Hollow spheres of iron oxides have applications as chemical sensors, solid oxide fuel cells, and microcapsule reactors. The iron oxide surface of these spheres can be readily functionalized with a variety of chemical end groups, increasing their reactivity towards materials of interest. Additionally, because of their dimensions, these spheres exhibit photonic band gaps in the near-infrared region. Thus, due to their photonic band gap and high refractive index, these functionalized spheres could be used as selective vapor sensors in which changes in reflected light are specific to the vapor entrained within the thin film of spheres. In this work, we present the functionalization of the surface of α-Fe2O3 hollow spheres, as well as their deposition as a thin film. The reflectance characteristics of these thin films was also explored.

Surface functionalization and thin film deposition of α-Fe2O3 hollow spheres

255th National Meeting (2018)

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