Surface reconstruction via Eu3+-coating and recrystallization to improve photochemical properties of BiLa2O4.5 particles

Eu3+ can act as electron acceptor to capture electrons and thus delay the recombination of photo-created h+/epairs. In this work, Eu3+-surface coated BiLa2O4.5 was prepared via the surface ion exchange and subsequent calcination consolidation. The prepared particles were characterized using XRD, FT-Raman, SEM, UPS, XPS, and optical absorption measurements. The luminescence and photocatalysis of the samples were evaluated. Surface coating of Eu3+ induces recrystallization on the surface of the particles. Significant improvement of Eu3+ surface coated BiLa2O4.5 on photocatalysis was realized compared to the Eu3+ uniformly doped samples. The microstructure, electrical impedance, and photocurrent properties were analyzed. The surface coated Eu3+ can act as traps to delay the recombination of photo-created h+/e- pairs. The experimental results show that the surface modification of rare earth is effective to improve the surface light absorption and photochemical properties of semiconductor materials.

Automated summary

In this study, Eu3+-surface coated BiLa2O4.5 material was prepared, which acts as an electron acceptor to delay the recombination of photo-created h+/e- pairs. Significant improvement in photocatalysis was observed compared to uniformly doped Eu3+ samples. Characterization techniques were used to analyze the microstructure, electrical impedance, and photocurrent properties of the prepared particles.