Monomer Protonation‐Dependent Surface Polymerization to Achieve One‐Step Grafting Cross‐Linked Poly(4‐Vinylpyridine) Onto Core–Shell Fe3O4@SiO2 Nanoparticles

Functional polymer‐grafting silica nanoparticles hold great promise in diverse applications such as molecule recognition, drug delivery, and heterogeneous catalysis due to high density and uniform distribution of functional groups and their tunable spatial distance. However, conventional grafting methods from monomers mainly consist of one or more extra surface modification steps and a subsequent surface polymerization step. A monomer protonation‐dependent surface polymerization strategy is proposed to achieve one‐step uniform surface grafting of cross‐linked poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) onto core–shell Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanostructures. At an approximate pH, partially protonated 4VP sites in aqueous solution can be strongly adsorbed onto deprotonated silanol groups ( Si O⁻) onto Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanospheres to ensure prior polymerization of these protonated 4VP sites exclusively onto Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles and subsequent polymerization of other 4VP and divinylbenzene monomers harvested by these protonated 4VP monomers onto Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles, thereby achieving direct grafting of cross‐linked P4VP macromolecules onto Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles.     

Facile Hydrogen‐Bond‐Assisted Polymerization and Immobilization Method to Synthesize Hierarchical Fe3O4@Poly(4‐vinylpyridine‐co‐divinylbenzene)@Au Nanostructures and Their Catalytic Applications

Hierarchical Fe₃O₄@poly(4‐vinylpyridine‐co‐divinylbenzene)@Au (Fe₃O₄@P(4‐VP–DVB)@Au) nanostructures were fabricated successfully by means of a facile two‐step synthesis process. In this study, well‐defined core–shell Fe₃O₄@P(4‐VP–DVB) microspheres were first prepared with a simple polymerization method, in which 4‐VP was easily polymerized on the surface of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles by means of strong hydrogen‐bond interactions between ? COOH groups on poly(acrylic acid)‐modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and a 4‐VP monomer. HAuCl₄ was adsorbed on the chains of a P(4‐VP) shell and then reduced to Au nanoparticles by NaBH₄, which were embedded into the P(4‐VP) shell of the composite microspheres to finally form the Fe₃O₄@P(4‐VP–DVB)@Au nanostructures. The obtained Fe₃O₄@P(4‐VP–DVB)@Au catalysts with different Au loadings were applied in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) and exhibited excellent catalytic activity (up to 3025 h^?1 of turnover frequency), facile magnetic separation (up to 31.9 emu g^?1 of specific saturation magnetization), and good durability (over 98 % of conversion of 4‐NP after ten runs of recyclable catalysis and almost negligible leaching of Au).     

Hiyama cross‐coupling reaction using Pd(II) nanocatalyst immobilized on the surface of Fe3O4@SiO2

We report a simple process for the synthesis of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTMS (APTMS = 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane) core–shell nanocatalyst support. The new nanocatalyst was prepared by stabilization of Pd(cdha)₂ (cdha = bis(2‐chloro‐3,4‐dihydroxyacetophenone)) on the surface of the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTMS support. The structure and composition of this catalyst were characterized using various techniques. An efficient method was developed for the synthesis of a wide variety of biaryl compounds via fluoride‐free Hiyama cross‐coupling reactions of aryl halides with arylsiloxane, with Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTMS/Pd(cdha)₂ as the catalyst under reaction conditions. This methodology can be performed at 100°C through a simple one‐pot operation using in situ generated palladium nanoparticles. High catalytic activity, quick separation of catalyst from products using an external magnetic field and use of water as green solvent are attributes of this protocol.     

Copper(II) Schiff Base Complex Immobilized on Superparamagnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 as a Magnetically Separable Nanocatalyst for Oxidation of Alkenes and Alcohols

A new heterogeneous catalyst containing a copper(II) Schiff base complex covalently immobilized on the surface of silica‐coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐Schiff base‐Cu(II)) was synthesized. Characterization of this catalyst was performed using various techniques. The catalytic potential of the catalyst was investigated for the oxidation of various alkenes (styrene, α‐methylstyrene, cyclooctene, cyclohexene and norbornene) and alcohols (benzyl alcohol, 3‐methoxybenzyl alcohol, 3‐chlorobenzyl alcohol, benzhydrol and n ‐butanol) using tert ‐butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant. The catalytic investigations revealed that Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐Schiff base‐Cu(II) was especially efficient for the oxidation of norbornene and benzyl alcohol. The results showed that norbornene epoxide and benzoic acid were obtained with 100 and 87% selectivity, respectively. Moreover, simple magnetic recovery from the reaction mixture and reuse for several times with no significant loss in catalytic activity were other advantages of this catalyst     

Synthesis of a highly active amino‐functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2/APTS/Ru magnetic nanocomposite catalyst for hydrogenation reactions

An amino‐functionalized silica‐coated Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTS) was synthesized. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ microspheres possessed a well‐defined core–shell structure, uniform sizes and high magnetization. An immobilized ruthenium nanoparticle catalyst (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTS/Ru) was obtained after coordination and reduction of Ru³⁺ on the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTS nanocomposite. The Ru nanoparticles were not only ultra‐small with nearly monodisperse sizes but also had strong affinity with the surface of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTS. The obtained catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance for the hydrogenation of a variety of aromatic nitro compounds, even at room temperature. Moreover, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTS/Ru was easily recovered using a magnetic field and directly reused for at least five cycles without significant loss of its activity.     

Nitrogen‐Enriched Fe3O4@Carbon Nanospheres Derived from Fe3O4@3‐Aminophenol/Formaldehyde Resin Nanospheres Based on a Facile Hydrothermal Strategy: Towards a Robust Catalyst Scaffold for Platinum Nanocrystals

Robust nitrogen‐enriched Fe₃O₄@carbon nanospheres have been fabricated as a catalyst scaffold for Pt nanoparticles. In this work, core–shell Fe₃O₄@3‐aminophenol/formaldehyde (APF) nanocomposites were first synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method, and subsequently carbonized to Fe₃O₄@N‐Carbon nanospheres for in situ growth of Pt nanocrystals. Abundant amine groups were distributed uniformly onto Fe₃O₄@N‐Carbon nanospheres, which not only improved the dispersity and stability of the Pt nanocrystals, but also endowed the Pt‐based catalysts with good compatibility in organic solvents. The dense three‐dimensional cross‐linked carbon shell protects the Fe₃O₄ cores against damage from harsh chemical environments, even in aqueous HCl (up to 1.0 m ) or NaOH (up to 1.0 m ) solutions under ultrasonication for 24 hours, which indicates that it can be used as a robust catalyst scaffold. In the reduction of nitrobenzene compounds, the Fe₃O₄@N‐Carbon@Pt nanocatalysts show outstanding catalytic activity, stability, and recoverability.     

Magnetically recoverable copper nanorods and their catalytic activity in Ullmann cross‐coupling reaction

A novel polydentate ligand supported on Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ was designed and demonstrated for the synthesis of Cu nanorods. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/EP.EN.EG@Cu was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/EP.EN.EG@Cu showed excellent catalytic efficiency for the cross‐coupling reaction of nitrogen‐containing heterocycles with aryl halides. The catalyst could be effectively separated from the reaction mixture by simply applying an external magnetic field and reused at least five times without loss of activity.     

可回收Fe3O4@SiO2-Ag磁性纳米微球对染料污染物的快速脱色处理

介绍了一种采用无毒廉价的前驱物制备Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Ag磁性纳米微球的快捷方法,制备的Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Ag纳米微球在NaBH₄存在下可以催化还原染料污染物.实验结果表明,Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Ag磁性纳米粒子保持了Ag纳米粒子和Fe₃O₄纳米粒子的双重优点,不仅对染料罗丹明B和曙红Y具有良好的催化还原效率,而且可以在外加磁场作用下从溶液中快速有效的分离.催化还原反应速率与反应温度及Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Ag催化剂用量有关,反应体系中表面活性剂和无机盐(Na₂SO₄)的存在也会影响催化剂的催化活性.该Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Ag磁性纳米粒子在工业染料污染物处理方面具有应用前景.     

Improvement on physical properties of polyethersulfone membranes modified by poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone) grafted magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles

Polyethersulfone (PES) and poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) were used to prepare ultrafiltration membranes with grafted Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (PVP‐g‐Fe₃O₄@SiO₂). The structure of synthesized PVP‐g‐Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ was confirmed by FT‐IR and SEM analysis. Physical properties of blend membranes such as thermal resistance, Tensile strength, water uptake, and hydrophilicity were also investigated. Blended membranes of PES/PVP‐g‐Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ have exhibited higher thermal resistance due to increasing the modified nanoparticle content. The hydrophilicity of the synthesized PES/PVP‐g‐Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ membranes also improved by increasing the PVP‐g‐Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ content. As expected, increasing the hydrophilicity of blended membrane, caused enhancement of fouling resistance in membranes. Results showed that the content of PVP‐g‐Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ has different effects on the properties of synthesized composite membranes. Despite increasing the content of PVP‐g‐Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ has a negative effect on elongation, positive effects on maximum stress was observed. Moreover, the water uptake of synthesized membranes was significantly enhanced in comparison to other similar studies.     

Preparation and characterization of palladium immobilized on silica‐coated Fe3O4 and its catalytic performance for Suzuki reaction under microwave irradiation

Supported palladium catalyst (Pd/Fe₃O₄@SiO₂) was easily prepared by supporting PdCl₂ on silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles Fe₃O₄ in ethylene glycol. The as‐prepared sample was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The formation of active specie Pd(0) was confirmed by XRD and XPS, and the Pd loading for the fresh and recovered catalyst was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Pd/Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ was employed for the synthesis of biphenyl derivatives via Suzuki reaction. In terms of the yield of biphenyl, the supported catalyst displayed nearly equal catalytic performance to that of homologous PdCl₂ under microwave irradiation for 30 min but higher than that obtained by traditional heating method for 12 h. The catalytic performance of Pd/Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ for Suzuki reactions involving various aryl halides and arylboronic acids were also examined. Impressive yield of biphenyl at 68.2% was obtained even in the presence of unreactive aryl chlorides. Pd/Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ was recovered by a permanent magnet and directly reused in the next run, and no obvious deactivation was observed for up to 6 times. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Carbazole‐based conjugated polymer covalently coated Fe3O4 nanoparticle as efficient and reversible Hg2+ optical probe

A type of fluorescent–magnetic dual‐function nanocomposite, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@P‐2, was successfully obtained by Cu⁺‐catalyzed click reaction between acetylene (C?C? H)‐substituted carbazole‐based conjugated polymer ( P‐2) and azide‐terminated silica‐coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–N₃). Optical and magnetization analyses indicate that Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@P‐2 exhibits stable fluorescence and rapid magnetic response. The fluorescence of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@P‐2 was quenched significantly in the presence of I^? and gave a detection limit (DL) of ～8.85 × 10^?7 M. Given the high binding constant and matching ratio between Hg²⁺ and I^?, the fluorescence of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@P‐2/I^? complex recovered efficiently with the addition of Hg²⁺. A DL of ～4.17 × 10^?7 M was obtained by this probing system. Recycling of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@P‐2 probe was readily achieved by simple magnetic separation. Results indicate that Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@P‐2 can be used as an “on–off–on” fluorescent switchable and recyclable Hg²⁺ probe. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3636–3645     

ZnCl2 supported on Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell nanocatalyst for the synthesis of quinolines via Friedländer synthesis under solvent‐free condition

A magnetic nanocatalyst of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/ZnCl₂ was prepared by supporting ZnCl₂ on silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles of Fe₃O₄. This recoverable catalyst was used for the synthesis of quinolines via Friedländer synthesis from 2‐aminoaryl ketones and α‐methylene ketones under solvent‐free condition. The prepared catalyst was characterized by FT‐IR, TEM, SEM, XRD, EDX, ICP‐OES, VSM and BET. It was found that Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/ZnCl₂ showed higher catalytic activity than homogenous ZnCl₂, and could be reused several times without significant loss of activity.     

Fabrication of Fe3O4@SiO2 nanocomposites to enhance anticorrosion performance of epoxy coatings

SiO₂‐coated Fe₃O₄ (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂) nanocomposites were prepared by sol–gel method, and the anticorrosion performance of composite coatings was discussed. The structure of the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanocomposites was verified through Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Composite epoxy coatings with same concentrations of Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ were measured by scanning electron microscopy contact angle meter. More importantly, the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanocomposites not only obtained a homogeneous dispersion and compatibility in epoxy resin but also exhibited an obvious superiority in enhancing the anticorrosion performance of epoxy coatings. Furthermore, the anticorrosion mechanism of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/epoxy composite coating was tentatively discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Latent Fingerprints Enhancement Using a Functional Composite of Fe3O4@SiO2-Au

A functional composite of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Au was prepared and used for latent fingerprint detection. Material characterization results confirmed the successful fabrication of the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Au composite. In latent fingerprint detection, the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Au composite provides a better performance than commercial copper powder and also gold nanoparticles. More importantly, the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Au composite can be used in both powder and suspension forms, and also for common surfaces including glass, polyethylene bags, and paper. The favorable pH range (2.0–5.0) for the compositein finger marks detection is much wider than that of the traditional multi-metal deposition method (pH ranging from 2.0 to 3.0). The mechanism for the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Au composite in fingerprint detection was explored and discussed. This study provides a favorable choice for a one-step deposition method for latent fingerprint detection.     

Direct Electrochemistry of Hemoglobin Based on Fe3O4@SiO2 Nanoparticles Modified Electrode

A biosensor based on hemoglobin‐Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticle bioconjunctions modified indium‐tin‐oxide (Hb/Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/ITO) electrode was fabricated to determine the concentration of H₂O₂. UV‐vis absorption spectra, fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to characterize the bioconjunction of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ with Hb. Experimental results demonstrate that the immobilized Hb on the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ matrix retained its native structure well. In addition, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) are very effective in facilitating electron transfer of the immobilized enzyme, which can be attributed to the unique nanostructure and larger surface area of the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ NPs. The biosensor displayed good performance for the detection of H₂O₂ with a wide linear range from 2.03×10^?6 to 4.05×10^?3 mol/L and a detection limit of 0.32 µmol/L. The resulting biosensor exhibited fast amperometric response, good stability, reproducibility, and selectivity to H₂O₂.     

Fe3O4@SiO2‐imid‐PMAn Magnetic Porous Nanosphere as Reusable Catalyst for Synthesis of Polysubstituted Quinolines under Solvent‐free Conditions

In this research, a facile one‐pot synthesis of poly‐substituted quinoline derivatives has been demonstrated by using 2‐aminobenzophenones and ethylacetoacetate or ketones in the presence of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐imid‐PMAⁿ and Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐imid‐PMA^b nanoparticles as green and reusable catalysts under solvent‐free conditions. The reaction proceeds efficiently in excellent yields and in a state of excellent purity. The nanocatalysts can be recycled and reused for at least four times without noticeably decreasing in catalytic activity.     

Preparation of novel palladium nanoparticles supported on magnetic iron oxide and their catalytic application in the synthesis of 2‐imino‐3‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydrobenzo[d]oxazol‐5‐ols

Novel Pd nanoparticles were prepared in five successive stages: 1) preparation of the Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ MNPs), 2) coating of Fe₃O₄ MNPs with SiO₂ (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂), 3) functionalization of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ with 3‐chloropropyltrimethoxy‐ silane (CPTMS) ligand (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@CPTMS), 4) further functionalization with 3,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazole (DAT) ligand (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@CPTMS @DAT), and 5) the complexation of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@CPTMS@DAT with PdCl₂ (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@CPTMS@ DAT@Pd). Then, the obtained Pd nano‐catalyst characterized by different methods such as the elemental analysis (CHN), FT‐IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM, TG‐DTA and VSM. Finally, the Pd catalyst was applied for the synthesis of various 2‐imino‐3‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydrobenzo[d]oxazol‐5‐ols.     

Fe3O4@SiO2@l‐arginine@Pd(0): a new magnetically retrievable heterogeneous nanocatalyst with high efficiency for C–C bond formation

The surface of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles was modified using l ‐arginine as a green and available amino acid to trap palladium nanoparticles through a strong interaction between the metal nanoparticles and functional groups of the amino acid. The proposed green synthetic method takes advantage of nontoxic reagents through a simple procedure. Characterization of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@l ‐arginine@Pd(0) was done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry and inductively coupled plasma analysis. The catalytic activity of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@l ‐arginine@Pd(0) as a new nanocatalyst was investigated in C – C coupling reactions. Waste‐free, use of green medium, efficient synthesis leading to high yield of products, eco‐friendly and economic catalyst, excellent reusability of the nanocatalyst and short reaction time are the main advantages of the method presented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fe3O4@SiO2@propyl‐ANDSA: A new catalyst for the synthesis of tetrazoloquinazolines

In this paper, a mild and green protocol has been developed for the synthesis of quinazoline derivatives. The catalytic activity of 7‐aminonaphthalene‐1,3‐disulfonic acid‐functionalized magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Propyl–ANDSA) was investigated in the one‐pot synthesis of new derivatives of tetrahydrotetrazolo[1,5‐a]quinazolines and tetrahydrobenzo[h]tetrazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolines from the reaction of aldehydes, 5‐aminotetrazole, and dimedone or 6‐methoxy‐3,4‐dihyronaphtalen‐1(2H)‐one at 100 °C in H₂O/EtOH as the solvent. The catalyst was characterized before and after the organic reaction. Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Propyl–ANDSA showed remarkable advantages in comparison with previous methods. Advantages of the method presented here include easy purification, reusability of the catalyst, green and mild procedure, and synthesis of new derivatives in high yields within short reaction time.     

Superparamagnetic POT/Fe3O4 nanoparticle composites with supported Au nanoparticles as recyclable high-performance nanocatalysts

A novel method has been developed to successfully synthesize Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with tunable size and morphology supported on shells of poly(o-Toluidine)(POT) hollow microspheres. The as-prepared POT/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle composites can be used as novel and magnetic-responsive catalyst supports to produce highly efficient and recyclable noble metal catalysts. The size of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles supported on shells of POT hollow microspheres can be tuned from 4 to 12 nm by changing the concentration of Fe ions. The roles of the doping acid of POT and Zeta potentials of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and POT in the formation of the POT/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle composites were discussed. Furthermore, gold nanoparticles that were supported on the as-synthesized POT/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle composites have been achieved by utilizing the reactivity of POT towards Au ions. The size of gold nanoparticles can be tuned by altering the concentration of HAuCl₄. Finally, the catalytic activity of the obtained POT/Fe₃O₄/Au composites for 4-nitrophenol (4NP) reduction is investigated. The results demonstrate that such magnetic-responsive polymer-supported gold nanoparticles can be easily recovered and reused five times still remains high catalytic performance, which indicate their potential applications in the field of catalysis.