Synthesis and characterization of maghemite iron oxide (γ-Fe2O3) nanofibers: novel semiconductor with magnetic feature

Among the reported nanostructural shapes, nanofibers have special interest due to the long axial ratio which has a distinct impact on many chemical and physical properties. In this study, synthesis of the desirable maghemite iron oxide (gamma-Fe2O3) nanofibers is introduced. Calcination of electrospun mats composed of ferrous acetate and poly(vinyl alcohol) in argon atmosphere resulted in producing maghemite nanofibers. Detailed characterization affirmed that the obtained gamma-Fe2O3 nanofibers are free of other iron oxides. Due to the axial ratio impact, the synthesized nanofibers which have an average diameter of similar to 70 nm do have magnetic properties resemble gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles having an average diameter of similar to 5 nm. Accordingly, the produced nanofibers are considerable candidate for biomagnetic separation of the biomaterials. The prepared gamma-Fe2O3 nanofibers can be easily handled as they were obtained in the form of strong mats. Electrical properties study indicated that the introduced nanofibers behave as a semiconducting material. Moreover, the synthesized gamma-Fe2O3 nanofibers have band gap energy of similar to 4.2 eV. Based on the simplicity, effectiveness, high-yield, and low-cost features of the utilized preparation process and the studied physiochemical properties of the obtained product, the synthesized gamma-Fe2O3 nanofibers might have considerable application fields.