| This dissertation combines coordination and materials chemistry studies. The oxide materials and nanoparticles formed are produced from decomposition of known or brand new coordination compounds.;Chapters I and II discuss the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of shaped nanoparticles. Fe(II)(O2CH)2 and Mn(II)(O 2CH)2 were used as precursors for the controlled synthesis of wustite (FexO), manganosite (MnO), and iron-manganese (Fe 1-yMnyO) nanocrystals with non-thermodynamic shapes, such as concave cubes, nanocrosses, and 'dogbones'. An acid-base surfactant system under thermal conditions and atmospheric pressure was employed. The nanoparticle morphology was studied as a function of reaction parameters, of which water and surfactants were found most critical for shape control. Shaping progress is described as a function of crystal defects and dissolution-precipitation processes. Nanoparticles were successfully oxidized to the magnetic phases, Fe3O4 (magnetite) and Mn3O4 (hausmannite), while retaining original shape. Iron oxide-gold and manganese oxide-gold nanoshells were produced, and these maintained the magnetic behavior of magnetite and hausmannite, as demonstrated by magnetic measurements. |
