Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Properties of Lanthanide-Doped Hematite Nanoparticles

This work aims to develop a highly efficient UV light-induced photocatalyst based on Sm-doped Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs). Sm-doped α-Fe2O3 NPs were synthesized via a straightforward co-precipitation technique and subsequently analyzed for their morphological, structural, and functional attributes. Examination under scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of NPs, often clustered in small aggregates. Transmission electron microscopy measurements indicated a NPs size range of approximately 18 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed octahedral-shaped with the crystalline nature and geometry of the synthesized NPs, with a determined crystallite size of 13 nm. The photocatalytic efficacy of the Sm-doped α-Fe2O3 catalysts was evaluated through their ability to degrade Rhodamine B (RhB) under solar light exposure. Remarkably, Sm-doped α-Fe2O3 exhibited outstanding degradation performance, achieving a 96.82% degradation of RhB within 120 minutes under specified conditions ((RhB) = 20 ppm; (catalyst) = 15-25-50 mg/L; pH = 7; T = 30 °C)). The degradation process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. This exemplary photocatalytic activity suggests that the synthesized NPs hold significant potential for the efficient removal of organic pollutants from industrial wastewater.