Synthesis of amphiphilic superparamagnetic ferrite/block copolymer hollow submicrospheres.
Self-assembly can be a powerful, but simple, synthetic method for the fabrication and surface modification of nanometer- to micrometer-sized hollow spheres. Here we report a facile route for preparation of submicrometer ferrite hollow spheres which are amphiphilic and superparamagnetic. This unique approach involves the formation of ferrite nanocrystals and the simultaneous self-assembly of nanocrystals and block copolymer PEO-PPO-PEO into hollow spheres. Furthermore, this approach is general for the preparation of a series of ferrite hollow spheres, including Fe3O4, Co1-xFe2+xO4, and Mn1-xFe2+xO4. Unlike conventional hollow spheres, which are either hydrophobic or hydrophilic, the products we obtained exhibit excellent dispersibility in both polar and nonpolar solvents.
Li
Xin-Hao
XH
State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, People's Republic of China.
Zhang
Dong-Hui
DH
Chen
Jie-Sheng
JS
D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D008280:Magnetics; D008863:Microspheres; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D016062:Porosity; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
D005290:Ferric Compounds; C116176:PEO-PPO-PEO; D011409:Propylene Glycols; C001215:ferrite; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols