Uncovering the Size-Dependent Thermal Solid Transformation of Akaganéite

Investigating the structural evolution and phase transformation of iron oxides is crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of geological changes on diverse planets and preparing oxide materials suitable for industrial applications. In this study, in-situ heating techniques are employed in conjunction with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations and ex-situ characterization to thoroughly analyze the thermal solid-phase transformation of akaganéite 1D nanostructures with varying diameters. These findings offer compelling evidence for a size-dependent morphology evolution in akaganéite 1D nanostructures, which can be attributed to the transformation from akaganéite to maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) and subsequent crystal growth. Specifically, it is observed that akaganéite nanorods with a diameter of ∼50 nm transformed into hollow polycrystalline maghemite nanorods, which demonstrated remarkable stability without arresting crystal growth under continuous heating. In contrast, smaller akaganéite nanoneedles or nanowires with a diameter ranging from 20 to 8 nm displayed a propensity for forming single-crystal nanoneedles or nanowires through phase transformation and densification. By manipulating the size of the precursors, a straightforward method is developed for the synthesis of single-crystal and polycrystalline maghemite nanowires through solid-phase transformation. These significant findings provide new insights into the size-dependent structural evolution and phase transformation of iron oxides at the nanoscale.