Investigation of the nucleation and growth dynamics of FePt nanoparticles prepared via a high-temperature synthesis route employing PtCl2 as platinum precursor

A high-temperature synthesis for FePt nanoparticles using Fe(acac)(3) and PtCl2 as a less reactive platinum precursor than the commonly used Pt(acac)(2) is investigated. The use of this precursor allows the synthesis of larger particles. Kinetic studies demonstrate a single nucleation event at the beginning of the reaction and a growth via consumption of monomers. Ostwald ripening does not occur under the investigated reaction conditions. A novel method for a further increase of particle sizes based on continuous injection of additional monomers during the growth regime is presented.