Solvothermal synthesis, growth mechanism, and magnetic property of self-assembled 3D multileaf α-Fe2O3 superstructures

Novel 3D multileaf α-Fe2O3 nanostructures were successfully obtained via a mild solvothermal synthesis free of any surfactant or template. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and X-ray powder diffraction revealed a unique multileaf morphology, surface features, anisotropic crystal growth, and crystal phase of α-Fe2O3. During the solvothermal process for the preparation of multileaf α-Fe2O3 architecture, a plausible mechanism of α-Fe2O3 self-assembly was proposed to elucidate the formation of the 3D multileaf nanostructures. Besides, the magnetic property of the multileaf α-Fe2O3 crystals was studied by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The analyses clarified the unique morphology, crystal growth mechanism, and magnetic property of the newly developed α-Fe2O3 systems.

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► Multileaf α-Fe2O3 nanostructures were obtained via a mild solvothermal synthesis.
► A plausible mechanism of α-Fe2O3 self-assembly was suggested.
► The approach described is facile, reliable, and controllable.
► The multileaf α-Fe2O3 crystals were prepared free of any surfactant or template.