Simple and facile synthesis of magnetic nanosheets by improved precipitation method

Abstract

Magnetic nanosheets exhibit tremendous potential because of their unique properties. However, the methods commonly used to synthesize magnetic nanosheets have some problems, such as harsh reaction conditions, complex preparation processes, high cost, and low yield, which seriously restrict their development and application. In this study, the dripping speed of the ferrous sulfate solution was controlled by the syringe pump. At a lower reaction temperature, magnetic nanosheets with high saturation magnetization and regular morphology were synthesized by an improved precipitation method without templates and surfactants. The results showed that the lateral size and thickness of the magnetic nanosheets were 30–160 nm and 4.2–4.6 nm, respectively. The magnetic nanosheets were face-centered cubic Fe3O4 with ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature and could be separated from the liquid within 30 s under the external magnetic field. Moreover, the formation mechanism of magnetic nanosheets was also analyzed. Compared to other methods, this study provides a simple and facile method to synthesize magnetic nanosheets, which is suitable for large-scale and low-cost synthesis.