Enhanced Dispersibility of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Laser Pyrolysis with Isopropanol Vapors as Sensitizer

The present study investigates the synthesis and dispersibility process of iron oxide nanoparticles using laser pyrolysis with isopropanol vapors as a sensitizer agent. Similar to previous experiments (iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by laser pyrolysis using ethylene as sensitizer gas), iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)5) was employed as an iron precursor; however, instead of the classic ethylene, isopropanol was chosen as a sensitizer, which indicated beneficial features (especially enhanced dispersibility in water) in the as-synthesized nanoparticles. Structural and elemental analysis confirmed the size range of the nanoparticles (nanometric), with crystallite sizes under 10 nm. Both raw nanoparticles, as well as the oleic acid stabilized ones, exhibited excellent colloidal stability in both water and organic fluids (Toluene, Chloroform, and DMSO): around 100 nm hydrodynamic diameter and more than 40 mV for zeta potential. The study highlights the advantages of using isopropanol as a sensitizer in the production of high-purity iron oxide nanoparticles from laser pyrolysis, particles that showcase superior dispersibility and functionalization potential.