The influence of the Lewis basicity of alkali polysulfide fluxes (A(2)S(x)) (A = alkali) as a function of x on the respective reactivities of Pb and Sn with Ge was studied and found to be strong. Cs(4)Pb(4)Ge(5)S(16), K(2)PbGe(2)S(6), and K(4)Sn(3)Ge(3)S(14) could be prepared only under low basicity with S/A(2)S ratios of > or =11. These compounds display complex frameworks and are semiconducto...

We report the synthesis of a graphene-sulfur composite material by wrapping poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) coated submicrometer sulfur particles with mildly oxidized graphene oxide sheets decorated by carbon black nanoparticles. The PEG and graphene coating layers are important to accommodating volume expansion of the coated sulfur particles during discharge, trapping soluble polysulfide intermedi...

The effect of increasing the pulp yield by the addition of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) or polysulfide (PS) in softwood kraft cooking, i.e. enhancing the retention of glucomannan, on the physical properties of low-grammage handsheets was studied. In addition to the yield improvement, an increase in tensile index was observed, especially at lower degrees of beating. These higher yield pulps showed...

Polysulfides typically react readily with thiols, thus, reactions of endogenous cellular thiols with the polysulfide linkage in naturally-occuring pentathiepin cytotoxins are likely to be an important aspect of their biological chemistry. Here, it is reported that the reaction of thiols with the pentathiepin ring system initially produces a complex mixture of polysulfides that further decompose...

The Cover Feature shows the principle of using two-dimensional MXenes as a polysulfide-confining interlayer to prevent self-discharge and improve sulfur utilization Mg–S batteries. More information can be found in Full Paper by H. Kaland et al.

The Cover Feature shows an illustration of a magnesium-sulfur battery; its components and research were conducted on magnesium polysulfide species using honeycomb pattern bees, emphasizing the “sustaina-bee-lity” this battery concept. More information can be found in Article by S. Drvarič Talian et al.