Monodisperse,
monocrystalline magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4)
nanoparticles were synthesized phase purely by fast
nonaqueous microwave-assisted solution-phase synthesis. Colloidal
stabilization of the nanocrystals in nonaqueous media was realized
either in-situ during synthesis or postsynthetically by surface capping
with oleylamine and oleic acid. Phase transfer to aqueous media was
performed employing citric acid and betaine hydrochloride, resulting
in agglomerate-free dispersions of citrate- or betaine-functionalized
MgFe2O4 nanocrystals. Furthermore, a one-step
synthesis of highly stable, water-dispersible colloids of MgFe2O4 was achieved using polyvinylpyrrolidone as stabilizer.
Characterization of the as-synthesized and functionalized nanoparticles
was performed employing X-ray diffraction, UV–vis and infrared
spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, dynamic light scattering, and transmission
electron microscopy. Special focus was laid on phase purity, which
was thoroughly monitored using Raman microscopy/spectroscopy. Photocatalytic
reactions were performed to evaluate the use of such highly stable
ferrite colloids for solar energy conversion.