Iron Acetylacetonate Research Articles

Facile Fabrication of Novel Magnetic and Fluorescent Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>-CdSe Nanocomposites

Novel Fe3O4-CdSe nanocomposites were prepared by depositing semiconductor on monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles. First, monodisperse Fe3O4 nanoparticles were fabricated by a solvothermal process in which iron acetylacetonate (Fe(acac) 3 ) was used as precursor, phenyl ether as reaction medium, oleic acid as surfactant and oleylamine (OAm) as both surfactant and reducing agent. Novel Fe3O4 -CdSe heterostructures were prepared using 1-octadecene as high boiling solvent, cadmium oxide as Cd precursor, trioctyl phosphate (TOP)-Se as Se precursor, n-hexadecylamine (HDA) as surfactant, and stearic acid (SA) as growth promoter and nucleating agent. The structure and properties of the Fe3O4 -CdSe nanocomposite were fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), UV-Vis spectrum, and photoluminescence (PL). CdSe nanoparticles were successfully attached to the surface of Fe3O4 and grew along the c-axis to form novel jujube pit-liked and nail-liked heterostructures with a width of 3.6 nm and length of 14.5 and 32.5 nm,respectively. The novel nanocomposites were a combination of magnetite Fe3O4 and hexagonal CdSe rods, and exhibited strong fluorescent emission without obvious quenching and excellent superparamagnetic properties. Fluorescent absorption shifts to longer wavelength as the length of the CdSe rods increases. The saturation magnetization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, jujube pit liked and nail liked Fe3O4-CdSe nanocomposites were 57.80, 40.76, and 31.10 emu·g -1 , respectively.

Synthesis of Iron(II) Octachlorotetrapyrazinoporphyrazine, Molecular Structure and Optical Properties of the (X−)2FeTPyzPACl8 Dianions with Two Axial Anionic Ligands (X− = CN−, Cl−)

Iron(II) octachlorotetrapyrazinoporphyrazine (FeTPyzPACl 8 , 1) was obtained by a direct tetramerization reaction of 1,2-dichloro-4,5-dicyanopyrazine and iron(II) acetylacetonate in 1-chloronaphthalene at 220 o C. It was dissolved in o-dichlorobenzene by a complex formation reaction with the CN − anions by adding bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene) ammonium cyanide (PPNCN). Salt (PPN + ) 2 {(CN − ) 1.74 (Cl − ) 0.26 FeTPyzPACl 8 }∙2C 6 H 4 Cl 2 (2) was obtained as single crystals by slow diffusion of hexane into the o-dichlorobenzene solution. It contains the {(CN − ) 2 (FeTPyzPACl 8 )} dianions (74 %) together with mixed {(FeTPyzPACl 8 )(CN − )(Cl − )} dianions (26 %). The conformation of tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine macrocycle in 2 was determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. Central 24-atom PA macrocycle is nearly planar but dichloropyrazine groups noticeably deviate relatively the mean 24-atom plane or are twisted. The iron(II) atoms are located exactly in the PA plane, the average equatorial Fe–N(PA) bond length is 1.941(3) A and the axial Fe–C(C≡N) bond length is 1.962(6) A. The position of Q- and Soret bands in the spectrum of 1 is at 656, 475 and 327 nm. The addition of two axial anionic ligands provides a greater number of bands in the visible range observed at 657, 550, 438, 415 and 326 nm.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles prepared by using an improved polyol method

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomposition of iron (III) acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) in PEG containing poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) or poly(ethylene imine) (PEI). The morphologies and phase compositions of the nanoparticles were determined by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The surface coating of the nanoparticles was recognized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the presence of the surface coating was confirmed by Thermogravimetric analyses. Magnetic properties were measured using superconducting quantum interference device. The zeta potentials and hydrodynamic sizes of the nanoparticles were determined using nano-particle and zeta potential analyzer. The superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with sizes from 4.1nm to 14.9nm were prepared in the present work, which could be tuned by varying factors such as the reaction temperature, the reaction time, and the PVP or PEI contents. The superparamagnetic nanoparticles were jointly coated with PEG/PVP or PEG/PEI. With hydrodynamic sizes smaller than 40nm and neutral or positive zeta potentials these superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles exhibited higher dispersion stability in deionized water and in phosphate buffered saline as compared with the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with PEG alone. This work demonstrates that superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with modulated properties can be prepared simply by using the improved polyol method.

Synthesis of tert‐Butyl Peroxyacetals from Benzyl, Allyl, or Propargyl Ethers via Iron‐Promoted CH Bond Functionalization

AbstractWhen benzyl, allyl, and propargyl ethers were treated with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide and a catalytic amount of iron(III) acetylacetonate, tert‐butyl peroxyacetals were produced in good to excellent yields, via CH bond functionalization. This method is also applicable to ethylene acetals of unsaturated aldehydes to give peroxyorthoesters.

Facile and straightforward synthesis of superparamagnetic reduced graphene oxide–Fe3O4 hybrid composite by a solvothermal reaction

A superparamagnetic reduced graphene oxide–Fe3O4 hybrid composite (rGO–Fe3O4) was prepared via a facile and straightforward method through the solvothermal reaction of iron (III) acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) and graphene oxide (GO) in ethylenediamine (EDA) and water. By this method, chemical reduction of GO as well as the formation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) can be achieved in one step. The Fe3O4 NPs are firmly deposited on the surfaces of rGO, avoiding their reassembly to graphite. The rGO sheets prevent the agglomeration of Fe3O4 NPs and enable a uniform dispersion of these metal oxide particles. The size distribution and coverage density of Fe3O4 NPs deposited on rGO can be controlled by varying the initial mass ratio of GO and iron precursor, Fe(acac)3. With an initial mass ratio of GO and Fe(acac)3 of 5:5, the surfaces of rGO sheets are densely covered by spherical Fe3O4 NPs with an average size of 19.9 nm. The magnetic-functionalized rGO hybrid exhibits a good magnetic property and the specific saturation magnetization (Ms) is 13.2 emu g−1. The adsorption test of methylene blue from aqueous solution demonstrates the potential application of this rGO-Fe3O4 hybrid composite in removing organic dyes from polluted water.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of folate-receptor-targeted SPION–polymer micelle hybrids for MRI contrast enhancement in cancer imaging

Polymer–SPION hybrids were investigated for receptor-mediated localization in tumour tissue. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) prepared by high-temperature decomposition of iron acetylacetonate were monodisperse (9.27 ± 3.37 nm), with high saturation magnetization of 76.8 emu g−1. Amphiphilic copolymers prepared from methyl methacrylate and PEG methacrylate by atom transfer radical polymerization were conjugated with folic acid (for folate-receptor specificity). The folate-conjugated polymer had a low critical micellar concentration (0.4 mg l−1), indicating stability of the micellar formulation. SPION–polymeric micelle clusters were prepared by desolvation of the SPION dispersion/polymer solution in water. Magnetic resonance imaging of the formulation revealed very good contrast enhancement, with transverse (T2) relaxivity of 260.4 mM−1 s−1. The biological evaluation of the SPION micelles included cellular viability assay (MTT) and uptake in HeLa cells. These studies demonstrated the potential use of these nanoplatforms for imaging and targeting.

Effect of Zn Addition on the Reduction of the Ordering Temperature of FePt Nanoparticles

Monodisperse FePt nanoparticles with an average size of 4.11 nm were successfully synthesized via chemical co-reduction of iron acetylacetonate, Fe(acac)3, and platinum acetylacetonate, Pt(acac)2, by 1,2hexadecanediol as a reducing agent. Also (FePt)87Zn13 nanoparticles with average size of 4.24 nm were synthesized using the same method. The structural and magnetic properties of the prepared samples were respectively studied by XRD, TEM and VSM. L10 FePt ordered phase is formed at lower annealing temperature by addition of Zn. The (FePt)87Zn13 nanoparticles starts ordering after annealing at 400 °C, whereas FePt nanoparticles at 400 °C are still disordered alloys with superparamagnetic behavior. Additive Zn is very effective in decreasing the ordering temperature and enhancing the chemical ordering in (FePt)87Zn13 particles, So that coercivity 5200 Oe was measured for (FePt)87Zn13 nanoparticles annealed at 500 °C, compared with 1800 Oe for samples without Zn. This reduction in ordering temperature significantly reduces FePt particle coalescence and loss in positional order.

Influence of iron (III) acetylacetonate on structure and electrical conductivity of Fe3O4/carbon composite nanofibers

Fe3O4/carbon composite nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning polyacrylonitrile (PAN), iron (III) acetylacetonate (AAI) and dimethyl formamide (DMF) compound solutions, followed by stabilization and carbonization processes. Emphasis was put on the influence of AAI on reactions during stabilization and carbonization. The effect of Fe3O4 on catalytic graphitization and electrical conductivity was also studied. Experimental results show that AAI has participated in the reactions and structural changes of PAN during stabilization and carbonization, and is evidenced to promote the processes. Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit catalytic effect on carbonization process that promote graphitization by a catalytic effect at low AAI content and inhibit the formation of graphitized layers when AAI content is excessive. Therefore, there exists an optimum AAI content (Co) where composite nanofibers show the maximum graphitization degree and electrical conductivity. With proper amount of AAI addition, Fe3O4/carbon composite nanofibers showing high graphite degree and electrical conductivity could be achieved.

Aloe vera plant-extracted solution hydrothermal synthesis and magnetic properties of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by a novel hydrothermal method using ferric acetylacetonate (Fe(C5H8O2)3) and aloe vera plant-extracted solution. The influences of different reaction temperatures and times on the structure and magnetic properties of the synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles were investigated. The synthesized nanoparticles are crystalline and have particle sizes of ∼6–30 nm, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), High resolution TEM (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) indicate that the synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles have the inverse cubic spinel structure without the presence of any other phase impurities. The hysteresis loops of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles at room temperature show superparamagnetic behavior and the saturation magnetization of the Fe3O4 samples increases with increasing reaction temperature and time.

Simple solvothermal synthesis of hydrophobic magnetic monodispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles

A new solvothermal method is proposed for the preparation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) from iron acetylacetonate in the presence of oleylamine and n-hexane. The products are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometery. The new procedure yields superparamagnetic monodispersed Fe3O4 particles with sizes ranging from 7nm to 12nm. The nanocrystal sizes are controlled by adjusting the volume ratio of oleylamine to n-hexane. IR and TG/DTG analyses indicate that the oleylamine molecules, as stabilizers, are adsorbed on the surface of Fe3O4 NPs as bilayer adsorption models. The surface adsorption quantities of oleylamine on 7.5 and 10.4 nm-diameter Fe3O4 NPs are 18% and 11%, respectively. The hydrophobic surface of the obtained nanocrystals is passivated by adsorbed organic solvent molecules. These molecules provide stability against agglomeration, enable solubility in nonpolar solvents, and allow the formation of magnetic polymer micelles.

Synthesis of Carbon Nanofibers Based on Resol Type Phenol Resin and Fe(III) Catalysts

The carbon nanofibers (CNFs) used in this study were synthesized with an iron catalyst and ethylene as a carbon source. A concentration of 30 wt % iron(III) acetylacetonate was dissolved in resol type phenol resin and polyurethane foam was put into the solution. The sample was calendered after being cured at <TEX>$80^{\circ}C$</TEX> in air for 24 h. Stabilization and carbonization of the resol type phenol resin and reduction of the <TEX>$Fe^{3+}$</TEX> were completed in a high-temperature furnace by the following steps: 1) heating to <TEX>$600^{\circ}C$</TEX> at a rate of <TEX>$10^{\circ}C/min$</TEX> with a mixture of <TEX>$H_2/N_2$</TEX> for 4 h to reduce the <TEX>$Fe^{3+}$</TEX> to Fe; 2) heating to <TEX>$1000^{\circ}C$</TEX> in <TEX>$N_2$</TEX> at a rate <TEX>$10^{\circ}C/min$</TEX> for 30 minutes for pyrolysis; 3) synthesizing CNFs in a mixture of 20.1% ethylene and <TEX>$H_2/N_2$</TEX> at <TEX>$700^{\circ}C$</TEX> for 2 h using a CVD process. Finally, the structural characterization of the CNFs was performed by scanning electron microscopy and a synthesis analysis was carried out using energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Specific surface area analysis of the CNFs was also performed by <TEX>$N_2$</TEX>-sorption.

Simple Cocasting Method to Prepare Magnetic Mesoporous FePt/C Composites and Their Protein Adsorption Property

A simple cocasting method has been developed to prepare magnetic mesoporous FePt/C composites with superparamagnetic FePt nanoparticles embedded in carbon walls. Furfuryl alcohol, iron(III) acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3), and platinum(II) acetylacetonate (Pt(acac)2) were used as the carbon and FePt nanoparticle precursors to be simultaneously incorporated into the channels of mesoporous silica SBA‐15 template by the incipient wetness impregnation technique. After the polymerization of furfuryl alcohol, the carbonization in argon, and the removal of silica template, magnetic mesoporous FePt/C composites were finally obtained. Magnetic mesoporous FePt/C composites have high surface area of 1244 m2/g and narrow mesopore size distribution peaked at 4.93 nm. FePt nanoparticles were well embedded in mesoporous carbon walls, and mesoporous FePt/C composites exhibit superparamagnetic behavior. Using cytochrome c (Cyt c), myoglobin (Mb), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as model proteins, the adsorption capacities of Cyt c, Mb, and BSA on magnetic mesoporous FePt/C composites can reach ca. 200, 162, and 121 μg/mg, respectively. These results indicated that mesoporous FePt/C composites have potential as magnetically separable adsorbent for biomolecules separation.

Structure and multiferroic properties of barium hexaferrite ceramics

Simultaneous occurrence of large ferroelectricity and strong ferromagnetism have been observed in barium hexaferrite ceramics. Barium hexaferrite (BaFe12O19) powders with hexagonal crystal structure were successfully synthesized in a polymer precursor method using barium acetate and ferric acetylacetonate as the precursors. The powders were pressed into pellets which were sintered into ceramics at 1200°C and 1300°C for 1h. The structure and morphology of the ceramics were examined using X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Large spontaneous polarization was observed in the BaFe12O19 ceramics at room temperature, revealing a clear ferroelectric hysteresis loop. The maximum remanent polarization of the BaFe12O19 ceramic was estimated approximately 11.8μCcm−2. The FeO6 octahedron in its perovskite-like hexagonal unit cell and the shift of Fe3+ off the center of octahedron are suggested to be the origin of the polarization in BaFe12O19. The BaFe12O19 ceramics also showed strong ferromagnetism at room temperature.

A Multi‐Yolk–Shell Structured Nanocatalyst Containing Sub‐10 nm Pd Nanoparticles in Porous CeO2

AbstractThe fabrication of catalytically stable nanocatalysts containing fine noble metal nanoparticles is an important research theme. We report a method for the synthesis of a hierarchically structured Pd@hm‐CeO2 multi‐yolk–shell nanocatalyst (h=hollow; m=mesoporous) containing sub‐10 nm Pd nanoparticles from pre‐made hydrophobic Pd nanoparticles. In the developed method, monodisperse hydrophobic Pd nanoparticles are first reacted with an iron oxide precursor iron(III) acetylacetonate to allow the deposition of iron oxide on their surface. In a Brij 56–water–cyclohexane reverse micelle system, the surface growth of iron oxide is found to mediate and, thus, facilitate the encapsulation of hydrophobic Pd nanoparticles in SiO2 to yield Pd‐Fe2O3@SiO2 nanoparticles in a high concentration. After removal of Fe2O3 by acid, the obtained Pd@SiO2 core–shell particles are reacted solvothermally with Ce(NO3)3 in an ethylene glycol–water–acetic acid mixture to produce multi‐core–shell Pd@SiO2@m‐CeO2 nanospheres. In each multi‐core–shell Pd@SiO2@m‐CeO2 nanosphere, several Pd@SiO2 particles are separately embedded in mesoporous CeO2. After selective removal of silica by NaOH, Pd@SiO2@m‐CeO2 nanospheres are transformed into the multi‐yolk–shell Pd@hm‐CeO2 nanocatalyst. Even with a low Pd loading at 0.4 wt %, the as‐prepared multi‐yolk–shell Pd@hm‐CeO2 nanocatalyst displays high catalytic activity in CO oxidation with 100 % CO conversion at 110 °C. In comparison, under the same catalytic conditions, the same amount of the same‐sized Pd nanoparticles supported on SiO2 achieves 100 % CO conversion at 180 °C. More importantly, the multi‐yolk–shell structure of the Pd@hm‐CeO2 nanocatalyst significantly enhances the stability of the catalyst. No loss in catalytic activity was observed on the Pd@hm‐CeO2 nanocatalyst treated at 550 °C for six hours. The Pd@hm‐CeO2 nanocatalyst also exhibited excellent catalytic performance and stability in the aerobic selective oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde.

Solvothermal in situ synthesis of Fe3O4-multi-walled carbon nanotubes with enhanced heterogeneous Fenton-like activity

Fe3O4-multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4-MWCNTs) hybrid materials were synthesized by a solvothermal process using acid treated MWCNTs and iron acetylacetonate in a mixed solution of ethylene glycol and ultrapure water. The materials were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The results showed that a small amount of water in the synthesis system played a role in controlling crystal phase formation, size of Fe3O4, and the homogeneous distribution of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles deposited on the MWCNTs. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles had diameters in the range of 4.2–10.0nm. They displayed good superparamagnetism at room temperature and their magnetization was influenced by the reaction conditions. They were used as a Fenton-like catalyst to decompose Acid Orange II and displayed a higher activity than nanometer-size Fe3O4.

Preparation of single-phase α-Fe(III) oxide nanoparticles by thermal decomposition. Influence of the precursor on properties

In this research, we present an experimental procedure to prepare single-phase α-Fe(III) oxide nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of five different precursors including: iron(III) citrate; Fe(C6H5O7), iron(III) acetylacetonate; Fe(C5H7O2)3, and iron(III) oxalate; Fe(C2O4)3, iron(III) acetate; Fe(C2H3O2)3, and the thermal curves obtained were analyzed. The influence of the thermal decomposition of precursors on the formation α-Fe2O3 was studied by differential thermal gravimetry and thermogravimetry. The synthesized powders were characterized by using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. High quality iron oxide nanoparticles with narrow size distribution and average particle size between ca. 2 and 30 nm have been obtained. It was found that the iron precursors affect the temperatures of the pure α-Fe2O3 nanoparticle formation with different diameters; iron(III) citrate (29 nm), iron(III) acetylacetonate (37 nm), and iron(III) oxalate (24 nm).

Size Control of FePt Nanoparticles Produced by Seed Mediated Growth Process

Monodisperse FePt nanoparticles with average size of 2.4 nm were successfully synthesized via chemical co-reduction of iron acetylacetonate, Fe(acac)3, and platinum acetylacetonate, Pt(acac)2, by 1,2-hexadecanediol as a reducing agent and oleic acid and oleyl amine as surfactant. Then using the seed mediated growth process smaller sized FePt nanoparticles are used as seeds for the growth of larger sized FePt particles and there is no specific limitation to achieve upper size range by this method. In this work, we could synthesize FePt nanoparticles up to 4.0 nm. Monodispersity with relatively narrow size distribution and having the same elemental composition with the atomic percentage of Fe x Pt100−x (x = 63) are the main advantages of this method. As-made FePt nanoparticles have the chemical disordered face centered cubic structure with superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. After annealing these particles become ferromagnetic with high magnetocrystalline anisotropy and their coercivity increases with increasing particle sizes and reaches a maximum value of 5,200 Oe for size of 46.5 nm

Magnetite Nanoparticles Dispersed in Hybrid Aerogel for Hyperthermia Application

Magnetite nanoparticles(NPs) have been the subject of much interest by researchers owing to their potential use as magnetic carriers in drug targeting and as a tumor treatment in cases of hyperthermia. However, magnetite nanoparticles with 10 nm in diameter easily aggregate and thus create large secondary particles. To disperse magnetite nanoparticles, this study proposes the infiltration of magnetite nanoparticles into hybrid silica aerogels. The feasible dispersion of magnetite is necessary to target tumor cells and to treat hyperthermia. Magnetite NPs have been synthesized by coprecipitation, hydrothermal and thermal decomposition methods. In particular, monodisperse magnetite NPs are known to be produced by the thermal decomposition of iron oleate. In this study, we thermally decomposed iron acetylacetonate in the presence of oleic acid, oleylamine and 1,2 hexadecanediol. We also attempted to disperse magnetite NPs within a mesoporous aerogels. Methyltriethoxysilicate(MTEOS)-based hybrid silica aerogels were synthesized by a supercritical drying method. To incorporate the magnetite nanoparticles into the hybrid aerogels, we devised two methods: adding the synthesized aerogel into a magnetite precursor solution followed by nucleation and crystal growth within the pores of the aerogels, and the infiltration of magnetite nanoparticles synthesized beforehand into aerogel matrices by immersing the aerogels in a magnetite nanoparticle colloid solution. An analysis using a vibrating sample magnetometer showed that approximately 20% of the magnetite nanoparticles were well dispersed in the aerogels. The composite samples showed that heating under an inductive magnetic field to a temperature of is possible.

Synthesis of Magnetic Nanocrystals by Thermal Decomposition in Glycol Media: Effect of Process Variables and Mechanistic Study

The nucleation and growth of water dispersible iron-oxide nanoparticles synthesized by high temperature decomposition of iron(III) acetylacetonate in the presence of different solvents has been studied. A battery of techniques was used to characterize the products obtained under different conditions and to elucidate the synthesis mechanism. Results show that the synthesis of iron-oxide nanoparticles in triethylene glycol (TEG) proceeds through a multistep process whose first stage is likely to be the formation of an intermediate TEG-iron-complex that evolves into a low-crystallinity iron-oxide-organic precursor during aging at 180 °C. Raising the temperature above 240 °C caused the thermal decomposition of the precursor and the sudden nucleation of small iron-oxide nanocrystals. Keeping the reactant mixture at 280 °C led to the growth of iron-oxide nanocrystals, as did increasing the time at reflux temperature, the amount of initial iron precursor or the use high boiling point solvents. The particle size could be reproducibly controlled between 1.5 and 13 nm, with a relatively narrow size distribution. Larger particles could also be obtained using a solvothermal method in an autoclave reactor.

Preparation of Si–C–N–Fe magnetic ceramic derived from iron-modified polysilazane

In this paper, Si–C–N–Fe magnetoceramics were obtained by pyrolysis of iron-modified polysilazane (PFSZ) precursors which were synthesized by using polysilazane (PSZ) and iron (III) acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) as starting materials. The as-synthesized PFSZ precursors were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gel permeation chromatography. The polymer-to-ceramic conversion of the PFSZ was studied by FT-IR and thermal gravimetric analysis. It is found that the ceramic yield of the PFSZ precursor is ca. 25% higher than that of the original PSZ. The crystallization behavior, microstructures and magnetic properties of the PFSZ-derived Si–C–N–Fe magnetoceramics were studied by techniques such as X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results indicate that the formed α-Fe nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in amorphous Si–C–N(O) matrix, leading to the soft magnetization of the resultant Si–C–N–Fe ceramics. Moreover, the iron content and the magnetic properties of the Si–C–N–Fe ceramic could be easily controlled by the amount of Fe(acac)3 in the precursor.