Advances of magnetic nanoparticles in environmental application: environmental remediation and (bio)sensors as case studies

Nanotechnology is an emerging technique drawing increasing attentions in biomedical, electronic, environmental, and industrial application. Nanoparticles (NPs) possess unique optical, electrical, catalytic, and thermal properties, among which magnetic NPs (MNPs) are one of the most important groups with excellent superparamagnetism property, large surface area, and biocompatibility. In this review, methods for synthesizing and functionalizing MNPs are summarized and linked to their applications in environmental science as either adsorbents or catalysts for removing contaminants from environmental matrices, illustrating stronger reactivity, higher removal capacity, and fast kinetics. Additionally, we also comprehensively discuss the application of MNPs as (bio)sensors to selectively and sensitively detect the presence of environmental contaminants or pathogenic bacteria. This work summarizes the recent progresses of using MNPs as powerful tools in environmental science and engineering, raising their state-of-art application from environmental perspectives and benefiting researchers interested in NPs and environmental studies.

Magnetically Recoverable Catalysts: Beyond Magnetic Separation

Here, we discuss several important aspects of magnetically recoverable catalysts which can be realized when magnetic oxide nanoparticles are exposed to catalytic species and catalytic reaction media. In such conditions magnetic oxides can enhance performance of catalytic nanoparticles due to (i) electronic effects, (ii) catalyzing reactions which are beneficial for the final reaction outcome, or (iii) providing a capacity to dilute catalytic metal oxide species, leading to an increase of oxygen vacancies. However, this approach should be used when the magnetic oxides are stable in reaction conditions and do not promote side reactions. Incorporation of another active component, i.e., a graphene derivative, in the magnetically recoverable catalyst constitutes a smart design of a catalytic system due to synergy of its components, further enhancing catalytic properties.

A Re-examination of the Synthesis of Monolayer-Protected Co x(SCH2CH2Ph) m Nanoclusters: Unexpected Formation of a Thiolate-Protected Co(II) T3 Supertetrahedron

Herein, we report a re-examination of the synthesis and characterization of monolayer-protected Co _x(SCH₂CH₂Ph) _m nanoclusters. These clusters were reportedly formed by the reaction of CoCl₂ with NaBH₄ in the presence of HSCH₂CH₂Ph and were suggested to contain between 25 and 30 Co atoms. In our hands, however, we found no experimental evidence to support the existence of these large clusters in the reaction mixture. Instead, this reaction results in the relatively clean formation of the cobalt(II) coordination complex [Co₁₀(SCH₂CH₂Ph)₁₆Cl₄] (1). Complex 1 has been fully characterized using a wide variety of techniques, including single-crystal X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and magnetometry. This complex represents the first example of a thiolate-protected Co(II) T3 supertetrahedral cluster.

Quantitative Attachment of Bimetal Combinations of Transition-Metal Ions to the Surface of TiO2 Nanorods

We report the sequential, quantitative loading of transition-metal ions (Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cu²⁺) onto the surface of rod-shaped anatase TiO₂ nanocrystals in bimetallic combinations (₆ C₂ = 15) to form M,M'-TiO₂ nanocrystals. The materials were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-visible spectroscopy. TEM and XRD data indicate that the sequential adsorption of metal ions occurs with the retention of the phase and morphology of the nanocrystal. Atomistic models of the M,M'-TiO₂ nanocrystals were optimized with density functional theory calculations. Calculated UV-visible absorption spectra and partial charge density maps of the donor and acceptor states for the electronic transitions indicate the importance of metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT) processes.

Iron Oxide-Cobalt Nanocatalyst for O-tert-Boc Protection and O-Arylation of Phenols

Efficient and general protocols for the O-tert-boc protection and O-arylation of phenols were developed in this paper using a recyclable magnetic Fe₃O₄-Co₃O₄ nanocatalyst (Nano-Fe-Co), which is easily accessible via simple wet impregnation techniques in aqueous mediums from inexpensive precursors. The results showed the catalysts were well characterized by XRD (X-ray Diffraction), ICP-AES (Inductive Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), TOF-SIMS (Time-Of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) and XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy). The O-tert-boc protection and O-arylation of phenols was accomplished in good to excellent yields (85–95%) and the catalyst was reusable and recyclable with no loss of catalytic activity for at least six repetitions.

The recent development of efficient Earth-abundant transition-metal nanocatalysts

Whereas noble metal compounds have long been central in catalysis, Earth-abundant metal-based catalysts have in the same time remained undeveloped. Yet the efficacy of Earth-abundant metal catalysts was already shown at the very beginning of the 20th century with the Fe-catalyzed Haber-Bosch process of ammonia synthesis and later in the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. Nanoscience has revolutionized the world of catalysis since it was observed that very small Au nanoparticles (NPs) and other noble metal NPs are extraordinarily efficient. Therefore the development of Earth-abundant metals NPs is more recent, but it has appeared necessary due to their "greenness". This review highlights catalysis by NPs of Earth-abundant transition metals that include Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, early transition metals (Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb and W) and their nanocomposites with emphasis on basic principles and literature reported during the last 5 years. A very large spectrum of catalytic reactions has been successfully disclosed, and catalysis has been examined for each metal starting with zero-valent metal NPs followed by oxides and other nanocomposites. The last section highlights the catalytic activities of bi- and trimetallic NPs. Indeed this later family is very promising and simultaneously benefits from increased stability, efficiency and selectivity, compared to monometallic NPs, due to synergistic substrate activation.

Flow cytometry as a rapid analytical tool to determine physiological responses to changing O2 and iron concentration by Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense strain MSR-1

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are a diverse group of bacteria that synthesise magnetosomes, magnetic membrane-bound nanoparticles that have a variety of diagnostic, clinical and biotechnological applications. We present the development of rapid methods using flow cytometry to characterize several aspects of the physiology of the commonly-used MTB Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1. Flow cytometry is an optical technique that rapidly measures characteristics of individual bacteria within a culture, thereby allowing determination of population heterogeneity and also permitting direct analysis of bacteria. Scatter measurements were used to measure and compare bacterial size, shape and morphology. Membrane permeability and polarization were measured using the dyes propidium iodide and bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol to determine the viability and ‘health’ of bacteria. Dyes were also used to determine changes in concentration of intracellular free iron and polyhydroxylakanoate (PHA), a bacterial energy storage polymer. These tools were then used to characterize the responses of MTB to different O₂ concentrations and iron-sufficient or iron-limited growth. Rapid analysis of MTB physiology will allow development of bioprocesses for the production of magnetosomes, and will increase understanding of this fascinating and useful group of bacteria.

Fabrication of Core-Shell-Structured Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Nanocatalyst for the Expedient Synthesis of Polysubstituted Oxazoles via Tandem Oxidative Cyclization Pathway

The quest for designing efficient heterogeneous catalytic systems for tandem oxidative cyclization reactions has provided a great impetus to research efforts, as it enables the step-economic construction of complex heterocyclic molecules as well as confers the benefits of a facile catalytic recovery. In the present study, we disclose a new core-shell-structured organic-inorganic hybrid copper nanocatalyst fabricated via the covalent grafting of 2,2'-dipyridyl ketone ligand on amine-functionalized silica-encapsulated magnetite nanoparticles, followed by its metallation with cupric acetate for the tandem oxidative cyclization of amines and β-ketoesters, leading to the production of biologically active polysubstituted oxazole moieties. This programmed catalytic protocol proceeds via the formation of intermolecular C-C and C-N bonds by single-step synthesis and accommodates a broad combination of reaction coupling partners.

The recent development of efficient Earth-abundant transition-metal nanocatalysts

This review presents the recent remarkable developments of efficient Earth-abundant transition-metal nanocatalysts.

Augmenting the catalytic performance of spinel nanoferrites (CoFe2O4 and NiFe2O4) via incorporation of Al into the lattice

Augmentation in the catalytic performance via incorporation of Al³⁺ ions into the lattice of spinel nanoferrites owing to the synergistic interactions among the metal ions present in the surface exposed catalytically active octahedral sites.

Core-shell nanoparticles: synthesis and applications in catalysis and electrocatalysis

Core-shell nanoparticles (CSNs) are a class of nanostructured materials that have recently received increased attention owing to their interesting properties and broad range of applications in catalysis, biology, materials chemistry and sensors. By rationally tuning the cores as well as the shells of such materials, a range of core-shell nanoparticles can be produced with tailorable properties that can play important roles in various catalytic processes and offer sustainable solutions to current energy problems. Various synthetic methods for preparing different classes of CSNs, including the Stöber method, solvothermal method, one-pot synthetic method involving surfactants, etc., are briefly mentioned here. The roles of various classes of CSNs are exemplified for both catalytic and electrocatalytic applications, including oxidation, reduction, coupling reactions, etc.

Fe3O4@SiO2@polyionene/Br3− core–shell–shell magnetic nanoparticles: a novel catalyst for the synthesis of imidazole derivatives under solvent-free conditions

New Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@polyionene/Br₃⁻ core–shell–shell magnetite nanoparticles were prepared using a co-precipitation method and were used in the syntheses of imidazole derivatives under solvent-free conditions.

Chemically catalyzed oxidative cleavage of unsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives into valuable products for industrial applications: a review and perspective

Recent catalytic systems reported for the oxidative cleavage of UFAs have been investigated in three classes; homogeneous, heterogeneous, and semi-heterogeneous catalysts.

NiCo nanotubes plated on Pd seeds as a designed magnetically recollectable catalyst with high noble metal utilisation

The tailored structure of a bifunctional, semi-homogeneous NiCo-nanotube catalyst system with embedded Pd nanoparticles, is synthesised by electroless plating.

Robust and economic reduction protocol employing immensely stable and leach-proof magnetically separable nanocomposites

Metals stabilized over modified magnetic ferrite nanoparticles (M@Dop@CoFe₂O₄) have been established as very stable, magnetically recyclable and leach-proof competent catalysts for the reduction of nitroarenes.

Nanoparticle supported, magnetically separable manganese porphyrin as an efficient retrievable nanocatalyst in hydrocarbon oxidation reactions

Magnetically separable manganese porphyrin was prepared by immobilizing on functionalized magnetic nanoparticles via the amino propyl linkage and used as an efficient retrievable nanocatalyst in hydrocarbon oxidation reactions.

Magnetic nanoscale core–shell structured Fe3O4@l-proline: an efficient, reusable and eco-friendly nanocatalyst for diastereoselective synthesis of fulleropyrrolidines

An efficient and eco-friendly approach to the diastereoselective synthesis of some new fulleropyrrolidines using magnetic nanoscale core–shell structured Fe₃O₄@l-proline.

Proof of Concept: Magnetic Fixation of Dendron-Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Containing Palladium Nanoparticles for Continuous-Flow Suzuki Coupling Reactions

A new concept for the magnetic immobilization of catalytically active material has been developed for continuous-flow Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. The reversible immobilization of the magnetic catalyst material inside a novel capillary microreactor has been achieved by utilizing a newly designed reactor housing with 208 small permanent magnets. As a catalyst material, magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles decorated with polyphenylenepyridyl dendrons and loaded with Pd nanoparticles have been employed. Both batch and continuous-flow experiments prove the activity of the catalyst and the applicability of this new microreactor concept.