Sol-gel auto-combustion synthesis of magnetite and its characterization via x-ray diffraction

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nano particles have been synthesized via sol-gel auto-combustion method using citric acid as a fuel. Post preparation thermal treatment was done at: 220 °C, 270 °C and, 320 °C for 1 hour, to insure the formation of single phase Fe3O4 nano particles. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm the formation of Magnetite (Fe3O4), and also the presence of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) as secondary phase. Results reveal that with increasing annealing temperature lattice parameter (a), specific surface area (S), hopping lengths (LA, LB) for tetrahedral (A) and octahedral site (B) increases, whereas x-ray density (ρXRD) and, Scherer’s grain diameter (Ds) varies respectively range between 5286.2−5376.1 kg/m3, 37.2−43.5 nm. Study of Fe3O4 nano particles is of value, due to its prospective applications in medical science - treating metastatic cancer by injecting into the cells.