Functionalization of zinc ferrite nanoparticles: Influence of modification procedure on colloidal stability

Abstract

The present work describes the synthesis of zinc ferrite nanoparticles by a chemical coprecipitation method and its surface modification with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA), tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The effect of coating on the colloidal stability of obtained systems as well as the effect of modification procedure on the final characteristics of particles were studied. The unmodified and modified nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The particle size distribution and stability of these systems were investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements. Results have shown the profound effect of the used modification procedure on colloidal stability of the investigated particles.