Abstract
Spherical mesoporous magnetite (Fe3O4) aggregates with a wormhole-like pore structure were successfully synthesized for the first time using a single iron precursor (iron(III) ethoxide) and an amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer (PEO100–PPO65–PEO100) as a soft template. In this synthesis, the interaction between the iron precursor and the triblock copolymer self-assemblies in ethanol leads to the assembly of magnetite nanocrystals into spherical mesoporous aggregates. These aggregates were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, standard and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, confirming the formation of pure-phase Fe3O4 particles with monodisperse morphology (about 130 nm in diameter), three-dimensional wormhole-like mesopores, and highly crystalline spinel structure. In addition, a formation mechanism for this material in the present system is proposed, based on the analysis of results. The mesoporous magnetite has a high specific surface area of 165.6 m2 g−1, and relatively large pores with a mean size of 5.2 nm. The magnetic susceptibility data demonstrate that this material exhibits superparamagnetic behavior.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
