Shape- and size-controlled single-phase alpha-Fe2O3 (hematite) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized via a simple and facile thermal treatment route using modified precursors. At first, various ferric-surfactant systems such as: ferric-sugars, ferric-hydrazine, ferric-oleic acid, and ferric-sugar-hydrazine were prepared via a wet-chemical precipitation method and then, these intermediate adducts as precursor were decomposed in at ordinary atmosphere to iron oxide. The morphology and particle size of products were investigated by SEM and TEM images and XRD patterns. These results revealed that the best quality alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles are synthesized through thermal decomposition of ferric-glucose precursor with molar ratio of 1:8 heated at 500 degrees C in a step-wise manner. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.