Study of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles degradation process

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to study the oxidation and destruction processes of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. As a result, dynamic changes in structure and phase composition of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in various pH media was set. The acidity and time dependence of degradation degree on the pH medium was established. It was associated with the appearance of amorphous regions which is due to the presence of hydroxide compounds. By understanding of the nanoparticles degradation rate and degree it becomes possible to clarify the residence time for the nanoparticles, which in turn makes them potential materials for biomedical application. The causes are the high oxygen content and the formation of hydroxide compounds in the structure, as well as subsequent corrosion processes being capable of causing a destruction of the structure.

Keywords

• nanostructure
• crystal structure
• degradation
• iron oxide
• biomedicine