We report here a considered novel study on the structural, FTIR spectra and optical properties of pure and co-doped Zn_0.90-xFe_0.1M_xO with ((M=Cu, Ni and (x = 0.00, 0.10) & (0.00 < y < 0.20)) at different sintering temperatures T_s (T_s = 850 ^oC for series I and 1000 ^oC series II). Although the ZnO wurtzite structure is conformed for all samples, some secondary lines with little intensity are formed. But the number of these lines is higher for series I than for series II. The (c/a) value and U-parameter are almost constant for all samples, while Zn-O bond length L is slightly increased. The porosity and crystallite size are decreased by Fe, and also for (Fe+Cu) samples, and their values for series I are lower than for series II. The residual stress is tensile for most samples. Interestingly, the Young’s, rigid and bulk modulus, Poisson’s ratio and Debye temperature , obtained from FTIR analysis, are increased by Fe addition with a further increase for Fe+Ni) samples for both series. A ductile nature is obtained for pure, Fe and (Fe+Cu) samples; whereas a brittle nature is approved for (Fe+Ni) samples. On the other hand, the energy gap (E_g), residual lattice dielectric constant (ε_L) and carrier density N are increased by Fe addition, followed by a further increase for (Fe+Cu) samples, while the vice is versa for the inter-atomic distance R. For example, E_g was increased from 3.153 eV for pure ZnO to 3.974 eV for (Fe+Cu) samples (i.e. 0.821 eV more), while it was decreased to 2.851 eV for (Fe+Ni) samples (i.e. 0.302 eV less). A direct behavior is obtained between E_g and both elastic modulus (Y,β), lattice and micro strains (ε_L, ε_m), dislocation density (δ), residual stress (σ) and carrier density N, whereas a reverse behavior is obtained between E_g and both crystallite size (D), porosity (PS) and inter-atomic distance (R). These results are explained in terms of the generated blocked states of the conduction band as indicated by the Burstein Moss effect. These novel findings reveal that the co-doping has intense ZnO and moderate metal oxide modes in the ZnO matrix structure, which makes ZnO co-doped with (Fe+Cu) more suitable for gas sensors and optoelectronic devices. In contrast, ZnO co-doped with (Fe+Ni) samples is strongly recommended for altering plastic deformation. To our knowledge, the present investigation can be considered the first study and probably has never been discussed elsewhere, which highlights the present investigation.

The current environmental situation has urged researchers to look for alternative green fuels with lower emissions from biomass feedstock. This work aims a greener approach for the heterogeneous catalytic conversion of methanol to dimethyl ether, DME, as an alternative fuel. Thus, a series of phosphorous−containing activated carbon (ACP) derived from orange peel (OP) at different H₃PO₄: OP (w/w) rations, as well as a series of tungsten (W)-loaded on ACP, WO₃/ACP supported catalysts were formed and thermally treated at different temperatures. The formed materials were characterized by XRD, ATR−FTIR, N₂ adsorption/desorption, HRTEM, electron diffraction, EDX, elemental mapping and surface acidity. Effects of H₃PO₄ ratio and treatment temperature on the bulk and surface properties of the produced catalyst/support materials were investigated. Catalytic activities of the ACP support and W-loaded catalysts towards methanol dehydration in the range of 150–400 °C were measured at WHSV of 2.01 h⁻¹ in an inert atmosphere. Improved catalytic performance was observed for ACP support, which further improved for the W-loaded catalysts. This involved increase of methanol conversion (from 67% to 84%), DME formation rate (from 14.6 to 18.3 mmol.h⁻¹), time-on-stream (from < 40 to >120 h) and E_a (from 48.98 to 42.23 kJ mol⁻¹) on moving from ACP support to the most active supported catalyst, respectively. The improvement was attributed to the enhanced textural and thermal stability of the supported catalyst, which places it among the high efficiency catalysts for DME formation.

Geologic investigation on the basement rocks exposed around Wadi Shait revealed that they constitute part of a fold thrust nappes comprising Gardan ophiolitic mélange structural unit (GOM) exposed in a tectonic contact against the Shait granite complex (SGC). Both units are brittly to ductily deformed, and are partially intruded by the calc-alkaline Hamash granodiorite, Dokhan volcanics, post-orogenic alkali granite and the Natash volcanics. Litholgically, the GOM builds up a stack of sliced sequence comprising low-grade regionally metamorphosed epiclastic, volcanogenic pyroclastic, basic and intermediate lava flows and structurally topped by metagabbro and hornblende metagabbro slices. On the other hand, the SGC is composed mainly of mesocratic tonalite, minor leucocratic trondhjemite, granodiorite and monzogranite. The latter occurs as dyke-like masses intruding the outcrops of the other rock varieties. This lithologic association denotes that the SGC constitutes a widely evolved complex in which the early members are deep-seated, calc-alkaline and I-type whereas the later members are shallower and clearly intrusive. Field data revealed that the stacking nature and consequently uplifting of the SGC were related to late orogenic extension associated with shortening phases controlled by Najd transformed faults. Detailed field mapping and petrographic studies carried out on the Wadi Shait area show evidence of polyphase deformation (D1-D4) affecting the SGC in addition to three metamorphic events (M1,M2 and M3) affecting the GOM.

The Upper Cretaceous Sudr Formation at Wadi El Dakhl, West Gulf of Suez (Northeast Egypt) has been described to analyze
the facies and their cycles in conjunction with the influence of sea level and tectonics. The Sudr Formation (~ 130 m thick) is
composed mainly of chalk and chalky limestone, with intercalations of argillaceous limestone and marl. It could be divided
into two members; the Markha of the early–middle Campanian age and Abu Zenima of the late Campanian–Maastrichtian
age. Biostratigraphically, nine planktonic foraminiferal zones have been recorded which encompass the studied section.
Petrographic studies of the Sudr Formation led to identifying five facies types; four carbonate facies and one marl facies. These
facies have been deposited in the environmental conditions of an inner, middle, outer shelf, and open marine basinal setting.
Two types of cyclicity have been identified: shallowing-upward and deepening-upward cycles which indicate a change in
oscillation in the relative sea level. The comparison of the studied sea-level curve with the global curves of Haq et al. (Science 365:1156–1167, 1987) and Haq (Glob Planet Change 113:44–58, 2014) refer to general correspondence between them
in addition to the clear effect of the tectonic events that influenced the obtained sea-level curve of the present study. Three
pronounced tectonic events that impacted the deposition of the studied Sudr Formation were recorded. These tectonics were
operated during the late Santonian, middle Campanian, and late Maastrichtian time intervals. These tectonics are most probably related to the collision of African/Arabian and Eurasia Plates.