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

Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using the coprecipitation method via subsequent heat treatment using ferrous chloride (FeCl_2.4H₂O) 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-Fe₂O₃) 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 XRDand Raman studies. The thermal behavior and weight loss of the initial powdered Fe₃O₄ to α-Fe₂O₃ was studied using TG-DSC analysis. In the present case, the Fe₃O₄ and α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were used for the electrochemical sensing of acetaminophen (C₆H₉NO₂). The sensing of acetaminophen was performed by Fe₃O₄ and α-Fe₂O₃ modified glassy carbon electrode, using a potential controlled cyclic voltammetric technique. The Fe₃O₄ and α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles exhibited electrocatalytic ability for sensing acetaminophen. Detailed results are included.