No abstract

No abstract

a b s t r a c tSuperparamagnetic nanoparticles previously modified with mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane were employed in this work as electrode modifiers, for direct use in the presence of an external miniature magnet, for the analysis of mercury ions from aqueous solutions, as well as from crude oil. After capturing the mercury ions, the nanoparticles were magnetically concentrated at the electrode surface. The nanoparticles coating exhibited a sharp electrochemical response, and the preconcentration effect led to a strong enhancement of the electrochemical signals. The in situ magnetic coupled electroanalysis was successfully demonstrated for mercury ions and confronted with parallel energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence measurements. Rather consistent results were observed for mercury ions either from aqueous solutions, as well as from the crude oil samples.

No abstract

Magnetic nanohydrometallurgy (NHM) is a new process based on engineered superparamagnetic nanoparticles capable of performing as complexing agents for extracting and recovering strategic metals from mineral sources and urban wastes, as well as for removing hazardous elements from contaminated water. Its principles and application are reviewed in this paper. Typical examples involving copper, silver and mercury processing are here discussed, including the exploitation of a novel nanotechnological strategy for capturing and fractionating rare earth elements.