Effect of mixing tool on magnetic properties of hematite nanoparticles prepared by sol–gel method

• Hematite nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel method.
• Magnetic and pure mechanical mixing tools were used.
• Nitrogen gas with different purities was used.
• X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer and magnetization techniques used to characterize.
• The mixing tool has crucial effect on magnetic properties of the samples.

X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer and magnetization measurements have been performed on hematite nanoparticles, prepared by sol–gel method, to study the effect of the mixing tools used in the preparation on their magnetic properties. It has been shown that the mixing tool, i.e. magnetic or mechanical, has a crucial effect on the magnetic behaviors of magnetic nanoparticles. Furthermore, the degree of purity of nitrogen gas used in the preparation process also plays a minor role in magnetic properties of such nanoparticles.