Synthesis and organic functionalization approaches for magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles

Several new techniques are invented in recent years to attach organic, bio-organic functionalities to the nanostructures such as the nanoparticles. This approach of adding surface reactivity to the particles enables to tune the properties and reactivity of the resulting hybrid monolayer protected nanoparticles. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles of various sizes are reported which bears different organic or polymeric groups. In the present note we have revised the important methods of synthesis of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and highlighted the most common strategies for the functionalization of these nanoparticles with organic compounds from very recent literature. This short note will help the students and researchers to screen and choose methods for the synthesis and functionalization of magnetite nanoparticles. © 2012 VBRI Press.