Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis and surface coating techniques for biomedical applications

Iron oxide nanoparticles are the most popular magnetic nanoparticles used in biomedical applications due to their low cost, low toxicity, and unique magnetic property. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, including magnetite （Fe304） and maghemite （γ-Fe203）, usually exhibit a superparamagnetic property as their size goes smaller than 20 nm, which are often denoted as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles （SPIONs） and utilized for drug delivery, diagnosis, therapy, and etc. This review article gives a brief introduction on magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in terms of their fundamentals of magnetism, magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）, and drug delivery, as well as the synthesis approaches, surface coating, and application examples from recent key literatures. Because the quality and surface chemistry play important roles in biomedical applications, our review focuses on the synthesis approaches and surface modifications of iron oxide nanopar- ticles. We aim to provide a detailed introduction to readers who are new to this field, helping them to choose suitable synthesis methods and to optimize the surface chemistry of iron oxide nanoparticles for their interests.

Titanium Aluminides: Science, Technology, Applications and Synthesis by Mechanical Alloying

The production. characteristics. and commercialization of monolithic and composite titanium aluminides are summanzed with emphasis on use in the demanding aerospace industry. The attractive elevated temperature properties combined with alow density make these materials of great interest, but inherently low 'forgiveness', and environmental concerns, must be overcome before widespread use will occur One synthesis method for the production of monolithic titanium aluminides-mechanical alloying- will be discussed in detail

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist:From synthesis to therapeutic applications

The cytokine channel’s mechanism for self-regulation involves the application of antagonistic cytokines that are synthesized to connect to the receptors and release soluble cytokine receptors.The very first receptor antagonist of cytokine that was naturally present was interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(IL-1Ra).The IL-1Ra protein forms are disinfected from supernatants of cultured monocytes on stacked IgG.The family of IL-1 consists of IL-1α,IL-1βand IL-1Ra.Human monocytes regulate the production of IL-Ra.IL-Ra takes part in normal physiological functions by using specific antibodies,and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.IL-Ra is synthesized in the tissues during the period of active disease and can be systematically measured and/or estimated.Maintenance of the levels of IL-Ra and IL-1 is the main factor for host resistance in patients during diseased conditions,as IL-Ra acts as an inherent regulator of various inflammatory responses.In this article,we focuse on how IL-Ra is synthesized and performs its functions once the inflammatory responses are activated.

A review on the high energy oxidizer ammonium dinitramide:Its synthesis,thermal decomposition,hygroscopicity,and application in energetic materials

Ammonium dinitramide(ADN)is considered as a potential substitute for ammonium perchlorate in energetic materials due to its high density,positive oxygen balance,and halogen-free characteristics.However,its application has been severely limited because of its strong hygroscopicity,difficult storage,and incompatibility with isocyanate curing agents.In order to better bloom the advantages of the highly energetic and environment-friendly ADN in the fields of energetic materials,an in-depth analysis of the current situation and discussion of key research points are particularly important.In this paper,a detailed overview on the synthesis,thermal decomposition,hygroscopic mechanism,and antihygroscopicity of ADN has been discussed,its application in powdes and explosives are also presented,and its future research directions are proposed.

Major Chemical Synthesis Methods and Application Progress of Sex Pheromone of Asian Corn Borer

This article reviews the main chemical synthesis methods of sex pheromone of Asian corn borer, common strategies for constructing dou-ble bond, molecular composition and field application progress of sex pheromone of Asian corn borer, which will provide reference for biological control of Asian corn borer.

Properties, Application and Synthesis Methods of Nano-Molybdenum Powder

Nano molybdenum powder has been applied in many industrial fields in forms of lubricant additives, metallurgical additives, powder sintering additives, and one of raw materials of electrical components, cleaner and smoke suppressor. The processes, mechanisms and prospects of its synthesis methods are comprehensively analysized, including plasma physical vapor deposition technology (PPVD), reduction of MoCl4 vapor, activated reduction technology, electro-explosion of molybdenum wire (Elex process), pulsed wire discharge technology, electron beam irradiating method, hybrid plasma process, vapor phase reduction of MoO3, and microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD), etc.

Nitrogen-doped graphene:Synthesis,characterizations and energy applications

Nitrogen-doped（N-doped） graphene has attracted increasing attentions because of the significantly enhanced properties in physic, chemistry, biology and material science, as compared with those of pristine graphene. By date, N-doped graphene has opened up an exciting new field in the science and technology of two-dimensional materials. From the viewpoints of chemistry and materials, this article presents an overview on the recent progress of N-doped graphene, including the typical synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and various applications in energy fields. The challenges and perspective of Ndoped graphene are also discussed. We expect that this review will provide new insights into the further development and practical applications of N-doped graphene.

Recent advances in metal halide perovskite photocatalysts:Properties,synthesis and applications

As a class of new emerged semiconductors,MHPs exhibit many excellent photoelectronic properties,which are superior to most conventional semiconductor nanocrystals(NCs).Particularly,MHPs have received extensive attention and brought new opportunities for the development of photocatalysis.Over the past few years,numerous efforts have been made to design and prepare MHP-based materials for a wide range of applications in photocatalysis,ranging from photocatalytic H_(2) generation,photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction,photocatalytic organic synthesis and pollutant degradation.In this review,recent advances in the development of MHP-based materials are summarized from the standpoint of photocatalysis.A brief outlook of this field has been proposed to point out some important challenges and possible solutions.This review suggests that the new family of MHP photocatalysts provide a new paradigm in efficient artificial photosynthesis.

Application of an Organophosphorus Compound-DEPBT as Coupling Reagent in Liquid Phase Peptide Synthesis

DEPBT, a novel coupling reagent containing phosphorus, was used in synthesis of pentapeptide Boc-Ile-Asn-Met-Trp(For)-Gly.OMe by solution method.

Large-Scale and Reversible Synthesis of Bright Upconversion Crystals with Almost 100%Yield by a Minimalist Method for Recyclable Application

Upconversion luminescence(UCL)materials have the potential for many applications due to their unique optical properties.Some technical challenges such as complex synthesis with low yield and nondegradability need to be addressed for practical use.Here,we report for the first time a minimalist method for large-scale synthesis of Cs_(2)NaErCl_(6)UCL crystals with almost 100%yield,simply by dissolving metal chlorides in water and then drying,referred to as the“dissolve-dry”method.Cs_(2)NaErCl_(6)crystals produced under such mild conditions exhibited bright UCL at either 808 or 980 nm irradiation.UCL was achieved through an excited state absorption process,and the excellent performance was mainly attributed to the large unit cells of the crystals and the long lifetime of Er^(3+)excited energy levels.Moreover,the synthesis was reversible and could be scaled up unlimitedly,making it suitable for industrial applications,with recyclable products.The recyclable application of Cs_(2)NaErCl_(6)crystals as a luminescent medium in near-infrared light-emitting diode excitable upconversion devices was demonstrated based on its excellent recyclability.Our work not only provides a new strategy for large-scale synthesis of UCL crystals but also demonstrates the recyclability of this material and its related applications.

A review on Bi_(2)WO_(6)-based photocatalysts synthesis, modification, and applications in environmental remediation, life medical, and clean energy

Photocatalysis has emerged a promising strategy to remedy the current energy and environmental crisis due to its ability to directiy convert clean solar energy into chemical energy.Bismuth tungstate(Bi_(2)WO_(6))has been shown to be an excellent visible light response,a well-defined perovskite crystal structure,and an abundance of oxygen atoms(providing efficient channels for photogenerated carrier transfer)due to their suitable band gap,effective electron migration and separation,making them ideal photocatalysts.It has been extensively applied as photocatalyst in aspects including pollutant removal,carbon dioxide reduction,solar hydrogen production,ammonia synthesis by nitrogen photocatalytic reduction,and cancer therapy.In this review,the fabrication and application of Bi_(2)WO_(6) in photocatalysis were comprehensively discussed.The photocatalytic properties of BizwO-based materials were significantly enhanced by carbon modification,the construction of heterojunctions,and the atom doping to improve the photogenerated carrier migration rate,the number of surface active sites,and the photoexcitation ability of the composites.In addition,the potential development directions and the existing challenges to improve the photocatalytic performance of Bi_(2)WO_(6)-based materials were discussed.

Synthesis, properties, and applications of graphene oxide/reduced graphene oxide and their nanocomposites

Thanks to their remarkable mechanical, electrical, thermal, and barrier properties, graphene-based nanocomposites have been a hot area of research in the past decade. Because of their simple top-down synthesis, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have opened new possibilities for gas barrier, membrane separation, and stimuli-response characteristics in nanocomposites. Herein, we review the synthesis techniques most commonly used to produce these graphene derivatives, discuss how synthesis affects their key material properties, and highlight some examples of nanocomposites with unique and impressive properties. We specifically highlight their performances in separation applications, stimuli-responsive materials, anti-corrosion coatings, and energy storage. Finally, we discuss the outlook and remaining challenges in the field of practical industrial-scale production and use of graphene-derivative-based polymer nanocomposites.

Advances in MXene Films:Synthesis,Assembly,and Applications

A growing family of two-dimensional(2D)transition metal carbides or nitrides,known as MXenes,have received increasing attention because of their unique properties,such as metallic conductivity and good hydrophilicity.The studies on MXenes have been widely pursued,given the composition diversity of the parent MAX phases.This review focuses on MXene fi lms,an important form of MXene-based materials for practical applications.We summarized the synthesis methods of MXenes,focusing on emerging synthesis strategies and reaction mechanisms.The advanced assembly technologies of MXene fi lms,including vacuum-assisted fi ltration,spin-coating methods,and several other approaches,were then highlighted.Finally,recent progress in the applications of MXene fi lms in electrochemical energy storage,membrane separation,electromagnetic shielding fi elds,and burgeoning areas,as well as the correlation between compositions,architecture,and performance,was discussed.

Synthesis and applications of Ag@C composites:Progress and opportunity

Developing classes of Ag@C composites stand out for their one of a kind structure and novel physicochemical properties in later a long time.This review explores the current state-of-the-art progress in the preparation methods and the novel properties of Ag@C composites.We provide a definition of the stability of Ag@C composites,and propose strategies to improve the stability.Based on the later inquire,a summary and outlook toward the synthesis and applications of Ag@C composites are presented,aiming to accelerate the exploration of Ag@C composites and further stimulate the applications in various fields.

Prodigiosin from Serratia:Synthesis and potential applications

Prodigiosin is a red pigment with a pyrrolylpyrromethane skeleton.It is mainly produced by bacterial strains belonging to the Serratia genus,but also by some other genera,including Streptomyces and Vibrio.Within the genus Serratia,the pigment is generally produced as a virulence factor.However,it also has many important beneficial biological activities such as immunosuppressive and anti-proliferative activities.Moreover,the pigment has many industrial applications in textile and cosmetics.In this mini-review,we discuss the genetic and molecular mechanisms supporting prodigiosin synthesis and production from the Serratia genus,as well as its potential applications.

Dual-atom catalysts:controllable synthesis and electrocatalytic applications

Electrocatalysis,as the nexus for energy storage and environmental remediation,requires developing low-cost and highperforming heterogeneous catalysts.Compared with the single atom catalysts(SACs),dual-atom catalysts(DACs)are attracting ever-increasing interest due to their higher metal loading,more versatile active sites and unique reactivity.However,controlled synthesis of DACs remains a great challenge,and their electrocatalytic applications are still in infancy.This review first discusses the synthesis of DACs by highlighting several synthetic strategies.Subsequently,we exemplify the unique reactivities of DACs in electrocatalytic applications including water splitting,oxygen reduction,carbon dioxide reduction and nitrogen reduction.The structure-activity relations of DACs are specifically discussed in comparison with that of SACs,on the basis of experimental and theoretical studies.Finally,the opportunities and challenges of DACs are summarized in terms of rational design,controlled synthesis,characterization,and applications.

Recent progress in molten salt synthesis of low-dimensional perovskite oxide nanostructures, structural characterization,properties, and functional applications: A review

Molten salt synthesis （MSS） method has advantages of the simplicity in the process equipment, versatile and large-scale synthesis, and friendly environment, which provides an excellent approach to synthesize high pure oxide powders with controllable compositions and morphologies. Among these oxides, perovskite oxides with a composition of ABO3 exhibit a broad spectrum of physical properties and functions （e.g. ferroelectric, piezoelectric, magnetic, photovoltaic and photocatalytic properties）. The downscaling of the spatial geometry of perovskite oxides into nanometers result in novel properties that are different from the bulk and film counterparts. Recent interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology has led to great efforts focusing on the synthesis of low-dimensional perovskite oxide nanostructures （PONs） to better understand their novel physical properties at nanoscale. Therefore, the low-dimensional PONs such as perovskite nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorods, nanotubes, nanofibers, nanobelts, and two dimensional oxide nanostructures, play an important role in developing the next generation of oxide electronics. In the past few years, much effort has been made on the synthesis of PONs by MSS method and their structural characterizations. The functional applications of PONs are also explored in the fields of storage memory, energy harvesting, and solar energy conversion. This review summarizes the recent progress in the synthesis of low-dimensional PONs by MSS method and its modified ways. Their structural char- acterization and physical properties are also scrutinized. The potential applications of low-dimensional PONs in different fields such as data memory and storage, energy harvesting, solar energy conversion, are highlighted. Perspectives concerning the future research trends and challenges of low-dimensional PONs are also outlined. ~ 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science ＆ Technology.