FeCl3 Treatment Research Articles

Impact of organic matter constituents on phosphorus recovery from CPR sludges.

This study evaluated the influence of organic matter (OM) constituents on the potential for recovery of P from wastewaters when FeCl3 treatment is employed for P removal. The presence of OM constituents did not influence P release from Fe-P sludges when alkaline and ascorbic acid treatments were employed. However, the overall recovery of P from wastewater was impacted by the presence of selected OM constituents through the reduction of P uptake during coagulation. The presence of protein and humic matter showed remarkably low P removal values (3.0±0.4% and 23 ±1% respectively) when compared to an inorganic control recipe (62 ±2%). Elevated soluble Fe (SFe) residuals in the presence of proteins (87 ±5%) and humics (51 ±1%) indicated interactions between Fe(III) cations and negatively charged functional groups like hydroxyl, carboxyl, and phenolic groups available in these organics. Significant negative correlations between P removal and residual SFe were observed suggesting Fe solubilization by OM constituents was the mechanism responsible for reduced P removal. The findings of this study identify, for the first time, the impact of OM constituents on overall P recovery when Fe(III) salts are employed and provide insights into recoveries that can be expected when Fe is added to primary, secondary treated, and industrial wastewaters. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Low P removal values were observed for protein and humic dominated wastewater recipes. Iron(III) solubilization counted for P removal reduction by proteins and humic acids. There is no effect of OM on P release from Fe-P sludge at pH 10 and ascorbic acid treatments. OM and agent employed to release P from sludges affected overall recovery of P.

Changes in tenderness of beef M. semitendinosus and modification of actomyosin mediated by Fe(III)-protoporphyrin IX, protoporphyrin IX and free iron

The objective of the present study was to explore the effect of Fe(III)-protoporphyrin IX (hemin), protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) and free iron on beef M. semitendinosus tenderness and its molecular mechanism. Hemin, PPIX and FeCl3 treatment of beef muscles under heating tremendously decreased shear force of beef meat by approximately 24%, 26%, and 30% respectively and weakened the association of actin-myosin. The protein carbonyl content increased and sulfhydryl content decreased significantly in FeCl3 and hemin treated groups, indicating the oxidative modification of actomyosin. The higher surface hydrophobicity and intrinsic fluorescence intensity demonstrated that hemin, PPIX and FeCl3 increased the unfolding of actomyosin, and the crosslinking was formed by hydrophobic interaction and disulfide bonds. Hemin treatment increased the α-helices/random coil and initiated more structural changes in actomyosin as compared to that of PPIX and FeCl3. These biochemical changes might contribute to the dissociation of actomyosin. The obtained results established a link between meat tenderness and porphyrins/free iron content, and gave new insights into the mechanism of how hemin and released PPIX and free iron affect the physicochemical properties of actomyosin.

Preventive effects of lactoferrin on acute alcohol-induced liver injury via iron chelation and regulation of iron metabolism

Lactoferrin is widely found in milk and has the ability to bind iron. Previous studies have reported that lactoferrin was effective in the prevention and treatment of acute alcohol-induced liver injury (AALI). Ferroptosis is a recently discovered cell death and is involved in the development of AALI. However, the potential role of lactoferrin in acute alcohol-induced ferroptosis is still unclear. In this study, we observed that lactoferrin (10, 20 and 40 μg/mL) significantly mitigated alcohol (300 mM)-induced injury in vitro. Additionally, lactoferrin (100 and 200 mg/kg bw) significantly alleviated alcohol (4.8 g/kg bw)-induced injury in vivo. Our results showed that lactoferrin inhibited alcohol-induced upregulation of the ferroptosis marker protein ACSL4 and downregulation of GPX4. Meanwhile, lactoferrin treatment successfully reversed the elevated Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the reduced Glutathione (GSH) levels caused by alcohol treatment. These results can indicate that lactoferrin significantly decreased ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro. Lactoferrin has the potential to chelate iron, and our results showed that lactoferrin (20 μg/mL) significantly reduced iron ions and the expression of Ferritin Heavy Chain (FTH) under FeCl3 (100 μM) treatment. It was demonstrated that lactoferrin had a significant iron-chelating effect and reduced iron overload caused by FeCl3 in AML12 cells. Next, we examined iron content and the expression of iron metabolism marker proteins Transferrin Receptor (TFR), Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), FTH, and Ferroportin (FPN). Our results showed that lactoferrin alleviated iron overload induced by acute alcohol. The expression of TFR and DMT1 was downregulated and FPN and FTH were upregulated after lactoferrin treatment in vivo and in vitro. Above all, the study suggested that lactoferrin can alleviate AALI by mitigating acute alcohol-induced ferroptosis. Lactoferrin may offer new strategies for the prevention or treatment of AALI.

Quantification of Macrophage Cellular Ferrous Iron (Fe2+) Content Using a Highly Specific Fluorescent Probe in a Plate Reader.

Macrophages are at the center of innate immunity and iron metabolism. In the case of an infection, macrophages adapt their cellular iron metabolism to deprive iron from invading bacteria to combat intracellular bacterial proliferation. A concise evaluation of the cellular iron content upon an infection with bacterial pathogens and diverse cellular stimuli is necessary to identify underlying mechanisms concerning iron homeostasis in macrophages. For the characterization of cellular iron levels during infection, we established an in vitro infection model where the murine macrophage cell line J774A.1 is infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S.tm), the mouse counterpart to S. enterica serovar Typhi, under normal and iron-overload conditions using ferric chloride (FeCl3) treatment. To evaluate the effect of infection and iron stimulation on cellular iron levels, the macrophages are stained with FerroOrange. This fluorescent probe specifically detects Fe2+ ions and its fluorescence can be quantified photometrically in a plate reader. Importantly, FerroOrange fluorescence does not increase with chelated iron or other bivalent metal ions. In this protocol, we present a simple and reliable method to quantify cellular Fe2+ levels in cultured macrophages by applying a highly specific fluorescence probe (FerroOrange) in a TECAN Spark microplate reader. Compared to already established techniques, our protocol allows assessing cellular iron levels in innate immune cells without the use of radioactive iron isotopes or extensive sample preparation, exposing the cells to stress. Key features • Easy quantification of Fe2+ in cultured macrophages with a fluorescent probe. • Analysis of iron in living cells without the need for fixation. • Performed on a plate reader capable of 540 nm excitation and 585 nm emission by trained employees for handling biosafety level 2 bacteria.

Fe(bpy)Cl3X][bpy H] complexes: synthesis, characterization and theoretical studies towards visible-light photocatalytic hydroxyethylation of quinoline

A series of [Fe(bpy)Cl3X][bpy·H] (X = Cl, Br, I) complexes were prepared from direct treatment of FeCl3·6H2O with 2,2′-bipyridine in the presence of an HX solution. The complexes were characterized by IR, UV–Vis, XRDP, and cyclic voltammetry techniques. Electrochemical studies revealed a possible reduction to form the corresponding Fe0 complexes. A single crystal of [Fe(bpy)Cl4][bpy·H] displayed important H–Cl/Cl–H, H–H, H–C/C–H, and H–N/N–H interactions which were corroborated by a Hirshfeld surface analysis as well as MEP, QTAIM, and NCI studies, and complemented by HOMO/LUMO calculations at the B3LYP/cc-pVDZ + LANL2DZ level. In addition, the complexes displayed catalytic activity for the visible-light-driven the formation of 1-quinolin-4-yl-ethanol from quinoline under acidic conditions.

Iron‐Chelated Silk Microfibers as a Novel Magneto‐Responsive Architecture for In Situ Aligning Biomaterial Scaffolds

AbstractMagnetically functionalized biomaterials represent an exciting prospect in the development of stimuli‐responsive tissue engineering scaffolds. Magneto‐responsive properties are traditionally imparted to scaffold systems via integration of iron oxide‐based magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), yet poor understanding of long‐term MNP toxicity presents a significant translational challenge. Given the demonstrated iron‐binding capacity of silk fibroin (SF), passive chelation of ferric iron ions is explored herein as an alternative, MNP‐free approach for magnetic functionalization of silk fibroin (SF)‐based biomaterials. SF microfibers treated with aqueous ferric chloride (FeCl3) exhibit significantly increased iron content relative to the nascent protein. Coupled with the absence of detectable chlorine traces and inorganic iron oxide species, the ferric oxidation state of the iron detected within the FeCl3‐treated microfibers suggests that iron is incorporated, without reduction, at innate oxygen‐containing ligands in SF. On exposure to an external magnetic field, these ferric iron‐chelated SF microfibers (Fe3+‐mSF) display paramagnetic magnetization behaviors that facilitate field‐parallel alignment. Both magnetization and directional uniformity increase with iron exposure during FeCl3 treatment, suggesting the observed magnetic response of Fe3+‐mSF is derived from the chelated iron. This work is the first to investigate the magneto‐responsive properties and biocompatibility of ferric iron‐chelated SF, highlighting a novel, MNP‐free mechanism for synthesizing magnetically functionalizedscaffolds.

Ferric chloride induces ferroptosis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and heals wound infection in a mouse model

As one of the most common pathogens leading to fatal human infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been evolving complex drug resistance, posing significant challenges to the current antibiotic-dependent healthcare system. New therapeutic approaches are urgently required to treat infections caused by P. aeruginosa. Inspired by ferroptosis, we investigated the antibacterial effects of iron compounds on P. aeruginosa via direct exposure, and developed thermal-responsive hydrogels to carry FeCl3 as a wound dressing to treat P. aeruginosa-induced wound infection in mice model. The results showed that 200 μM FeCl3 killed more than 99.9% P. aeruginosa cells. The FeCl3-mediated cell death in P. aeruginosa was associated with ferroptosis hallmarks of mammal cells, e.g., reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage. Either catalase or Fe2+ chelator alleviated the FeCl3-mediated cell death, indicating that H2O2 and labile Fe2+ facilitated the Fenton reaction leading to the cell death. Further proteomics analysis showed that proteins related to glutathione (GSH) synthesis and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) family were significantly down-regulated after FeCl3 treatment, equivalent to GPX4 inactivation in ferroptosis-occurring mammal cells. We further evaluated the therapeutic effect of FeCl3 on P. aeruginosa in a mouse wound infection model using polyvinyl alcohol-boric acid (PB) hydrogels as the carrier of FeCl3. Strikingly, FeCl3-PB hydrogels completely cleared pus on wounds and promoted the healing of wounds. These results indicated that FeCl3 facilitates microbial ferroptosis in the gram-negative pathogen P. aeruginosa and has high therapeutic potential in P. aeruginosa wound infection.

Enhancing solar energy harvest by Cu2S/CuCl heteroarrays with enriched sulfur vacancies for photo-rechargeable pseudocapacitors

The use of broadband light energy is important for enhancing photoenergy conversion. However, bifunctional materials that can efficiently harvest solar energy to assist electrochemical energy storage are difficult to prepare. Herein, copper foam (CF)-supported cuprous sulfide (Cu2S) heteroarrays (CS HAs) with enriched sulfur (S) vacancies (VS) were designed for photo-rechargeable pseudocapacitors. A direct hydrothermal sulfurization of CF first resulted in the growth of CS HAs with leaf-like heterostructures. Subsequent partial oxidation of S2− in FeCl3 aqueous solution enriched the VS within the leaf-like structures. In addition, CuCl and Cu2O were formed from Cu2S during FeCl3 treatment to derive a bifunctional photoelectrode with ternary components, thus further broadening the light absorption region. Thus, the optimal CS HAs have demonstrated areal capacitances of 1440−1048 mF cm−2 with the assistance of the photoelectric/thermal effects of light energy, delivering remarkable photoenhancements of 25%–35%. The asymmetrical pseudocapacitors fabricated from the optimal photoelectrodes delivered a high areal capacitance of 670 mF cm−2 after 6000 cycles, suggesting a promising application in transparent light-driven energy devices.

Ferric Chloride Controls Citrus Anthracnose by Inducing the Autophagy Activity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes citrus anthracnose, which seriously endangers the pre-harvest production and post-harvest storage of citrus due to its devastating effects on fruit quality, shelf life, and profits. However, although some chemical agents have been proven to effectively control this plant disease, little to no efforts have been made to identify effective and safe anti-anthracnose alternatives. Therefore, this study assessed and verified the inhibitory effect of ferric chloride (FeCl3) against C. gloeosporioides. Our findings demonstrated that FeCl3 could effectively inhibit C. gloeosporioides spore germination. After FeCl3 treatment, the germination rate of the spores in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) groups decreased by 84.04% and 89.0%, respectively. Additionally, FeCl3 could effectively inhibit the pathogenicity of C. gloeosporioides in vivo. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses demonstrated the occurrence of wrinkled and atrophic mycelia. Moreover, FeCl3 induced autophagosome formation in the test pathogen, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining. Additionally, a positive correlation was identified between the FeCl3 concentration and the damage rate of the fungal sporophyte cell membrane, as the staining rates of the control (untreated), 1/2 MIC, and MIC FeCl3 treatment groups were 1.87%, 6.52%, and 18.15%, respectively. Furthermore, the ROS content in sporophyte cells increased by 3.6%, 29.27%, and 52.33% in the control, 1/2 MIC, and MIC FeCl3 groups, respectively. Therefore, FeCl3 could reduce the virulence and pathogenicity of C. gloeosporioides. Finally, FeCl3-handled citrus fruit exhibited similar physiological qualities to water-handled fruit. The results show that FeCl3 may prove to be a good substitute for the treatment of citrus anthracnose in the future.

Effects of Pyrolysis Temperature and Chemical Modification on the Adsorption of Cd and As(V) by Biochar Derived from Pteris vittata

Phytoremediation can be applied successfully to solve the serious worldwide issue of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) pollution. However, the treatment of biomass containing toxic elements after remediation is a challenge. In this study, we investigated the effective use of biomass resources by converting the As hyperaccumulator P. vittata into biochar to adsorb toxic elements. Plant biomass containing As was calcined at 600, 800, and 1200 °C, and its surface structure and adsorption performances for As(V) and Cd were evaluated. Pyrolysis at 1200 °C increased the specific surface area of the biochar, but it did not significantly affect its adsorption capacity for toxic elements. The calcined biochar had very high adsorption capacities of 90% and 95% for As(V) and Cd, respectively, adsorbing 6000 mmol/g-biochar for As(V) and 4000 mmol/g-biochar for Cd. The As(V) adsorption rate was improved by FeCl3 treatment. However, the adsorption capacity for Cd was not significantly affected by the NaOH treatment. In conclusion, it was found that after phytoremediation using P. vittata biomass, it can be effectively used as an environmental purification material by conversion to biochar. Furthermore, chemical modification with FeCl3 improves the biochar’s adsorption performance.

Effect of Soil Washing with Ferric Chloride on Cadmium Removal and Soil Structure

In China, arable soils contaminated with cadmium (Cd) threaten human health. Ferric chloride (FeCl3) is a highly efficient agent that can remove Cd from contaminated soils. However, it is unknown whether FeCl3 damages the soil structure and consequently affects crop growth. In this study, we investigated the impacts of Cd extraction by FeCl3 on the structure of a paddy soil on the basis of comparisons of control (without washing agents) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) treatments. According to our results, the removal efficiency increased with the decrease in soil initial pH, as adjusted by FeCl3. However, the low pH of 2.0 caused a partial loss of soil mineral components, with an Al release of 4.4% in the FeCl3-treated soil versus 1.3% in the HCl-treated soil. In contrast, the amount of released Al was less than 0.2% in the control and in the FeCl3 treatments with initial pH values of 3.0 and 4.0. The washing agents caused soil TOC loss of 27.1%, 17.5%, and 2.76% in the pH 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 FeCl3 treatments, compared with 15.5% in the initial pH 2.0 HCl treatment. The use of FeCl3 represents an optimum tradeoff between removal efficiency and the loss of soil components to restore Cd-polluted soils by adjusting the initial pH to 3.0 with the addition of FeCl3. Under this condition, the amount of Al loss was less than 0.2%, and the extraction efficiency reached 40.3%, compared to an efficiency of 39.7% with HCl at an initial pH of 2.0. In conclusion, FeCl3 could effectively remove Cd from contaminated soil.

Effect of leukopenia induced by cyclophosphamide on the initial stage of arterial thrombosis in mice

IntroductionLeukocytes are found in organizing thrombi and are associated with thrombus growth. However, their role in the initial stage of thrombus formation is not well known. We investigated the role of leukocytes in the early stage of arterial thrombosis by inducing leukopenia. MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 72 Institute of Cancer Research mice were randomly treated with intraperitoneal 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide or normal saline. The primary outcome was time to occlusion after FeCl3 treatment. We also compared thrombus size, histological composition, and association with peripheral blood cell counts between cyclophosphamide and control groups. ResultsCyclophosphamide treatment significantly decreased leukocyte counts by 82.8% compared to placebo (P < 0.001). The time to occlusion was significantly longer in the cyclophosphamide group (3.31 ± 1.59 min) than in the control group (2.30 ± 1.14 min; P = 0.003). The immunoreactivity for Ly6G-positive cells, intracellular histone H3, and released histone H3 in thrombi was significantly reduced in the cyclophosphamide group by 92.8%, 50.2%, and 34.3%, respectively. Time to occlusion had a moderate negative correlation with leukocyte count in peripheral blood (r = −0.326, P = 0.022) in the entire group. ConclusionsCyclophosphamide-induced leukopenia attenuated thrombus formation during the early stage of arterial thrombosis. Our findings suggest the potential role of leukocytes in the initial stage of arterial thrombosis.

Characterization of Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombosis Model of Mice and the Role of Red Blood Cells in Thrombosis Acceleration.

PurposeThe ferric chloride (FeCl3)-induced thrombosis model is widely used for thrombosis research. However, it lacks standardization with uncertainty in the exact mechanism of thrombosis. This study aimed to characterize thrombus formation in a mouse model.Materials and MethodsWe investigated thrombus formation and stability using various FeCl3 concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, w/v) in carotid arteries of the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and C57BL/6N mice using the FeCl3-induced thrombosis model. We also investigated thrombus histopathology using immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy.ResultsHigher FeCl3 concentrations induced dose-dependent, faster, larger, and more stable thrombus formation in both strains of mice. However, the ICR mice showed better dose-responses in thrombus formation and stability compared to the C57BL/6N mice. Thrombi were fibrin- and platelet-rich without significant changes across FeCl3 concentrations. However, the content of red blood cells (RBCs) increased with increasing FeCl3 concentrations (p for trend <0.001) and inversely correlated with time to occlusion (r=-0.65, p<0.001). While platelets and fibrin were evenly distributed over the thrombus, RBCs were predominantly located near the FeCl3 treatment area. Transmission electron microscopy showed that RBCs attached to and were surrounded by aggregates of degranulated platelets, suggesting their potential role in platelet activation.ConclusionFaster and larger thrombus formation is induced in a dose-dependent manner by a wide range of FeCl3 concentrations, but the stable thrombus formation requires higher FeCl3 concentrations. Mouse strain affects thrombus formation and stability. RBCs and their interaction with platelets play a key role in the acceleration of FeCl3-induced thrombosis.

Mumefural Improves Blood Flow in a Rat Model of FeCl3-Induced Arterial Thrombosis

Mumefural (MF), a bioactive component of the processed fruit of Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc, is known to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by agonists in vitro. In this study, we investigated the anti-thrombotic effects of MF using a rat model of FeCl3-induced arterial thrombosis. Sprague–Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with MF (0.1, 1, or 10 mg/kg) 30 min before 35% FeCl3 treatment to measure the time to occlusion using a laser Doppler flowmeter and to assess the weight of the blood vessels containing thrombus. MF treatment significantly improved blood flow by inhibiting occlusion and thrombus formation. MF also prevented collagen fiber damage in injured vessels and inhibited the expression of the platelet activation-related proteins P-selectin and E-selectin. Moreover, MF significantly reduced the increased inflammatory signal of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 in blood vessels. After administration, MF was detected in the plasma samples of rats with a bioavailability of 36.95%. Therefore, we suggest that MF may improve blood flow as a candidate component in dietary supplements for improving blood flow and preventing blood circulation disorders.

Response to iron overload in cultured hepatocytes

Iron is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Hepatic iron overload acts as a trigger for the progression of hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the present study, we aimed to study the effects of iron overload on cellular responses in hepatocytes. Rat primary hepatocytes (RPH), mouse primary hepatocytes (MPH), HepG2 human hepatoma cells and Hepa1-6 mouse hepatoma cells were treated with FeCl3. Treatment with FeCl3 effectively increased iron accumulation in primary hepatocytes. Expression levels of molecules involved in cellular signaling such as AMPK pathway, TGF-β family pathway, and MAP kinase pathway were decreased by FeCl3 treatment in RPH. Cell viability in response to FeCl3 treatment was decreased in RPH but not in HepG2 and Hepa1-6 cells. Treatment with FeCl3 also decreased expression level of LC-3B, a marker of autophagy in RPH but not in liver-derived cell lines. Ultrastructural observations revealed that cell death resembling ferroptosis and necrosis was induced upon FeCl3 treatment in RPH. The expression level of genes involved in iron transport varied among different liver-derived cells- iron is thought to be efficiently incorporated as free Fe2+ in primary hepatocytes, whereas transferrin-iron is the main route for iron uptake in HepG2 cells. The present study reveals specific cellular responses in different liver-derived cells as a consequence of iron overload.

Preparations of Tough and Conductive PAMPS/PAA Double Network Hydrogels Containing Cellulose Nanofibers and Polypyrroles.

To afford an intact double network (sample abbr.: DN) hydrogel, two-step crosslinking reactions of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) (i.e., PAMPS first network) and then poly(acrylic acid) (i.e., PAA second network) were conducted both in the presence of crosslinker (N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA)). Similar to the two-step processes, different contents of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCN: 1, 2, and 3 wt.%) were initially dispersed in the first network solutions and then crosslinked. The TOCN-containing PAMPS first networks subsequently soaked in AA and crosslinker and conducted the second network crosslinking reactions (TOCN was then abbreviated as T for DN samples). As the third step, various (T–)DN hydrogels were then treated with different concentrations of FeCl3(aq) solutions (5, 50, 100, and 200 mM). Through incorporations of ferric ions into (T–)DN hydrogels, notably, three purposes are targeted: (i) strengthen the (T–)DN hydrogels through ionic bonding, (ii) significantly render ionic conductivity of hydrogels, and (iii) serve as a catalyst for the forth step to proceed with in situ chemical oxidative polymerizations of pyrroles to afford polypyrrole-containing (sample abbr.: Py) hydrogels [i.e., (T–)Py–DN samples]. The characteristic functional groups of PAMPS, PAA, and Py were confirmed by FT–IR. Uniform microstructures were observed by cryo scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). These results indicated that homogeneous composites of T–Py–DN hydrogels were obtained through the four-step process. All dry samples showed similar thermal degradation behaviors from the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The T2–Py5–DN sample (i.e., containing 2 wt.% TOCN with 5 mM FeCl3(aq) treatment) showed the best tensile strength and strain at breaking properties (i.e., σTb = 450 kPa and εTb = 106%). With the same compositions, a high conductivity of 3.34 × 10−3 S/cm was acquired. The tough T2–Py5–DN hydrogel displayed good conductive reversibility during several “stretching-and-releasing” cycles of 50–100–0%, demonstrating a promising candidate for bioelectronic or biomaterial applications.

Maghnite‐H+ Catalytic Synthesis and Characterization of Polyindenes and Oxidized Derivatives

AbstractThis work presents a comprehensive study on the physico‐chemical and electrochemical properties of polyindenes (PIns) synthesized by Maghnite‐H+‐catalysed polymerization of indene (benzocyclopentadiene) in CH2Cl2 at different temperatures, and their oxidative derivatives by subsequent treatment with FeCl3. The polymers are characterized by TG, FT‐IR, XPS and UV‐vis spectroscopies, as well as electrical conductivity and voltammetric measurements, analysing the influence of synthesis temperature and post‐oxidation. Results show that the PIns synthesized at different temperatures present quite similar thermogravimetric behavior and UV spectra. Nevertheless, FTIR and XPS reveal significant differences in chemical composition and polymer structure depending on this temperature. At higher temperatures, indenyl coupling proceeds via 1,2 carbon atoms to obtain more compact and less defective PIns with higher yields. At lower temperatures, polymerization through 1,3 carbon atoms may also occur, leading to polymers with a larger number of defects and oxygen functionalities and lower yields. FeCl3 treatment causes the introduction of some oxygen functionalities in the compact PIn60 and PIn80 polymers, without significantly affecting their molecular structure and electrical conductivity. Finally, cyclic voltammetry demonstrates that, despite not electro‐active, these partially oxidized PIns show enough electrical conductivity for different applications.

Monodispersed hollow α-Fe2O3 ellipsoids via [C12mim][PF6]-assistant synthesis and their excellent n-butanol gas-sensing properties

Monodisperse α-Fe2O3 hollow ellipsoids have been assistantly fabricated via small amount of [C12mim][PF6] (IL) addition from a simple one-pot method based on hydrothermal treatment of FeCl3·6H2O, followed by calcination at various temperatures. The phase and microstructure of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption techniques. Further studies reveal that both calcination temperature and the amounts of IL have a strong effect on the structures. The well known Ostwald ripening process is responsible for the transformation from solid ellipsoids to hollow ellipsoids. The gas sensors based on the as-synthesized hollow α-Fe2O3 ellipsoids calcined at 300 °C exhibited not only high response, short recovery time and good stability to 100 ppm n-butanol at 217 °C, but also low detection limit (0.1 ppm) compared with those under higher calcination temperature and the products obtained without ILs-addition. IL-loading α-Fe2O3 hollow ellipsoids could be a promising candidate for highly sensitive n-butanol gas sensors.

Catalytic thermolysis treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater collected from effluent treatment plant

AbstractCatalytic thermolysis of petroleum refinery wastewater was investigated as a pretreatment process. Effects of various parameters like temperature, pH, dose of catalyst and time were investigated for chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity, and element reduction. CuSO4, FeSO4, FeCl3, and 1:1 ratio (v:v) mixture of CuSO4 and FeCl3 were used as a catalyst. The maximum reduction of COD and turbidity were 90 and 98% by mixture (1:1) of CuSO4 and FeCl3 at 70 °C, 7 pH, 1.0 kg/m3 dose in 90 min reaction time. The removal of an element like Cr, Mn, Ni, and Pb was analyzed by ICP-OES. The sludge precipitated after catalytic thermolysis was characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA)/derivative thermal analysis (DTA) analyses. Sludge from CuSO4 and mixture of CuSO4 and FeCl3 treatment has a compact structure with irregular granule which favors adsorption.

Facile preparation of nitrogen and FeSx codoped porous carbon with high catalytic activity under alkaline condition

In this work, we reported the preparation of nitrogen and FeSx codoped porous carbon through hydrothermal treatment of FeCl3, thiourea and porous carbon. The degradation results demonstrated that PC-FeSx composite displayed high degradation efficiency towards organic dyes with excellent reusability. Moreover, the degradation efficiency under alkaline solution (pH = 11) is even better under acidic solution (pH = 3), indicating that other routes for generation free radicals were existed. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spin−trap technique was used to determine the free radical species and results demonstrated that both •OH and O2− are formed during Fenton reaction. Considered the facile operation procedure, low cost of reagents and high degradation efficiency, we believe this work should of broad interest for fabrication of multifunctional composites for environmental treatment.