This study offers faster, more efficient, green synthesis of α-Fe2O3 dispersed on Flavin Mononucleotide (FMNS)-stabilized graphene nanosheet via microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. Generally, the new microwave method involved reacting a basic solution of FeCl3.6H2O and hexamine with FMNS-stabilized graphene nanosheets in water at 130 oC for 60 minutes. The microwave parameters for the synthesis was optimized and compared with conventional hydrothermal method which typically lasts for 3 h. Moreover, this method is more environment-friendly and energy efficient than the conventional synthesis. The structure and composition of the synthesized product were confirmed by FTIR, UV-DRS, XRD, and SEM-EDX; whereas nanoparticle size was measured by DLS and atomic force microscopy. The optimum microwave parameter synthesis for α-Fe2O3 showed uniform particle size distribution which is, on average, 65 nm, and which is smaller compared with those produced using conventional hydrothermal synthesis. Moreover, the microwave method was also applied to the synthesis of the α-Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposite. The SEM-EDX profile of the nanocomposite showed that the nanoparticles were evenly dispersed within the graphene framework. The nanocomposite may find use as photocatalyst for more efficient I-/I3- regeneration in dye-sensitized solar cells. The electrochemical property of the nanocomposite was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry.

Low temperature facile synthesis of α-Fe2O3 dispersed on Flavin mononucleotide-stabilized graphene nanosheet via microwave-assisted hydrothermal method

254th National Meeting (2017)

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