The Effect of Conventional and Sonochemical Synthesis Methods on Gd2O3 Nanoparticles Properties

Abstract

Paramagnetic Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles have been widely used as a contrast agent in bioimaging such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In this study, Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles were prepared using conventional and sonochemically precipitation methods, without any stabilizers. Gadolinium nitrate was used as a precursor and ammonium hydroxide as precipitating agent. The synthesized Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles were characterized using X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). It was found that Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles obtained in both methods have a cubic phase. The saturation magnetization (Ms) values of conventional and sonochemical samples were 1.63 emu/g and 1.44 emu/g respectively. The morphology of both samples shows agglomerated spherical shape in the nanometer range. The nanoparticles size of Gd₂O₃ that was confirmed by the Dynamic Light Scattering technique show samples from the sonochemical method has narrower size distribution (higher homogeneity) compare to samples from the conventional method. It was also found that the sonochemical synthesis technique is faster (time-saving), simple, convenient, and environmentally benign.