Template-engaged synthesis of macroporous tubular hierarchical α-Fe2O3 and its ultrafast transfer performance

Highlights: • A simple template method was developed for synthesizing macroporous hollow Fe₂O₃. • This macroporous hollow Fe₂O₃ showed ultrafast transfer performance. • This macroporous Fe₂O₃ has high specific surface area and large pore volume. The macroporous α-Fe₂O₃ tubular hierarchical structure has been synthesized by a facile template method. The macroporous α-Fe₂O₃ has high surface area (120 m² g⁻¹) and pore volume (0.967 cm³ g⁻¹). To demonstrate its ultrafast mass transfer rate, this porous α-Fe₂O₃ was employed to remove Congo red from simulated waste-water. The adsorption process of Congo red on macroporous α-Fe₂O₃ can be finished within only 5 min, which is much faster than those of the other reported similar materials. This macroporous α-Fe₂O₃ will be very useful for catalysts support, adsorbent, and sensor, wherein accessibility of active sites is an important factor to enhance the performance.