A novel route for the synthesis of gamma phased Fe2O3 nano particles through polymer assisted spray pyrolysis

Abstract

Iron oxide nanomaterials find a very important position in the nano world due to its various properties. The most important phases of iron oxide are alpha-Fe2O3 (hematite), gamma-Fe2O3 (maghemite) and Fe3O4 (magnetite). In these phases, maghemite and magnetite have excellent magnetic properties which make them very important candidates in magnetic applications. Nano particles of gamma-Fe2O3 are emerging agent in the field of medical diagnosis and cancer treatment. In this paper, we discuss a new and simple method for the synthesis of gamma-Fe2O3 (maghemite) nanoparticles through spray pyrolysis. Ferric nitrate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and deionized water were used for the preparation of precursor solution. This solution was sprayed on a glass plate maintained at a low temperature (≈150°C) and the resultant brown powder was collected. Iron oxide powder was synthesized by annealing the as-prepared powder at a relatively low temperature. PVA is easily combustible at this temperature and the heat liberated in this reaction is sufficient for the crystallization of the oxide phase. The obtained sample is characterized and analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM).