Abstract
Iron oxide nanoparticles have been synthesised by the reduction of FeCl 3·6H 2O and FeCl 2·4H 2O (mass ratio 2:1) in propan-2-ol. The particles were stabilised by the addition of lauric acid and the resultant particles could be readily dispersed in chloroform. Room-temperature single-electron tunnelling through these iron oxide particles has been achieved (to our knowledge) for the first time, using an STM tip–particle–substrate double junction. Characterisation of the particles by XPS and FTIR show that they are Fe 2O 3, or possibly Fe 3O 4 with an outer layer of Fe 2O 3, coated with a carboxylic acid monolayer. The particle diameter given by TEM is of the order of 5.0±0.9 nm. From the Coulomb staircase behaviour observed in the I– V curves, we estimate a nanoparticle capacitance of 6.7×10 −19 F which is in agreement with that expected for particles of this size.
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 callMore From: Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures
Disclaimer: 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.
