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Title: Reversible Magnetic Agglomeration: A Mechanism for Thermodynamic Control over Nanoparticle Size

Journal Article · · Angewandte Chemie (International Edition)

Abstract We present a method for the synthesis and precise size control of magnetic nanoparticles in a reversible magnetic agglomeration mechanism. In this approach, nanoparticles nucleate and grow until a critical susceptibility is reached, in which magnetic attraction overcomes dispersive forces, leading to agglomeration and precipitation. This phase change in the system arrests nanoparticle growth and gives true thermodynamic control over the size of nanoparticles. We then show that increasing the alkyl chain length of the surfactant, and hence increasing steric stabilization, allows nanoparticles to grow to larger sizes before agglomeration occurs. Therefore, simply by choosing the correct surfactant, the size and magnetic properties of iron nanoparticles can be tailored for a particular application. With the continuous addition of the precursor solution, we can repeat the steps of nucleation, growth, and magnetic agglomeration indefinitely, making the approach suitable for large scale syntheses.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
1434809
Journal Information:
Angewandte Chemie (International Edition), Journal Name: Angewandte Chemie (International Edition) Vol. 57 Journal Issue: 26; ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
Germany
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 17 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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