Magnetite core-inorganic shell nanoparticles for biomedical applications by novel confined-zone synthesis

Abstract

The reproducible preparation of homogeneous iron oxide nanoparticles with particle size diameters less than 5 nm and r.s.d. as low as 17% by a novel flow-injection synthesis is described. The particles were directly coated with a layer of amorphous silica with precisely controlled thickness between 4 nm and 20 nm. Thermo-chemical analysis of the particles showed that the silica layer acts as retardant of oxidation thus reducing the availability of Fe(II).