Abstract
A novel method for preparation of BiFeO3 films via a simple solution-based CVD method is reported using for the first time a single-source heterobimetallic precursor [CpFe(CO)2BiCl2]. BiFeO3 films display ferroelectric and ferromagnetic ordering at room temperature and possess direct band-gaps between 2.0 and 2.2 eV. Photocatalytic testing for water oxidation revealed high activities under UVA (365 nm) and simulated solar irradiation, superior to that exhibited by a commercial standard (Pilkington Activ® TiO2 film) resulting in an apparent quantum yield of ∼24%.
Highlights
Water photolysis for H2 fuel generation has the potential to meet increasing energy demands whilst reducing the emission of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
Photocatalytic testing for water oxidation revealed high activities under UVA (365 nm) and simulated solar irradiation, superior to that exhibited by a commercial standard (Pilkington Activ® TiO2 film) resulting in an apparent quantum yield of $24%
AACVD of [CpFe(CO)2BiCl2] in THF solvent at a substrate temperature of 300 C resulted in the formation of adherent dark orange lms, passing the Scotch tape test, with complete substrate coverage
Summary
A simple, low-cost CVD route to thin films of BiFeO3 for efficient water photo-oxidation†. Blackman,*a Junwang Tang,b Paul Southern,c Paul M. A novel method for preparation of BiFeO3 films via a simple solutionbased CVD method is reported using for the first time a single-source heterobimetallic precursor [CpFe(CO)2BiCl2]. BiFeO3 films display ferroelectric and ferromagnetic ordering at room temperature and possess direct band-gaps between 2.0 and 2.2 eV. Photocatalytic testing for water oxidation revealed high activities under UVA (365 nm) and simulated solar irradiation, superior to that exhibited by a commercial standard (Pilkington Activ® TiO2 film) resulting in an apparent quantum yield of $24%
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