Nanopores in hematite ( -Fe2O3) nanocrystals observed by electron tomography

We report the first characterization of the internal structural features within rhombohedral nanocrystals of hematite (α-Fe2O3), specifically nanoscale pores (nanopores) within these crystals observed by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy tomography. Three-dimensional observations of the internal structure of hematite nanocrystals suggest that the nanopores are formed due to a large reduction in solid volume during the transformation of a poorly crystalline precursor [aggregates of ferrihydrite: Fe8.2O8.5(OH)7.4·3H2O], which results in the formation of pores between grain boundaries. This formation mechanism is different from those previously reported, such as hollow cores originating from screw dislocations. We also discuss dissolution experiments of the hematite nanocrystals in ascorbic acid solution, in which we demonstrated that the nanopores are reactive sites for dissolution and enlarged by preferential etching. Our findings are of fundamental importance to understanding how certain crystal morphologies, internal structures, defects, and reactive sites occur in nanocrystals formed from a poorly crystalline precursor.