Formation of surface magnetite nanoparticles from iron-exchanged zeolite using microwave radiation

Microwave radiation simplifies synthesis methods by reducing reaction times, requiring fewer materials, and also controlling reaction processes. We have successfully synthesized nanoparticles of iron oxide and zinc oxide coated on zeolite A using microwaves. The radiation assisted in displacing either ferrous or zinc ions from the pre-loaded zeolite network and increasing reaction speed with solution at the interface. Products were characterized by TEM, XRD, VSM, ICP-AES, and fluorescence. We demonstrate the ability of using cationexchanged zeolites as microreactors to bias reactions onto the zeolite surface. Efficient structure-directed surface reactions are a potential route to making unique supported nanomaterials for applications such as sensors, environmental remediation, and chemical catalysis.