Microwave flash-synthesis of iron oxides nanoparticles

Hematite particles have been synthesized by a one step thermohydrolysis of nitrate iron (III) solutions. The microwave system (RAMO system) designed by the authors is able to induce very fast heating rates within an autoclave. These operating conditions induce precipitation reactions in the entire volume of the reactor. These precipitation conditions lead to instantaneous nucleation of monodisperse particles (separation of the nucleation and growth events). These results indicate that it should be possible to produce very well-crystallized hematite particles which can be used as precursors for production of magnetite or maghemite.