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α-Fe2O3 nanoflowers: synthesis, characterization, electrochemical sensing and photocatalytic property

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Abstract

Nanoflower structured α-Fe2O3 was synthesized by adding hexamine to an aqueous solution of ferrous sulphate followed by drying and annealing at 600 °C for 6 h. X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, Raman and DRS UV–visible absorption spectroscopy showed the formation of α-Fe2O3 with good crystalline nature. Field emission-scanning electron microscopy investigation revealed that the α-Fe2O3 has flower-like morphology, which is composed of nanorods. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used to investigate their electrochemical sensing property towards uric acid (UA). α-Fe2O3 exhibited enhanced sensing behavior with respect to that of bare GCE. Additionally, the α-Fe2O3 nanoflowers exhibit better photocatalytic activity of up to 71.7 % against rhodamine B (RhB) in short time of 60 min under visible light irradiation. It is found that the smaller crystallite size and flower-like morphology play a vital role in allowing an interaction between α-Fe2O3 and UA or RhB dye which enhances both the electrochemical sensing and photocatalytic activity.

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Acknowledgments

R.S. acknowledges the CSIR, New Delhi, India, for the financial assistance in the form of Senior Research Fellowship. The authors acknowledge the FE-SEM facility provided by the National Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Madras.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Inorganic Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, University of Madras, Guindy Maraimalai Campus, Chennai, 600025, Tamil Nadu, India

    R. Suresh, K. Giribabu, R. Manigandan, A. Vijayaraj, R. Prabu & V. Narayanan

  2. Department of Nuclear Physics, University of Madras, Guindy Maraimalai Campus, Chennai, 600025, India

    A. Stephen

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  1. R. Suresh
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  2. K. Giribabu
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Suresh, R., Giribabu, K., Manigandan, R. et al. α-Fe2O3 nanoflowers: synthesis, characterization, electrochemical sensing and photocatalytic property. J IRAN CHEM SOC 11, 645–652 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13738-013-0335-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13738-013-0335-0

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