Enhanced catalytic activity of α-Fe2O3 nanorods enclosed with {110} and {001} planes for methane combustion and CO oxidation

Hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) nanorods, nanotubes, and nanocubes were selectively synthesized via a hydrothermal process and subsequent calcination treatment. The nanorods showed higher catalytic activity than the nanotubes and the nanocubes for methane combustion and CO oxidation. It may be attributed to the highest occupancy of iron ions on the surface of the nanorods.