How to Make Magnetic Nanoparticles

This is a set of instructions for use in a well stocked chemistry lab. It will explain step by step the method of making iron magnetic nanoparticles.
Nanotechnology is the use of tiny particles or machines to manipulate matter in way that one wants. This happens primarily at the scale of 1 to 100 nanometers. Today nanotechnology is used to make carbon nanotubes, which are both lighter and thirty times stronger than steel. These are used to make common things both lighter and stronger, such as bicycles and tennis rackets. Nanoparticles are also used sunscreen for better protection from the sun's UV rays, Tupperware as antimicrobials, clothes as protection from stains, and computer chips in many forms of electronics. However, nanotechnology is still a young science and has a vast amount of potential. This is why so many scientists and the science media are making a thrill over nanotechnology. This could include or not be limited to scientists being able to construct matter on their own.
Once of the areas of nanotechnology is that of magnetic nanoparticles. Magnetic nanoparticles are simply a nanoparticle that can be manipulated by a magnetic field. Some of the groundbreaking ideas for the application of magnetic nanoparticles include working on a treatment for certain types of cancer. Particularly in ovarian cancer, which is spread by free-floating cancer cells, which could be treated by attaching magnetic nanoparticles to the free-floating cancer cells and bringing them out of the body. Nanotechnology is one of the most exciting new fields of research that scientists have to work with today.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chemistry lab
• burets
• beakers
• mentioned chemicals
• safety features

1. First 4.0 ml of 1 M FeCl3 and 1.0 ml of 2M FeCl2 solution were added to a 100 ml beaker with a stir bar and placed on a stir plate on a medium setting. Over a five minute period of constant stirring 50 ml of 1.0 M NH3 was added by buret at a rate of 1 ml every 6 seconds. The stir plate was then turned off and the stir bar removed indirectly with another magnet. The new magnetite was allowed to settle and any clear liquid was poured off while the magnetite was held down from underneath the beaker with a magnet.

2. The solid was then transferred to a weighing boat with aid of a wash bottle. A magnet was then held under the weigh boat and any excess fluid was poured off of the solid. Next, 2 ml of 25% tetramethylammonium hydroxide was added to the solid and stirred with a glass rod for one minute to suspend the solid.

3. Then, a magnet was held under the weigh boat again and the liquid was poured off to reveal the final ferrofluid. It was observed that the ferrofluid would react to a magnet held underneath it and form vertical spikes when affected by the magnet.

Tips & Warnings

• This is best done in a professional or educational chemistry lab
• SAFTEY FIRST
• Wear safety goggles at all times