Magnetite nanocrystals: Nonaqueous synthesis, characterization, and solubility

A novel nonaqueous route has been applied for the preparation of nanocrystalline magnetite. In a simple one-pot reaction process, iron(III) acetylacetonate was dissolved in benzyl alcohol and treated in an autoclave between 175 and 200 degrees C. This approach leads to monocrystalline magnetite particles with sizes ranging from 12 to 25 nm, as evidenced by X-ray analysis, HRTEM, and Raman and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The isolated particles can be redispersed either in polar or nonpolar solvents by coating them just after synthesis with undecanoic acid or dopamine. Simple sedimentation after redispersion in hexane can be used to lower the polydispersity of the sample.