On the Paradigm of Fluorescence-Magnetic Co-Functionalization of As4S4/Fe3O4 Nanocomposites Activated by Dry–wet Mechanochemistry
摘要
The nanocomposites of As4S4/Fe3O4 cut-section have been successfully fabricated by dry–wet mechanochemistry from bulky pre-cursors employing nanomilling in the Poloxamer 407 (PX) water solution, ensuring surfactant-capped state of both boundary components (arsenical and magnetite). The constituent nanoparticles in the nanocomposites possess intrinsic core–shell architectures with homogeneous core of nanostructured arsenical nc-β-As4S4, and magnetite nc-Fe3O4, and heterogeneous shell composed of amorphous phase (presumably, a-AsS), contamination products from milling facilities like nanocrystalline-amorphous zirconia (ZrO2) and surfactant (PX). In respect to fluorescence functionality, the heterogeneous shell consisted of inner and outer shell interfaces hosting a-AsS and capping agent (a-AsS/PX) is responsible for blue-cyan fluorescence from nanoarsenical core obeying size-limiting quantum confinement requirements in the as-prepared state. Regarding magnetic functionality, the heterogeneous shell consisted of magnetically inert admixture of a-AsS, contamination products and surfactant, plays a protective role against agglomeration of magnetically-active cores of homogeneous nanocrystalline magnetite.