Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Isobutanol

Abstract

Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by precipitation in isobutanol with sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide. The isobutanol played a role of a surfactant in the synthesis. The nanoparticles were calcined for 100 min to 5 hours in the range of 300 to 600°C. The characterization of the samples by FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) confirmed the formation of γ -Fe 2 O 3 (maghemite) from Fe 3 O 4 (magnetite) at calcination at 300°C. The morphology and particle size were studied by SEM (scanning electron microscope). Nanoparticles in the range of 11–22 nm prepared at 0.09 M of ferrous chloride exhibited superparamagnetic properties. Nanoparticles synthesized with ferrous chloride and ammonium hydroxide at 75°C and calcined at 530°C for 2 h were α -Fe 2 O 3 (hematite).