Metal nanoparticles and their synthesis methods have been extensively researched due to their increasing applicability to many fields including biomedicine, sensors, and electronic devices. Recently, ferromagnetic alloy nanoparticles have emerged as a promising material for such purposes, and primary synthesis methods include microwave-hydrothermal, electrochemical deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and chemical reduction. We have utilized the latter method to reduce copper, zinc, iron, and nickel salts to elemental metal and alloy nanostructures. Hydrazine is the most commonly used reducing agent, but is highly toxic, and reactions using it are often run in organic solvents with high energy input due to high reaction temperatures. While shown to be highly effective, these synthesis methods are harmful to the environment, especially when considering the scaled-up reaction. We have developed an aqueous-phase synthesis method under ambient conditions, using sodium borohydride as a milder reducing agent to make metal alloys of Fe/Ni and Fe/ZnO. In a consecutive series of reactions, these alloys have been subjected to surface functionalized with organic semiconducting polymers and macromolecules such as poly (3-hexyl thiophene) and perylenediimide derivatives. Morphology, elemental composition, crystallography, and optical properties have been analyzed by Scanning Electron microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Selected Area Electron Diffraction, and energy dispersive, infrared, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopies. Spherical particles formed range from 25-50 nm in diameter, and preliminary conductivity measurements are promising. When optimized, these particles will be tested for their applicability to thermoelectric devices.

Environmentally friendly and versatile method for the synthesis of transition metal alloys and their hybrid nanoparticles

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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