Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Bio-Medical and Neuromorphic Computing Applications

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have garnered significant attention due to their distinctive properties, such as superparamagnetism, high surface-to-volume ratio, expansive surface area, and facile separability. In this study, we explored the microwave-assisted synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using the microwave assisted method to investigate their superparamagnetic characteristics for potential biomedical applications. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were employed to scrutinize the properties of the synthesized IONPs, optimizing the structural analysis and surface morphology of the materials. The confirmation of IONP formation was established through XRD and FTIR analyses, both affirming the predominant presence of magnetite (Fe₃O4) in the synthesized IONPs. These microwave-assisted co-precipitated IONPs exhibited superparamagnetic behavior, boasting an average crystallite size of 9 nm and noteworthy saturation magnetization values of up to 68 eμg. These inherent properties render IONPs highly suitable for diverse applications, including incorporation in memristive devices, utilization as MRI contrast agents, application as thermal mediators in hyperthermia, and integration into drug delivery systems.