Magnetic properties of different phases iron oxide nanoparticles prepared by micro emulsion-hydrothermal method

Abstract

In this study, we report the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) using micro-emulsion-hydrothermal method. By adjusting the synthesis temperature, we successfully produced FeO nanorods and nanospheres. In addition, the 2-octanol, and the surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide served as a solvent in the synthesis process. Using iron nitrate hexahydrate as the salt precursor allowed for the formation of FeONPs with varied sizes, shapes and phases. The synthesized materials were extensively characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, FTIR, and XPS techniques. However, the structural analysis revealed rhombohedral (hematite), and (magnetite) crystal structures in the materials synthesized at different temperature and durations, with particles ranged in size from 12 to 97 nm. More importantly, the magnetic characterization, performed with a vibrating sample magnetometer and SQUID magnetometer, indicated that the NPs showed not clear superparamagnetic behavior. In conclusion, this work demonstrates the synthesis of FeONPs with controlled size, shape and phase using microemulsion hydrothermal technique, with detailed characterization offering valuable insights into their magnetic and structural properties.