Research
Synthesis of low-cost magnetite nano-architectures from Sri Lankan laterites
Authors:
D. M. S. N. Dissanayake ,
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, LK
About D. M. S. N.
Postgraduate Institute of Science
M. M. M. G. P. G. Mantilaka,
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, LK
About M. M. M. G. P. G.
Postgraduate Institute of Science
H. M. T. G. A. Pitawala
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, LK
About H. M. T. G. A.
Postgraduate Institute of Science
Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.
Abstract
Magnetite nanomaterials are immensely valuable in the biomedical, water science, electronic and bioengineering fields because of their para-magnetic property and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, the cost of these materials is very high although it is regularly used in most applications in modern industries. To address the issue, the present study is focused to synthesize magnetite nano-spheres assembled nano-architectures. The low cost and locally available laterite was used as a source of iron. The extracted iron was purified and converted into magnetite by a sol-gel synthesis method. The synthesized iron nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) and Thermogravimetric (TG) techniques. The obtained results confirmed that 50 nm of spherical magnetite particles were formed. Also, the particles showed some picturesque self-assemblies when the pH of the precursor-solution of the sol-gel process and the rate of annealing are changed. TG analysis reveals that the annealing temperature is 500°C. X-ray diffraction pattern of the product is comparable with commercially available nano-magnetite as well as the same material produced using chemicals using the same method. These prepared nano-architectures have potential applications in drug delivery, electronic devices and medical imaging.
How to Cite:
Dissanayake, D.M.S.N., Mantilaka, M.M.M.G.P.G. and Pitawala, H.M.T.G.A., 2020. Synthesis of low-cost magnetite nano-architectures from Sri Lankan laterites. Journal of the Geological Society of Sri Lanka, 21(2), pp.91–100. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jgssl.v21i2.51
Published on
30 Dec 2020.
Peer Reviewed
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