A magnetic super lattice

Abstract

We report on the oxidation of a magnetic fluid. The oxidation results in magnetic super lattice crystals. The “atoms” are hematite (α-Fe2O3) particles with a diameter ø = 6.9 nm and they are covered with a 1-2 nm thick layer of surfactant molecules.Magnetic fluids are homogeneous suspensions of small magnetic particles in a carrier liquid. To prevent agglomeration, the particles are coated with surfactant molecules. The magnetic fluid studied in this work was produced by thermal decomposition of Fe(CO)5 in Declin (carrier liquid) in the presence of oleic acid (surfactant). The magnetic particles consist of an amorphous iron-carbon alloy. For TEM investigation a droplet of the fluid was added to benzine and a carbon film on a copper net was immersed. When exposed to air the sample starts burning. The oxidation and electron irradiation transform the magnetic particles into hematite (α-Fe2O3) particles with a median diameter ø = 6.9 nm.