Synthesis of magnetite-silica core-shell nanoparticles via direct silicon oxidation

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2014 Oct 15:432:43-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2014.06.062. Epub 2014 Jul 9.

Abstract

Magnetite-silica core-shell nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs) were prepared from silicon powder by direct oxidation without using any expensive precursors (such as TEOS) and organic solvents. The as-prepared Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs were characterized by TEM, DLS, XRD, FT-IR, zeta potential and NMR Analyzer. The results show that the Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs are monodispersed core-shell nanostructures with single cores that were uniformly coated by silica shells. The relaxation property indicates that Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs have desirable characteristics for T2 MRI contrast agents. This facile and green method is promising for large-scale production, which would open new opportunities for preparing core-shell nanostructures for biomedical applications.

Keywords: Core–shell structure; Direct silicon oxidation; Magnetite–silica nanoparticles; Relaxation property.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media* / chemical synthesis
  • Contrast Media* / chemistry
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Silicon / chemistry*
  • Silicon Dioxide* / chemical synthesis
  • Silicon Dioxide* / chemistry

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide
  • Silicon