A Three-Way Catalyst (TWC) contains a cordierite ceramic monolith coated with a layer of Al₂O₃, Ce_xZr_1−xO₂ and platinoids mixture. Under standard operation, the platinoid concentration decreases, exposing the remaining washcoat structure. After that particle release stage, the sintering process follows where the crystalline Ce_xZr_1−xO₂ solution is broken and begins to separate into ZrO₂ and CeO₂ phases. ZrO₂ is released to the environment as micro and nanoparticles, while a small amount of CeO₂ generates a new Al_xCe_1−xO₂ composite. The main effect of Ce capture is the growth in the size of the polycrystal structure from 86.13 ± 16.58 nm to 225.35 ± 69.51 nm. Moreover, a transformation of cordierite to mullite was identified by XRD analysis. Raman spectra showed that the oxygen vacancies (Vö) concentration decreased as Ce_xZr_1−xO₂ phases separation occurred_. The SEM-EDS revealed the incorporation of new spurious elements and microfractures favouring the detachment of the TWC support structure. The release of ultrafine particles is a consequence of catalytic devices overusing. The emission of refractory micro to nanocrystals to the atmosphere may represent an emerging public health issue underlining the importance of implementing strict worldwide regulations on regular TWCs replacement.

Nanodiamonds have been studied for several biomedical applications due to their inherent biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. Recent investigations have shown perspectives in using fluorescent nanodiamonds as nanothermometers because of their optical properties’ dependence on temperature. Easy and accurate localized temperature sensing is essential in a wide variety of scientific fields. Our work demonstrated how the fluorescence spectrum of high-pressure high-temperature fluorescent nanodiamonds of three different sizes: 35 nm, 70 nm and 100 nm, changes with temperature within an important biological temperature range (25 °C to 60 °C). Taking advantage of this phenomenon, we obtained nanothermic scales (NS) from the zero phonon lines (ZPL) of the NV⁰ and NV⁻ colour centres. In particular, the 100 nm-sized features the more intense fluorescence spectra whose linear dependence with temperature achieved 0.98 R² data representation values for both NV⁰ and NV⁻. This model predicts temperature for all used nanodiamonds with sensitivities ranging from 5.73% °C⁻¹ to 6.994% °C⁻¹ (NV⁰) and from 4.14% °C⁻¹ to 6.475% °C⁻¹ (NV⁻). Furthermore, the non-cytotoxic interaction with HeLa cells tested in our study enables the potential use of fluorescence nanodiamonds to measure temperatures in similar nano and microcellular aqueous environments with a simple spectroscopic setup.

Background: Reports in a northwestern Mexico state linked arsenic (As) in drinking water to DNA damage in people from indigenous communities. However, this correlation remains under discussion due to unknown variables related to nutrition, customs, and the potential presence of other metal(oid)s. Methods: To determine this association, we sampled water from three Yaqui towns (Cócorit, Vícam, and Pótam), and analyzed the metals by ICP-OES. We exposed four separate groups, with five male CD-1 mice each, to provide further insight into the potential effects of untreated drinking water. Results: The maximum concentrations of each metal(oid) in µg·L⁻¹ were Sr(819) > Zn(135) > As(75) > Ba(57) > Mo(56) > Cu(17) > Al(14) > Mn(12) > Se(19). Histological studies revealed brain cells with angulation, satellitosis, and reactive gliosis with significant statistical correlation with Mn and As. Furthermore, the liver cells presented hepatocellular degeneration. Despite the early response, there is no occurrence of both statistical and significative changes in hematological parameters. Conclusions: The obtained results provide experimental insights to understand the potential effects of untreated water with low As and Mn contents in murine models. This fact is noteworthy because of the development of histological changes on both the brain and liver at subchronic exposure.