Synthesis of Silica-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles Using Acid Catalysis

Abstract

We have synthesized hybrid magnetic nanoparticle for future magnetic hyperthermia application. So far, there has been a lot of reports concerning to magnetic nanoparticles covered with silica. Among almost all previous reports, base has been used as the catalyst for hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). However, base catalyst brings about a nucleophilic reaction to form monodispersed particles and porous bulk materials. On the other hand, acid catalyst brings about an electrophilic reaction to form fiber, dense bulk or thin films. Therefore, from the point of principal, acid catalyst is considered to be suitable. In this work, we synthesized magnesium ferrite nanoparticles covered with silica thin layer. We have examined crystal structure, microstructure, particle size distribution, chemical stability and hyperthermia properties of the hybrid particles.