Liquid–liquid phase transfer of magnetite nanoparticles — Evaluation of surfactants

Because of the large surface area of colloids interface effects are dominant in contrast to volume effects. The study presents experimental results of the direct transfer of magnetite nanoparticles from an aqueous to a non-miscible organic phase. The starting point is a water-based colloid that is synthesized through a precipitation reaction. The transfer is based on the adsorption of surfactants onto the particle surface at the liquid–liquid interface. While penetrating the liquid–liquid interface, the particles are covered with surfactants and a partial de-agglomeration is initiated. The intention is to produce a stable organic colloid, which has important applications in industry. The optimized process parameters for the successful phase transfer process, the adsorption reactions at the liquid–liquid interface and the stabilization of primary particles in the organic phase are demonstrated.