IRON COLLOIDS PREPARED BY CHEMICAL LIQUID DEPOSITION

Iron colloids were prepared by cocondensation of the metal at 77K with ethanol, 2-propanol and 2-methoxyethanol. The distribution of particle sizes was determined by transmission electron microscopy. The particle size of the colloidal dispersions ranges from 3.94 nm for Fe-ethanol and 6.70 nm for Fe-methoxyethanol. Electron diffraction was carried out for Fe-2-propanol colloids and exhibit the presence of FeO. Electrophoretic measurements such as colloid charge and zeta potential were achieved. It was found that the colloids possess electrical charge, therefore it is postulated that their stability is by simple solvatation. The colloids showed very high stability at room temperature, being over 30 days. In some colloids absorption bands in the UV region were observed. A band at 201 nm and the band at 320 nm is due to the absorption of metal-metal. In the visible region no plasma absorption was found.