Preparation and magnetic properties of fibrous gamma iron oxide nanoparticles via a nonaqueous medium

Fibrous shape γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (the length of ∼850 nm; the width of ∼5 nm) have been prepared using lauryl alcohol as a nonaqueous medium. The resultant products were investigated by IR, TG–DTA, XRD, TEM and magnetization measurements. For the preparation of pure γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, the suitable condition of the molar ratio of lauryl alcohol to iron nitrate is determined to be 1 : 2 and the appropriate temperature is in the range of 300–400 °C. The magnetization measurements reveal that the obtained γ-Fe2O3 particles possess better magnetic properties for application in magnetic recording. It can be concluded that lauryl alcohol plays an important role not only in controlling the dimension, shape of the products, but also in helping the increase of magnetic properties.