Photocatalytic properties insight of Sm-doped LiNbO3 in ferroelectric Li1_ xNbSm1/3xO3 system

In the present work, photocatalytic performances of Sm-doped LiNbO3 and undoped LiNbO3 were investigated in Rhodamine photodegradation. The materials were synthesized via the conventional solid-state reaction method. The phase structure, surface morphology, and optical properties of the photocatalysts are well characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), Raman, and UV-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). The results show that the Sm (x < 5% At) doping in the Li1_xNbSm1/3xO3 system leads to a similar structure of Lithium niobate. For the photocatalytic efficiency in the decomposition of Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV-visible light irradiation, it has been found that the 1% Sm-LNO sample exhibited an optimal and highest photocatalytic activity (94% within 80 min) compared to other compositions. Moreover, the elemental trapping experiment and regeneration cycles test reveals the higher stability and recyclability of the 1% Sm-LNO photocatalyst after 4 cycles. In addition, a possible photodegradation mechanism of Rhodamine B dye during the photocatalytic process was proposed.

Automated summary

In this study, the photocatalytic performances of Sm-doped LiNbO3 and undoped LiNbO3 were investigated for Rhodamine photodegradation. The materials were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method and characterized by XRD, SEM-EDS, Raman, and UV-visible DRS. The results showed that 1% Sm-LNO exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity (94% within 80 min) and higher stability and recyclability after 4 cycles. A possible photodegradation mechanism of Rhodamine B dye during the photocatalytic process was proposed.