Biopolymer-assisted green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles and their magnetic properties

Magnetite nanoparticles were fabricated using a biopolymer (sodium alginate)-assisted route via redox-based hydrothermal method using FeCl3 center dot 6H(2)O and urea as the starting materials. The morphology, composition, and phase structure of as-prepared powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that biopolymer plays dual roles, reduction, and stabilization, in the formation of the products. This method can be easily controlled and is expected to be applicable for the preparation of other metal oxides. The sample demonstrated a typical ferromagnetic behavior from a direct current SQUID magnetometer (Quantum Design MPMS).