The ability of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications is strongly dependent on their size, shape, phase and magnetic characteristics. However, it is challenging to prepare MNPs by precisely controlling these parameters especially in a simple way. Here a novel one-pot hydrothermal strategy using inexpensive ferric chloride (FeCl3) salt and catechol derivatives as precursors to successfully fabricate size-, shape- and phase-tunable MNPs by facile choices of desired catechol derivatives, with or without N2 protection, and the variation of pH adjustment orders in the synthesis steps was developed. The types of prepared MNPs include black spherical superparamagnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) with diameters less than 10 nm, red-brown hexagonal hematite (a-Fe2O3) with side length of around 0.4-0.6 µm, and dark brown rhombic maghemite (g-Fe2O3) with side length of around 0.6-0.9 µm. The prepared MNPs with different sizes, shapes and phases shows different hyperthermia performance, colloids stability and cytotoxicity. Their potential application for MRI in nanomedicine was tested in vitro, and some of the products show promising results as T2 contrast agents.

One-pot solvothermal synthesis of size, shape and phase tunable functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as potential MRI contrast agents

ACS Spring 2022

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