Naoual Houaidji¹, Kenza Kamli^2,*, Zakaria Hadef², Houssem Eddine Chouial³, Marwa Bendaia¹

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.076383 - 03 April 2026

Abstract We present a systematic investigation of FeS₂ thin films deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) at different deposition times (15–40 min), with the aim of understanding their structural, optical, and electrical evolution and their suitability for heterojunction device applications. Particular attention is given to the integration of the optimized FeS₂ layer with a Co-doped SnS₂ bottom layer to form a p–n heterojunction. Structural analysis by X-ray diffraction reveals a transition from an amorphous/oxidized phase at short deposition times toward well-crystallized pyrite after 25 min, while the 40-min film exhibits the most intense reflections and the largest crystallite… More >

M. A. Al-Maghrabi^*

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.078794 - 28 February 2026

Abstract The present study investigates the influence of lead incorporation on the crystallization kinetics and thermal behavior of Se_87.5Te₁₀Pb_2.5 glass prepared by the melt-quenching technique and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry over heating rates of 5–99 K·min⁻¹. Nonisothermal kinetic parameters were evaluated using model-free isoconversional methods, namely the Friedman and Vyazovkin approaches, while the Matusita model was employed to gain insight into the crystallization dimensionality. Complementary isothermal simulations were used to support the kinetic interpretations. The apparent activation energy exhibits a systematic decrease with increasing temperature and crystallized fraction, suggesting a multi-stage crystallization process. At lower temperatures,… More >

Donghyeon Lee^#, Jiu Kim^#, Yong-Wook Jeong^#, Miso Shin, Yong Jin Jeong^*

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.077885 - 28 February 2026

Abstract Silver tellurides (Ag–Te) are promising low-temperature thermoelectric materials because their transport properties can be tuned by subtle compositional variations and nanostructuring. Here, we report a stirring-assisted hydrothermal route that enables controlled synthesis of n-type and p-type Ag–Te nanostructures by adjusting the Ag:Te precursor ratio and hydrodynamic conditions. Samples with Ag:Te ratios of 2:1 (Ag2/Te1) and 1:2 (Ag1/Te2) were synthesized at 120°C for 12 h, varying the stirring speed from 0 to 2000 rpm. X-ray diffraction confirms Ag₂Te as the dominant phase for Ag2/Te1 across all conditions, while Te-rich Ag1/Te2 forms a composite mainly consisting of Te More >

Jun Zhang, Jiayi Song, Wangjian Fu, Jiren Yuan^*

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.077226 - 28 February 2026

Abstract Tandem solar cells employing lead-free perovskite materials offer a compelling pathway to simultaneously achieve high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and improved environmental sustainability. In this work, we present a comprehensive numerical simulation study of monolithic and mechanically stacked tandem solar cells based on the chalcogenide perovskite BaZrS₃ as the top subcell and Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) as the bottom subcell. For the four-terminal (4-T) configuration, a systematic optimization workflow was implemented, encompassing the thickness of absorber and carrier-transport layers, doping concentrations, and the introduction of a LiF anti-reflection coating. This approach led to a marked reduction in parasitic… More >

Feifei Tong¹, Junliang Han¹, Chuansheng Tang^2,*, Jie Yang³, Shibo Luo³, Xinmeng Wu⁴

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.076718 - 28 February 2026

Abstract Zearalenone (ZEA) contamination in cereal-based food products represents a significant threat to global food safety and public health. As a potent non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin, ZEA mimics 17β-estradiol and acts as an endocrine disruptor, leading to severe reproductive toxicity and pathologies such as hepatotoxicity and immunotoxicity. Its prevalence in staple crops like maize and wheat results in substantial economic losses and necessitates adherence to stringent regulatory limits (e.g., 50 μg/kg set by EFSA) to protect consumers from chronic low-dose exposure. This work reports the development of a novel electrochemical sensor based on a bismuth sulfide nanorod–carbon… More >

Khaled Lazar¹, Y. Megdoud^2,3,*, R. Meneceur¹, M. Laouamer¹, Y. Yahiaoui⁴, A. Achour⁵, Y. Benkrima^6,*, A. Boukhari¹

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.076585 - 28 February 2026

Abstract This study reports a comprehensive first-principles investigation of the chalcopyrite semiconductors CdGeAs₂ and CdSnAs₂, with particular emphasis on their structural, electronic, optical, and elastic properties. The calculations were carried out within the density functional theory (DFT) framework using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. The optimized equilibrium structural parameters, including lattice constants a and c as well as the internal coordinate u, show very good consistency with available experimental measurements and earlier theoretical predictions. Band structure calculations confirm that both compounds exhibit direct band gaps, which makes them attractive candidates for photovoltaic and optoelectronic More >

Hongli Guo^1,*, Huanyin Yang¹, Suihu Dang¹, Shunru Zhang², Haijun Hou³

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.076290 - 28 February 2026

Abstract To gain deeper insights into the characteristics of orthorhombic NaCuZrS₃, this study investigates its mechanical, electronic and thermal properties using a theoretical approach grounded in density functional theory (DFT). The computed structural parameters align closely with experimental data. Additionally, its elastic constants and moduli show an increasing trend as pressure increases. It confirms that this material is brittle at 0 GPa, but as the pressure increases, it transforms into a ductile material after 10 GPa. Through computational analysis, the electronic properties for NaCuZrS₃ are determined. The material is an indirect bandgap semiconductor with a bandgap of More >

Hao Guan^*, Zicheng Wang, Ruiyang Dai, Tao Dai

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.075941 - 28 February 2026

Abstract Cu₂CdSnS₄ (CCTS) has positioned itself as an efficient option used as a photocatalyst, while kaolin is an ideal catalyst carrier material. In the study, kaolin/Cu₂CdSnS₄ composite catalyst is effectively synthesized by a one-step solvothermal route and applied to remove methylene blue (MB), a typical pollutant in the textile industry. The structural, morphological, and photocatalytic properties of the composite catalyst are characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, PL, etc. The results show that a pure kaolin/Cu₂CdSnS₄ composite is obtained. The flower-like structure of Cu₂CdSnS₄ exhibits higher photocatalytic activity due to its relatively large specific surface area, while kaolin creates More >

Xiaohan Zhang¹, Han Song^2,*, Maoyuan Yin³, Xiaoli Rong²

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.076594 - 26 January 2026

Abstract We report the rational design and synthesis of a novel trifunctional catalyst comprising atomically dispersed copper single-atom (Cu-SAC) sites and Cu₉S₅ nanoparticles co-loaded onto a highly crystalline carbon nitride (CCN) support for the photothermal conversion of methane to ethanol. The distinct active sites operate in synergy: the Cu-SAC sites, coordinated to the nitrogen-rich CCN framework, serve as highly efficient centers for the initial activation of methane’s C-H bond to form methyl radicals, while the plasmonic Cu₉S₅ nanoparticles act as dedicated sites for the subsequent C-C coupling and partial oxidation steps, driven by a combination of photochemical More >

Hosam O. Elansary¹, Naveed A. Noor², Syed M. Ahmad³, Humza Riaz³, Sohail Mumtaz^4,*

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.076592 - 26 January 2026

Abstract Ferrites are remarkable compounds for energy harvesting and spintronic applications. For this purpose, mechanically stable, thermodynamic, photo-catalytic, and ferromagnetic characteristics of ferrites Al₂Mn(S/Se)₄ have been investigated significantly using PBEsol-GGA and modified Becke Johnson potential (TB-mBJ). In order to determine structural stability, we calculate formation energy (E_f) and Born stability criteria that confirm the structural stability of the Al₂Mn(S/Se)₄. 2D and 3D plots of Poisson’s ratio (υ) and linear compressibility are also used to indicate the stability of these materials. Additionally, thermodynamic characteristics reveal that both ferrites are stable. Spin-polarized electronic properties indicate that both ferrites are ferromagnetic More >