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.

The data on nanoflower-like nanostructures are generalized for several groups of inorganic compounds (carbon, elemental metals, their alloys and compounds with the elements of V and VI Groups of the Periodic Table), as well as for a few coordination and organic compounds. Their synthetic techniques include oxidation of elemental metals, reduction of metal salts, thermal decomposition of relatively unstable compounds, or electrochemical route. Some current and possible applications of nanoflowers are noted.

Synthesis, properties, and applications of ultrasmall particles (USPs, size/diameter <10 nm), so-called “ultrasmall nanoparticles”, are reviewed. USPs mainly consist of nanoparticles (with or without functionalization) of metallic gold, as well as iron and gadolinium oxides, all of which have important biomedical applications. Several other elemental metals and non-metals, oxides, salts, a few polymers and coordination compounds have also been obtained as USPs. Their main applications include biomedical uses {Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contract agents, virus inactivation, immunoassay labeling, etc.}, varieties of catalysis, hydrogen sorption, as magnetic devices, ultrasmall transistors, sensors for gases or biological objects, parts of solar cells and batteries, among others. Recent approaches, such as size-focusing methodology, for obtaining USPs and preventing their further agglomeration, are discussed.

Recent (2000–2009) achievements on ditopic ligands are reviewed. The ditopic ligands are mainly represented by N-, P-, O-, and S-containing organic molecules or their N, O-, N, S-, and N, P-combinations with azine, azole, amine, azide, β-diketone, crown ether, carboxylate, phenanthroline, oxazoline, phosphole, and thiophene moieties, among others. A series of mono- and polynuclear transition and f-metal complexes with these ligands, in particular cluster- and supramolecular unit-containing complexes, have been obtained and characterized spectroscopically and electrochemically.

Current literature (1990–2005) on methods for synthesizing technetium (Tc) complexes is presented. The development and design of Tc complexes for imaging of different organic tissues, of special interest for their medical applications, are also reviewed.

This article is focused on principal Bi-containing superconductors. Recent results obtained on Bi-2212, Bi-2223, and related composite materials are discussed. Special attention is paid to various advanced methods of synthesis. Optimization of the superconducting properties by the chemical modifications is considered in terms of most important practical applications.