Structural architecture and magnetism control of metal oxides using surface grafting techniques

Abstract

Hydrophilic iron oxide Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a reverse micro-emulsion method. Functionalization of Fe3O4 NPs was then carried out via surface graft polymerization to achieve outstanding magnetic property. Characterization results indicate that grafted core–shell Fe3O4 displayed inverse spinel crystalline structure, while particle size and it’s distribution were controlled accordingly. The ferromagnetic behavior (60 A m2 kg−1) of grafted Fe3O4 NPs was restored close to bulk value through enhancement of Fe–O ionic bond.