Synthesis and characterization of a novel Fe3O4@SiO2/bipyridinium dichloride nanocomposite and its application as a magnetic and recyclable phase-transfer catalyst in the preparation of β-azidoalcohols, β-cyanohydrins,and β-acetoxy alcohols

β-Azidoalcohols, β-cyanohydrins, and β-acetoxy alcohols have been synthesized in the presence of a Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/bipyridinium nanocomposite (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/BNC) as a novel magnetic and recyclable phase-transfer catalyst (PTC) in water. The catalyst was characterized with FT–IR, SEM, XRD, VSM, and TGA. This methodology offers several advantages, including easy work-up procedure, excellent regioselectivity, high yields, short reaction times, recyclable catalyst, easy separation of the catalyst through an external magnet and eco-friendly procedure.     

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.     

Highly stable magnetically separable copper nanocatalyst as an efficient catalyst for C(sp2)–C(sp) and C(sp2)–C(sp2) cross‐coupling reactions

A copper catalyst has been explored as an efficient and recyclable catalyst to effect Sonogashira and Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions. After modification of 2‐(((piperazin‐1‐ylmethyl)imino)methyl)phenol (PP) on the surface of amorphous silica‐coated iron oxide (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Cl) magnetic core–shell nanocomposite, copper(II) chloride was employed to synthesize the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@PP‐Cu catalyst, affording a copper loading of 1.52 mmol g⁻¹. High yield, low reaction times, non‐toxicity and recyclability of the catalyst are the main merits of this protocol. The catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, and vibrating sample magnetometry.     

Synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2-Au/Cu magnetic nanoparticles and its efficient catalytic performance for the Ullmann coupling reaction of bromamine acid

Over bimetallic Au/Cu catalyst supported on magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, water-mediated bromamine acid could be selectively converted into 4,4'-diamino-1,1'-dianthraquinonyl-3,3'-disulfonic acid (DAS) with a yield of 88.67%. The magnetic catalyst could be readily separated and reused.     

Fabrication and characterization of Fe_3O_4@SiO_2@TiO_2@Ho nanostructures as a novel and highly efficient photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollution

In this work we synthesize a novel and highly efficient photocatalyst for degradation of methyl orange and rhodamine B. In addition, a new method for synthesis of Fe_3O_4@SiO_2@TiO_2@Ho magnetic core-shell nanoparticles with spherical morphology is proposed. The crystal structures, morphology and chemical properties of the as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), energy dispersive X-ray(EDS), X-ray diffraction(XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy(DRS) and vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM) techniques. The photocatalytic activity of Fe_3O_4@SiO_2@TiO_2@Ho was investigated by degradation of methyl orange(MO) as cationic dye and rhodamine B(Rh B) as anionic dye in aqueous solution under UV/vis irradiation. The results indicate that about 92.1% of Rh B and78.4% of MO were degraded after 120 and 150 min, respectively. These degradation results show that Fe_3O_4@SiO_2@TiO_2@Ho nanoparticles are better photocatalyst than Fe3O4@Si O2@TiO 2@Ho for degradation of MO and Rh B. As well as, the catalyst shows high recovery and stability even after several separation cycles.     

Pd embedded N,S co‐doped graphene wrapped core‐shell magnetic nanospheres: Engineered stable nanocatalyst for Suzuki couplings

Designed nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped graphene wrapped magnetic core‐shell supported Pd nanoparticles were synthesized through the following steps. Firstly, Fe₃O₄ was prepared, coated with silica and then functionalized with amine groups to create a positive charge on the structure for enhancing the interaction of the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ with graphene oxide. Secondary, the pre‐catalyst wrapped with graphene to enhance adsorption of aromatic substrates through π–π stacking. Thirdly, graphene was doped with nitrogen and sulfur to increase the grafting of Pd in hybrid. Finally, Pd NPs were attached on the surface of pre‐engineered structure to produce Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@N,S‐wG@Pd which exhibited high performance in Suzuki reactions. This superior activity can be indexed to the incorporation of N and S atoms into graphene led to high anchoring and well‐dispersion of Pd NPs on the nanocomposite surface offering large amounts of active centers, that strongly increased the interaction between Pd and substrates to decreases Pd leaching.     

Preparation of novel magnetic fluorescent microspheres from copperas and fluorescence enhancement with zinc ions

The aim of this study is to develop a new method for the preparation of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–An NPs from copperas. The core–shell structures of the nanoparticles and chemical composition have been confirmed by TEM, XRD and FTIR techniques. Fluorescence Enhancement of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–An NPs with zinc ions was investigated by fluorescence emission spectra. The results indicated that the Fe₃O₄ NPs with a high purity (Total Fe 72.16 %) were obtained from copperas by chemical co-precipitation method and have a uniform spherical morphology with an average diameter of about 10 nm. The Fe₃O₄ NPs coated with silica nanoparticles were prepared, and an attempt had been made that the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ NPs were modified by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 9-anthranone successively. The recommended mole ratio of ethanol to water and the content of ammonia water added were 4:1 and 25 wt% respectively, which have an obviously effect on the combination of the final well-ordered MNPs with the amino functionalities and reactant components. The functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–An NPs have a fluorescence property and this fluorescence effect can be enhanced with the Zn²⁺ ions attachment. Meanwhile, the saturated magnetization of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–An NPs was 37.8 emug^?1 at 25 °C and this fluorescent material exhibited excellent magnetic properties. A new way was therefore provided for the comprehensive utilization of the unmarketable copperas. Moreover, the functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–An NPs have a big potential in environmental decontamination, medical technology and biological science.     

4-(4′-Diamino-di-phenyl)-sulfone supported on hollow magnetic mesoporous Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs: As a reusable and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of ethyl 2-amino-5,10-dihydro-5,10-dioxo-4-phenyl-4H benzo[g]chromene-3-carboxylates

4-(4′-diamino-di-phenyl)-sulfone supported on hollow magnetic mesoporous (HMMS) Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ NPs has been used as a novel and efficient catalyst in the preparation of ethyl 2-amino-5,10-dihydro-5,10-dioxo-4-phenyl-4H benzo[g]chromene-3-carboxylates by a simple one-pot three-component reaction of aldehydes, ethyl cyanoacetate and 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione under reflux conditions in ethanol. Wide range of products, excellent yields in short times, reusability of the catalyst, low catalyst loading and environmental benignity are some of the important features of this protocol.     

Functionalization of superparamagnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles with a Cu(II) binuclear Schiff base complex as an efficient and reusable nanomagnetic catalyst for N‐arylation of α‐amino acids and nitrogen‐containing heterocycles with aryl halides

Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles was functionalized with a binuclear Schiff base Cu(II)‐complex (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/Schiff base‐Cu(II) NPs) and used as an effective magnetic hetereogeneous nanocatalyst for the N‐arylation of α‐amino acids and nitrogen‐containig heterocycles. The catalyst, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/Schiff base‐Cu(II) NPs, was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) analyses step by step. Size, morphology, and size distribution of the nanocatalyst were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scatterings (DLS) analyses, respectively. The structure of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was checked by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of the nanocatalyst were investigated by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. Loading content as well as leaching amounts of copper supported by the catalyst was measured by inductive coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. Also, thermal studies of the nanocatalyst was studied by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) instrument. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the catalyst revealed that the copper sites are in +2 oxidation state. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/Schiff base‐Cu(II) complex was found to be an effective catalyst for C–N cross‐coupling reactions, which high to excellent yields were achieved for α‐amino acids as well as N‐hetereocyclic compounds. Easy recoverability of the catalyst by an external magnet, reusability up to eight runs without significant loss of activity, and its well stability during the reaction are among the other highlights of this catalyst.     

Picolinimidoamide-Cu(II) complex anchored on Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell magnetic nanoparticles: an efficient reusable catalyst for click reaction

A Cu(II) complex supported on Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ core–shell magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was prepared and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, VSM, TGA, and AAS analysis. The load of Cu on picolinimidoamide ligand anchored on Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ core–shell MNPs was determined as 1.22, 1.54, and 1.70 wt% using AAS, EDX and TGA analyses, respectively. Synthesized Cu(II) complex on Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ MNPs efficiently catalyzed a click reaction between alkyl halides, alkynes, and sodium azide to synthesize corresponding triazoles in high to excellent yields. The catalyst was recovered using an external magnetic field, and recycled for subsequent reactions without substantial loss of efficiency.     

Preparation of a trihydrazinotriazine-functionalized core-shell nanocatalyst as an extremely efficient catalyst for the synthesis of benzoxanthenes

In recent years, there is a high demand on utilizing heterogeneous nanocatalysts in organic synthetic routes because of their green approach, facile purification of the products, and reusability of the catalyst. Herein, we introduced trihydrazinotriazine (THDT)-coated Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ as a novel amino-functionalized magnetic nanocompostie. We fully characterized the nanocatalyst and proved the morphology and magnetic property of the nanoparticles by using essential analyses. The basic attribute of the amino-rich porous surface of the nanocomposite provides a desirable environment for enhancing various reaction conditions. To examine the applicability of the nanocatalyst in organic reactions, we synthesized several benzoxanthenes using Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-THDT nanocatalysts. The nanocomposite successfully improved the reaction conditions and provided the benzoxanthenes in an environmentally friendly procedure, which afforded product in excellent yields (80–96%) and reduced time. The nanomagnetic catalyst was easily recovered after each trial by using an external magnet. After six successive runs, the loss of catalytic activity of the nanocomposite was negligible. Finally, we propounded a plausible mechanism for the preparation of the benzoxanthenes derivatives using the THDT-functionalized core-shell magnetic nanocatalyst.     

Engineered mesoporous ionic‐modified γ‐Fe2O3@hydroxyapatite decorated with palladium nanoparticles and its catalytic properties in water

A new mesoporous organic–inorganic nanocomposite was formulated and then used as stabilizer and support for the preparation of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs). The properties and structure of Pd NPs immobilized on prepared 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) chemically tagged on mesoporous γ‐Fe₂O₃@hydroxyapatite (ionic modified (IM)‐MHA) were investigated using various techniques. The synergistic effects of the combined properties of MHA, DABCO and Pd NPs, and catalytic activity of γ‐Fe₂O₃@hydroxyapatite‐DABCO‐Pd (IM‐MHA‐Pd) were investigated for the Heck cross‐coupling reaction in aqueous media. The appropriate surface area and pore size of mesoporous IM‐MHA nanocomposite can provide a favourable hard template for immobilization of Pd NPs. The loading level of Pd in the nanocatalyst was 0.51 mmol g^?1. DABCO bonded to the MHA surface acts as a Pd NP stabilizer and can also lead to colloidal stability of the nanocomposite in aqueous solution. The results reveal that IM‐MHA‐Pd is highly efficient for coupling reactions of a wide range of aryl halides with olefins under green conditions. The superparamagnetic nature of the nanocomposite means that the catalyst to be easily separated from solution through magnetic decantation, and the catalytic activity of the recycled IM‐MHA‐Pd showed almost no appreciable loss even after six consecutive runs.     

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     

Fe3O4/MIL‐101(Fe) nanocomposite as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for Strecker reaction

A highly porous metal‐organic framework, MIL‐101(Fe), was prepared by a solvothermal method in the presence of amino‐modified Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles, in order to achieve Fe₃O₄/MIL‐101(Fe) nanocomposite, which was characterized by XRD, FT‐IR, SEM, TEM, BET, and VSM. This hybrid magnetic nanocomposite was employed as heterogeneous catalyst for α‐amino nitriles synthesis through three‐component condensation reaction of aldehydes (ketones), amines, and trimethylsilyl cyanide in EtOH, at room temperature. The recoverability and reusability was admitted for the heterogeneous magnetic catalyst; no significant reduction of catalytic activity was observed even after five consecutive reaction cycles.     

Adsorption of acid red 114 and reactive black 5 in aqueous solutions on dendrimer‐conjugated magnetic nanoparticles

The adsorption of the dyes Acid Red 114 and Reactive Black 5 in aqueous solutions on polyhydroxyl dendrimer magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐TRIS) was studied in a batch system. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐TRIS NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Experiments were performed under different conditions such as the initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, and pH. The pseudo‐second‐order model provided a very good fit for the two anionic dyes. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were used to describe the equilibrium isotherms at different temperatures, and the former agreed very well with the experimental data. However, the adsorption capacity of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐TRIS NPs was reduced during surface modification, which could be due to the dye occupying the binding sites of the dendrimer. Thermodynamic parameters, namely the change in free energy (ΔG⁰), enthalpy (ΔH⁰), and entropy (ΔS⁰), were also determined.     

Multifunctional Fe3O4@mTiO2@noble metal composite NPs as ultrasensitive SERS substrates for trace detection

Multifunctional materials have become the development trend of current material preparation. We reported a typical layer-by-layer method for the fabrication of multifunctional Fe₃O₄@mTiO₂@noble metal triplex core-shell composite nanoparticle (NP), which is composed of a magnetic Fe₃O₄ particle as the core, a mesoporous TiO₂ interlayer and a layer of Ag nanoparticles or Au nanorods as the shell. The obtained Fe₃O₄@mTiO₂@noble metal composite NPs have shown excellent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensitivity. Raman results present that the limit of detection (LOD) for crystal violet (CV), p-aminothiophnol (p-ATP) and p-mercaptobenzoic acid (p-MBA) of the Fe₃O₄@mTiO₂@noble metal composite NPs substrates are as low as 1.0 × 10⁻⁹ M, 1.0 × 10⁻¹² M and 1.0 × 10⁻⁹ M, respectively. In addition, the composite NPs also show high reproducibility and stability across the entire area with relative standard deviations (RSD) less than 15.00%. These highly sensitivity with good reproducibility can be attributed to the presence of plentiful “hot spots” produced by magnetic aggregation and target molecules enrichment by mesoporous TiO₂ adsorption for practical application. Fe₃O₄@mTiO₂@Ag composite NPs were used for thiram detection and the detection limit can reach to 5.0 × 10⁻⁸ M (about 0.012 ppm), which is lower than the maximal residue limit of 7 ppm in fruit prescribed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These multifunctional composite NPs provide easy separation, enrichment and trace detection of the analyte, exhibiting a great prospect as a potential SERS sensor in complex environments.     

Magnetism and Afterglow United: Synthesis of Novel Double Core–Shell Eu2+-Doped Bifunctional Nanoparticles

Afterglow–magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) offer enormous potential for bioimaging applications, as they can be manipulated by a magnetic field, as well as emitting light after irradiation with an excitation source, thus distinguishing themselves from fluorescent living cells. In this work, a novel double core–shell strategy is presented, uniting co-precipitation with combustion synthesis routes to combine an Fe₃O₄ magnetic core (≈15 nm) with an afterglow SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ outer coat (≈10 nm), and applying a SiO₂ protective middle layer (≈16 nm) to reduce the luminescence quenching caused by the Fe core ions. The resulting Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ NPs emit green light attributed to the 4f⁶5d¹→4f⁷(⁸S_7/2) transition of Eu²⁺ under UV radiation and for a few seconds afterwards. This bifunctional nanocomposite can potentially be applied for the detection and separation of cells or diagnostically relevant molecules.     

Stepwise construction of Pt decorated oxygen-deficient mesoporous titania microspheres with core-shell structure and magnetic separability for efficient visible-light photocatalysis

Solid photocatalysts with high specific surface area,superior photoactivity and ease of recycling are highly desired in chemical process,water treatment and so on.In this study,a facile stepwise sol-gel coating approach was utilized to synthesize Pt decorated oxygen-deficient mesoporous titania microspheres with core-shell structure and convenient magnetic separability(denoted as Fe_3 O_4@-SiO_2@Pt/mTiO_(2-x)).These photocatalysts consist of magnetic Fe_3 O4 cores,nonporous insulating SiO_2 middle layer and mesoporous anatase TiO_(2-x) shell decorated by Pt nanoparticles(～3.5 nm) through wet impregnation and H_2 reduction.As a result of high activity of oxygen-deficiency of black TiO_(2-x) by H_2 reduction and efficient inhibition of electron-hole recombination by Pt nanoparticles,the rationally designed core-shell Fe_3 O_4@SiO_2@Pt/mTiO_(2-x) photocatalysts exhibit superior photocatalytic performance in rhodamine B(RhB) degradation under visible light irradiation,with more than 98% of RhB degraded within 50 min.These core-shell structured photocatalysts show excellent recyclability under the assistance of magnetic separation with well-retained photocatalytic performance even after running five cycles.This stepwise synthesis method paves the way for the rational design of a high-efficiency recyclable heterogeneous catalyst,including photocatalysts,for various applications.     

Engineering Iron–Nickel Nanoparticles for Magnetically Induced CO2 Methanation in Continuous Flow

Induction heating of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) is a method to activate heterogeneous catalytic reactions. It requires nano-objects displaying high heating power and excellent catalytic activity. Here, using a surface engineering approach, bimetallic NPs are used for magnetically induced CO₂ methanation, acting both as heating agent and catalyst. The organometallic synthesis of Fe₃₀Ni₇₀ NPs displaying high heating powers at low magnetic field amplitudes is described. The NPs are active but only slightly selective for CH₄ after deposition on SiRAlOx owing to an iron-rich shell (25 mL min⁻¹, 25 mT, 300 kHz, conversion 71 %, methane selectivity 65 %). Proper surface engineering consisting of depositing a thin Ni layer leads to Fe₃₀Ni₇₀@Ni NPs displaying a very high activity for CO₂ hydrogenation and a full selectivity. A quantitative yield in methane is obtained at low magnetic field and mild conditions (25 mL min⁻¹, 19 mT, 300 kHz, conversion 100 %, methane selectivity 100 %).     

Very sensitive differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of 4-nitrophenol at poly (diphenylamine)/multi-walled carbon nanotube-β-cyclodextrin-modified glassy carbon electrode

In this work, a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with poly (diphenylamine)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes-β-cyclodextrin (PDPA/MWCNT-β-CD) film was constructed and used for the determination of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Diphenylamine was successfully electropolymerised onto MWCNT-β-CD-modified GCE by cyclic voltammetry in monomer solution and 5 mol L^?1 H₂SO₄. The surface morphology of PDPA/MWCNT-β-CD film was characterised using scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. After adsorption of 4-NP on PDPA/MWCNT-β-CD at 0.2 V for 150 s, it showed a well-defined reduction peak in phosphate buffer solution at pH = 7. The PDPA/MWCNT-β-CD film enhanced the reduction peak current due to the complex formation between β-CD and 4-NP, presence of conductive polymer film as electron transfer mediator and also ability of MWCNTs for strong adsorptive and catalytic effect. Peak current increased linearly with 4-NP concentration in the range of 0.1 to 13.9 µg L^?1. The detection limit was obtained as 0.02 µg L^?1, which is better than other reported detection limits for the determination of 4-NP. The results showed that modified electrode has good sensitivity and selectivity. This sensor was used for the determination of 4-NP in water samples.