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Hydrothermal Synthesis and Properties of Controlled α‐Fe 2 O 3 Nanostructures in HEPES Solution
Author(s) -
Li Hui,
Lu Zhong,
Li Qin,
So ManHo,
Che ChiMing,
Chen Rong
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
chemistry – an asian journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.18
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1861-471X
pISSN - 1861-4728
DOI - 10.1002/asia.201100204
Subject(s) - hydrothermal circulation , hydrothermal synthesis , nanostructure , hepes , materials science , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , chemistry , nuclear chemistry , engineering , biochemistry
A facile, template‐free, and environmentally friendly hydrothermal strategy was explored for the controllable synthesis of α‐Fe 2 O 3 nanostructures in HEPES solution (HEPES=2‐[4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]ethanesulfonic acid). The effects of experimental parameters including HEPES/FeCl 3 molar ratio, pH value, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the formation of α‐Fe 2 O 3 nanostructures have been investigated systematically. Based on the observations of the products, the function of HEPES in the reaction is discussed. The different α‐Fe 2 O 3 nanostructures possess different optical, magnetic properties, and photocatalytic activities, depending on the shape and size of the sample. In addition , a novel and facile approach was developed for the synthesis of Au/α‐Fe 2 O 3 and Ag/α‐Fe 2 O 3 nanocomposites in HEPES buffer solution; this verified the dual function of HEPES both as reductant and stabilizer. This work provides a new strategy for the controllable synthesis of transition metal oxide nanostructures and metal‐supported nanocomposites, and gives a strong evidence of the relationship between the property and morphology/size of nanomaterials.