Nanocomposites containing nanoclusters of Fe 2P or γ-Fe 2O 3

Abstract

Covalent incorporation of an organoiron complex into a silica xerogel matrix affords a single-source precursor for two different nanocomposite materials. Thermal treatment of this molecularly doped xerogel under hydrogen produces a nanocomposite containing nanocrystals of Fe 2P (barringerite). Thermal treatment of this doped xerogel under oxidizing conditions gives a nanocomposite containing nanocluster of γ-Fe 2O 3 (maghemite-Q). The latter result is unique in that thermal treatment of silica xerogels doped with ferric ions under similar thermal conditions affords an undesired iron silicate, Fe 2SiO 4 (fayalite), as the principle product. Preliminary magnetization measurements indicate that both nanocomposites exhibit interesting magnetic properties.