Characterization of γ‐Fe₂O₃ Nanoparticles Synthesized Through Self‐Propagating Combustion Route

γ‐Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles of ∼100 nm size were prepared through self‐propagating combustion route using ferrous phthalate precursor employing polyethylene glycol as a fuel. As prepared γ‐Fe₂O₃ was characterised by employing X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), Mossbauer spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis (EDAX) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). From XRD and XPS, we find that the surface of these nanoparticles is α‐Fe₂O₃ and the core is γ‐Fe₂O₃ . γ‐Fe₂O₃ particles were spherical in shape showing a well‐resolved 6 narrow bands in Mossbauer spectrum. No impurities were present, as indicated by EDAX and also no other phase than α and γ was present which substantiates suitability of the synthesis route for γ‐Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. The magnetic properties of the γ‐Fe₂O₃ were also studied by using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM).

Keywords:

• γ‐Fe₂O₃
• self‐propagating combustion route
• Mossbauer spectroscopy
• XPS

One of the authors S. Basavaraja acknowledges the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi for financial assistance. Authors wish thanks to Dr. D. M. Phase and Shri. Vinay Ahire for SEM and EDAX, Dr. N. P. Lalla and Mr. Suresh Bharadwaj for XRD, Dr. V. R. Reddy for Mossbauer, Dr. Alok Banerjee for VSM and the Centre Director, UGC‐DAE, CSR, Indore Centre for the measurement facilities.