A simple solid-state method to synthesize nanosized ferromagnetic ?±-Fea??Oa?? with enhanced photocatalytic activity in sunlight

摘要

?±-Fea??Oa?? was synthesized by preparing a mixture of Fe(III) nitrate with urea as a precursor. The yellowish coloured precursor was calcined at 400?°C for 2 h, resulting in the formation of bright red coloured hematite. The surface properties and catalytic activity were compared with a reference sample prepared without the use of urea. It was observed that urea-induced synthesis resulted in a sample having nanosize and large lattice strain, accompanied by the development of ferromagnetic behaviour. The catalytic activity was evaluated for the decomposition of Ha??Oa?? through the photo-Fenton process in sunlight. The urea-synthesized sample showed an usually large photo-Fenton effect and the catalyst could be easily recovered and reused due to its ferromagnetic behaviour.