Synthesis of Urchin‐Like FeF2 Nanoarchitectures and Their Conversion into Three‐Dimensional Urchin‐Like Mesoporous α‐Fe2O3 Nanoarchitectures for Methane Activation

Abstract

AbstractNovel urchin‐like FeF2 nanoarchitectures have been fabricated by an unconventional nonhomogeneous ionic liquid/diphenyl ether solvothermal method. Subsequent solid‐state thermal annealing was utilized to convert the FeF2 nanoarchitectures into 3D urchin‐like mesoporous α‐Fe2O3 nanoarchitectures. The reaction system and temperature played important roles in the morphology of FeF2 and the growth of the 3D urchin‐like α‐Fe2O3. A study of methane activation over the 3D urchin‐like mesoporous α‐Fe2O3 nanoarchitectures revealed that methane was activated and converted into carbon dioxide at a low temperature (230 °C). Compounds containing C–C bonds were produced at 600 °C. This 3D urchin‐like mesoporous α‐Fe2O3 shows excellent potential as a catalyst for methane conversion in the chemical industry.