Three-dimensional flowerlike iron oxide nanostructures: Morphology, composition and metal ion removal capability

• α-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 microstructures with different morphologies were created.
• Solvents play an important role for the solvothermal treatment of precursors.
• The α-Fe2O3 microstructures show excellent adsorption properties.
• Fe2O3/Ag hybrid composites were prepared to improve their properties.

The flower-like precursors of Fe alkoxide constructed by the self-assembly of nanoflakes were prepared. Time-dependent experiments confirmed the formation mechanism of flower-like precursors. After calcination, α-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 nanostructures with different morphologies were created. Fe3O4 nanostructures containing blocks with a truncated octahedron structure were obtained under N2 protection. α-Fe2O3 nanostructures were prepared in an air atmosphere. The values of maximum adsorption capacity of α-Fe2O3 nanostructures for Cr6+ ions were much higher than that of commercial bulk α-Fe2O3. Ag NPs were deposited on α-Fe2O3 nanostructures through an aqueous synthesis and light irradiation using l-cysteine as a linker. Such procedure is utilizable for the preparation of the composites of noble metals and magnetic materials.

The iron alkoxide precursors are calcined into α-Fe2O3, Fe3O4 microstructures with different morphologies by changing calcination atmosphere, reaction time of precursors and calcination temperature simply. The Fe2O3/Ag hybrid composites prepared through aqueous synthesis and light irradiation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide