Synthesis and vibrational properties of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles

α- Fe2O3 nanoparticles have been synthesized by gel evaporation method in air at 300°C. The average size of as synthesized α-Fe2O3 nanoparticle was estimated to be 30 nm and the particles were of good crystalline nature. Shape of the nanoparticles were slightly deviated from spherical which is attributed to the asymmetric growth of primary nuclei. MicroRaman and X-ray diffraction results have shown mixed phases of α-Fe2O3 and γ-Fe2O3. However, the α-Fe2O3 phase is more predominant than γ-Fe2O3 due to the incomplete nucleation of α-Fe2O3 particles at the size of 30 nm. The vibrating sample magnetometer measurement shows that the nanoparticles possess ferromagnetic property.