Structural,Magnetic, and Thermal Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Advanced Biomedical and Environmental Applications

Abstract

The synthesis and investigation of magnetic oxide nanoparticles has garnered increasing interest due to their potential applications in biomedicine, environmental remediation, and electronic devices. This study explores the controlled chemical synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles, particularly iron oxides such as Fe₃O₄ and γ-Fe₂O₃, using techniques like sol-gel and co- precipitation. These methods were selected for their simplicity, scalability, and effectiveness in tailoring particle size, shape, crystallinity, and magnetic properties. Comprehensive physico- chemical characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). These techniques provided insights into nanoparticle morphology, surface structure, crystallite size, and magnetic behavior. A key focus of this research was on achieving super paramagnetic behavior in nanoparticles, essential for applications such as magnetic resonanceimaging(MRI),targeted drug delivery, and magnetic hyperthermia. Furthermore, surface functionalization and reaction condition optimization were employed to improve colloidal stability and biocompatibility. The study also examined the influence of various dopants and synthesis routes on coercivity, saturation magnetization, and dielectric properties. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited desirable properties including high saturation magnetization, narrow size distribution, and excellent chemical stability. This research underscores the importance of synthesis control in achieving functional magnetic nanoparticles for specific industrial and biomedical uses. It provides a foundation for the development of advanced nanomaterials with tailored magnetic and surface characteristics.