SYNTHESIS OF NANOSCALED IRON PARTICLES FROM FREEZE-DRIED PRECURSORS

The freeze-drying technique can be of immense technological importance in the preparation of iron nanoparticles. Ultrafine (60-180 Angstrom) iron particles were produced with an excellent stability in air and r emarkable magnetic properties by reduction at 200 degrees C of ultrafi ne haematite particles (30-50 Angstrom) which were prepared by decompo sition of a freeze-dried iron nitrate precursor, The freeze-drying rou te appears to be a major step forward in the production and developmen t of low cost particulate media for magnetic recording and 'throw-away ' iron catalysts. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.