Smart Synthesis of Trimethyl Ethoxysilane (TMS) Functionalized Core-Shell Magnetic Nanosorbents Fe3O4@SiO2: Process Optimization and Application for Extraction of Pesticides.

Khalid Al-Saad,Basem Shomar,Nessreen Al-Hashimi,Mohammad A Al-Ghouti,Sourour Idoudi,Ahmed A Issa,Marwa El-Azazy

doi:10.3390/molecules25204827

Khalid Al-Saad, Basem Shomar + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204827

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Abstract

In the current study, a smart approach for synthesizing trimethyl ethoxysilane–decorated magnetic-core silica-nanoparticles (TMS-mcSNPs) and its effectiveness as nanosorbents have been exploited. While the magnetite core was synthesized using the modified Mössbauer method, Stöber method was employed to coat the magnetic particles. The objective of this work is to maximize the magnetic properties and to minimize both particle size (PS) and particle size distribution (PSD). Using a full factorial design (2k-FFD), the influences of four factors on the coating process was assessed by optimizing the three responses (magnetic properties, PS, and PSD). These four factors were: (1) concentration of tetraethyl-orthosilicate (TEOS); (2) concentration of ammonia; (3) dose of magnetite (Fe3O4); and (4) addition mode. Magnetic properties were calculated as the attraction weight. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine PS, and standard deviation (±SD) was calculated to determine the PSD. Composite desirability function (D) was used to consolidate the multiple responses into a single performance characteristic. Pareto chart of standardized effects together with analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95.0 confidence interval (CI) were used to determine statistically significant variable(s). Trimethyl ethoxysilane–functionalized mcSNPs were further applied as nanosorbents for magnetic solid phase extraction (TMS-MSPE) of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides.

Highlights

Environmental pollution is becoming a global concern and one of the most serious apprehensions the humankind has ever faced
The influence of [TEOS] on the magnetic properties was not absolute and the measured response was found to be affected by the ratio of [TEOS]: dose of Fe3 O4
trimethyl ethoxysilane (TMS)-functionalized mcSNPs were further applied as nanosorbents for Magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) of pesticides

Summary

Introduction

Environmental pollution is becoming a global concern and one of the most serious apprehensions the humankind has ever faced. These features would improve crucial characteristics such as permeability, hydrophilicity, selectivity, and mechanical properties, expanding the potential applications of nanomaterials in several fields [1,2,3,4]. A special attention has been paid toward magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs), where their unique magnetic features, low toxicity and reasonable biocompatibility, diffusibility, easy recovery, and high surface area, would open realms of applications [3,4]. Being non-toxic, inexpensive, decorated by various functional groups, and with consistent particle size (PS) and uniform particle size distribution (PSD), silica nanoparticles (SNPs) are one of the most commonly used NPs. Managing properties of SNPs such as morphology, PS, PSD, and surface charge is the key factor in controlling the different silica’s applications [9,10,11,12]

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