Synthesis of urchin-like FeF₂ nanoarchitectures and their conversion into three-dimensional urchin-like mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃ nanoarchitectures for methane activation

Novel urchin-like FeF₂ nanoarchitectures have been fabricated by an unconventional nonhomogeneous ionic liquid/diphenyl ether solvothermal method. Subsequent solid-state thermal annealing was utilized to convert the FeF₂ nanoarchitectures into 3D urchin-like mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃ nanoarchitectures. The reaction system and temperature played important roles in the morphology of FeF₂ and the growth of the 3D urchin-like α-Fe₂O₃. A study of methane activation over the 3D urchin-like mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃ nanoarchitectures revealed that methane was activated and converted into carbon dioxide at a low temperature (230 °C). Compounds containing C-C bonds were produced at 600 °C. This 3D urchin-like mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃ shows excellent potential as a catalyst for methane conversion in the chemical industry. Novel urchin-like FeF₂ nanoarchitectures have been fabricated by an unconventional nonhomogeneous ionic liquid/diphenyl ether solvothermal method and converted into 3D urchin-like mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃ nanoarchitectures by solid-state thermal annealing. The α-Fe₂O₃ nanoarchitectures exhibit good catalytic properties in methane activation reactions.