Rapid nanosheets and nanowires formation by thermal oxidation of iron in water vapour and their applications as Cr(VI) adsorbent

- Thermal oxidation of iron foil was done to form densely packed α-Fe2O3 nanowires and nanosheets.
- Rapid growth of nanostructure was observed when iron was oxidized in water vapour.
- α-Fe2O3 nanowires/nanosheets were formed by surface diffusion via stress-driven diffusion of iron ions.
- α-Fe2O3 nanowires/nanosheets were used as Cr(VI) adsorbent material and complete adsorption was observed for less than 1 h.