Probing the Catalytic Activity of Sulfate-Derived Pristine and Post-Treated Porous TiO2(101) Anatase Mesocrystals by the Oxidative Desulfurization of Dibenzothiophenes

Adsorption oxidation desulfurization of model fuel by mesoporous SiO2 supported deep eutectic solvents TBAB/PEG-200

A novel supported deep eutectic solvent (DES) TBAB/PEG-200 was prepared by loading DES TBAB/PEG-200 onto mesoporous silica by the sol–gel method.

Unravelling an amine-regulated crystallization crossover to prove single/multicore effects on the biomedical and environmental catalytic activity of magnetic iron oxide colloids

Elucidation of reaction mechanisms in forming nanostructures is relevant to obtain robust and affordable protocols that can lead to materials with enhanced properties and good reproducibility. Here, the formation of magnetic iron oxide monocrystalline nanoflowers in polyol solvents using N-methyldiethanolamine (NMDEA) as co-solvent has been shown to occur through a non-classical crystallization pathway. This pathway involves intermediate mesocrystals that, in addition, can be transformed into large single colloidal nanocrystals. Interestingly, the crossover of a non-classical crystallization pathway to a classical crystallization pathway can be induced by merely changing the NMDEA concentration. The key is the stability of a green rust-like intermediate complex that modulates the nucleation rate and growth of magnetite nanocrystals. The crossover separates two crystallization domains (classical and non-classical) and three basic configurations (mesocrystals, large and small colloidal nanocrystals). The above finding facilitated the synthesis of magnetic materials with different configurations to suit various engineering applications. Consequently, the effect of the single and multicore configurations of magnetic iron oxide on the biomedical (magnetic hyperthermia and enzyme immobilization) and catalytic activity (Fenton-like reactions and photo-Fenton-like processes driven by visible light irradiation) has been experimentally demonstrated.

TiO2 Nanostructures as Anode Materials for Li/Na-Ion Batteries

Here we summarize some results on the use of TiO₂ nanostructures as anode materials for more efficient Li-ion (LIBs) and Na-ion (NIBs) batteries. LIBs are the leader to power portable electronic devices, and represent in the short-term the most adequate technology to power electrical vehicles, while NIBs hold promise for large storage of energy generated from renewable sources. Specifically, TiO₂ an abundant, low cost, chemically stable and environmentally safe oxide represents in LIBs an alternative to graphite for applications in which safety is mandatory. For NIBs, TiO₂ anodes (or more precisely negative electrodes) work at low voltage, assuring acceptable energy density values. Finally, assembling different TiO₂ polymorphs in the form of nanostructures decreases diffusion distances, increases the number of contacts and offering additional sites for Na⁺ storage, helping to improve power efficiency. More specifically, in this contribution we highlighted our work on TiO₂ anatase mesocrystals of colloidal size. These sophisticate materials; showing excellent textural properties, have remarkable electrochemical performance as anodes for Li/Na-ion batteries, with conventional alkyl carbonates electrolytes and safe electrolytes based on ionic liquids.