Templated synthesis of atomically thin platy hematite nanoparticles within a layered silicate exhibiting efficient photocatalytic activity

Since iron oxides show poor photocatalytic activity, tremendous effort has been directed toward synthesizing iron oxide-based photocatalysts modified with other materials such as co-catalysts. Herein we report the synthesis of atomically thin plate-shaped hematite (-Fe2O3) nanoparticles in the two-dimensional interlayer nanospace of a layered silicate. The supported hematite showed considerably higher photocatalytic activity for the oxidative decomposition of formic acid and the partial oxidation of cyclohexane than conventional hematite and TiO2. The supported photocatalyst also showed excellent stability for the reaction.