Self‐assembled three‐dimensional flower‐like α‐Fe₂O₃ nanostructures and their application in catalysis

Abstract

Abstract Three‐dimensional flower‐like α‐Fe 2 O 3 nanostructures have been successfully synthesized by a simple surfactant‐free environmental friendly solvolthermal process. The as‐prepared products were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. By adjusting the synthetic parameters, the shape of the α‐Fe 2 O 3 nanostructures can be controlled. The three‐dimensional flower‐like α‐Fe 2 O 3 nanostructures were found to be highly active as catalysts for phenol alkylation. The effects of various parameters, such as reaction temperature, reaction time and the amount of catalyst, were studied. The catalyst was stable and could be reused three times in normal atmosphere without suffering appreciable loss in catalytic activity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.