Fe3O4 and CdS based bifunctional core–shell nanostructure

A room temperature solution process for synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and their hybrid core shell nanostructures using CdS as the shell material has been described. The as grown particles have been characterised using XRD, Rietveld refinement, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, superconducting quantum interference device, optical absorbance and photoluminescence spectroscopy. A superparamagnetic response revealed from the magnetisation measurements of the as synthesised magnetite nanoparticles was retained even after the growth of the CdS shell. From luminescence and high resolution atomic force microscopy measurements, it is shown that the core–shell structures advantageously combine magnetic as well as fluorescence response with a tendency towards self-organization.

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► First report on a room temperature aqueous process for growth of a hybrid core shell nanostructure containing a magnetic core and a semiconducting shell.
► Formation of distinct core shell nanostructure revealed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy.
► A bifunctional nature combining magnetic as well as photoresponce for the as synthesised core shell nanostructures demonstrated.
► A tendency towards self organisation of the core–shell nanostructure.
► Possible applications including purification and isolation of biological materials, drug delivery system, bio-labels, spintronics, etc.