FeCo magnetic nanoparticles and ferrofluid synthesis by hydrogen free reductive decomposition

Abstract

Cooling solutions are the immediate need for most applications, from large scale factories, to hand held devices such as mobile phones, to ensure their efficiency and long life span. Most of the current solutions comprise of primarily active cooling systems, which not only use up additional power, but also lead to problems such as noise or vibration.

Thermomagnetic cooling system, which utilizes ferrofluid, is a form of passive cooling system, and is a more environmentally friendly option. Nevertheless, the efficiency of the ferrofluid depends on a few factors, primarily the nanoparticles and the carrier liquid. In this report, the focus will be on synthesizing size controlled high quality magnetic nanoparticles.

Fe and Co have always been lauded as metals with high magnetic saturation values and an alloy of the two metals is believed to have the best magnetization properties and stability. Thermal decomposition method was used to synthesize particles of various compositions, which were then suspended in dodecane to prepare the ferrofluid. The magnetic characteristics of the particles, along with thermal and structural characteristics, were then examined and the most suitable composition, for the use of cooling systems, was then determined.