Facile synthesis of ring-like α-Fe2O3 assembly composed of small hematite particles for highly efficient photocatalysis

Abstract

A new-type of ring-like α-Fe2O3 assembly were prepared via facile top-down etching method from hematite saucer-like nanocrystals composed of small α-Fe2O3 particles. HRTEM and BET results demonstrated that the ring-like α-Fe2O3 assembly has zigzag edge and high specific surface area, which leads to higher efficient visible-light photocatalytic performance on the degradation of cationic dye Rhodamine B (RhB). UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra and photocurrent responses demonstrated a narrow bandgap and higher photocurrent response of ring-like α-Fe2O3 assembly, which were helpful for absorbing photons and restraint of recombination for photogenerated charges. These characters make them the promising candidates for photocatalysis.