Synthesis and Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles

Liane M. Rossi, Alexandre L Parize, and Joel C. Rubim 

Handbook of Green Chemistry Volume 8 Green Nanoscience, First Edition. 

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Since most of magnetic materials are metal or metal oxides, the raw material is straightforward and can be easily found. However, the technology difficulties remain in the purity section. As mentioned above, the different chemical properties are based on the structure and the concentration of the alloys, so the synthesis process has to be controlled very carefiilly. Furthermore, when it comes to the nanoscale, many of the classic physics laws are not applicable and quantum physics is required. The synthesis of ferrofluid consists of synthetic procedures. Basically, it is the thermal decomposition of metal organic compounds or the thermal decomposition of monometallic metal organic compounds. Figure 1.1 shows examples of magnetic nanoparticles for one simple structure and for metal alloy compounds. 

Pure metal nanoparticles have shown exceptional catalytic properties which have motivated modem researchers to come up with innovative ideas to synthesize nanoparticles in a cost effective manner. Apart from catalysis, potential applications of metal nanoparticles ate well known in other fields such as pigments, electronic and magnetic materials, dmg deUvery etc. Here we report solution combustion synthesis method to synthesize transition metals (Ni, Cu and Co) in a single step process. Metal nitrates and glycine are used as synthesis precursors and dissolved in water to make a homogeneous aqueous solution which is combusted to produce metal nanoparticles with desired composition. 

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