Synthesis and characterization of crystalline iron nanoparticles from zerovalent iron sandwich complexes

Author

Anh Tue Nguyen, Purdue University

Date of Award

Summer 2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Alexander Wei

Committee Member 1

Chengde Mao

Committee Member 2

Scott A. McLuckey

Abstract

In this project we present a systematic study on the synthesis of crystalline iron nanocubes by thermal decomposition of an iron sandwich complex, ( π-C₅H₅)Fe⁰(π-C ₆H₇), in the presence of oleylamine and oleylamine.HCl as surfactants and n-decane as a solvent. The presence of oleylamine.HCl is essential for the reproducible formation of crystalline iron cores.^ Reaction parameters such as temperature, surfactant concentration, effect of counterion, and organoiron reagent structure were investigated in order to obtain iron nanoparticles with uniform size and shape. The nanoparticles, which were characterized by TEM, HRTEM, SAED, and XRD, were determined to have core/shell structures, with the former composed of bcc-Fe and the latter composed of iron oxide (Fe₃O₄ or Fe₂O ₃).

Recommended Citation

Nguyen, Anh Tue, "Synthesis and characterization of crystalline iron nanoparticles from zerovalent iron sandwich complexes" (2014). Open Access Theses. 659.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/open_access_theses/659