The effect of surface modification on the microstructure and properties of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles

The gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles coated with DBS and CTAB were prepared by the microemulsion method. The microstructure was researched using synchrotron radiation. The XPS results reveal the chemical bonds between gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and surfactant groups. The Mossbauer spectra at room temperature were measured for the coated samples. The EXAFS results show substantial effect of the surface modification on the local atomic structures. The coated samples exhibit an enhanced nonlinear optical response. The coated layers were found to have a significant influence on the electron structures of the nanoparticle surface. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.