Structural, morphological and optical properties of the La2W2O9/Fe2O3 composite for UV-shielding applications

Abstract

Currently, research has been conducted on the individual oxides La2W2O9 and Fe2O3 but not on its composite form. Using a solid-state reaction technique, a La2W2O9/Fe2O3 composite was created. A particular calcination cycle was followed by mixing the raw precursors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphological microstructure, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to examine the structural characteristics. The thermal and gravimetric properties were examined via differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optical characteristics were investigated via UV–visible spectroscopy, which investigated included the transmittance, absorbance, absorption coefficient, band gap (Eg), penetration depth (β), Urbach energy (EU), refractive index, optical conductivity, and dielectric function. These findings indicate that the optical properties improved after the addition of Fe2O3 compared with those of pure La2W2O9. The La2W2O9/Fe2O3 composite holds promise as a prospective material for use in the fields of sunscreen products, UV shielding or solar filtration.