Synthesis and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3, Fe3O4): a brief review

The iron oxides (Fe3O4, Fe2O3, and their polymorphs) with nano dimensions have many interesting applications in various fields, like biomedical, electronics, etc. This is due to the fact that nanomaterials have unique magnetic and physiological properties as compared to bulk materials. Synthesis is the most important parameter in developing crystalline polymorphs of iron oxide with desirable and distinctive properties that make them suitable for technological applications. In this review, we have briefly discussed the methods of synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (chemical, physical and biosynthesis techniques) with quite interesting outcomes reported in earlier literature. The different characterization tools and concerns for iron oxide nanoparticles are also elaborated.Abbreviations: AFM, atomic force microscopy; 3D, three dimensions; DLS, dynamic light scattering; FCS, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy; FTIR, Fourier transform infrared; IR, infrared; MS, mass spectroscopy; NMs, nanomaterials; NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance; NPs, nanoparticles; SEM, scanning electron microscopy; STM, scanning tunnelling microscopy; TEM, transmission electron microscopy; XRD, X-ray diffraction.