Publication date: 30th May 2020
Iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs), which exhibit a high-saturated magnetization, have potentials to be alternatives of magnetite (Fe3O4) magnetic nanomaterials. However, the high-yield synthesis of Fe NPs is still challenging due to the ease of Fe oxidation. In the present study, the intermediate Fe-glycolate structures were focused on the way to Fe reduction process to elucidate the reduction mechanism and to improve the yield of Fe NPs in polyol process, based on the previous research discussing the reduction mechanism in similar metal (cobalt) NPs system. The formation of Fe nanoparticles and intermediates was dependent on the basic conditions in reaction solution. The experimental results suggested that the reduction reaction of Fe proceeds from the surface of the intermediate and subsequently Fe NPs are formed. In addition, the crystallinity of intermediate depending on base influences the final product.
