Abstract
Structural characteristics of nanocomposite series consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in the regular pores of amorphous silica matrix (SBA-15) were investigated by means of small angle neutron scattering (SANS). By virtue of unique neutron properties, insight into the inner structure and matter organization of this kind of systems was facilitated for the first time. Based on rigorous experimental support, fundamental model describing the neutron scattering intensity distribution was proposed by assuming general composite structural features. Model application to SANS data confirmed the presence of iron oxide NPs in the body of examined matrices, providing additional information on their shape, concentration and size distribution. Scattering superposition principle employed in the model conception allows for tailoring its fundamental characteristics, and renders it a potent and versatile tool for a wide range of applications.
Highlights
Structural characteristics of nanocomposite series consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in the regular pores of amorphous silica matrix (SBA-15) were investigated by means of small angle neutron scattering (SANS)
Martín-Saavedra et al.10 reported on the biocompatibility of composites containing α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with diameter 5 nm embedded in an ordered mesoporous silica
Due to a sparse occupation of pores by NPs, the system can be considered as hollow SBA-15 matrix with only a minor contribution of signal originating from the spheres to the total SANS intensity
Summary
Structural characteristics of nanocomposite series consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in the regular pores of amorphous silica matrix (SBA-15) were investigated by means of small angle neutron scattering (SANS). In the case of Fe2O3@ SBA-15 nanocomposites scrutinized in this study, an image of inner structure comprises regular ordered matrix with hexagonal symmetry (P6mm) and polydisperse spheric NPs of α-iron oxide (hematite) loaded in the longitudinal pores of diameter approximately 8 nm, Fig. 1.
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