Effect of Synthesis Conditions and Doping on Properties of Hematite Nanostructures

Pure and Co (10 mol %)-doped α-Fe₂O₃ (Hematite) nanostructures have been effectively synthesized by hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) have been used for the analysis of crystallography, morphology and functional groups of synthesized samples. The banding nature of synthesized samples is analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Powder XRD results reveal the formation of rhombohedral structured α-Fe₂O₃ nanostructures. Effect of dopant and synthesis conditions, such as precursor change and time duration of heating temperature has been investigated on the morphology of pure and Co (10 mol %)-doped α-Fe₂O₃ nanostructures. It has been observed that the addition of dopant, change of precursor and time duration of the heating temperature of hydrothermal treatment can effectively control the morphology of NPs. Methylene dye (MB) has been used as a test contaminant in aqueous solution to determine the photo-catalytic potential of Fe₂O₃ nanostructures under visible light.