Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of iron-oxide nanowires

Iron-oxide nanowires were synthesized by a hydrothermal treatment of Fe(OH)3 dispersion in NaOH. The obtained materials were first structurally investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. Their magnetic properties were then examined by superconducting quantum interference device and electron paramagnetic resonance methods. A typical nanowire measured 10-15 nm in diameter and 600 nm in length. All the structural and magnetic investigations were consistent with the nanowire goethite structure. The nanowire Neel transition temperature occurred at 375 K; i.e., it was lowered by 25 K with respect to the corresponding goethite bulk value. The shift in the ordering temperature was suggested to be a consequence of a growing importance of strains and surface effects at the nanoscale. We were also able to irreversibly convert goethite nanowires into hematite, by warming the sample to temperatures exceeding 530 K.