| Nanostructured magnetic iron oxide exhibits interesting physical properties and has many applications. Properties of the iron oxide nanomaterial such as size, shape, morphology, and crystal phase need to be controlled by appropriate choice of a synthesis method. This research deals with the understanding of the aerosol route synthesis, structural and magnetic characterization, and surface functionalization of iron oxide for different applications. The iron oxide systems presented in this work include gamma-Fe2O 3, Fe3O4 , CuFe2O4, and silica coated gamma-Fe2O3 and Fe nanoparticles. Detailed mechanistic steps for synthesis of different crystal phases of iron oxide nanoparticles along with particle-particle interactions are considered to establish the final aerosol size distribution, shape, and properties of the end product. The transport characteristics and magnetic coagulation of ferrofluids in presence of external magnetic fields are studied using a light scattering technique. The results are used to explain the hindered transport of a ferrofluid in an in vitro human brain model for targeted drug delivery. |
