Preparation,Structural characterization and DNA binding/cleavage affinity of new bioactive nano‐sized metal (II/IV) complexes with oxazon‐Schiff's base ligand

A novel oxazon‐Schiff's base ligand named (E)‐3‐(2‐(4‐(diethylamino)‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazineyl)‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐2‐one (HL) has been synthesized in addition to its nano‐sized divalent and tetravalent Mn (II), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Zn (II) and Pt (IV) complexes. The structures and geometries of the synthesized compounds have been confirmed using the different analytical and spectroscopic tools such as elemental analysis, uv–vis., IR, HR‐MS, ¹H NMR, ESR, TGA, XRD, EDX, TEM, SEM, AFM, magnetic and molar conductivity measurements. The elemental analyses confirm 1 M: 2 L stoichiometry of the type [PtL₂].2Cl and [ML₂] (M = Mn (II), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II) and Zn (II)). The FT‐IR spectral studies illustrated that the ligand bind to the metal ions through the phenolic hydroxy oxygen, azo methine nitrogen carbonyl oxazin oxygen. The spectral tools; UV–Vis, ligand field parameters and ESR in addition to the magnetic moment measurements confirmed octahedral geometry around the metal centres. The absence of coordinated or hydrated water complexes were confirmed by thermal analysis data of the complexes. The electron transfer reactions for the complexes have been studied by cyclic voltammetry. XRD, SEM, TEM, and AFM images confirmed nano‐sized particles and homogeneous distribution over the complex surface. The mode of binding of the complexes with DNA has been performed through electronic absorption titration and viscosity studies. The reaction between the metal complexes and DNA were studied by DNA cleavage. In general, MCF‐7 cell were least sensitive to the tested compounds and all compounds were considerably more toxic to the studied cancer cell lines than to the normal cell line HepG‐2. The binding mode of the compounds and DNA was preferably via intercalation. In addition, these results were confirmed based on theoretical studies . Finally, a linear and exponential correlation between interaction constant (K_b) and IC₅₀ for two human cancer cell was observed.     

A new nano‐sized mononuclear Cu (II) complex with N,N‐donor Schiff base ligands: sonochemical synthesis,characterization, molecular modeling and biological activity

A new, simple Cu²⁺ nano‐structure Schiff base complex in methanol medium has been synthesized by the ultrasonic method. Structure of the compound was confirmed by FT‐IR, GC‐Mass and other spectroscopic techniques. The copper oxide (CuO) was achieved from the copper nano‐structure Schiff base complex as the raw material after calcination for 3 hr at 600 °C. According to results Cu²⁺ gives a complex with mole ratio 1:2 of metal to ligand (ML₂) with Schiff base which a distorted square planer is the most probable geometry for it. The calculations results from XRD patterns propose the nano‐sized complexes. The SEM images show morphology of both the copper complex and the CuO powder were plate‐like. The metal chelates of Cu²⁺ in two states of bulk and nano have been screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against four bacteria, gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and three strains of fungus (Aspergillus flavus). The nano metal chelates were shown to possess more antibacterial activity than the bulk chelate. Finally, the empirical parameters of Schiff base compounds showed a good agreement with theoretical ones.     

A capable cobalt nano‐catalyst for the N‐formylation of various amines and its biological activity studies

The Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ MNPs) were modified with 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐diol and the relevant Co complex (Fe₃O₄@Phendiol@Co) synthesized as a nano‐magnetic heterogeneous catalyst to be used for the N ‐formylation of various amines at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions. Also, in order to find the better concept of the catalyst role, the N ‐formylation reaction was carried out by the use of ultrasound irradiation in the absence of the Co nano‐catalyst and the results were compared. The catalyst characterized by different methods such as the elemental analysis (CHN), ICP, FT‐IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM, TG‐DTA, VSM and XPS. In addition, the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of the Fe₃O₄@Phendiol@Co nano‐catalyst and its Phendiol ligand were in vitro screened by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and disc diffusion methods. Results showed that they possess strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀; 0.182 ± 0.006 mg/ml) and good antibacterial potential in comparison to standards.     

Synthesis,structural characterization and DNA binding affinity of new bioactive nano‐sized transition metal complexes with sulfathiazole azo dye for therapeutic applications

The azo dye ligand 4‐(5‐chloro‐2‐hydroxyphenylazo)‐N‐thiazol‐2‐ylbenzenesulfonamide (H₂L) formed by the coupling reaction of sulfathiazole and p‐chlorophenol was synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) as well as UV–visible spectra. Nano‐sized divalent Cu, Co, Ni, Mn and Zn complexes of the synthesized azo dye ligand were prepared and investigated using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Elemental and thermal analyses indicated the formation of the Cu(II), Ni(II) and Mn(II) complexes in a molar ratio of 1:2 (L:M) while Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes exhibited a 1:1 (M:L) ratio. FT‐IR spectral studies confirmed the coordination of the ligand to the metal ions through the phenolic hydroxyl oxygen, azo nitrogen, sulfonamide oxygen and/or thiazole nitrogen. The geometric arrangements around the central metal ions were investigated applying UV–visible and electron spin resonance spectra, thermogravimetric analysis and molar conductance measurements. X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed crystalline nature of H₂L and amorphous nature of all synthesized complexes. Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed nano‐sized particles and their homogeneous distribution over the complex surface. Antibacterial, antifungal and antitumour activities of the investigated complexes were screened compared with familiar standard drugs to confirm their potential therapeutic applications. The Cu(II) complex showed IC₅₀ of 3.47 μg ml^?1 (5.53 μM) against hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which means that it is a more potent anticancer drug compared with the standard cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 3.67 μg ml^?1 (12.23 μM)). Furthermore, the Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes displayed IC₅₀ greater than that of an applied standard anticancer agent (5‐flurouracil) towards breast carcinoma cells. Hence, these complexes can be considered as promising anticancer drugs. The mode of binding of the complexes with salmon serum DNA was determined through electronic absorption titration and viscosity studies.     

Eco‐compatible three component strategies for C‐S bond formation in thioether and S‐aryl‐carbamodithioate compounds catalyzed by copper(II) nanoparticles supported on modified AlPO4

One‐pot and three components C‐S bond formation reactions in thioethers and S‐aryl‐carbamodithioates have been catalyzed by a copper heterogeneous nano‐catalyst supported on modified AlPO₄ under different reaction conditions. The above‐mentioned nano‐catalyst has been characterized by various techniques such as SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, FT‐IR, UV–Vis, CV, BET, TGA, ICP and XPS spectrometry and its particle size was estimated to be between 60–110 nm. Finally, the reusability of the catalyst up to ten cycles without any significant leaching is one of the outstanding properties of the catalyst.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Spectral Properties of Two Manganese(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes with 3,4‐Dimethyl‐5‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole

Two complexes, cis‐[MnL₂(NCS)₂] ( 1 ) and cis‐[ZnL₂(NCS)₂] ( 2 ) with asymmetrical substituted triazole ligands [L = 3,4‐dimethyl‐5‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole], were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV/Vis and FT‐IR spectroscopy as well as thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), powder XRD, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the complexes, each L molecule adopts a chelating bidentate mode by the nitrogen atoms of pyridyl and triazole. Both complexes have a similar distorted octahedral [MN₆] core (M = Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺) with two NCS^– ions in the cis position.     

New organotin supramolecular complexes based on copper cyanide and auxiliary N‐donor ligands as potent inhibitors of cancer cell lines: In vitro and antioxidant experiments

The new synthesized supramolecular complexes (SC); [Cu₂(CN)₄(Et₃Sn)₂(tbpe)], 1 and [Cu₂(CN)₃(Et₃Sn)(bpe)], 2 (tbpe = trans‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethene and bpe = 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane), were characterized by elemental analyses, electrical conductance, spectroscopic studies and thermal analyses. UV–Vis spectra and magnetic moment data suggested the tetrahedral geometry around Cu(I) atoms. The structures of the SC 1 and 2 were also theoretically studied using molecular mechanics (MM+). The structures were minimized with a semi‐empirical (PM3) method. The organotin compounds represent significant advances in the clinical management of some cancer cell lines. 1 and 2 were tested as inhibitors and their citotoxicities showed potent growth inhibitory activity for hepatocellular carcinoma HePG‐2, mammary gland breast cancer MCF‐7, human prostate cancer PC3 and Colorectal carcinoma HCT‐116 cell lines. The tested compounds showed high inhibitory anti‐oxidant activity either using erythrocyte hemolysis or ABTS method.     

Ultrasonic‐assisted synthesis of supramolecular copper (II) complex a precursor for the preparation of octahedron Cu2O nanoparticles applicable in the adsorption and photodegradation of Rhodamine B

A copper (II) supramolecular coordination complex formulated as [Cu₂(μ‐ox)₂(pyz)₃]_n ( 1 ), (pyz = pyrazine and ox = oxalate) has been synthesized under ultrasound irradiation. 1 was characterized using various techniques such as elemental analyses, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD). A detailed magnetic characterization of complex 1 has been carried by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The M‐H hysteresis loop of 1 revealed a weak ferromagnetic behavior with the highest magnetization of 0.0123 emu/g at room temperature. Compound 1 was used as an inorganic precursor to prepare Cu₂O nanoparticles through thermal decomposition at 600 °C. The obtained Cu₂O has been characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of SEM showed octahedron Cu₂O nanoparticles with the edge lengths from 5–80 nm. Also, the adsorption ability and the photocatalytic activity of octahedral Cu₂O nanoparticles in the removal of rhodamine B (RB) have been investigated. The results showed that the obtained octahedral Cu₂O nanoparticles are effective in adsorption and degradation of rhodamine B from contaminated water sources. The maximum adsorption capacity and degradation efficiency of Cu₂O nanoparticles were 83.3 mg/g and 91.7%, respectively. It was also found that in comparison with the commercial Cu₂O, our fabricated Cu₂O nanoparticles exhibit higher catalytic activity.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties of a new tri‐nuclear iron (II,III) complex,a precursor for the preparation of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles applicable in the removal of Cd2+

This study reports the structural and spectroscopic characterization of a novel metal organic compound formulated as [Fe (bpy)₃] [Fe (dipic)₂]₂.7H₂O ( 1 ) (dipic = pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate and bpy = 2,2^′‐bipyridine). 1 was investigated by elemental analysis, FT‐IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction and single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD), which revealed a triclinic structure of expected composition. Thermal degradation of 1 was also investigated. Complex 1 was used as a precursor to prepare superparamagnetic nanoparticles of Fe₃O₄ by thermal analysis. The obtained Fe₃O₄ was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were used as a nano‐adsorbent to remove Cd²⁺ from water at room temperature. The results showed that this nano‐adsorbent is effective in removing Cd²⁺ from contaminated water sources, and that the maximal effectivity of adsorption occurs at pH = 6. Magnetic measurements of complex 1 and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles at room temperature revealed paramagnetic and superparamagnetic behavior, respectively.     

The gelation of hydroxypropyl guar gum by nano‐ZrO2

In the study, hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG) gel is prepared by using Nano‐ZrO₂ particles as the cross‐linking agent. The Nan‐ZrO₂ particles are prepared by using oil‐water interface method. The physical properties such as morphology, particle size, and crystal structure of the Nano‐ZrO₂ particles are analyzed by SEM, particle size analyzer, FT‐IR, and XRD, respectively. The results show that the Nano‐ZrO₂ particles are spherical particles with a little agglomeration; these spherical particles have a tetragonal structure and higher crystallinity, and the mean diameter of the first‐level grain is 24 nm. The rheological properties including shear stress, complex modulus, elasticity modulus (G′), and viscosity modulus (G′′) of the Nano‐ZrO₂ cross‐linked HPG gel are investigated. The results show that the Nano‐ZrO₂ cross‐linked HPG gel is a pseudo‐plastic non‐Newtonian fluid with higher elastic modulus (G′ > G′′) and lower tanδ (tanδ < 1, the ratio of viscous and elastic modulus), which indicate that the Nano‐ZrO₂ cross‐linked HPG gel may have potential application in fracturing.     

Zinc‐containing ionic liquid as a dual solvent‐catalyst in base‐free condensations under ultrasonic irradiation

In this study, natural‐based ionic liquid (IL) using caffeine (Caff), trietahnolamine (TEA) and ZnBr₂, [Caff‐TEA]⁺[ZnBr₃]^?, which features high catalytic activity and environmentally‐friendly nature was synthesized with melting point of 76 °C by a facile method. The synthesized [Caff‐TEA]⁺[ZnBr₃]^? has high catalytic activity as both of catalyst and solvent in condensation reactions for the synthesis of benzylidenes, bis‐hydroxyenones and xanthenes. Synthesized IL was characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹HNMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. Also synthesized heterocycles were characterized by FT‐IR, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹HNMR) and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³CNMR).     

Waste to wealth: conversion of nano‐magnetic eggshell (Fe3O4@Eggshell) to Fe3O4@Ca(HSO4)2: cheap,green and environment‐friendly solid acid catalyst

Eggshell is a hazardous waste by European Union regulations, so that discarded thousands of tons per year. To convert waste (eggshell) to wealth (catalyst), nano‐magnetic eggshell was prepared based on the nano‐Fe₃O₄, and then the eggshell was converted to Ca(HSO₄)₂ with organic acid, namely, chlorosulfonic acid. Based on the back titration, 5.18 mmol SO₄H group was loaded per gram of the nano‐structure. Using this method eggshell was converted to cheap, green and environment‐friendly solid acid catalyst. The prepared catalyst (nano‐ Fe₃O₄@Ca(HSO₄)₂) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The activity of eggshell waste‐derived catalysts was successfully evaluated in the synthesis of value‐added products, namely indazolo[1,2‐b]‐phthalazinetrione derivatives as a benchmark multicomponent reaction. In addition, design of experiments shows that increase in amount of catalyst (and temperature), boost the reaction yield, especially with steeper slope at higher temperature.     

Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles by Allium cepa L. to produce silver nano‐coated fabric and their antimicrobial evaluation

This research work was proposed to study the antimicrobial activity of the silver nanocoated fabric with the purpose of producing good dressing and clothing material. We synthesized simple, ecofriendly, cost‐effective and sustainable silver nanoparticles by using the aqueous extract of Allium cepa L. Here, A. cepa L. acts as a good reducing and capping agent that produced stable silver nanoparticles having particle size of range 36 ± 1 to 98 ± 2 nm, Poly dispersiblity index 0.234 ± 0.61 to 1.023 ± 0.33 and Zeta potential ‐12 ± 1.5 mV to ‐26 ± 1.2 mV. The effect of temperature and extract volume used was considered for optimization of synthetic procedure. The nanocoated fabric was characterized for morphological study, size (using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and zeta‐potential (Zeta Potentiometer). The presence of functional groups were observed by using attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The crystallinity and structural property of the synthesized silver nanoparticles were studied in terms of Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). An IC₅₀ value and zone of inhibition was studied which demonstrate that the silver nanocoated fabric have an excellent antibacterial property against Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Further nanocoated fabric material was washed (with function of time 0, 10, 25, and 50 laundry cycles) and still retained their anti‐bacterial activity towards both strain. Initially there was 52 μg/ml of silver nanoparticles on the cotton fabric but after 50 laundry cycle in 500 ml of distilled water the fabric showed 92% efficiency against gram positive and 90% efficacy toward gram negative bacteria. It was found that 4.16 μg/ml nano particles leached in case of S. Aureus and 5.2 μg/mL silver nanoparticles leached in case of E. coli. Nanocoated fabric material synthesized using green synthesis was found to be economical with good resistance to washing.     

Synthesis,characterization and application of nano‐CoAl2O4 as an efficient catalyst in the preparation of hexahydroquinolines

In this work, nano‐CoAl₂O₄ was prepared and characterized by FT‐IR, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), X‐ray diffraction patterns (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Nano‐CoAl₂O₄ was applied for the synthesis of hexahydroquinoline derivatives by the condensation reaction between ethyl acetoacetate, dimedone and various aldehydes. These reactions were carried out at 80 °C under solvent‐free conditions.     

Efficient Synthesis of Novel 3‐Phenyl‐5‐thioxo‐3,4,5,6‐tetrahydroimidazo[4,5‐c]pyrazole‐2(1H)‐carbothioamide Derivatives Using a CeO2–MgO Catalyst and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity

Imidazo[4,5‐c ]pyrazole derivatives ( 3a–f , 4a–f , and 5a–f ) were efficiently synthesized by one‐pot three‐component reactions using CeO₂–MgO as the catalyst. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and mass spectroscopic analyses. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds against various bacterial and fungal strains was screened. Compound 3b was highly active [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): 0.5 μg/mL] against Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus , and compounds 3b , 3f , 4d , and 4e were highly active (MIC: 0.5, 2, 2, and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively) against Gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae , relative to standard ciprofloxacin in the antibacterial activity screening. Compounds 3b and 4f were highly active (MIC: 4 and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively) against Aspergillus fumigatus and Microsporum audouinii in the antifungal activity screening compared with the clotrimazole standard.     

Fabrication‐controlled morphology of poly(butylene succinate) nano‐microcellular foams by supercritical CO2

Poly(butylene succinate) urethane ionomer (PBSUIs) foams with nano‐microcellular morphology were fabricated using supercritical CO₂ (sc‐CO₂) at different parameters. Effect of urethane ionic group (UIG) content (ranged from 1% to 5%) on the rheology and crystallization of PBSUIs were evaluated by intrinsic, dynamic rheological, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry measurements. The results show that the complex viscosity of PBSUIs vastly improved, while their intrinsic viscosity and crystallinity decreased. They also evidenced that CO₂ promoted the formation of crystallites in the amorphous and increased the X_c of PBSU and PBSUIs foams. Scanning electron microscope was employed to explore the influences of UIG content and foaming parameters on the morphologies of PBSUIs microcellular foams, and it revealed that UIG content was the dominated factor. The cell size and cell densities of PBSUIs microcellular foams were smaller than 5.0 micrometers and higher than 1.5 × 10¹⁰ cells/cm³, respectively, even foamed at diverse variations of foam temperature and pressure. Interestingly, PBSUIs with 3% and 5% UIG content achieved microcellular foams in nano‐cells, high‐stretched elliptical shape. The mechanism was ascribed that these PBSUIs with high melt viscosities could retard the CO₂ bubbles to merge during the foam process and induce the cells to stretch and orient in depressururization direction. This study proposed a novel method for fabricating PBS nano‐microcellular foams.     

β‐cyclodextrin‐based polymeric nano‐receptor: the self‐assembly of cyclodextrin‐appended comb‐copolymer

Well‐defined β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD)‐appended biocompatible comb‐copolymer ethyl cellulose‐graft‐poly (ε‐caprolactone) (EC‐g‐PCL) was synthesized via the combination of ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and click chemistry. The resulting products were characterized by ¹H NMR, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and GPC. The synthesized comb‐copolymer could assemble to micelles, with the surface covered by β‐CD. The inclusion with ferrocene derivation was investigated by cyclic voltammetric (CV) experiments, which indicated the potential application of the micelles as nano‐receptors for molecule recognization and controlled drug release. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surface Modification of Nano－SiO2 by Grafting PMMA／PBA

The surface of nano-SiO2 was modified by being encapsulated with hydroxy-propyl-methyl cellulose (HPMC), and then co-grafted with acrylates. The grafting conditions, such as pH of the medium, and initiator concentration have been studied. The modified nano-SiO2 particles were characterized by TEM, DSC and FT-IR spectra. TEM images show that the surface of the nano-particles has been successfully modified by a thick layer of film-like polymer in this way. The DSC results show that the decomposition temperature of modified nano-particles of SIO2 is 90 ℃ higher than that of grafted-on polymer. According to the FT-IR spectra, It is convinced that poly-methyl methacrylate ( PMMA ) and poly-acrylic butyl-ester ( PBA ) were co-grafted onto the surface of nano-SiO2.     

Nano‐emulsion use for the synthesis of polyaniline nano‐grains or nano‐fibers

We report that nano‐emulsions can be creatively used as a morphology selective synthesis method to prepare not only nano‐grains but also nano‐fibers with high selectivity. Synthesis of the two different morphological materials was demonstrated using polyaniline synthesis as a model case. Polyaniline nano‐grains were synthesized from aniline molecules in nano‐size aqueous droplets as polymerization sites whose droplets were generated by inverse water‐in‐oil nano‐emulsion use, and polyaniline nano‐fibers were synthesized from aniline in aqueous nano‐dimensional channels as polymerization sites whose channels were generated by direct oil‐in‐water nano‐emulsion use containing high population of oil droplets. Using the approaches, we successfully synthesized nano‐fibers of 60 nm diameter with 0.5 µm length and also nano‐grains having diameter of 60–80 nm. The two different polymerization sites of nano‐scale dimension were made by changing the ratio among surfactant, aqueous aniline/HCl solution, and oil, i.e. organic solvent. We found the nano‐fibers synthesized from the channels formed by the direct oil‐in‐water nano‐emulsion have higher bulk electrical conductivity than the nano‐grains which were synthesized from the droplets formed by the inverse water‐in‐oil emulsion. We also found that the emulsion use allows us to use a room temperature synthesis unlike conventional synthesis methods which require to use ice bath temperature. Physical properties of both nano‐fibers and nano‐grains synthesized were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV–Vis spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and four probes conductivity measurement. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.