Single source preparation of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles by simple cyclic microwave approach

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized in high yield. • PEG-200 was applied as both solvent and reductive agent. • Single source synthesis of Fe3O4 was performed. • Nontoxic materials and surfactant were used in current investigation. • Reaction time and temperature significantly decreased in current experiment. - Abstract: Polyol mediated process was applied for the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles under microwave irradiation. By combination of polyol medium and microwave irradiation different advantages including low reaction time, low consumption of energy, and simplicity were achieved. Different parameters affecting on products including microwave irradiation power, reaction time, reactants concentration, and solvent were changed to reach the optimum condition for synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Facile preparation and separation are important features of this route. This work has provided a general, simple, and effective method to control the composition and morphology of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in nonaqueous solution, which will be important for inorganic synthesis methodology