Abstract
The composite metal oxide thin films, (1–x)(SnO2)-(x)(Pr2O3) (where x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 at.%), were coated using the laboratory spray pyrolysis method. Their structural, vibrational, morphological, compositional and optical properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet–visible near-infrared spectroscopy (UV–Vis. NIR) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). XRD studies confirmed that the deposited (1–x)(SnO2)-(x)(Pr2O3) composite thin film adhered to the tetragonal phase for x = 0.0, the hexagonal phase for x = 1.0, and a combined phase for x = 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 at.%. Additionally, the crystallite size decreased with the addition of rare earth composite. FTIR spectra revealed the basic vibrational modes of Sn–O and Pr–O. XPS analysis disclosed the Sn, Pr, and O chemical valence states, as well as oxygen vacancies on the surface. FESEM analysis showed that the morphology of composite thin films was significantly altered by Pr2O3 content. EDX study revealed the presence of Sn, Pr, and O elements. Root mean square (RMS) roughness values identified through AFM analysis could contribute to enhancing photocatalytic performance. PL analysis revealed the recombination of photo-generated charge carriers, surface, and lattice oxygen defects. The calculated edge potential of the conduction and valence bands in SnO2, Pr2O3, and their composites revealed a defect energy level, which is efficient for visible photocatalytic dye degradation capabilities. A high visible light photocatalytic efficiency of 93%, against methylene blue dye, of the composite thin film (0.50SnO2 − 0.50Pr2O3) is primarily attributed to its extended light absorption capability, appropriate band edge alignment between SnO2 and Pr2O3, minimal electron–hole pair recombination, and efficient charge transfer.
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The author's KA and RR would like to gratefully acknowledge the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) at IIT Bombay, funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, for providing a major characterization facility for FESEM, AFM, XPS measurement. The author RR gratefully acknowledges MOE-RUSA 2.0 Physical Sciences for departmental financial support.
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Arjunan, K., Babu, R.R. Visible light photocatalysis application of (1–x)(SnO2) − (x)(Pr2O3) composite thin films by laboratory spray pyrolysis method. Appl. Phys. A 130, 378 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-024-07515-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-024-07515-6