Preparation of alpha-Fe2O3 nanotubes by calcination of electrospun precursors.

The alpha-Fe2O3 nanotubes with diameters of 400-700 nm were prepared by calcination of electrospun precursors. The morphology of alpha-Fe2O3 nanotubes is mainly influenced by the water content in solution and heating rate during the calcination process. When the water content is about 17 wt.%, heating rate is 5 degrees C/min and calcination temperature at 500 degrees C for 2 h, the optimized alpha-Fe2O3 nanotubes are obtained. These alpha-Fe2O3 nanotubes have a magnetization (M(s)) of 0.36 emu x (9-1) and coercivity (H(o)) of 1942 Oe and can be used in the nanospace technology.