Synthesis of γ-Fe2-O3 by thermal decomposition of FeC4H4O4·4H2O

Abstract Ferrous succinate tetrahydrate (FeC 4 H 4 O 4 ·4H 2 O) is prepared and its thermal decomposition is studied by means of simultaneous thermal analysis (TGA, DTA, DTG) curves supplemented with two probe d.c. electricial conductivity measurements under the atmospheres of static air, dynamic nitrogen and dynamic air. Dynamic air containing water vapour, was found to be the most suitable atmosphere for the synthesis of γ-Fe 2 O 3 . The isothermal decomposition study of FeC 4 H 4 O 4 ·4H 2 O for various intermediate phases occurring at different ranges of temperature under the above atmospheres have been studied using infrared spectral studies, C and H analysis and X-ray diffraction data. This study revealed the formation of anhydrous carboxylate (FeC 4 H 4 O 4 ) which then oxidatively decomposes to α-Fe 2 O 3 with the probable intermediates of FeO and Fe 3 O 4 along with some FeC 4 H 4 O 4 and γ-Fe 2 O 3 . Both polar and non-polar gases were obtained during the decomposition of FeC 4 H 4 O 4 ·4H 2 O under nitrogen atmosphere which were analysed using gas-liquid chromatography. The γ-Fe 2 O 3 synthesised was studied for its magnetic and Mossbauer parameters. The scanning electron micrographs obtained showed γ-Fe 2 O 3 particles to be spherical in shape.