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The out-of-equilibrium dynamical properties of two very different superspin glass systems are discussed: 1) MnFe2O4 nanoparticles, in powder form, with very strong dipolar interactions and 2) a system consisting of a film of Co particles dispersed (5%–10% volume filling fraction) in an Mn matrix, where interparticle interactions are mainly mediated by the matrix. In the latter system, the influence of interface exchange coupling between the ferromagnetic particles and the antiferromagnetic matrix on the out-of-equilibrium dynamics is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular coating of nanoparticles represents probablythe mostimportant and, at the same time, critical step to design new nanostructuredmagnetic materials. The interaction between molecules and surfaceatoms leads to a strong modification of surface magnetic properties,that are one of the key points in the physics of magnetic nanoparticles.In this paper the magnetic properties of CoFe2O4nanoparticles (⟨D⟩ ≅ 4–8 nm) coatedwith oleic acid have been investigated in order to clarify the roleof the molecular coating on the interparticle interactions and surfaceanisotropy. An increase of magnetic anisotropy (i.e., coercive fieldand anisotropy constant) with particle size is observed in coatednanoparticles, indicating that the magnetic anisotropy is governedmainly by its magneto-crystalline component. The removal of molecularcoating induces a strong increase of anisotropy, because of the increaseof its surface component, as indicated by the increase of exchangebias field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A magnetic perovskite-spinel oxide nanocomposite synthesized through a sol–gel self-combustion process is used for the first time as an adsorbent to remove toxic heavy metals (i.e., Pb2+). The synthesized LaFeO3:CoFe2O4 ((LFO)1:(CFO)x) (x = 0.11–0.87) nanocomposites possess good stability, abundant oxygenated active binding sites, and unique structural features, making them suitable for removing divalent Pb2+ ions. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, BET surface area, magnetization measurements, zeta-potential analyses, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to analyze the nanocomposites, and their structural changes after Pb2+ ions adsorption. Batch tests confirmed that (LFO)1:(CFO)x efficiently removes Pb2+ from water with a maximum adsorption capacity of 105.96 mg/g. The detailed quantitative study indicates that the interaction of hydroxyl groups with Pb2+ ions occurs through electrostatic interactions and complex formation. We also demonstrate a new ring-magnetic separator system that allows magnetic separation of the toxic ions at a higher speed compared to traditional block magnets. The unique structure, high porosity, large specific surface area, and oxygenated functional groups of (LFO)1:(CFO)x nanocomposites make them promising materials for removal of heavy metal ions and possibly other environmental pollutants. This study provides a new approach to preparing nanocomposites of magnetic spinel ferrites with perovskite oxides for environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic viscosity experiments have been performed in order to investigate the magnetization reversal in Sr nanoferrite particles (nanoscale SrFe12O19) and interacting Sr/Co nanoferrite particles (SrFe12O19–CoFe2O4 nanocomposites). The magnetic viscosity S = d M (t) / d l n (t) , where M (t) is the magnetization as a function of time, has been collected. For Sr nanoferrite S shows a maximum close to the coercive field, reflecting the relation between S and the energy barrier distribution. We evidence that magnetic viscosity experiments on Sr nanoferrite and interacting Sr/Co nanoferrite particles provide reliable qualitative results for the different magnetic field sweep rate and saturating field H s a t considered. In addition, the activation volumes extracted from the magnetic viscosity experiments performed at different temperatures on Sr nanoferrite are quantitatively correlated to anisotropy changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sample of rhyolitic obsidian (OS) was used as raw material for zeolite synthesis by long (4 days) and fast (2 h)-aging hydrothermal processes. Zeolite synthesis was also performed by a fast (2 h) sonication method. The products were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) both immediately after and 3 years after their formation in order to determine the stability of synthetic materials according to the method used. The results confirm zeolitization of obsidian both by long-aging conventional hydrothermal heating and fast hydrothermal process. However, the data highlight the efficiency of direct ultrasound energy in achieving more stable zeolite crystals over time. These results carried out using a natural source, follow those already obtained using wastes and pure sources as raw materials thus providing a definitive validation of the different mechanisms controlling zeolite formation according to the process used. Moreover, the results confirm the effectiveness of ultrasonic energy in the formation of zeolites that are more stable over time. Due to the chemical composition of the obsidian precursor, all synthetic zeolites show good magnetic properties (i.e., saturation magnetization), in view to potential magnetic separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polyol synthesis of CoO nanoparticles (NPs) is typically conducted by dissolving and heating cobalt acetate tetrahydrate and water in diethylene glycol (DEG). This process yields aggregates of approximately 100 nm made of partially aligned primary crystals. However, the synthesis demands careful temperature control to allow the nucleation of CoO while simultaneously preventing reduction, caused by the activity of DEG. This restriction hinders the flexibility to freely adjust synthesis conditions, impeding the ability to obtain particles with varied morpho-structural properties, which, in turn, directly impact chemical and physical attributes. In this context, the growth of CoO NPs in polyol was studied focusing on the effect of the polyol chain length and the synthesis temperature at two different water/cations ratios. During this investigation, we found that longer polyol chains remove the previous limits of the method, allowing the tuning of aggregate size (20–150 nm), shape (spherical-octahedral), and crystalline length (8–35 nm). Regarding the characterization, our focus revolved around investigating the magnetic properties inherent in the synthesized products. From this point of view, two pivotal findings emerged. Firstly, we identified small quantities of a layered hydroxide ferromagnetic intermediate, which acted as interference in our measurements. This intermediate exhibited magnetic properties consistent with features observed in other publications on CoO produced in systems compatible with the intermediate formation. Optimal synthetic conditions that prevent the impurity from forming were found. This resolution clarifies several ambiguities existing in literature about CoO low-temperature magnetic behavior. Secondly, a regular relationship of the NPs' TN with their crystallite size was found, allowing us to regulate TN over ~ 80 K. For the first time, a branching was found in this structure-dependent magnetic feature, with samples of spheroidal morphology consistently having lower magnetic temperatures, when compared to samples with faceted/octahedral shape, providing compelling evidence for a novel physical parameter influencing the TN of a material. These two findings contribute to the understanding of the fundamental properties of CoO and antiferromagnetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti3C2Tx MXene is one of the most comprehensively studied 2D materials in terms of its adsorptive, transport, and catalytic properties, cytotoxic performance, etc. Still, conventional MXene synthesis approaches provide low single-flake MXene yield and frequently uncontrollable properties, demanding further post-processing. The MXene family also lacks magnetism, which is helpful for producing effective nanoadsorbents as their magnetic decantation is the cheapest and most convenient way to remove the spent adsorbent from water. Composite materials consisting of magnetic nanoparticles grown on top of MXene flakes are commonly used to provide magnetic properties to the resulting nanocomposite. In this paper, we study the possibility to delaminate multilayer Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets directly by growing iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles inside their interlayer spacing. We find out that, with a mass fraction of particles comparable or exceeding that of MXenes, their growth is accompanied by an effective enhancement of single-layer MXene yield and suitable magnetic properties of the resulting composite. The developed approach can be further used for simplifying synthesis protocols to obtain magnetic MXene-based nanoadsorbents with tunable properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 190 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spin-spin correlations in hollow (H) and full (F) maghemite nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). An unexpected XMCD signal was detected and analyzed under the application of a small field (μH=160 Oe) and at remanence for both F and H NPs. Clear differences in the magnitude and in the lineshape of the XMCD spectra between F and H NPs emerged. By comparing XMCD measurements performed with a variable degree of surface sensitivity, we were able to address the specific role played by the surface spins in the magnetism of the NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sequential Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) – Radio Frequency (RF)-sputtering approach was adopted to fabricate supported nanocomposites based on the scarcely investigated ε-iron(III) oxide polymorph. In particular, ε-Fe 2 O 3 nanorod arrays were obtained by CVD, and their subsequent functionalization with Au and CuO nanoparticles (NPs) was carried out by RF-sputtering under mild operational conditions. Beside a multi-technique characterization of material structure, morphology and chemical composition, particular efforts were dedicated to the investigation of their magnetic properties. The pertaining experimental data, discussed in relation to the system chemico-physical characteristics, are directly dependent on the actual chemical composition, as well as on the spatial distribution of Au and CuO nanoparticles. The approach adopted herein can be further implemented to control and tailor different morphologies and phase compositions of iron oxide-based nanomaterials, meeting thus the open requests of a variety of technological utilizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed at decorating halloysite nanotubes (HNT) with magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles through different synthetic routes (co-precipitation, hydrothermal, and sol-gel) to test the efficiency of three magnetic composites (HNT/Fe3O4) to remove the antibiotic ofloxacin (OFL) from waters. The chemical–physical features of the obtained materials were characterized through the application of diverse techniques (XRPD, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, EDS, and TEM microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and magnetization measurements), while ecotoxicity was assessed through a standard test on the freshwater organism Daphnia magna. Independently of the synthesis procedure, the magnetic composites were successfully obtained. The Fe3O4 is nanometric (about 10 nm) and the weight percentage is sample-dependent. It decorates the HNT's surface and also forms aggregates linking the nanotubes in Fe3O4-rich samples. Thermodynamic and kinetic experiments showed different adsorption capacities of OFL, ranging from 23 to 45 mg g−1. The kinetic process occurred within a few minutes, independently of the composite. The capability of the three HNT/Fe3O4 in removing the OFL was confirmed under realistic conditions, when OFL was added to tap, river, and effluent waters at µg L−1 concentration. No acute toxicity of the composites was observed on freshwater organisms. Despite the good results obtained for all the composites, the sample by co-precipitation is the most performant as it: (i) is easily magnetically separated from the media after the use; (ii) does not undergo any degradation after three adsorption cycles; (iii) is synthetized through a low-cost procedure. These features make this material an excellent candidate for removal of OFL from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-based multiferroics, combining magnetic and piezoelectric properties, are studied experimentally—from synthesis to multi-parameter characterization—in view of their prospects for fabricating biocompatible scaffolds. The main advantage of these systems is facile generation of mechanical deformations and electric signals in response to external magnetic fields. Herein, we address the composites based on PVDF-TrFE polymer matrices filled with a combination of piezoelectric (BaTiO3, BTO) and/or ferrimagnetic (Zn0.25Co0.75Fe2O4, ZCFO) particles. It is shown that the presence of BTO micron-size particles favors stripe-type structuring of the ZCFO filler and enhances the magnetoelectric response of the sample up to 18.6 mV/(cm∙Oe). Besides that, the admixing of BTO particles is crucial because the mechanical properties of the composite filled with only ZCFO is much less efficient in transforming magnetic excitations into the mechanical and electric responses. Attention is focused on the local surfacial mechanical properties since those, to a great extent, determine the fate of stem cells cultivated on these surfaces. The nano-indentation tests are accomplished with the aid of scanning probe microscopy technique. With their proven suitable mechanical properties, a high level of magnetoelectric conversion and also biocompatibility, the composites of the considered type are enticing as the materials for multiferroic-based polymer scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateral flow immunoassays for detecting biomarkers in body fluids are simple, quick, inexpensive point-of-care tests widely used in disease surveillance, such as during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Improvements in sensitivity would increase their utility in healthcare, food safety, and environmental control. Recently, biofunctional magnetic nanoclusters have been used to selectively label target proteins, which allows their detection and quantification with a magneto-inductive sensor. This type of detector is easily integrated with the lateral flow immunoassay format. Pneumolysin is a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin and one of the most important protein virulence factors of pneumonia produced by Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is recognized as an important biomarker for diagnosis in urine samples. Pneumonia is the infectious disease that causes the most deaths globally, especially among children under five years and adults over 65 years, most of them in low- and middle-income countries. There especially, a rapid diagnostic urine test for pneumococcal pneumonia with high sensitivity and specificity would be helpful in primary care. In this work, a lateral flow immunoassay with magnetic nanoclusters conjugated to anti-pneumolysin antibodies was combined with two strategies to increase the technique's performance. First, magnetic concentration of the protein before the immunoassay was followed by quantification by means of a mobile telephone camera, and the inductive sensor resulted in detection limits as low as 0.57 ng (telephone camera) and 0.24 ng (inductive sensor) of pneumolysin per milliliter. Second, magnetic relocation of the particles within the test strip after the immunoassay was completed increased the detected signal by 20%. Such results obtained with portable devices are promising when compared to non-portable conventional pneumolysin detection techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The combination and optimization of these approaches would have excellent application in point-of-care biodetection to reduce antibiotic misuse, hospitalizations, and deaths from community-acquired pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bauxites are deposits rich in aluminium and iron oxides/hydroxides, formed by the weathering of aluminosilicates rocks under warm and humid conditions. Due to their mineralogical composition, bauxites represent the primary source for aluminum and, subordinately, iron production. However, these sediments rich in Si and Al can be also used as raw material for the synthesis of zeolite with magnetic properties thanks to the high availability of Fe. In this work, three bauxite samples collected from Upper Cretaceous deposits of southern Italy were characterized for their magnetic parameters and used for the synthesis of zeolite with LTA topology (zeolite A). The results indicate differences in antiferromagnetic behaviour among the three raw materials. All the synthetic products, instead, display the same antiferromagnetic behaviour thus suggesting that the method used for the zeolite crystallization neutralizes the parameters responsible for raw bauxite magnetic differences. [Display omitted] • Bauxites are deposits rich in aluminium and iron oxides/hydroxides; • Three bauxite samples were used as sources for magnetic LTA zeolite synthesis; • The three raw materials showed differences in antiferromagnetic behaviour; • The synthetic products displayed the same antiferromagnetic behaviour; • Pre-fused NaOH treatment neutralizes raw materials compositional differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have used X-ray magnetic circulardichroism and magnetometryto study isolated Fe@Cr core–shell nanoparticles with an Fecore diameter of 2.7 nm (850 atoms) and a Cr shell thickness varyingbetween 1 and 2 monolayers. The addition of Cr shells significantlyreduces the spin moment but does not change the orbital moment. Atleast two Cr atomic layers are required to stabilize a ferromagnetic/antiferromagneticinterface and generate the associated exchange bias and increase incoercivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have employed the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation technique to study the aging effect on the Zero-Field-Cooled (ZFC) magnetization curves of ultra-small CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (mean size \sim 3 nm) embedded in a Si matrix. We consider spherical nanoparticles consisting of an ordered ferrimagnetic core and a ferrimagnetic disordered surface. The spins in the particles interact with nearest neighbors Heisenberg exchange interaction. Our simulations show that the spin-glass like disorder at the surface affects the magnetic properties to the extent that they exhibit aging effect: the low temperature ZFC magnetization depends on the time (waiting time, tW) spent before applying the magnetic field at a temperature at which most of the surface moments are frozen. The results of our MC simulations are in good agreement with the experimental findings confirming that the random freezing of surface spins is responsible for the aging effect. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: A surfactant-assisted route in aqueous media has been shown to be suitable to prepare either individual primary CoFe2O4 nanocrystals or secondary spherical nanoporous assemblies with a high surface area. The formation of primary nanoparticles or of spherical assemblies is found to be dependent on the presence of the surfactant and on the particle size, but is shown that the nanoparticle–surfactant interface plays a dominant role. The size of the primary CoFe2O4 particles is controlled by the type of salt, the synthesis temperature and the concentration of the precursors. A detailed characterization evidences the shape and size of the primary particles, the way in which the primary particles assemble and their features in terms of morphological, textural and magnetic properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The magnetic properties of SrFe12O19 (SFO) hard hexaferrites are governed by the complex relation to its microstructure, determining their relevance for permanent magnets´ applications. A set of SFO nanoparticles obtained by sol–gel self-combustion synthesis was selected for an in-depth structural X-Rays powder diffraction (XRPD) characterization by means of G(L) line-profile analysis. The obtained crystallites´ size distribution reveal a clear dependence of the size along the [001] direction on the synthesis approach, resulting in the formation of platelet-like crystallites. In addition, the size of the SFO nanoparticles was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and the average number of crystallites within a particle was estimated. These results have been evaluated to illustrate the formation of single-domain state below a critical value, and the activation volume was derived from time dependent magnetization measurements, aiming to clarify the reversal magnetization process of hard magnetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn doped (Cr 1-x Mn x) 2 AlC compounds constitute a family of MAX-phases of great interest due to the possibility of tuning the magnetic properties they possess. Their synthesis, however, is not an easy task. Two main issues make its preparation difficult. First is the strong tendency secondary phases have to segregate when manganese is added to the parent compound and, secondly, the resulting doping level which remains relatively low due to the poor incorporation of Mn atoms into the MAX-phase hexagonal structure [Cr 2 AlC-type]. In the present work the highest dopant concentration so far reported for bulk materials of 18.3 at.% Mn has been obtained through the exploitation of the arc-melting technique. At the same time, the use of the Cr 3 C 2 , as a precursor from the initial stage of the synthesis procedure, led to the preservation of the phase content in the Mn-doped samples. Finally, chemical post-treatment in acid solutions (HF, HCl) proved to be effective and helpful to dissolve the remaining secondary intermetallic phases; the final material resulting in a pure MAX-phase powder (>99 vol%). However, the doping level reached seems to be the limit for the arc fusion technique used; additional manganese no longer dissolves into the MAX-phase structure but tends to form some new Mn-based secondary phases, such as the perovskite Mn 3 AlC and the carbide MnC 2. After the chemical etching, pure MAX-phase powders can be compacted into bulk using spark plasma sintering technique. However, while this method is useful for the non-doped Cr 2 AlC, it needs further optimization for (Cr 1-x Mn x) 2 AlC as it leads to a partial decomposition of Mn-containing MAX-phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mt. Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, is periodically interested by intensive eruption activity sometimes causing environmental problems for the neighbouring urban areas such as Catania. The volcanic ash deposited on the roads is classified as waste (code 20 03 03 – municipal waste from European Waste Catalogue - EWC). In this work, with the aim to transform waste materials into useful product, two samples of ashes resulting from different explosive activities were treated by hydrothermal aging with distilled water and seawater. The results showed that the hydrothermal process determined mineralogical and magnetic changes in volcanic ashes. The data in fact indicated that X-type zeolite and sodalite were formed at 45, 60 and 70 °C of aging temperature. Moreover, magnetic characterization suggests an evolution of ferromagnetic materials to antiferromagnetic ones during zeolite formation. The presence of these new magnetic phases was responsible for the variety of magnetic behaviour. The applicability of obtained zeolite as novel adsorbent material in the field of water treatment was also evaluated. Batch adsorption experiments were carried to assert the adsorption capacity of novel synthetized zeolite in removing cesium ions from aqueous solutions thus confirming a possible End-of-Waste alternative. [Display omitted] • Volcanic ash deposited on ground is classified as waste (European Waste Catalogue). • Volcanic ashes from different explosive activities of Etna are used to form zeolites. • Fe 3 O 4 in raw ashes can be transformed in α-Fe 2 O 3 during the zeolite synthesis. • Synthetic products show a variety of magnetic behaviour in zeolites. • Zeolites from volcanic ash can be used for Cs removal from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploitation of the exchange coupling between hard and soft magnetic materials has been proposed for enhancing the magnetic performances of rare-earth free permanent magnets, with the aim of extending their use to all applications where moderate energy product (35–100 kJ m−3) is required. Strontium hexaferrite (SFO)/spinel ferrite composites seem particularly promising to achieve this target, although the conditions to maximize the effect while using techniques easily scalable to industrial production have not yet been identified. Within this framework, the optimization of the structural, chemical, and magnetic properties of the two moieties before the coupling procedure is crucial to enhance the energy product of the final composite. Here we report the syntheses of both nanometric SFO with high coercivity (ca. 525 kA m−1) and quasi-bulk saturation magnetization (68 Am2 kg−1) and a series of nanosized zinc-doped ferrite (ZnxFe3−xO4, 0.0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.4) through cheap, easily scalable and eco-friendly approaches. The structural and chemical stability of the two magnetic phases as a function of temperature were investigated up to 1100 °C, with the aim of finding the best compromise between preservation of the nanometric scale and magnetic properties. A very high-magnetization (106 Am2 kg−1) ferrite was obtained by annealing Zn0.3Fe2.7O4 nanopowder at the highest investigated temperature. A preliminary attempt at coupling the two phases, starting from a mixture of the nanopowders, was performed through a classic annealing process in the temperature range 500 °C–1100 °C. The adopted procedure allowed for obtaining an exchange coupled composite at 1100 °C where the two phases are intimately and homogeneously mixed, with micrometric (0.3–5 μm) and nanometric (up to 50 nm) spinel ferrite particles. Despite these promising results, no enhancement of the energy product was found, highlighting the need for further experimental efforts to improve the coupling procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A magnetic composite consisting of MOF HKUST-1 and magnetite nanoparticles was synthesized and successfully utilized for the separation of CO 2 from N 2 /CO 2 mixtures. The CO 2 adsorbed by the porous material was successively desorbed by means of a recently proposed, high-efficiency technique so-called Magnetic Induction Swing Adsorption (MISA). The energy necessary to the desorption of carbon dioxide is transferred by electromagnetic induction to the magnetic nanoparticles that promptly dissipate it into heat. The composite material has been synthesized by growing the metal organic framework on functionalized magnetite nanoparticles by means of liquid assisted grinding (LAG) mechanochemical process. The composite material has been characterized in its morphological and functional properties. Thanks to improved magnetic properties, the optimized nanocomposite requires lower magnetic fields to desorb the CO 2 and allows for reaching the same regeneration temperature in the sorbent bed at lower magnetic field amplitude, compared to previously synthesized composite materials. A regeneration energy Q of 4.4 MJ/kg CO 2 has been calculated at 130 °C desorption temperature. [Display omitted] • MISA can contribute to the electrification of chemical processes. • Fe 3 O 4 @HKUST-1 composite is synthesized and characterized. • Fe 3 O 4 @HKUST-1 acts as a smart sorbent for CO 2 /N 2 separation. • Design of the nanoparticles dimension is needed to maximize the composite heating power. • Induction heating is superior to the conventional heating in terms of desorption rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sol–gel synthesis was used in order to obtain nanocrystallites of the SrFe12O19 (SFO) hexaferrite in an efficient and reliable way. By optimizing the initial synthetic conditions, we were able to control the size of the nanoparticles (NPs), at lower annealing temperature. The x-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and magnetic measurements have demonstrated a significant relation between the morphology, size, and magnetic properties of the nanoscale SFO, revealing a definite dependence on the crystallite size along the c-axis. The obtained NPs appear almost isotropic, in the form of platelets and exhibit similar magnetic performance, in terms of the energy product (BH)MAX, thus, demonstrating the suitability of reducing the annealing temperature without any deterioration in the magnetic properties. Additionally, this work illustrates the feasibility of the sol–gel bottom-up approach to employ magnetic NPs as building-blocks for designing hard/soft exchange-coupled bi-magnetic nanocomposites, combining the high coercivity of a hard phase (SFO) and the high saturation magnetization of a soft phase (CoFe2O4); in this regard, we discuss the tunability of the magnetic anisotropy by symbiotically restricting the growth of both phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complex optimization of the arc melting synthetic approach was performed to enhance the phase purity of Cr 2 AlC MAX-phase in the bulk form. Optimization steps included the initial ratio of 2Cr: xAl: 1C, variation through a change in Al content (i.e. x ranging from 1 to 1.5), tuning duration of the post-annealing thermal treatment and adjustment of the melting chamber pressure. The use of Cr 3 C 2 as a precursor in place of Cr and C mixture has also been tried. It was found that Cr 2 AlC MAX-phase forms as the predominant phase when a stoichiometric ratio 2Cr: 1.3Al: 1C is used. By keeping this stoichiometry constant, the melting chamber pressure was then adjusted to further improve the phase purity of the samples. It has been established that the use of Cr 3 C 2 is not an appropriate way to improve sample purity and promote homogeneity in the carbon distribution. The establishment of an optimized arc fusion protocol for parental Cr 2 AlC is a necessity for further successful mass synthesis of the substituted (Cr 1-x Mn x) 2 AlC MAX-phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work it is shown a precise way to optimize the heat generation in high viscosity magnetic colloids, by adjusting the Néel relaxation time in core/shell bimagnetic nanoparticles, for magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) applications. To pursue this goal, Fe3O4/ZnxCo1−xFe2O4 core/shell nanoparticles were synthesized with 8.5 nm mean core diameter, encapsulated in a shell of ∼1.1 nm of thickness, where the Zn atomic ratio (Zn/(Zn + Co) at%) changes from 33 to 68 at%. The magnetic measurements are consistent with a rigid interface coupling between the core and shell phases, where the effective magnetic anisotropy systematically decreases when the Zn concentration increases, without a significant change of the saturation magnetization. Experiments of MFH of 0.1 wt% of these particles dispersed in water, in Dulbecco modified Eagles minimal essential medium, and a high viscosity butter oil, result in a large specific loss power (SLP), up to 150 W g−1, when the experiments are performed at 571 kHz and 200 Oe. The SLP was optimized adjusting the shell composition, showing a maximum for intermediate Zn concentration. This study shows a way to maximize the heat generation in viscous media like cytosol, for those biomedical applications that require smaller particle sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the nano-world to solar systems length-scales span over several orders of magnitude. In young student it is therefore hard to fully understand the relative proportions among different objects even belonging to the same level of complexity. Resizing to humanrelated distances is an effective way to understand the relative distances in astronomic scales or the amount of information contained in a single cell. In general, the use of imagination is essential in educational research as well as the use of different skills in interdisciplinary works. Some appealing example will be given and the result of a pilot learning by doing teaching pathway involving hundreds of young students will be presented. Clues will give indications for future directions in educational research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is always a big problem to explain students what radiation is and how it can help researchers in understanding the structure of materials in a clear and simple way. The exact comprehension of radiation has followed a very problematic historical excursus. The problem of understanding what light is started to be faced around the VI century B.C.; since that time, a continuous development of ideas and models has characterized the definition of radiation. After Maxwell's equation, the behaviour of light seemed to be well understood, although further enriched, afterwards, by the discoveries in quantum mechanics. Radiation can give rise to several phenomena when interacting with matter. Thus with a correct comprehension of its origin, radiation can constitute a powerful tool in modern science to probe the structure of materials down to the nano-scale and even lower. In this work, scattering phenomena will be considered as effective examples to propose to young students for probing the structure of materials, since these are usually characterized by hierarchical organization of self-assembled structures at different length scales, from atomic to macroscopic distances. In this complex framework, the concept of characteristic distances is pivotal in defining the structure of a material, and can be easily derived from scattering experiments. In this respect, the efforts made in the last century to understand the origin of radiation turned out to be useful in giving researchers the best tool to characterize a given material, at least from its structural point of view. For this reason, modern didactics must take into account for modern approaches to make people aware of these aspects. If bringing kids and young students closer to these arguments is easily achieved by a "learn by doing" approach, this work, structured from the historical point of view and reporting tickling aspects of the debates taken place among peoples over the centuries, represents an opportunity for an interdisciplinary flipped classroom approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histamine, a biogenic amine, is abundant in fermented foods and beverages, notably wine. A high intake of this monoamine may produce adverse reactions in humans, which may be severe in individuals with a reduced capacity to catabolise extrinsic histamine. Thus, control of histamine concentration during wine production and before distribution is advisable. Simple, rapid, point-of-use bioanalytical platforms are needed because traditional methods for the detection and quantification of histamine are expensive and time-consuming. This work applies the lateral flow immunoassay technique to histamine detection. Superparamagnetic particle labels, and an inductive sensor designed to read the test line in the immunoassay, enable magnetic quantification of the molecule. The system is calibrated with histamine standards in the interval of interest for wine production. A commercial optical strip reader is used for comparison measurements. The lateral flow system has a limit of detection of 1.2 and 1.5 mg/L for the inductive and optical readers, respectively. The capability of the inductive system for histamine quantification is demonstrated for wine samples at different processing points (at the end of alcoholic fermentation, at the end of malolactic fermentation, in freshly bottled wine, and in reserve wine). The results are validated by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The obtained samples show relatively high values of M S and H C without any thermal treatment. • Magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticle were strongly affected when there are doped with nickel. • The higher value of magnetization saturation was found for the Ni 0.25 Co 0.75 Fe 2 O 4 sample. Abstract The nanostructured spinel ferrites with complex stoichiometry are an important family of the materials in a number of applications, especially in electronics through their good electrical and magnetic properties. In the framework of this study, a set of mixed cobalt and nickel ferrites was prepared with the sol–gel self-combustion route. The structural and morphological features of particles were studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) techniques. The prepared particles show a crystalline nature with a monotonic distribution of the elements and particles size distribution in the range of 17–29 nm. The obtained particles demonstrate good magnetic properties with tunable saturation magnetization and magnetic anisotropy, i.e., coercivity depending on chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolite synthesis typically requires batch systems (precursor mixture) in which aluminate and silicate solutions are first mixed and then subjected to hydrothermal treatment. In this study, FAU and GIS types zeolite with wool ball-like morphology were synthesized using colloidal silica and red mud as an alternative aluminium source. The addition of aluminium powder to the precursor mixture composed by colloidal silica and red mud resulted in the crystallization of pure GIS-type zeolite with a cactus-like morphology. The crystalline products (GIS and FAU zeolites) were thoroughly characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nitrogen adsorption. In addition, the magnetic properties of the zeolites were studied since the red mud used as aluminium source is mainly containing a mixture of magnetic iron-based oxides. The magnetic zeolites will be further considered for wastewater treatment, as they can be easily separated using an external magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic zeolites obtained combining natural sources (bauxite and obsidian), pure alumina/silica reagents, and waste material (red mud) were tested for heavy metals (i.e., Pb2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Cr3+) removal. The adsorption capabilities of the formed sodalite, zeolite A and zeolite X (LTA and FAU topology, respectively), were compared through thermodynamic and kinetic experiments. Although all the newly-formed zeolites were able to remove the pollutant elements within 24 h, Zeolite X and sodalite synthesized combining obsidian (natural material as silica source) and red mud (waste material as alumina source) proved to be a better sorbent phase (q max 20–25 mg g−1) compared to Zeolite A formed from treated bauxite (q max 4–18 mg g−1). Their removal efficiency was also evaluated in polluted waters (wastewater treatment plant [WWTP] effluent, heavy metals mixture, native pH). Depending on synthesized zeolite type, the adsorption mechanism was accredited to ion exchange and precipitation mechanisms. The location of metal-ions inside the zeolite channels was defined by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) Rietveld analysis. Host–guest interactions among the framework oxygen atoms, co-adsorbed water molecules, and metal-ions were highlighted by the refined bond distances. Finally, magnetic characterization allowed the recognize of different magnetic properties as a function of raw materials used for zeolite synthesis. [Display omitted] • Synthetic zeolites are formed from bauxite, obsidian, pure reagents, red mud (waste). • Thermodynamic/kinetic data show that synthetic zeolites remove heavy metals from water. • Toxic metals adsorption mechanism is due to ion exchange and precipitation. • XRPD Rietveld analysis defines metal-ions location inside the zeolite channels. • Raw materials used for the synthesis of zeolites determine their magnetic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remanence magnetization plots (e.g., Henkel or δM plots) have been extensively used as a straightforward way to determine the presence and intensity of dipolar and exchange interactions in assemblies of magnetic nanoparticles or single domain grains. Their evaluation is particularly important in functional materials whose performance is strongly affected by the intensity of interparticle interactions, such as patterned recording media and nanostructured permanent magnets, as well as in applications such as hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging. Here, we demonstrate that δM plots may be misleading when the nanoparticles do not have a homogeneous internal magnetic configuration. Substantial dips in the δM plots of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles isolated by thick SiO2 shells indicate the presence of demagnetizing interactions, usually identified as dipolar interactions. Our results, however, demonstrate that it is the inhomogeneous spin structure of the nanoparticles, as most clearly evidenced by Mössbauer measurements, that has a pronounced effect on the δM plots, leading to features remarkably similar to those produced by dipolar interactions. X-ray diffraction results combined with magnetic characterization indicate that this inhomogeneity is due to the presence of surface structural (and spin) disorder. Monte Carlo simulations unambiguously corroborate the critical role of the internal magnetic structure in the δM plots. Our findings constitute a cautionary tale on the widespread use of remanence plots to assess interparticle interactions as well as offer new perspectives in the use of Henkel and δM plots to quantify the rather elusive inhomogeneous magnetization states in nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low temperature environmentally friendly synthesis of magnetic zeolites by hydrothermal activation is reported. The novelty of the process is related to the use of a mixture of waste materials (fly ash (FA) and red mud (RM)) as precursors for the one-step synthesis (without passing through the additional synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles) of zeolites with good magnetic properties. The structural and magnetic investigation indicated that different types of zeolites were obtained for different FA/RM percentages and incubation temperatures, and all of these zeolites possess sufficiently high magnetic moments to enable their easy separation from the solution using an external magnet. Therefore, the time consuming and expensive high performance centrifugation processes, which are typically employed to recover zeolites, can be eliminated. In detail, sodalite and mixed Ti–Fe oxides formed using the 80% RM mixture, and a higher amount of A-type zeolites was observed for the 50% RM mixture. However, a mixture of A-, X- and ZK-5-type zeolites was obtained using 20% RM. The global magnetic properties of the newly formed minerals are discussed based on the magnetic properties of the precursors in which different magnetic behaviours were observed. A preliminary characterisation of the synthetic products was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, public health is one of the most important challenges in society. Cancer is the leading cause of death, so early diagnosis and localized treatments that minimize side effects are a priority. Magnetic nanoparticles have shown great potential as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents, detection tags for in vitro biosensing, and mediators of heating in magnetic hyperthermia. One of the critical characteristics of nanoparticles to adjust to the biomedical needs of each application is their polymeric coating. Fatty acid coatings are known to contribute to colloidal stability and good surface crystalline quality. While monolayer coatings make the particles hydrophobic, a fatty acid double-layer renders them hydrophilic, and therefore suitable for use in body fluids. In addition, they provide the particles with functional chemical groups that allow their bioconjugation. This work analyzes three types of self-assembled bilayer fatty acid coatings of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: oleic, lauric, and myristic acids. We characterize the particles magnetically and structurally and study their potential for resonance imaging, magnetic hyperthermia, and labeling for biosensing in lateral flow immunoassays. We found that the myristic acid sample reported a large r 2 relaxivity, superior to existing iron-based commercial agents. For magnetic hyperthermia, a significant specific absorption rate value was obtained for the oleic sample. Finally, the lauric acid sample showed promising results for nanolabeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn-ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal treatment at 800 °C of manganese and iron oxo-hydroxides obtained via water-in-oil microemulsions consisting of n-hexanol as continuous phase, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as the cationic surfactant and aqueous solutions of metal salts and precipitant agent (tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide) as reagents. Nanoparticles were synthesized using a multi-microemulsion approach. Two different co-precipitation routes are described depending on the Fe(II) or Fe(III) precursor salts. The influence of salt concentration and digestion process on the final products was examined. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction accompanied by Rietveld analysis, transmission electron microscopy, thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and SQUID magnetometry. In all the synthesis reported in this study MnFeO was observed only after thermal treatment at 800 °C of the as-prepared precursors. Almost spherical nanocrystalline MnFeO ranging from 12 to 39 nm was obtained starting from chlorides or mixed chloride-sulfate salts as precursors. Low values of reduced remanent magnetization ( M/ M) and coercive field ( H) induce to believe that a fraction of superparamagnetic particle is present at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spherical nanoparticles of surfactant-coated CoFe2O4 (core) were prepared through thermal decomposition of metal acetylacetonates in the presence of a mixture of oleic acid and oleylamine and uniformly coated with silica shell by using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and ammonia in a micellar solution (core/shell). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of core/shell nanoparticles evidenced the high homogeneity of the coating process in producing single core/shell nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. The combined use of spectroscopic studies (NMR and FTIR) on core and core/shell nanoparticles pointed out that the surfactants' layer bound to the surface core nanoparticles is retained also after the silica coating process. This allows to obtaining systems with very similar magnetic behavior but weaker dipolar interparticle interactions and lower values of saturation magnetization. In view of the interest in biomedical field, the effect of the CoFe2O4 nanoparticles silica coating was also studied by controlling the possible modifications in cytotoxicity by trypan blue and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assays on human cells. Hydrophobic capped CoFe2O4 nanoparticles are easily converted into monodispersed hydrophilic CoFe2O4@SiO2 core/shell structures which retain the capping agent preserving magnetic and cytotoxicity properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HKUST-1 metal-organic framework (MOF) and Fe 3 O 4 @HKUST-1 magnetic framework composites (MFCs) were developed by a simple and sustainable liquid assisted mechanochemical synthesis process. The growth of the MOF crystalline structure was directed on the surface of functionalized magnetite particles, which act as "crystallization germs". The nanomaterials were characterized in their structural, morphological, and thermal properties and were tested for CO 2 /N 2 mixture separation. All samples exhibits good carbon dioxide adsorption and selectivity for the CO 2 /N 2 mixture. In the case of magnetic composites, the application of an external alternating magnetic field induces nanoparticles' heating and the locally generated heat triggers carbon dioxide release from the MOF. The magnetic composites combine the adsorbing properties of the organic component and the heating capacity of magnetic nanoparticles, MNPs, representing innovative sorbent systems for the implementation of a separation technology named Magnetic Induction Swing Adsorption (MISA). This technology takes advantage of the highly efficient energy transfer typical of induction heating for the regeneration of adsorption beds and promises energy savings. The effectiveness of the desorption process depends on the magnetic materials properties and in this work has been improved by tuning the characteristic of the magnetic component. [Display omitted] • Mechanosynthesis has proved to be a successful method for Fe 3 O 4 @HKUST-1 production. • Produced materials showed good CO 2 adsorption properties and CO 2 /N 2 selectivities. • The application of an external alternating magnetic field is able to induce in the materials heat dissipation. • Heating and adsorption capacities permit materials application as innovative sorbents. • Developed systems have been applied to Magnetic Induction Swing Adsorption technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Iron oxide nanoparticles with average sizes ~2, 4, 6 and 8 nm were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. • The particle size was controlled by adding citric acid during the reaction. • The effects of magnetic interaction among particles and of disordered surface in ultrasmall nanoparticles were investigated. • An exchange bias and magnetic memory effects were found in samples with average particle sizes of 2 and 4 nm. The structural and magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles obtained by the precipitation of iron ions in the presence of different amounts of citric acid were studied. The citric acid acts as a capping agent and provides control of the particle size to be obtained. The size dependence of the magnetic properties was investigated by comparing the results for ~2, 4, 6, and 8 nm particles. With decreasing the particle size, a reduction of the saturation magnetization (from ~84 to 33 Am2/kg) and an increase of coercivity (from ~32 to ~100 mT) were observed, due to the increasing role of the disordered surface. The behaviour of the zero-field cooled/field cooled magnetization curves indicates a superspin-glass freezing for 2 nm and 4 nm particle samples. Memory experiments below the freezing temperature on the 2 nm particle sample provide further evidence of a glassy magnetic state. The observation of exchange bias, due to core/shell interface exchange coupling, for 2 nm and 4 nm particle samples provides evidence of a surface spin-glass type freezing, which contributes to the observed glassy properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of novel multifunctional materials based on nanoparticles requires tuning of their magnetic properties, which are strongly dependent on the surface structure. The organic coating represents a unique tool to significantly modify the surface structure trough the bonds between the ligands of the organic molecule and the surface metal atoms. This work presents a critical overview of the effects of the organic coating on the magnetic properties of nanoparticles trough a selection of papers focused on different approaches to control the surface structure and the morphology of nanoparticles' assemblies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The synthesis of BaTiO 3 -CoFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites using a one-pot method was optimized. • Particles of ferroelectric BaTiO 3 and ferrimagnetic CoFe 2 O 4 are concurrently formed. • The aim is to synthesize nanostructures with increased interfacial coupling. • Magnetic and dielectric properties of the nanostructures are presented. • Preliminary results obtained on spin-coated thin films are discussed. Low-cost and scalable sol–gel chemistry was employed to obtain ferroelectric-ferrimagnetic BaTiO 3 -CoFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites. In a novel one-pot synthesis method, both the constituent phases of nanocomposites are formed during the same time and symbiotically participate to each other's growth. X-ray powder diffraction evidences the phase purity of the systems, with average crystallite sizes in the order of 20 nm for the BaTiO 3 phase. The optimization of the synthesis conditions, precursors, and chemical agents for nanoscale BaTiO 3 and BaTiO 3 -CoFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites is presented, together with the magnetic and/or dielectric properties of the obtained materials. BaTiO 3 -CoFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites with up to 20% CoFe 2 O 4 volume fractions were found to display ferrimagnetic properties at room temperature akin to those of CoFe 2 O 4 , while preserving a dielectric behavior reminiscent of BaTiO 3. Preliminary results describing the spin coating of BaTiO 3 and BaTiO 3 -CoFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites as thin films are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-based magnetoelectric composite materials have attracted a lot of attention due to their high potential in various types of applications as magnetic field sensors, energy harvesting, and biomedical devices. Current researches are focused on the increase in the efficiency of magnetoelectric transformation. In this work, a new strategy of arrangement of clusters of magnetic nanoparticles by an external magnetic field in PVDF and PFVD-TrFE matrixes is proposed to increase the voltage coefficient (αME) of the magnetoelectric effect. Another strategy is the use of 3-component composites through the inclusion of piezoelectric BaTiO3 particles. Developed strategies allow us to increase the αME value from ~5 mV/cm·Oe for the composite of randomly distributed CoFe2O4 nanoparticles in PVDF matrix to ~18.5 mV/cm·Oe for a composite of magnetic particles in PVDF-TrFE matrix with 5%wt of piezoelectric particles. The applicability of such materials as bioactive surface is demonstrated on neural crest stem cell cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation addressed the characterization and the production methods of the purple pigment Caput Mortuum used since pre-historic times until the eighteenth century. Literature hypotheses for its production after heating of ochres/Fe-hydroxides, with addition of white minerals of different composition has been experimentally reproduced, and disproved. An original synthesis after massive hematite that underwent fine grinding, followed by high temperature (900–1100 °C) annealing under oxidative conditions was carried out. Several natural and synthetic starting Fe-oxides and hydroxides were tested with these procedures, followed by compositional (X-Ray Powder Diffraction), spectroscopic (Reflectance spectroscopy, colorimetric measurements and Lab CIE color space), microscopic (Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry), and magnetic characterization. The color changes undergone by hematite from red to purple could be mainly traced back to the grain dimensions resulting from the annealing process. The experiments on synthetic starting materials allowed excluding that the final color is affected by impurities. Moreover, it was determined that a purple ochre could not be obtained by thermal treatment of natural earths and that the purple pigment could only be manufactured by starting from hematite and not from red ochre. Finally, magnetic measurements further discriminated among different Caput Mortuum types. Image 1 • The rare purple pigment Caput Mortuum was addressed with a multimethod characterization. • The starting materials were natural and synthetic ochers and Fe-oxides and hydroxides. • Fine grinding was followed by high T annealing under oxidative conditions. • Purple hue derives from high-purity hematite, not from Fe-poor ochres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinel ferrite magnetic nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention because of their high and flexible magnetic properties and biocompatibility. In this work, a set of magnetic nanoparticles of cobalt ferrite doped with zinc was synthesized via the eco-friendly sol-gel auto-combustion method. Obtained particles displayed a room-temperature ferromagnetic behavior with tuned by chemical composition values of saturation magnetization and coercivity. The maximal values of saturation magnetization ~74 Am2/kg were found in cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with a 15–35% molar fraction of cobalt replaced by zinc ions. At the same time, the coercivity exhibited a gradually diminishing trend from ~140 to ~5 mT whereas the concentration of zinc was increased from 0 to 100%. Consequently, nanoparticles produced by the proposed method possess highly adjustable magnetic properties to satisfy the requirement of a wide range of possible applications. Further prepared nanoparticles were tested with bacterial culture to display the influence of chemical composition and magnetic structure on nanoparticles-bacterial cell interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the annealing temperature Tann on the magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous silica matrix (CoFe2O4/SiO2), synthesized by a sol-gel auto-combustion method, was investigated by magnetization and AC susceptibility measurements. For samples with 15% w/w nanoparticle concentration, the particle size increases from ~2.5 to ~7 nm, increasing Tann from 700 to 900 °C. The effective magnetic anisotropy constant (Keff) increases with decreasing Tann, due to the increase in the surface contribution. For a 5% w/w sample annealed at 900 °C, Keff is much larger (1.7 × 106 J/m3) than that of the 15% w/w sample (7.5 × 105 J/m3) annealed at 700 °C and showing comparable particle size. This indicates that the effect of the annealing temperature on the anisotropy is not only the control of the particle size but also on the core structure (i.e., cation distribution between the two spinel sublattices and degree of spin canting), strongly affecting the magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The results provide evidence that the magnetic anisotropy comes from a complex balance between core and surface contributions that can be controlled by thermal treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimagnetic nanoparticles have been proposed for the design of new materials with controlled properties, which requires a comprehensive investigation of their magnetic behavior due to multiple effects arising from their complex structure. In this work we fabricated bimagnetic core/shell nanoparticles formed by an ∼3-nm antiferromagnetic (AFM) CoO core encapsulated within an ∼1.5-nm ferrimagnetic (FiM) Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 shell, aiming at studying the enhancement of the magnetic anisotropy and the surface effects of a ferrimagnetic oxide shell. The magnetic properties of as-synthesized and annealed samples were analyzed by ac and dc magnetization measurements. The results indicate that the magnetic response of the as-synthesized particles is governed by the superparamagnetic behavior of the interacting nanoaggregates of spins that constitute the disordered ferrimagnetic shell, whose total moments block at ⟨TB⟩=49 K and collectively freeze in a superspin-glass-type state at ⟨Tg⟩=3 K. On the other hand, annealed nanoparticles are superparamagnetic at room temperature and behave as an exchange-coupled system below the blocking temperature ⟨TB⟩=70 K, with enhanced coercivity HC(10K)∼14.6 kOe and exchange bias field HEB(10K)∼2.3 kOe, compared with the as-synthesized system where HC(10K)∼5.5 kOe and HEB(10K)∼0.8 kOe. Our results, interpreted using different models for thermally activated and surface relaxation processes, can help clarify the complex magnetic behavior of many core/shell and hollow nanoparticle systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]