Advisory board member Lucia Maini and her mechanochemistry students at the University of Bologna have selected their favourite articles from RSC Mechanochemistry. The students’ perspectives on the articles and the field of mechanochemistry will be presented in a series of six blog posts. The second group of students will discuss:
Green mechanochemical fabrication of graphite-lanthanide oxide nanocomposites
In recent years, research into graphite derivatives such as graphene has seen significant developments, as well as novel applications in everyday life. Among the various derivatives that can be obtained, graphite oxide is one of the least known to the public, unlike compounds such as graphene, but this does not make it any less important. On the contrary, uses have been found for these compounds in the field of electronics (as insulators or conductors), in catalysis, in the biomedical sector, and even in the environmental field.
While graphite oxide (and graphene) has many applications, its intercalated counterpart has even more fields of use, given the very high potential of compounds with metals, which, through a synergistic process, generate new compounds with unprecedented properties not found in the non-intercalated oxide alone. This article focuses mainly on intercalates with lanthanide oxides: these, already analysed and studied by the same research group, have been used over the last decade for the manufacture of nanocomposites for supercapacitors, nano-sensors for targeted tumour imaging, detection of bacterial spores, and as catalysts for hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction. The group focused on improving the efficiency of the synthesis of these compounds, continuing as in the previous study with a mechanochemical approach (ball milling), which is significantly ‘greener’ than traditional methods in solution that require the use of toxic solvents and reagents or could lead to hazardous waste. The research yielded excellent results in terms of synthesis, as numerous analyses showed that compounds with excellent structural properties and characteristics were obtained, such as excellent dispersion of metal nanoparticles on the surface and limited formation of amorphous structures. Broad characterization was obtained from which various properties of the compounds could be derived, such as surface functionalization (which may allow studies in the catalytic field). Given their low toxicity, they could also be used in the biomedical field, certainly not for their antibacterial properties (given their low bactericidal capacity, except for some compounds and dosages) but as biosensors or for drug delivery.
What drew you to study Mechanochemistry initially, and what areas have you found most interesting?
The discovery of mechanochemistry happened by chance: while researching syntheses that led to luminescent compounds, this type of synthesis was encountered. From there, interest in the subject grew, revealing, among other things, how it was possible to obtain compounds that could not be obtained with a more traditional approach (in solution), such as polymorphs of the same chemical compound.
Why did you choose this article, did you find anything surprising?
There is often a particular fascination with more ‘exotic’ chemistry, such as elements and compounds that are rarely covered in academia. In this case, the article focused on the study of lanthanide intercalates in graphite oxide, a type of compound that is not particularly covered in lectures. This prompted a desire to explore the topic further.
Why is this article important, what gap in the literature does this research aim to fill?
This article is important as it contributes to the ongoing study and synthesis of lanthanide intercalates in graphite oxide, originally initiated by the same research group, by improving synthesis techniques and expanding the characterisation of the compounds obtained. It also establishes the foundations for the study of these compounds in the biomedical field.
Consider the real-world applications or implications of this article, what are the strengths and/or limitations of this article that may need to be explored further?
This study presents a mechanochemical, economic and ecological approach to the synthesis of graphite oxide–lanthanide nanocomposites in which no hazardous solvents are used, and no toxic products are formed. Currently, the limitations of the study relate to the lack of data on the electrical properties of the compound, as well as the need for additional toxicity testing using other cell cultures.
Luca Ragno, Wael M. Ragheb, Jawad Sattar and Alfusainey Jallow
Luca Ragno is a student enrolled in the master’s degree programme in Industrial Chemistry at the University of Bologna. He is dedicated to the study of inorganic and organometallic chemistry, with a particular focus on the properties of the solid state.
Wael M. Ragheb is a master’s student in Photochemistry and Molecular Materials at the University of Bologna. Passionate about scientific research, he strives to contribute to the development of renewable energy and advanced materials.
Jawad Sattar is a master’s student enrolled in Photochemistry and Molecular Materials at the University of Bologna. He is passionate about material innovation and processes. His academic journey is driven by a commitment to advancing sustainable technologies.
Alfusainey Jallow is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Photochemistry, driven by a strong passion for sustainable and eco-friendly scientific innovation. During his bachelor’s studies, he developed a keen interest in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, which inspired him to explore environmentally conscious research pathways. As part of his academic journey, he completed an internship project titled “Study of a new Alternative Binder from Waste of the Steel Industry,” where he focused on converting industrial waste into valuable resources. This experience strengthened his commitment to sustainability and continues to motivate his pursuit of advanced studies in photochemical applications for a greener future.
Check out the article, published in RSC Mechanochemistry:
Green mechanochemical fabrication of graphite-lanthanide oxide nanocomposites
Danilo Marchetti, Enrico Dalcanale, Roberta Pinalli, Mauro Gemmi, Alessandro Pedrini and Chiara Massera
Diego A. Acevedo-Guzmán, Brian Monroy-Torres, Petra Rudolf, Vladimir A. Basiuk and Elena V. Basiuk
RSC Mechanochem., 2025, 2, 443-458
Discover all of the selected articles in the RSC Mechanochemistry Students’ Choice collection.
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Are you ready to contribute to the future of mechanochemistry? RSC Mechanochemistry offers you an inclusive and dedicated home for the ideas, scientific language and approaches that cut across the many disciplines mechanochemistry touches. Here we are seeking to build knowledge, as well as foster innovation and discovery at this forefront of chemistry. Whether you are seeking to understand the fundamentals of mechanochemistry, or you are excited by its applications and potential, this journal is for you. All of the content in this journal is gold open access, which means that you can read every article for free, and we are covering all publication costs until mid-2026. |
