Oleate-based hydrothermal preparation of CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, and their magnetic properties with respect to particle size and surface coating

We present a facile and high-yield synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles by hydrothermal hydrolysis of Co–Fe oleate in the presence of pentanol/octanol/toluene and water at 180 or 220 °C. The particle size (6–10 nm) was controlled by the composition of the organic solvent and temperature. Magnetic properties were then investigated with respect to the particle size and surface modification with citric acid or titanium dioxide (leading to hydrophilic particles). The as-prepared hydrophobic nanoparticles (coated by oleic acid) had a minimum inter-particle distance of 2.5 nm. Their apparent blocking temperature (estimated as a maximum of the zero-field-cooled magnetization) was 180 K, 280 K and 330 K for the particles with size of 6, 9 and 10.5 nm, respectively. Replacement of oleic acid on the surface by citric acid decreased inter-particle distance to less than 1 nm, and increased blocking temperature by ca. 10 K. On the other hand, coating with titanium dioxide, supported by nitrilotri(methylphosphonic acid), caused increase of the particle spacing, and lowering of the blocking temperature by ca. 20 K. The CoFe₂O₄@TiO₂ nanoparticles were sufficiently stable in water, methanol and ethanol. The particles were also investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy and alternating-current (AC) susceptibility measurements, and their analysis with Vögel–Fulcher and power law. Effect of different particle coating and dipolar interactions on the magnetic properties is discussed. - Highlights: • CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were prepared by facile hydrothermal method from Co–Fe oleate. • Blocking temperature (T_B) is 180–330 K for 6–10.5 nm oleate-coated particles. • The apparent T_B changes with oleic acid, citrate or TiO₂ coating