Preparation of α-Fe2O3 particles with controlled shape and size via a facile hydrothermal route

α-Fe2O3 particles with controlled shape and size have been prepared by a facile hydrothermal reaction between ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 160°C. X-ray powder diffraction pattern indicates that the product is single-phase of α-Fe2O3.The morphology of α-Fe2O3 particles changed as homogenous sphere, top-shape and cube, depending on solution pH. Meanwhile, monodispersed cube particles of α-Fe2O3 are also prepared under the same conditions using surfactant of hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The experimental results suggest that particle size can be controlled by adjusting the solution pH and amount of CTAB.