From Rust To High Tech

Metal oxide nanoparticles are an important material in nanotechnology. Ferrofluids, which are typically made from iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, have found commercial applications and are widely used in academic research and educational activities. This study describes the novel semisynthesis of a ferrofluid using commercially available iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO) as the starting material. It forms the spiked solution indicative of a ferrofluid. Three educational goals were the driving force behind the development of this experiment: (a) students work with a cutting edge nanotechnology material that is safe, economical, and can be completed in a three-hour laboratory session; (b) the results of the experiments can be clearly observed without the need for expensive or research-grade equipment (i.e, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, etc.); and (c) it emphasizes some of the basic concepts taught in a general chemistry class, such as oxidation and reduction and stoichiometry.