Green Synthesis of Hydrophobic Magnetite Nanoparticles Coated with Plant Extract and Their Application as Petroleum Oil Spill Collectors

Facile fabrication of magnetite nanoparticles with new hydrophobic amides and their application in oil spill remediation

In this study, inexpensive magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were prepared and applied to oil spill remediation. To do so, two novel hydrophobic amides, HADN and HATN, were prepared and applied to Fe3O4 surface modification, producing HAN-Fe3O4 and HAT-Fe3O4, respectively. The efficiency of HAN-Fe3O4 and HAT-Fe3O4 for oil spill remediation (EOSR) was investigated using different HAN-Fe3O4 and HAT-Fe3O4 weights and at various contact times. The data indicated that the EOSR increased with increased HAN-Fe3O4 and HAT-Fe3O4 weights, as their EOSR reached 100% and 89%, respectively, using 100 mg. The results also revealed that the optimum time for HAN-Fe3O4 and HAT-Fe3O4 (50 mg) to achieve the highest EOSR is 8 min, as their EOSR reached 98% and 84%, respectively, at this time. In addition, HAN-Fe3O4 exhibited higher EOSR than HAT-Fe3O4, which could be linked to the presence of an aromatic ring in HADN that is used for surface modification of Fe3O4, making them more compatible with crude oil components.

Efficient Oil Spill Uptake Using Surface-Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles with PET Waste Derivatives

This work deals with poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste as a precursor to synthesize new cross-linked poly(ionic liquids) (CLPILs). The newly synthesized CLPILs, VPCT-Cl and VPCT-AA, were used for magnetite nanoparticle surface modification, producing VCL/Fe3O4 and VAA/Fe3O4, respectively. The chemical structures of the CLPILs and surface-modified Fe3O4 were elucidated by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the particle size, zeta potential (ζ), contact angle, and magnetic properties of VCL/Fe3O4 and VAA/Fe3O4 were investigated using different techniques. Furthermore, the performance of these nanoparticles for oil spill cleanup was evaluated using various influencing factors, e.g., the contact time and the Fe3O4/crude oil ratio. VCL/Fe3O4 and VAA/Fe3O4 showed excellent performance in oil spill cleanup. The data showed that the performance increased with the contact time and the Fe3O4 ratio. Furthermore, the reusability of VCL/Fe3O4 and VAA/Fe3O4 over four cycles was also explored. The reusability data indicated that reused VCL/Fe3O4 and VAA/Fe3O4 showed promising performance in oil spill cleanup.

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.

Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles Using Two New Ionic Liquids for Efficient Oil Spill Cleanup

Recently, magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained great attention for oil spill cleanup due to their unique properties, e.g., high oil removal efficiency, high surface area, and response to an external magnetic field. The efficiency of MNPs for oil spill uptake can be enhanced by functionalizing their surface using different materials. Furthermore, the functionalization of MNP surface using these materials promotes their chemical stability. This study aims to functionalize the surface of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) using two newly synthesized hydrophobic ionic liquids (ILs) and apply them for oil spill cleanup. ILs were synthesized by the reaction of glycidyl-4-nonyl ether (GE) with fatty amines, either octadecylamine (OA) or dodecylamine (DA), to yield the corresponding amines, GEOA and GEDA, respectively. GEOA and GEDA were quaternized with acetic acid (AA) to produce the corresponding ILs, GEOA-IL and GEDA-IL. The produced ILs, GEOA-IL and GEDA-IL, were applied for the surface modification of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs), producing surface-modified MNPs, GO-MNPs and GD-MNPs, respectively. GO-MNPs and GD-MNPs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, contact angle, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Their oil removal efficiency (ORE) was investigated at different MNP : crude oil ratios ranging from 1 : 1–1 : 50. GO-MNPs and GD-MNPs showed high ORE even at low MNP ratios. Furthermore, GO-MNPs showed higher oil removal efficiency than GD-MNPs, which may be explained using GEOA-IL containing a longer alkyl chain for MNP surface modification in comparison to GEDA-IL. Furthermore, GO-MNPs and GD-MNPs displayed excellent reusability in five cycles, with a slight decrease in ORE with increasing cycles.

Biologic Impact of Green Synthetized Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Two Different Lung Tumorigenic Monolayers and a 3D Normal Bronchial Model-EpiAirwayTM Microtissue

The present study reports the successful synthesis of biocompatible magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) by an ecofriendly single step method, using two ethanolic extracts based on leaves of Camellia sinensis L. and Ocimum basilicum L. The effect of both green raw materials as reducing and capping agents was taken into account for the development of MNPs, as well as the reaction synthesis temperature (25 °C and 80 °C). The biological effect of the MNPs obtained from Camellia sinensis L. ethanolic extract (Cs 25, Cs 80) was compared with that of the MNPs obtained from Ocimum basilicum L. ethanolic extract (Ob 25, Ob 80), by using two morphologically different lung cancer cell lines (A549 and NCI-H460); the results showed that the higher cell viability impairment was manifested by A549 cells after exposure to MNPs obtained from Ocimum basilicum L. ethanolic extract (Ob 25, Ob 80). Regarding the biosafety profile of the MNPs, it was shown that the EpiAirway^TM models did not elicit important viability decrease or significant histopathological changes after treatment with none of the MNPs (Cs 25, Cs 80 and Ob 25, Ob 80), at concentrations up to 500 µg/mL.

Fabrication of magnetite nanomaterials employing novel ionic liquids for efficient oil spill cleanup

The oil spill represents one of the most important pollution sources for marine environments, that occurs due to tanker collisions, ship accidents, and platforms. Several techniques are used for treating oil spill disasters including chemical, physical, and biochemical. The use of chemicals, magnetite nanomaterials (MNMs) in particular, is one of the most applied techniques used for oil spill remediation due to their low cost, fast remediation, and reusability. This work aims to synthesize and use new ionic liquids (ILs) for the modification of MNMs surfaces to enhance their performance for crude oil uptake. For that, octadecylamine (OA) was reacted with epichlorohydrin (EH), followed by reaction with either diethylenetriamine (DT), or tetraethylenepentamine (TP) to obtain corresponding amines, OADT, and OATP, respectively. The produced amines were quaternized using acetic acid (AA) forming corresponding ILs, OADT-IL, and OATP-IL. The obtained ILs, OADT-IL, and OATP-IL were applied for modification of magnetite nanomaterials (MNMs) surface to obtain the surface-modified MNMs, DT-MNMs, and TP-MNMs, respectively. The surface-modified MNMs were characterized using different techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and contact angle. The efficacy of DT-MNMs, and TP-MNMs for heavy crude oil uptake (EMU) was evaluated. Further, the factors affecting on the crude oil uptake including MNMs: heavy crude oil ratio, and contact time were also evaluated. The data exhibited that, the EMU relatively declined as the ratio of DT-MNMs, and TP-MNMs decreased. Even at low MNMs:crude oil ratio (1:50), DT-MNMs, and TP-MNMs displayed EMU 87%, and 90%, respectively, which means 1 g of either DT-MNMs, or TP-MNMs can uptake 45 g, or 43.5 g, respectively. These values are high as compared with other studies that reported the use of MNMs for oil spill cleanup. Furthermore, the data indicated that the EMU increased as the contact time increased, and reached maximum EMU of 98% for both MNMs samples after 10 min.

Recent advances on botanical biosynthesis of nanoparticles for catalytic, water treatment and agricultural applications: A review

Green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts minimizes the usage of toxic chemicals or energy. Here, we concentrate on the green synthesis of nanoparticles using natural compounds from plant extracts and their applications in catalysis, water treatment and agriculture. Polyphenols, flavonoid, rutin, quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, coumarin, and gallic acid in the plant extracts engage in the reduction and stabilization of green nanoparticles. Ten types of nanoparticles involving Ag, Au, Cu, Pt, CuO, ZnO, MgO, TiO₂, Fe₃O₄, and ZrO₂ with emphasis on their formation mechanism are illuminated. We find that green nanoparticles serve as excellent, and recyclable catalysts for reduction of nitrophenols and synthesis of organic compounds with high yields of 83-100% and at least 5 recycles. Many emerging pollutants such as synthetic dyes, antibiotics, heavy metal and oils are effectively mitigated (90-100%) using green nanoparticles. In agriculture, green nanoparticles efficiently immobilize toxic compounds in soil. They are also sufficient nanopesticides to kill harmful larvae, and nanoinsecticides against dangerous vectors of pathogens. As potential nanofertilizers and nanoagrochemicals, green nanoparticles will open a revolution in green agriculture for sustainable development.

Remediation of microplastics using bionanomaterials: A review

Pollution by microplastics (MPs) formed by the physicochemical breakdown of plastics are a worldwide issue with long-lasting and hazardous natural effects. The natural expulsion of MPs takes several years and can be dangerous. Several effective technological innovations have been developed over the years to remediate harmful MPs. Among them, a blend of nanotechnological techniques using bionanomaterials has been investigated to a large extent. The objective of this review is to compile the MPs found in the environment and bionanomaterial-based approaches for their removal. This information is important for researchers who are exploring the adverse consequences of MPs and their remediation and developing advanced eco-friendly strategies to control and eradicate MPs in the future. The control and eradication of MPs depend on all of us; hence, the proper awareness of MPs pollution must be provided to every individual, as all of us are a part of the environment.

Formation, antimicrobial activity, and biomedical performance of plant-based nanoparticles: a review

Because many engineered nanoparticles are toxic, there is a need for methods to fabricate safe nanoparticles such as plant-based nanoparticles. Indeed, plant extracts contain flavonoids, amino acids, proteins, polysaccharides, enzymes, polyphenols, steroids, and reducing sugars that facilitate the reduction, formation, and stabilization of nanoparticles. Moreover, synthesizing nanoparticles from plant extracts is fast, safe, and cost-effective because it does not consume much energy, and non-toxic derivatives are generated. These nanoparticles have diverse and unique properties of interest for applications in many fields. Here, we review the synthesis of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles with plant extracts. These nanoparticles display antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Plant-based nanoparticles are also useful for medical diagnosis and drug delivery.

Fabrication of Environmental-Friendly Magnetite Nanoparticle Surface Coatings for the Efficient Collection of Oil Spill

Over the past few decades, there has been an increased trend for the use of natural compounds and their derivatives as alternatives to traditional chemicals and is due to their renewability, green character, and wide availability. This work aims to convert sodium alginate (S.ALG), a natural polysaccharide, into amides through its conversion to alginic acid (H.ALG). The formed H.ALG was esterified using methanol, followed by a reaction with octadecylamine (OA) and dodecylamine (DA) to produce corresponding amides, OA-ALG, and DA-ALG, respectively. The synthesized OA-ALG and DA-ALG were used as capping agents to further form hydrophobic magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs), OA-MNPs and DA-MNPs, respectively. The chemical structures, morphology, hydrophobicity, and magnetic properties of OA-MNPs and DA-MNPs were investigated using different instrumental techniques. Furthermore, the efficacy of as-synthesized MNPs as oil spill collectors were also evaluated using different ratios of MNPs:crude oil. From the analysis of results, the OA-MNPs and DA-MNPs exhibited high efficiency in the collection of oil spill even at low ratios of MNPs:crude oil.

Novel Bio-Based Amphiphilic Ionic Liquids for the Efficient Demulsification of Heavy Crude Oil Emulsions

In the last few decades, there has been an increasing trend for the usage of natural products and their derivatives as green and renewable oil-filed chemicals. Use of these compounds or their derivatives contributes to reducing the use of traditional chemicals, and enhances green chemistry principles. Curcumin (CRC) is one of the most popular natural products and is widely available. The green character, antioxidant action, and low cost of CRC prompt its use in several applications. In the present study, Curcumin was used to synthesize two new amphiphilic ionic liquids (AILs) by reacting with 1,3-propanesultone or bromoacetic acid to produce corresponding sulfonic and carboxylic acids, CRC-PS and CRC-BA, respectively. Following this, the formed CRC-PS and CRC-BA were allowed to react with 12-(2-hydroxyethyl)-15-(4-nonylphenoxy)-3,6,9-trioxa-12-azapentadecane-1,14-diol (HNTA) to form corresponding AILs, GCP-IL and GRB-IL, respectively. The chemical structures, surface tension, interfacial tension, and relative solubility number (RSN) of the synthesized AILs were investigated. The efficiency of GCP-IL and GRB-IL to demulsify water in heavy crude oil (W/O) emulsions was also investigated, where we observed that both GCP-IL and GRB-IL served as high-efficiency demulsifiers and the efficiency increased with a decreased ratio of water in W/O emulsion. Moreover, the data showed an increased efficiency of these AILs with an increased concentration. Among the two AILs, under testing conditions, GCP-IL exhibited a higher efficiency, shorter demulsification time, and cleaner demulsified water.

Carbon and polymer-based magnetic nanocomposites for oil-spill remediation-a comprehensive review

Oil spills are a major contributor to water contamination, which sets off a significant impact on the environment, biodiversity, and economy. Efficient removal of oil spills is needed for the protection of marine species as well as the environment. Conventional approaches are not efficient enough for oil-water separation; therefore, effective strategies and efficient removal techniques (and materials) must be developed to restore the contaminated marine to its normal ecology. Several research studies have shown that nanotechnology provides efficient features to clean up these oil spills from the water using magnetic nanomaterials, particularly carbon/polymer-based magnetic nanocomposites. Surface modification of these nanomaterials via different techniques render them with salient innovative features. The present review discusses the advantages and limitations of conventional and advanced techniques for the oil spills removal from wastewater. Furthermore, the synthesis of magnetic nanocomposites, their utilization in oil-water separation, and adsorption mechanisms are discussed. Finally, the advancement and future perspectives of magnetic nanocomposites (particularly of carbon and polymer-based magnetic nanocomposites) in environmental remediation are presented.

A Novel Method Based on Headspace-Ion Mobility Spectrometry for the Detection and Discrimination of Different Petroleum Derived Products in Seawater

The objective of the present study is to develop an optimized method where headspace-ion mobility spectrometry is applied for the detection and discrimination between four petroleum-derived products (PDPs) in water. A Box–Behnken design with a response surface methodology was used, and five variables (incubation temperature, incubation time, agitation, sample volume, and injection volume) with influences on the ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) response were optimized. An IMS detector was used as a multiple sensor device, in which, each drift time acts as a specific sensor. In this way, the total intensity at each drift time is equivalent to multiple sensor signals. According to our results, 2.5 mL of sample incubated for 5 min at 31 °C, agitated at 750 rpm, and with an injection volume of 0.91 mL were the optimal conditions for successful detection and discrimination of the PDPs. The developed method has exhibited good intermediate precision and repeatability with a coefficient of variation lower than 5%, (RSD (Relative Standard Deviation): 2.35% and 3.09%, respectively). Subsequently, the method was applied in the context of the detection and discrimination of petroleum-derived products added to water samples at low concentration levels (2 µL·L⁻¹). Finally, the new method was applied to determine the presence of petroleum-derived products in seawater samples.

Biogenic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterisation and Applications

Nanotechnology plays a big part in our modern daily lives, ranging from the biomedical sector to the energy sector. There are different physicochemical and biological methods to synthesise nanoparticles towards multiple applications. Biogenic production of nanoparticles through the utilisation of microorganisms provides great advantages over other techniques and is increasingly being explored. This review examines the process of the biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles mediated by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae, and their applications. Microorganisms offer a disparate environment for nanoparticle synthesis. Optimum production and minimum time to obtain the desired size and shape, to improve the stability of nanoparticles and to optimise specific microorganisms for specific applications are the challenges to address, however. Numerous applications of biogenic nanoparticles in medicine, environment, drug delivery and biochemical sensors are discussed.

Fabrication of New Demulsifiers Employing the Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate and their Demulsification Efficiency for Heavy Crude Oil Emulsions

Two novel amphiphilic polyethylene amine terephthalate have been prepared via the glycolsis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The product, bis (2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate) (BHET), was converted to the corresponding dialkyl halide, bis(2-chloroethyl) terephthalate (BCET), using thionyl chloride (TC). This dialkyl compound was used for alkylation of dodecyl amine (DOA) and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) or pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA) to form the corresponding polyethylene amine terephthalate, i.e., DOAT and DOAP, respectively. Their chemical structure, surface tension, interfacial tension (IFT), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were determined using different techniques. The efficiency of the prepared polyethylene amine terephthalate to demulsify water in heavy crude (W/O) emulsions was also determined and found to increase as their concentrations increased. Moreover, DOAT showed faster and higher efficiency, and cleaner separation than DOAP.

Methylene Blue Catalytic Degradation Using Silver and Magnetite Nanoparticles Functionalized with a Poly(ionic liquid) Based on Quaternized Dialkylethanolamine with 2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane Sulfonate-co-Vinylpyrrolidone

Catalytic degradation of organic water pollutants has emerged as a cost- and energy-effective technique to treat wastewater. In this work, new silver and magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared with a protic poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) based on a quaternized diethylethanolamine cation combined with 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate-co-vinylpyrrolidone (QAMPSA/VP) as a capping and a reducing agent. The morphology, particle size, surface charge, thermal stability, and magnetic properties of QAMPS/VP-Ag and Fe₃O₄ NPs were investigated to determine the efficiency of the PIL as a reducing and a capping agent to protect the produced NPs from oxidation or thermal degradation. The activation energy, enthalpy, and entropy of the catalytic degradation of the cationic methylene blue (MB) dye in the presence of QAMPS/VP-Ag and Fe₃O₄ NPs were determined. The data elucidated that MB was completely degraded in 8 min in the presence of QAMPS/VP-Fe₃O₄ NPs as a Fenton oxidation catalyst. Moreover, their good magnetic properties allowed their easy separation and reuse for five cycles without losing their magnetic or catalytic properties.

Greener synthesis of chemical compounds and materials

Modern trends in the greener synthesis and fabrication of inorganic, organic and coordination compounds, materials, nanomaterials, hybrids and nanocomposites are discussed. Green chemistry deals with synthesis procedures according to its classic 12 principles, contributing to the sustainability of chemical processes, energy savings, lesser toxicity of reagents and final products, lesser damage to the environment and human health, decreasing the risk of global overheating, and more rational use of natural resources and agricultural wastes. Greener techniques have been applied to synthesize both well-known chemical compounds by more sustainable routes and completely new materials. A range of nanosized materials and composites can be produced by greener routes, including nanoparticles of metals, non-metals, their oxides and salts, aerogels or quantum dots. At the same time, such classic materials as cement, ceramics, adsorbents, polymers, bioplastics and biocomposites can be improved or obtained by cleaner processes. Several non-contaminating physical methods, such as microwave heating, ultrasound-assisted and hydrothermal processes or ball milling, frequently in combination with the use of natural precursors, are of major importance in the greener synthesis, as well as solventless and biosynthesis techniques. Non-hazardous solvents including ionic liquids, use of plant extracts, fungi, yeasts, bacteria and viruses are also discussed in relation with materials fabrication. Availability, necessity and profitability of scaling up green processes are discussed.

Synthesis of Green Recyclable Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanomaterials Coated by Hydrophobic Plant Extracts for Efficient Collection of Oil Spills

A facile method for synthesis of environmentally friendly magnetite nanomaterials (MNMs) was applied using hydrophobic biocomponents as capping and stabilizing agents. The biocomponents were extracted from Matricaria aurea (MAE) and Ochradenus baccatus (OBE) and used for the surface modification of MNMs to increase their dispersion efficiency on the collection of heavy crude oil spills. Synthesized MNM samples (MAE-MNMs and OBE-MNMs) were verified using thermogravimetric analysis; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy; transmission electron microscopy; dynamic light scattering, and vibrating-sample magnetometry. The application of these nanomaterials in the collection of oil spill showed that the MAE-MNMs and OBE-MNMs successfully collected 95% and 91% of the oil spill, respectively. These results support the potential use of these materials as eco-friendly composites for the successful collection of oil spills that might occur during offshore operations.

Novel Superhydrophobic Sand and Polyurethane Sponge Coated with Silica/Modified Asphaltene Nanoparticles for Rapid Oil Spill Cleanup

Superhydrophobic nanomaterials are promising in the important pursuit to alleviate the environmental pollution caused by the petroleum crude oil industry, especially to clean-up oil spills. In this work, asphaltenes isolated from crude oil were modified to act as capping agents during the synthesis of hydrophobic silica nanoparticles (HSNPs). The chemical structure, surface morphology, particle size, and surfaces charge of HSNPs were investigated. The contact angles of water droplets on HSNP film surfaces were measured to investigate their wetting properties. Finally, superhydrophobic sand and polyurethane sponge were prepared by coating them with HSNPs and applied in the cleanup of oil spills of viscous heavy Arabian crude oil.