The invention relates to a modification method for promoting the rapid formation of a γ-FeOOH layer on the surface of iron filings by iron ions, comprising the following steps: (1) selecting scrap iron filings of low carbon steel, medium carbon steel and low alloy structural steel, and carrying out pretreatment; (2) placing the iron filings obtained in step (1) in a mixed modification liquid containing an oxidant and a promoter for modification, and the modification liquid includes the following composition by mass percentage: 0.05% to 0.45% of the oxidant , accelerator 0.025~0.5%, polyvinyl butyral resin 0~2g / L, polyethylene glycol 0~1g / L, the balance is water, the pH of the modification solution is 2~4, and the temperature is 15-40℃ (3) After the modification in step (2) is completed, continue to add oxidant to the modification system to keep its mass concentration at 0.05% to 0.45%, and continue to modify for 20 to 60 min; (4) after the modification is completed, from The product is taken out from the above modification solution, air-dried naturally, and then the residual resin on the surface is cleaned. Compared with the prior art, the method of the invention can shorten the growth time of the γ-FeOOH layer, improve the modification efficiency, and the obtained product has stable catalytic performance and surface components.