Preparation and characterization of γ-Fe2O3/ZnO composite particles

Abstract γ-Fe 2 O 3 /ZnO composite particles were prepared via a simple solution method using surface-modified γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles as seeds. The phases and purity of the as-prepared γ-Fe 2 O 3 /ZnO composite particles were characterized by XRD analysis, and the morphology was studied by SEM, which showed that the γ-Fe 2 O 3 /ZnO composites are of typical sphere-like morphology with diameters in the range of 300–400 nm. The γ-Fe 2 O 3 /ZnO composites exhibit magnetic response to an external magnet field and efficient characteristic emissions of ZnO under UV excitation, respectively, indicating that these nontoxic, emissive and magnetic nanoparticles may find use as chemical/biological sensors especially in areas that directly impact human health.