Synthesis of Nanosize‐Necked Structure α‐ and γ‐Fe ₂ O ₃ and its Photocatalytic Activity

Highly dispersed nanometer‐sized α‐Fe 2 O 3 (hematite) and γ‐Fe 2 O 3 (maghemite) iron oxide particles were synthesized by the combustion method. Ferric nitrate was used as a precursor. X‐ray diffractometer study revealed the phase purity of α‐ and γ‐Fe 2 O 3 . Both the products were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope for particle size and morphology. Necked structure particle morphology was observed for the first time in both the iron oxides. The particle size was observed in the range of 25–55 nm. Photodecomposition of H 2 S for hydrogen generation was performed using α‐ and γ‐Fe 2 O 3 . Good photocatalytic activity was obtained using α‐ and γ‐Fe 2 O 3 as photocatalysts under visible light irradiation.