Formation of Iron (Hydr)Oxide Nanoparticles with a pH-Clock

We demonstrate the autonomous synthesis of iron (hydr)oxide (green rust, magnetite, and lepidocrocite) nanoparticles by precipitating iron(II) ions using hydroxide ions generated in situ with the methylene glycol-sulfite (MGS) reaction, a pH-clock. We show that the nature of the products can be predetermined by tuning the initial iron(II) concentration.

Automated summary

Autonomous synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (green rust, magnetite, and lepidocrocite) was demonstrated by precipitating iron(II) ions using hydroxide ions generated in situ with the MGS reaction. The nature of the products can be predetermined by tuning the initial iron(II) concentration.