The successful integration of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in biomedical and materials applications hinges on the production of nanoparticles that are both monodisperse and have tailored surface chemistry. Monodisperse nanoparticles are required for consistent magnetic properties, while control of the surface chemistry allows one to encode specific functions or properties as required. Currently, solution based methods exist for the introduction of desired functional groups by ligand exchange on the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles. Unfortunately, the application of these methods often result in difficulties stemming from ligand insolubility and typically involve long processing times.<br/><br/>Here, we present the synthesis of aqueous-stable superparamagnetic nanoparticles by a simple, rapid, one-step ligand exchange with a model catechol ligand by mechanochemical milling. To date, this is the first example using mechanochemical milling to exchange covalently attached ligands on the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles. The described mechanochemical method uses minimal solvents, avoids chlorinated solvents entirely, and bypasses issues with solvent incompatibility of desired ligands. This method could be extended to other ligands of interest to result in custom iron oxide nanoparticles with tunable functionalization and properties.

One-step ligand exchange for the synthesis of superparamagnetic aqueous-stable iron oxide nanoparticles by mechanochemical milling

251st National Meeting (2016)

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