ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: In this study, nanoparticles of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) were synthesized and their size regulated by utilizing different amounts of surfactant, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)-4000. The amount of surfactant was varied in order to analyze its effect upon the particle size. The final synthesized particles had a mean size of 40, 23, 15, and 11 nm for various surfactant quantities. X-ray diffraction results confirmed that the as-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were γ-Fe2O3. Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) measurements showed the highest saturation magnetization value of 68 emu/gm at room temperature when a surfactant quantity of 0.5 g was used under the given conditions. The particle shape was almost a sphere, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy.
