Influence of the Preparation Technique on the Magnetic Characteristics of ?-Fe2O3-Based Composites

?-Fe2O3 is an iron(III) oxide polymorph attracting increasing interest due to its unique magnetic properties combining extremely high coercivity and relatively large saturation magnetization. We review existing methods for the synthesis focusing on speed, repeatability, manufacturability purity of final product. Samples have been synthesized using two that appear most promising: silica gel impregnation microemulsion. In both cases, ?-Fe2O3 are present in product as attested by X-ray diffraction patterns (maximum coercive force at 300 K~1 Tesla). Two different precursors, nitrate iron(II) sulfate, used method. Somewhat surprisingly, iron sulfate proved superior yielding content 69% total product, compared 25% under same conditions. These results pave way modifying aiming increase epsilon phase and, consequently, improve physicochemical properties.