Surface reconstruction via Eu3+-coating and recrystallization to improve photochemical properties of BiLa2O4.5 particles

Abstract

Eu3+ can act as electron acceptor to capture electrons and thus delay the recombination of photo-created h+/e− pairs. In this work, Eu3+-surface coated BiLa2O4.5 was prepared via the surface ion exchange and subsequent calcination consolidation. The prepared particles were characterized using XRD, FT-Raman, SEM, UPS, XPS, and optical absorption measurements. The luminescence and photocatalysis of the samples were evaluated. Surface coating of Eu3+ induces recrystallization on the surface of the particles. Significant improvement of Eu3+ surface coated BiLa2O4.5 on photocatalysis was realized compared to the Eu3+ uniformly doped samples. The microstructure, electrical impedance, and photocurrent properties were analyzed. The surface coated Eu3+ can act as traps to delay the recombination of photo-created h+/e− pairs. The experimental results show that the surface modification of rare earth is effective to improve the surface light absorption and photochemical properties of semiconductor materials.