Iron-based magnetic nanoparticles for multimodal hyperthermia heating

•Iron carbide (Fe5C2) nanoparticles show ferromagnetic properties with high saturation magnetization.•Fe5C2 nanoparticles reveal an extended optical absorption property.•We have demonstrated Fe5C2 nanoparticles as a hyperthermia heat probe with dual magneto-photo-thermal therapeutic features.•Fe5C2 nanoparticles suspension displays enhanced SAR values relative to that of Fe3O4 nanoparticles.