Sonoelectrochemical synthesis of magnetite

The effects of ultrasound (US) on the direct electrosynthesis of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are investigated. The electrochemical system consists of two electrodes; anode and cathode, both of iron, and 99.5% purity. The anode is a sacrificial electrode, which when oxidized generates the desired Fe3O4. Cationic surfactants are used in the synthetic system as supporting electrolytes and as a protective layer which covers the obtained nanoparticles in order to avoid aggregation. In order to study the influence of ultrasound in the synthesis of Fe3O4, the experiments were compared to the same systems without the application of ultrasound. Physical properties of the reaction product, such as morphology and particle size, were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Size distribution studies in function of the application and variation of the US parameters are shown. The effect of US on the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 was studied by means of hysteresis loops. The experimental results were compared to those obtained during the synthesis of Fe3O4 without the US presence.