Controlled synthesis of monodisperse core–shell γ‐Fe ₂ O ₃ @SiO ₂ nanoparticles with well‐dispersed γ‐Fe ₂ O ₃ seeds

Abstract

Fe 2 O 3 @SiO 2 nanoparticles with well-dispersed γ-Fe 2 O 3 seeds were prepared in aqueous solution using a simple one-step method. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Raman spectrum were used to characterise the morphology and structure of γ-Fe 2 O 3 and γ-Fe 2 O 3 @SiO 2 nanoparticles. The concentration of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) was found to be very influential in the control of the morphology of γ-Fe 2 O 3 @SiO 2 nanoparticles. Water-soluble monodisperse γ-Fe 2 O 3 @SiO 2 nanoparticles with well-dispersed γ-Fe 2 O 3 seeds were successfully synthesised when the concentration of TMAOH is 0.015 M.