Radio frequency plasma assisted surface modification of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles using polyaniline/polypyrrole for...

Surface modification of superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles using polymers (polyaniline/polypyrrole) was done by radio frequency (r.f.) plasma polymerization technique and characterized by XRD, TEM, TG/DTA and VSM. Surface-passivated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with polymers were having spherical/rod-shaped structures with superparamagnetic properties. Broad visible photoluminescence emission bands were observed at 445 and 580 nm for polyaniline-coated Fe₃O₄ and at 488 nm for polypyrrole-coated Fe₃O₄. These samples exhibit good fluorescence emissions with L929 cellular assay and were non-toxic. Magnetic hyperthermia response of Fe₃O₄ and polymer (polyaniline/polypyrrole)-coated Fe₃O₄ was evaluated and all the samples exhibit hyperthermia activity in the range of 42-45 °C. Specific loss power (SLP) values of polyaniline and polypyrrole-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (5 and 10 mg/ml) exhibit a controlled heat generation with an increase in the magnetic field.