Synthesis and characterization of uncapped gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles prepared by flame pyrolysis of ferrocene in ethanol.

Nanoparticles of iron(III) oxide were synthesized by spontaneous combustion of ferrocene in ethanol solution using a simple spirit lamp. X-ray powder diffraction and electron diffraction analysis of the powder suggested the formation of gamma-Fe2O3 (Maghemite phase) having lattice constant 8.3539 +/- 0.0209 A. Transmission Electron Micrograph suggested the formation of spherical particles with an average diameter of 24.7 +/- 1.6 nm. A sextet with an isomeric shift of 0.328 mm s(-1) seen in the Mossbauer spectrum recorded at room temperature, further supports the formation of gamma-Fe2O3. The particles were dispersed freely in the polar solvents like ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, and water. Infra Red spectrum gave bands at 400, 432, 565, and 638 cm(-1), which confirms the presence of gamma-Fe2O3 phase.