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). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]