Abstract: A surface-modified particle includes a core containing at least one oxidic material and at least one layer. The layer is obtained from at least one silicon compound and at least one silane according to formula(S). The silicon compound includes at least one building block of formula (A) and at least one building block of formula (B). A method is developed for preparing the surface-modified particle, and another method treats a surface of a substrate with at least one surface-modified particle. The surface-modified particle is added to various formulations, in particular a toner composition.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing air-stable nano-scale zero-valent iron (NZVI) particles at room temperature is provided. Also, a method of treating environmental pollutants using nano-scale zero-valent iron synthesized by the above method is provided. According to the method, air-dried NZVI is very effective in removing pollutants such as arsenic, and the method is simple, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and can stabilize the NZVI in air for more than 10 months.