CAPPED CoFe_2O_4 NANOPARTTCLES: NON-HYDROLYTIC SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS AS MAGNETIC EXTRACTANTS AND IN FERROFLUIDS

摘要

Magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe_2O_4) have been synthesized by a modified wet organic phase method using stable ferric and cobalt salts with octanoic and stearic acids as capping agents in anaerobic conditions. The shape, morphology, and average nanoparticle size were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Surface functionality of the precursor and product was determined by Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy. Particle structure and crystallite size were investigated using X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD). Surface area analysis was used to measure the specific surface area of precursors and nanoparticulate products using nitrogen adsorption. The resulting particles had an average diameter of 5 nm, were readily dispersible in organic solvents, and agglomerated in water. The ease of separation from aqueous solutions and high adsorption capacity allows for their potential utilization as magnetic extractants.