Synthesis of magnetite nanorods and porous hematite nanrods

Fe3O4 nanorods with average diameters of 40-50 nm and lengths of up to 1 mum were synthesized through hydrolysis of FeCl3 and FeSO4 solutions containing urea in the temperature range from 90 to 95 degreesC in reflux condition for 12 h, following an aging time of 12 h. The porous hematite nanorods were prepared by calcination of the precursor which was obtained from hydrolysis of FeCl3 and FeSO4 solutions containing urea at a temperature of 90 degreesC for 10 h in hydrothermal condition. The formation of the porosity of hematite was due to the decomposition of FeCO3 and FeOOH. Urea played a key role in the formation of the iron oxide nanorods. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the morphology of magnetite particles is homogeneous in the shape of rods and hematite rods are full of porosity. The values of saturation magnetization (M) and coercivity (H) of magnetite nanorods are 67.55 emu/g and 114 Oe, respectively. The samples were also characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and electron diffraction (ED). At last, the forming mechanism of both the magnetite and porous hematite nanorods was discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.