Hematite nanoparticle monolayers on mica preparation by controlled self-assembly

A stable suspension of alpha-Fe2O3 (hematite) was synthesized according to the method of Matijevic and Scheiner by an acidic hydrolysis of ferric chloride. The average size of the particles was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and was 22 nm. The electrophoretic mobility and zeta potential of particles were determined as a function of ionic strength and pH. The zeta potential of the hematite particles was positive for pH < 8.9 (isoelectric point) and negative otherwise. Using the suspension, systematic studies of particle deposition kinetics on mica were carried out. The coverage of self-assembled particle monolayers was determined by AFM and SEM imaging. Particle deposition was diffusion controlled, with the initial rate proportional to the bulk concentration of particles. On the other hand, for long times, the saturation coverage was attained, increasing systematically with ionic strength. The deposition kinetic runs were adequately reflected by the random sequential adsorption (RSA) model. Additionally, particle desorption kinetics, from previously formed monolayers, were studied using the AFM and SEM methods. It was confirmed that hematite particle desorption was practically negligible within the time period of 60 h. Our experimental data proved, therefore, that it is feasible to produce uniform and stable hematite particle monolayers of desired coverage in self-assembly processes controlled by the bulk suspension concentration and the ionic strength. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.