Solid-state synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles

US7892520B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Inventors

• Jun Lu · East Longmeadow, US
• Ka Ming Ng · Hong Kong, CN
• Shihe Yang · Kowloon, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 27, 2007
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2011
• Expiry date: Nov 5, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08K3/22
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present disclosure includes a method for preparing an aqueous dispersion of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The method includes grinding an iron (II) hydrated salt, an iron (III) hydrated salt, an inorganic salt, and alkali hydroxide in a grinding or milling machine. The inorganic salt may be a salt matrix that prevents growth and aggregation of the synthesized nanoparticles. The aqueous dispersion of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles may optionally be hydrothermally treated to become an aqueous dispersion of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Also disclosed is a method for preparing an mixture of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, in which at least an iron (III) hydrated salt, an inorganic salt, and alkali hydroxide are ground in a grinding or milling machine. Uses for the nanoparticles include: a magnetic resonance image contrast agent, a color print ink, an artificial tanning pigment, a photocatalyst for degradation of organic dye, a red pigment, an adsorbent for waste water treatment, a catalyst support, and a catalyst.