Synthesis of Porous Network-Like α-Fe2O3 and α/γ-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles and Investigation of Their Photocatalytic Properties

Abstract

In this study, porous network-like α-Fe₂O₃ and α/γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by auto-combustion method and their photocatalytic performance was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as a dye model. Calcination of the synthesized nanoparticles resulted in α/γ-Fe₂O₃ heterophase magnetite material at 450°С and pure α-Fe₂O₃ at 700 and 800°С. The magnetic property of α/γ-Fe₂O₃ makes the photocatalyst to be easily collected from the photocatalytic system and increases its potential in industrial applications. The α/γ-Fe₂O₃ heterophase material showed a photocatalytic performance almost similar to that of the α-Fe₂O₃ NPs calcined at 800°С, but higher than that of the α-Fe₂O₃ NPs calcined at 700°С. The cliff-like band structure between α-Fe₂O₃ and γ-Fe₂O₃ reduced recombination of photoelectrons and photoholes, thereby improving photocatalytic performance of the α/γ-Fe₂O₃ heterophase material.