Controlled synthesis of mesoporous {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods and visible light photocatalytic property
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Structure and Performance for Functional Molecules, College of Chemistry, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387 (China)
Graphical abstract: Porous {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods were prepared by a facile hydrothermal process of Fe(NO{sub 3}){sub 3}{center_dot}9H{sub 2}O in NaOH aqueous solution combined with calcination method. The rod structure can be well controlled via NaOH quantity and exhibits a high BET surface area of 105.1 m{sup 2} g{sup -1}. The as-obtained porous {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods show good reusability and superior visible-light photocatalytic activity in degradation of MB compared to hematite nanoparticles and microplates. Considering the excellent photocatalytic activity, recycling stability, and facile preparation method, the porous {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods are believed to have potential application in the field of photocatalysis. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Porous {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods with typical pore size of 2-4 nm were controlled prepared. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The porous {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods exhibit a high BET surface area of 105.1 m{sup 2} g{sup -1} and a pore volume of 0.13 m{sup 3} g{sup -1}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It exhibits excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity and reusability in degradation of MB, in comparison to {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles and platelets. -- Abstract: Porous {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods with typical pore size of 2-4 nm were controlled prepared by a facile hydrothermal process of Fe(NO{sub 3}){sub 3}{center_dot}9H{sub 2}O aqueous solution in the presence of NaOH, followed by a calcination treatment. Contrast experiments indicate that the morphology and crystalline structure of the hydrothermal products depend greatly on the quantity of NaOH. Hematite nanoparticles and microplates were respectively obtained under conditions without or with excess NaOH. The porous {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods exhibit a high BET surface area of 105.1 m{sup 2} g{sup -1} and a pore volume of 0.13 m{sup 3} g{sup -1}. UV-vis measurement shows wide absorption to visible light and an obvious blue-shift of the adsorption edge due to the quantum size effect. The visible-light photocatalytic performances of the as-prepared samples were evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of methylene blue at ambient temperature. The results indicate that the photocatalytic activity of the porous {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods is superior to hematite nanoparticles and platelets and exhibit good reusable feature. The photocatalytic process of porous structure is determined to be pseudo-first-order reaction with apparent reaction rate constant of 1.04 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -2} min{sup -1}. And the optimum photocatalyst dosage is 20 mg per 100 mL of dye solution. The porous {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods are considered potential photocatalyst for practical application due to the excellent photocatalytic behavior and good reusability.
- OSTI ID:
- 22212448
- Journal Information:
- Materials Research Bulletin, Vol. 47, Issue 3; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0025-5408
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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