Synthesis of tuneable porous hematites (α-Fe2O3) for gas sensing and lithium storage in lithium ion batteries

Tuneable porous α-Fe2O3 materials were prepared by using a selective etching method. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared porous hematites have been systematically characterised by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. We found that the pore size and pore volume can be controlled by adjusting the etching time during the synthesis process. The porous hematites have been applied for gas sensing and lithium storage in lithium ion cells. The porous α-Fe2O3 materials demonstrated a reversible lithium storage capacity of 1269 mAh/g. When used as a sensing material in gas sensors, porous α-Fe2O3 exhibited a superior sensitivity towards toxic and flammable gases.

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► Tuneable porous hematites have been synthesised by chemical etching approach.
► Porous hematites exhibited high sensitivity towards toxic and flammable gases.
► Porous hematites also demonstrated a high lithium storage capacity as anode material in lithium-ion cells.