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Synthesis and Characterization of Ce3+-Activated Orthovanadate Oxides M3(VO4)2 (M: Ni or Co) for Their Photocatalytic Performances

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Abstract

This paper explores the synthesis of orthovanadate oxides M3(VO4)2 (M: Ni or Co) through the solution combustion route. The study delves into the structural and photocatalytic properties of these oxides, with a focus on the influence of cerium (Ce) doping. The results indicate that all synthesized samples exhibit a crystalline phase with an orthorhombic structure. Notably, the introduction of Ce3+ ions enhances the crystallization process, leading to an increase in the XRD peak intensity in the materials. Fourier transform infrared spectra reveal absorption bands between 550–400 cm−1, attributed to the stretching vibrations of the M–O bonds within the MO6 octahedral structures. The morphology of the orthovanadate oxides is characterized by numerous nearly spherical grains, some featuring faceted surfaces. The bandgap energy values for Ni3(VO4)2 and Co3(VO4)2 are initially measured at 2.20 and 1.86 eV, respectively, and increase to 2.42 and 2.05 eV, respectively, upon Ce3+ doping. Importantly, the inclusion of Ce3+ positively influences the photocatalytic performance of M3(VO4)2, suggesting potential applications in photocatalysis.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to extend their appreciation for the assistance and utilization of diverse characterization facilities throughout the duration of this study. These resources were generously provided by Centre for Interdisciplinary Research at Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India; Institute Instrumentation Centre at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India; and Materials Research Centre at Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, India.

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  1. Department of Physics, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211004, India

    Nikita Sharma & P. P. Sahay

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  1. Nikita Sharma
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Nikita Sharma: Investigation, Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Data curation, Writing – original draft.

P.P. Sahay: Conceptualization, Validation, Formal analysis, Data curation, Supervision, Writing – review & editing.

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Correspondence to P. P. Sahay.

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Sharma, N., Sahay, P.P. Synthesis and Characterization of Ce3+-Activated Orthovanadate Oxides M3(VO4)2 (M: Ni or Co) for Their Photocatalytic Performances. Chemistry Africa (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-024-00975-6

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