Synthesis of alpha-Fe2O3 nanocubes

Nanocubes of alpha-Fe2O3 were successfully synthesized by aqueous polymer thermolysis method in air. The synthesis of hematite nanoparticles has been carried out using a habit modifier polyvinyl alcohol of different molecular weights. The influence of annealing temperature from 300 to 500 C on structural and thermal properties of alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was investigated systematically using X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The smallest grain size of 12 nm after calcinations was found in presence of PVA of 1,25,000 molecular weight. The binding and microstructural features of polycrystalline samples of iron oxide were studied by FTIR, SEM and TEM. Infrared spectra reveal the formation of alpha-Fe2O3 and the removal of organic matter at higher temperatures.