Numerous living organisms form minerals. These biogenic minerals, or biominerals, are composite materials containing an organic matrix and nanoor micro-scale amorphous or crystalline minerals. In this chapter we will review the molecular aspects of biomineralization and describe as completely as is currently possible the organic-mineral interface, the location in which organic-mineral interacti...

One of the unresolved issues of the European Water Framework Directive is the unavailability of realistic water reference materials for the organic priority pollutants at low nanogram-per-liter concentrations. In the present study, three different types of ready-to-use water test materials were developed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tri...

The synthesis and application of new organic materials, nanostructured, for developing technology based on organic devices, have been the main focus of the scientific community. In recent years, the first polymeric electronics products have entered the market (organic semiconductor materials) and there are some electrochromic devices among them that have been called smart windows, once they con...

Recent synthesis of a new type polymers containing conjugated cycloparaphenylene (CPP) macrocycles interconnected by linear backbone opens up fantastic potential cyclic π-conjugated materials in organic...

Inorganic UV filters have become attractive because of their role in protecting the skin from the damage caused by continuous exposure to the sun. However, their large refractive index and high photocatalytic activity have led to the development of alternative inorganic materials such as CePO4 for application as UV filters. This compound leaves a low amount of white residue on the skin and is h...

The synthetic versatility and the potential application of metalloporphyrins (MP) in different fields have aroused researchers' interest in studying these complexes, in an attempt to mimic biological systems such as cytochrome P-450. Over the last 40 years, synthetic MPs have been mainly used as catalysts for homogeneous or heterogeneous chemical reactions. To employ them in heterogeneous catal...

Background Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accumulate in urban soils, and PAH contamination can change soil microbial community composition. Environmental microbiota is associated with human commensal microbiota, immune system and health. Therefore, studies investigating the degradation of PAHs, and the consequences of soil pollution on microbial communities in urban landscaping materia...

Composite membranes were obtained by modification of heterogeneous polymer cation and anion-exchange membranes with nanoparticles of zirconium hydrophosphate and hydrated zirconium dioxide, respectively. The ion-exchange materials were investigated with the methods of electron microscopy, potentiometry, voltammetry, and impedance spectroscopy. Single nanoparticles, which were precipitated in aq...