Fine-Tuning of Mn-Ferrite nanoparticle size using a Dual-Base coprecipitation method

The size of magnetic nanoparticles is a crucial factor that directly impacts their effectiveness in nanomedicine applications, particularly in magnetic hyperthermia. In this study, we developed a novel coprecipitation method to precisely tune the size of Mn-ferrite (MnFe 2 O 4 ) nanoparticles by adjusting the ratio between two bases: the organic 1-amino-2-propanol (MIPA) and the inorganic NaOH, under pH 12 conditions. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that by varying the MIPA volume percentage (x = 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 %) we successfully controlled the size of Mn-ferrite nanoparticles from 24 nm down to 3 nm. This novel coprecipitation method for controlling magnetic ferrite nanoparticle size serves as a proof of concept, offering a promising alternative for developing ferrite nanoparticles in applications where precise size control is essential.