alpha-Fe2O3 is obtained by a simple route involving solvent free solid state decomposition of ferric nitrate in presence of urea. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infra-red and UV-Vis spectral studies, TEM, BET surface area measurements and TG-DTA analysis. Magnetic measurements were done from M-H hysteresis profiles. By changing the ratio of ferric nitrate and urea, cc-phase was obtained in all the synthesized samples and was accompanied with increase in ferromagnetic behavior. The samples showed good photocatalytic activity for decomposition of H2O2 and could be correlated with surface area values. The results were interpreted in terms of activity for the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction. (C) 2015 Elsevier By. All rights reserved.