Nd-Doped Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: Microwave Synthesis, Catalytic Properties in Selective Oxidation of Styrene

Abstract

Nanocrystalline powder of neodymium substituted iron oxides samples were synthesized through the microwave approach. The synthesized pristine Fe3O4 and Nd-doped Fe3O4 structural properties were analyzed by the X-ray diffraction technique. The microstructural details, morphology and elemental composition were assessed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy attached with EDX. The Fe3O4 nanostructures possess spherical morphology as well as consistent particle size distribution, which is confirmed by HR-SEM. The formation of Fe3O4 with high purity was confirmed by EDX and XRD analysis. The particle size calculated by HR-TEM images and crystallite size through the XRD study showed that the value obtained by both the methods is nearly the same. The catalytic properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles are examined in the selective oxidation of styrene.