Hydrophilic and hydrophobic nano-sized Mn3O4 particles

Mn3O4 Hausmanite nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous solution by using metallic salt and hydrazine as precursor and reducing agent, respectively. The crystallite sizes ranged from 10 to 20 nm and the particle diameter distribution was very narrow and estimated between 20 and 30 nm. Influence of some parameters such as temperature, time of reaction, surfactant nature was studied for a synthesis in an aqueous medium. The as-made manganese oxides particles could be dispersed in an organic solvent containing stabilizing agents, according to perform the synthesis in an H2O/n-hexan two-phase medium. These nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies and nitrogen absorption measurements. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.