Effect of CuFe2O4 ferrite on photocatalysis and carrier dynamics of electrospun α-Fe2O3 nanofibers by time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy

Pei Hsuan Hung, Junie Jhon M. Vequizo, Ren An Wu, Akira Yamakata, Wenjea J. Tseng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Pristine and Cu-doped α-Fe2O3 nanofibrous photocatalysts were prepared facilely by electrospinning followed by thermal calcination for removal of the polymeric template. The addition of Cu resulted in formation of copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) in the α-Fe2O3 matrix. Photogenerated electrons and holes in the photocatalysts were found trapped in semiconducting midgaps by the time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy under pulsed light irradiations (355 nm wavelength). The Cu-doped α-Fe2O3 showed an increased carriers population when compared to the pristine counterpart. The finding was in good agreement with the methylene-blue (MB) dye degradation under ultraviolet-light irradiations, in which an enhanced MB removal was found for the Cu-doped α-Fe2O3 photocatalyst. The MB dye removal was directly correlated with the presence of CuFe2O4 ferrite in the α-Fe2O3 matrix; from which, the semiconducting heterojunction at the interface led to a prolonged lifetime of the carriers and a resultant increase on the carriers population and MB photodegradation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15676-15680
Number of pages5
JournalCeramics International
Volume45
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 15 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Dye degradation
  • Photocatalysis
  • Transient absorption spectroscopy
  • α-FeO

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Process Chemistry and Technology
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Materials Chemistry

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