Mechano-sysntesis and structural, magnetic and thermal characterization of $\alpha$-Fe nanoparticles embedded in a W\"ustite matrix

TL;DR

This study synthesizes Fe nanoparticles embedded in a Wüstite matrix via mechanical milling, thoroughly characterizes their magnetic properties, and evaluates their potential for hyperthermia-based cancer therapy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel Fe/Wüstite composite with stable magnetic properties and demonstrates its suitability for biomedical hyperthermia applications.

Findings

Presence of exchange bias effect at low temperatures

Achieves hyperthermia temperatures (~46°C) rapidly

Sample exhibits high stability over time

Abstract

Magnetic materials for specific applications require an accurate control and complete comprehension of their magnetic properties. In particular, nanoparticles embedded in a polycrystalline matrix emerge as good candidates for applications due to the possibility of tuning the magnetic properties through interface interaction effects. Here, iron/w\"ustite composite is prepared using high energy mechanical milling from iron powder and water. The sample is analyzed by X-ray diffraction, dynamic laser light scattering, M\"ossbauer spectroscopy, field cooling and zero field cooling curves, magnetization curves, and magnetic hyperthermia. Based on the results, we identify that the produced sample is like Fe nanoparticles embedded in a w\"ustite matrix, with high stability in time, and shows noticeable features such as exchange bias effect at low temperatures and promising temperatures reached in a short time interval when considered magnetic hyperthermia, $\sim 46\,^\circ$C, becoming an interesting candidate for biological applications, such as the one employed for cancer therapy.