Facile preparation of network-like porous hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanosheets via a novel combustion-based route

Abstract

Network-like porous hematite (ɑ-Fe2O3) nanosheets have been successfully prepared by a facile and novel combustion-based route with three simple steps. First, a sheet-like precursor with uniformly mixed amorphous iron oxide and carbon was fabricated via combustion synthesis derived from a homogeneous solution containing ferric nitrate, glycine and glucose. Subsequently, ultrasmall intermediate Fe3C nanoparticles were formed and evenly embedded into the sheet-like carbon support through calcination of the precursor in argon. Finally, the decarbonization and pore formation were carried out by heat-treating the calcined product in air. The as-prepared ɑ-Fe2O3 nanosheets exhibit a network-like porous structure, perforated by a large quantity of well-formed round single-pores with ~40nm in diameter as well as a small quantity of through-pores. A possible formation mechanism for the network-like porous nanosheets has been proposed. Such unique network-like porous structure makes this low-cost material a highly promising candidate for potential applications in energy conversion and storage, water treatment, gas sensors, etc.