A Novel Synthesis of Monodispersed Magnetite Nanoparticles by an Organometallic Complexed Precursor

Abstract

Monodispersed magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were obtained via an innovative three step synthetic approach. First, the formation of iron enneacarbonyl, Fe2(CO)9, a stable, solid organometallic complex compound, took place in a hexane solution, by the decomposition reaction of the unstable, liquid iron pentacarbonyl, Fe (CO)5, in the presence of sunlight and mild heating. In a second step, the dry compound Fe2(CO)9 was complexed with β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) molecules, according to a combination of two modified complexation procedures. Steric hindrance of the organometallic molecules was achieved, among the interstices of the formed CD molecular network, which poses a novel, very crucial size control factor and stabilizing agent for the synthesized nanoparticles.