Bifunctional nanostructure of magnetic core luminescent shell and its application as solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensor material

Bifunctional nanoarchitecture has been developed by combining the magnetic iron oxide and the luminescent Ru(bpy)32+ encapsulated in silica. First, the iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with silica, which was used to isolate the magnetic nanoparticles from the outer-shell encapsulated Ru(bpy)32+ to prevent luminescence quenching. Then onto this core an outer shell of silica containing encapsulated Ru(bpy)32+ was grown through the St?ber method. Highly luminescent Ru(bpy)32+ serves as a luminescent marker, while magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles allow external manipulation by a magnetic field. Since Ru(bpy)32+ is a typical electrochemiluminescence (ECL) reagent and it could still maintain such property when encapsulated in the bifunctional nanoparticle, we explored the feasibility of applying the as-prepared nanostructure to fabricating an ECL sensor; such method is simple and effective. We applied the prepared ECL sensor not only to the typical Ru(bpy)32+ co-reactant tripropylamine (TPA), but also to the practically important polyamines. Consequently, the ECL sensor shows a wide linear range, high sensitivity, and good stability.     

Preparation of magnetic polymer particles with nanoparticles of Fe(0)

Iron nanoparticles (Fe(0)), were encapsulated into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), by means of emulsion polymerization techniques in a semicontinuous process. The final average diameter of the composite particle was calculated until three times of average particle of iron particles and were stabilized with a non-ionic surfactant. They were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Their magnetic properties were determined by parallel field vibrating-sample magnetometry method. The results indicated that the magnetic properties are a function of polymer concentration in the nanocomposite particle.     

Preparation of fluorescent magnetic nanodiamonds and cellular imaging

Magnetic nanodiamonds were prepared via solid-state microwave arcing of a nanodiamond-ferrocene mixed powder in a focused microwave oven. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images show that a magnetic nanodiamond is composed of iron nanoparticles encapsulated by graphene layers on the surface of nanodiamonds. Fluorescence property was introduced onto magnetic nanodiamonds by chemical modification of magnetic nanodiamonds via surface grafting of poly(acrylic acids) and fluorescein o-methacrylate. Fluorescent magnetic nanodiamonds are water soluble with a solubility of approximately 2.1 g/L. Cellular-imaging experiments show that fluorescent magnetic nanodiamonds could be ingested by HeLa cells readily in the absence of agonist (i.e., folate) moieties on the surface of nanodiamonds.     

Preparation of magnetic polystyrene latex via the miniemulsion polymerization technique

Magnetic iron oxide (magnetite, Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles were encapsulated with polystyrene to give a stable water‐based magnetic polymer latex, using the miniemulsion polymerization technique. The resulting magnetic latexes were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), vibrating sample magnetometer measurements (VSM), and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements. TEM revealed that all magnetite nanoparticles were embedded in the polymer spheres, leaving no empty polystyrene particles. The distribution of magnetite particles within the polystyrene spheres was inhomogeneous, showing an uneven polar appearance. The DLS measurements indicated a bimodal size distribution for the particles in the latexes. According to our magnetometry and Mössbauer spectroscopy data, the encapsulated magnetite particles conserve their superparamagnetic feature when they are separated in the polymer matrix. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4802–4808, 2004     

β-Cyclodextrin assisted one-pot synthesis of mesoporous magnetic Fe3O4@C and their excellent performance for the removal of Cr Ⅵ from aqueous solutions

Mesoporous magnetic Fe3O4@C nanoparticles have been synthesized by a one-pot approach and used as adsorbents for removal of Cr (Ⅳ) from aqueous solution. Magnetic iron oxide nanostructured materials encapsulated by carbon were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), nitrogen adsorption and desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The adsorption performance of the nanomaterial adsorbents is tested with the removal of Cr (Ⅳ) from aqueous solution. The results reveal that the mesoporous magnetic Fe3O4@C nanospheres exhibit excellent adsorption efficiency and be easily isolated by an external magnetic field. In comparison with magnetic Fe3O4 nanospheres, the mesoporous magnetic Fe3O4@C exhibited 1.8 times higher removal rate of Cr Ⅵ. Themesoporous structure and an abundance of hydroxy groups on the carbon surfacemay be responsible for high absorbent capability.     

Two-dimensional nanoparticle arrays derived from ferritin monolayers

A scalable technique for making silica coatings with embedded two-dimensional arrays of iron oxide nanoparticles is presented. The iron oxide nanoparticle arrays were formed by depositing quasi-crystalline ferritin layers, an iron storage protein with an iron oxide mineral core, on solid substrates by a spread-coating technique based on evaporation-induced convective assembly. The layer of protein molecular arrays was then encapsulated in a silica matrix film deposited from a sol precursor. The organic protein shell of the ferritin molecules was then removed by controlled pyrolysis, leaving ordered iron oxide cores bound in the silica matrix. This article is the first report on combining convective self-assembly of proteins with sol-gel techniques of oxide film formation. The technique is technologically feasible and scalable to make coatings of encapsulated ordered magnetic clusters tens of cm(2) or larger in size.     

Magnetic Polymer Composite Particles Via In situ Inverse Miniemulsion Polymerization Process

We aimed at preparing magnetic iron oxide particles by the oxidation-precipitation method in order to encapsulate these particles in polymer matrices composed of poly(acrylamide-styrene sulfonic acid sodium salt). Nanocomposites were synthesized by the incorporation of surface treated magnetic nanoparticles in the synthesized polymers via in situ inverse mini-emulsion polymerization process. The study parameter was the ionic monomer content in the synthesized polymers. The structure and the morphology of the magnetic nanogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR and XRD showed that pure magnetite was formed and successfully encapsulated in the composite nanoparticles. The polymer encapsulation could reduce the susceptibility to leaching and could protect the magnetite particle surfaces from oxidation. The ionic monomer content had a great effect on the magnetization behavior. Magnetite prepared by the oxidation precipitation method, of 50 nm mean particle size, was embedded successfully into the polymer nanogels with a reasonable magnetic response, as proved by vibrating sample magnetometer measurement. Magnetic nanocomposites were proven to be super-ferromagnetic materials.     

Instantaneous drug delivery of magnetic/thermally sensitive nanospheres by a high-frequency magnetic field

Novel dual-functional nanospheres composed of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles embedded in a thermo-sensitive Pluronic F127 (F127) matrix were successfully synthesized by an in situ coprecipitation process. The nanospheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Experimental observations indicated that the F127 was subjected to a rapid structural change when the magnetic phase caused rapid heating after a short exposure to a high-frequency magnetic field. During the field duration, considerable volume shrinkage of the nanospheres (2.3-fold diameter reduction) was detected. This has been translated to an instantaneous release of a drug, Doxorubicin (DOX), when the DOX was encapsulated within the nanospheres. Such a rapidly responsive release of the DOX from the nanospheres was due to an intimate contact between the nanomagnet and F127, where an effective thermal and mechanical transfer between core and shell phases efficiently took place in the presence of the magnetic field.     

Small‐Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) Study of Magneto‐Vesicles

Small‐angle neutron scattering from magneto‐vesicles (MVs) prepared by extrusion was studied. Contrast variation allowed the determination of structure and sizes of the vesicles and the encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles, respectively. The results from MVs synthesized with a 0.3% volume fraction of citrate‐coated magnetic nanoparticles are compared to those of similarly prepared vesicles of the neutral lipid 1,2‐Dioleoyl‐sn‐Glycero‐3‐Phosphocholine (DOPC) (without magnetic particles), and magnetic particles not encapsulated in vesicles. It is observed that the bilayers of the as‐prepared MVs, and the encapsulated nanoparticles retain their structural properties, highlighting the suitability of the MVs for applications.     

Multifunctional particles: Magnetic nanocrystals and gold nanorods coated with fluorescent dye-doped silica shells

Multifunctional colloidal core-shell nanoparticles of magnetic nanocrystals (of iron oxide or FePt) or gold nanorods encapsulated in silica shells doped with the fluorescent dye, Tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)dichlororuthenium(II) hexahydrate (Rubpy) were synthesized. The as-prepared magnetic nanocrystals are initially hydrophobic and were coated with silica using a microemulsion approach, while the as-prepared gold nanorods are hydrophilic and were coated with silica using a Stöber type of process. Each approach yielded monodisperse nanoparticles with uniform fluorescent dye-doped silica shells. These colloidal heterostructures have the potential to be used as dual-purpose tags—exhibiting a fluorescent signal that could be combined with either dark-field optical contrast (in the case of the gold nanorods), or enhanced contrast in magnetic resonance images (in the case of magnetic nanocrystal cores). The optical and magnetic properties of the fluorescent silica-coated gold nanorods and magnetic nanocrystals are reported.     

A general methodology for the synthesis of transition metal pnictide nanoparticles from pnictate precursors and its application to iron-phosphorus phases

Nanoparticles of iron phosphide have been prepared through a new strategy involving the reductive annealing of nanoparticulate iron phosphate precursors cast onto atomically flat mica surfaces. This route appears to be general for a range of transition metals and pnicogens and avoids the use of highly toxic and pyrophoric agents such as Pn(SiMe3)3 (Pn = P, As), which are commonly employed in the synthesis of pnictide nanoparticles.     

Chemical routes for production of transition-metal phosphides on the nanoscale: implications for advanced magnetic and catalytic materials

Nanoparticulate transition-metal phosphides remain an unexplored, though emerging area of interest on the materials landscape, due principally to their promising magnetic and catalytic properties. This review describes synthetic strategies for the formation of both supported and unsupported transition-metal phosphide nanoparticles, provides a summary of their relevant magnetic and catalytic properties, and indicates new directions for exploration.     

Embedding magnetic nanoparticles into polysaccharide-based hydrogels for magnetically assisted bioseparation.

Based on the preparation of biocompatible polysaccharide-based hydrogels with stimuli-responsive properties by the copolymerization of maleilated carboxymethyl chitosan with N-isopropylacrylamide, novel magnetic hybrid hydrogels were fabricated by the in situ embedding of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles into the porous hydrogel networks. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses showed that the size, morphology, and content of the iron oxide nanoparticles formed could be modulated by controlling the amount of maleilated carboxymethyl chitosan. As confirmed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), equilibrium swelling ratio, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, the embedding process did not induce a phase change of the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and the resultant hybrid hydrogels could retain the pH- and temperature-responsive characteristics of their hydrogel precursors. By investigating the partition coefficients of bovine serum albumin as a model protein, this magnetic hydrogel material was found to hold a potential application in magnetically assisted bioseparation.     

Iron oxide coated gold nanorods: synthesis, characterization, and magnetic manipulation

We report a simple process to generate iron oxide coated gold nanorods. Gold nanorods, synthesized by our three-step seed mediated protocol, were coated with a layer of polymer, poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate). The negatively charged polymer on the nanorod surface electrostatically attracted a mixture of aqueous iron(II) and iron(III) ions. Base-mediated coprecipitation of iron salts was used to form uniform coatings of iron oxide nanoparticles onto the surface of gold nanorods. The magnetic properties were studied using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer, which indicated superparamagnetic behavior of the composites. These iron oxide coated gold nanorods were studied for macroscopic magnetic manipulation and were found to be weakly magnetic. For comparison, premade iron oxide nanoparticles, attached to gold nanorods by electrostatic interactions, were also studied. Although control over uniform coating of the nanorods was difficult to achieve, magnetic manipulation was improved in the latter case. The products of both synthetic methods were monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta potential measurements, and transmission electron microscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to determine the oxidation state of iron in the gold nanorod-iron oxide composites, which is consistent with Fe2O3 rather than Fe3O4. The simple method of iron oxide coating is general and applicable to different nanoparticles, and it enables magnetic field-assisted ordering of assemblies of nanoparticles for different applications.     

Pentenoic Acid-Stabilized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Nanomedicine Applications

One-pot magnetic nanoparticles capped with pentenoic acid were prepared by co-precipitation process of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ in the presence of ammonium hydroxide solution. The morphology and the hydrodynamic diameter of the prepared nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering, while stability, surface charge, and magnetic properties were assessed through thermogravimetric analysis, zeta potential, and a vibrating sample magnetometer, respectively. The type of interaction between iron nanoparticles and the carboxylate head of pentenoic acid was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). It indicates the existence of a bidentate chelation and pentenoic acid is not only adsorbed on the iron nanoparticles, but to some extent the nanoparticles are chemically bonded. When an alternating magnetic field is applied, magnetic materials are observed to heat as a result of relaxation. The heat generated from samples was examined by exposing a suspension containing 20% and 30% nanoparticles for an alternating current (AC) magnetic field. Our results demonstrate that the simplification of the synthetic methodology for magnetic nanoparticles with a high specific absorption rate (SAR) shows potential for hyperthermia application.     

MOF-Mediated Fabrication of a Porous 3D Superstructure of Carbon Nanosheets Decorated with Ultrafine Cobalt Phosphide Nanoparticles for Efficient Electrocatalysis and Zinc–Air Batteries

Superstructures have attracted great interest owing to their potential applications. Herein, we report the first scalable preparation of a porous nickel-foam-templated superstructure of carbon nanosheets decorated with ultrafine cobalt phosphide nanoparticles. Uniform two-dimensional (2D) Co-metal organic framework (MOF) nanosheets (Co-MNS) grow on nickel foam, followed by a MOF-mediated tandem (carbonization/phosphidation) pyrolysis. The resulting superstructure has a porous 3D interconnected network with well-arranged 2D carbon nanosheets on it, in which ultrafine cobalt phosphide nanoparticles are tightly immobilized. A single piece of this superstructure can be directly used as a self-supported electrode for electrocatalysis without any binders. This “one-piece” porous superstructure with excellent mass transport and electron transport properties, and catalytically active cobalt phosphide nanoparticles with ultrasmall size (3–4 nm), shows excellent trifunctional electrocatalytic activities for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), achieving great performances in water splitting and Zn–air batteries.     

Synthesis of carbon encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles with giant coercivity by a spray pyrolysis approach

Carbon encapsulated magnetic (metal) nanoparticles (CEMNPs) have wide applications in biomedicine and the magnetic recording industry. However, synthesis of such particles with a high coercive force and good ferromagnetism is still a great challenge. The present study reports a new method for the continuous production of CEMNPs of high purity. This involves the spray pyrolysis of a mixture of iron pentacarbonyl and ethanol at 500-900 degrees C. Results show that the Fe (or Fe3C) particles synthesized at 700 and 900 degrees C were well encapsulated by graphitic layers with rare byproducts such as carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, or bulk amorphous carbon. Those synthesized at 700 degrees C had a particle size of 30-50 nm, a giant coercive force of 867 Oe, and a good magnetic remanence of 33% at room temperature. The present approach based on spray pyrolysis is advantageous over previous ones in suitability for large-scale production, and the synthesized material has wide applications in many fields.     

Preparation of Surface-Imprinted Polymer Magnetic Nanoparticles with Miniemulsion Polymerization for Recognition of Salicylic Acid

Molecular surface-imprinted polymers nanoparticles encapsulating magnetite modified with oleic acid, for recognition of salicylic acid was prepared by three-step miniemulsion polymerization. The important factors including polymerization process, solvents, miniemulsifying approaches, and co-stabilizer have been investigated to obtain magnetic molecular imprinting polymers (MMIPs) nanoparticles (NPs) with high saturation magnetization (Ms), regular morphology, and good monodispersion. The results showed that the amount of magnetite encapsulated in MMIPs NPs was 43.4 wt% and Ms was 33.584 emu/g. Thus, MMIPs NPs could be separated easily within 2 minutes by an external magnetic field. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed MMIPs NPs were of regular sphere with core-shell structure, where magnetite NPs were uniformly encapsulated in homogeneous polymer shells. The average diameter of MMIPs NPs was 98 nm with RSD of 6.6%. Good recognition and high loading of target molecule were achieved by MMIPs NPs in batch rebinding tests.     

Infrared laser synthesis and properties of magnetic nano‐iron–polyoxocarbosilane composites

Nano‐magnetic, thermally stable iron‐based composites were obtained by a one‐step procedure consisting of continuous‐wave infrared laser‐induced and ethylene‐sensitized co‐pyrolysis of gaseous iron pentacarbonyl and hexamethyldisiloxane in argon. The simultaneously occurring formation of iron from iron pentacarbonyl and that of organosilicon polymer from hexamethyldisiloxane yield iron nanoparticles surrounded by an organosilicon polymer shell. The particles were characterized by spectral analyses, electron microscopy, thermal gravimetry and magnetic measurements. They become superficially oxidized in the atmosphere. Their composition, thermal behaviour and magnetic properties depend on the flow rates of the precursors and the total pressure of the procedure. Magnetization curves, exchange bias H_ex at T = 5 K and AC susceptibility were studied in the temperature range 5–400 K. The values of H_ex verified the observed degree of the particle surface oxidation. The system of the iron nanoparticles is in a ferromagnetic blocked state and the temperature dependence of the coercivity and susceptibility is in accord with the transmission electron microscopy data. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quantized Double‐Layer Charging of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on a‐Si:H Controlled by Charged Defects in a‐Si:H

Sequential single‐electron charging of iron oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in oleic acid/oleyl amine envelope and deposited by the Langmuir‐Blodgett technique onto Pt electrode covered with undoped hydrogenated amorphous silicon film (a‐Si:H) is reported. Quantized double‐layer charging of nanoparticles is detected by cyclic voltammetry as current peaks and the charging effect can be switched on/off by the excess of negative/positive charged defect states in the a‐Si:H layer. The particular charge states in a‐Si:H are created by the simultaneous application of a suitable bias voltage and illumination before the measurement.