Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhixin Li, Fangcai Wu, Yulan Zeng, Yiwei Xu, Hongning Liu, Xinjia Wang, Fang Luo, Zhenyu Lin
Summary: This study developed electrochemiluminescence nanoprobes with a core-shell-shell structure and applied them for hyaluronidase detection. The nanoprobes efficiently precipitate through target-regulation wettability for collection and enrich near the hydrophobic electrode surface through hydrophobic interaction, enhancing the biosensor's performance.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yang Song, Jingyi Jin, Liuling Hu, Bingqian Hu, Mengyao Wang, Lilong Guo, Xiyan Lv
Summary: This study synthesized two types of UCNPs with different structures and coupled them with antibodies and magnetic nanoparticles to establish a rapid and sensitive fluorescence immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of fenpropathrin and procymidone. The results showed that the method had low detection limits and high sensitivity, and it could be applied to the rapid detection of fenpropathrin and procymidone in food.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pengfei Chen, Shun Yao, Dongmei Zheng, Zhiyuan Xu, Jinling Yu, Tingting Liang
Summary: A temperature-sensitive magnetic composite with good affinity to papain was successfully prepared, showing high adsorption capacity and recyclability. The composite could thermally protect papain and maintain its activity during adsorption and elution processes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Serkan Koylan, Sensu Tunca, Gokhan Polat, Mete Batuhan Durukan, Dongkwan Kim, Yunus Eren Kalay, Seung Hwan Ko, Husnu Emrah Unalan
Summary: A solution-based strategy was developed to deposit a thin platinum (Pt) shell layer onto silver nanowires (Ag NWs) to improve their chemical, environmental, and electrochemical stabilities. The core-shell NW networks showed superior stability under different conditions compared to bare Ag NWs, with a broadened potential window for electrochemical stability. Additionally, Ag-Pt core-shell NWs exhibited high sensitivity in hydrogen peroxide detection with a low detection limit.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Valentina Andretto, Mathieu Repellin, Marine Pujol, Eyad Almouazen, Jacqueline Sidi-Boumedine, Thierry Granjon, Heyang Zhang, Katrien Remaut, Lars Petter Jordheim, Stephanie Briancon, Isabel Sofia Keil, Fulvia Vascotto, Kerstin C. Walzer, Ugur Sahin, Heinrich Haas, David Kryza, Giovanna Lollo
Summary: mRNA-based infectious disease vaccines have opened up new possibilities for the development of novel nucleic acids-based therapeutics. Hybrid nanoparticles with complex nanostructures, such as lipid-polymer hybrids, offer tailored properties for efficient delivery of mRNA. Surface modifications of liposome-mRNA complexes can fine-tune the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles, providing stable and optimized systems for future therapeutic interventions using mRNA-based nanomedicines.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesca Corsini, Elisavet Tatsi, Alessia Colombo, Claudia Dragonetti, Chiara Botta, Stefano Turri, Gianmarco Griffini
Summary: The study synthesized highly luminescent and photostable core-shell nanostructured luminescent species for use in LSC devices, demonstrating superior optical response and excellent photostability. The nanoparticles displayed markedly improved photoluminescence quantum yield and high internal photon efficiency, showcasing their potential for efficient and stable application in the field of photovoltaics.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hongyong Zhao, Qian Xie, Xiaoli Ding, Ruyi Cai, Xiaoyao Tan, Yuzhong Zhang
Summary: Introducing AAILs@PIM (core-shell) CNPs into polymeric membranes can improve CO2 permeation-separation performance. This is mainly due to the high CO2 adsorption selectivity of AAILs and the good organic-organic interface provided by PIM.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giovanni Marco Saladino, Ronak Kakadiya, Shaquib Rahman Ansari, Alexandra Teleki, Muhammet Sadaka Toprak
Summary: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) play a dominant role in various biomedical applications, including magnetic separation, drug delivery, diagnostics, and hyperthermia treatments. In this study, superparamagnetic nanoclusters (SP-NCs) with high unit magnetization and diameters up to 400 nm were synthesized using conventional or microwave-assisted solvothermal methods. The choice of synthesis route and capping agent significantly influenced the particle size, SP-NC size, surface chemistry, and magnetic properties. The SP-NCs were then coated with a silica shell doped with a fluorophore to provide fluorescence properties and high stability. The heating efficiency studies demonstrated the potential of these synthesized SP-NCs in hyperthermia treatment. The enhanced magnetically-active content, fluorescence, magnetic property, and heating efficiency of SP-NCs offer promising opportunities for biomedical applications.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yidong Chen, Sarah Lerch, Zafer Say, Christopher Tiburski, Christoph Langhammer, Kasper Moth-Poulsen
Summary: Encapsulation of metal nanoparticles in mesoporous silica shells is an effective strategy for stabilizing them for high temperature catalytic applications. These protective shells provide structural support and efficient reactant transport, resulting in higher thermal stability and catalytic activity compared to surfactant-stabilized nanoparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jieyi Shen, Lishuang Wang, Xuedong He, Shun Wang, Jiadong Chen, Juan Wang, Huile Jin
Summary: In this study, a new class of Cu/In2O3 nanoparticles was prepared as superior electrocatalysts for CO2RR, which exhibited high CO/H-2 ratios and total faradaic efficiency in a wide potential range. The excellent performance of these catalysts was attributed to the electronic interaction between amorphous In2O3 and Cu, expanding the possibilities for designing and preparing fascinating electrocatalysts for CO2RR.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Heng Ye, Yong Wang, Xiaojia Liu, Dandan Xu, Hao Yuan, Hongqi Sun, Shaobin Wang, Xing Ma
Summary: Simple and scalable fabrication methods for bubble-propelled iron oxides-MnO2 core-shell micromotors show efficient removal of organic pollutants and suspended microplastics, potentially significant for environmental remediation applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yi Hao, Yuan Gao, Luyao Gao, Yulian He, Yingying Niu, Sameer Hussain, Ruixia Gao, Lisa D. Pfefferle, M. Shahid, Sicen Wang
Summary: A new class of amphiphilic magnetic adsorbents Fe3O4-GPS-A were synthesized through surface functionalization of Fe3O4 with tailored amphiphilic silanizing agents, with Fe3O4-DOA and Fe3O4-OAN showing fast adsorption and high capacity for dibutyl phthalate and dioctyl phthalate. The adsorbents maintained good performance even after repeated cycles, suggesting their potential application in phthalate ester detection.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paul Boone, Yiwen He, Austin R. Lieber, Janice A. Steckel, Nathaniel L. Rosi, Katherine M. Hornbostel, Christopher E. Wilmer
Summary: In this study, a novel core-shell MOF design strategy is proposed to address the issue of competitive binding between water and CO2 in traditional adsorbents. Through a combination of experimental measurements, computational modeling, and multiphysics modeling, 10 core-shell MOF candidates with superior performance were identified.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Nathaniel Wellington, Shreyas Pathreeker, Ian D. Hosein
Summary: We used the Light-Induced Self-Writing (LISW) technique to fabricate vertically-aligned polymer composite microstructures with core-shell morphology. Our results indicate that photopolymerization-driven nanoparticle phase separation is possible, and LISW is a highly attractive materials fabrication technique. Through this technique, we obtained a microstructure array with exemplary core-shell morphologies.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jingzhi Dou, Bei Chen, Guixia Liu, Xiangting Dong, Wensheng Yu, Jinxian Wang, Yunxiao Zhang, Zhanguo Li, Jiang Zhu
Summary: A multifunctional nanomaterial with high therapeutic efficiency and multimodal imaging capabilities has been successfully synthesized for efficient tumor photothermal therapy and multimodal imaging.
JOURNAL OF RARE EARTHS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Koen Binnemans, Peter Tom Jones
Summary: This academic position paper proposes the 12 Principles of circular hydrometallurgy, a novel and sustainable approach. It aims to guide future research in the field and provide a benchmark for assessing existing processes. Circular hydrometallurgy focuses on energy and resource efficiency, minimal reagent consumption, and waste reduction. The paper presents the principles that promote sustainability, such as reagent regeneration, water loop closure, waste prevention, and integration of materials and energy flows.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE METALLURGY
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Koen Binnemans, Peter Tom Jones
Summary: This paper reviews the properties of methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and its potential for use in hydrometallurgy. MSA is a very strong acid with high solubility of its salts in water and low toxicity. It offers more environment-friendly alternatives to traditional acids in lead hydrometallurgy and can be adopted in all hydrometallurgical processes that require strong acids. The global production of MSA is expected to increase rapidly in the future.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE METALLURGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Viet Tu Nguyen, Clio Deferm, Ward Caytan, Sofia Riano, Peter Tom Jones, Koen Binnemans
Summary: A hydrometallurgical process has been developed to convert lithium chloride solution to lithium hydroxide solution by a chloride/hydroxide anion exchange reaction using solvent extraction. The organic phase, composed of a quaternary ammonium chloride and a hydrophobic phenol in a diluent, showed the best results. The process involves two steps: contacting the organic phase with sodium hydroxide solution and then with lithium chloride solution, resulting in the transformation of lithium chloride solution into lithium hydroxide solution. The process has been successfully demonstrated in continuous counter-current mode.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE METALLURGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Viet Tu Nguyen, Koen Binnemans, Sofia Riano
Summary: Assessment of solvent extraction in continuous mode is crucial for scaling up the processes. Limited information is available on how to operate counter-current solvent-extraction equipment and tackle problems with real feeds. This study evaluates the performance of a solvent-extraction process in mixer-settlers and discusses the challenges of running a solvent-extraction process using ionic liquids at a minipilot scale.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stijn Raiguel, Viet Tu Nguyen, Isadora Reis Rodrigues, Clio Deferm, Sofia Riano, Koen Binnemans
Summary: The world's seas and oceans have a large amount of lithium, but the low concentration makes solvent extraction impractical for recovery. However, seawater desalination brine, after nanofiltration treatment, has a much higher concentration of lithium. Therefore, a solvent extraction process can effectively recover lithium from such streams. The proposed process involves removal of magnesium and calcium, followed by lithium extraction, scrubbing, stripping, removal of residual alkaline earth metals, and precipitation of lithium. The process has a yield of 74% and produces lithium carbonate with a purity of 97 wt%.
SOLVENT EXTRACTION AND ION EXCHANGE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Koen Binnemans, Peter Tom Jones
Summary: Over the past 10-20 years, many academic papers have described the benefits of ionic liquids (ILs) and deep-eutectic solvents (DESs) in extractive metallurgy processes. However, despite being hailed as game-changers, these neoteric solvents have not made significant commercial breakthroughs. This paper reflects on the reasons for their lack of impact, including issues with viscosity, chemical stability, recycling, and cost, and suggests that a deeper understanding of hydrometallurgical processes at the molecular level is more likely to lead to innovation.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE METALLURGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongshan Zhu, Stephan Heinitz, Samuel Eyley, Wim Thielemans, Koen Binnemans, Steven Mullens, Thomas Cardinaels
Summary: 213Bi-labeled radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment are of great interest, and finding a suitable sorbent material for separating 213Bi from its parent radionuclide 225Ac is challenging. This study reports on the synthesis and evaluation of sulfonated carbon materials (SCMs) as sorbents in inverse 225Ac/213Bi generators. The sulfonation of carbon materials prepared at 500 degrees C (SCM-500) showed promising results, with high selectivity for Bi3+ over La3+ and high chemical 213Bi yield in column tests.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Joren van Stee, Filip Keppens, Jinu Joseph John, Koen Binnemans, Tom Van Gerven
Summary: This study presents a reproducible production method for microreactor manifolds using commercially available and 3D printed parts. It was found that tubes and fittings alone cannot produce reliable and reproducible manifolds. However, a hybrid manifold consisting of a 3D printed distributor and commercial tubes and fittings showed a significant reduction in maldistribution for both single- and two-phase flow. Furthermore, the surface tension of the applied liquid was shown to have a significant effect on maldistribution, possibly due to the presence of air bubbles.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dzenita Avdibegovic, Elke Barbier, Blaz Jaklic, Sreco Davor Skapin, Matjaz Spreitzer, Koen Binnemans
Summary: In the present study, strong cation and anion exchange resins were used to recover non-rare earth constituents from end-of-life rare-earth magnets. The results showed that the cation exchange resin was effective in recovering metal ions from both aqueous and ethanolic solutions, while the anion exchange resin selectively recovered copper and iron from ethanolic solutions. The ion exchange mechanism involved the formation of chloro complexes of copper and their exchange with sulfate counter ions of the resin.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nor Kamariah, Panagiotis Xanthopoulos, Koen Binnemans, Jeroen Spooren
Summary: Difficulties in beneficiation and hydrometallurgical processing limit the potential of chrysocolla as a copper ore mineral. Solvoleaching in a solution of 3 M NH4Cl in monoethanolamine enabled efficient and selective copper extraction from high-grade chrysocolla ore. Copper recovery was achieved through sulfide precipitation with (NH4)2S solution, with a covellite phase precipitated and a recovery yield of over 98%. The reusability of the lixiviant was demonstrated by four leaching-precipitation cycles.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Bart Verlinden, Karen Van Hecke, Andreas Wilden, Giuseppe Modolo, Koen Binnemans, Thomas Cardinaels, Piotr M. Kowalski
Summary: In this paper, the radiolytic degradation of diglycolamides was analyzed using computational chemistry methods, focusing on structural and thermodynamic aspects. The most vulnerable parts of the organic ligands prone to attack and degradation by radicals were identified through electronic density and bond strength analysis. By computing free energy, a possible degradation path involving the breaking of the C-O bond by H radical attack was obtained. Solvation effects, including solvation entropy effects, were taken into account to investigate realistic reaction conditions. The resulting degradation mechanism is consistent with experimentally observed degradation products.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dominic Maertens, Koen Binnemans, Thomas Cardinaels
Summary: Annular centrifugal contactors (ACCs) are efficient in counter-current multistage solvent extraction (SX) due to their high throughput, short residence times, and small footprint. However, the availability of commercial laboratory-scale ACCs is limited, and their designs lack flexibility. In this study, customized transparent ACCs were used to monitor the process and identify operational issues. The modified ACCs demonstrated improved performance in a uranium-TBP SX process.
SOLVENT EXTRACTION AND ION EXCHANGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pieter Geysens, Da Tie, Alexandru Vlad, Jan Fransaer, Koen Binnemans
Summary: Electrowinning is a clean process for neodymium metal recovery, but the current methods are limited by high energy consumption or high costs and environmental impact. In this study, new fluorine-free organic electrolytes were developed, enabling the electrodeposition of neodymium metal at room temperature. These electrolytes consist of solvated neodymium borohydride dissolved in ether solvents, prepared from non-fluorinated precursors. The electrodeposition of neodymium in these electrolytes demonstrated higher stability and was characterized to confirm the presence of neodymium metal.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Filip Kolesar, Karen Van Hecke, Peter Zsabka, Ken Verguts, Koen Binnemans, Thomas Cardinaels
Summary: A new variant of the AmSel system using Aliquat-336 nitrate as the diluent was tested for the separation of Am(iii) from a PUREX raffinate. The introduction of Aliquat-336 nitrate improved the separation between Am(iii) and fission products, especially for light lanthanides and strontium. The Am/Cm separation factors remained similar to the original AmSel process. Slower stripping kinetics and extraction of the SO3-Ph-BTBP complexant occurred at low HNO3 concentrations during the stripping step, but mitigation actions were implemented to counteract these issues.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongshan Zhu, Stephan Heinitz, Samuel Eyley, Wim Thielemans, Elien Derveaux, Peter Adriaensens, Koen Binnemans, Steven Mullens, Thomas Cardinaels
Summary: In this study, the effects of gamma radiation on AG MP-50 cation exchange resin and sulfonated activated carbon (SAC) were investigated. It was found that the surface sulfonic acid groups of AG MP-50 resin suffered severe radiation-induced degradation, while no apparent changes in acquired morphological characteristics were observed for SAC. The sorption performance of both materials for La3+ and Bi3+ remained generally the same.
