One pot synthesis of water compatible and monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles

Abstract

Water compatible and monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a modified co-precipitation technique. In the co-precipitation of ferrous and ferric species, sodium citrate and sodium acetate were added; it was found that these additives play a key role in the formation of water compatible magnetite NPs. For the optimal amounts of the additives, the particles showed a close particle size distribution, superparamagnetic behavior, and by high resolution transmission electron microscopy the single crystalline nature of the NPs was revealed.