The topotactical transformation of
goethite to hexaferrite
was
investigated using 2D synchrotron powder diffraction. The relation
between structure, size, and texture in the synthesis was investigated
using combined quantitative texture analysis and Rietveld refinements.
Based on the refinements, the topotaxial relation from the precursor
(goethite) through the intermediate (hematite) and to the product
(hexaferrite) could be understood. In all three cases, the orientation
of texture and smallest crystallite dimension is along the closest
packed oxygen lattice, the c-axis. In the intermediary
step where goethite is converted to hematite, a pseudomorphic transition
is observed where particle shape is maintained along the a- and b-axis. Furthermore, the structural relation
from the intermediate to the product was demonstrated to aid the understanding
of the final step in the topotactical transition. Based on this study,
we conclude that synthesis can be designed to promote texture in materials
beyond magnets by appropriate choice and understanding of precursor
structure and morphology.