Chrysanthemum-like alpha-FeOOH microspheres produced by a simple green method and their outstanding ability in heavy metal ion removal

Chrysanthemum-like alpha-FeOOH was synthesized via an environment-friendly H2O/ethylene glycol (EG) cooperating-mediated method. Based on detailed characterizations of the as-obtained hierarchical alpha-FeOOH nanostructure, the assembly process and possible formation mechanism were clarified. The as-obtained alpha-FeOOH nanomaterial exhibits a high adsorption performance in water treatment.