Cobalt Incorporated Pyramidal Shaped α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles from Poly-vinyl Alcohol Based Precursor

Precursor foam based Co incorporated α-Fe2O3 (AFC) was successfully synthesized at 600℃ calcination temperature by simple solution method using PVA. The formation of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurement and reduction in crystallite size was found after cobalt incorporation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the existence of pyramidal shaped iron oxide in AFC. FTIR and Raman spectra also confirmed the presence of α-Fe2O3. Photocatalytic activity study showed that the cobalt incorporated α-Fe2O3 was better photocatalyst than pure α-Fe2O3. The cobalt incorporated iron oxide nanoparticles could be used for drug delivery application and this simple preparation method could be adopted for the synthesis of other transition metal oxides.