Reductive dissolution of Fe3O4 facilitated by the Au domain of an Fe3O4/Au hybrid nanocrystal: formation of a nanorattle structure composed of a hollow porous silicananoshell and entrapped Aunanocrystal

Abstract

The Fe₃O₄ grain of a Fe₃O₄/Au hybrid nanocrystal encapsulated in a silica nanosphere was rapidly and exclusively dissolved through a reductive process facilitated by the attached Au grain, resulting in the formation of a nanorattle structure which has utility as a nanoreactor to template the growth of nanocrystals inside the cavity.