense of Thailand and to fly reconnaissance flights over Laos. Under the United States and Thailand’s “gentleman’s agreement”, the bases used by the USAF were considered RTAF bases under the command of Thai officers. The USAF at Udorn was under the command of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Thirteenth Air Force and was used to temporarily store and distribute Agent Purple, Agent Orange and Agent Blue to Laos’s airfields for spraying of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Thai air police controlled access to the bases using sentry dogs, observation towers, and machine gun emplacements. The USAF Security police assisted the Thai air police in base defense. In this study, we document the use of Agent Orange, Agent Purple and Agent Blue on Royal Thai Air Force base perimeters and grounds during the Vietnam War, potential active-duty service personnel exposure to these toxic herbicides and health impacts of the contaminant dioxin TCDD and arsenic on U.S. Vietnam Era Veterans and Vietnam Veterans. This documentation is important evidence in the “assumption of exposure” for health claims to the US Veterans Administration (VA) by veterans that served in Thailand between 1962 and 1976.

Assessment of quality of bread incorporated with defatted sweet orange seed flour

The effect of incorporation of defatted flour from seeds of sweet orange on wheat flour bread quality was investigated.Seeds were removed from the fruits of sweet orange,sun dried,milled and defatted with ethanol.The defatted orange seed flour was incorporated into wheat flour at 5,10,and 15%.The chemical composition and physicochemical properties of the composite flours were assessed.The composite flours were used to prepare breads and the nutrients composition,antioxidant,physical and sensory qualities of the breads were determined.The water absorption,oil absorption,emulsifying and swelling capacities increased while foaming capacity and bulk density decreased with the addition of the defatted seed flour in the blends.The addition of defatted seed flour increased significantly(P<0.05)the ash(1.98%–3.05%),crude fiber(1.26%–2.98%)and carbohydrate(47.78%–55.90%)contents but decreased the moisture(23.59%–20.37%),crude fat(12.43%–8.98%)and protein(12.96%–8.72%)contents of the breads.The calcium,sodium,iron and zinc contents improved but phosphorus and potassium levels decreased with the incorporation of the defatted seed flour.The phenols,flavonoids,alkaloids,saponins,and carotenoids contents varied from 85.03–18.59 mg/100g,3.11–7.83 mg/100g,7.30–12.06 mg/100g,1.87–2.06 mg/100g,and 5.46–15.84 mg/100g,respectively.The loaf volume,specific volume and oven spring of breads decreased while loaf weight increased with the incorporation of defatted flour.The antioxidant activities of breads containing 15%defatted seed flour increased over that the 100%wheat bread.The ratings for the sensory attributes decreased with the addition of defatted seed flour in the breads.However,the ratings for the sensory qualities of breads containing 5 and 10%defatted seed flours did not differ significantly(P<0.05)from those of the 100%wheat bread.It is concluded that defatted flour from seeds of sweet orange fruits could be used to substitute 10%wheat flour in bread without adversely affecting the qualities of the breads.

Effects of Agro-Ecological Practices on the Productivity of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) and Soil Fertility in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

This study consisted to evaluate the effects of ecological practices on the yield performance of the JEWEL of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam). The study was conducted in a Sudano-Sahelian cropping system (Lantargou, eastern region of Burkina Faso). Agro-ecological practices consisted of the inputs of 3.20 t/ha of compost + 2.45 t/ha of wood ash (CO + WA);4.90 t/ha of wood ash (WA);6.40 t/ha of compost (CO) were compared to control with no inputs (T0). Each treatment was repeated four times. The crop management consisted of plowing, harrowing, raising of ridges with 40 cm height, burying of treatments, transplanting of cuttings, two weeding’s, and using of biopesticide called PIOL for crop protection. Composite soil samples per treatment were also collected at tuber harvest and analyzed to determine the effects of treatments on residual soil fertility. Results showed that the plant heights and diameters under the CO were significantly (P < 0.001) improved by 16% and 12% compared to T0. The WA treatment significantly increased the number of large tubers by 43% (P ≤ 0.01) compared to T0. Total tuber numbers, large tuber numbers and tuber yields of sweet potato under CO + WA were significantly (P < 0.001) and respectively improved by 27%, 50% and 31% compared to T0. All treatments increased soil organic matter, N, P and K contents, and reduced soil acidity compared with those obtained under T0. Soil K content was improved by 39% under CO + WA, and soil N content by 34% under WA compared to T0. Soil C/N ratio under CO + WA was reduced by 20% compared others treatments. But, the CO + WA treatment outperformed by improving residual soil N content by 38%, and the WA treatment by increasing soil K content by 50% compared to T0. In addition, soil pHH2O increased by 1.2 units under WA treatment compared to T0. As conclusion, the application of 6.4 t/ha of compost performed well to improve the vegetative growth of orange-fleshed sweet potato while the inputs of 3.2 t/ha of compost + 2.45 t/ha of wood ash were efficacy to significantly increase the tuber yields and improve the residual fertility of soil.

2-硝基-4'-羟基二苯胺(HC Orange No.1)在鲫鱼肝脏中的富集及其对肝脏抗氧化指标的影响

采用室内模拟方法研究了2-硝基-4'-羟基二苯胺(HCOrangeNo.1)在鲫鱼(Carassiusauratus)肝脏中的富集规律及不同暴露时间对鲫鱼肝脏抗氧化指标的影响。结果表明,10d左右鲫鱼肝脏对HCOrangeNo.1的富集达到最大值,肝脏过氧化氢酶(CAT)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽硫转移酶(GST)及还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)对HCOrangeNo.1都非常敏感,其中GST活性和GSH含量总体上被诱导增加;SOD和CAT活性基本上都是先升高后受到抑制。上述抗氧化指标可考虑作为水生生态系统中HCOrangeNo.1污染的生物监测指标。

含铁柱撑膨润土光催化降解Orange Ⅱ

制备了两种含铁柱撑膨润土(FeAlBent和FeBent),用XRD、BET、TEM对它们进行了性能表征。以偶氮染料OrangeⅡ为目标降解物,考察了它们作为复相Fenton催化剂的光催化性能,以及溶液的pH、H2O2浓度、催化剂用量对OrangeⅡ降解的影响,并与相应的均相Fenton反应进行了比较。结果表明FeAlBent和FeBent具有很高的比表面积(分别为194.2和114.6m2/g),用FeAlBent或FeBent作光催化剂的复相光助Fenton反应的催化性能明显优于相应的均相光助Fenton反应。此外复合铁铝柱撑膨润土(FeAlBent)比单一的铁柱撑膨润土(FeBent)在反应过程中具有更低的铁离子溶出量,它们还具有分离简单、重复使用性好等特点。

Characterization of adsorptive capacity and mechanisms on adsorption of copper, lead and zinc by modified orange peel

A novel adsorbent was prepared by modifying orange peel with sodium hydroxide and calcium chloride. The morphological and characteristics of the adsorbent were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy （IR）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and N2-adsorption techniques. The adsorption behavior of Cu^2＋, Pb^2＋ and Zn^2＋ on modified orange peel （SCOP） was studied by varying parameters like pH, initial concentration of metal ions. Equilibrium was well described by Langmuir equation with the maximum adsorption capacities for Cu^2＋, Pb^2＋ and Zn^2＋ of 70.73, 209.8 and 56.18 mg/g, respectively. Based on the results obtained in batch experiments, breakthrough profiles were examined using a column packed with SCOP for the separation of small concentration of Pb^2＋ from an excess of Zn^2＋ followed by elution tests. Ion exchange with Ca^2＋ neutralizing the carboxyl groups of the pectin was found to be the predominant mechanism.

Modification of ACFs by chemical vapor deposition and its application for removal of methyl orange from aqueous solution

Viscose activated carbon fibers （ACFs） were characterized using specific surface area, scanning electron modified with chemical vapor deposition （CVD）. The samples were microscopy （SEM）, pore size distribution and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR）. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the adsorption behavior of modified ACFs for methyl orange（MO） from its aqueous solutions. The results show that the adsorption isotherms of MO onto modified ACFs well follows the Langmuir isotherm equation. The adsorption kinetics of MO can be well described by the pseudo second-order kinetic model. The adsorption process involves the intra-particle diffusion, but is not the only rate-controlling step. Thermodynamic parameters including AG, AH and AS were calculated, suggesting that the adsorption of MO onto modified ACFs is a spontaneous, exothermic and physisorption process. FTIR result indicates that the major adsorption mechanism of modified ACFs for MO is hydrogen bond.

Optimization on Fermentation Conditions of Orange Vinegar by Box-behnken Design

The optimal process for orange vinegar was investigated in order to explore the effect of process parameters and obtain the superior process parameters.The process for orange vinegar was optimized using single-factor methodology and Box-behnken methodology, and the effect of process parameters was analyzed in the light of response surface plots. Results were as follows. The optimal process of alcohol fermentation was as follows： original sugar degree of 16%, yeast inoculum size of 5% and p H value of 3.5 through single-factor experiment. The optimal fermentation process of acetic acid optimized by response surface methodology was as follows： inoculum size of 8.52%, original alcohol content of 6.0% and p H value of 3.3, in the optimal condition the yield of acetic acid was 53.11 g/L. Single factor action and the interaction of two factors were presented on the yield of acetic acid.The effects of inoculum size and p H were extremely significant, and that of original alcohol content significant. The interaction of inoculum size and original alcohol content was non-significant, that of inoculum size and p H also non-significant. On contrast, original alcohol content and p H had significant interaction.

Dynamic Changes of Sugar Concentrations in Pulp of ‘Cara cara' Navel Orange(Citrus. sinensis L. Osbeck) after Application by Exogenous ABA and GA_3

The dynamic concentrations of glucose, fructose, sucrose and total sugar were determined through exogenous ABA and GA3 treatments during young period of fruit and before fruit coloring in pulp of ‘Cara cara’ navel orange. The results are as fol ows： 10 mg/L ABA increased glucose, fructose and total sugar concen-tration significantly or very significantly, ABA treatment of 50 mg/L increased sucrose concentration very significantly, but ABA treatment of 100 mg/L decreased glucose concentration very significantly. GA3 treatment of lower and middle concentrations（10, 50 and 250 mg/L） increased sucrose concentration very significantly, GA3 treatment of 10 mg/L had no remarkable effect on glucose and fructose concentration but in-creased total sugar concentration very significantly, GA3 treatment of 50, 250 and 500 mg/L decreased glucose, fructose and total sugar concentration very significant-ly. Therefore, ABA treatment of lower concentration could increase one or several kinds of sugar concentration, but GA3 treatment of higher concentration （250 and 500 mg/L） restrained sugar concentration in pulp of ‘Cara cara’ navel orange seri-ously.

2-硝基-4’-羟基二苯胺(HC Orange No.1)在鲫鱼体内富集行为研究

研究了鲫鱼暴露于 0 .9975mg/L 2_硝基_ 4’_羟基二苯胺 (HCOrangeNo .1 ) 96h后在实验室鱼水系统中的归趋 .用高效液相色谱分析了暴露鱼样和暴露水样在 6h ,1 2h ,2 4h ,3 6h ,4 8h ,60h ,72h ,96h的浓度 .鱼样的回收率为 84 .4 %～ 91 .7%之间 ,相对标准偏差 (RSD)为0 .5 1 % .HCOrangeNo .1在水体中的浓度在 2 4h内下降较快 ,之后维持稳定 ;鱼体中化合物的积累在 3 6h达到最大 ,之后稍有下降 .利用BCF的快速测定方法和传统方法算出的lgBCF分别为 2 .3 5和 2 .14 .

Comparative Studies on Degradation of Methyl Orange by Nanostructured Zinc and Zinc Oxide Films

Nanostructured zinc and zinc oxide films were prepared by magnetron sputtering processes and succeeded air annealing treatments. Comparison of reductive degradation rate of methyl orange （MO） by zinc films and photocatalytic degradation rate of MO by zinc oxide films was carried out. Both reductive degradation and photocatalytic degradation process of MO by zinc and zinc oxide films can be described by first order kinetic model. It was found that although MO liquid was most quickly decolorized by metallic zinc films, the mineraliza- tion of MO was not thorough. Observation of extra ultraviolet absorption peaks indicated the formation of aromatic intermediates. On the other hand, although the photocatalytic degradation rate of MO liquid by ZnO films was only as about 1/4 large as the reductive degradation rate by zinc films, no signs of aromatic intermediates were found. Moreover, it was found that partially oxidized zinc oxide film showed higher photocatalytic efficiency than the totally oxidized ZnO films. Synergy effect between zinc and zinc oxide phase in the partially oxidized films was considered to be responsible for the higher photocatalytic efficiency.