Synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles by atmospheric-pressure glow discharge plasma-assisted electrolysis

Abstract

For the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), we used plasma-assisted electrolysis in which atmospheric-pressure DC glow discharge using a liquid electrode is combined with electrolysis. The solution surface is exposed to positive ions or electrons in plasma. To synthesize magnetic NPs, aqueous solutions of FeCl2 or an iron electrode immersed in liquid was used to supply iron ions in the liquid. Magnetic NPs were synthesized at the plasma–liquid interface upon the electron irradiation of the liquid surface. In the case of using aqueous solutions of FeCl2, the condition of magnetic NP synthesis depended on the gas species of plasma and the chemical agent in the liquid for controlling oxidization. The amount of magnetic NPs synthesized using plasma is not very large. On the other hand, in the case of using an iron electrode immersed in NaCl solution, magnetic NPs were synthesized without using FeCl2 solutions. When plasma-assisted electrolysis was operated, the iron electrode eluted Fe cations, resulting in the formation of magnetic NPs at the plasma–liquid interface. Magnetic NP synthesis depended on the concentration of NaCl solution and discharge current. The magnetic NPs were identified to be magnetite. By using this method, more magnetite NPs were synthesized than in the case of plasma-assisted electrolysis with FeCl2 aqueous solutions. The pH of the liquid used in plasma-assisted electrolysis was important for the synthesis of magnetite NPs.

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