Well-defined SiO[2]-coated Fe[2] Co nanoparticles prepared by reduction with CaH[2]

Abstract

Well-defined SiO[2]-coated Fe[2]Co nanoparticles have been successfully prepared by the reduction of SiO[2]-coated CoFe[2]O[4] nanoparticles with CaH[2]. Lowering the reducing temperature by using CaH[2]is essential to keep the well-defined morphology of the starting nanoparticles intact. Surface modification with a silane coupling agent which has COOH groups has led to excellent aqueous dispersibility that facilitates subsequent functionalization with a variety of molecules via well-established processes such as EDC/NHS chemistry. The obtained SiO[2]-coated Fe[2]Co nanoparticles equipped with controlled morphology, corrosion resistivity, soft magnetic properties, and easy post-functionalization are expected to serve as a building block for electromagnetic, biological, and medical applications.