How shape and internal structure affect the magnetic properties of anisometric magnetite nanoparticles

A three-step aqueous approach to obtain large (>50 nm) magnetite single-core particles has been developed. The steps are a) synthesis of antiferromagnetic nanoparticles, b) particle coating and c) subsequent reduction of the core material to magnetite. By variation of precursor material and process conditions, the synthesis yielded rhombohedra, discs or needles below 200 nm. A combination of X-ray diffraction, 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy confirmed magnetite to be the dominant final core material. From transmission electron microscopy, we identified porous structures after the reduction. Magnetic characterization of the different magnetic nanopaticles revealed strikingly different magnetic behaviour depending on their shape, internal structure and reduction process. We conclude that each of these parameters have to be considered in further characterization of large magnetite nanoparticles.