Nd2O3-Decorated BiFeO3 Nanoplates for Efficient Hydrogen Production via Photocatalytic Water Splitting

This study investigates the enhancement of photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production through the incorporation of neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) into bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) nanoplates, positioning photocatalytic water splitting as a promising and sustainable hydrogen production method. The Nd2O3-decorated BiFeO3 nanoplates were synthesized via a facile sol–gel method followed by calcination at 500 °C, resulting in a nanocomposite structure characterized by enhanced light absorption and charge separation capabilities. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, were employed to confirm the successful incorporation of Nd2O3 onto the BiFeO3 nanoplates and to elucidate their structural, morphological, and optical properties. The photocatalytic performance was rigorously evaluated under visible light irradiation, demonstrating a significant enhancement in hydrogen evolution rates─specifically, an increase by a factor of 2 compared to the individual components. The superior photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic effects of Nd2O3, which effectively minimizes the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and enhances surface reaction kinetics. This assertion is corroborated by in-depth photoelectrochemical measurements, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy (TCSPC), providing insights into the charge transfer mechanisms and the origin of the enhanced photocatalytic activity. This study highlights the potential of Nd2O3-decorated BiFeO3 nanoplates as efficient photocatalysts for water splitting, contributing to the development of sustainable hydrogen production pathways and advancing the field of solar-to-chemical energy conversion.