Size and Shape Controllable Synthesis of Monodisperse Iron Oxide Nanoparticles by Thermal Decomposition of Iron Oleate Complex

We have demonstrated the effects of reaction temperature, reaction concentration, surfactant concentration, refluxing time, seed-mediated growth, and heating rate on the size and morphology of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by thermal decomposition of iron oleate complex through "heating-up" process. By precisely controlling the reaction parameters, monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles with the sizes ranging from 7 to 35 nm and controllable shapes are obtained. The formation kinetics of monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles is experimentally studied and discussed. The results can be helpful in generally understanding the mechanism of thermal decomposition method.