Synthesis of Au/Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles by Laser Ablation in Organic Solvents

The synthesis, protection, and size controllability of Fe3O4 magnetic nano-particles have been considered. The Nd:YAG laser pulses were used for ablation of Iron targets in different organic solvents. The Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were successfully fabricated in acetone and toluene solvents, as well as, ethanol-water mixture. The vital issue of protection of nano-particles against biological damage was addressed by Au coating. Structural analyses were carried out by means of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, spectrophotometer, and XRD. The analyses revealed that various solvents and coatings have dramatic influences on both the dimension and magnetic properties of magnetic nano-particles. The laser ablation synthesis in solution provides a convenient way of fabricating magnetic nano-particles.