Low Temperature-Derived 3D Hexagonal Crystalline Fe₃O₄ Nanoplates for Water Purification

Fe₃O₄ nanoplates were fabricated by an anodic oxidation process and a subsequent water assisted crystallization process at low temperature, which was found to be very efficient and environmentally friendly. The as-prepared Fe₃O₄ nanoplates have hexagonal outlines with a thickness of about 20 nm. Tremendous grooves were distributed on the entire surfaces of the nanoplates, making the two-dimension nanoplates have a unique 3D morphology. Transmission electron microscopy results confirmed that the single-crystalline nature of the nanoplates was well maintained. Owing to the unique structures and porous morphologies, the as-prepared 3D nanoplates show excellent ability for absorbing solar energy and absorbing organic pollutants, which can be utilized for cleaning up water. Moreover, the Fe₃O₄ nanoplates show good magnetic properties that enable them to be easily collected and recycled. We believe this study will inspire the application of Fe₃O₄ nanoplates with 3D structures in energy and environmental areas.