Recent Advances in the Application of Magnetic Nanoparticles as a Support for Homogeneous Catalysts

Water-Dispersible, Magnetically Recyclable Heterogeneous Cobalt Catalyst for C-C and C-N Cross-Coupling Reactions in Aqueous Media

A cobalt catalyst supported on an iron oxide core, denoted as γ-Fe2O3@PEG@THMAM-Co, has been prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray mapping, thermogravimetry differential thermogravimetry, vibrating sample magnetometry, and inductively coupled plasma. Polyhydroxy end groups in the shell make the catalyst particles dispersible in water, allowing Hiyama, Suzuki, and C-N cross-coupling reactions of aryl iodides and bromides. The catalyst could be recovered by magnetic decantation and reused for at least five successive runs with a negligent decrease in its activity or changes in its morphology. Water as a solvent without requiring additives, surfactants, or organic co-solvents, as well as an abundant and low-cost cobalt catalyst combined with facile recovery, low leaching, and scalability, provides an environmentally and economically attractive alternative to established palladium-catalyzed C-C and C-N coupling reactions.

Design, synthesis and application of a magnetic H-bond catalyst in the preparation of new nicotinonitriles via cooperative vinylogous anomeric-based oxidation

Herein, we designed and synthesized a new H-bond magnetic catalyst with 2-tosyl-N-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)hydrazine-1-carboxamide as a sensitive H-bond donor/acceptor. We created an organic structure with a urea moiety on the magnetic nanoparticles, which can function as a hydrogen bond catalyst. Hydrogen bond catalysts serve as multi-donor/-acceptor sites. Additionally, we utilized magnetic nanoparticles in the production of the target catalyst, giving it the ability to be recycled and easily separated from the reaction medium with an external magnet. We evaluated the catalytic application of Fe3O4@SiO2@tosyl-carboxamide as a new magnetic H-bond catalyst in the synthesis of new nicotinonitrile compounds through a multicomponent reaction under solvent-free and green conditions with high yields (50-73%). We confirmed the structure of Fe3O4@SiO2@tosyl-carboxamide using various techniques. In addition, the structures of the desired nicotinonitriles were confirmed using melting point, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HR-mass spectrometry analysis. The final step of the reaction mechanism was preceded via cooperative vinylogous anomeric-based oxidation (CVABO).

Designing 2D stripe winding network through crown-ether intermediate Ullmann coupling on Cu(111) surface

Chemical synthesis typically yields the most thermodynamically stable ordered arrangement, a principle also governing surface synthesis on an atomically level two-dimensional (2D) surface, fostering the creation of structured 2D formations. The linear connection arising from energetically stable chemical bonding precludes the generation of a 2D random network comprised of one-dimensional (1D) convoluted stripes through on-surface synthesis. Nonetheless, we underscored that on-surface synthesis possesses the capability not solely to fashion a 2D ordered linear network but also to fabricate a winding 2D network employing a precursor with a soft ring and intermediate state bonding within the Ullmann reaction. Here, on-surface synthesis was exhibited on Cu(111) employing a 2D self-assembled monolayer array of 4,4',5,5'-tetrabromodibenzo[18]crown-6 ether (BrCR) precursors. These precursors were purposefully structured, with a crown ether ring at the core and Br atoms positioned at the head and tail ends, facilitating preferential connections along the elongated axis to foster a 1D stripe configuration. We illustrate how adjustments in the quantities of the intermediate state, serving as a primary linkage, can yield a labyrinthine, convoluted winding 2D network of stripes. The progression of growth, underlying mechanisms, and electronic structures were scrutinized using an ultrahigh vacuum low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS) setup combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This experimental evidence opens a novel functionality in leveraging on-surface synthesis for the formation of a 2D random network. This discovery holds promise as a pioneering constituent in the construction of a ring host supramolecule, augmenting its capability to ensnare guest atoms, molecules, or ions.

Synthesis of ZIF-8/ZnFe2O4/GO-OSO3H nanocomposite as a superior and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the preparation of pyrimidine derivatives and investigation of their antimicrobial activities

In this report, we synthesized some pyrimidine derivatives by multi-component reaction of urea, benzaldehydes, and 1,3-indandione in the presence of ZIF-8/ZnFe2O4/GO-OSO3H nanocomposite under reflux conditions. Initially, graphene oxide was prepared from graphite, and then it was sulfonated using ClOSO3H. Next, GO-OSO3H nanosheets were used to support ZIF-8/ZnFe2O4 nanostructure. The construction of the synthesized structure was established using different spectral techniques such as X-ray crystallography (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX/Mapping), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The present method provides various benefits including the efficiency of outcomes, easy separation of the catalyst, and excellent yield of the products within short reaction times. Moreover, the antibacterial activities of pyrimidine derivatives were investigated via the agar-well diffusion method on gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and the obtained results illustrated reasonable effects.

Magnetic Nanoparticles: A Review on Synthesis, Characterization, Functionalization, and Biomedical Applications

Nowadays, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are applied in numerous fields, especially in biomedical applications. Since biofluidic samples and biological tissues are nonmagnetic, negligible background signals can interfere with the magnetic signals from MNPs in magnetic biosensing and imaging applications. In addition, the MNPs can be remotely controlled by magnetic fields, which make it possible for magnetic separation and targeted drug delivery. Furthermore, due to the unique dynamic magnetizations of MNPs when subjected to alternating magnetic fields, MNPs are also proposed as a key tool in cancer treatment, an example is magnetic hyperthermia therapy. Due to their distinct surface chemistry, good biocompatibility, and inducible magnetic moments, the material and morphological structure design of MNPs has attracted enormous interest from a variety of scientific domains. Herein, a thorough review of the chemical synthesis strategies of MNPs, the methodologies to modify the MNPs surface for better biocompatibility, the physicochemical characterization techniques for MNPs, as well as some representative applications of MNPs in disease diagnosis and treatment are provided. Further portions of the review go into the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of composite MNPs with core/shell structures as well as a deeper analysis of MNP properties to learn about potential biomedical applications.

Supramolecular Cu(ii) nanoparticles supported on a functionalized chitosan containing urea and thiourea bridges as a recoverable nanocatalyst for efficient synthesis of 1H-tetrazoles

A cost-effective and convenient method for supporting of Cu(ii) nanoparticles on a modified chitosan backbone containing urea and thiourea bridges using thiosemicarbazide (TS), pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) linkers was designed. The prepared supramolecular (CS-TDI-PMDA-TS-Cu(ii)) nanocomposite was characterized by using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry analysis (TGA/DTA), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), EDS elemental mapping and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The obtained supramolecular CS-TDI-PMDA-TS-Cu(ii) nanomaterial was demonstrated to act as a multifunctional nanocatalyst for promoting of multicomponent cascade Knoevenagel condensation/click 1,3-dipolar azide-nitrile cycloaddition reactions very efficiently between aromatic aldehydes, sodium azide and malononitrile under solvent-free conditions and affording the corresponding (E)-2-(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)-3-arylacrylenenitrile derivatives. Low catalyst loading, working under solvent-free conditions and short reaction time as well as easy preparation and recycling, and reuse of the catalyst for five consecutive cycles without considerable decrease in its catalytic efficiency make it a suitable candidate for the catalytic reactions promoted by Cu species.

Recent Advances in Applications of Oxidases and Peroxidases Polymer-Based Enzyme Biocatalysts in Sensing and Wastewater Treatment: A Review

Oxidase and peroxidase enzymes have attracted attention in various biotechnological industries due to their ease of synthesis, wide range of applications, and operation under mild conditions. Their applicability, however, is limited by their poor stability in harsher conditions and their non-reusability. As a result, several approaches such as enzyme engineering, medium engineering, and enzyme immobilization have been used to improve the enzyme properties. Several materials have been used as supports for these enzymes to increase their stability and reusability. This review focusses on the immobilization of oxidase and peroxidase enzymes on metal and metal oxide nanoparticle-polymer composite supports and the different methods used to achieve the immobilization. The application of the enzyme-metal/metal oxide-polymer biocatalysts in biosensing of hydrogen peroxide, glucose, pesticides, and herbicides as well as blood components such as cholesterol, urea, dopamine, and xanthine have been extensively reviewed. The application of the biocatalysts in wastewater treatment through degradation of dyes, pesticides, and other organic compounds has also been discussed.

Boron Nitride Nanosheets Functionalized with Fe3O4 and CoFe2O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles for Nanofiltration Applications

Nanofiltration (NF) is one of the emerging technologies that is very promising for water purification among many other applications. 2D boron nitride (BN) based nanomaterials are excellent building blocks for NF membranes. In our work, BN nanosheets (BNNS) have been functionalized with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to form BNNS-MNP nanocomposites. It was found that the nanocomposites are stable with the MNPs giving very good coverage with both magnetite and cobalt ferrite MNPs and showing good attachment and stability to sonication. These nanocomposites have been tested for removal of methylene blue (MB) dye and MNPs from water. BNNS-magnetite nanocomposites showed higher removal efficiency of the MB from water than the corresponding pure BNNS, while the BNNS-cobalt ferrite removal efficiency was slightly less than the pure BNNS. The BNNS-cobalt ferrite material was regenerated by burning off the MB and recycled to show the recyclability of this material. The BNNS membranes were tested for filtration of 14 ± 4 nm magnetite MNPs and were found to capture 100% of the nanoparticles with no MNPs left in the filtrate. Thus, we have developed magnetic nanocomposite membranes, which have demonstrated great potential for water remediation. We believe that this research opens up promising ways for production of 2D nanocomposite materials with multiple applications.

Influence of the modifiers in polyol method on magnetically induced hyperthermia and biocompatibility of ultrafine magnetite nanoparticles

Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) are widely tested in various biomedical applications, including magnetically induced hyperthermia. In this study, the influence of the modifiers, i.e., urotropine, polyethylene glycol, and NH₄HCO_3, on the size, morphology, magnetically induced hyperthermia effect, and biocompatibility were tested for Fe₃O₄ NPs synthesized by polyol method. The nanoparticles were characterized by a spherical shape and similar size of around 10 nm. At the same time, their surface is functionalized by triethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol, depending on the modifiers. The Fe₃O₄ NPs synthesized in the presence of urotropine had the highest colloidal stability related to the high positive value of zeta potential (26.03 ± 0.55 mV) but were characterized by the lowest specific absorption rate (SAR) and intrinsic loss power (ILP). The highest potential in the hyperthermia applications have NPs synthesized using NH₄HCO₃, for which SAR and ILP were equal to 69.6 ± 5.2 W/g and 0.613 ± 0.051 nHm²/kg, respectively. Their application possibility was confirmed for a wide range of magnetic fields and by cytotoxicity tests. The absence of differences in toxicity to dermal fibroblasts between all studied NPs was confirmed. Additionally, no significant changes in the ultrastructure of fibroblast cells were observed apart from the gradual increase in the number of autophagous structures.

MnFe2O4@SiO2@CeO2 core–shell nanostructures for applications in water remediation†

Removal of dye pollutants from wastewater is among the most important emerging needs in environmental science and engineering. The main objective of our work is to develop new magnetic core–shell nanostructures and explore their use for potential removal of pollutants from water using an external magnetic field. Herein, we have prepared magnetic core–shell nanoparticles that demonstrated excellent dye pollutant adsorbent properties. These nanoparticles are composed of a manganese ferrite magnetic core coated with silica, to protect the core and enable further functionalisation, then finally coated with ceria, which is shown to be an effective adsorbent. The magnetic core–shell nanostructures have been synthesized by a modification of solvothermal synthesis. The nanoparticles were fully characterised at each stage of the synthesis by powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These particles were found to be effective in removing methylene blue (MB) dye from water, which was validated by UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. These particles can be quickly removed from solution using a permanent magnet and then can be recycled after being placed in the furnace at 400 °C to burn off any organic residues. The particles were found to retain their ability to adsorb the pollutant after several cycles and TEM images of the particles after several cycles showed no change in the morphology. This research demonstrated the capacity of magnetic core–shell nanostructures to be used for water remediation.

Magnetic core–shell nanoparticles have been synthesised, characterised and used for methylene blue dye removal from water. They can be magnetically extracted and show no reduction in efficiency after several cycles.

Fe3O4@Glycerol-Cu as a novel heterogeneous magnetic nanocatalyst for the green synthesis of 2-amino-4H-chromenes

In the present study, the Fe₃O₄@Glycerol-Cu complex supported magnetically as a nanoparticle was prepared by grafting. Firstly, Fe₃O₄ NPs were synthesized by FeCl₃.6H₂O and FeCl₂.4H₂O according to the reported method, and subsequently, the prepared MNP with 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane. After that, the support-glycerol was functionalized on the surface of MNP-(CH₂)₃Cl for graft and stabilization of copper metal. Our purpose is to use the Fe₃O₄@Glycerol-Cu as a green, recoverable, novel, and affordable nanocatalyst in the effective synthesis of 2-amino-4H-chromenes. FT-IR, XRD, TGA, BET, VSM, TEM, and SEM-EDX techniques were examined to characterize this nanocatalyst. This result demonstrates that copper and organic compounds have appropriately reacted, with the support of MNP-(CH₂)₃Cl, and the crystalline structure have preserved in the MNP-(CH₂)₃Cl/Glycerol-Cu nanocatalyst confirmed the formation of the base Cu complex grafted on the surface of the nanoparticles. Finally, as can be seen, the nanoparticle size is 5-15 nm. This heterogeneous nanocatalyst illustrated excellent recyclable behavior, and can be used several times without notable reduction of its activity.

Functionalized magnetic nanostructured composites and hybrids for photocatalytic elimination of pharmaceuticals and personal care products

Due to rapid urbanization and globalization, an enormous use of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) has resulted their excessive release in water bodies leading to several environmental issues. This release into the environment takes place via household sewage, hospital effluents, manufacturing units and landfill sites etc. The pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are recently listed as emerging contaminants having many adverse effects towards aquatic life, human beings, and the whole ecosystem. The alarming threats of PPCPs demand efficient methods to cope up their hazardous impacts. The conventional wastewater remediations are not specifically designed for the removal of PPCPs and hence, they require advanced technologies and materials for their elimination to ensure water safety. Among various methods employed so far, photocatalysis is considered to be one of the most cost effective and eco-friendly method but it requires a suitable candidate as a photocatalyst. Thanks to the magnetic nanocomposites which have improved the limitations (poor stability, agglomeration, and difficult separation, etc.) of classically used nanomaterials. Magnetic nanocomposites contain at least one component having magnetic properties making their separation easy from the aqueous media after the photodegradation phenomenon. These can be further functionalized with other materials to obtain maximum advantage as photocatalyst. Few examples of such functionalized nanocomposites are inorganic material based magnetic nanocomposites, carbon based magnetic nanocomposites, biomaterial based magnetic nanocomposites, metal-organic framework based magnetic nanocomposites and polymer based magnetic nanocomposites etc. This review covers the global environmental issue of water pollution especially with respect to the PPCPs, their occurrence in aqueous environment and toxic effects on living beings. A comprehensive discussion of the recently reported functionalized magnetic nanocomposites for the photocatalytic removal of PPCPs from water is the main aim of this review. The synthetic/morphological approaches of various functionalized magnetic composites and their mechanism of action are also elaborated. The possible research challenges in the field of magnetic nanocomposites and future research directions are discussed to apply magnetic nanocomposites for wastewater treatment in near future.

Photocatalytic dye degradation using nickel ferrite spinel and its nanocomposite

Coloured wastewater is a major issue of today for human health and ecology. Among all available processes such as physical, chemical, biological and electrochemical methods, photocatalysis can be a promising solution because of its ability to degrade colour-causing compounds completely by converting them into simpler molecules (H₂O, CO₂) depending on dye structure. In this work, NiFe₂O₄ was synthesized by the co-precipitation method. Furthermore, the composites of NiFe₂O₄ with TiO₂ were synthesized by varying amounts of TiO₂. The spinel and composites were characterized by XRD, ZETA analysis and UV-DRS. Their photocatalytic activities were investigated using the photocatalytic degradation of reactive turquoise blue 21 (RB 21) dye as model pollutants under sunlight. The increased absorption of the visible light and the enhanced separation of the electron-hole pairs due to the relative energy band positions in NiFe₂O₄ and TiO₂ are considered as the main advantages. Our results showed that NiFe₂O₄-based nanocomposites could be used as an effective and magnetic retrievable photocatalyst.

Nanomaterials photocatalytic activities for waste water treatment: a review

Water is necessary for the survival of life on Earth. A wide range of pollutants has contaminated water resources in the last few decades. The presence of contaminants incredibly different dyes in waste, potable, and surface water is hazardous to environmental and human health. Different types of dyes are the principal contaminants in water that need sudden attention because of their widespread domestic and industrial use. The toxic effects of these dyes and their ability to resist traditional water treatment procedures have inspired the researcher to develop an eco-friendly method that could effectively and efficiently degrade these toxic contaminants. Here, in this review, we explored the effective and economical methods of metal-based nanomaterials photocatalytic degradation for successfully removing dyes from wastewater. This study provides a tool for protecting the environment and human health. In addition, the insights into the transformation of solar energy for photocatalytic reduction of toxic metal ions and photocatalytic degradation of dyes contaminated wastewater will open a gate for water treatment research. The mechanism of photocatalytic degradation and the parameters that affect the photocatalytic activities of various photocatalysts have also been reported.

Enhanced remediation of lead (II) and cadmium (II) ions from aqueous media using porous magnetic nanocomposites - A comprehensive review on applications and mechanism

Lead and Cadmium, identified as toxic heavy metals, cause significant imbalance in the eco-system due to their tendency to bioaccumulate. Remediation of heavy metals by conventional adsorptive materials suffer demerits related to low efficiency or removal. Among the variety of adsorbent materials used in the adsorption process, metal oxides- and graphene oxide magnetic nanocomposites have gained a considerable attention. The use of nanomaterials may help to reduce this contamination, but after use, they are difficult to remove from water. An added magnetic property to nanomaterials facilitates their retrieval after use. The magnetic properties of these hybrid magnetic nanocomposites, coupled with unique characteristics of organic and inorganic elements, have found extensive application in water treatment technology. Detailed discussion on functionalisation of magnetic nanocomposites and the enhanced performance are presented. Magnetic graphene oxide-covalently functionalized-tryptophan was reported to have the highest adsorption capacity of 766.1 mg/g for remediation of lead (II) ions and graphene oxide exhibited the highest adsorption capacity of 530 mg/g for Cd (II) ions. The adsorption mechanisms for heavy metal ions on the surface of novel adsorbents, particularly lead and cadmium, using magnetic nanocomposites have been explained with reference to the isotherm models studied. The future scope of research in this area of research is proposed.

Immobilized enzyme/microorganism complexes for degradation of microplastics: A review of recent advances, feasibility and future prospects

Environmental prevalence of microplastics has prompted the development of novel methods for their removal, one of which involves immobilization of microplastics-degrading enzymes. Various materials including nanomaterials have been studied for this purpose but there is currently a lack of review to present these studies in an organized manner to highlight the advances and feasibility. This article reviewed more than 100 peer-reviewed scholarly papers to elucidate the latest advances in the novel application of immobilized enzyme/microorganism complexes for microplastics degradation, its feasibility and future prospects. This review shows that metal nanoparticle-enzyme complexes improve biodegradation of microplastics in most studies through creating photogenerated radicals to facilitate polymer oxidation, accelerating growth of bacterial consortia for biodegradation, anchoring enzymes and improving their stability, and absorbing water for hydrolysis. In a study, the antimicrobial property of nanoparticles retarded the growth of microorganisms, hence biodegradation. Carbon particle-enzyme complexes enable enzymes to be immobilized on carbon-based support or matrix through covalent bonding, adsorption, entrapment, encapsulation, and a combination of the mechanisms, facilitated by formation of cross-links between enzymes. These complexes were shown to improve microplastics-degrading efficiency and recyclability of enzymes. Other emerging nanoparticles and/or enzymatic technologies are fusion of enzymes with hydrophobins, polymer binding module, peptide and novel nanoparticles. Nonetheless, the enzymes in the complexes present a limiting factor due to limited understanding of the degradation mechanisms. Besides, there is a lack of studies on the degradation of polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride. Genetic bioengineering and metagenomics could provide breakthrough in this area. This review highlights the optimism of using immobilized enzymes/microorganisms to increase the efficiency of microplastics degradation but optimization of enzymatic or microbial activities and synthesis of immobilized enzymes/microorganisms are crucial to overcome the barriers to their wide application.

Synthesis and Characterization of Functional Magnetic Nanomaterials

Nanoscale materials have grabbed the attention of researchers from a fundamental and application point of view for over a century [...]

Magnetic mesocellular foams with nickel complexes: as efficient and reusable nanocatalysts for the synthesis of symmetrical and asymmetrical diaryl chalcogenides

In this work, magnetic mesocellular foam (M-MCF) silica nanoparticles were prepared via inserting magnetic nanoparticles into the pores of mesocellular foams, the inner surface of which was functionalized with a methionine-nickel complex (M-MCF@Met-Ni). The structure of the as-prepared nanocatalysts was studied by FT-IR spectroscopy, BET, TGA, VSM, SEM, HR-TEM, EDS, WDX, XRD, and ICP-OES techniques. Thereafter, this nanocatalyst was used as a new, effective, and magnetically reusable catalyst for C-S and C-Se bond formation under mild conditions. All corresponding products were prepared with good yields and appropriate turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF), which reveals the high activity of this magnetic nanocatalyst in both reactions. In addition, the recovery and hot filtration tests indicated that this catalyst could be simply separated from the reaction mixture using an outside magnet and reused five consecutive times without any significant loss of its catalyst activity or metal leaching.

Design and Preparation of Copper(II)-Mesalamine Complex Functionalized on Silica-Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles and Study of Its Catalytic Properties for Green and Multicomponent Synthesis of Highly Substituted 4H-Chromenes and Pyridines

In the present study, a green and ecofriendly nanocatalyst was synthesized through functionalization of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCT) and mesalamine on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), then coordination with Cu²⁺ without agglomeration, consecutively. The silica-coated MNPs functionalized with the Cu(*II)-mesalamine complex was (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@NH₂-TCT-mesalamine-Cu(II) MNPs) completely characterized by FT-IR, XRD, EDX, FESEM, TEM, VSM, TGA, and BET analyses. Afterward, the activity of the novel catalyst was investigated in the synthesis of chromene heterocycles, which were an important group of organic compounds. The activity of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@NH₂-TCT-mesalamine-Cu(II) MNPs as a high-performance heterogeneous nanocatalyst was evaluated for the synthesis of 2-amino-4-aryl-6-(phenylthio)pyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles and 2-amino-4H-chromenes via aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, and enolizable C-H acids (resorcinol, 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione, and benzenethiol) in ethanol under reflux conditions. Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-TCT-mesalamine-Cu(II) could be quickly separated using an external magnet and reused nine times without a remarkable reduction of its catalytic activity.

Occurrence, toxic effects, and mitigation of pesticides as emerging environmental pollutants using robust nanomaterials - A review

Increasing demand of food and agriculture is leading us towards the increasing use and introduction of pesticides to the environment. The upright increase of pesticides in water and associated adverse effects have become a great point of concern to develop proficient methods for their mitigation from water. Various different methods have been traditionally employed for this purpose. Recently, nanotechnology has turned out to be the field of prodigious interest for this purpose, and various specific methods were developed and employed to remove pesticides from water. In this study, nanotechnological methods such as adsorption and degradation have been thoroughly discussed along with their applications and limitations where different types of nanoparticles, nanocomposites, nanotubes, and nanomembranes have played a vital role. However, in this study the most commonly adopted method of adsorption is considered to be the better technique due to its low cost, efficiency, and ease of operation. The adsorption kinetic models were described to explain the efficiency of the nano-adrsorbants in order to evaluate the mass transfer processes. However, various degradation methodologies including photocatalysis and catalytic reduction have also been elaborated. Numerous robust metal, metal oxide and functionalized magnetic nanomaterials have been emphasized, categorized, and compared for the removal of pesticides from water. Additionally, current challenges faced by researchers and future directions have also been provided.

A review on sensing and catalytic activity of nano-catalyst for synthesis of one-step ammonia and urea: Challenges and perspectives

One of the most significant chemical operations in the past century was the Haber-Bosch catalytic synthesis of ammonia, a fertilizer vital to human life. Many catalysts are developed for effective route of ammonia synthesis. The major challenges are to reduce temperature and pressure of process and to improve conversion of reactants produce green ammonia. The present review, briefly discusses the evolution of ammonia synthesis and current advances in nanocatalyst development. There are promising new ammonia synthesis catalysts of different morphology as well as magnetic nanoparticles and nanowires that could replace conventional Fused-Fe and Promoted-Ru catalysts in existing ammonia synthesis plants. These magnetic nanocatalyst could be basis for the production of magnetically induced one-step green ammonia and urea synthesis processes in future.

Catalytic nanoparticles and magnetic nanocatalysts in organic reactions: A mini review

Nanocatalysts, as a part of nanotechnology, have been seen very useful for various fileds of applications capturing a large contribution of the world market. Indeed, several unsolved issues of catalysts have been reconsidered by employing the new nanocatalysts including single core metal atoms and ions with surrounding holes. Moreover, it was expected that the future of catalytic reactions, especially those organic ones, will deal with the nanocatalyst applications. To this aim, the features of catalytic nanoparticles and magnetic nanocatalysts regarding evaluation of their advantages and applications in organic reactions were investigated in this work. Developments of catalytic nanoparticles and magnetic nanocatalysts were discussed in this work regarding the novel applications of such materials at the nanoscale for approaching advantageous features. Increased availability, activity, and stability are very important for applications of the catalysts in various organic reactions. Therefore, it is a must to discuss features of such nanocatalytic systems to provide more information about their advantages and even disadvantages of their applications.

Recent advances in magnetic carbon nanotubes: synthesis, challenges and highlighted applications

Magnetic carbon nanotubes (MCNTs), consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), have enormous exploration and application potentials due to their superior physical and chemical properties, such as unique magnetism and high enrichment performance. This review concentrates on the rapid advances in the synthesis and application of magnetic carbon nanotubes. Great progress has been made in the preparation of MCNTs by developing methods including chemical vapor deposition, pyrolysis procedure, sol-gel process, template-based synthesis, filling process and hydrothermal/solvothermal method. Various applications of MCNTs as a mediator of the adsorbent in magnetic solid-phase extraction, sensors, antibacterial agents, and imaging system contrast agents, and in drug delivery and catalysis are discussed. In order to overcome the drawbacks of MCNTs, such as sidewall damage, lack of convincing quantitative characterization methods, toxicity and environmental impact, and deficiency of extraction performance, researchers proposed some solutions in recent years. We systematically review the latest advances in MCNTs and discuss the direction of future development.

Sulfonic Acid-Functionalized Inorganic Materials as Efficient Catalysts in Various Applications: A Minireview

Acid catalysis is widely used in the chemical industry, and nowadays many efforts are being focused on replacing the more common homogeneous catalysts with heterogeneous ones in order to make greener the industrial processes. In this perspective, sulfonic solid acid materials represent a valid alternative to the homogenous mineral acid in several acid catalyzed reactions. In this minireview, an overview of the recent advances on the preparation, stability and application of these materials is reported. Special attention is addressed to the sustainability of the considered processes, starting from the catalyst’s preparation, the use of green solvents and reducing the possible reaction steps. Ways to tackle the main drawback represented by easy leaching of acid groups are described. For an easy catalyst recovery, the use of a magnetic core in a catalyst particle, with the related synthetic approaches, is also illustrated. Finally, a section is dedicated to the principal characterization techniques to identify the structural properties of the catalysts.

Magnetization of graphene oxide nanosheets using nickel magnetic nanoparticles as a novel support for the fabrication of copper as a practical, selective, and reusable nanocatalyst in C-C and C-O coupling reactions

Catalyst species are an important class of materials in chemistry, industry, medicine, and biotechnology. Moreover, waste recycling is an important process in green chemistry and is economically efficient. Herein, magnetic graphene oxide was synthesized using nickel magnetic nanoparticles and further applied as a novel support for the fabrication of a copper catalyst. The catalytic activity of supported copper on magnetic graphene oxide (Cu–ninhydrin@GO–Ni MNPs) was investigated as a selective, practical, and reusable nanocatalyst in the synthesis of diaryl ethers and biphenyls. Some of the obtained products were identified by NMR spectroscopy. This nanocatalyst has been characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDX), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. The results obtained from SEM shown that this catalyst has a nanosheet structure. Also, XRD and FT-IR analysis show that the structure of graphene oxide and nickel magnetic nanoparticles is stable during the modification of the nanoparticles and synthesis of the catalyst. The VSM curve of the catalyst shows that this catalyst can be recovered using an external magnet; therefore, it can be reused several times without a significant loss of its catalytic efficiency. The heterogeneity and stability of this nanocatalyst during organic reactions was confirmed by the hot filtration test and AAS technique.

Catalytic activity of supported copper on magnetic graphene oxide was investigated as a selective and reusable nanocatalyst in the synthesis of diaryl ethers and biphenyls.

Biogenic Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles on a Green Support as a Reusable Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of Nitroarene and Quinoline

Direct attachment of gold nanoparticles to a green support without the use of an external reducing agent and using it for removing toxic pollutants from wastewater, i. e., reduction of nitroarene to amine, are described. A novel approach involving the reduction of gold by the jute plant (Corchorus genus) stem-based (JPS) support itself to form nanoparticles (AuNPs) to be used as a catalytic system ('dip-catalyst') and its catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of series of nitroarenes in aqueous media are presented. AuNPs/JPS catalyst was characterized using SEM, UV-Vis, FTIR, TEM, XPS, and ICP-OES. Confined area elemental mapping exhibits uniform and homogeneous distribution of AuNPs on the support surface. TEM shows multi-faceted AuNPs in the range of 20-30 nm. The reactivity of AuNPs/JPS for the transfer hydrogenation of nitroarene as well as hydrogenation of quinoline under molecular H₂ pressure was evaluated. Sodium borohydride, when used as the hydrogen source, demonstrates a high catalytic efficiency in the transfer hydrogenation reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Quinoline is quantitatively and chemoselectively hydrogenated to 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (py-THQ) using molecular hydrogen. Reusability studies show that AuNPs are stable on the support surface and their selectivity is not affected.

In situ decoration of Au NPs over polydopamine encapsulated GO/Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a recyclable nanocatalyst for the reduction of nitroarenes

A new and efficient catalyst has been designed and prepared via in situ immobilization of Au NPs fabricated polydopamine (PDA)-shelled Fe3O4 nanoparticle anchored over graphene oxide (GO) (GO/Fe3O4@PDA/Au). This novel, architecturally interesting magnetic nanocomposite was fully characterized using different analytical techniques such as Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, elemental mapping, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Electron Spectroscopy. Catalytic activity of this material was successfully explored in the reduction of nitroarenes to their corresponding substituted anilines, using NaBH4 as reducing agent at ambient conditions. The most significant merits for this protocol were smooth and clean catalysis at room temperature with excellent productivity, sustainable conditions, ease of separation of catalyst from the reaction mixture by using a magnetic bar and most importantly reusability of the catalyst at least 8 times without any pre-activation, minimum loss of activity and considerable leaching.

1,2,3-Triazole framework: a strategic structure for C-H⋯X hydrogen bonding and practical design of an effective Pd-catalyst for carbonylation and carbon-carbon bond formation

1,2,3-Triazole is an interesting N-heterocyclic framework which can act as both a hydrogen bond donor and metal chelator. In the present study, C-H hydrogen bonding of the 1,2,3-triazole ring was surveyed theoretically and the results showed a good agreement with the experimental observations. The click-modified magnetic nanocatalyst Pd@click-Fe₃O₄/chitosan was successfully prepared, in which the triazole moiety plays a dual role as both a strong linker and an excellent ligand and immobilizes the palladium species in the catalyst matrix. This nanostructure was well characterized and found to be an efficient catalyst for the CO gas-free formylation of aryl halides using formic acid (HCOOH) as the most convenient, inexpensive and environmentally friendly CO source. Here, the aryl halides are selectively converted to the corresponding aromatic aldehydes under mild reaction conditions and low Pd loading. The activity of this catalyst was also excellent in the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction of various aryl halides with phenylboronic acids in EtOH/H₂O (1 : 1) at room temperature. In addition, this catalyst was stable in the reaction media and could be magnetically separated and recovered several times.