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Synthesis of shape controlled ferrite nanoparticles by sonochemical technique
Sriharsha Theerdhala1, Devendra Alhat, Satish Vitta
1Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|December 4, 2008
Summary
Sonochemical synthesis produced ultrafine magnetic maghemite nanoparticles (<10 nm) using iron citrate. Particle shape and magnetic properties were controlled by pH and ultrasound intensity, enabling potential use in data storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Sonochemical synthesis is a prominent technique for creating nanoscale magnetic materials.
- Acoustic cavitation in sonochemistry generates hotspots, driving chemical reactions for nanoparticle formation.
- Conventional methods often use volatile precursors, yielding amorphous magnetic particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize ultrafine magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (<10 nm) using a non-volatile precursor via sonochemistry.
- To investigate the influence of pH and ultrasound intensity on particle morphology and magnetic properties.
- To explore the potential applications of these nanoparticles in information storage media.
Main Methods:
- Sonochemical synthesis utilizing iron citrate as a non-volatile precursor.
- Controlled variation of pH (10-13) and ultrasound intensity (low vs. 50% amplitude).
- Characterization of particle size, shape, crystallinity, saturation magnetization, and coercivity.
Main Results:
- Monodispersed, ~4 nm spherical maghemite nanoparticles were obtained at pH 10 with high saturation magnetization (58.2 emu/g) and coercivity (118 Oe).
- Higher pH (11-13) resulted in elongated particles with reduced magnetization and coercivity.
- High-intensity ultrasound enabled single-step synthesis of crystalline maghemite particles, while low intensity required post-synthesis heat treatment.
Conclusions:
- Sonochemical synthesis with iron citrate offers a versatile route to control magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle characteristics.
- pH and ultrasound intensity are critical parameters for tailoring particle morphology and magnetic performance.
- The synthesized maghemite nanoparticles, particularly those produced at pH 10, show promise for applications in magnetic information storage devices.
