Iron oxides were prepared by calcination based on a facile sol–gel synthesis.
Batch sorption experiments were conducted towards Pb2+ and Cd2+ adsorption.
Iron oxide transformed from Fe3O4 to 纬-Fe2O3 and finally to 伪-Fe2O3.
Fe3O4 had a better adsorption behavior than that of (伪 + 纬)-Fe2O3 and 伪-Fe2O3.
The performance mechanisms were analysed by XRD, XPS and zeta potential measurements.