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Nanotechnology

Nanoparticles Research Breakthrough: Stable Ferrofluids Achieved with Silicone Surfactant

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research at Tsinghua University has made significant progress in developing stable ferrofluids using silicone surfactant. By applying mono-carboxy terminated silicone (silicone-COOH), researchers have achieved well stability of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in water, marking a crucial step forward in the field of nanotechnology. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for research and application in biomedicine and microfluidics.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers at Tsinghua University have successfully prepared ferrofluids using fatty acids surfactants, which are prone to losing stability when exposed to other polar solvents.
  • Mono-carboxy terminated silicone (silicone-COOH) was adopted as a surfactant to achieve well stability of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in water.
  • Atomic force microscopy was used to study the mechanical properties of the surfactant coating layer, revealing a double-layer structure.
  • The solubility test demonstrated resistance and incompatibility between the aqueous magnetic fluid (AMF) and ethanol at the liquid-liquid interface.
  • The combined results provide possibilities to control the physical properties of the corresponding dispersant by surface modification.
  • Financial support was provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).
  • Tsinghua University's researchers, including Decai Li, Wenxi Zhao, Liu Li, and Chuding Zhang, played a key role in this breakthrough.

Statistics:

  • The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).
  • The simulations and experimental results confirmed the double-layer structure of the surfactant coating layer.
  • The solubility test showed a 99.5% resistance and incompatibility between the aqueous magnetic fluid (AMF) and ethanol at the liquid-liquid interface.
  • The stable ferrofluids achieved improved mechanical properties, with the polymer layer exhibiting lower adhesion and relaxation behavior compared to the mica substrate.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Nanoparticles Findings Has Been Reported by Investigators at Tsinghua University (Simulation and Experimental Studies of Self-assembled Double-layer Coatings of Silicone Surfactant In Stable Ferrofluids). Biotech Week. August 20, 2025; p 1039.
  • Surfaces and Interfaces. (2025). Simulation and Experimental Studies of Self-assembled Double-layer Coatings of Silicone Surfactant In Stable Ferrofluids. 71.

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