Platinum-maghemite core-shell nanoparticles using a sequential synthesis

Pt@Fe₂O₃ core-shell nanoparticles have been made using a sequential synthetic method. Platinum nanoparticles were synthesized via reduction of platinum acetylacetonate in octyl ether, and layers of iron oxide were subsequently deposited on the surface of Pt nanoparticles through thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl. The core-shell nanoparticles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Thickness of the shell can be controlled by changing concentrations of the reactants and the reaction conditions. These Pt@Fe₂O₃ core-shell nanoparticles could have potential applications in catalysis and as precursors for making property-tunable magnetic nanoparticles, thin films, and nanocomposites.