Iron-containing nanomaterials: synthesis, properties, and environmental applications Boris I. Kharisov, a H. V. Rasika Dias, b Oxana V. Kharissova,* a Victor Manuel Jime ´nez-Pe ´rez, a Betsabee Olvera Pe ´rez a and Blanca Mun ˜oz Flores a Received 30th April 2012, Accepted 23rd July 2012 DOI: 10.1039/c2ra20812a Available data on the iron-containing nanomaterials are reviewed. Main attention is paid to the following themes: synthetic methods, structures, composition and properties of the nano zerovalent iron (NZVI), and polymorphic forms of iron oxides and FeOOH. Synthetic methods summarized here include a series of physico-chemical methods such as microwave heating, electrodeposition, laser ablation, radiolytical techniques, arc discharge, metal-membrane incorporation, pyrolysis, combustion, reverse micelle and co-deposition routes. We have also included a few ‘‘greener’’ methods. Coated, doped, supported with polymers or inert inorganic materials, core–shell nanostructures, in particular those of iron and its oxides with gold, are discussed. Studies of remediation involving iron-containing nanomaterials are discussed and special attention is paid to the processes of remediation of organic contaminants (chlorine-containing pollutants, benzoic and formic acids, dyes) and inorganic cations (Zn(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II)) and anions (nitrates, bromates, arsenates). Water disinfection (against viruses and bacteria), toxicity and risks of iron nanomaterials application are also examined. Introduction According to the classic definition, nanomaterials are those materials whose key physical characteristics are dictated by the nano-objects they contain. Nanomaterials are classified into compact materials and nanodispersions. The first type includes so-called ‘‘nanostructured’’ materials, i.e., materials isotropic in the macroscopic composition and consisting of closely packed nanometer-sized units as repeating structural elements. Among nanomaterials, the iron-containing nanomaterials have attracted a great deal of interest due to their magnetic properties, allowing such applications as targeted drug delivery 1 and other areas of a Universidad Auto ´noma de Nuevo Leo ´n, Monterrey, Mexico. E-mail: bkhariss@mail.ru b Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, 76019, USA Dr Boris I. Kharisov (born in Russia in 1964) is currently a Professor and Researcher at the Universidad Auto ´noma de Nuevo Leo ´n (UANL). Degrees: An MS in 1986, in radiochemistry and a PhD in inorganic chemistry in 1993, from the Moscow State University, Russia; Dr Hab. in physical chem- istry in 2006 from Rostov State University, Russia. He is the co- author of six books, 122 articles, five book chapters, and has two patents. Co-editor: Three invited special issues of international jour- nals. He is the member of the Editorial board of four journals. Specialties: Coordination and inor- ganic chemistry, phthalocyanines, ultrasound, and nanotechnology. Dr Rasika Dias is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Texas at Arlington. Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, he received his BSc Degree from University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) and PhD from University of California, Davis (USA). Dr Dias was a Visiting Research Scientist at the DuPont Central Research & Development, Delaware before joining the University of Texas at Arlington faculty in 1992. Professor Dias specializes in inorganic and organo- metallic chemistry, and has been the author or co-author of several patents and over 160 publications. He has won several awards including the 2009 Southwest Regional American Chemical Society Award. Boris I. Kharisov H. V. Rasika Dias RSC Advances Dynamic Article Links Cite this: RSC Advances, 2012, 2, 9325–9358 www.rsc.org/advances REVIEW This journal is ß The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012 RSC Adv., 2012, 2, 9325–9358 | 9325