Tunable synthesis and multifunctionalities of Fe3O4–ZnO hybrid core-shell nanocrystals

We report the tunable synthesis and multifunctionalities of Fe3O4–ZnO hybrid core-shell nanocrystals as prepared through controlled sequential nanoemulsion processes. The characterization shows the orderly variations of the structural, magnetic, photoluminescent and absorption properties of the nanocrystals versus the nanoshell thickness. The nanocrystals reveal structural features unique to the core-shell design and exhibit well-defined superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. In opposite to the decreasing magnetization, both bandgap and induced surface emissions depend strongly on the increasing nanoshell thickness. Moreover, the FTIR analysis provides the fingerprints of the polymer surfactant, ZnO and Fe3O4 in the same nano-entity and the core-shell nanocrystals could be directly dispersed in both aqueous and organic media for application readiness. Aptly tunable in nanostructures and thus optimized properties, this kind of monosized, high quality, and multifunctional core-shell nanocrystals could be of interest for fundamental studies and potential applications.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Systematic investigation of multifunctional Fe3O4–ZnO hybrid core-shell nanocrystals. ► Show the strong dependence of different properties on the nanoshell thickness. ► Reveal unique structural features and well-defined superparamagnetism. ► Demonstrate two kinds of fluorescent emissions and the polymer coating. ► Direct dispersion of the nanocrystals in both aqueous and organic media.