A new method for the identification and quantification of magnetite-maghemite mixture using conventional X-ray...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• Iron oxide nanoparticles are produced via electrical explosion of Fe wire.
• Distinguishing between magnetite (Fe(3)O(4)) and maghemite (γ-Fe(2)O(3)) is challenging due to similar crystal structures.
• Accurate phase quantification is crucial for understanding nanoparticle properties and applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a convenient method for identifying and quantifying magnetite-maghemite mixtures.
• To utilize conventional X-ray diffraction and peak deconvolution for phase analysis.
• To provide a practical tool for researchers studying iron oxide nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Electrical explosion of iron wire in air to produce iron oxide nanoparticles.
• X-ray diffraction (XRD) with step scanning around high-angle peaks (511, 440).
• Peak deconvolution technique combined with a calibration curve using pure magnetite and maghemite powders.

Main Results:

• Clear doublets were observed in XRD patterns, indicating the presence of both magnetite and maghemite phases.
• A calibration curve yielded high correlation coefficients (R(2) = 0.9941) for quantitative analysis.
• The synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were determined to contain 55.8 wt.% maghemite and 44.2 wt.% magnetite.

Conclusions:

• The proposed peak deconvolution method offers a convenient and accurate approach for analyzing magnetite-maghemite mixtures.
• This technique simplifies the characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles, potentially replacing more complex methods.
• The findings facilitate the study and application of binary iron oxide nanoparticle systems.