Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 March 2011
Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are prime candidates for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and good magnetic properties. However, magnetite is highly susceptible to oxidation when exposed to the atmosphere. In order to preserve their properties, it is important for the particles to maintain their magnetite phase. In this study, magnetite nanoparticles were prepared using the conventional co3precipitation of ferrous (Fe2+) and ferric (Fe3+) chloride salt solutions with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was subsequently carried out to identify the transition temperatures. Energy Dispersive X3Ray (EDX) spectrum shows the presence of impurities, such as sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions in the as3synthesized magnetite nanoparticles. The as3synthesized samples were then calcined in a chamber furnace according to TGA data. The calcined samples were next characterised by X3ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) to determine the changes in phase and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles as a function of different calcination temperatures.