Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical response of iron oxide nanoparticles for sensing acetaminophen

Magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) and hematite ( α -Fe 2 O 3 ) iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation method via subsequent heat treatment using ferrous chloride (FeCl 2 .4H 2 O) as a source of iron. The synthesized powder was annealed at high temperature in an air atmosphere to promote the formation of the hematite ( α -Fe 2 O 3 ) phase. Both oxide phases of iron oxide were characterized using x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric, and differential scanning calorimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The phases of as-synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by XRD and Raman studies. The thermal behavior and weight loss of the initial powdered Fe 3 O 4 to α -Fe 2 O 3 was studied using TG-DSC analysis. In the present case, the Fe 3 O 4 and α -Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles were used for the electrochemical sensing of acetaminophen (C 6 H 9 NO 2 ). The sensing of acetaminophen was performed by Fe 3 O 4 and α -Fe 2 O 3 modified glassy carbon electrode, using a potential controlled cyclic voltammetric technique. The Fe 3 O 4 and α -Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles exhibited electrocatalytic ability for sensing acetaminophen. Detailed results are included.