Magnetic iron oxide
mesocrystals have been reported to
exhibit
collective magnetic properties and consequently enhanced heating capabilities
under alternating magnetic fields. However, there is no universal
mechanism to fully explain the formation pathway that determines the
particle diameter, crystal size, and shape of these mesocrystals and
their evolution along with the reaction. In this work, we have analyzed
the formation of cubic magnetic iron oxide mesocrystals by thermal
decomposition in organic media. We have observed that a nonclassical
pathway leads to mesocrystals via the attachment of crystallographically
aligned primary cubic particles and grows through sintering with time
to achieve a sizable single crystal. In this case, the solvent 1-octadecene
and the surfactant agent biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid seem to be the
key parameters to form cubic mesocrystals as intermediates of the
reaction in the presence of oleic acid. Interestingly, the magnetic
properties and hyperthermia efficiency of the aqueous suspensions
strongly depend on the degree of aggregation of the cores forming
the final particle. The highest saturation magnetization and specific
absorption rate values were found for the less aggregated mesocrystals.
Thus, these cubic magnetic iron oxide mesocrystals stand out as an
excellent alternative for biomedical applications with their enhanced
magnetic properties.
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