Interphase synthesis of Fe3O4/CdS core–shell nanoparticles

CdS and Fe3O4/CdS core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple interphase method. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, XRD and spectroscopy techniques (fluorescence and UV–vis absorption). The effects of reagent concentration on the properties of obtained nanoparticles were investigated. It was shown that the UV–vis spectra of the Fe3O4/CdS colloidal toluene solutions have the sharp edge at 311 nm and the long tail. The broad emission bands in the photoluminescence spectra of the Fe3O4/CdS organosols observed at 506, 560 and 568 nm with the increasing of cadmium oleate concentration. The thickness of CdS shell was ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 nm while the average size of the magnetite core is about 9.9 nm.

► Core–shell nanoparticles are prepared by interphase interaction.
► Shell thickness and optical properties of products depend on reagent concentration.
► Fe3O4/CdS nanoparticles are formed in a mixture with particles of pure CdS and Fe3O4.