A facile bi-phase synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles with tunable film thicknesses

Abstract

Monodisperse Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles are prepared using hydrazine as a catalyst via a biphase approach without any alcohols or surfactants. Fe₃O₄ seeds can be dispersed well in this system. The sizes of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles with a single core could be regulated from 20 nm to 50 nm corresponding to SiO₂ shell thickness from 3 nm to 17 nm. Core-free SiO₂ nanoparticles are not observed in this system. The coating process can be implemented at a temperature greater than 90 °C, which results in a short coating duration from 2 h to 8 h for different shell thicknesses. Hydrazine can prevent the Fe₃O₄ core from oxidization during coating at this temperature. Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles have high chemical stability and magnetic saturation. A plausible formation mechanism of these nanoparticles is also presented.