Synthesis and characterization of isolated iron oxide nanoparticle dispersed in MgO matrix

Abstract

g-Fe2O3/MgO nanocomposite powders, which can be used for biomedical, magnetic and the catalytic applications, were fabricated by means of spray pyrolysis using an ultrasonic atomizer. The liquid source was prepared using Fe and Mg nitrates dissolved in pure water. The liquid was atomized using an ultrasonic atomizer and carried into a pre-heated chamber (500~800oC) by air carrier gas. The mist was then decomposed into g-Fe2O3 and MgO nanopowders. The entire operation was performed at 1 atm. The g-Fe2O3/MgOpowder was found to be perfectly crystallized at 800 oC. The particle size of g-Fe2O3/MgOnanocomposite powders prepared at 800 oC was about 10nm for g-Fe2O3 and MgO, which were calculated by XRD using Scherrer`s formula and measured by TEM observation. The samples indicate the presence of superparamagnetic properties and a blocking temperature (TB) of 125 K.