Synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and formation of nanowire by electrophoretic deposition

Abstract Template-growth of Fe 3 O 4 nanowires via electrophoretic deposition (EPD) was investigated. The solution for EPD was aqueous solution with uniformed dispersed Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. Black-colored and single spinel phase of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were easily obtained by hydrothermal method using ferric chloride and ferrous chloride as starting materials. Single spinel phase only form when all precursors were dissolved in a basic solution ( pH > 9 ) . Ratio of iron (II) to iron (III) is important for the formation of Fe 3 O 4 single spinel phase. The diameter of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles obtained is around 20–30 nm. Fe 3 O 4 nanowires with length more than 20 μ m and diameter around 130–150 nm are successfully synthesized. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image, transmission electron microscope (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were employed to characterize the products.