In Situ Functionalization of Iron Oxide Particles with Alginate: A Promising Biosorbent for Retention of Metal Ions

In this study, alginate extracted from marine algae biomass was used for the functionalization of iron oxide particles obtained in situ. This procedure ensured a complete recovery of the alginate from the aqueous solution obtained after extraction and allowed the preparation of a new biosorbent. The obtained iron oxide microparticles functionalized with alginate (Alg-Fe3O4-MPs) were analyzed (FTIR spectrometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy), and their biosorptive performance was tested for the removal of Cu(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) ions. The optimal conditions were established as pH = 5.4, adsorbent dosage of 2 g/L, contact time of minimum 60 min and room temperature (23 ± 1 °C). The retention of metal ions was quantitative (99% for Cu(II), 89% for Co(II) and 95% for Zn(II)) when the concentration of metal ions was less than 0.80 mmol M(II)/L. The Langmuir model was found to be the best fitted model for the equilibrium data, while biosorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model. Biosorption processes were spontaneous (ΔG0 < 0), endothermic (ΔH0 > 0), and accompanied by an increase in entropy (ΔS0 > 0). The high maximum biosorption capacity of Alg-Fe3O4-MPs and its good regeneration highlight the potential of this biosorbent for applications in decontamination processes.

Formulating A Novel Fluorinated Silica Nanoparticle using Fluoroalkylsilane as a Wettability Alteration Agent

A novel fluorinated silica nanoparticles were synthesized using 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (FAS17) and further characterized to evaluate the wettability alteration capability. Previous research (1, 2) has utilized fluoroalkanoic acids as the coating agent. First, the in-situ functionalization method employs tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the silica precursor and water-soluble amine as the catalyst. It is then further functionalized with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (FAS17) with ethanol to attain the novel fluorinated silica nanoparticles. The preliminary characterization from FTIR analysis indicated that the in-situ functionalization was successfully applied. The new bonding formation with fluorine attachment on the novel fluorinated silica nanoparticles is capable to alter the wettability of the solid surface, exhibiting self-cleaning properties.

Easy and fast in-situ functionalization of exfoliated 2D black phosphorus with gold nanoparticles

Heterostructures of single- and few-layer black phosphorus (2D bP) functionalized with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have been recently reported in the literature, exploiting their intriguing properties and biocompatibility for catalytic,...