3D Flowerlike α-Fe2O3@TiO2 Core–Shell Nanostructures: General Synthesis and Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

The 3D flowerlike α-Fe2O3@TiO2 core–shell nanocrystals with thorhombic, cubic, and discal morphologies are synthesized for photocatalytic application. α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals were prepared via a Cu2+, Zn2+, and Al3+ ion-mediated hydrothermal route. The α-Fe2O3@TiO2 core–shell nanocrystals are obtained via a hydrothermal and annealing process. The shape-dependent photocatalytic activities of these as-obtained α-Fe2O3@TiO2 core–shell nanocrystals are measured. The results reveal that the discal α-Fe2O3@TiO2 nanocrystals exhibit the best photocatalytic activity relative to the other two core–shell nanocrystals because the discal α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals possess more rough surface and surface defects. The fast interfacial charge-transfer process and the wide spectral response could be the driving force for the enhanced photocatalytic performance. These core–shell architectures provide a positive example for synthesis of novel composite nanomaterial.