Large-Scale and Controlled Synthesis of Iron Oxide Magnetic Short Nanotubes: Shape Evolution, Growth Mechanism, and Magnetic Properties

We present a facile approach to the production of magnetic iron oxide short nanotubes (SNTs) employing an anion-assisted hydrothermal route by simultaneously using phosphate and sulfate ions. The size, morphology, shape, and surface architecture control of the iron oxide SNTs are achieved by simple adjustments of ferric ions concentration without any surfactant assistance. The result of a formation mechanism investigation reveals that the ferric ions concentrations, the amount of anion additive, and the reaction time make significant contributions to SNT growth. The shape of the SNTs is mainly regulated by the adsorption of phosphate ions on faces parallel to the long dimension of elongated alpha-Fe2O3 a. nanoparticles (c axis) during nanocrystal growth, and the hollow structure is given by the preferential dissolution along the c axis due to the strong coordination of the sulfate ions. Moreover, the as-synthesized hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) SNTs can be converted to magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) ferromagnetic SNTs by a reducing atmosphere annealing process while preserving the same morphology. The structures and magnetic properties of these iron oxide SNTs were characterized by various analytical techniques.