Synthesis of nano metal powder by electrochemical reduction of iron oxides

Abstract

Synthesis of iron nanopowder by room-temperature electrochemical reduction process of α-Fe2O3 nanopowder was investigated in terms of phase evolution and microstructure. As process variables, reduction time and applied voltage were changed in the range of 1-20 h and 30-40 V, respectively. From XRD analyses, it was found that volume of Fe phase increased with increasing reduction time and applied voltage, respectively. The crystallite size of Fe phase in all powder samples was less than 30 nm, implying that particle growth was inhibited by the reaction at room temperature. Based on the distinct equilibrium shape of crystalline particle, phase composition of nanoparticles was identified by TEM observation.