One step synthesis of maghemite nanoparticles by direct thermal decomposition of Fe-urea complex and their properties

Maghemite (gamma-Fe(2)O(3)) nanoparticles can be prepared in a single step by the direct thermal decomposition of an Fe-urea complex ([Fe(CON(2)H(4))(6)](NO(3))(3)). The result of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) suggests the formation of gamma-Fe(2)O(3) whose lattice constant is 8.352 angstrom. The average crystallite size of the nanoparticles is estimated to be 24 nm. The formation of gamma-Fe(2)O(3) is further confirmed from an infrared spectrum. Magnetic measurements show that the nanoparticles exhibit ferromagnetic characteristics with a relatively large coercivity of 212 Oe and remanent magnetization of 16.8 emu/g and have the maximum saturation magnetization of 67.4 emu/g. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.