Preparation of superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles by reverse precipitation method: contribution of sonochemically generated oxidants

Effects of gas saturation and sparging on sonochemical oxidation activity in open and closed systems, Part I: H2O2 generation

Cavitational/sonochemical activity can be significantly enhanced or reduced depending on the gases dissolved in the liquid. Although many researchers have suggested the order of importance of dissolved gas conditions that affect the degree of sonoluminescence (SL), sonochemiluminescence (SCL), and compound degradation, the most suitable gas condition for sonochemical oxidation reactions is currently unknown. In this study (Part I), the effects of gas saturation and sparging on the generation of H₂O₂ were investigated in a 28-kHz sonoreactor system. Four gas modes, saturation/closed, saturation/open, sparging/closed, and sparging/open, were applied to Ar, O₂, N₂, and binary gas mixtures. The change in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration during ultrasonic irradiation was measured and was used as an indicator of whether the gaseous exchange between liquid and air altered the gas content of the liquid. Considerable difference in the DO concentration was observed for the gas saturation/open mode, ranging from -11.5 mg/L (O₂ 100 %) to +4.3 mg/L (N₂ 100 %), while no significant difference was observed in the other gas modes. The change in the gas content significantly reduced the linearity for H₂O₂ generation, which followed pseudo-zero-order kinetics, and either positively or negatively affected H₂O₂ generation. Ar:O₂ (75:25) and Ar:O₂ (50:50) resulted in the highest and second-highest H₂O₂ generation for both gas saturation and sparging, respectively. In addition, gas sparging resulted in much higher H₂O₂ generation for all gas conditions compared to gas saturation; this was because of the significant change in the cavitational active zone and concentrated ultrasonic energy, which formed a bulb-shaped active zone, especially for the Ar/O₂ mixtures adjacent to the transducer at the bottom. The sparging flow rate and position also significantly affected H₂O₂ generation; the highest H₂O₂ generation was obtained when the sparger was placed at the bottom adjacent to the transducer, with a flow rate of 3 L/min. In Part II, the generation of nitrogen oxides, including nitrite (NO₂^-) and nitrate (NO₃^-), was investigated using the same ultrasonic system with three gas modes: saturation/open, saturation/closed, and sparging/closed.

Amalgamation of Nanoparticles within Drug Carriers: A Synergistic Approach or a Futile Attempt?

In recent years, nanotechnology has gained much attention from scientists and significant advances in therapeutic potential. Nano-delivery systems have emerged as an effective way in order to improve the therapeutic properties of drugs including solubility, stability, prolongation of half-life as well as promoting the accumulation of drug at the target site. The nanoparticles have also been incorporated into various conventional drug delivery systems. This review study aims to introduce the amalgamation of nanoparticles into drug carriers. To overcome the limitations of single nanoparticles such as toxicity, high instability, rapid drug release as well as limited drug loading capacity, a multi-component system is developed. Liposomes, microparticles, nanofibers, dendrimers etc., are promising drug carriers, having some limitations that can be minimized, and the compilation of nanoparticles synergizes the properties. The amalgamated nanocarriers are used for the diagnostic purpose as well as treatment of various chronic diseases. It also increases the solubility of hydrophobic drugs. However, each system has its advantages and disadvantages based on its physicochemical properties, efficacy, and other parameters. This review details the past and present state of development for the fusion of nanoparticles within drug carriers and from which we identify future research works needed for the same.

Green Synthesis of Magnetite-Based Catalysts for Solar-Assisted Catalytic Wet Peroxide Oxidation

A novel synthesis method under green philosophy for the preparation of some magnetite-based catalysts (MBCs) is presented. The synthesis was carried out in aqueous media (i.e., absence of organic solvents) at room temperature with recovery of excess reactants. Terephthalic acid (H2BDC) was used to drive the synthesis route towards magnetite. Accordingly, bare magnetite (Fe3O4) and some hybrid magnetite-carbon composites were prepared (Fe3O4-G, Fe3O4-GO, and Fe3O4-AC). Graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO), and activated carbon (AC) were used as starting carbon materials. The recovered H2BDC and the as-synthetized MBCs were fully characterized by XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, SQUID magnetometry, TGA-DTA-MS, elemental analysis, and N2-adsorption-desorption isotherms. The recovered H2BDC was of purity high enough to be reused in the synthesis of MBCs. All the catalysts obtained presented the typical crystalline phase of magnetite nanoparticles, moderate surface area (63–337 m2 g−1), and magnetic properties that allowed their easy separation from aqueous media by an external magnet (magnetization saturation = 25–80 emu g−1). The MBCs were tested in catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of an aqueous solution of metoprolol tartrate (MTP) under simulated solar radiation. The Fe3O4-AC materials showed the best catalytic performance among the prepared MBCs, with MTP and total organic carbon (TOC) removals higher than 90% and 20%, respectively, after 3 h of treatment. This catalyst was fairly successfully reused in nine consecutive runs, though minor loss of activity was observed, likely due to the accumulation of organic compounds on the porous structure of the activated carbon and/or partial oxidation of surface Fe2+ sites.

Weak magnetic field enhances the activation of peroxymonosulfate by ZnO@Fe3O4

The effect of weak magnetic field (WFM) on Acid Orange 7 (AO7) removal by ZnO@Fe₃O₄/peroxymonosulphate (PMS) was investigated. And a possible reaction mechanism was derived.

A simple approach for the sonochemical synthesis of Fe3O4-guargum nanocomposite and its catalytic reduction of p-nitroaniline

In this present study, a facile and green method to synthesize highly stable Fe₃O₄-guar gum nanocomposite using ultrasound was reported. Thermal gravimetric analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the crystal structure, size and morphology, elemental composition, metal-metal and metal-oxygen bonds of the synthesized nanocomposites. Fe₃O₄-guar gum nanocomposite with a size of ∼48nm was obtained as from TEM. The physicochemical characterization supports the feasibility of guar gum as an efficient stabilizing agent for the formation of nanocomposite; guar gum acts as a capping agent with a zeta potential value of -34.8 which was found to be beneficial for achieving lower particle size. Guar gum serves as a matrix for both reduction and stabilization of nanocomposite. The HR-TEM and XPS shows that Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are encapsulated by the guar gum polymeric networks or Fe₃O₄-guar gum core-shell structure. The guar gum encapsulated magnetite nanocomposite has performed better in terms of catalytic activity for the liquid phase reduction of p-nitroaniline. The simple catalytic reduction of p-nitroaniline showed an efficiency of 47% and further exceptional improvement of up to 98% reduction within 60min with the addition of sodium borohydride was achieved. The sonochemical synthesis of Fe₃O₄-guar gum nanocomposite does not require stringent experimental conditions or any toxic agents, and thus, a straightforward, rapid, efficient and green method for the fabrication of highly active catalysts for treating environmental pollutants.

Bioinspired synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles

Magnetite (Fe3O4) is a widespread magnetic iron oxide encountered in many biological and geological systems, and also in many technological applications. The magnetic properties of magnetite crystals depend strongly on the size and shape of its crystals. Hence, engineering magnetite nanoparticles with specific shapes and sizes allows tuning their properties to specific applications in a wide variety of fields, including catalysis, magnetic storage, targeted drug delivery, cancer diagnostics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, synthesis of magnetite with a specific size, shape and a narrow crystal size distribution is notoriously difficult without using high temperatures and non-aqueous media. Nevertheless, living organisms such as chitons and magnetotactic bacteria are able to form magnetite crystals with well controlled sizes and shapes under ambient conditions and in aqueous media. In these biomineralization processes the organisms use a twofold strategy to control magnetite formation: the mineral is formed from a poorly crystalline precursor phase, and nucleation and growth are controlled through the interaction of the mineral with biomolecular templates and additives. Taking inspiration from this biological strategy is a promising route to achieve control over the kinetics of magnetite crystallization under ambient conditions and in aqueous media. In this review we first summarize the main characteristics of magnetite and what is known about the mechanisms of magnetite biomineralization. We then describe the most common routes to synthesize magnetite and subsequently will introduce recent efforts in bioinspired magnetite synthesis. We describe how the use of poorly ordered, more soluble precursors such as ferrihydrite (FeH) or white rust (Fe(OH)2) can be employed to control the solution supersaturation, setting the conditions for continued growth. Further, we show how the use of various organic additives such as proteins, peptides and polymers allows for either the promotion or inhibition of magnetite nucleation and growth processes. At last we discuss how the formation of magnetite-based organic-inorganic hybrids leads to new functional nanomaterials.

Ultrasound mediation for one-pot sonosynthesis and deposition of magnetite nanoparticles on cotton/polyester fabric as a novel magnetic, photocatalytic, sonocatalytic, antibacterial and antifungal textile

A magnetic cotton/polyester fabric with photocatalytic, sonocatalytic, antibacterial and antifungal activities was successfully prepared through in-situ sonosynthesis method under ultrasound irradiation. The process involved the oxidation of Fe(2+) to Fe(3+) via hydroxyl radicals generated through bubbles collapse in ultrasonic bath. The treated samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. Photocatalytic and sonocatalytic activities of magnetite treated fabrics were also evaluated toward Reactive Blue 2 decoloration under sunlight and ultrasound irradiation. Central composite design based on response surface methodology was applied to study the influence of iron precursor, pH and surfactant concentration to obtain appropriate amount for the best magnetism. Findings suggested the potential of one-pot sonochemical method to synthesize and fabricate Fe3O4 nanoparticles on cotton/polyester fabric possessing appropriate saturation magnetization, 95% antibacterial efficiency against Staphylococcus aureus and 99% antifungal effect against Candida albicans, 87% and 70% dye photocatalytic and sonocatalytic decoloration along with enhanced mechanical properties using only one iron rich precursor at low temperature.

Ultrasonically treated liquid interfaces for progress in cleaning and separation processes

Cleaning and separation processes of liquids can be advanced by acoustic cavitation through bubbles with unique physico-chemical properties.

Sonochemical synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles loaded with folate and cisplatin: effect of ultrasonic frequency

Simple preparative methods were used to sonosynthesize different magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) via co-precipitation of aqueous solutions of ferrous salts in a basic aqueous solution of ethylene glycol (EG). Sonosynthesis was achieved using different frequencies of ultrasound: 581, 861, and 1141 kHz under the same acoustic power. The hydroxyl radicals generated by cavitational collapse, induced by the ultrasonic field, led to the oxidation of Fe(2+) to Fe(3+). The rate of sonochemical Fe(3+) production decreased linearly with the frequency. Three different systems of FeNPs were synthesized, all with the same core but a different shell: FeNPs capped with EG (EG/FeNPs), FeNPs capped with EG and folate (Fol/EG/FeNPs), and FeNPs capped with EG, folate and cisplatin (Pt/EG/FeNPs). The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence and Raman microspectroscopy, total-reflection X-ray fluorescence, and elemental analysis (C, N, and H). The magnetization hysteresis loops of these samples were also measured. The obtained values of saturation magnetization were within the interval between 60 and 93 Am(2)kg(-1). From the analysis of these results, it was found that the ultrasonic frequency did not affect the nanoparticle size (diameter of 21-31 nm). In contrast, the frequency affected the amount of drug loaded, as cisplatin loading increased proportionately with ultrasound frequency.

Preparation, characterization and application of antibody-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles in the purification of begomovirus

Purification of begomovirus from infected ash gourd leaf samples using anti-ACMV antibody-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (Ab-MNPs) and their characterization.

Ultrasound assisted reduction of graphene oxide to graphene in L-ascorbic acid aqueous solutions: kinetics and effects of various factors on the rate of graphene formation

The reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to graphene (rGO) was achieved by using 20 kHz ultrasound in L-ascorbic acid (L-AA, reducing agent) aqueous solutions under various experimental conditions. The effects of ultrasound power, ultrasound pulse mode, reaction temperature, pH value and L-AA amount on the rates of rGO formation from GO reduction were investigated. The rates of rGO formation were found to be enhanced under the following conditions: high ultrasound power, long pulse mode, high temperature, high pH value and large amount of L-AA. It was also found that the rGO formation under ultrasound treatment was accelerated in comparison with a conventional mechanical mixing treatment. The pseudo rate and pseudo activation energy (Ea) of rGO formation were determined to discuss the reaction kinetics under both treatment. The Ea value of rGO formation under ultrasound treatment was clearly lower than that obtained under mechanical mixing treatment at the same condition. We proposed that physical effects such as shear forces, microjets and shock waves during acoustic cavitation enhanced the mass transfer and reaction of L-AA with GO to form rGO as well as the change in the surface morphology of GO. In addition, the rates of rGO formation were suggested to be affected by local high temperatures of cavitation bubbles.

Room Temperature Co-Precipitation Synthesis of Magnetite Nanoparticles in a Large pH Window with Different Bases

Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) represent the most promising materials in medical applications. To favor high-drug or enzyme loading on the nanoparticles, they are incorporated into mesoporous materials to form a hybrid support with the consequent reduction of magnetization saturation. The direct synthesis of mesoporous structures appears to be of interest. To this end, magnetite nanoparticles have been synthesized using a one pot co-precipitation reaction at room temperature in the presence of different bases, such as NaOH, KOH or (C₂H₅)₄NOH. Magnetite shows characteristics of superparamagnetism at room temperature and a saturation magnetization (Ms) value depending on both the crystal size and the degree of agglomeration of individual nanoparticles. Such agglomeration appears to be responsible for the formation of mesoporous structures, which are affected by the pH, the nature of alkali, the slow or fast addition of alkaline solution and the drying modality of synthesized powders.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide based nanoprobes for imaging and theranostics

The need to target, deliver and subsequently evaluate the efficacy of therapeutics in the treatment of a disease has provided added impetus in developing novel and highly efficient contrast agents. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have offered tremendous potential in designing advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic agents, due to their unique physicochemical properties. There has been tremendous effort devoted in the recent past in developing synthetic methodologies through which their size, hydrodynamic radii, chemical composition and morphologies could be tailored at the nanoscale. This enables one to fine tune their magnetic behavior, and thus their MRI response. While novel synthetic strategies are being assembled for directing SPIONs to the diseased site as well as imparting them stealth and biocompatibility, it is also essential to evaluate their biological toxicological profiles. This review highlights recent advances that have been made in the synthesis of SPIONs, subsequent functionalization with desired entities, and a discussion on their use as MRI contrast agents in cardiovascular research.

Sonochemical synthesis of versatile hydrophilic magnetite nanoparticles

Hydrophilic magnetite nanoparticles in the size range 30-10nm are easily and rapidly prepared under ultrasonic irradiation of Fe(OH)(2) in di- and tri-ethylene glycol/water solution with volume ratio varying between 7:3 and 3:7. Structural (XRD) and morphological (SEM) characterization reveal good crystalline and homogeneous particles whereas, when solvothermally prepared, the particles are inhomogeneous and aggregated. The sonochemically prepared particles are versatile, i.e. well suited to covalently bind molecules because of the free glycol hydroxylic groups on their surface or exchange the diethylene or triethylene glycol ligand. They can be easily transferred in hydrophobic solvents too. Room-temperature magnetic hysteresis properties measured by means of Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) display a nearly superparamagnetic character. The sonochemical preparation is easily scalable to meet industrial demand.

SYNTHESIS OF MAGNETITE NANO-PARTICLES BY REVERSE CO-PRECIPITATION

Magnetite nano-particles have been synthesized by reverse co -precipitation method using iron salts in alkaline medium in the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG). Effect of DEG on the nano-particle characteristics was investigated by XRD, FE-SEM, FTIR and VSM techniques. From XRD results it was concluded that in the presence of DEG the composition of magnetite did not change, however the mean crystallite size reduced from 10 to 5 nm. SEM micrograph showed that DEG decreased the size of spherical magnetite nano-particles from 50 to 20 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) indicated that the DEG molecules chemisorbed on the magnetite nano-particles. Under the given experimental conditions, the rate of crystallization and growth reduced, which is probably due to the capping of DEG to the magnetite nano-particles. The agglomeration was also decreased which is attributed to the coating of magnetite nano-particles by DEG which prevents the formation of hydrogen bonding between magnetite and water molecules.

MICROSTRUCTURAL CHANGES UPON ANNEALING AND IT'S EFFECT ON MAGNETIC AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NANOSIZED COBALT–FERRITE

Nanocrystalline cobalt–ferrite particles of size 20–30 nm have been prepared by a reverse coprecipitation technique under the assistance of ultrasonic irradiation and heat-treatment at different temperatures (from 473 K to 1073 K). Both X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope analysis confirms the reduction of strain present in the material with annealing temperature. Enhancement of coercivity and magnetization value has been observed without increase in the particle size for whole range of annealing temperature. Temperature dependent magnetization loop shows considerable magnetic hardening at low temperature. The observed enhancement of the coercivity value has been attributed to the increase in magneto-crystalline anisotropy, surface effects and exchange anisotropy. The mechanical properties of the pure cobalt–ferrite samples and cobalt–ferrite reinforced alumina samples were also examined. The Vickers microhardness and the compressive properties obtained from the stress–strain relation showed higher value with annealing temperatures and higher nanoparticle content.

Numerical simulations of sonochemical production of BaTiO3 nanoparticles

Numerical simulations of sonochemical production of nanoparticles have been performed for the first time under the experimental condition of Dang et al. [Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 48 (2009) 09KC02] on the production of BaTiO(3). The results of the numerical simulations have suggested that only primary particles aggregate with other particles. It is also shown that larger aggregates are produced for lower initial concentration of BaCl(2) and TiCl(4). This is caused by longer reaction time as the reaction rate is lower for lower concentration and by lower viscosity which results in higher rate of aggregation.

Rapid growth of magnetite nanoplates by ultrasonic irradiation at low temperature

Two-dimensional plate-like Fe(3)O(4) nanocrystals were synthesized by a facile method using ultrasonic irradiation in aqueous solution at low temperature without protection from oxygen. The crystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. The products subjected to ultrasound showed a two-dimensional morphology. The results obtained indicate that the morphologies of the magnetite crystals depend more on the ultrasonic irradiation than on the growth temperature. The thickness and width of the crystals increased with increasing temperature of the reaction medium. In addition, the magnetic hysteresis loop of the magnetite nanoplates was obtained at room temperature.

Sonochemical synthesis of Dy2(CO3)3 nanoparticles, Dy(OH)3 nanotubes and their conversion to Dy2O3 nanoparticles

Dysprosium carbonates nanoparticles were synthesized by the reaction of dysprosium acetate and NaHCO(3) by a sonochemical method. Dysprosium oxide nanoparticles with average size about 17 nm were prepared from calcination of Dy(2)(CO(3))(3).1.7H(2)O nanoparticles. Dy(OH)(3) nanotubes were synthesized by sonication of Dy(OAC)(3).6H(2)O and N(2)H(4). The as-synthesized nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Photoluminescence measurement shows that the nanoparticles have two emission peaks around 17,540 cm(-1) and 20,700 cm(-1), which should come from the electron transition from (4)F(9)(/)(2)-->(6)H(15)(/)(2) levels and (4)F(9)(/)(2)-->(6)H(13)(/)(2) levels, respectively. The effect of calcination temperature and sonication time was investigated on the morphology and particle size of the products. The sizes could be controlled by the feeding rate of the precipitating agent (NaHCO(3) and N(2)H(4)) and slower feeding rate lead to smaller nanoparticles.

Sono-assisted preparation of highly-efficient peroxidase-like Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles for catalytic removal of organic pollutants with H(2)O(2)

Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles (Fe(3)O(4) MNPs) with much improved peroxidase-like activity were successfully prepared through an advanced reverse co-precipitation method under the assistance of ultrasound irradiation. The characterizations with XRD, BET and SEM indicated that the ultrasound irradiation in the preparation induced the production of Fe(3)O(4) MNPs possessing smaller particle sizes (16.5nm), greater BET surface area (82.5m(2)g(-1)) and much higher dispersibility in water. The particle sizes, BET surface area, chemical composition and then catalytic property of the Fe(3)O(4) MNPs could be tailored by adjusting the initial concentration of ammonia water and the molar ratio of Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) during the preparation process. The H(2)O(2)-activating ability of Fe(3)O(4) MNPs was evaluated by using Rhodamine B (RhB) as a model compound of organic pollutants to be degraded. At pH 5.4 and temperature 40 degrees C, the sonochemically synthesized Fe(3)O(4) MNPs were observed to be able to activate H(2)O(2) and remove ca. 90% of RhB (0.02mmolL(-1)) in 60min with a apparent rate constant of 0.034min(-1) for the RhB degradation, being 12.6 folds of that (0.0027min(-1)) over the Fe(3)O(4) MNPs prepared via a conventional reverse co-precipitation method. The mechanisms of the peroxidase-like catalysis with Fe(3)O(4) MNPs were discussed to develop more efficient novel catalysts.