Synthesis and optimization of cubic shaped magnetite nanoparticles by one-step ultrasound irradiation process

An effective and speedy environmentally friendly method of ultrasonic irradiation was developed to synthesize highly crystalline monodisperse magnetite nanocubes with uniform particle size. To synthesize magnetite nanocubes, a cost-effective and non-toxic metal salt (FeSO4.7H2O) was used as reactant. The study examined the impact of sonication times (30, 45, 75, and 105 min) on particle size and morphology to determine the optimal duration and also compared significant properties of the Fe3O4 NPs in details. XRD confirmed the cubic spinel structure of magnetite. FTIR elucidated surface absorption characteristics, and UV-spectroscopy determined electronic transitions and indicated a minimum absorption wavelength of 224 nm. EDX provided elemental composition information, while TEM showed that the nanoparticles were most uniform and cubic at 75 min. The size of the Fe3O4 NPs was controlled in the range from 42.13 to 74.87 nm based on the different time periods used in this synthesis process. The magnetization value was found to be particle size dependent which was studied by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). A high magnetization value of 48.99 emu/g was obtained for the Fe3O4 NPs sample sonicated for 75 min. The integration of these techniques, along with particle size analysis, enabled a comprehensive understanding of the synthesized nanoparticles and considered them as prospective materials for several applications.