Synthesis and properties MFe2O4 (M = Fe, Co) nanoparticles and core–shell structures

Individual Fe3−xO4 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, as well as Fe3−xO4/CoFe2O4 core/shell structures were synthesized by the method of co-precipitation from diethylene glycol solutions. Core/shell structure were synthesized with CoFe2O4-shell thickness of 1.0, 2.5 and 3.5 nm. X-ray diffraction patterns of individual nanoparticles and core/shell are similar and indicate that all synthesized samples have a cubic spinel structure. Compares Mössbauer studies of CoFe2O4, Fe3−xO4 nanoparticles indicate superparamagnetic properties at 300 K. It was shown that individual magnetite nanoparticles are transformed into maghemite through oxidation during the synthesis procedure, wherein the smallest nanoparticles are completely oxidized while a magnetite core does occur in the case of the largest nanoparticles. The Mössbauer spectra of core/shell nanoparticles with increasing CoFe2O4-shell thickness show a gradual decrease in the relative intensity of the quadrupole doublet and significant decrease of the mean isomer shift value at both RT and 77 K indicating a decrease of the superparamagnetic relaxation phenomena. Specific loss power for the prepared ferrofluids was experimentally calculated and it was determined that under influence of ac-magnetic field magnetic fluid based on individual CoFe2O4 and Fe3−xO4 particles are characterized by very low heating temperature, when magnetic fluids based on core/shell nanoparticles demonstrate higher heating effect. [Display omitted] •Fe3−xO3/CoFe2O4 core–shell structures have been produced.•Magnetite has been nearby transformed into maghemite during the synthesis procedure.•γ-Fe2O3/CoFe2O4 structures are characterized by superparamagnetic behavior.•γ-Fe2O3/CoFe2O4 structures exhibit high values of specific loss power.•Synthesized core/shell structures may be of significant interest for hyperthermia.