Synthesis, Surface Modification and Magnetic Properties Analysis of Heat-Generating Cobalt-Substituted Magnetite Nanoparticles

Abstract

Here, we present the results of the synthesis, surface modification, and properties analysis of magnetite-based nanoparticles, specifically Co0.047Fe2.953O4 (S1) and Co0.086Fe2.914O4 (S2). These nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation method at 80 °C for 2 h. They exhibit a single-phase nature and crystallize in a spinel-type structure (space group Fd3¯m). Transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals that the particles are quasi-spherical in shape and approximately 11 nm in size. An observed increase in saturation magnetization, coercivity, remanence, and blocking temperature in S2 compared to S1 can be attributed to an increase in magnetocrystalline anisotropy due to the incorporation of Co ions in the crystal lattice of the parent compound (Fe3O4). The heating efficiency of the samples was determined by fitting the Box-Lucas equation to the acquired temperature curves. The calculated Specific Loss Power (SLP) values were 46 W/g and 23 W/g (under HAC = 200 Oe and f = 252 kHz) for S1 and S2, respectively. Additionally, sample S1 was coated with citric acid (Co0.047Fe2.953O4@CA) and poly(acrylic acid) (Co0.047Fe2.953O4@PAA) to obtain stable colloids for further tests for magnetic hyperthermia applications in cancer therapy. Fits of the Box-Lucas equation provided SLP values of 21 W/g and 34 W/g for CA- and PAA-coated samples, respectively. On the other hand, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis points to the catalytically active centers Fe2+/Fe3+ and Co2+/Co3+ on the particle surface, suggesting possible applications of the samples as heterogeneous self-heating catalysts in advanced oxidation processes under an AC magnetic field.