Magnetic iron oxides are of great scientific and technological relevance. Therefore, herein, we report the research on developing methodologies for their sustainable and reproducible preparation. We discuss the synthesis of iron oxides involving citrus pectin as a source of energy (42 MJ kg-1) to promote the formation of the magnetic phases. The method involved two simple steps: gelation of the pectin (80 °C, 4 h) with iron nitrate nonahydrate [Fe(NO3)3.9H2O], and calcination (600 °C, 1 h). X-ray diffraction indicated the major formation of hematite (α-Fe2O3) and ferrite phases. Microscopy images show materials with an average size below 50 nm. Textural properties indicated pore sizes of 7-30 nm while magnetic measurements indicated the formation of soft and hard oxides (coercivity between 90 and 400 Oe) and high magnetization saturation (50 emu g-1).

Colloidal cobalt oxyhydroxide [CoO(OH)] has been prepared from precursors cobalt acetate and cobalt nitrate. The cobalt colloids (Co.Acetate and Co.Nitrate) were characterized by simultaneous thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and electronic spectroscopy. Characterization data indicated the presence of counter ions (CH3COO- and NO3-), likely intercalated within the structure of the colloidal cobalt. The platinum working electrode chemically modified with cobalt colloid was studied by cyclic voltammetry in alkaline solution [0.5 M, NaOH], which revealed differences in the reproducibility and stability of the electroactive material. The colloidal Co.Nitrate modified electrode was applied to the non-enzymatic glucose (Glu) electrooxidation in the concentration range from 7.2 to 21.9 X 10(8) mol L-1. The limits of detection (5.87 X 10 8 mol L-1) and quantitation (1.96 X 10 7 mol L-1) calculated suggest that colloidal Co.Nitrate has the potential to be used as a sensor for low glucose concentration.

Colloidal cobalt oxyhydroxide [CoO(OH)] has been prepared from precursors cobalt acetate and cobalt nitrate. The cobalt colloids (Co.Acetate and Co.Nitrate) were characterized by simultaneous thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and electronic spectroscopy. Characterization data indicated the presence of counter ions (CH3COO- and NO3-), likely intercalated within the structure of the colloidal cobalt. The platinum working electrode chemically modified with cobalt colloid was studied by cyclic voltammetry in alkaline solution [0.5 M, NaOH], which revealed differences in the reproducibility and stability of the electroactive material. The colloidal Co.Nitrate modified electrode was applied to the non-enzymatic glucose (Glu) electrooxidation in the concentration range from 7.2 to 21.9 X 10(8) mol L-1. The limits of detection (5.87 X 10 8 mol L-1) and quantitation (1.96 X 10 7 mol L-1) calculated suggest that colloidal Co.Nitrate has the potential to be used as a sensor for low glucose concentration.