Synthesis of magnetite octahedrons from iron powders through a mild hydrothermal method

Magnetite (Fe3O4) octahedral particles were fabricated from iron powders through a simple one-step alkali-assisted hydrothermal process. The crystallinity, morphology, and structural features of the as-prepared magnetite particles were investigated using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The values of saturation magnetization (M-s) and coercivity (H) of the magnetite octahedrons characterized on a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) are 89.81 emu/g and 70.6 Oe, respectively. The concentration of NaOH and the reaction temperature played a key role in the formation of the magnetite octahedrons. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.