Harnessing Magnetic Nanoparticles for the Effective Removal of Micro- and Nanoplastics: A Critical Review.

The spread of micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment has become a significant environmental concern, necessitating effective removal strategies. In this comprehensive scientific review, we examine the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a promising technology for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. We first describe the issues of MPs and NPs and their impact on the environment and human health. Then, the fundamental principles of using MNPs for the removal of these pollutants will be presented, emphasizing that MNPs enable the selective binding and separation of MPs and NPs from water sources. Furthermore, we provide a short summary of various types of MNPs that have proven effective in the removal of MPs and NPs. These include ferromagnetic nanoparticles and MNPs coated with organic polymers, as well as nanocomposites and magnetic nanostructures. We also review their properties, such as magnetic saturation, size, shape, surface functionalization, and stability, and their influence on removal efficiency. Next, we describe different methods of utilizing MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs. We discuss their advantages, limitations, and potential for further development in detail. In the final part of the review, we provide an overview of the existing studies and results demonstrating the effectiveness of using MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. We also address the challenges that need to be overcome, such as nanoparticle optimization, process scalability, and the removal and recycling of nanoparticles after the completion of the process. This comprehensive scientific review offers extensive insights into the use of MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. With improved understanding and the development of advanced materials and methods, this technology can play a crucial role in addressing the issues of MPs and NPs and preserving a clean and healthy environment. The novelty of this review article is the emphasis on MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water and a detailed review of the advantages and disadvantages of various MNPs for the mentioned application. Additionally, a review of a large number of publications in this field is provided.

The comparison of the speed of solving chemistry calculation tasks in the traditional way and with the use of ICT.

Efficiency of time use is a key factor in chemistry calculation tasks, affecting both, personal and professional domains. This study is dedicated to finding the fastest methods for accomplishing chemistry tasks. Our investigation delves into the comparative temporal outlays made by students as they engage three different approaches: using an electronic calculator, a basic calculator app on a smartphone, and a desktop computer calculator. As part of our research, we examine a cohort of 52 Slovenian university students, preservice teachers who were actively enrolled in chemistry and related science programs, spanning the academic years of 2019 and 2022.  The results from 2019 show that students can solve the chemistry tasks most quickly using electronic calculator and take the most time to calculate the tasks using smartphones (Δmean = 133 s; ΔSD = 5 s; Δmin = 97 s; Δmax = 131 s). An even larger difference is observed from the 2022 study year (Δmean = 189 s; ΔSD = 129 s; Δmin = 170 s; Δmax = 625 s). In summary, although smartphones are recognised as a multitasking device, replacing traditional single-purpose devices, they have not been able to outperform them.

Solvent-Free Mechanochemical Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel Tellurides with Various Stoichiometries: NiTe, NiTe2 and Ni2Te3.

The paper reports the synthesis of nickel tellurides via a mechanochemical method from elemental precursors. NiTe, NiTe2, and Ni2Te3 were prepared by milling in stainless steel vials under nitrogen, using milling times from 1 h to 12 h. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), UV-VIS spectrometry, and thermal analysis (TGA and DSC). The products were obtained in the form of aggregates, several hundreds of nanometers in size, consisting of smaller nanosized crystallites. The magnetic measurements revealed a ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The band gap energies calculated using Tauc plots for NiTe, NiTe2, and Ni2Te3 were 3.59, 3.94, and 3.70 eV, respectively. The mechanochemical process has proved to be a simple and successful method for the preparation of binary nickel tellurides, avoiding the use of solvents, toxic precursors, and energy-consuming reaction conditions.

Effects of integrated and organic pest management with copper and copper-free preparations on tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) fruit yield, disease incidence and quality.

The present study investigates the effect of exclusion of copper preparations from spray programs for disease control in integrated and organic tomato production systems on disease incidence, yield and fruit vitamin C, α-tocopherol and carotenoids content for Monroe, Optima and Paki cultivars. Open field trials were conducted in a randomized block system with four repetitions over two years. Treatment for plant disease control comprised four spraying programs, two within each production system. Yields were significantly affected by cultivar, pest management system and their interaction. Copper-free integrated and organic spraying programs were almost as effective in disease control as standard treatments which included copper preparations. The spraying program significantly affected the contents of vitamin C, α-tocopherol, phytoene, and ß-carotene in fruits; however, the effect was cultivar related. The lycopene contents appeared to be unaffected by the spraying program or growing system.

Synthesis of nickel and cobalt sulfide nanoparticles using a low cost sonochemical method.

Nickel and cobalt sulfides are promising materials in different cutting-edge research areas like solar cells, supercapacitors, catalysts, and electrode materials. Nickel and cobalt sulfides with various stoichiometries have been synthesized sonochemically from Ni(CH3COO)2 ∙ 4H2O, Co(CH3COO)2 ∙ 2H2O and different sulfur precursors using a direct immersion ultrasonic probe. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) including EDX analysis, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Following products have been obtained: NiS, Ni3S4, CoS1.097 and Co9S8, with average crystallite sizes in the range 7-30 nm. Effects of different reaction conditions on the size, morphology and optical band-gap energy were evaluated. Optical band-gap energies in the range 3.3 eV-3.8 eV were observed for the obtained nanoparticles.

Two new zinc(II) acetates with 3- and 4-aminopyridine: syntheses and structural properties.

The synthesis and characterization of two new zinc(II) coordination compounds with 3- and 4-aminopyridine are reported. They were obtained after adding a water solution of Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O or dissolving solid Zn(CH3COO)2 ∙ 2H2O in methanol solutions of 3- and 4-aminopyridine. The products were characterized structurally by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Colourless crystals of the compound synthesized by the reaction of Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O and 3-aminopyridine (3-apy), are built of trinuclear complex molecules with the formula [Zn3(O2CCH3)6(3-apy)2(H2O)2] (1). The molecules consists of two terminal Zn atoms, coordinated tetrahedrally, and one central Zn atom, coordinated octahedrally. Colourless crystals, obtained by the reaction of Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O with 4-aminopyridine (4-apy), consist of a mononuclear complex [Zn(O2CCH3)2(4-apy)2] (2). Hydrogen‒bonding interactions in the crystal structures of both complexes are reported.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of a new Hydroxylammonium Fluoroferrate.

This paper reports on the synthesis of a new hydroxylammonium fluoroferrate, with the formula (NH3OH)3FeF6, obtained after dissolving iron powder in hydrofluoric acid and adding solid NH3OHF. This new compound has been characterized by chemical and thermal analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurements. The title compound crystallizes trigonal, R3c, with cell parameters a = 11.4154(2) Å, c = 11.5720(2) Å, Z = 6. The structure consists of NH3OH+ cations and isolated FeF63- octahedra in which the central ion lies on a threefold axis. The oxygen and nitrogen atoms of the hydroxylammonium cations are donors of hydrogen bonds to fluoride anions, resulting in a network of hydrogen bonds between counterions. The effective magnetic moment µeff = 5.8 BM was calculated and perfectly matches the expected value of high-spin Fe(III) ions. The thermal decomposition of the compound was studied by TG, DSC, and X-ray powder diffraction.

A sonochemical method for the preparation of cadmium sulfide and cadmium selenide nanoparticles in aqueous solutions.

Sonochemistry is a branch of chemistry where sound energy in the form of ultrasound is used to influence the course of reactions. A short-term, local increase in temperature occurs when the solutions and suspensions are irradiated by ultrasound. This happens because the substance absorbs the ultrasound waves. The purpose of this research was the synthesis of CdS and CdSe nanoparticles. We used cadmium sulfate hydrate (CdSO(4).8/3H(2)O), elemental S and Se. Aqueous solutions of NaOH, Na(2)SO(3) and EDTA were used as the solvents. During the syntheses, we used a direct immersion ultrasound probe by vibracell. The device operates with a constant frequency of 20 kHz, with the possibility to change the amplitude and with it the input of energy to the time unit. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermal analyses (TGA, SDTA) and TEM analyses.

Sonochemical synthesis of nanocrystalline mercury sulfide, selenide and telluride in aqueous solutions.

Nanocrystalline mercury chalcogenides HgE (E=S, Se, Te) were synthesized in a single step by a convenient, simple sonochemical method. Mercury nitrate, Hg(NO3)2, dissolved in 0.1 M ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), was used as the source of mercury and elemental chalcogenes, dissolved in a NaOH solution, as the sources of chalcogenide. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The synthesis procedure is simple and uses less toxic reagents than the previously reported methods. The results showed that the complexing agent EDTA plays a crucial role in the process.