Centre of Sensor Technology

New magnetic stabilized and functionalized core@shell nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in a simple way and characterized in order to adsorb Tb3+ from aqueous solution with a very low Tb3+ concentration. For the fluorescence determination of adsorption efficiency and capacity, tiron monohydrate as a ligand was used. The obtained results confirm the potential of the synthesized magnetic γ-Fe2O3-NH4OH@SiO2 NPs, functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS), to be used for adsorption of Tb3+ from aqueous solution, with the possibility of its removal from aqueous solution via an external magnet. The endothermic and spontaneous adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the adsorption equilibrium data fit the Temkin isotherm well. The maximum adsorption efficiency from aqueous solution with a 2 × 10−6 M concentration of Tb3+ is over 90% at pH 7.

La0.76Sr0.24MnO3+δ particles, prepared by performing a traditional, solid-state method of synthesis, were coated by uniform layers of silica via initiating hydrolysis and condensation of TEOS in aqueous-alcoholic alkali environment. The eventually obtained samples exhibited Curie temperature at ~ 40 C, and comprised core-shell particles of ~ 250 nm in diameter. By varying stoichiometric ratio of cations within manganite cores of the particles, Curie point of the resulting material can be varied too, thus opening a way for the simple design of biocompatible, temperature-self-regulating particles for application in hyperthermia treatments, with Curie point thereof adjusted to a destined biological context of application.

Silica‐coated lanthanum–strontium manganite particles with La0.76Sr0.24MnO3+δ stoichiometric formula, exhibiting Curie temperature at ∼40°C, were prepared by using a traditional solid‐state method of synthesis of magnetic ceramic particles, followed by milling and a low‐temperature coating procedure in an aqueous alcoholic alkali medium. The properties of the obtained material establish it as a potential candidate for self‐regulated power‐absorbing and temperature‐controlling materials in hyperthermia treatments. Moreover, core‐comprising LaSr–manganites with different stoichiometries, ranging from La0.5Sr0.5MnO3+δ to LaMnO3+δ, were synthesized, with magnetic and structural properties examined thereof. Herein reported findings can potentially be used in the preparation of silica‐coated magnetic particles with designable Curie temperature, offering a wide range of possibilities of adapting the material to practical instrumental setups in drug delivery and hyperthermia treatments.

MnZn ferrites were sintered in the presence of a Bi2O3-SiO2 - rich liquid phase. The microstructure of MnZn-ferrite samples that contained various amounts of liquid phase during sintering was investigated. The results revealed that microstructure development and final magnetic permeability depend essentially on the amount of liquid phase present during sintering. The solution-reprecipitation (S-R) process in MnZn ferrites starts when a continuous liquid-phase film is formed during grain growth. The status of the microstructure developed during solid-state sintering prior to the formation of the critical liquid-phase film is essential for the final microstructure developed during liquid-phase-assisted sintering.

Magnetic nanoparticles are amongst the most promising adsorption materials for oil spill clean-up due to their high surface area, ease of functionalization with high oil affinity and facile separation after the cleaning process with an external magnetic field. In this work, we successfully synthesized magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4 NPs) that were electrostatically stabilized and functionalized with various alkoxysilanes for effective oil adsorption and oil spill removal. Additionally, the adsorption capacity of CoFe2O4 NPs was determined, and the possibility of their reuse assessed. Prepared samples showed high oil adsorption capacities between 2.6 and 3.5 g of oil per g of nanoparticles and were successfully collected with an external magnet. Furthermore, the samples showed excellent properties after regeneration, as their adsorption capacity decreased by less than 3% after reuse. All the prepared samples were thoroughly characterized to better understand their beha...