A strategy to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of α-Fe2O3

Abstract The photocatalytic dye degradation of pure α-Fe2O3 and different concentration of Co doped α-Fe2O3 is explored. Facile hydrothermal method were employed to prepare pristine, 2% and 4% Co–Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Further, synthesized product confirmation studies were employed from X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope studies. The rhombohedral nanoparticles developed were enhanced photocatalytic action. Photocatalytic dye degradation studies were analyzed for prepared three samples and the photocatalytic efficacy of the obtained photocatalysts was compared experimentally. Methylene blue dye was degraded under UV-light irradiation with 364 nm. The results showed that 4% Co doped α-Fe2O3 sample exhibited better dye degradation with 92% efficiency. The 4% doping of cobalt ions enhanced the photocatalytic property of Fe2O3 and is a good candidate for methylene blue dye degradation above 90%. In addition, strategy for photocatalytic efficiency enhancement was proposed.