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CHARACTERIZATION OF RUST TO FORM RECYCLED IRON(III) OXIDE NANOPARTICULATE SOLUTIONS**

Abstract

Fabrication of photoelectrochemical cells with hematite (α-Fe2O3, iron(III) oxide) is of interest due to its photocatalytic ability to split water to produce hydrogen gas and its ability to absorb light in the visible range. In the search for sources of economic and environmentally friendly materials, a sample of rust collected from a junkyard and a sample of laboratory grade Fe2O3 were analyzed with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The XRD of the powder samples yielded no results due to the samples being amorphous. Annealing at 450oC and 600oC for 1 hour was carried out and XRD analysis is in progress. EDS analysis on the powders confirmed the presence of Fe and O atoms in the lab grade sample and the presence of Fe, O, Si, C, among other components in the rust sample. Iron(III) oxide nanoparticulate electrodes prepared with solutions of lab grade FeCl3 and recycled rust were also analyzed with the SEM. The EDS analysis of the electrodes confirmed the presence of Fe and O in both samples. We are currently fabricating electrodes with colloidal solutions of Fe2O3 prepared from each of the sources in order to compare the photocurrent efficiency of the materials.

Acknowledgements

Valdosta State University, Department of Chemistry and Geosciences and Department of Biology for access to instrumentation and materials

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