Self‐assembled three‐dimensional flower‐like α‐Fe2O3 nanostructures and their application in catalysis

Three‐dimensional flower‐like α‐Fe₂O₃ nanostructures have been successfully synthesized by a simple surfactant‐free environmental friendly solvolthermal process. The as‐prepared products were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. By adjusting the synthetic parameters, the shape of the α‐Fe₂O₃ nanostructures can be controlled. The three‐dimensional flower‐like α‐Fe₂O₃ nanostructures were found to be highly active as catalysts for phenol alkylation. The effects of various parameters, such as reaction temperature, reaction time and the amount of catalyst, were studied. The catalyst was stable and could be reused three times in normal atmosphere without suffering appreciable loss in catalytic activity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.