Issue 5, 2012

Nanostructured hematite: synthesis, characterization, charge carrier dynamics, and photoelectrochemical properties

Abstract

As one of the most prevalent metal oxides on Earth, iron oxide, especially α-Fe2O3 or hematite, has been the subject of intense research for several decades. In particular, the combination of a relatively small bandgap and related visible light absorption, natural abundance, low cost, and stability under deleterious chemical conditions has made it ideal for many potential applications. However, the short charge carrier lifetime or diffusion length has limited its applicability. Nanostructures of hematite offer the possibility of overcoming some of the limitations through control of the structures and thereby its optical and electronic properties. In this review, we provide an overview of recent progress on the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured hematite, with an emphasis on the charge carrier dynamics and photoelectrochemical properties. Both current challenges and future opportunities are also discussed.

Graphical abstract: Nanostructured hematite: synthesis, characterization, charge carrier dynamics, and photoelectrochemical properties

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
01 Jan 2012
Accepted
06 Mar 2012
First published
16 Apr 2012

Energy Environ. Sci., 2012,5, 6682-6702

Nanostructured hematite: synthesis, characterization, charge carrier dynamics, and photoelectrochemical properties

D. A. Wheeler, G. Wang, Y. Ling, Y. Li and J. Z. Zhang, Energy Environ. Sci., 2012, 5, 6682 DOI: 10.1039/C2EE00001F

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