Microstructural characterisation of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles using, XRD line profiles analysis, FE-SEM and FT-IR

In this investigation, the structural characteristics of αα- Fe2O3 nanoparticles synthesised by a mechanical milling have been explored. The structure and morphology of samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and FT-IR measurements. The crystallite size and internal strain were evaluated by XRD patterns using Williamson-Hall and Scherrer methods. The results did not reveal any phase change during the milling. The average particle size decreases with a prolongation of milling times, while the lattice parameters and internal strain increase. It was found that using this method allowed the formation of hematite nanoparticles.