Enhanced photocatalytic activity of porous α-Fe₂O₃films prepared by rapid thermal oxidation

Abstract

Films of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized by oxidizing Fe films rapidly in air. By adjusting the oxidation conditions, one can easily control the morphology of α-Fe2O3 films from clusters of particles to porous films and finally to granular films. It was found that when oxidized in air at 600 °C for 30 s, Fe films (∼100 nm thick) were transformed completely into α-Fe2O3 porous films. Interestingly, the porous films exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity in hydrogen generation by water splitting under UV radiation, which is two orders better than that reported for α-Fe2O3 powders.