Understanding the Growth Mechanism of Hematite Nanoparticles: The Role of Maghemite as an Intermediate Phase
Suresh Bandi, Ajeet K. Srivastav
Abstract
The present work reports the linkage between the formation pathway and the growth behavior of hematite nanoparticles during the coprecipitation synthesis route. The formation pathway was identified as lepidocrocite → maghemite → hematite, whereas the factual growth of hematite was found to occur during maghemite to hematite transformation. Further, the cation vacancy ordering induced hematite nucleation in the maghemite particle(s) followed by complete transformation was understood. Additionally, the possible growth mechanisms of the transformed hematite nanoparticles have been proposed.
Topics & Concepts
HematiteMaghemiteCoprecipitationNanoparticleNucleationChemical engineeringChemistryPhase (matter)Materials scienceMineralogyNanotechnologyInorganic chemistryOrganic chemistryEngineeringIron oxide chemistry and applicationsMinerals Flotation and Separation TechniquesMetal Extraction and Bioleaching