Iron(III) oxide nanoparticles within the pore system of mesoporous carbon CMK-1:: intra-pore synthesis and characterization

Iron (III) oxide nanoparticles were synthesized inside the pore system of mesoporous carbon CMK-1. This intra-pore synthesis was carried out using several cycles of wet impregnation, drying and calcination procedures. The existence of iron (III) oxide nanoparticles within the pore system was proved by powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, preservation of the host structure by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Finally, the local structure of the iron oxide was determined by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.