Preparation of γ–Fe2O3 nanoparticles from a nonaqueous precursor

Abstract

Nanosized particles of γ–Fe2O3 were prepared by heat treatment of the precipitates, obtained from a homogeneous solution of stearic acid and hydrated iron(III) nitrate. The compositional and thermal characteristics of the precipitates were studied with the aid of infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The x-ray diffraction and small-angle x-ray scattering investigation shows that γ–Fe2O3 nanoparticles with narrow size distribution can be prepared successfully by this route.