Green Synthesis of Nanoscopic Iron Oxide Particles: A Potential Oxidizer in Nanoenergetics

Interest in developing a nano‐oxidizer matrix for reaction with nano‐Al for energetic applications led to the development of nanometric Fe₂O₃.We have reported a synthetic procedure for nano‐iron oxide using starch as the capping agent. Here, aqueous solution of ferric chloride is added into starch solution, and after stirring it is made basic by triethyl amine to get colloidal precipitate of ferric hydroxide. This precipitate after centrifugation and calcination resulted into nanoparticles of iron oxide. This method is very suitable for scaling up due to its reproducible nature and eco‐friendliness. The experimental results show that with increasing precursor ion concentration, the surface area increases, while particle size remains constant. With increasing pH, the particle morphology changes from spherical to tubular shape.

Keywords:

• synthesis
• monodispersed
• nanoporous
• surface area
• nanotube