DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/jksa.28.8.463-470

Synthesis and Characterization of Hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) Nanomaterials from Red Mud Using EDTA as Capping Agent

1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Tanjungpura, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

2Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Tanjungpura, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Received: 9 Jul 2025; Revised: 28 Oct 2025; Accepted: 29 Oct 2025; Published: 31 Oct 2025.
Open Access Copyright 2025 Jurnal Kimia Sains dan Aplikasi under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.

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Abstract
Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanomaterials, a stable phase of iron oxide, hold significant potential for diverse materials science and technology applications. In this study, red mud was employed as a low-cost precursor for synthesizing hematite nanomaterials, with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) used as a capping agent to prevent particle agglomeration. The effect of EDTA on particle size and colloidal stability was investigated by comparing three synthesis variations: (a) without EDTA (NPH-1), (b) with EDTA via the precipitation method (NPH-2), and (c) with EDTA via the hydrothermal method (NPH-3). XRD analysis confirmed the formation of crystalline hematite (α-Fe2O3) in all samples. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed absorption bands at 1624 cm−1 and 1382 cm−1, corresponding to the symmetric and asymmetric stretching vibrations of the carboxylate (COO−) group, respectively. The difference in these wavenumbers suggests monodentate coordination between the carboxyl groups of EDTA and the hematite nanoparticle surfaces. Particle size analysis indicated that the EDTA-assisted synthesis via precipitation (NPH-2) produced the smallest average particle size (149.6 nm) with a narrow size distribution, as reflected by a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.43. Furthermore, this sample demonstrated enhanced colloidal stability with a zeta potential of −34.0 mV. These findings suggest that the synthesized α-Fe2O3 nanomaterials produced with narrow particle size distribution and high colloidal stability, are promising for visible-light photocatalysis.
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Keywords: Capping agent; EDTA; Hematite nanomaterial; Iron Oxide; Red Mud

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Section: Research Articles
Language : EN
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