One-step synthesis of modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles with enhanced magnetic property

A novel one-step synthesis protocol has been developed to reduce the modification reaction time while preserving the saturation magnetization of the Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). A modified co-precipitation method was employed to synthesize Fe3O4 MNPs in an aqueous solution. Surface modification was carried out using citric acid and polyethylene glycol and their dendrimers as biocompatible modifier. Vibrating sample magnetometery ensured a higher saturated magnetization of modified MNPs compared with unmodified MNPs. The spinal structure of Fe3O4 MNPs remained intact, verified using X-ray Diffractometery. Surface morphology and the size of modified particles were examined using Transmission Electron Microscopy and X-ray Difractometery. It was observed that the proposed synthesis method reduced the modification reaction time dramatically with high magnetic saturation level. The proposed method eliminated the post modification steps such as particle separation, purification, dispersion of synthesized nanoparticles in the reaction media used in conventional procedures.