Shape-controlled synthesis of α-Fe2O3 nanostructures: engineering their surface properties for improved photocatalytic degradation efficiency

α-Fe2O3 nanostructures with well-defined morphology: nanostructured dendrites, nanorods, nanospindles, and nanocubes were successfully synthesized by forced hydrolysis/reflex condensation and hydrothermal methods. The specific surface area and pore size distribution analysis of the different nanostructures prepared in this study confirms that these surface properties can be systematically improved and controlled by varying the precursors and preparatory conditions. The enhancement in surface properties was utilized to efficiently degrade relatively high concentration of synthetic organic effluent Rhodamine (RhB) at a faster rate using minimum quantity of the catalyst. The observed enhancement in the photocatalytic performance of iron oxide nanostructures is explained based on the inherent catalytic properties of iron oxide, and the improvement in surface area and porosity tailored by the preparatory method and conditions.