Octahedral sites in Fe3O4 contain both ferrous and ferric with electrons

The preparation of Fe3O4 is carried out under anaerobic conditions through the oxidization reaction of ferrous hydroxide Fe(OH)2 in an aqueous solution to yield hydrogen gas and Fe3O4. Fe3O4, with a favorable crystalline structure, is more stable than ferrous hydroxide. In this order, Fe3O4 could be synthesized in the laboratory scales as a ferrofluid by mixing FeCl3 and FeCl2 in alkaline conditions with sodium hydroxide. In a different method, Fe3O4 could be obtained via chemical co-precipitation in alkaline conditions in the presence of ammonia and agitation at 2000 rpm. In this case, FeCl3 and FeCl2 must be kept at a molar ratio of 2:1. They are heated at 70°C, immediate agitation at 7500 rpm, and the quick addition of ammonium hydroxide until a dark residue is obtained. Other synthetic methods involve reverse micelle, copolymer templates, solvothermal reduction, and thermal decomposition 2. As it was discussed earlier, octahedral sites in Fe3O4 contain both ferrous (Fe2+) and ferric (Fe3+) with electrons coordinated with these cations being thermally delocalized, leading to the migration of electrons within the limits of Fe3O4 structure to finally result in high conductivity. The transitional temperature of Fe3O4 causes regular arrangement of ferrous and ferric iron cations in the fabric of octahedral sites. Such an arrangement inhibits electron delocalization when the temperature falls. Additionally, Fe3O4 could be a bit of a deficient metal crystal on octahedral sites. This lack of metallic property leads to n-type p-type magnetite semiconductors. If you are looking for high quality, high purity and cost-effective Fe3O4, or if you require the latest price of Fe3O4, please feel free to email contact mis-asia.