Formation of iron-containing clusters in silica of predetermined porosity

Abstract

Iron-containing nanoparticles and clusters were formed in silica with porosity, which was predetermined by different procedures of sol-gel technology and the chemical composition of precursors. Bulk and layer-type samples of different porosity were synthesized and investigated. The morphology, magnetic, and optical properties were studied to characterize the samples and to analyze the formation of Fe-oxides. Experimental results showed that both Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 were formed in the samples and that their relative amount was dependent on preparation technology.