Synthesis of acicular hematite catalysts with tailored porosity

The topotactic thermal decomposition of a synthetic acicular goethite sampl e into hematite has been studied by controlled rate thermal analysis (CRTA) . This method allows a precise, simultaneous and independent control of bot h the partial pressure of water vapour generated from the decomposition of goethite and the decomposition rate of this precursor. It has been demonstr ated that the CRTA method allows obtaining acicular particles of alpha-Fe2O 3 with tailored porosity oriented along the c lattice axis (the longest axi s of the particle). This finding would be of great potential interest from the point of view of the use of this material as a catalyst.