An organometallic approach for very small maghemite nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and magnetic properties

Maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) nanoparticles stabilized by long-alkyl-chain amines are synthesized by using an orgonometallic approach. This method consists of the hydrolysis and oxidation of an organometallic precursor, Fe[N(SiMe3)(2)](2), in the presence of amine ligands as stabilizing agent in an organic solvent, namely tetrohydrofuron or toluene. Whatever the experimental conditions, particles with a diameter of 2.8 nm are obtained. The use of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and wide-angle X-ray scattering, together with Mossbauer spectroscopy and SQuld magnetometry, allows a complete characterization of these particles. Herein, we show that their structure is composed of a well-ordered core surrounded by a more disordered shell. The size of the latter varies from 0.65 to 0.50 nm depending on the experimental conditions and is of prime importance for the understanding of the magnetic properties. We demonstrate that the shorter the alkyl chain length of the amine 1) the better the crystallinity of the particle's core and 2) the stronger the interparticle interactions.