Citric acid concentration tune of structural and magnetic properties in hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method

This study synthesized hematite nanoparticles using the sol-gel method. The physical properties are modified by the citric acid concentration used as fuel. The resulting sample's rhombohedral (hexagonal) structure and space group R3c were revealed by the XRD data. The Scherer formula revealed that the crystallite size at the most substantial peak was 32.14 nm, 24.58 nm, and 23.21 nm with an increase in the citric acid concentration of 0.3 M, 0.4 M, and 0.5 M, respectively. The FTIR spectrum's absorption band reveals the properties of hematite nanoparticles. Finally, the magnetic properties confirmed from the VSM data revealed a significant decrease in the coercive field at 935 Oe, 610 Oe, and 548 Oe as the effect of citric acid concentration increased.

Automated summary

Hematite nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method, and their physical properties were modified by varying the citric acid concentration. XRD data revealed the rhombohedral (hexagonal) structure and space group R3c of the resulting sample. According to the Scherer formula, the crystallite size at the main peak decreased with an increase in citric acid concentration. The FTIR spectrum's absorption band provided information about the properties of the hematite nanoparticles. Furthermore, the VSM data showed a significant decrease in the coercive field as the citric acid concentration increased.