Microstructural characterisation of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles using, XRD line profiles analysis, FE-SEM and FT-IR

In this investigation, the structural characteristics of alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles synthesised by a mechanical milling have been explored. The structure and morphology of samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and FT-IR measurements. The crystallite size and internal strain were evaluated by XRD patterns using Williamson-Hall and Scherrer methods. The results did not reveal any phase change during the milling. The average particle size decreases with a prolongation of milling times, while the lattice parameters and internal strain increase. It was found that using this method allowed the formation of hematite nanoparticles. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.