Size Control of Highly Monodisperse Citrate-Stabilized Magnetite Nanoparticles in Aqueous Media: The Role of Cerium Cations.

ABSTRACT: Controlling the nucleation and growth of magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) via aqueous coprecipitation at room temperature is inherently challenging due to kinetic and thermodynamic constraints. Rapid pH increases trigger a burst nucleation event that depletes precursors before significant growth occurs, while NP surfaces are quickly passivated by water and hydroxyl ions, forming a dewetting barrier that impedes further growth. To address these challenges, we developed an innovative synthesis approach that incorporates lanthanide (Ln) cations, mainly Ce³⁺, together with sodium citrate into the coprecipitation process. These additives act synergistically to lower surface energy and stabilize both precursors and reaction intermediates, thereby facilitating controlled crystal growth. W

SUBMITTER: Mejia-Carmona K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12530175 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature