Sacrificial Templating Synthesis of Hematite Nanochains from [Fe18S25](TETAH)14 Nanoribbons: Their Magnetic, Electrochemical, and Photocatalytic Properties

Unique hematite nanochains self-assembled from a-Fe2O3 nanoparticles can be synthesized by thermal decomposition of [Fe18S25](TETAH)14 as an appropriate nanoribbon precursor (TETAH=protonated triethylenetetramine). Magnetic studies have revealed greatly enhanced coercivity of the 1D hematite nanochains compared with that of dispersed a-Fe2O3 nanoparticles at low temperature, which may be attributed to their increased shape anisotropy and magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The photocatalytic properties of the hematite nanochains have been studied, as well as their electrochemical properties as cathode materials of lithium-ion batteries. The results have shown that both properties are dependent on the BET specific surface areas of the 1D hematite nanochains.