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.