Investigation on interaction induced cluster-shaped Zn-doped Fe₃O₄ formation by in situ calorimetry

It is fascinating but challenging to investigate the interaction induced the self-assembled structures, which always show novel properties. Cluster-shaped Zn-doped Fe₃O₄ self-assembled by nanosized particles exhibits high saturation magnetism and superparamagnetism. However, the interaction among these particles has not been reported as far as we know. At the present study, the transition from cluster-shaped to monodispersed Zn-doped Fe₃O₄ was successfully obtained through the addition of ethylenediamine (EDA). In situ calorimetric technology was used to study these formation processes. The results demonstrate that "–OCH₂CH₂O–" groups bond Fe³⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions together, which can be used to induce cluster-shaped sample formation. This study may give a route to synthesize self-assembled materials.