The influence of catechols on the magnetization of iron oxide nanoparticles

The magnetization of maghemite nanoparticles should increase when catechols are adsorbed on the surface, either due to surface reconstruction or iron(III) reduction to iron (II). The magnetic measurements show an increase in magnetization. XPS measurements don't show the presence of iron(II) after the adsorption of catechols. The DFT calculation shows, that the adsorption doesn't influence the magnetic properties of nanoparticles. The average size of the particles and the size distribution from TEM images were determined. The size and size distribution of functionalized particles increased, which results in higher magnetizations.