Morphology dependent magnetic properties of α-Fe₂O₃ nanostructures

Well crystalline α-Fe₂O₃ nanomaterials with a wide range of morphology variation have been successfully synthesized by solvothermal route. The synthesized products have been characterized for structural and morphological details by employing x-ray diffraction patterns, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Various unique shapes of α-Fe₂O₃ nanocrystal have been modelled on the basis of their growth evolution. The effect of morphology of α-Fe₂O₃ nanocrystals on their magnetic behaviour has been studied by investigating temperature and field dependence of magnetization. The results are analyzed considering all the possible surface anisotropy and lattice strain evolved due to their surface structure. This comprehensive study of morphology dependent magnetic behaviour of α-Fe₂O₃ nanomaterials offers a better opportunity to tune the materials in the desired technological applications.