Iron quantification at the sub femtogram level in magnetite hybrid silica methacrylate core-shell nanocomposite particles by sp-ICP-MS

This study highlights the application of single particle (sp)-ICP-MS in the field of hybrid (inorganic/organic) nanocomposite characterization as a valuable tool for monitoring the inorganic metal oxide nanoparticle (NP) distribution over the total nanocomposite population as well as for adaptation of synthesis conditions. Two types of magnetic nanocomposites carrying iron oxide NPs either on the surface or in the core were synthesized in the laboratory and characterized by TEM, XPS and Auger mapping for confirmation of iron localization. Analysis of 56 Fe by sp-ICP-MS provided key information about the mass of iron integrated into each nanocomposite, at the sub femtogram level, which was directly correlated with their nanostructuration. This study highlights the application of single particle (sp)-ICP-MS as a valuable tool to monitor the distribution ofiron oxide nanoparticles in hybrid organic-inorganic core-shell silica/PMMA nanocomposites.