Issues Affecting the Synthetic Scalability of Ternary Metal Ferrite Nanoparticles

Morrow, Lauren; Barron, Andrew R.

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/105862

Journal of Nanoparticles

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Abstract Introduction Materials and Methods Results and Discussion Conclusions Acknowledgments References Copyright Related Articles

Research Article | Open Access

Volume 2015 | Article ID 105862 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/105862

Issues Affecting the Synthetic Scalability of Ternary Metal Ferrite Nanoparticles

Lauren Morrow¹and Andrew R. Barron^1,2,3

Academic Editor: Tapas Sen

Received30 Mar 2015

Accepted20 May 2015

Published09 Jun 2015

Abstract

Ternary Mn-Zn ferrite (Mn_xZn_1-xFe₂O₄) nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared by the thermal decomposition of an oleate complex, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) mediated hydrazine decomposition of the chloride salts, and triethylene glycol (TREG) mediated thermal decomposition of the metal acetylacetonates. Only the first method was found to facilitate the synthesis of uniform, isolable NPs with the correct Mn : Zn ratio (0.7 : 0.3) as characterized by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Scaling allowed for retention of the composition and size; however, attempts to prepare Zn-rich ferrites did not result in NP formation. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the incomplete decomposition of the metal-oleate complexes prior to NP nucleation for Zn-rich compositions is the cause.

1. Introduction

One of the major drawbacks to using nanoparticles in an industrial setting is the lack of commercial scale syntheses for the vast majority of nanoparticles. The syntheses that do exist are often limited to a few selected types of nanoparticles and only use a few different synthetic protocols, despite the fact that the syntheses used may not be the best method to use to make nanoparticles with specific properties [1, 2]. It has been shown that different syntheses can lead to vastly different properties, even if the nanoparticles appear the same or very similar in terms of size and shape [1, 3–5]. There are a few reasons as to why there are only a few types of syntheses used in industry: cost of raw materials, quality control, product yield, safety of synthetic method, waste disposal, and environmental concerns. These are just a few factors to keep in mind when determining the efficacy of using a particular synthetic method [6]. However, where the NP in question is a ternary oxide, there is also an issue of compositional control, that is, M¹ : M² : M³ ratio [7].

We have previously investigated the precursor composition (i.e., ratio of individual metal reagents) on the isolated NP composition, but the issues associated with changes in scale were not addressed. In this regard we have an interest in the scalability of a class of (Mn-Zn-Fe-O) metal oxide (ferrite) nanoparticles (NPs) as an alternative to nanomagnetite (nMag) as a potential down-hole sensor for reservoir imaging in the oil and gas industry. Despite the success of nMag for biological imaging applications [8–10] and the nontoxic nature of nMag, which would have advantages on environmental grounds [1], we have shown that for a typical shale reservoir composition the quantity of nMag needed for contrast with the rock and proppant could be as much as 242,000 kg nMag per well [11]. We have shown that Mn-Zn ferrite (Mn_xZn_1-xFe₂O₄) NPs have an almost order of magnitude increase in mass susceptibility () and thus a greater potential signal-to-noise over the background reservoir rock.

We have investigated three previously reported scalable syntheses of nMag: thermal decomposition of an oleate complex [12], sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) mediated reaction of the metal halides [13], and the triethylene glycol (TREG) mediated reaction of the metal acetylacetonates [14]. Once a methodology was found to be suitable for Mn-Zn ferrite NPs scalability was investigated to determine the synthesis that did not change the composition, size, or shape of the NPs. These results are presented herein.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials

FeCl₃·6H₂0 (97%), MnCl₂·4H₂O (99.9%), Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O (98%), Fe(acac)₃ (97%), Mn(acac)₂, Zn(acac)₂·xH₂O hydrate (powder), and Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O (98%) were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich and were used without further purification. Oleic acid (CH₃(CH₂)₇CH=CH(CH₂)₇CO₂H, 90%), 1-octadecene (CH₃(CH₂)₁₅CH=CH₂, 90%), sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS, C₁₂H₂₅C₆H₄SO₃Na, technical grade), xylenes (≥98.5 + ethylbenzene basis), hydrazine solution (35 wt.% in H₂O), triethylene glycol (TREG, HOC₂H₄OC₂H₄OC₂H₄OH, 99%), HPLC-grade H₂O (CHROMASOLV Plus for HPLC), and hexanes (mixture of isomers) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and used as received. Ethyl acetate was purchased from EMD Millipore and used as received. Sodium oleate was purchased from TCI Chemicals and was used as received. Ethanol (200 proof) was purchased from Decon Laboratories Inc. and was used as received.

2.2. Characterization

Size determination of the nanoparticles was achieved by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) using a Rigaku SmartLab X-Ray diffractometer using a Cu-K_α radiation source. Samples were prepared by sealing a concentrated nanoparticle solution in hexanes into a 1 mm “Glass Number 50 Capillary” tube (Hampton Research Inc.) and the data was resolved using Rigaku’s NANO-solver. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) measurements were obtained on a Perkin Elmer Optima 4300DV. Samples were prepared by digesting 0.5 mL of concentrated nanoparticle solution in 9.5 mL of concentrated nitric acid. An aliquot of the digested solution (0.5 mL) was diluted into 9.5 mL of NANOpure water. ICP standards were obtained from Inorganic Ventures and diluted using NANOpure water. Images were obtained using a JEOL 2010 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) on Ultrathin Carbon Type-A support film (Ted Pella). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted on a SDT Q600 under air atmosphere at 50 mL/min. Samples were placed in a puck (5–10 mg) and were heated to 600°C at a rate of 5°C/min.

2.3. Oleate Complex Reaction

Synthesis was based upon a literature procedure [12]. Ethanol, HLPC-grade H₂O, and hexanes were added to a mixture of metal salt(s) and sodium oleate. In the smaller scale reaction, metal salt(s) (4 mmol total) and sodium acetate (12 mmol) were mixed with ethanol (80 mL), HPLC-grade H₂O (3.33 mol), and hexanes (140 mL). If Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticles were being synthesized, the combination of all of the metal salts had to add up to the total metal salt quantity specified. The solution was placed into a round bottom flask with a stir bar and thermometer and dissolved via stirring under argon with no heat. Once dissolved, the solution was heated to 70°C and held for four hours. This creates the metal-oleate complex. After four hours, the solution was cooled to room temperature and washed three times with HPLC-grade H₂O in a separation funnel. The top organic layer was collected into a preweighed crystallization dish and then the hexanes were evaporated. Once dry, the dish and product were weighed in order to calculate quantity of product. To the product, oleic acid and 1-octadecene were added (smaller scale reaction used 2 mmol oleic acid and 0.079 mol 1-octadecene). The product was dissolved and then transferred into a second round bottom flask. The solution was heated to reflux under an atmosphere of argon and held at reflux for 30 minutes. After that, the solution was cooled to room temperature and then precipitated with ethanol (50 mL). The solution was centrifuged and washed twice more before being allowed to air-dry. The nanoparticles were then suspended in hexanes.

2.4. SDBS Reaction

Synthesis was based upon a literature procedure [13]. A solution of SDBS (10 mmol) and xylenes (30 mL) was sonicated in a bath sonicator for a minute. Meanwhile, FeCl₂·4H₂O (1 mmol), Fe(NO₃)₂·9H₂O (2 mmol), MnCl₂·4H₂O (1.05 mmol), and Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O (0.45 mmol) were added to ethanol (1.5 mL) before being added to the SDBS solution in a round bottom flask under vigorous stirring. The resulting solution was stirred for twelve hours at room temperature and under normal atmosphere. At the end of twelve hours, the solution was put under an argon atmosphere and heated to 90°C. Once heated, hydrazine solution (5 mmol) was added. The solution was then refluxed for five hours. Once refluxing was complete, the solution was cooled to room temperature and precipitated with ethanol. The solution was then centrifuged and washed several times before being air-dried. Once dry, the nanoparticles were suspended in hexanes.

2.5. TREG Reaction

Synthesis was based upon a literature procedure [14]. A mixture of the appropriate metal acetylacetonates (2 mmol) was put into a round bottom flask and triethylene glycol (25 mL) was added. A ratio of 0.7 : 0.3 Mn : Zn was used, with there being twice as much iron as manganese and zinc combined. The solution was put under an argon atmosphere and slowly heated to 180°C and then held for 30 minutes. The solution was then heated to reflux and held for 30 minutes before being cooled to room temperature. Ethanol (10 mL) and ethyl acetate (20 mL) were added. A handheld magnet was then used to separate the nanoparticles from solution. The nanoparticles were washed three more times with a combination of ethanol and ethyl acetate before being air-dried. Once dried, the nanoparticles were suspended in a polar solvent.

3. Results and Discussion

As noted in the Introduction, a key driving force for the development of the nanoparticles as tracers is the need to be able to produce the nanoparticles to scale. Our prior synthesis of Mn-Zn ferrite NPs was through the thermal decomposition of the metal acetylacetonates [7] and this was used as a benchmark with regard to yield, composition, and cost. To that end, three scalable reactions were investigated and compared to see which one produces nanoparticles with the desired characteristics and with the highest level of control over size and shape, best size dispersion, lack of aggregation, and compositional control with the least cost [12–14]. In order to be able to determine the size and shape dispersion, as well as compositional accuracy, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) were conducted.

3.1. Synthetic Comparisons

The first reaction carried out was a thermal decomposition of an oleate complex [12]. The first nanoparticles to be synthesized with this method were Mn-Zn ferrite NPs with a composition of 0.7 : 0.3 Mn : Zn. The cost of the starting materials is roughly $5.99 per gram of product, with a yield of 95%. While this is not cheap, it is less than what it costs to synthesize the same nanoparticles through a thermal decomposition of metal acetylacetonates [7]. Additionally, this was calculated using prices that were not bulk pricing, so it can be reasonably assumed that the price will decrease upon significant scaling.

In order to create nanoparticles of monodispersity and uniform composition, the oleate complex synthesized was a mixture of iron, manganese, and zinc as opposed to mixing each metal-oleate complex separately [15]. When the nanoparticles were analyzed in SAXS (Figure 1(a)), the average particle size was determined as 11.2 nm ± 0.89, which is in close agreement with the value obtained from TEM measurements (11.2 nm ± 1.26). The size found for our previously reported Mn-Zn ferrite NPs [7] with a composition of 0.7 : 0.3 Mn : Zn was 6.7 nm ± 0.9 [7], and thus the oleate synthesis appears to result in slightly larger NPs; however, as can be seen from the TEM image in Figure 1(b), the oleate synthesized NPs are also highly spherical, which, as compared to the original synthesis used to make these nanoparticles, is promising for size and shape control [7].

(a)

(b)

The second synthesis investigated was a modification of a synthesis utilizing sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) [13]. This synthesis had significantly less control over the shape and size of the nanoparticles. The morphology seen in TEM shows an aggregated nonsymmetrical product with a large size distribution (Figure 2). Given that SDBS is known to act as a surface-capping agent for NP growth, the lack of size and shape control is more probably due to the different reactivity of the metal salts. An additional issue with the SDBS moderated synthesis is that the nanoparticles would not suspend readily in any solvent. In order to collect SAXS data, a concentrated sample is required and thus we were unable to analyze the SDBS stabilized NPs via SAXS. Furthermore, the synthesis had a very low yield (<5%) making it unsuitable for scaling.

The third utilized reaction investigated was the triethylene glycol (TREG) mediated decomposition of the appropriate metal acetylacetonates [14]. While this synthetic method is appropriate for nMag, it preceded so poorly for the Mn-Zn ferrite system that the product was unable to be suspended in even polar solvents, in contrast to the results reported for nMag [14]. In addition, a range of nonpolar solvents was tried, but the nanoparticles could not be suspended. Due to this, the reaction route was not further pursued. However, we note that part of the issue may be the dramatic differences in the thermal stability of the M(acac)_n complexes. The thermal decomposition of Fe(acac)₃ is at 186°C [16]; in contrast that of Mn(acac)₂ is not until 249°C [17], while Zn(acac)₂ is at only 130°C [18]. Thus, while this route is successful for nMag [14], the high stability of the Mn precursor means that insufficient precursor species are present for La Mer nucleation. Song et al. have shown that issues involving different thermal stability of M(acac)_n species may be overcome through the use of alternative ligands, such as benzoylacetonate [17].

As two of the three potential reactions produced nanoparticles capable of being analyzed further comparisons were made. As seen in Figures 1(b) and 2, the TEM images for both the oleate complex and SDBS reactions show distinct differences in the size, size distribution, and aggregation of the nanoparticles synthesized. If only TEM is consulted, the preferred synthesis to create large quantities of nanoparticles is the oleate complex synthesis. However, it is still unclear whether the nanoparticles from either of the reactions were synthesized with the desired ratios of Mn : Zn as compared to the ratios found in the precursors.

Table 1 shows the Mn : Zn ratio of the precursors against the ratio of Mn : Zn in the NPs as determined by ICP-OES. As can be seen, the oleate complex synthesis highly correlates to the ideal compositional ratio in a similar manner to the thermal decomposition of the metal acetylacetonates [7]. The SDBS synthesis, on the other hand, shows a poor correlation, with a zinc-rich composition making predictable syntheses difficult [7].

Based on results from TEM, SAXS, and ICP-OES, it can be clearly seen that the oleate complex reaction was the ideal synthesis, with high levels of control over size and shape, size distribution, aggregation (or lack thereof), and composition. Thus, all further syntheses were conducted with the oleate complex reaction.

3.2. Scaling Up the Synthesis

For the comparison between the different reactions that have previously been reported to be scalable for nMag [12–14], discussed above, the total amount of nanoparticles per synthesis was up to a few grams. In order to be able to use the nanoparticles as tracers in hydraulically fractured well as intended, significantly more material needs to be synthesized. As an initial test nanoscale magnetite (nMag) was synthesized at a 10x scale to test the feasibility. SAXS analysis of the resulting nMag (Figure 3(a)) shows an average particle size of 24 nm ± 3. Analysis of the TEM images (Figure 3(b)) shows an average particle size of 27 nm ± 2, which is in close agreement with SAXS analysis. It should be noted, however, that the NP size is larger than that reported for the smaller scale synthesis of nMag [12] and also that of the Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticles (see Figure 1). It is well known, however, that the insertion of cations into the lattice of magnetite changes the size of the synthesized nanoparticles [19–23]. The difference may be partially due to the said substitution.

(a)

(b)

Given the successful large-scale synthesis of nMag we attempted a larger scale reaction being run for Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticles. The nanoparticles that resulted from this scaling were analyzed with SAXS, TEM, and ICP-OES. Much like the results seen in the smaller syntheses, the sizes obtained from SAXS and TEM (Figure 4) are in close agreement (14 nm ± 1 and 16 nm ± 2, resp.) and the nanoparticles maintain the small size distribution seen at the lower scale (see above). ICP-OES indicated that the quantity of Mn : Zn found in the nanoparticles is the same as that of the precursors, meaning that even as the reaction is scaled the ability of compositional control does not change.

(a)

(b)

It would appear therefore that the NP size and composition (Mn : Zn ratio) remain essentially unchanged by reaction scale using the oleate synthesis. There is, however, one noticeable difference between the small- and large-scale syntheses: the larger scaled synthesis nanoparticles are of significantly different shape compared to those from the smaller synthesis. As may be seen from Figure 4(b) the NPs are cubic as opposed to spherical (Figure 1(b)) despite having the same precursor ratio of Mn : Zn. Based upon prior studies we can propose that this cubic structure could be due to impurities in the carboxylate precursor, length of time allowed to age during the growth stage, and/or an excess of fatty acid [15, 24–28]. Irrespective of shape, the ability to scale the synthesis of Mn-Zn ferrites has been shown with retention of composition for Mn_0.7Zn_0.3Fe₂O₄.

3.3. Relative Oleate Formation and Stability

The success of scaling the reaction for Mn-Zn ferrites with a Mn : Zn ratio = 0.7 : 0.3 led us to investigate higher Zn content using the oleate route, because of the higher mass susceptibility () observed for Zn-rich materials. Unfortunately, when compositions were attempted with Mn : Zn ratio <1, no NPs could be isolated.

The highly uniform size and shape of the NPs in the present case are consistent with La Mer nucleation as was observed for nMag [29, 30]. In the case of nMag it has been proposed that it is the thermal decomposition of iron-oleate complex that generates intermediate species, which seem to act as monomers for the iron oxide nanocrystals. It has been previously shown that the synthesis of metal oxide NPs in a nonaqueous solution occurs via the formation of an aldehyde radical [31]. Furthermore, during growth both oleate complexes and nanocrystals are present [29]. Thus, while Zn, Mn, and Fe are shown to complex readily with oleate [5, 12, 32], in order to form mixed metal nanoparticles, the oleate complex must have a uniform distribution of the various metals throughout and those metal-oleate complexes must have similar decomposition temperatures [15, 26, 33, 34].

At low concentrations of zinc, nanoparticles are readily synthesized and therefore it can be assumed that the oleate complex is equally mixed and uniform throughout. At higher quantities of zinc, however, nanoparticles do not form from the oleate complex, which suggests that there is some change in the mixture of the oleate complex, preventing the creation of mixed metal oxide nanoparticles. In order to determine whether the oleate complex was forming in a nonuniform manner with higher quantities of zinc, the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was investigated for iron-, manganese-, and zinc-oleate complexes, as well as two different iron-manganese-zinc-oleate complexes of varying compositions.

The Fe(III)-, Mn(II)-, and Zn(II)-oleate complexes have TGA curves that are similar to that seen in the literature (Figures 5(a)–5(c)) [5, 12, 32, 35]. The iron(III) complex has two distinct weight loss regimes (Figure 5(a)). The first section starting around 160°C correlates to a single oleate ligand being dissociated from the complex, while the second (at 300°C) correlates to the remaining two oleate ligands dissociating. Bao et al. have proposed that the middle section, where the slope of the graph flattens, is associated with the dissociation of oleate molecules that are weakly bound or are even free [15]. Manganese(II)-oleate has a similar curve when compared to iron(III)-oleate, but with the temperatures associated with weight loss slightly higher (240°C and 400°C, resp.), as well as slightly steeper rates of weight loss (Figure 5(b)). In contrast, the zinc(II)-oleate exhibits a very different TGA curve when compared to iron and/or manganese analogues. There is only a single continuous weight loss between 150°C and 500°C.

(a)

(b)

(c)

An important piece of information to take away from Figure 5 is the change in rate of weight loss for each oleate occurring at a slightly different temperature. Each change in rate of weight loss has been previously associated with different steps of nanoparticle synthesis [12, 15]. The slower rates of weight loss at lower temperatures are associated with the prenucleation stage, the subsequent slower rate loss at slightly higher temperatures is associated with the nucleation stage, and the high rates at high temperatures are associated with the growth stage of the nanoparticles. The temperatures associated with these changes are important, as they indicate the temperatures needed in order to be able to trigger the appropriate stage. As different metal-oleates are mixed, these stages and temperatures need to be closely observed; otherwise nanoparticle formation may not occur.

In order to investigate the relative thermal events that control the phases of NP growth, two different iron-manganese-zinc-oleate complexes were synthesized and analyzed by TGA and compared to the individual metal-oleate complexes discussed above (Figure 5). Figure 6(a) is the comparison of a Mn : Zn mixture of 0.3 : 0.7, that is, the zinc-rich regime where NPs are not formed with the component oleate complexes. Based upon the analysis by Bao et al., the mixed metal-oleate complex has a prenucleation stage between 190°C and 270°C. Both iron- and zinc-oleate complexes have prenucleation stages that occur around the same temperatures, whereas manganese-oleate complex needs at least 240°C in order to begin the prenucleation stage. Thus, prenucleation would be expected to favor iron and zinc. The nucleation stage for the mixed metal-oleate complex begins at 270°C but ends by 300°C. Only iron-oleate complex completes the nucleation phase by that temperature. The formation of nanoparticles occurs at temperatures above 300°C for the mixed metal-oleate complexes. While this is also true for the other metal-oleate complexes, if the oleate molecules have not dissociated fully, nanoparticle formation will be halted and the reaction will fail. This is therefore consistent with the observed lack of NPs for Zn-rich Mn-Zn ferrites.

(a)

(b)

The second of the mixed metal-oleate complexes studied (Mn : Zn ratio = 0.7 : 0.3) is quite different from the first. The curves for the various metal-oleate complexes more closely match the curve for the mixed metal-oleate complex (Figure 6(b)). The prenucleation stage occurs at temperatures lower than 270°C, which is similar to that seen for the 0.3 : 0.7 Mn : Zn mixed metal-oleate complex. The nucleation stage still occurs at a relatively narrow temperature window, but there are two extra changes in weight loss rate seen that were absent in Figure 6(a). The first of the events occurs around 365°C and the second around 435°C. The second is most likely due to a change in the rate of nanoparticle formation, as it is not very pronounced, but the first nicely lines up with the temperature required to begin nucleation in manganese-oleate complex. This allows for the eventual synthesis of nanoparticles at higher temperatures without the interference of poorly dissociated oleate ligands. In order to guarantee the synthesis of NPs with controlled composition, all of the different oleate complexes must be able to begin dissociation before nucleation or nanoparticle formation begins.

One potential way to remove this problem would be to create separate oleate complexes for each of the metals and then mix them during the thermal decomposition step. However, it has been shown that creating separate oleate complexes and then mixing them later for thermal decomposition leads to a broader size distribution and a decrease in shape control [35]. Another potential method is to use a different solvent with a higher boiling point to allow for the start of dissociation of all metal-oleate complexes present. This latter solution would ensure that each metal-oleate was involved in the burst nucleation and size focusing regimes [29]. Further development of scalable reactions needs to be conducted in order to facilitate the usage of Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticles as tracers.

4. Conclusions

Based upon the forgoing research we can make several conclusions as to the viability of scaling ternary ferrite NPs. First, despite a range of synthetic strategies being applicable for nMag, they may not allow for complex mixed oxides to be prepared with the same elemental and size control. Second, a particular route may be successful for large-scale synthesis of one particular formula (i.e., Mn : Zn = 0.7 : 0.3), but at different compositional ratios NPs may be difficult to prepare due to the differences in the kinetics associated with the precursors with respect to the prenucleation, nucleation, and growth stages of NP formation. It is clear that a greater understanding is important before these types of material can be used on a large scale.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Acknowledgments

Financial support was provided by the Robert A. Welch Foundation (C-0002), nanoAlberta, part of Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, and Welsh Government Sêr Cymru Programme.

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Copyright © 2015 Lauren Morrow and Andrew R. Barron. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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