Synthesis and characterization of silica encapsulated magnetite nanoparticles

Abstract

In order to protect the magnetite nano-particles from agglomeration and environmental concerns because of their inherent hydrophobicity, magnetite nano-particles need to be encapsulated by some less reactive material that could again be used as a template for subsequent functionalization. Magnetite nano-particles can then be utilized in practical applications. Present work comprises of preparing silica wrapped magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2) using a two-step synthetic approach through modified Stöber method, involving ultrasonic generator. It has been demonstrated that maintaining an optimum silica wrapping is needed to balance between the required size and conductivity of the magnetite nano-particles, simultaneously attaining minimum micro-strain within their silica encapsulated configuration, for efficient applications.