Nanophase BaFe12O19 synthesized from a nonaqueous microemulsion with Ba- and Fe-containing surfactants

Abstract

Ultrafine BaFe12O19 with uniform particle size was synthesized from an alcohol-in-oil (nonaqueous) microemulsion system where the metal ions were supplied by the surfactant (metal di-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate) molecules themselves. A monodisperse, fine-grained precipitate (Ba-Fe oxalate) was ensured by the steric barrier provided by the surfactant monolayer, while the nonaqueous environment promoted stoichiometric coprecipitation. Pure BaFe12O19 was obtained by calcining the oxalate precursor at or above 950 °C. Structural and magnetic properties of the resulting ultrafine magnetic material are reported.