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Chloroplast movement rapidly ameliorates the effects of suboptimal light intensity by accumulating along the periclinal cell walls, as well as the effects of excess light by shifting to the anticlinal cell walls. These acclimation responses are triggered by phototropins located at the plasma membrane and chloroplast envelope. Here, we used a recently developed non-invasive system sensitive to very small changes in red light leaf transmittance to perform long-term continuous measurements of dark–light transitions. As a model system, we used variegated Pelargonium zonale leaves containing green sectors (GS) with fully developed chloroplasts and achlorophyllous, white sectors (WS) with undifferentiated plastids, and higher phototropin expression levels. We observed biphasic changes in the red-light transmittance and oscillations triggered by medium intensities of white light, described by a transient peak preceded by a constant decrease in transmittance level. A slight change in red-light transmittance was recorded even in WS. Furthermore, the chloroplast position at lower light intensities affected the rapid light curves, while high light intensity decreased saturated electron transport, maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II, and increased non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence and epidermal flavonoids. Our results extend the knowledge of light-dependent chloroplast movements and thus contribute to a better understanding of their role in regulating photosynthesis under fluctuating light conditions.

The combination of an intense absorption of visible light and p-type semiconducting nature makes spinel cobalt oxide (Co3O4) a very attractive material for various optoelectronic applications. However, the traditional methods for its synthesis have been either time- and energy-consuming or relying on toxic chemicals. To solve this issue, a simple, facile, and eco-friendly method of synthesis was successfully developed to obtain spinel Co3O4 nanoparticles. The novel method for obtaining pure and monophasic Co3O4 reported here is based on the thermal decomposition of hexaaquacobalt(II) D-camphor10-sulfonate at 900 °C. This fast solid-state synthesis route overcomes the disadvantages of many combustion methods, most critically by avoiding the use of toxic organic solvents. The synthesized material was subjected to a detailed characterization to assess its potential for use as a nanocatalyst. The band gap measurements indicated the presence of two band gaps, one at 2.10 eV and another at 1.22 eV, confirming the purity and semiconducting properties of the sample. The electrochemical studies demonstrated a significant enhancement in the electron transfer kinetics with the addition of the synthesized Co3O4 to the carbon-paste electrode, leading to an enhanced electrocatalytic performance. These prominent functional properties, suitable for a wide range of technological applications, pave way for the implementation of the reported method for the synthesis of Co3O4 on a larger industrial scale.

The combination of an intense absorption of visible light and p-type semiconducting nature makes spinel cobalt oxide (Co3O4) a very attractive material for various optoelectronic applications. However, the traditional methods for its synthesis have been either time- and energy-consuming or relying on toxic chemicals. To solve this issue, a simple, facile, and eco-friendly method of synthesis was successfully developed to obtain spinel Co3O4 nanoparticles. The novel method for obtaining pure and monophasic Co3O4 reported here is based on the thermal decomposition of hexaaquacobalt(II) D-camphor10-sulfonate at 900 °C. This fast solid-state synthesis route overcomes the disadvantages of many combustion methods, most critically by avoiding the use of toxic organic solvents. The synthesized material was subjected to a detailed characterization to assess its potential for use as a nanocatalyst. The band gap measurements indicated the presence of two band gaps, one at 2.10 eV and another at 1.22 eV, confirming the purity and semiconducting properties of the sample. The electrochemical studies demonstrated a significant enhancement in the electron transfer kinetics with the addition of the synthesized Co3O4 to the carbon-paste electrode, leading to an enhanced electrocatalytic performance. These prominent functional properties, suitable for a wide range of technological applications, pave way for the implementation of the reported method for the synthesis of Co3O4 on a larger industrial scale.

Chloroplast movement rapidly ameliorates the effects of suboptimal light intensity by accumulating along the periclinal cell walls, as well as the effects of excess light by shifting to the anticlinal cell walls. These acclimation responses are triggered by phototropins located at the plasma membrane and chloroplast envelope. Here, we used a recently developed non-invasive system sensitive to very small changes in red light leaf transmittance to perform long-term continuous measurements of dark–light transitions. As a model system, we used variegated Pelargonium zonale leaves containing green sectors (GS) with fully developed chloroplasts and achlorophyllous, white sectors (WS) with undifferentiated plastids, and higher phototropin expression levels. We observed biphasic changes in the red-light transmittance and oscillations triggered by medium intensities of white light, described by a transient peak preceded by a constant decrease in transmittance level. A slight change in red-light transmittance was recorded even in WS. Furthermore, the chloroplast position at lower light intensities affected the rapid light curves, while high light intensity decreased saturated electron transport, maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II, and increased non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence and epidermal flavonoids. Our results extend the knowledge of light-dependent chloroplast movements and thus contribute to a better understanding of their role in regulating photosynthesis under fluctuating light conditions.

The combination of an intense absorption of visible light and p-type semiconducting nature makes spinel cobalt oxide (Co3O4) a very attractive material for various optoelectronic applications. However, the traditional methods for its synthesis have been either time- and energy-consuming or relying on toxic chemicals. To solve this issue, a simple, facile, and eco-friendly method of synthesis was successfully developed to obtain spinel Co3O4 nanoparticles. The novel method for obtaining pure and monophasic Co3O4 reported here is based on the thermal decomposition of hexaaquacobalt(II) D-camphor10-sulfonate at 900 °C. This fast solid-state synthesis route overcomes the disadvantages of many combustion methods, most critically by avoiding the use of toxic organic solvents. The synthesized material was subjected to a detailed characterization to assess its potential for use as a nanocatalyst. The band gap measurements indicated the presence of two band gaps, one at 2.10 eV and another at 1.22 eV, confirming the purity and semiconducting properties of the sample. The electrochemical studies demonstrated a significant enhancement in the electron transfer kinetics with the addition of the synthesized Co3O4 to the carbon-paste electrode, leading to an enhanced electrocatalytic performance. These prominent functional properties, suitable for a wide range of technological applications, pave way for the implementation of the reported method for the synthesis of Co3O4 on a larger industrial scale.

Chloroplast movement rapidly ameliorates the effects of suboptimal light intensity by accumulating along the periclinal cell walls, as well as the effects of excess light by shifting to the anticlinal cell walls. These acclimation responses are triggered by phototropins located at the plasma membrane and chloroplast envelope. Here, we used a recently developed non-invasive system sensitive to very small changes in red light leaf transmittance to perform long-term continuous measurements of dark–light transitions. As a model system, we used variegated Pelargonium zonale leaves containing green sectors (GS) with fully developed chloroplasts and achlorophyllous, white sectors (WS) with undifferentiated plastids, and higher phototropin expression levels. We observed biphasic changes in the red-light transmittance and oscillations triggered by medium intensities of white light, described by a transient peak preceded by a constant decrease in transmittance level. A slight change in red-light transmittance was recorded even in WS. Furthermore, the chloroplast position at lower light intensities affected the rapid light curves, while high light intensity decreased saturated electron transport, maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II, and increased non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence and epidermal flavonoids. Our results extend the knowledge of light-dependent chloroplast movements and thus contribute to a better understanding of their role in regulating photosynthesis under fluctuating light conditions.

The cobalt oxide (Co3O4) is a very attractive material for optoelectronic applications due to the intense absorption of visible light and p-type semiconducting properties. On the other hand, conventional synthesis methods for its preparation could be either time- and energy-consuming or relying on toxic chemicals. To address this issue, spinel Co3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by a simple, facile, and eco-friendly method of synthesis. Such method is based on the thermal decomposition of hexaaquacobalt(II) D-camphor10-sulfonate at 900 °C. This synthesis route avoids the use of toxic organic solvents which overcomes the disadvantages of many combustion methods. In order to assess the potential use of synthesized powder, the characterization methods were performed in detail. The purity and semiconducting properties of the Co3O4 were confirmed by UV/Vis spectroscopy which indicated the presence of two band gaps (2.10 eV and 1.22 eV). A noteworthy improvement in the electron transfer kinetics with the addition of the prepared sample to the carbon-paste electrode led to an enhanced electrocatalytic performance. Such remarkable functional properties are suitable for a wide range of technological applications, open the way for the implementation of this preparation procedure for the synthesis of Co3O4 on a larger industrial scale.

The combination of an intense absorption of visible light and p-type semiconducting nature makes spinel cobalt oxide (Co3O4) a very attractive material for various optoelectronic applications. However, the traditional methods for its synthesis have been either time- and energy-consuming or relying on toxic chemicals. To solve this issue, a simple, facile, and eco-friendly method of synthesis was successfully developed to obtain spinel Co3O4 nanoparticles. The novel method for obtaining pure and monophasic Co3O4 reported here is based on the thermal decomposition of hexaaquacobalt(II) D-camphor10-sulfonate at 900 °C. This fast solid-state synthesis route overcomes the disadvantages of many combustion methods, most critically by avoiding the use of toxic organic solvents. The synthesized material was subjected to a detailed characterization to assess its potential for use as a nanocatalyst. The band gap measurements indicated the presence of two band gaps, one at 2.10 eV and another at 1.22 eV, confirming the purity and semiconducting properties of the sample. The electrochemical studies demonstrated a significant enhancement in the electron transfer kinetics with the addition of the synthesized Co3O4 to the carbon-paste electrode, leading to an enhanced electrocatalytic performance. These prominent functional properties, suitable for a wide range of technological applications, pave way for the implementation of the reported method for the synthesis of Co3O4 on a larger industrial scale.

The combination of an intense absorption of visible light and p-type semiconducting nature makes spinel cobalt oxide (Co3O4) a very attractive material for various optoelectronic applications. However, the traditional methods for its synthesis have been either time- and energy-consuming or relying on toxic chemicals. To solve this issue, a simple, facile, and eco-friendly method of synthesis was successfully developed to obtain spinel Co3O4 nanoparticles. The novel method for obtaining pure and monophasic Co3O4 reported here is based on the thermal decomposition of hexaaquacobalt(II) D-camphor10-sulfonate at 900 °C. This fast solid-state synthesis route overcomes the disadvantages of many combustion methods, most critically by avoiding the use of toxic organic solvents. The synthesized material was subjected to a detailed characterization to assess its potential for use as a nanocatalyst. The band gap measurements indicated the presence of two band gaps, one at 2.10 eV and another at 1.22 eV, confirming the purity and semiconducting properties of the sample. The electrochemical studies demonstrated a significant enhancement in the electron transfer kinetics with the addition of the synthesized Co3O4 to the carbon-paste electrode, leading to an enhanced electrocatalytic performance. These prominent functional properties, suitable for a wide range of technological applications, pave way for the implementation of the reported method for the synthesis of Co3O4 on a larger industrial scale. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.

The rare earth elements represent an increasingly more and more important industrial resource. The increased use may result in waste generation, and their impact upon the environment quality has not been studied sufficiently. Their interaction with soil has been studied in this paper. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm has been determined for lanthanum, erbium and gadolinium at three different soil types (humus, clay and sand type), whereas the sequential extraction at these soil types has been applied for lanthanum and neodymium. The interaction of certain rare earth elements with soil components has been tested as well as the quantity in which these elements are bound to soil and later on extracted in solutions. The objective was to determine the soil capacity for disposal, first of all, of the electronic waste that contains these elements and to assume their fate in the environment.

Barium titanate–nickel ferrite, barium titanate–zinc ferrite, and barium titanate–nickel-zinc ferrite composite powders prepared by thermal decomposition method were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray powder diffraction (XRPD). Obtained materials consisted of pure perovskite and spinel phases. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of investigated samples is not uniform, and aggregation of individual particles is a dominant process in all cases. Raman spectroscopy suggested that in the case of barium titanate–nickel ferrite, the coupling of two phases occurred and the core-shell structure was partially formed, while for barium titanate–zinc ferrite the coupling effect is less pronounced.

The rare earth elements represent an increasingly more and more important industrial resource. The increased use may result in waste generation, and their impact upon the environment quality has not been studied sufficiently. Their interaction with soil has been studied in this paper. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm has been determined for lanthanum, erbium and gadolinium at three different soil types (humus, clay and sand type), whereas the sequential extraction at these soil types has been applied for lanthanum and neodymium. The interaction of certain rare earth elements with soil components has been tested as well as the quantity in which these elements are bound to soil and later on extracted in solutions. The objective was to determine the soil capacity for disposal, first of all, of the electronic waste that contains these elements and to assume their fate in the environment.

The rare earth elements represent an increasingly more and more important industrial resource. The increased use may result in waste generation, and their impact upon the environment quality has not been studied sufficiently. Their interaction with soil has been studied in this paper. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm has been determined for lanthanum, erbium and gadolinium at three different soil types (humus, clay and sand type), whereas the sequential extraction at these soil types has been applied for lanthanum and neodymium. The interaction of certain rare earth elements with soil components has been tested as well as the quantity in which these elements are bound to soil and later on extracted in solutions. The objective was to determine the soil capacity for disposal, first of all, of the electronic waste that contains these elements and to assume their fate in the environment.

Solid-state reaction between BaTiO3and Fe2O3was used to produce a multiferroic heterostructure composite. Commercial BaTiO3and Fe(NO3)3•9H2O were suspended in ethanol for 30 minutes in an ultrasound bath. The prepared mixture was thermally processed at 300°C for 6 h. Sintering at 1300 °C for 1 h resulted in a mixture of different phases, BaTiO3, BaFe12O19and Ba12Ti28Fe15O84, which were confirmed by x-ray powder diffraction. A dense microstructure with a small volume fraction of closed porosity was indicated by the scanning electron microscopy, while a homogeneous distribution of Fe ions over BaTiO3phase was visible from energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping. Doping of BaTiO3with Fe2O3resulted in formation of magnetic hexaferrite phases, as confirmed by dielectric measurements that showed a broadened maximum of the permittivity measured as a function of temperature. © 2021 Authors. Published by association for ETRAN Society.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

Solid-state reaction between BaTiO3 and Fe2O3 was used to produce a multiferroic heterostructure composite. Commercial BaTiO3 and Fe(NO3)3•9H2O were suspended in ethanol for 30 minutes in an ultrasound bath. The prepared mixture was thermally processed at 300 oC for 6 h. Sintering at 1300 oC for 1 h resulted in a mixture of different phases, BaTiO3, BaFe12O19 and Ba12Ti28Fe15O84, which were confirmed by x-ray powder diffraction. A dense microstructure with a small volume fraction of closed porosity was indicated by the scanning electron microscopy, while a homogeneous distribution of Fe ions over BaTiO3 phase was visible from energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping. Doping of BaTiO3 with Fe2O3 resulted in formation of magnetic hexaferrite phases, as confirmed by dielectric measurements that showed a broadened maximum of the permittivity measured as a function of temperature.

In vivo measurements of the optical properties of plant leaves, by spectrophotometric methods, could potentially provide very useful information for the assessment of the plant’s health. This paper describes a novel experimental set-up that enables continuous measurements of the optical reflection and transmission coefficients of broad-leaved plants. The optical spectral characteristics of leaves, in the broad wavelength range, are often a discussed topic in the scientific literature. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, the real-time spectral analyses of the leaf haven’t been reported so far. Monitoring the evolution of the plant activity in real-time has resulted in the graph of the spectral Circadian rhythm as a function of time. The set-up was tested on Phaseolus vulgaris and the results of the measurements are presented and discussed.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

In vivo measurements of the optical properties of plant leaves, by spectrophotometric methods, could potentially provide very useful information for the assessment of the plant’s health. This paper describes a novel experimental set-up that enables continuous measurements of the optical reflection and transmission coefficients of broad-leaved plants. The optical spectral characteristics of leaves, in the broad wavelength range, are often a discussed topic in the scientific literature. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, the real-time spectral analyses of the leaf haven’t been reported so far. Monitoring the evolution of the plant activity in real-time has resulted in the graph of the spectral Circadian rhythm as a function of time. The set-up was tested on Phaseolus vulgaris and the results of the measurements are presented and discussed.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

To investigate the magnetic behavior of starch-coated cobalt ferrites, well-established synthetic methods, i.e., coprecipitation, mechanochemical, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, microemulsion, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses were chosen for their preparation. The obtained materials had pure single-phase spinel structures. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the morphology of the samples is not uniform, and particle aggregation is a dominant process. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of starch in all–coated samples. The unusually higher saturation magnetization of starch-coated samples than their as-prepared analogs, obtained by coprecipitation, ultrasonically assisted coprecipitation, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, might be explained by the Ostwald ripening mechanism induced by the coating process. A decrease in magnetization was noticed for the starch-functionalized nanomaterials synthesized by mechanochemical and microemulsion methods, in comparison to their as-prepared analogs, i.e., the size distribution of such nanoparticles is narrow, and the average diameter of the grains is near critical for the Ostwald ripening process.

This work is the first report of a very simple and fast one-pot synthesis of nickel oxide (NiO) and hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of transition metal aqua complexes with camphor sulfonate anions. Obtained nanopowders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform IR analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. X-ray powder diffraction confirmed the formation of high purity NiO and α-Fe2O3 crystal phases. In the case of α-Fe2O3, about five times larger average crystallite size was obtained. Fourier transform IR spectra of synthesized materials showed characteristic peaks for NiO and α-Fe2O3 nanostructures. To visualize the morphology and the chemical composition of the final products Scanning electron microscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were performed. The thermogravimetric analysis was done for a better understanding of the general thermal behavior of precursor compounds. This easy-to-perform and fast preparation method opens a broad range of obtained materials’ usage, particularly due to its economic viability

This work is the first report of a very simple and fast one-pot synthesis of nickel oxide (NiO) and hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of transition metal aqua complexes with camphor sulfonate anions. Obtained nanopowders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform IR analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. X-ray powder diffraction confirmed the formation of high purity NiO and α-Fe2O3 crystal phases. In the case of α-Fe2O3, about five times larger average crystallite size was obtained. Fourier transform IR spectra of synthesized materials showed characteristic peaks for NiO and α-Fe2O3 nanostructures. To visualize the morphology and the chemical composition of the final products Scanning electron microscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were performed. The thermogravimetric analysis was done for a better understanding of the general thermal behavior of precursor compounds. This easy-to-perform and fast preparation method opens a broad range of obtained materials’ usage, particularly due to its economic viability

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) attracts high scientific and technological attention due to good dielectric and electromechanical properties. Although BaTiO3 is one of the most frequently investigated ferroelectric materials, the need for finding new and/or improved synthesis methods of this material still exists. In this paper, a novel, mild synthesis route for producing tetragonal BaTiO3 from barium nitrate and Ti-oxalate precursor is presented. Morphology of the prepared and subsequently sintered BaTiO3 was determined by SEM. Particle size distribution of the as prepared powder was monitored by the laser diffraction. The phase composition, structure and lattice dynamics were investigated by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, dielectric parameters were determined in the temperature range from 30 to 180ºC, and within a variety of frequencies. Curie temperature was detected at 130ºC.

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) attracts high scientific and technological attention due to good dielectric and electromechanical properties. Although BaTiO3 is one of the most frequently investigated ferroelectric materials, the need for finding new and/or improved synthesis methods of this material still exists. In this paper, a novel, mild synthesis route for producing tetragonal BaTiO3 from barium nitrate and Ti-oxalate precursor is presented. Morphology of the prepared and subsequently sintered BaTiO3 was determined by SEM. Particle size distribution of the as prepared powder was monitored by the laser diffraction. The phase composition, structure and lattice dynamics were investigated by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, dielectric parameters were determined in the temperature range from 30 to 180ºC, and within a variety of frequencies. Curie temperature was detected at 130ºC.

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) attracts high scientific and technological attention due to good dielectric and electromechanical properties. Although BaTiO3 is one of the most frequently investigated ferroelectric materials, the need for finding new and/or improved synthesis methods of this material still exists. In this paper, a novel, mild synthesis route for producing tetragonal BaTiO3 from barium nitrate and Ti-oxalate precursor is presented. Morphology of the prepared and subsequently sintered BaTiO3 was determined by SEM. Particle size distribution of the as prepared powder was monitored by the laser diffraction. The phase composition, structure and lattice dynamics were investigated by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, dielectric parameters were determined in the temperature range from 30 to 180ºC, and within a variety of frequencies. Curie temperature was detected at 130ºC.

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) attracts high scientific and technological attention due to good dielectric and electromechanical properties. Although BaTiO3 is one of the most frequently investigated ferroelectric materials, the need for finding new and/or improved synthesis methods of this material still exists. In this paper, a novel, mild synthesis route for producing tetragonal BaTiO3 from barium nitrate and Ti-oxalate precursor is presented. Morphology of the prepared and subsequently sintered BaTiO3 was determined by SEM. Particle size distribution of the as prepared powder was monitored by the laser diffraction. The phase composition, structure and lattice dynamics were investigated by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, dielectric parameters were determined in the temperature range from 30 to 180 degrees C, and within a variety of frequencies. Curie temperature was detected at 130 degrees C.

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) attracts high scientific and technological attention due to good dielectric and electromechanical properties. Although BaTiO3 is one of the most frequently investigated ferroelectric materials, the need for finding new and/or improved synthesis methods of this material still exists. In this paper, a novel, mild synthesis route for producing tetragonal BaTiO3 from barium nitrate and Ti-oxalate precursor is presented. Morphology of the prepared and subsequently sintered BaTiO3 was determined by SEM. Particle size distribution of the as prepared powder was monitored by the laser diffraction. The phase composition, structure and lattice dynamics were investigated by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, dielectric parameters were determined in the temperature range from 30 to 180 degrees C, and within a variety of frequencies. Curie temperature was detected at 130 degrees C.

A simple organic-phase synthesis process was used to produce bare NiFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 and core-shell ZnFe2O4@NiFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles. X-ray powder diffractograms for all investigated powders show characteristic peaks of a spinel cubic structure without a secondary phase. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated the presence of nanoparticles that are smaller than 20 nm. The release of divalent ions (Ni2+ and Zn2+) from synthesized nanoparticles that were dispersed in saline solution, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and human serum, as determined by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method, was lower than 2 wt %. These results demonstrate the stability of the investigated nanoparticles in biologically relevant media and exclude the toxicity of Ni2+ and Zn2+ due to metal ion release, thereby opening a broad range of (bio)medical applications.

A simple organic-phase synthesis process was used to produce bare NiFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 and core-shell ZnFe2O4@NiFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles. X-ray powder diffractograms for all investigated powders show characteristic peaks of a spinel cubic structure without a secondary phase. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated the presence of nanoparticles that are smaller than 20 nm. The release of divalent ions (Ni2+ and Zn2+) from synthesized nanoparticles that were dispersed in saline solution, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and human serum, as determined by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method, was lower than 2 wt %. These results demonstrate the stability of the investigated nanoparticles in biologically relevant media and exclude the toxicity of Ni2+ and Zn2+ due to metal ion release, thereby opening a broad range of (bio)medical applications.

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) attracts high scientific and technological attention due to good dielectric and electromechanical properties. Although BaTiO3 is one of the most frequently investigated ferroelectric materials, the need for finding new and/or improved synthesis methods of this material still exists. In this paper, a novel, mild synthesis route for producing tetragonal BaTiO3 from barium nitrate and Ti-oxalate precursor is presented. Morphology of the prepared and subsequently sintered BaTiO3 was determined by SEM. Particle size distribution of the as prepared powder was monitored by the laser diffraction. The phase composition, structure and lattice dynamics were investigated by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, dielectric parameters were determined in the temperature range from 30 to 180ºC, and within a variety of frequencies. Curie temperature was detected at 130ºC.

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) attracts high scientific and technological attention due to good dielectric and electromechanical properties. Although BaTiO3 is one of the most frequently investigated ferroelectric materials, the need for finding new and/or improved synthesis methods of this material still exists. In this paper, a novel, mild synthesis route for producing tetragonal BaTiO3 from barium nitrate and Ti-oxalate precursor is presented. Morphology of the prepared and subsequently sintered BaTiO3 was determined by SEM. Particle size distribution of the as prepared powder was monitored by the laser diffraction. The phase composition, structure and lattice dynamics were investigated by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, dielectric parameters were determined in the temperature range from 30 to 180 degrees C, and within a variety of frequencies. Curie temperature was detected at 130 degrees C.

A simple organic-phase synthesis process was used to produce bare NiFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 and core-shell ZnFe2O4@NiFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles. X-ray powder diffractograms for all investigated powders show characteristic peaks of a spinel cubic structure without a secondary phase. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated the presence of nanoparticles that are smaller than 20 nm. The release of divalent ions (Ni2+ and Zn2+) from synthesized nanoparticles that were dispersed in saline solution, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and human serum, as determined by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method, was lower than 2 wt %. These results demonstrate the stability of the investigated nanoparticles in biologically relevant media and exclude the toxicity of Ni2+ and Zn2+ due to metal ion release, thereby opening a broad range of (bio)medical applications.

A simple organic-phase synthesis process was used to produce bare NiFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 and core-shell ZnFe2O4@NiFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles. X-ray powder diffractograms for all investigated powders show characteristic peaks of a spinel cubic structure without a secondary phase. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated the presence of nanoparticles that are smaller than 20 nm. The release of divalent ions (Ni2+ and Zn2+) from synthesized nanoparticles that were dispersed in saline solution, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and human serum, as determined by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method, was lower than 2 wt %. These results demonstrate the stability of the investigated nanoparticles in biologically relevant media and exclude the toxicity of Ni2+ and Zn2+ due to metal ion release, thereby opening a broad range of (bio)medical applications.

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) attracts high scientific and technological attention due to good dielectric and electromechanical properties. Although BaTiO3 is one of the most frequently investigated ferroelectric materials, the need for finding new and/or improved synthesis methods of this material still exists. In this paper, a novel, mild synthesis route for producing tetragonal BaTiO3 from barium nitrate and Ti-oxalate precursor is presented. Morphology of the prepared and subsequently sintered BaTiO3 was determined by SEM. Particle size distribution of the as prepared powder was monitored by the laser diffraction. The phase composition, structure and lattice dynamics were investigated by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, dielectric parameters were determined in the temperature range from 30 to 180 degrees C, and within a variety of frequencies. Curie temperature was detected at 130 degrees C.

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) attracts high scientific and technological attention due to good dielectric and electromechanical properties. Although BaTiO3 is one of the most frequently investigated ferroelectric materials, the need for finding new and/or improved synthesis methods of this material still exists. In this paper, a novel, mild synthesis route for producing tetragonal BaTiO3 from barium nitrate and Ti-oxalate precursor is presented. Morphology of the prepared and subsequently sintered BaTiO3 was determined by SEM. Particle size distribution of the as prepared powder was monitored by the laser diffraction. The phase composition, structure and lattice dynamics were investigated by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, dielectric parameters were determined in the temperature range from 30 to 180ºC, and within a variety of frequencies. Curie temperature was detected at 130ºC.