Synthesis and properties of iridium-doped hematite (α-Fe2O3)

► Ir-doped hematites were prepared by heating Ir-doped goethites. ► Ir-doping in hematite led to an increase in unit cell and a decrease in crystallite size. ► Ir-doping significantly affected magnetic, infrared and UV-Vis properties of hematite. ► The Morin transition temperature increased with an increase in Ir-doping. ► Ir ions brought about changes in the size and shape of the formed hematite particles.