Ferromagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles with diameter of similar to 27 nm were prepared by a hydrothermal route in the presence of a surfactant, sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT). The as-synthesized product was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The hysteresis loops of the iron oxide nanoparticles were measured using a physical property measuring system (PPMS), and the results showed a superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.