Synthesis, Characterization and Magnetic Study of PEG-Coated Magnetite (Fe3O4) Nanoparticles

The chemical co-precipitation process was used to synthesize the magnetite Fe3O4 nanoparticles and different quantities of biocompatible polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG) were effectively used to coat the nanoparticles. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of PEG coated and uncoated Fe3O4 nanoparticles demonstrated the good crystalline nature of the particles. With the use of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the presence of the PEG layer on Fe3O4 was established. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures demonstrated that, despite occasional agglomeration, the morphology of magnetite Fe3O4 nanoparticles is spherical with uniform grain size and high dispersibility. PEG can be used to minimize the particle size and the agglomeration. The Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) data illustrates how PEG bonding at the magnetic nanoparticle surface affects the reduction of Fe3O4 nanoparticle saturation magnetization (Ms). From the results it is found that Fe3O4 nanoparticles with controllable magnetic properties and an advantageous size show great promise for biosensor applications.