A simple way to prepare monolayer films of the magnetite nanocrystal by the Langmuir–Blodgett-like technique

A simple preparation of water-soluble magnetite nanoparticles protected by sodium oleate has been demonstrated. The magnetite particles are nanocrystal, which are confirmed with XRD. This kind of magnetite nanocrystal can be changed into amphiphilic particles and steadily exist at the interface of water/toluene. The amphiphilic nanocrystal can form monolayer film on hydrophilic substrate by the Langmuir–Blodgett-like technique. The results of SEM indicate that the magnetite nanocrystal film is a uniform compact monolayer film that is composed of nanosized magnetite particles. We also proposed a possible mechanism for the formation of the nanocrystal monolayer film.