Synthesis of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles by thermal-decomposition of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles

In this research work, we prepared γ -Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles by thermal-decomposition of Fe 3 O 4 . The Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were synthesized via co-precipitation method at room temperature. This simple, soft and cheap method is suitable for preparation of iron oxide nanoparticles ( γ -Fe 2 O 3 ; Fe 3 O 4 ). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The XRD and FT-IR results indicated the formation of γ -Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. The TEM images showed that the γ -Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 were spherical, and their size was 18 and 22 nm respectively. Magnetic properties have been measured by VSM at room temperature. Hysteresis loops showed that the γ -Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were super-paramagnetic.