3D TEM study on hollow α-Fe2O3 nanostructures and nanorings

Abstract

Controlled synthesis of hollow structures with non-spherical holes is significant in fabricating nanomaterials with well-defined geometries and specific catalytic and electrochemical properties. Here we report the synthesis of uniform hexagonal bipyramid hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles with hollow and faceted interior via directional etching process in solution. The delicate hollow structures were investigated by electron tomography and growth mechanism was revealed unambiguously. The three-dimensional visualization demonstrates the outside surfaces of hematite particles are enclosed by six {104} and twelve {113} planes, due to the stabilizing effect of the F− anions on the exposed surfaces. The concurrent etching process is a reverse process of crystal growth and leads to the dissolution occurring at the edges and tips of the hexagonal bipyramid particles, resulting in the perforated crystals with exposed {102} internal facets or overetched nanorings with hexagonal cross-sections. This nanoscale growth and etching process still strictly follows the bulk crystal growth mechanism, thus shedding light on the synthesis of other nanoparticle with controlled morphologies and porous structures.