TEHRAN (INIC)- Iranian researchers at the Science and Research Branch of the Islamic Azad University, Fars, in collaboration with their colleagues from K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, managed to synthesize core-shell nanoparticles and proved their higher reactivity and homogeneity.

“We were able to propose a very simple and straightforward method to produce core-shell structured nanoparticles. In addition, we demonstrated that the mentioned nanoparticles possess higher reactivity compared to their micro or nanometric counterparts,” Hossein Heli, member of the academic board of chemistry group at Islamic Azad University, Fars, explained to the news service of INIC.

The main goal of the conducted research was to produce cobalt hexacyanoferrate nanoparticles having core-shell structure. To achieve this aim, Heli initiated a chemical reaction and added iron (I) and (II) ions to an alkaline solution to precipitate iron oxide cores.

The prepared nanoparticle cores were then added to a dilute solution of chloric acid containing sodium hexacyanoferrate and cobalt (III) ions in order to form iron oxide core-cobalt hexacyanoferrate shell nanoparticles.

The aforesaid compounds can possibly be applied in sensors of medicines and biologic materials.

The morphology, dimensions and properties of the synthesized nanoparticles have been measured via characterization methods such as SEM, XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), IR spectroscopy, thermal and electrochemical analyses.

For detailed report on this research work please see Journal of Materials Research Bulletin, volume 45, pages 850-858, 2010.