We report a simple, economical and low temperature route for phase-pure synthesis of two distinct phases of Cu–Sb–S, chalcostibite (CuSbS2) and tetrahedrite (Cu12Sb4S13) nanostructures. Both compounds were prepared by the decomposition of a mixture of bis(O-ethylxanthato)copper(II) and tris(O-ethylxanthato)antimony(III), without the use of solvent or capping ligands. By tuning the molar ratio of copper and antimony xanthates, single-phases of either chalcostibite or tetrahedrite were obtained. The tetrahedrite phase exists in a cubic structure, where the Cu and Sb atoms are present in different coordination environments, and tuning of band gap  energy was investigated by the incorporation of multivalent cationic dopants, i.e. by the formation of Zn-doped tetrahedrites Cu12−xZnxSb4S13 (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.2 and 1.5) and the Bi-doped tetrahedrites Cu12Sb4−xBixS13 (x = 0.08, 0.15, 0.25, 0.32, 0.4 and 0.5). Powder  X-ray diffraction (p-XRD) confirms single-phase of cubic tetrahedrite structures for both of the doped series. The only exception was for Cu12Sb4−xBixS13 with x = 0.5, which showed a secondary phase, implying that this value is above the solubility limit of Bi in Cu12Sb4S13 (12%). A linear increase in the lattice parameter a in both Zn- and Bi-doped tetrahedrite samples was observed with increasing dopant concentration. The estimated elemental compositions from EDX data are in line with the stoichiometric ratio expected for the compounds formed. The morphologies of samples were investigated using SEM and TEM, revealing the formation of smaller particle sizes upon  incorporation of  Zn. Incorporation of Zn or Bi into Cu12Sb4S13 led to an increase in band gap energy. The estimated band gap energies of Cu12−xZnxSb4S13 films ranges from 1.49 to 1.6 eV, while the band gaps of Cu12Sb4−xBixS13 films increases from 1.49 to 1.72 eV with increasing x.

Tris(O-ethylxanthate)bismuth(iii) (1) and tris(O-ethylxanthate)antimony(iii) (2) were synthesized and used as precursors for the preparation of Bi2−2xSb2xS3 alloys (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1) using melt reactions.

Bismuth, antimony and indium xanthates have been synthesized and employed for the preparation of Bi–In–S and Sb–In–S solid solutions by solventless thermolysis.

Introduction: Fever is a common childhood symptom that is considered to be the cause of around 70% of pediatric visits. Objectives: This study aimed to assess parents' knowledge about and management of fevers in children since the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from 488 Saudi Arabian parents using a self-administered questionnaire to assess the parents' knowledge about fevers and how to manage them in children. SPSS was used for analysis. Results: The mean total knowledge score was 8.85 ± 2.09 out of 18, indicating poor knowledge levels.Females had higher total knowledge scores than males. Only 3.69% of respondents identified the rectum as the best location for taking children's temperatures. A total of 59% knew that fever scan lead to seizures, but 65% believed it also leads to blindness. Most used ear thermometers (51.43%). A majority (76.43%) thought COVID-19 made them more concerned about fevers, with 65.98% becoming more worried about children's fevers after COVID-19. Conclusion: Saudi Arabian parents have low levels of knowledge about children's fevers after COVID-19, despite believing the pandemic improved their knowledge. More health-promoting campaigns are needed to boost knowledge about childhood fevers.