Synthesis, structure, and properties of large surface area Fe3O4/SiO2 nanocomposites

This paper describes procedures for the template synthesis of magnetically controlled, large surface area Fe3O4/SiO2 nanocomposites using sodium oleate as a template. The structure and magnetic properties of the nanocomposites have been investigated in relation to SiO2 content and the way in which sodium oleate had been added to the solution. The largest specific surface area (up to 400 m2/g) was reached when the nanocomposites were fabricated using magnetic fluids. The synthesized materials were tested as adsorbents.