A convenient two-step bottom-up approach for developing Au/Fe3O4 nanocomposites with useful optical and magnetic properties

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2014-09, Vol.606, p.254-261
• Main Authors: Amala Jayanthi, S., Manovah David, T., Jayashainy, J., Muthu Gnana Theresa Nathan, D., Sagayaraj, P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical synthesis; Chemical synthesis methods; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Electron microscopy; Exact sciences and technology; Hysteresis; Iron oxide; Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetic properties of nanostructures; Magnetic property; Materials science; Methods of nanofabrication; Nanocomposites; Physics
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2014.03.186

Au/Fe3O4 nanocomposites were successfully synthesized using a two-step bottom up approach under co-precipitation followed by solvothermal synthesis without using capping agents or additives. TEM results indicate that nanocomposites with less agglomeration and high monodispersion can be obtained even in the absence of additives or capping ligands. [Display omitted] •Au/Fe3O4 nanocomposites without using additives, mediator or capping ligands.•Surface morphology study reveals the uniform AuNPs coating in the nanocomposites.•Soft ferromagnetic behavior with larger Ms values is observed at room temperature. A convenient two-step bottom-up approach is reported for the preparation of Au/Fe3O4 nanocomposites. The synthesis of Fe3O4 was achieved by co-precipitation method and rapid synthesis procedure was adopted for forming Au nanoparticles. The solutions containing the Fe3O4 and Au nanoparticles were mixed in two different ratios and then solvothermally treated to obtain the Au/Fe3O4 nanocomposites. The structural and optical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction and optical absorption spectroscopic techniques. The field emission scanning electron microscopy pictures illustrate the surface morphology of the as-prepared nanocomposites. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis spectrum was taken to estimate the exact percentage of elemental composition of the nanopowder. The transmission electron microscopy analysis of the nanocomposites confirmed the presence and morphology of the Au and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The Au/Fe3O4 nanocomposites were found to exhibit soft ferromagnetic behavior.