Synthesis, characterization, and manipulation of dendrimer-stabilized iron sulfide nanoparticles

FeS nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using ethylenediamine core poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers of generation 4 terminated with amino (G4·NH2), hydroxyl (G4·NGlyOH), and carboxyl (G4·SAH) groups, respectively, as stabilizers. These dendrimer-stabilized FeS NPs (FeS DSNPs) were characterized by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrometry, zeta-potential measurements, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Deposition of FeS NPs onto mesoporous silica gel microparticles was attempted using two approaches: (A) direct coating of {FeS–G4·NH2} DSNPs onto silica particles; and (B) using G4·NH2-coated silica particles to incorporate Fe2+ ions for the subsequent formation of FeS NPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies show that approach (B) was much more efficient in the incorporation of FeS NPs than approach (A). Such preparation and manipulation of FeS DSNPs provides a unique strategy for fabricating various reactive nanoplatforms for environmental remediation applications.