The present invention relates to a process for preparing a rodlike magnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe.sub.3O.sub.4) material and use thereof. The preparation includes the following steps: step 1: magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticle preparation; and step 2: self-assembly of magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles into a rodlike magnetic material. When in use, the rodlike magnetic Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 material prepared by the process according to claim 1 is used in micro- and nano-motors, which can implement rotation and deflection in an external magnetic field. The present invention provides a process for preparing a rodlike magnetic Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 material. The rodlike magnetic ferroferric oxide material prepared by the process is suitable for mass production on an industrial scale, featuring identifiable direction of the magnetic moment, strong magnetism, good magnetic response, simple process, and low cost.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a rodlike magnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe.sub.3O.sub.4) material and use thereof. The preparation includes the following steps: step 1: magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticle preparation; and step 2: self-assembly of magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles into a rodlike magnetic material. When in use, the rodlike magnetic Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 material prepared by the process according to claim 1 is used in micro- and nano-motors, which can implement rotation and deflection in an external magnetic field. The present invention provides a process for preparing a rodlike magnetic Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 material. The rodlike magnetic ferroferric oxide material prepared by the process is suitable for mass production on an industrial scale, featuring identifiable direction of the magnetic moment, strong magnetism, good magnetic response, simple process, and low cost.

The present application relates to a method of preparing magnetite nanoparticles. In particular, it relates to a method of preparing magnetite (Fe.sub.3O.sub.4) nanoparticles wherein a gas-liquid reaction interface between an ammonia gas (NH.sub.3(g)) headspace and an aqueous ferrous (Fe.sup.2+) and ferric (Fe.sup.3+) iron salts solution is established and without agitation magnetite (Fe.sub.3O.sub.4) nanoparticles are formed. The present application also includes magnetite nanoparticles prepared by the method and to uses thereof, for example, for extracting one or more analytes from a sample.

The present application relates to a method of preparing magnetite nanoparticles. In particular, it relates to a method of preparing magnetite (Fe.sub.3O.sub.4) nanoparticles wherein a gas-liquid reaction interface between an ammonia gas (NH.sub.3(g)) headspace and an aqueous ferrous (Fe.sup.2+) and ferric (Fe.sup.3+) iron salts solution is established and without agitation magnetite (Fe.sub.3O.sub.4) nanoparticles are formed. The present application also includes magnetite nanoparticles prepared by the method and to uses thereof, for example, for extracting one or more analytes from a sample.

Methods for making nanocomposites are provided. In an embodiment, such a method comprises combining a first type of nanostructure with a bulk material in water or an aqueous solution, the first type of nanostructure functionalized with a functional group capable of undergoing van der Waals interactions with the bulk material, whereby the first type of nanostructure induces exfoliation of the bulk material to provide a second, different type of nanostructure while inducing association between the first and second types of nanostructures to form the nanocomposite.

Methods for making nanocomposites are provided. In an embodiment, such a method comprises combining a first type of nanostructure with a bulk material in water or an aqueous solution, the first type of nanostructure functionalized with a functional group capable of undergoing van der Waals interactions with the bulk material, whereby the first type of nanostructure induces exfoliation of the bulk material to provide a second, different type of nanostructure while inducing association between the first and second types of nanostructures to form the nanocomposite.

Systems and methods for sequestering carbon, evolving hydrogen gas, producing iron oxide as magnetite, and producing magnesium carbonate as magnesite through sequential carbonation and serpentinization/hydration reactions involving processed olivine- and/or pyroxene-rich ores, as typically found in mafic and ultramafic igneous rock. Precious or scarce metals, such nickel, cobalt, chromium, rare earth elements, and others, may be concentrated in the remaining ore to facilitate their recovery from any gangue material.

Systems and methods for sequestering carbon, evolving hydrogen gas, producing iron oxide as magnetite, and producing magnesium carbonate as magnesite through sequential carbonation and serpentinization/hydration reactions involving processed olivine- and/or pyroxene-rich ores, as typically found in mafic and ultramafic igneous rock. Precious or scarce metals, such nickel, cobalt, chromium, rare earth elements, and others, may be concentrated in the remaining ore to facilitate their recovery from any gangue material.

A method and systems are provided for utilizing black powder to form an electrolyte for a flow battery. In an exemplary method the black powder is heated under an inert atmosphere to form Fe.sub.3O.sub.4. The Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 is dissolved in an acid solution to form an electrolyte solution. A ratio of iron (II) to iron (III) is adjusted by a redox process.

A method and systems are provided for utilizing black powder to form an electrolyte for a flow battery. In an exemplary method the black powder is heated under an inert atmosphere to form Fe.sub.3O.sub.4. The Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 is dissolved in an acid solution to form an electrolyte solution. A ratio of iron (II) to iron (III) is adjusted by a redox process.