Efficient one-pot synthesis of hierarchical flower-like α-Fe2O3 hollow spheres with excellent adsorption performance for water treatment

A simple one-step method has been developed for the controllable synthesis of hierarchical flower-like α-Fe2O3 hollow spheres in a glycerol–ethanol system. It is found that the volume ratio of glycerol/ethanol and reaction time have a significant effect on the morphology of the products. The growth process of α-Fe2O3 hollow spheres has been investigated and a possible mechanism is proposed. The α-Fe2O3 hollow spheres have a high surface area of 98 m2 g−1 and a total pore volume of 0.32 cm3 g−1, which exhibit outstanding water treatment performance with high removal capacities toward organic dyes and heavy metal ions. The as-obtained products may have potential applications in water treatment and other related micro- or nanoscale devices.