Synthesis of Fe2O3 nanowires by oxidation of iron

By carefully controlling the reacting conditions, including atmosphere, temperature, and reacting time, we managed to prepare the nanowires of Fe2O3 by oxygenating pure iron. X-ray and transmission electronic microscope analyses demonstrate that the Fe2O3 nanowires are of rhombohedral structure, i.e., α-Fe2O3. It is shown by our study that the α-Fe2O3 nanowires have a diameter ranging from 15 to 75 nm and their typical lengths are in the range 10–20 μm. Within our knowledge it is the first report on nanowires of Fe2O3. The Fe2O3 nanowires are expected to present special magnetic, optical and electrical properties, and facilitate future nanoscale device applications.