SYNTHESIS OF IRON(III) OXIDE COLLOIDAL SOLUTIONS FOR NANOPARTICULATE PHOTOELECTRODES

Authors

Linda de la Garza, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698Follow
Jason Phillips*, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698Follow

Abstract

The mineral hematite (α-Fe2O3, iron(III) oxide) is of particular interest for use in photoelectrochemical solar cells. The photocatalytic ability to split water to produce hydrogen gas and light absorption in the visible range make iron oxide a great candidate for research and development in fields like alternative fuels and solar energy. Preparation of the photoelectrodes is done with colloidal solutions of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, which are typically synthesized via the hydrolysis of iron(III) chloride (FeCl3) solution. Rust, a commonly found material, contains iron oxides. The synthesis of the colloidal nanoparticle solutions using laboratory grade Fe2O3 and a sample of rust was carried out and confirmed by UV-VIS spectroscopy. The absorbance spectra of the dialyzed and concentrated solutions were the same as that of the typical hydrolysis reaction. The recycling of rust to obtain Fe2O3 colloidal solutions was possible due to careful control of the concentration of reagents. Fabrication of photoelectrodes is ongoing in order to characterize the photocurrent efficiency of the films obtained with the recycled rust.

Acknowledgements

Valdosta State University, Department of Chemistry and Geosciences

Recommended Citation

de la Garza, Linda and Phillips*, Jason (2024) "SYNTHESIS OF IRON(III) OXIDE COLLOIDAL SOLUTIONS FOR NANOPARTICULATE PHOTOELECTRODES," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 82, No. 1, Article 52.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol82/iss1/52