Magnetic nanoparticles based on iron oxides: synthesis, characterization and stabilization for development of magnetic refrigerators

Abstract

Nanoparticles exhibit physical and chemical properties that differ so much from their bulk materials. Quantum size and surface effects, dependence between electronic structure and nanoparticle size, high value of the surface area and volume ratio are some characteristics of the different behavior of nanoparticulated systems. In this context, this project is focused on the synthesis, characterization and colloidal stability investigation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. To this end, two synthetic routes are proposed: First, by coprecipitation of Fe salts and second by the method of thermos decomposition of organometallic compounds such as [Fe(Acac)3] with high control of size, morphology and composition. The control of these characteristics allows the adjustment of their magnetic properties such as saturation magnetization and superparamagnetism. In addition, the study of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance on the surface of the nanoparticles through the gradual change of hydrophobic ligands, such as oleic acid present on the surface of the nanoparticles by hydrophilic molecules such as dimercaptsuccinic acid (DMSA) and mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) is proposed. We intend to optimize the structural, morphological characteristics and the colloidal stability of these systems for potential application as magnetic refrigerators.