Single step thermal decomposition approach to prepare supported γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles

► A simple low temperature thermal decomposition approach for the synthesis of MgO supported γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. ► Effect of nanocrystalline versus macro-crystalline MgO as the support has been investigated for the first time. ► Stabilization of γ-Fe2O3 phase on the supports up to temperature as high as 1150 °C is observed.