Hi
We were surprised during the preparation of magnetite (Fe3O4) usung the co precipitation method
During the preparation, we started as usual with 1:2 ratio of Iron II and iron III
salts , we added the ammonia under N2 and everything is perfect
When we used ethylene diamine to functiolize the surface, things went OK and we got the beautiful black Fe3O4 NPs . But when we used phenyl diamine, it did not work and the stuff was oxidized to brown Fe2O3!
Any ideas?
Hello friend Ismail Badran ,
Nice and interesting question you raised !
According to me, the difference in the results you observed when using ethylene diamine and phenyl diamine is likely due to the different oxidation states of these two compounds. Ethylene diamine is a reducing agent, while phenyl diamine is an oxidizing agent. This means that ethylene diamine will donate electrons to the magnetite nanoparticles, while phenyl diamine will remove electrons from them.
In the case of magnetite, the ideal oxidation state is Fe3+. When ethylene diamine is used, the electrons donated by the ethylene diamine help to keep the magnetite nanoparticles in the Fe3+ oxidation state. This results in the formation of black Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
However, when phenyl diamine is used, the electrons removed from the magnetite nanoparticles cause them to be oxidized to Fe2O3. This is because the oxidation state of Fe2O3 is lower than the ideal oxidation state of Fe3O4.
To avoid this oxidation, it is important to use a reducing agent when preparing magnetite nanoparticles. Ethylene diamine is a good choice for this purpose, as it is a mild reducing agent that will not damage the magnetite nanoparticles.
This article may be of importance to you:
1. Ethylene diamine-assisted synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles in high-boiling polyolys
Article Ethylene diamine-assisted synthesis of iron oxide nanopartic...
2. Synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4 micro/ nanospheres in organic solvent
Article Synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4micro/nanospheres in organic solvent
3. Preparation of amine-modified Fe3 O4 /carbon nanoparticles by submerged arc discharge in ethylenediamine/ethanol
Article Preparation of amine-modified Fe 3 O 4 /carbon nanoparticles...
4. Ethylenediamine series as additives to control the morphology of magnetite nanoparticles
Article Ethylenediamine Series as Additives to Control the Morpholog...
I hope this article should be helpful and clear up any doubts. Wishing you success with your research Ismail Badran !
Best wishes and regards,
Vishwajit Chavda
Thanks Dr. Chanda
Your answer is truly appreciated, but I had the impression that they are both amine and they should be reducing agents!
Why would think that they are different?
You're welcome Ismail Badran !
You're right that both ethylene diamine and phenyl diamine are amines, and they can both be reducing agents. However, there are some important differences between the two compounds that can affect their ability to reduce magnetite nanoparticles.
One important difference is the size of the amine groups. Ethylene diamine has two amine groups, while phenyl diamine only has one. This means that ethylene diamine can donate more electrons to the magnetite nanoparticles, which can help to keep them in the Fe3+ oxidation state.
Another important difference is the electronegativity of the amine groups. Ethylene diamine is less electronegative than phenyl diamine. This means that the electrons in the amine groups of ethylene diamine are more easily donated to the magnetite nanoparticles.
As a result of these differences, ethylene diamine is a more effective reducing agent than phenyl diamine. This is why you were able to obtain black Fe3O4 nanoparticles when you used ethylene diamine, but you only obtained brown Fe2O3 nanoparticles when you used phenyl diamine.
I hope this explanation helps!
Best wishes and regards,
Vishwajit Chavda
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