Eur. Phys. J. AP 7, 41-43 (1999)
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap:1999197

Microwave flash-synthesis of iron oxides nanoparticles^*

Groupe d'Études et de Recherches sur les Microondes (GERM), Laboratoire de Recherches sur la Réactivité des Solides (UMR 5613 du CNRS), Université de Bourgogne, 9 avenue Alain Savary, B.P. 47870, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France

Corresponding author: stuerga@u-bourgogne.fr

Received: 14 April 1998
Revised: 8 April 1999
Accepted: 15 April 1999
Published online: 15 July 1999

Abstract

Hematite particles have been synthesized by a one step thermohydrolysis of nitrate iron (III) solutions. The microwave system (RAMO system) designed by the authors is able to induce very fast heating rates within an autoclave. These operating conditions induce precipitation reactions in the entire volume of the reactor. These precipitation conditions lead to instantaneous nucleation of monodisperse particles (separation of the nucleation and growth events). These results indicate that it should be possible to produce very well-crystallized hematite particles which can be used as precursors for production of magnetite or maghemite.