Hierarchial mesoporous hematite with "electron-transport channels" and its improved performances in photocatalysis and lithium ion batteries

Hierarchical mesoporous hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) assembled by porous nanoplates has been synthesized by heating the iron oxyhydroxide (FeOOH) precursor. The plates of the hematite, 100-300 nm in width, 500 nm in length, were composed of single crystal long particles with an average diameter of 15 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy results show that these particles have grown or linked together, forming netlike substructures (like "electron-transport channels"). The fabricated hematite has a high specific surface area ∼116 m²/g with an average pore size of 7.85 nm. The photocatalytic and electrochemical properties of the sample were investigated, showing improved performances because of the high specific surface area, rich mesopores, and electron-transport channels of the as-prepared spatial structure. The designed hierarchical mesoporous structure shows potential applications in photocatalysis and lithium ion batteries.