A simple approach for the synthesis of bi-functional Fe3O4@MgO core–shell nanoparticles with magnetic-microwave to heat responsive properties

Abstract

Core–shell structure nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention owing to their unique structure and promising applications in drug delivery and water treatment. A facile direct precipitation method has been developed for the synthesis of nanoparticles with bi functional magnetic to heat responsive properties with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as the core and MgO as the shell. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the obtained bi-functional nanoparticles had a core–shell structure and a spherical morphology. The average size of the nanoparticle was ∼350 nm, and the thickness of the shell was ∼20 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed a cubic spinel structure of the Fe₃O₄ core and the MgO shell. The nanoparticles showed both strong magnetic and unique microwave to heat responsive properties, which may lead to development of nanoparticles with great potential for applications in drug targeting, controlled release, chemo- and microwave-thermal combination therapy and water treatment.