What is it about?

We developed a novel precursor for the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) of iron oxide materials. We obtained the exotic β-Fe2O3 cubic phase, one of the least studied Fe–O systems. We thoroughly characterize this system and found interesting optical properties, which make this oxide an appealing material for various technological applications.

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Why is it important?

The strenght of this work is the comprehensive investigation on the Fe(II) precursor complex, that we carried out using a bunch of powerful experimental and theoretical techniques. These data allowed us to explain the molecular origin of the behaviour of the complex during the deposition experiments and to understand why this species is such a successful precursor for the CVD of iron oxide nanostructures.

Perspectives

Nanomaterials based on iron oxides are of relevance for a plethora of technological utilizations, including magnetism,catalysis,solid state gas sensors and photo-induced water splitting for hydrogen production. The iron source here presented has been subsequently used by other groups for the CVD growth of many iron oxide-based nanomaterials. These materials have great potential for eventual functional applications in photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes activated by sunlight.

Gloria Tabacchi
university of insubria

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This page is a summary of: β-Fe2O3nanomaterials from an iron(ii) diketonate-diamine complex: a study from molecular precursor to growth process, Dalton Transactions, January 2012, Royal Society of Chemistry,
DOI: 10.1039/c1dt11342a.
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