A Resumable Fluorescent Probe BHN-Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>@SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Hybrid Nanostructure for Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and its Application in Bioimaging

A multifunctional fluorescent probe BHN-Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanostructure for Fe³⁺ was designed and developed. It has a good selective response to Fe³⁺ with fluorescence quenching and can be recycled using an external magnetic field. With adding EDTA (2.5?×?10^?5 M) to the consequent product Fe³⁺-BHN-Fe₃O₄@SiO₂, Fe³⁺ can be removed from the complex, and its fluorescence probing ability recovers, which means that this constituted on-off type fluorescence probe could be reversed and reused. At the same time, the probe has been successfully applied for quantitatively detecting Fe³⁺ in a linear mode with a low limit of detection 1.25?×?10^?8 M. Furthermore, the BHN-Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanostructure probe is successfully used to detect Fe³⁺ in living HeLa cells, which shows its great potential in bioimaging detection.     

Selective Synthesis of Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> Nanowires Via a Single Precursor: A General Method for Metal Oxide Nanowires

Hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) and magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanowires with the diameter of about 100 nm and the length of tens of micrometers have been selectively synthesized by a microemulsion-based method in combination of the calcinations under different atmosphere. The effects of the precursors, annealing temperature, and atmosphere on the morphology and the structure of the products have been investigated. Moreover, Co₃O₄ nanowires have been fabricated to confirm the versatility of the method for metal oxide nanowires.     

Enhanced functionalization of Mn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>@SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> core-shell nanostructures

Core-shell nanostructures of Mn₂O₃@SiO₂, Mn₂O₃@amino-functionalized silica, Mn₂O₃@vinyl-functionalized silica, and Mn₂O₃@allyl-functionalized silica were synthesized using the hydrolysis of the respective organosilane precursor over Mn₂O₃ nanoparticles dispersed using colloidal solutions of Tergitol and cyclohexane. The synthetic methodology used is an improvement over the commonly used post-grafting or co-condensation method as it ensures a high density of functional groups over the core-shell nanostructures. The high density of functional groups can be useful in immobilization of biomolecules and drugs and thus can be used in targeted drug delivery. The high density of functional groups can be used for extraction of elements present in trace amounts. These functionalized core-shell nanostructures were characterized using TEM, IR, and zeta potential studies. The zeta potential study shows that the hydrolysis of organosilane to form the shell results in more number of functional groups on it as compared to the shell formed using post-grafting method. The amino-functionalized core-shell nanostructures were used for the immobilization of glucose and L -methionine and were characterized by zeta potential studies.     

Effect of surface modification of Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles on the preparation of Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>/polystyrene composite particles via miniemulsion polymerization

Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were modified by n-octadecyltrimethoxysilane (C18TMS) and 3-trimethoxysilylpropylmethacrylate (MPS). The modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were used to prepare Fe₃O₄/polystyrene composite particles by miniemulsion polymerization. The effect of surface modification of Fe₃O₄ on the preparation of Fe₃O₄/polystyrene composite particles was investigated by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR), contact angle, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). It was found that C18TMS modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with high hydrophobic property lead to the negative effect on the preparation of the Fe₃O₄/polystyrene composite particles. The obtained composite particles exhibited asymmetric phase-separated structure and wide size distribution. Furthermore, un-encapsulated Fe₃O₄ were found in composite particles solution. MPS modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles showed poor hydrophobic properties and resulted in the obtained Fe₃O₄/polystyrene composite particles with regular morphology and narrow size distribution because the ended C=C of MPS on the surface of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles could copolymerize with styrene which weakened the phase separation distinctly.     

NiFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>@SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Nanoparticles Stabilized by Porous Silica Shells

Abstract  

NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles stabilized by porous silica shells (NiFe₂O₄@SiO₂) were prepared using a one-pot synthesis and characterized for their physical and chemical stability in severe environments, representative of those encountered in industrial catalytic reactors. The SiO₂ shell is porous, allowing transport of gases to and from the metal core. The shell also stabilizes NiFe₂O₄ at the nanoparticle surface: NiFe₂O₄@SiO₂ annealed at temperatures through 973 K displays evidence of surface Ni, as verified by H₂ TPD analyses. At 1,173 K, hematite forms at the surface of the metallic cores of the NiFe₂O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles and surface Ni is no longer observed. Without the silica shell, however, even mild reduction (at 773 K) can draw Fe to the surface and eliminate surface Ni sites.     

Synthesis and thermal behavior of Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>(BO<Subscript>4</Subscript>) oxoborate

Iron oxoborate Fe₃O₂(BO₄) has been first produced in solid-phase chemical reactions. Its thermal behavior in the temperature range 20–900°C is studied with the use in-situ high-temperature powder X-ray diffraction. It is shown that Fe₃O₂(BO₄) begins decomposing with the formation of Fe₂O₃ in the temperature range 660–900°C. Thermal expansion is sharply anisotropic at room temperature (α_max/α_min = 7) and becomes more isotropic with an increase in the temperature (α_max/α_min = 1.2). The degree of oxidation of Fe³⁺ has been confirmed by Mössbauer spectroscopy (at a room temperature), and two nonequivalent positions in the structure have been detected, which are occupied by iron atoms with the octahedral environment of the oxygen atoms.     

Preparation and characterization of spindle-like Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> mesoporous nanoparticles

Magnetic spindle-like Fe₃O₄ mesoporous nanoparticles with a length of 200 nm and diameter of 60 nm were successfully synthesized by reducing the spindle-like α-Fe₂O₃ NPs which were prepared by forced hydrolysis method. The obtained samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, attenuated total reflection fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis techniques. The results show that α-Fe₂O₃ phase transformed into Fe₃O₄ phase after annealing in hydrogen atmosphere at 350°C. The as-prepared spindle-like Fe₃O₄ mesoporous NPs possess high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area up to ca. 7.9 m² g^-1. In addition, the Fe₃O₄ NPs present higher saturation magnetization (85.2 emu g^-1) and excellent magnetic response behaviors, which have great potential applications in magnetic separation technology.     

Synthetic spinels of the system MgO-Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Synthetic spinels of the system MgO-Cr₂O₃-Al₂O₃-Fe₂O₃ are considered and the desirability of organizing their production for the refractory industry is demonstrated. Translated from Novye Ogneupory, No. 6, pp. 32–35, June 2008.     

A thermodynamic study of the Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>-CO system

The equilibrium composition of the Fe₂O₃-H₂-CO system depending on temperature and pressure was calculated by the methods of chemical thermodynamics at different molar ratios between the system components. It was found that the equilibrium composition of the mixtures formed in this system mainly depends on ratios between the system components. The effect of the partial pressures of H2 and CO on the equilibrium composition of products in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was determined.     

Interaction of O<Subscript>2</Subscript>, O<Subscript>3</Subscript>, and H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> with an activated carbon

The results of the modification of AG-OV-1 activated carbon under various conditions (by atmospheric oxygen at elevated temperatures and by hydrogen peroxide or ozone) are given. The effect of the used modifier on changes in the porosity, surface state, and adsorption capacity of activated carbon is evaluated.     

Phase Transformations in Stabilized ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> - Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Compositions

Data on interactions in the ZrO₂ - Fe₂O₃ system stabilized by oxides in a high-temperature form at 1750°C are obtained. Of all zirconia-based compositions, only magnesium-zirconium cubic solid solution enters into an active reaction with Fe₂O₃ to yield MgFe₂O₄. The solid solutions formed by ZrO₂ with oxides of yttrium, neodymium, and calcium resist degradation by attack from Fe₂O₃; part of iron oxide undergoes dissolution in cubic ZrO₂. __________ Translated from Novye Ogneupory, No. 9, pp. 40 – 43, September, 2005.     

Research of mica/Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> pearlescent pigment by co-precipitation

Experiments on preparation of mica/Fe₃O₄ pearlescent pigment were performed to discuss influences of several crucial parameters on final products. The samples were characterized by XRD, HRSEM, FTIR and color measurement, the content of Fe₃O₄ on the mica surface was also analyzed by XPS. It was found that the smoothness, compactness and colour deepness of the coating were influenced by different pH values and temperatures. The optimum preparation parameters of mica/Fe₃O₄ pearlescent pigment were obtained: the value of pH ≥ 9.2; the concentration of sodium hydroxide was 0.5 mol/l; the concentration ratio of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ was 1.6 : 1; the velocity of magnetic stirring was 138 ≤ v ≤ 151 r/min; reaction temperature was 70–80°C; calcination temperature was 350°C and calcination time was 3 h.     

Effect of HCl Concentration on the Dispersity of Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> Nanoparticles

In this paper, monodisperse 6 nm-sized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with spinel crystalline structure were synthesized via a co-precipitation method. The effect of HCl concentrations on Fe₃O₄ samples was investigated by TEM, VSM and UV–vis. HCl-modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles solution was a stable, clear, transparent cationic colloid. The results showed that HCl had a great influence on the dispersity of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and almost no influence on the materials magnetism.     

Phase Equilibria in the Gd<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-SrAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> System

The phase equilibria are investigated and the phase diagram is constructed for the Gd₂O₃-SrAl₂O₄ pseudobinary join of the Gd₂O₃-SrO-Al₂O₃ ternary oxide system. One ternary compound, namely, Gd₂SrAl₂O₇, is revealed in the Gd₂O₃-SrAl₂O₄ join. It is found that this compound undergoes congruent melting.     

Inexpensive synthesis of a high-performance Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> photocatalyst: Magnetic recovery and reuse

A sol-gel technique has been developed for the synthesis of a magnetite-silica-titania (Fe₃O₄-SiO₂-TiO₂) tertiary nanocomposite with improved photocatalytic properties based on the use of inexpensive titania and silica precursors. The exceptional photocatalytic activity of the resulting materials was demonstrated by using them to photocatalyze the degradation of methylene blue solution. The best formulation achieved 98% methylene blue degradation. An interesting feature of the present work was the ability to magnetically separate and reuse the catalyst. The efficiency of the catalyst remained high during two reuses. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultra-violet-visible spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. XRD analysis revealed the formation of multicrystalline systems of cubic magnetite and anatase titania crystals. SEM and TEM characterization revealed well-developed and homo-geneously dispersed particles of size less than 15 nm. FTIR spectra confirmed the chemical interaction of titania and silica. It was further noticed that the optical properties of the prepared materials were dependent on the relative contents of their constituent metal oxides.

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Phase equilibria in the Ho<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-SrAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> system

The phase formation is investigated and the phase diagram of the Ho₂O₃-SrAl₂O₄ system is constructed. A ternary compound, namely, Ho₂SrAl₂O₇, is revealed. It is established that this compound undergoes incongruent melting.     

Combustion of Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/Al thermit mixtures in steel tubes

Explored was the combustion of Fe₂O₃/TiO₂/Al thermit mixtures in steel tubes upon variation in green composition and with special emphasis on the dependence of combustion temperature T _c and burning velocity U on reaction heat Q. Special attention was given to incompleteness of combustion for compositions with low Q.     

Recyclable Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>@Tween20@Ag Nanocatalyst for Catalytic Degradation of Azo Dyes

Silver nanoparticles supported on superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPION)-Tween20 nanocomposite were prepared by a combined polyol and chemical reduction routes. The morphology, composition and structure of Fe₃O₄@Tween20@Ag nanocatalyst were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analyzer, and X-ray powder diffraction. In addition the magnetic properties were evaluated with vibrating sample magnetometry. It was found that Fe₃O₄@Tween20@Ag nanocatalyst could catalyze the degradation of various organic azo dyes and could easily be recovered from the reaction medium with external magnet. Also, the magnetic catalyst can be succesfully recycled and reused for at least five successive degradation cycles of methyl orange, methylene blue and Rhodamine B, confirming a high recycling efficiency. The cost effective and recyclable Fe₃O₄@Tween20@Ag nanocatalyst provide an novel nanomaterials architecture for environmental remediation applications.