Features of reduction and chemisorption properties of nanosized iron(III) oxide

Abstract

Nanosized iron(III) oxide with an average particle size of 8–10 nm has been synthesized by the thermolysis of iron(III) acetylacetonate using diphenyl ether as a dispersion medium. Reduction processes in a hydrogen atmosphere in the presence of nanosized iron oxide and natural mineral hematite (Fe₂O₃) have been studied by the temperature-programmed reduction method. The activation energies of the reduction processes have been determined by the Kissinger method; it has been shown that, in the case of nano-Fe₂O₃, the activation energies are several times higher than the respective values observed for hematite. The adsorption properties of nano-Fe₂O₃ and hematite have been studied; the isosteric heats of chemisorption of hydrogen and carbon monoxide on the surface of these samples have been determined.