Luminescent iron oxide nanoparticles prepared by one-pot aphen-functionalization

5-Amino-1,10-phenanthroline (Aphen)-functionalized monodisperse luminescent iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared using a one-pot synthetic procedure via a thermal decomposition process. Amine functional groups of Aphen as a luminescent source afforded highly stabilized magnetic nanoparticles in polar solvents, resulting in a well-dispersed solution. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the size distribution and particle morphology of the iron oxide nanoparticles was improved after anchoring with Aphen. The functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles with Aphen was examined by UV-vis absorbance and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The Aphen-anchored iron oxide nanoparticles exhibited excellent luminescence properties with an estimated luminescence quantum yield of 0.00354 at room temperature. In addition, these Aphen-anchored iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized by vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) to reveal the magnetic properties. The Aphenanchored iron oxide nanoparticles exhibited both luminescence and magnetic properties.