Development and characterization of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles using microwave for the combustion reaction ignition, as possible candidates for biomedical applications
Aylin Căpraru, Elena-Alina Moacă, Cornelia Păcurariu, Robert Ianoş, Radu Lazău, Lucian Barbu–Tudoran
Abstract
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by solution combustion synthesis, using iron nitrate as oxidizer and citric acid as fuel. The influence of the combustion reaction ignition procedure, conventional heating and microwave heating, on nanoparticles characteristics was investigated. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry, magnetic measurements, specific surface area and adsorption-desorption isotherms. The magnetic nanoparticles prepared by microwave heating exhibit larger specific surface area (70.7 m2/g), lower particle medium size (10.7 ± 3.09 nm) and lower saturation magnetization (41.8 emu/g) as compared to the sample prepared by conventional heating. Magnetic nanoparticles prepared by microwave heating were coated with oleic acid and Tween 80, and dispersed in phosphate buffered saline and distilled water. The colloidal suspensions demonstrated good stability, small polydispersity and small values of the hydrodynamic diameter, characteristics which recommend them to be tested for biomedical applications.