Abstract <p>Zn²⁺ doping of α-Fe₂O₃ may increase its chemical activity and, thus, its ability to adsorb organic matter. Therefore, composites of Zn²⁺ and α-Fe₂O₃ with different concentration ratios were prepared in this study, and their adsorption capacities for pyrene were investigated. The results showed that Zn²⁺ doped α-Fe₂O₃ still had the same square structure as the microstructure of α-Fe₂O₃, but the size of the square-shaped α-Fe₂O₃ changed significantly. Subsequently, the ability to adsorb pyrene was enhanced with an increase in Zn²⁺ content, and the maximum adsorption was 424.57 μg g^–1, but the adsorption equilibrium was reached within a certain concentration range. Therefore, this study provides a new idea for further modification of α-Fe₂O₃, an important reference for the mechanism of action in the adsorption process, and an important theoretical and practical basis for the development of efficient materials for environmental pollution control.</p>