Micro-emulsion approach for the fabrication of La1−xGdxCr1−yFeyO3: Magnetic, dielectric and photocatalytic activity evaluation under visible light irradiation

In the present investigation, La1−xGdxCr1−yFeyO3 nanoparticles were synthesized using facile micro-emulsion technique and monitored by XRD (X-ray diffraction), VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy) and dielectric measurements. XRD analysis revealed the effective exchange of Fe and Gd ions into the regular structure of LaCrO3 and La1−xGdxCr1−yFeyO3 have orthorhombic crystal structure and crystallite size was in 30.20–34.1 nm range. The particles were of flakes morphology and EDX analysis revealed the purity and Fe and Gd ions incorporation into the structure of LaCrO3 and La1−xGdxCr1−yFeyO3. The magnetic hysteresis loop showed the paramagnetic behavior at room temperature and dielectric properties of La1−xGdxCr1−yFeyO3 were significantly affected with Fe and Gd contents. The PCA (photocatalytic activity) was performed against MB (methylene blue) dye under visible light exposure and up to 68% MB dye destruction was observed within 45 min of exposure. Results revealed the LaCrO3 properties are tunable with Fe and Gd doping to prepare catalyst active under solar light exposure.