“Perovskite SrTiO3 for photo catalytic and optoelectronic applications”

Abstract

In this work, we report the synthesis of SrTiO3(STO) nanoparticles by solid-state method for photocatalytic applications. The samples were calcinated at different temperatures to obtain a single phase. The prepared samples were studied using various analytical techniques such as XRD, DRS, SEM/EDAX, and FTIR. XRD analysis before and after high-temperature calcination indicates eliminating impurities from the sample. FTIR spectroscopy also correlates with the formation of pure SrTiO3. SEM analysis shows the formation of cube-like nanostructures and a bandgap of 3.2 eV was observed from Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy studies. The photocatalytic activity of SrTiO3 towards methylene blue was studied for various catalyst concentrations. The SrTiO3 catalyst attained a degradation efficiency reaching up to 83 % in 120 min. IV measurements of the SrTiO3 thin films reveal the potential optoelectronic applications.