Supersaturation-controlled shape evolution of α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals and their facet-dependent catalytic and sensing properties.

Surface engineering of crystals at nanoscale level by precisely and rationally exposing specific facets proved to be highly effective in enhancing the performance of inorganic functional nanocrystals. To do so, a comprehensive understanding of the growth mechanism was of great importance. By using hematite (α-Fe2O3) as an example, in this paper we demonstrated high effectiveness of controlling supersaturation of growth monomers in engineering the exposed facets of nanocrystals. Under surfactant-free hydrothermal conditions, a series of morphology evolution of α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals from {012} faceted pseudocubes to {113} faceted hexagonal bipyramids and {001} faceted nanoplates were successfully activated through concentration-, reaction time-, and solvent-dependent hydrolysis of ferric acetylacetonate. High supersaturation was eventually proven to be conducive to the formation of facets with high surface energy. Furthermore, the α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals enclosed with facets of high surface energy exhibited excellent catalytic activity and gas-sensing ability. The present work will deepen our understanding of thermodynamics and kinetic control over the morphology of nanocrystals as well as our understanding of surface-related performance of inorganic functional nanocrystals.