Nanoadsorbents: classification, preparation, and applications (with emphasis on aqueous media).

Gold nanoparticles stabilized on nanocrystalline magnesium oxide as an active catalyst for reduction of nitroarenes in aqueous medium at room temperature

Kinetics and thermodynamics of reactive and vat dyes adsorption on MgO nanoparticles

Facile fabrication of mesoporous MgO microspheres and their enhanced adsorption performance for phosphate from aqueous solutions

Protective clothing currently used against chemical and biological warfare (CBW) agents use activated charcoal impregnated with metal ions, which serve to physically adsorb nerve and blister agents thereby creating disposal hazards after its usage. Nanotechnology is booming in an unprecedented way in creating its impact in various applications such as in catalysis. Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) such as TiO2 and MgO are currently used as potential catalysts for the decontamination of CBW agents. Various synthetic routes adopted for the preparation of MONPs are highlighted in this review. When compared with conventionally-prepared samples, aerogel-prepared samples are more reactive toward toxic chemicals and their ability to degrade CBW is presented here. TiO2 photocatalysts in the presence of UV light and mixed metal oxides are found to be efficient catalysts when compared with individual oxides. The recent trend of exploiting nanoparticles and the high aspect ratio ceramic oxide nanofibers for use in protective clothing, wipe materials, and textiles has been presented. Some of the issues concerning integration of metal oxides into fabrics for sensors are also reviewed in this article.

An Update on Nanomaterials-Based Textiles for Protection and Decontamination

The noncatalytic destructive adsorption of (2-chloroethyl)ethyl sulfide (2-CEES), a mimic of bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide (“HD” or Mustard Gas), on nanocrystalline magnesium oxide (AP-MgO) was studied in several solvents from pentane to methanol. The decomposition products formed in these reactions were vinylethyl sulfide and (2-hydroxyethyl)ethyl sulfide. Reactions in pentane allowed the highest reaction rates, while tetrahydrofuran (THF) and methanol gave results quite different from those for the hydrocarbon solvent. Reactions in methanol yielded (methoxyethyl)ethyl sulfide and not the vinylethyl sulfide and (2-hydroxyethyl)ethyl sulfide compounds. These studies showed that the MgO-2-CEES reaction chemistry is significantly affected by the solvent present and can be enhanced by choice of solvent and the addition of small amounts of water. Interestingly, the least polar, least reactive solvent (pentane) allowed the most rapid 2-CEES reactions, indicating that the solvent simply aided material transfer to ...

Solvent Effects on the Heterogeneous Adsorption and Reactions of (2-Chloroethyl)ethyl Sulfide on Nanocrystalline Magnesium Oxide

Mesoporous metal oxides formed by aggregation of nanocrystals. Behavior of aluminum oxide and mixtures with magnesium oxide in destructive adsorption of the chemical warfare surrogate 2-chloroethylethyl sulfide

With the growing availability of electronic databases, online journal publications, and open-access publishing, there is unprecedented access to research materials. Increasingly, these materials are being incorporated into chemistry curricula and being used by undergraduate students in literature research. Internet savvy students can effectively access this information, but the question remains “Do students really know how to use the chemical literature?” Building from basic information literacy skills, we have implemented a series of assignments in organic chemistry to help students evaluate, interpret, and use chemical literature. We refer to these skills as chemical research literacy, which provides a solid foundation for literature research in upper-level courses and undergraduate research.

Richard M. Narske

Papers

Solvent Effects on the Heterogeneous Adsorption and Reactions of (2-Chloroethyl)ethyl Sulfide on Nanocrystalline Magnesium Oxide

Mesoporous metal oxides formed by aggregation of nanocrystals. Behavior of aluminum oxide and mixtures with magnesium oxide in destructive adsorption of the chemical warfare surrogate 2-chloroethylethyl sulfide

Beyond Chemical Literature: Developing Skills for Chemical Research Literacy