Fe2O3 and its composites have been extensively investigated and employed for the remediation of contaminated water with the characteristics of low cost, outstanding chemical stability, high efficiency of visible light utilization, excellent magnetic ability and abundant active sites for adsorption and degradation. In this review, the potentials of Fe2O3 in water remediation were discussed and summarized in detail. Firstly, various synthesis methods of Fe2O3 and its composites were reviewed and compared. Based on the structures and characteristics of the obtained materials, their applications and related mechanisms in pollutants removal were surveyed and discussed. Furthermore, several strategies for optimizing the remediation processes, including dispersion, immobilization, nano/micromotor construction and simultaneous decontamination, were also highlighted and discussed. Finally, recommendations for further work in the development of novel Fe2O3-related materials and its practical applications were proposed.
Keywords: Adsorption; Iron oxides; Magnetism; Oxidation-reduction; Water remediation.
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