Facile synthesis of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles using 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone as a functional solvent

Magnetic nanoparticles were generated by thermal decomposition of ferric triacetylacetonate in the presence of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, a functional solvent. The particle size and shape could be varied by altering reaction parameters. For example, with the addition of oleic acid surfactant, smaller particles were produced. In addition, step elevation of reaction temperature was in favor of regular particle morphology. The obtained iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and vibrating sample magnetometer. All of the experimental evidences supported that we succeeded in synthesizing monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles via a facile and effective route. Moreover, when the oleic acid was added, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and oleic acid possibly forms an intercalated monolayer on the particle surface.