Title:Clay-derived Synthesis of Supported α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles: Shape,
Adsorption, and Photo-catalysis
Volume: 3
Issue: 1
Author(s): Linrong Meng, Tao Hao, Xintai Su*, Xue Li*Guofeng Wang
Affiliation:
- Ministry Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China;
- Sino-Singapore International Joint Research Institute (SSIJRI), Guangzhou 510000, China
- College of Science, Heilongjiang
Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163316, China
Keywords:
α-Fe2O3/bentonite composite, water treatment, adsorption, photocatalysis, nanopartices, clay-derived synthesis.
Abstract:
Background: This paper reports a versatile bentonite clay-mediated growth method for
selectively synthesizing zero-dimensional α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and one-dimensional α-Fe2O3 nanorods.
Methods: In such a growth process without any other surfactant or additive, the bentonite clay is not
only used as the supporter, but also as a shape mediator for α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals. The products
were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Results: The as-prepared products were used to investigate their promising adsorptive and photocatalytic
applications in water treatment. According to the Langmuir equation, the maximum adsorption
capacity of the α-Fe2O3/bentonite composite for Congo red (CR) is calculated to be 96.9
mg·g-1. Furthermore, the α-Fe2O3/bentonite nanocomposites also show an excellent photocatalytic
property in the degradation of methyl orange (MO).
Conclusion: This facile and novel synthesis method has the potential to be applied to prepare the
low-cost α-Fe2O3/bentonite nanocomposite for the removal of CR and MO.