Magnetic nanocomposites based on cyclodextrin-containing molecular tubes and iron nanoparticles

Stabilization of metallic nanoparticles may be achieved by the formation of their adducts with polymers and/or nanotubes of various chemical composition. Here, water-soluble nanotubes based on β-cyclodextrin (β-tubes) were used for entrapping of Fe nanoparticles obtained by the reduction of iron-containing precursors ([Fe₃(CO)₁₁H][Et₄N] cluster and FeSO₄). Using methods of light-scattering, viscometry, and isothermal diffusion measurements, it was shown that the adducts are associated in aqueous solutions. The presence of iron nanoparticles and the shape and size of adducts were verified by transmission electron microscopy. The adducts are long (up to 600 nm and longer), translucent associates consisting of denser walls and transparent cores. The width of nanotubes is ∼150 nm and the thickness of the wall 3–25 nm. Their magnetic properties were demonstrated by electron paramagnetic resonance method. The mechanism of self-assembly of the adducts is discussed.