Structural isomers of iron(iii) N-methyl diethanolaminate as sol–gel precursors for iron-based oxide nanomaterials

Abstract

A new homoleptic iron(III) complex, [Fe₄(mdea)₆]·6CHCl₃ (mdeaH₂ = N-methyl diethanolamine), isolated in star- or chair-shaped isomeric forms, was evaluated and compared with other homoleptic iron(III) aminoalkoxides for different sol–gel parameters to stabilize nano-sized colloidal suspensions, and to elaborate magnetic Fe₂O₃ and BiFeO₃ nanoparticles as well as thin films by spin coating.