Influence of reducing agent concentration on the structure, morphology and ferromagnetic properties of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles

Abstract

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles are successfully synthesized by using the chemical reduction synthesis method. The obtained XRD results revealed the formation of rhombohedral crystal structure of hematite α-Fe2O3with R3c space group. Raman-forbidden LO Eu mode and E1g mode observed at 657, 409 and 285 are clearly revealed hematite α-Fe2O3 formation. The prominent PL peak observed at 576 nm is attributed to stronger 3d–4sp hybridization due to the impact of size and morphology effect on synthesized hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles. SEM analysis revealed that the estimated average hematite nanoparticle size is reduced to be about 600–300 nm with an increase in the concentration of the reducing agent. The investigation of the magnetic properties of hematite nanoparticles showed that the product synthesized at low NaBH4 concentration exhibited an extremely small hysteresis loop and low coercivity when compared to higher concentrations. The influence of reducing agent concentration on the structure, morphology and ferromagnetic properties of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles are discussed comprehensively.