Carbothermal reduction method for Fe 3O 4 powder synthesis

Abstract

This paper describes controlled synthesis of Fe 3O 4 powder via carbothermal reduction method using pure Fe 2O 3 powder and glucose mixture as starting materials. Pure Fe 3O 4 powders were produced when glucose mole fraction was greater than 1/24. However, below 1/24 glucose mole fraction, only mixed Fe 3O 4 and Fe 2O 3 powders were obtained. Glucose is the source of carbon and CO gas, both of react with Fe 2O 3 to form Fe 3O 4. At 1/24 glucose mole fraction the lowest carbon content in reaction products was 0.018%, which increased with the glucose mole fraction. Possible carbothermal reduction mechanisms and Fe 3O 4 powder magnetic properties were investigated. The carbothermal reduction method for Fe 3O 4 synthesis has merits; it is not dangerous, controllable, and is suitable for large batch production, leading to novel applications of Fe 3O 4 powders.