Synthesis and physicochemical properties of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) as potential solid support for homogeneous catalysts

Abstract

Black and dark magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were successfully synthesised through a co-precipitation method as a crucial material to support palladium(II) complexes as they have the potential to become a stable solid support for homogeneous systems. The two-hour synthesis was done by mixing FeCl3.6H2O and FeCl2.4H2O in an alkaline medium. To improve the properties of iron oxide nanoparticles, the process was done under inert conditions. The physicochemical properties of this support was then characterised using various spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy that shows the X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The pore size distribution and the specific BET surface area were measured by N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The FTIR absorption spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of Fe-O bond. The most intense peak correspond to the (311) crystallographic orientation of the spinel cubic phase of MNPs shown by XRD pattern result. The particle size of magnetite was successfully controlled in the range of 20-40 nm. All of the MNPs showed the superparamagnetic behaviour with high saturation magnetization.