title: Fabrication of α-Fe2O3 nanorod/RGO composite: a novel hybrid photocatalyst for phenol degradation.
abstract: We report herein the fabrication of a hematite nanorod-graphene composite (α-Fe2O3 nanorod/RGO) via a facile template-free hydrothermal route with an aim to improve the photocatalytic efficiency of the α-Fe2O3 nanorod. The structural and morphological characterizations of the as-prepared composites were carried out using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption, etc. The α-Fe2O3 nanorods were well-decorated on the surface of the graphene sheets, which helps in electron transfer from α-Fe2O3 to graphene and hence can delay the recombination process, leading to the improvement in photocatalytic activity. The composite containing 5 wt % RGO and α-Fe2O3 nanorods shows a 4-fold enhancement in the photocatalytic activity. The performance of photocatalytic activity was discussed in light of surface area, interaction between nanorods and graphene nanosheets, synergism between α-Fe2O3 nanorods and RGO sheets, light-harvesting properties of the composites, photoluminescence spectra, photocurrent measurement, and hydroxyl radical formation.
authors: Colloids and Materials Chemistry Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology , Bhubaneswar-751013, Odisha, India.
authors: Gajendra Kumar
authors: GK
authors: Pradhan
authors: Deepak Kumar
authors: DK
authors: Padhi
authors: K M
authors: KM
authors: Parida
mesh_terms: D002384:Catalysis; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D006108:Graphite / Q000737:chemistry*; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical / Q000737:chemistry; D008027:Light; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry; D019800:Phenol / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D005290:Ferric Compounds; D010087:Oxides; C000499:ferric oxide; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D019800:Phenol; D006108:Graphite