Synthesis of silica-coated Fe-based coordination polymers as precursor for preparation of Fe2O3@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles

We report a new synthetic route for preparation of Fe2O3@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles by calcination of silica-coated Fe-based nanoscale coordination polymers (Fe-NCPs). Firstly, Fe-NCPs were synthesized by microwave-assisted method. The as-synthesized Fe-NCPs were then coated with silica as a shell via a sol–gel process. Finally, Fe2O3@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles were achieved through the calcination of the silica-coated Fe-NCPs. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and N2 sorption–desorption isotherms. The as-synthesized nanoparticles exhibit core–shell structured, magnetic characteristics and high porosity.