Synthesis of α-Fe2O3 nanobelts and nanoflakes by thermal oxidation and study to their magnetic properties

α-Fe2O3 nanobelts and nanoflakes have been successfully synthesized by oxidation of iron-coated ITO glass in air. The X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum and scanning electron microscopy are carried out to characterize the nanobelts and nanoflakes. The formation mechanism has been presented. Significantly, the magnetic investigations show that the magnetic properties are strongly shape-dependent. The magnetization measurements of belt-like and flake-like α-Fe2O3 in perpendicular exhibit ferromagnetic feature with the coercivity (Hc) and saturation magnetization (Ms) of 334.5 Oe and 1.35 emu/g, 239.5 Oe and 0.12 emu/g, respectively. For the parallel, belt-like and flake-like α-Fe2O3 also exhibit ferromagnetic feature with the Hc and Ms of 205.5 Oe and 1.44 emu/g, 159.6 Oe and 0.15 emu/g, respectively.