Polymer matrix templated synthesis: Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles preparation

Cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by polymer matrix templated synthesis. Synthetic ion-exchange resins were used as hosts for the coprecipitation of cobalt ferrite where the nanopores of the resin acted as the constrained environment. The weight fraction of the particles within the resin was roughly 16%. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that cobalt ferrite crystallites were about 1–7 nm in diameter. Magnetic properties measured using an alternating gradient magnetometer showed the particles (prepared using initial salt solution ratio of Fe³⁺:Co²⁺ of 1.5:1.0) were superparamagnetic with magnetization M (of the particle-resin system) in the range of 3.0 to 4.4 emu/g at 10 kOe of applied field. The least upper bound of the magnetic size was about 3 nm in diameter. Ratios of Fe₃₊ to Co₂₊ within the matrix of the resin before and after precipitation were investigated by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry and were found to be sensitive to the initial salt solution mixture. The ratio Fe₃₊:Co₂₊ of 1.5:1.0 was found to be a better mixture in terms of magnetization value. Spherical shape cobalt ferrite particles 2–8 nm in diameter were observed using transmission electron microscopy. The close agreement between the physical and crystallite size indicated that the particles are largely monocrystals.