Hematite nanochain networks: Simple synthesis, magnetic properties, and surface wettability

Abstract

This paper describes a simple and effective method for the fabrication of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanochain networks (NCNs) by using carbon nanotubes as templates. The α-Fe2O3 nanochains are made of numerous α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals, which exhibit weak ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature while showing antiferromagnetic behavior at low temperatures below the Morin temperature (180K). Furthermore, the α-Fe2O3 NCNs generate superhydrophilic surface displaying the contact angle of water of 0°. Therefore, the α-Fe2O3 NCNs may be applied in nanomagnetic filters to capture magnetic and paramagnetic micro- and nanocontaminations to obtain high purity liquid.