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Feiite (Fe3TiO5) is a high-pressure Fe-Ti oxide mineral recently discovered in martian meteorite Shergotty. Feiite is isostructural with Fe4O5, a high-pressure iron oxide stable at pressures >10 GPa. The stability of feiite has yet to be studied, as it has not previously been synthesized in the laboratory. To determine the minimum pressure at which feiite can be synthesized, we have conducted multi-anvil experiments at 1200 °C and at pressures ranging from 7 to 12 GPa. Major element compositions and XRD patterns indicate that we successfully synthesized feiite with an orthorhombic unit cell (Cmcm structure) in experiments conducted at pressures 8 GPa or greater. Relative to A2B2O5 phases with similar structure, feiite can be synthesized at lower pressures. The coexistence of feiite and liuite (FeTiO3-perovskite) in Shergotty indicates that the upper pressure limit of feiite stability is above 15 GPa. To investigate the effect of oxygen fugacity on the composition and stability of feiite, we conducted an additional series of experiments at 1200 °C and 10 GPa pressure in which we varied the Fe3+/Fetotal ratio of the experimental starting materials. In doing so, we identified a minimum Fe3+ content necessary to stabilize the feiite structure (Fe3+/Fetotal = 0.26 at 10 GPa and 1200 °C). The importance of Fe3+ for feiite stability suggests this phase would not form in lunar or HED meteorites, where iron-titanium oxides contain little to no ferric iron. Though our experimental results can only place a lower limit on the shock pressures experienced in Shergotty, the determined pressure stability indicates feiite could also be present in diamond-bearing terrestrial rocks sourced from the upper mantle or transition zone. Additionally, the presence of feiite would be an indicator of source Fe3+/ Fetotal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid nanofluids can provide better physical strength, thermal conductivity, and mechanical resistance in many thermodynamic systems than pure nanofluids. To establish the novel results, using superior types of hybrid nanoparticles like graphene oxide (GO) and iron oxide (Fe3O4) is the main focus of recent work. This study investigates the innovative thermal and magnetic features of both pure nanofluid GO/engine oil (EO) and hybrid nanofluid GO–Fe3O4 /EO under the simultaneous effects of induced as well as applied magnetic field. The chemical reaction phenomenon together with activation energy has also been taken into account. A novel algorithm based on order reduction and finite difference discretization is developed in order to numerically treat the problem. The efficiency of the code is appraised by a numerical comparison which is found to be in a good correlation with the existing results. From the consequences of this study, it is deduced that the reduction in induced magnetic field and fluid’s velocity (in case of either pure or hybrid nanofluid) is associated with the enlarging values of magnetic Prandtl number and induced magnetic field parameter. Further, activation energy is responsible for enhancement in concentration. The hybrid nano-composition of GO–Fe3O4/EO can provide the thermal stability, prevent the corrosion and make the liquid to stay in high temperature.

Short-range-ordered Fe(III) minerals such as ferrihydrite (Fh) are ubiquitous in the environment, are key players in biogeochemical cycling, and sorb trace elements and nutrients. As such, it is important to be able to identify the presence of such minerals in natural samples. Fh is commonly observed to be X‑ray amorphous and cannot be easily analyzed using X‑ray diffraction, meaning that spectroscopic methods such as X‑ray absorption or 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy (MBS) are necessary for accurate identification and quantification. Despite decades of research into Fh using MBS, there is a discrepancy in the literature about the exact parameters applicable to the mineral when measured at liquid helium temperature. Fh is frequently fitted with either one, two, or three hyperfine sextets with little interpretation applied to the meaning of each, which is problematic as a one sextet model does not account for the asymmetric lineshape frequently observed for Fh. Here, we address inconsistencies in the fitting of Fh and provide a more standardized approach to its identification by MBS. We present a systematic comparison of diferent fitting methods, notably based on Lorentzian and Voigt functions. We suggest that the most suitable approach to fitting pure Fh at liquid helium temperature is with two sextets (A and B) fitted using an extended Voigt-based function with the ability to apply probability distributions to each hyperfine parameter. 2-line Fh: A (δ = 0.49 mm/s; ε = 0.00 mm/s; Bhf = 50.1 T) and B (δ = 0.42 mm/s; ε = –0.01 mm/s; Bhf = 46.8 T) 6-line Fh: A (δ = 0.50 mm/s; ε = –0.03 mm/s; Bhf = 50.2 T) and B (δ = 0.40 mm/s; ε = –0.05 mm/s; Bhf = 47.1 T). We interpret the two sextets to be due to either diferences in the coordination environment of iron, i.e., in tetrahedral or octahedral sites, the presence of a disordered surface phase, or a combination of both. We hope that provoking a discussion on the use of MBS for Fh will help develop a greater understanding of this mineral, and other short-range ordered iron minerals, which are so important in environmental processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different iron oxides were evaluated for the discoloration of methylene blue (MB) at neutral pH by heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like reactions with a UV-LED lamp. Fe3O4, α-Fe2O3, and a-FeOOH catalysts were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and adsorption isotherms of N2. The results show high crystallinity and relatively low surface areas for Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3, and amorphous structure with high surface area for the case of a-FeOOH. The discoloration of MB by iron oxides as catalysts was studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Despite the relative high adsorption of MB for magnetite (12%) compared to the other oxides, it shows a slow discoloration kinetics. Besides, amorphous oxide (named a-FeOOH) shows a higher discoloration kinetics with negligible adsorption capacity. The pseudo first-order kinetic constant values for Fe3O4, α-Fe2O3, and a-FeOOH are 5.31 × 10−3, 6.89 × 10−3, and 13.01 × 10−3 min−1; and the discoloration efficiencies at 120 min were 56, 60, and 82%, respectively. It was testified that low crystallinity iron oxide can be used in the efficient discoloration of MB by photo-Fenton process with a hand UV-A lamp.

Physical and chemical methods have been developed for water and wastewater treatments. Adsorption is an attractive method due to its simplicity and low cost, and it has been widely employed in industrial treatment. In advanced schemes, chemical oxidation and photocatalytic oxidation have been recognized as effective methods for wastewater-containing organic compounds. The use of magnetic iron oxide in these methods has received much attention. Magnetic iron oxide nanocomposite adsorbents have been recognized as favorable materials due to their stability, high adsorption capacities, and recoverability, compared to conventional sorbents. Magnetic iron oxide nanocomposites have also been reported to be effective in photocatalytic and chemical oxidation processes. The current review has presented recent developments in techniques using magnetic iron oxide nanocomposites for water treatment applications. The review highlights the synthesis method and compares modifications for adsorbent, photocatalytic oxidation, and chemical oxidation processes. Future prospects for the use of nanocomposites have been presented.

The purpose of this study was to review the use of the magnetic targeting technique, characterized by magnetic driving compounds based on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), as drug delivery for a specific brain locus in gliomas. We reviewed a process mediated by the application of an external static magnetic field for targeting SPIONs in gliomas. A search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases identified 228 studies, 23 of which were selected based on inclusion criteria and predetermined exclusion criteria. The articles were analyzed by physicochemical characteristics of SPIONs used, cell types used for tumor induction, characteristics of experimental glioma models, magnetic targeting technical parameters, and analysis method of process efficiency. The study shows the highlights and importance of magnetic targeting to optimize the magnetic targeting process as a therapeutic strategy for gliomas. Regardless of the intensity of the patterned magnetic field, the time of application of the field, and nanoparticle used (commercial or synthesized), all studies showed a vast advantage in the use of magnetic targeting, either alone or in combination with other techniques, for optimized glioma therapy. Therefore, this review elucidates the preclinical and therapeutic applications of magnetic targeting in glioma, an innovative nanobiotechnological method.

The oxygen fugacity in the interior of the Earth is largely controlled by iron-bearing minerals. Recent studies have reported various iron oxides with chemical compositions between FeO and Fe3O4 above ~10 GPa. However, the stabilities of these high-pressure iron oxides remain mostly uninvestigated. In this study, we performed in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements in a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell (DAC) to determine the phase relations in both Fe5O6 and Fe4O5 bulk compositions to 61 GPa and to 2720 K. The results show that Fe5O6 is a high-temperature phase stable above 1600 K and ~10 GPa, while FeO + Fe4O5 are formed at relatively low temperatures. We observed the decomposition of Fe5O6 into 2FeO + Fe3O4 above 38 GPa and the decomposition of Fe4O5 into FeO + h-Fe3O4 at a similar pressure range. The coexistence of FeO and Fe3O4 indicates that none of the recently discovered compounds between FeO and Fe3O4 (i.e., Fe5O6, Fe9O11, Fe4O5, and Fe7O9) are formed beyond ~40 GPa at 1800 K, corresponding to conditions in the shallow lower mantle. Additionally, as some superdeep diamonds have genetic links with these high-pressure iron oxides, our results give constraints on pressure and temperature conditions of their formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Mg-bearing iron oxide Mg 0.87 (1) Fe 4.13 (1) 2 + Fe 4 3 + O 11 $ \begin{array} {} {\rm{M}}{{\rm{g}}_{0.87(1)}}{\rm{Fe}}_{4.13(1)}^{2 + }{\rm{Fe}}_4^{3 + }{{\rm{O}}_{11}}\end{array} $ was synthesized at 12 GPa and 1300 °C using a large volume press. Rietveld structural analysis was conducted with a laboratory X‑ray diffraction pattern obtained at ambient conditions. The crystal structure, which has one oxygen trigonal prism site and four octahedral sites for the cations, was found to be isostructural with Ca2Fe7O11. The unit-cell lattice parameters are a = 9.8441(5) Å, b = 2.8920(1) Å, c = 14.1760(6) Å, β = 99.956(4)°, V = 397.50(3) Å3, and Z = 2 (monoclinic, C2/m). Mg and Fe cations are disordered on the trigonal prism site and on two of the four octahedral sites, and the remaining Fe is accommodated at the other two octahedral sites. The present structure is closely related to the other recently discovered Fe oxide structures, e.g., Fe4O5 and Fe5O6, by distortion derived either from incorporation (Fe4O5) or removal (Fe5O6) of an edge-shared FeO6 single octahedral chain in their structures. The present synthesis at deep upper mantle conditions and the structural relationships observed between various novel Mg-Fe oxides indicate that a series of different phases become stable above 10 GPa and that their relative stabilities (Fe2+/Fe3+) must be controlled by oxygen fugacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, nanoparticle formulations utilizing magnetic materials have started gaining more consideration in the biomedical arena due to their inherent superparamagnetic/paramagnetic nature paving ways to develop assays and sensors benefitting mostly magnetic separation technique. Coupled with the developments in the synthetic field in obtaining controlled-sized particles and surface functionalities, a variety of sensitive and selective assays have been developed ranging from detection/separation/enrichment of antibodies, enzymes, proteins, and nucleic acids to whole cells, virus, and pathogens utilizing a variety of signal transduction mechanisms including fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance, and magnetic resonance. In addition to ongoing research in this field, there are already commercialized products engineered to detect and quantify biomolecules with proper surface formulations. Owing to the immensity of applications of magnetic particles, in this article, recent trends in the design and applications of iron oxide nanoparticles will be reviewed.

The iron (Fe) L2,3-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectrum is sensitive to the local coordination environment around the Fe metal center, making it a useful probe for understanding Fe mineral speciation. The two dominant spectral peaks in the Fe L3-edge are parameterized according to the difference in the energy position (ΔeV), and the quotient (intensity ratio) of the two peaks' maxima. Variations in the ΔeV value are strongly linked to factors that impact on the strength of the ligand field (e.g., Fe valence state, coordination number, and the nature of ligand bonding). The intensity ratio is affected by the strength of the ligand field and by the composition of the resultant molecular orbitals. The Fe valence state also strongly affects the intensity ratio, and an intensity ratio equal to one can be used to distinguish between Fe2+ and Fe3+ minerals. The effects of polyhedral distortion on the magnitudes of ΔeV and intensity ratio values were tested by considering the Fe oxide and -oxy- hydroxide mineral system, in which ligand effects are limited to the differences between the oxygen and hydroxyl ligands. In this system, the distribution of Fe oxide and -oxy-hydroxide minerals on a ΔeV vs. intensity ratio two-parameter plot could be explained by considering the Fe valence state, the ligand chemistry and the site symmetry of the Fe polyhedra. Furthermore, the ΔeV and intensity ratio values were found to be anti-correlated with respect to the various distortion measures considered in this study (e.g., polyhedral volume distortion percentage). This two-parameter plot is thus presented as a standard-less phase-specific identification tool for use in Fe speciation studies, applicable to both natural systems (e.g., aerosols, aquatic colloids) as well as to engineered systems (e.g., nanoparticle synthesis). A major advantage of this technique is that it is applicable to both crystalline and poorly crystalline phases, thus enhancing our ability to study amorphous and nano-crystalline phases that are typically difficult to characterize using X-ray diffraction techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cyclodextrins have been used to catalyze chemical reactions in the synthesis of different materials. The aim of this study is to produce nanoparticles using cyclodextrin as a nanoreactor. Methods: In this study, nanoparticles from the solid phase of iron oxide (Fe3O4), copper oxide (CuO) and metallic silver (Ago) were obtained through hydrothermal synthesis at 100 and 150°C for six hours. This was produced for cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase from Bacillus lehensis isolated from wastewater of a cassava flourmill. The nanoparticles were characterized through x-ray diffraction Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy. Results: The images demonstrated that the nanoparticles exhibited a polyhedric shape with a diameter of 100 nm for Fe4O3, an irregular oval shape with a diameter of 45 nm for CuO and a platelet shape with a diameter of 138 nm for Ago. Conclusion: Based on this characterization, the proposed technique proved to be an efficient, low-cost, convenient method for the production of sub-micrometric and nanometric solid phases and can likely be scaled up for industrial use. The results demonstrate the possibility of producing nanoparticles using cyclodextrin as a nanoreactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate in this study that natural green rust nanoparticles and their synthetic analogs can be complex polycrystalline phases composed of crystallites only a few nanometers in size, and they often include nanometer-sized regions of amorphous material. The natural green rusts are Zn-bearing pseudo-hexagonal platelets previously identified by us in the contaminated mine drainage of the former Ronneburg uranium mine in Germany (Johnson et al. 2014). We also identified Ni- and Cubearing green rust platelets in the sediment underlying the drainage outflow 20 m downstream, and, using dark-field transmission electron microscopy (DF-TEM), found that these natural green rusts are not usually structurally coherent single crystals. Synthetic sulfate green rusts are also polycrystalline and composed of crystallites of only a few nanometers in size, though different synthesis conditions produced different patterns of polycrystallinity. While pseudo-hexagonal platelets are the typical morphology of green rust, we also synthesized green rust nanorods, which have not previously been reported. In addition to the known characteristics of green rusts (including a very large aspect ratio and surface area to volume ratio, and the redox properties allowed by the structural mixture of Fe2+ and Fe3+), these polycrystalline platelets exhibit a high abundance of defect sites and likely a rough surface topography. The combination of these characteristics has important implications for the reactivity of green rust with biogeochemical interfaces in natural and anthropogenic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We simulated the redox decomposition of magnesium-siderite at pressures and temperatures corresponding to the top of the Earth's D″ layer (135 GPa and 2650 K). It transforms into new phases, with unexpected stoichiometry. We report their crystal structure, based on single-crystal synchrotron radiation diffraction on a multi-grain sample, using a charge-flipping algorithm. Mg2Fe2(C4O13) is monoclinic, a = 9.822(3), b = 3.9023(13), c = 13.154(5) Å, β = 108.02(3)°, V = 479.4(3) Å3 (at 135 GPa). It contains tetrahedrally coordinated carbon units, corner-shared in truncated C4O13 chains. Half of the cations are divalent, and half trivalent. The carbonate coexists with a new iron oxide, Fe13O19, monoclinic, a = 19.233(2), b = 2.5820(13), c = 9.550(11) Å, β = 118.39(3)°, V = 417.2(5) Å3 (at 135 GPa). It has a stoichiometry between hematite, Fe2O3, and magnetite, Fe3O4. The formation of these unquenchable phases indicates, indirectly, the formation of reduced-carbon species, possibly diamond. These structures suggest the ideas that the mineralogy of the lower mantle and D″ region may be more complex than previously estimated. This is especially significant concerning accessory phases of fundamental geochemical significance and their role in ultra-deep iron-carbon redox coupling processes, as well as the iron-oxygen system, which certainly play an important role in the lower mantle mineral phase equilibria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ferric oxyhydroxide minerals akaganéite and schwertmannite are associated with acidic environments and iron alteration on Earth and may be present on Mars as well. These minerals have a tunnel structure and are crystallographically related. The extended visible region reflectance spectra of these minerals are characterized by a broad Fe3+ electronic transition centered near 0.92 µm, a reflectance maximum near 0.73 µm, and a shoulder near 0.59 µm. The near-infrared (NIR) reflectance spectra of each of these minerals are dominated by broad overtones and combinations of the H2O vibration features. These occur near 1.44-1.48 and 1.98-2.07 µm (~6750-6950 and 4830-5210 cm-1) in akaganéite spectra, while in schwertmannite spectra they occur at 1.44-1.48 and 1.95-2.00 µm (~6750-6950 and 5005-5190 cm-1). Additional bands due to OH vibrational overtones are found near 1.42 µm (~7040 cm-1) in akaganéite and schwertmannite spectra and due to OH combination bands in akaganéite spectra at 2.46 µm (4070 cm-1) with weaker components at 2.23-2.42 µm (4134-4492 cm-1). A strong and broad band is observed near 2.8-3.1 µm (~3300-3600 cm-1) in reflectance and transmittance spectra of akaganéite and schwertmannite due to overlapping OH and H2O stretching vibrations. H2O bending vibrations occur near 1620 cm-1 (~6.17 µm) in akaganéite spectra and near 1630 cm-1 (~6.13 µm) in schwertmannite spectra with additional bands at lower frequencies due to constrained H2O molecules. OH bending vibrations occur near 650 and 850 cm-1 (~15.4 and 11.8 µm) in akaganéite spectra and near 700 cm-1 (~14.3 µm) in schwertmannite spectra. Sulfate vibrations are observed for schwertmannite as a v3 triplet at 1118, 1057, and 1038 cm-1 (~8.9, 9.5, and 9.6 µm), v1 at 982 cm-1 (~10.2 µm), v4 near 690 cm-1 (~14.5 µm), and v2 at 608 cm-1 (~16.5 µm). Fe-O bonds occur near 410-470 cm-1 (µm) for akaganéite and schwertmannite. Both minerals readily absorb H2O molecules from the environment and adsorb them onto the mineral surfaces and incorporate them into the tunnels. If akaganéite and schwertmannite were present on the surface of Mars they could enable transport of H2O from the near-surface to the atmosphere as the partial pressure of H2O varies diurnally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]