Synthesis of amphiphilic superparamagnetic ferrite/block copolymer hollow submicrospheres

J Am Chem Soc. 2006 Jul 5;128(26):8382-3. doi: 10.1021/ja061460g.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ferric Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry
  • Magnetics*
  • Microspheres*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Particle Size
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Porosity
  • Propylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • PEO-PPO-PEO
  • Propylene Glycols
  • ferrite
  • Polyethylene Glycols