Facile synthesis and characterisation of hexagonal magnetite nanoplates

Hexagonal magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoplates were synthesised using a facile hydrothermal route, where ß-cyclodextrin and urea were used as a reducing agent and a modifier, respectively. It was found that the obtained hexagonal Fe₃O₄ nanoplates had an average diameter of about 400 nm and thickness in the range of 40-80 nm. The effects of the concentration of urea and pH value on the formation of Fe₃O₄ nanoplates are discussed. A possible formation mechanism for the hexagonal Fe₃O₄ nanoplates is proposed. Magnetic studies revealed that the hexagonal Fe₃O₄ nanoplates exhibited a relatively high saturation magnetisation of 78.93 emu/g and a coercivity of less than 200 Oe at room temperature, which indicates that the as-prepared Fe₃O₄ nanoplates are ferromagnetic.