A simple synthesis of Fe<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> powders and their structure, magnetic and electrical transport properties

Abstract

Fe 3 O 4 powders with highly crystalline have been synthesized by a sol-gel auto combustion synthesis method accompanying thermal process. The phase structures, morphologies of Fe 3 O 4 have been characterized by x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDX). The results show that complete and highly crystalline nature magnetite powders can be obtained. Furthermore, the roomtemperature magnetizations and the resistance of Fe 3 O 4 powders were also measured. The maximum magnetization of sample S1, S2and S3 is 88.3, 87.32 and 89.4emu/g at the applied magnetic field 5kOe, respectively, which are larger than the saturation PDJQHWL]DWLRQ RI WKH EXON Ȗ-Fe 2 O 3 (76emu/g). It is proved further that Fe 3 O 4 powders can be synthesized by the citrate-nitrate solgel auto combustion reaction method. The preliminary reaction mechanism is also discussed.