Frequently Asked Questions on Working with Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

• How should I use nanoparticles in suspension?
  Before using nanoparticles in suspension, it is essential to vigorously shake the container, place it in an ultrasonic bath for 10 to 15 minutes (15 minutes minimum for containers larger than 2L), and shake it again after removing it from the bath.
  The mixture should be perfectly homogeneous, with few visible sediments.

• How should I use nanoparticles in powder form?
  Before using nanoparticles in powder form, they should be dispersed in a medium (solvent, buffer, etc.) and the container should be vigorously shaken. Next, the suspension should be placed in an ultrasonic bath for 10 to 15 minutes (15 minutes minimum for containers larger than 2L) and shaken again after removing it from the bath. 
  The mixture should be homogeneous, with no visible sediment at the bottom of the container.

• Which solvents can I use with my nanomaterials?
  The stability of some nanomaterials depends on the solvents used. Certain solvents will facilitate the dispersion of nanoparticles, while others may not — or will only slightly — disperse them. Our nanomaterials are usually dispersible in polar solvents (ethanol, methanol, water, DMSO, DMF). However, they are less dispersible in non-polar or organic solvents. Note that they are poorly dispersible in dichloromethane, toluene, and THF. 
  Solvent mixtures may be used, of course.
  
  An example in Catalysis: 
  The reaction is originally performed in THF, but the nanocatalysts are not dispersible in this solvent. You may add a second solvent (or co-solvent) in which the nanoparticles are miscible, such as DMSO. The two solvents must be miscible, too. 

• Under what conditions should my reactions with nanomaterials be carried out?
  In most cases, reactions can be carried out between 15°C (60°F) and 150°C (300°F) at atmospheric pressure. However, if you are dispersing our iron oxide-based nanomaterials in an aqueous medium, do not work at a pH lower than 3.
  If your reaction should not work, it is possible to vary certain parameters such as temperature. It is important to pay attention to the dispersion of our nanomaterials in the medium used.

• How should I store my nanomaterials?
  SPIOS should be stored at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from light.

• What should I do if my reaction still fails after following the above advice? 
  Please do not hesitate to contact us, so that we can assist you. The more information you share about your project, the easier it will be for us to guide you.

• Are the properties of materials the same at nanoscale?
  Certain properties may be different to what you are used to from macroscale. For example, Fe3O4 is ferromagnetic at the macroscopic scale but becomes superparamagnetic at the nanoscale. Also, colour and appearance may be different.

• How can I effectively characterize nanoparticles?
  Nanoparticle characterization should be carried out in a specialized laboratory equipped with highly specific tools, like, e.g. a particle sizer, particularly for surface grafting. 

• How can I determine the optimal catalytic loading?
  Please feel free to consult us; depending on the catalytic metal and the type of catalysis chosen, we can recommend the necessary loading.

• How should I equip myself or my team to handle nanomaterials?
  When handling nanopowders, an FFP3 mask is mandatory in addition to the above-mentioned standard personal protective equipment.

→ Read our blog about superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles! 

→ For any questions and inquiries, feel free to get in contact!