Size-controlled synthesis of rod-like α-FeOOH nanostructure

One-dimensional goethite (α-FeOOH) nanorods were successfully fabricated by a hydrothermal route without any template. Experimental results reveal that concentrations of Fe(3+) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic disodium salt (Na2EDTA) affect the phase composition and size of the as-synthesized products. The size of the rod-like α-FeOOH increased when the concentration of Na2EDTA was increased, where Na2EDTA acts as a nucleation inhibitor. α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were produced when the concentration of Fe(3+) was increased from 0.02 to 0.08 and 0.40 M. A possible formation mechanism was proposed based on the results of the time dependent experiments. Different electrolytes and surfactants can affect the size and the aspect ratio of the as-prepared nanorod-like α-FeOOH. Na2SO4 induced the decreasing of the size of the as-prepared sample. KCl and PVP affected the aspect ratio of the nanorods.