# Enhanced Dispersibility of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Laser Pyrolysis with Isopropanol Vapors as Sensitizer

## TL;DR

This study shows that using isopropanol in laser pyrolysis improves the dispersibility of iron oxide nanoparticles in water and organic solvents.

## Contribution

The novel use of isopropanol as a sensitizer in laser pyrolysis enhances nanoparticle dispersibility and functionalization potential.

## Key findings

- Nanoparticles synthesized with isopropanol showed excellent colloidal stability in water and organic solvents.
- The hydrodynamic diameter was around 100 nm, and zeta potential exceeded 40 mV.
- Isopropanol outperformed ethylene as a sensitizer for nanoparticle dispersibility.

## Abstract

The present study investigates the synthesis and dispersibility process of iron oxide nanoparticles using laser pyrolysis with isopropanol vapors as a sensitizer agent. Similar to previous experiments (iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by laser pyrolysis using ethylene as sensitizer gas), iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)5) was employed as an iron precursor; however, instead of the classic ethylene, isopropanol was chosen as a sensitizer, which indicated beneficial features (especially enhanced dispersibility in water) in the as-synthesized nanoparticles. Structural and elemental analysis confirmed the size range of the nanoparticles (nanometric), with crystallite sizes under 10 nm. Both raw nanoparticles, as well as the oleic acid stabilized ones, exhibited excellent colloidal stability in both water and organic fluids (Toluene, Chloroform, and DMSO): around 100 nm hydrodynamic diameter and more than 40 mV for zeta potential. The study highlights the advantages of using isopropanol as a sensitizer in the production of high-purity iron oxide nanoparticles from laser pyrolysis, particles that showcase superior dispersibility and functionalization potential.