Research Paper - Hydrometallurgy - : Direct Synthesis of α - Fe2O3 Particles from Ferric Salt Solution ( The Effect of Citric Acid Concentration and Reaction Temperature on the Formation of α - Fe2O3 Particles )
변태봉 T . B . Byeon
Abstract
We have synthesized α-Fe2O3 particles directly from ferric salt solution by hydrothermal reaction. The effect of citric acid concentration and hydrothermal reaction temperature on the formation of α-Fe2O3 particles, formation process of α-Fe2O3 particles were investigated. Also, we proposed a formation model of needle-like α-Fe2O3 particles in this reaction system. The length and aspect ratio of α-Fe2O3, particles were decreased gradually with increasing of citric acid concentration. The crystallization of needle-like α-Fe2O3 particles was inhibited beyond citric acid concentration of 1.5 × 10(-4) mol. We can synthesized α-Fe2O3 particles with the most superior acicularity at 140℃. Aspect ratio of α-Fe2O3 particles was decreased with increasing reaction temperature. α-Fe2O3 particles formed above 220℃ exhibited sphere-like particles. The crystallization to α-Fe2O3 particles from ferric salt was accomplished at 140℃ in 10 minutes. Citric acid was adsorbed with the form of citrate anion(R-COO(-)) on the ferric hydroxide and exerted important role on the formation to the needle-like α-Fe2O3, particles in this reaction system.