Over the last decade, nanoparticles have become particles of great research interest because of their inherent chemical compositions such as size, shape, ability to be coated by other molecules and control over their magnetic properties. Assembly of these particles into a monolayer allows their properties to be harnessed and applied in various fields of studies. One method that has been adopted to enable this monolayer formation is the annealing of nanoparticles. The goal of this experiment was to anneal decanoic acid coated iron oxide nanocubes at different temperatures and time intervals, to find the optimal conditions for the formation of a smooth monolayer. Using the spin casting method, the magnetic iron oxide nanocubes were spun onto a Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) grid, where they were subjected to different conditions of plasma cleaning, temperatures and annealing times. The grids were then imaged under TEM at different magnifications. Using the program, Image J, it was found that the nanocubes maintained their shape and the mean cubic length of 15.5 nm at temperatures ranging from 100 – 150 oC. The results so far indicates that plasma cleaning of TEM grids can hinder the formation of a uniform monolayer. This could be due to the unfavorable interaction between hydrophobic decanoic acid coating of nanocubes and the hydrophilic TEM grid.

Magnetic iron oxide nanocubes: Effect of annealing on the formation of a monolayer

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.