Crafting a Next-Generation Device Using Iron Oxide Thin Film: A Review

Abstract

Despite extensive research into novel materials, iron oxides remain fascinating and attract considerable attention because of their versatility, stability, ease of fabrication, low cost, natural abundance, and environmental friendliness. Because of their wealth of magnetic, optical, and electrical properties, iron oxides are particularly multifunctional materials that can be integrated into various devices. In this article, we will discuss the applications of iron oxide thin films in electronics (spintronics devices), energy (batteries and solar cells or photovoltaics), and sensors (gas, humidity, strain, biosensors, and so on). We begin with the most recent forms and fabrication methods for iron oxide thin film, as well as a fundamental understanding of the material. Additionally, the application constraints of these devices are discussed, and the challenges, solutions, and prospects for electronic devices based on iron oxide are outlined.

All Shapes and Phases of Nanometer-Sized Iron Oxides Made from Natural Sources and Waste Material via Green Synthesis Approach: A Review

“…Recently, uncommon Fe 4 O 5 and Fe 5 O 6 phases were also discovered using special synthesis treatment . FeO and Fe 3 O 4 are only found in one crystal structure, while Fe 2 O 3 is discovered in various forms and different crystal structures, namely, γ-Fe 2 O 3 (maghemite), α-Fe 2 O 3 (hematite), ε-Fe 2 O 3 (luogufengite), β-Fe 2 O 3 , ζ-Fe 2 O 3 , η-Fe 2 O 3 , θ-Fe 2 O 3 , and ι-Fe 2 O 3 . − Among them, FeO, Fe 3 O 4 , γ-Fe 2 O 3 , and α-Fe 2 O 3 are recognized as stable phase, while the rest are metastable . Here, we discuss briefly the types of iron oxides above in the subsections below.…”

“…Green synthesis is also possible to decrease the toxicity of the energy conversion and storage device, which is important to the environmental impact . Iron oxides are considered to be one of the materials that could be implemented in energy conversion and storage applications, because of their excellent magnetic, electric, and optical properties. ,,− Several studies have reported the green technology of iron oxides in energy conversion and storage applications. For instance, facile synthesis of gelatin-tethered iron oxide nanocomposites as high-performance anode materials for Li-ion batteries, Fe 3 O 4 /carbon nanocomposite prepared by flocculation of alginate via a Fe 3+ solution for application in Li-ion battery anode, green synthesis of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of Pandanus odoratissimus leaves for an efficient bifunctional electrocatalytic activity for water splitting, which is applicable in hydrogen energy, and a facile and green synthesis through the solvent-free chemical condition of core–shell Fe 3 O 4 @PANI nanocomposite to enhance the triplet state population thus increasing the efficiency of the solar cells …”

“…Excellent electronics, optic, and magnetic properties of iron oxides make iron oxides a prototype of the ideal functional material for many applications, including for electronic devices. , Nanometer-sized iron oxide also has been utilized in sensor device applications such as gas and humidity sensors, strain sensors, magnetic sensors, and biosensors. − For instance, α-Fe 2 O 3 for spin-valve in memory device application, because of its excellent antiferromagnetic properties, , ε-Fe 2 O 3 for spintronic devices, because of its multiferroic properties, and β-Fe 2 O 3 for sensor and battery anode applications, because of its excellent electrochemical behavior. , Many previous reports have shown that the green synthesis of nanometer-sized iron oxides could be used in electronic devices. For instance, green synthesis of magnetic iron oxide nanocomposite deposited on cellulose nanocrystals with copper for the development of a venlafaxine electrochemical sensor, α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles synthesized by using a simple hydrothermal process for electron mediator in efficient chemical sensor, and iron oxides nanoparticles fabricated via plant (Durian) extract media for immunosensor .…”

“…For instance, green synthesis of magnetic iron oxide nanocomposite deposited on cellulose nanocrystals with copper for the development of a venlafaxine electrochemical sensor, α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles synthesized by using a simple hydrothermal process for electron mediator in efficient chemical sensor, and iron oxides nanoparticles fabricated via plant (Durian) extract media for immunosensor . Iron oxides in the thin film form may be much more suitable for electronic device applications. , In the thin film form, they can be easily incorporated into active or passive electronic devices. − Various attempts have been devoted to obtaining green synthesis of iron oxide thin films, for example, green synthesis of iron oxide thin films grown from recycled iron foils . In comparison to chemical solution methods, physical deposition methods may be less toxic, because of the minimal hazardous and toxic chemicals used during the synthesis process.…”

“…Iron oxides are also still a favorite for application in biomedical applications, − such as drug delivery, , heat delivery, − and contrast agents. ,, Iron oxides are also potential in environmental applications, such as for wastewater treatment , and selective catalyst reduction to decrease NO x emission . Iron oxides are also widely used as a complementing layer in various types of energy conversion devices and energy storage. − …”