Synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles via a solvent-free thermal decomposition route

• Published in: Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials 2009-05, Vol.321 (9), p.1256-1259
• Main Authors: Maity, Dipak, Choo, Shi-Guang, Yi, Jiabao, Ding, Jun, Xue, Jun Min
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Diamagnetism, paramagnetism and superparamagnetism; Exact sciences and technology; Iron oxide; Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetic properties of nanostructures; Magnetite nanoparticles; Materials science; Nanopowders; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Oleic acid; Oleylamine; Physics; Superparamagnetic
• ISSN: 0304-8853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2008.11.013

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles have been widely applied in various bio-medical applications. To date, it is still a challenge to synthesize nanosized Fe 3O 4 particles with controlled size and distribution. In this paper, a novel solvent-free thermal decomposition method is reported for synthesizing Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles. Size and morphology of the nanoparticles are determined by TEM while the structure of the nanoparticles is identified by FTIR, XPS and TGA measurements. Magnetic properties of the obtained particles are determined using VSM and SQUID measurement. The particle size of the Fe 3O 4 can be tailored by adjusting either reaction temperature or time. When the reaction temperature is increased to 330 °C and the reaction time is extended to 4 h, the average particle size of the obtained nanoparticles is ∼9 nm, while Ms value reaches ∼76 emu/g. The as synthesized Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles show well-established superparamagnetic properties with the blocking temperature at around 100 K.