Facile route to Ni-doped α-FeOOH and α-Fe2O3 nanostructures and their properties

Pompon-like Ni-doped α-FeOOH nanostructures were prepared through a simple low temperature solution aging process. After calcination, Ni-doped α-Fe2O3 could be obtained with their original morphology being maintained. Experimental results indicated that NiSO4 in the reaction plays dual functions of doping and morphology controlling. The magnetic properties and the adsorption performance of the products were evaluated. The Ni-doped α-Fe2O3 nanostructures showed high adsorption performance to remove Congo red (CR) dye from water.