Doped Hematite Research Articles

Trimetallic doped hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles using biomolecules of Azadirachta indica leaf extract for photocatalytic dye removal: insights into catalyst stability and reusability

Trimetallic doped hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles using biomolecules of Azadirachta indica leaf extract for photocatalytic dye removal: insights into catalyst stability and reusability

Study of surface structure and interfacial effects on optical and magnetic properties of un-doped and Si-doped hematite films

Thermal evaporation technique has been used to synthesize the α-Fe2O3 (hematite) and Si-doped hematite films on three different substrates (SiO2/Si, Al2O3 and quartz). The post-deposition heat treatment at 800 °C has further improved the crystalline nature of the films. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy has provided information for surface elemental composition and depth profile. Raman spectra have supported the formation of rhombohedral phase and inter-layer diffusion between substrate and films. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has confirmed the mixed-valence oxidation states for Fe ions and +4 state for the Si ions in Si-doped hematite films. The optical reflectance spectra in the UV–Visible region indicated contributions from the films and film-substrate interface. The Si-doping has enhanced soft ferromagnetic properties in the hematite film with noticeable decrease of the magnetic coercivity and increase of the magnetic moment. The films showed blocking of magnetization at lower temperatures, typically below 125 K, and a wide thermomagnetic irreversibility between zero-field cooled and field cooled magnetization curves. The modified surface chemical structure, ferromagnetism and optical properties in the Si doped hematite films promise their potential applications in spintronics.

(Invited) Highly Nanoporous Hematite with Optimal Doping for an Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

In this study, we propose a highly nanoporous hematite structure having under 5 nm hole diffusion pathways via an optimized doping method based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The superiority of highly nanoporous structure with the synergistic effects of a facilitated Kirkendall effect and optimal doping condition were clearly proved by the experimental analyses. The optimized prous photoanode prepared with an optimal doping conditoin (Ge:Ti:Sn doped hematite) and the subsequent dopositon of an oxygen evolution reaction co-catalyst NiFe(OH)x showed a maximum photocurrent density of 5.1 mA cm-2 at 1.23 VRHE, which is 3.3-fold higher than that of reference Ti:Sn hematite due to enhanced surface reaction kinetics. This study provides a significant breakthrough in dramatically improving the low PEC performance of hematite-based photoanodes with an short-hole diffusion pathway issue through optimal co-doping and nanostructuring.

Doping of large amount tetravalent Ge ions into Fe2O3 structure and experimental results on modified structural, optical and electronic properties

We report the doping of high concentration of tetravalent Ge4+ ions (5 mol % for x = 0.05–30 mol % for x = 0.30) at the Fe3+ sites of Fe2-xGexO3 system by chemical coprecipitation route. The charge state of Fe and Ge ions has been modified into lower values, in addition to their normal +3 and + 4 states, to stabilize the rhombohedral phase of hematite (α-Fe2O3) structure. X-ray photoelectron spectra and optical band gap measurements indicated a combination of ionic and covalence character of metal-oxygen bonds as an effect of Ge doping in the hematite structure. The Ge doped hematite samples have exhibited semiconductor properties with band gap of 1.50–4.70 eV and remarkably enhanced electrical conductivity (σ ∼ 10−4 S/m) in comparison to α-Fe2O3 (10−11 S/m). The results confirmed the strategy of enhancing electrical conductivity in hematite structure by doping of tetravalent cations. The thermo-conductivity measurements using warming and cooling modes showed highly irreversible feature at higher temperatures. Some of the samples indicated metal-like state at lower temperature, in addition to semiconductor state at higher temperatures. It has been understood that combination of ionic and covalence character of the metal-oxygen bonds has played an important role in modifying the semiconductor properties in Ge doped Fe2O3 system.

Visible light driven Ni doped hematite for photocatalytic reduction of noxious methylene blue

In recent studies, pure Fe2O3 (FO) and a series of 5% Ni doped Fe2O3 (5-NFO), 10% Ni doped Fe2O3 (10-NFO), and 15% Ni doped Fe2O3 (15-NFO) nanoparticles were simply synthesized by employing the eco-friendly hydrothermal approach to assess the effect of doping concentration on photocatalytic activity. Different instrumental techniques were used to examine FO, 5-NFO, 10-NFO and 15-NFO nanoparticles to determine the structural and functional features of the materials. Incorporation of Ni2+ ions into Fe2O3 was confirmed by these physiochemical characterization techniques. The crystallite size of synthetic materials was investigated using the Scherrer expression. The average particle size reduced from 46 nm in undoped samples to 19 nm in doped ones. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that adding of Ni dopant to Fe2O3 nanoparticles reduced particle aggregation and increased surface area. Optical properties of synthesized nanoparticles such as FO, 5-NFO, 10-NFO, and 15-NFO have bandgap energies of 2.25, 1.83, 1.71, and 1.47 eV, respectively, as determined by UV–visible spectroscopic analysis. The usual photocatalytic behavior of doped hematite is owing to the reduction of its bandgap energy. The highest methylene blue degradation was achieved by using 10-NFO after 100 min. The optimal concentration of 10-NFO accelerates the photoreduction of methylene blue (MB) because of the photocatalyst's potent ability to trap electrons.

Meso-pore generating P doping for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting

Hematite (Fe2O3) has been widely used as a photoanode in photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC) for green hydrogen production. Here, for the first time, we investigate how a simple in-situ phosphorus (P) doping strategy improves the overall PEC performance of hematite with a systematic analysis of the various effects on the PEC performance. By introducing enriched FePO4 regions on the Ti-doped FeOOH surface and subsequent high-temperature annealing via P-doping, meso-porous P,Ti co-doped Fe2O3 (P,Ti-Fe2O3) nanorods were fabricated. P,Ti-Fe2O3 exhibited four-fold and two-fold increased BET surface area and electrical active area, respectively, compared to that of Ti-Fe2O3. Benefiting from the nano-structuring and efficient P doping effects [e.g., increased carrier density (Nd=3.48168 ×1020 cm−3), enhanced charge separation (ηbulk= 38.7% and ηsurface= 79.1%), and steeper band bending (Wd=3.910 nm)], the resulting P,Ti-Fe2O3 photoanode exhibited 94% improved photocurrent density of 2.50 mA cm−2 compared to that of Ti-Fe2O3 (@ 1.23 VRHE) under 1 sun illumination. With the deposition of the NiFeOx cocatalyst, the NiFeOx/P,Ti-Fe2O3 photoanode exhibited excellent photocurrent density of 3.54 mA cm−2 (@ 1.23 VRHE) with a remarkable cathodic shift (180 mV) of the onset potential, marking the highest value among P doped hematite studies. This study suggests a new paradigm of P doped hematite with mesopores and gradient doping properties affordable in a cost-efficient way, achieving an excellent PEC water splitting performance.

Defectronics based photoelectrochemical properties of Cu2+ ion doped hematite thin film

The concentration of guest elements (dopants) into host materials play an important role in changing their intrinsic electrical and optical properties. The existence of hetero-element induce defect in crystal structure, affecting conductivity. In the current work, we report Cu2+ ion into hematite in the defectronics point of view and their photoelectrochemical properties. Crystal distortion in the structure of hematite is observed as the amount of dopant increases. Among 1, 3 and 5 mol% of Cu2+ doped hematite, the existence of 1 mol% of Cu2+ ion into hematite crystal structure produce photocurrent value of 0.15 mA/cm2, IPCE value of ~ 4.7% and EIS value of ~ 2000 Ω/cm2 as best performances. However, further increasing dopants increases the number of interstitial defects, which cause the deformation of intrinsic lattice structure.

Hydrogen production and photocatalytic activity of HTAB assisted titanium doped α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles treated by microwave irradiation process

• Ti doped Iron oxide nanoparticles prepared by Microwave irradiation method. • Impact of different weight percentage of Ti doped hematite nanoparticles tuned the bandgap energy. • The spherical, granules, hexagonal blocks, platelets and foam like structures are formed in lower to higher doping of Ti in iron oxide nanoparticles. • Mainly, photocatalytic degradation percentages of Ti doped iron oxide nanoparticles were measured. The present work influence of titanium doping on morphology, optical, stoichiometry, electrical and photocatalytic efficiency of α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles which were synthesized via the microwave irradiation process. Titanium doped iron oxide nanoparticles are synthesized at different doping wt % of Ti. The increase of Titanium doping level in the iron oxide nanoparticles influences more on particle size and it increases from 38 nm for lower Ti level to 58 nm at higher Ti level. The band gap values from 2.49 eV to 2.34 eV especially in the visible light region. The valence band top resulting in decreases of band gap of α-Fe 2 O 3 , considering tuneable bandgap of Ti doped hematite nanoparticles for photocatalytic activity and MB dye degradation process performed under sunlight irradiation for hydrogen production. The morphological changes like spherical, granules, rhombus and platelet shapes are confirmed from FESEM images. The XPS results shows peaks like Ti 2p 3/2 and Ti 2p 1/2 of Ti doped iron oxide samples. The binding energy of 532 eV is almost indicated oxygen environment of α-Fe 2 O 3 . The HRTEM images are supported for morphological transformation. Overall incorporation of TiO 2 on iron oxide nanoparticles offer possibilities for utilizing this inexpensive and earth-abundant oxide materials in the pollution controlling areas.

Maximizing the electronic charge carriers in donor-doped hematite under oxygen-rich conditions via doping and co-doping strategies revealed by density functional theory calculations

The low electronic conductivity of hematite (α-Fe2O3) limits its best performance in many applications. Though highly reducing conditions induce an intrinsic n-type behavior, reaching extremely low oxygen partial pressure (pO2) values is not practical. Alternatively, certain dopants provide hematite with excess electrons at practical pO2 values. This study employs density functional theory with thermodynamic analysis to compute the concentration of electronic defects in hematite as a function of pO2, upon doping with 1% of 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metals. Isothermal Kröger–Vink diagrams at 1100 K are plotted to reveal the charge compensation mechanism controlling the electronic carriers in doped hematite and the maximum attainable pO2 value, which achieves approximately one electron per dopant. A higher pO2 value is a metric for an effective donor. Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, Mo, and W are shown to be effective donors, especially Nb, Ta, and W, which achieve a 1:1 electron/dopant ratio around atmospheric pressure and a maximum electron/dopant ratio greater than one. The latter is a new metric introduced in this study to quantify the doping efficacy of a donor. Moreover, our study shows that W, Ta, and Nb co-doping in specific percentages with any of the other investigated dopants ensures the n-type behavior of the co-doped hematite while opening the possibility of improving other properties via the other dopant. The other dopant can be Ni or Co to enhance the surface catalytic properties or Zn to increase the minority hole carriers. Both properties are desirable in applications such as photoelectrochemical cells.

The critical role of synthesis conditions on small polaron carrier concentrations in hematite—A first-principles study

Achieving highly efficient energy conversion with transition metal oxides necessitates overcoming conductivity limitations due to the formation of small polarons. Detailed understanding of the interplay among intrinsic defects, dopants, and electron polarons can help devise strategies for achieving higher carrier concentrations, therefore improving carrier conductivity. This work employs first-principles calculations to reliably predict electron polaron concentrations in a prominent polaronic oxide, hematite (Fe2O3), by resolving interactions between charged defects and electron polarons and keeping charge neutrality condition among all charged species. This work addresses that both VO and Fei can be primary donors in undoped hematite depending on the synthesis conditions, such as synthesis temperature and oxygen partial pressure, despite the fact that VO owns an extremely high ionization energy compared to kBT. Furthermore, from calculations of a plethora of n-type dopants (group IV and V elements), we find that Ti, Ge, Sb, and Nb are able to raise electron polaron concentrations in hematite significantly without considering dopant clustering. However, the magnitude of electron polaron concentration increase would be smaller if the dopant has a high tendency of clustering, such as Ti. We reveal the critical role of synthesis conditions on tuning electron polaron concentrations of both undoped and doped hematite. Our theoretical analysis provides important insights and general design principles for engineering more conductive polaronic oxides.

Biological synthesis, physico-chemical characterization of undoped and Co doped α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles using Tribulus terrestris leaf extract and its antidiabetic, antimicrobial applications

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) were chemically and thermodynamically more stable among iron oxide nanoparticles. Doping of Co2+ metal ion in α-Fe2O3 can modify the structural, optical and magnetic properties of NPs and also enhances the potential of the biomedical applications. In the current study, undoped and Co doped hematite nanoparticles were synthesised by co-precipitation method using Tribulus terrestris L. leaf extract as bio-reductant. The magnetic, optical and structural investigations were studied with the help of Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) Spectroscopy, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Spectroscopy. XRD analysis shows that synthesized nanoparticles were in hematite phase, rhombohedral in structure. XRD spectral pattern clearly evidenced that prepared α-Fe2O3 and Co-Fe2O3 NPs were highly crystalline with no impurity peaks. Using VSM spectra, the M-H curve indicates that saturation magnetisation (Ms) value increases for Co-Fe2O3 NPs than undoped α-Fe2O3 NPs, it can be clearly seen that doping largely affects the magnetic nature of nanoparticles. In the UV-Vis spectra, absorption maxima increases and band gap value decreases for cobalt doped hematite nanoparticles indicating the substitution of Fe2+ ions by Co2+ ions in α-Fe2O3 lattice sites. Antidiabetic and antimicrobial activity of the synthesized undoped and Co doped hematite NPs were tested by alpha-amylase inhibitory and disc diffusion method. The Co-Fe2O3 NPs have greatly inhibited the digestive enzyme and microbial strains as compared to undoped α-Fe2O3 NPs.

Identifying Water Oxidation Mechanisms at Pure and Titanium-Doped Hematite-Based Photoanodes with Spectroelectrochemistry.

Investigation of the mechanism of the water oxidation reaction for hematite photoanodes has been one of the most persistently pursued topics in the course of understanding photoelectrochemical water splitting by transition metal oxides. Unfortunately, existing experimental techniques often require over-simplified models and theories that assume only one reaction path. In this work, however, it is proposed that water oxidation on hematite can proceed via mixed reaction paths according to spectroelectrochemical results without a priori assumptions. The true absorption signals of surface states responsible for water oxidation are isolated from subsidiary signals for undoped and Ti-doped hematite and contrasted with those of inactive species. The evolution of absorption signals as a function of applied potential and illumination intensity highlights the non-negligible contribution of direct hole transfer, especially for highly doped hematite.

Black Cool Pigments for Urban Heat Island (UHI) Control: from Cr-Hematite to Mn-Melilite

Black cool pigments are very interesting for its application in asphalt urban pavements and building floors for moderate the urban heat island effect (UHI) and improving air conditioning energy efficiency. Cool black pigments based on Cr doped hematite Fe2O3 (trigonal, R-3c), hexagonal perovskites YMnO3 (hexagonal, P63cm) and Sr4CuMn2O9 (trigonal, P321) and melilite Sr2(Mg0.5Mn0.5)Ge2O7 (tetragonal, P-421m) with high NIR reflectance synthesized by ceramic and coprecipitation method, are analyzed and compared from color yield in alkyd paint, ceramic glazes and porcelain stoneware, NIR reflectance, bandgap and photocatalytic activity on Orange II substrate. Sr4CuMn2O9 black powders show the nearest hue h to the reference carbon black and the highest NIR reflectance (51%). All pigments show high NIR reflectance in all tested applications. The Fe1.2Cr0.8O3 pigment shows good behavior in the free ZnO glaze and also in porcelain stoneware, YMnO3 and Sr4CuMn2O9 pigments are compatible with low temperature glazes, but Sr2(Mg0.5Mn0.5)Ge2O7 pigment loses the black color even in low temperature glazes. Sr4CuMn2O9 pigment shows moderate photoactivity on Orange II (t1/2=216 min) and the Fe1.2Cr0.8O3 pigment also shows some activity (t1/2=329 min).

Synthesis and characterization of Zn-doped α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activities

In present work, the optical, magnetic and photocatalytic properties of undoped and Zn doped α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was investigated intensively. The Zn doped hematite nanoparticles were synthesized by simple co-precipitation method, changing the molar ratio of zinc precursors. The obtained photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance UV–visible spectroscopy (DRS) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The structural properties showed that the obtained nanoparticles are single phase rhombohedral (hexagonal) structure with the space group R-3c in all compounds. TEM and SEM results show that the size of the nanocrystals decreases with Zn-doping down to 21 nm. Raman spectroscopy was also used for confirming zinc atoms replacing iron position in Zn doped α-Fe2O3 crystal. The energy gap decreased gradually by increasing the doping concentration of zinc. The specific saturation magnetization (Ms) of the nanoparticles was measured at room temperature. The magnetic parameter of Ms, was found to decrease with the increase in Zn concentration. Zinc doped α-Fe2O3 showed the enhanced photocatalytic properties within photodegradation of methyl orange (MO). The 6% Zn-doped α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles showed the highest photocatalytic activity and led to an almost complete discoloration of MO solutions, i.e. 87.4% at pH = 4 after UV–visible irradiation of 140 min.

Synthesis of metal and non-metal doping hematite nanoparticles for adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of acid red 14 in aqueous solutions

ABSTRACT Adsorption and photocatalytic decolourisation of AR14 in aqueous solution was investigated using α-Fe2O3, α-Fe2O3/S and α-Fe2O3/CdS in dark and under UV irradiation, respectively. The synthesis of alpha iron oxide nanoparticles and combining heteroatoms in its matrix were performed by a simple co-precipitation method. Samples were characterised by XRD, Raman and pHPZC. The dye adsorption on the catalysts’ surfaces showed a strong dependence on the pH, and the adsorption played the main role in the photocatalytic reaction in acidic medium. The pseudo first order kinetic model was found to be the best fit for the adsorption of AR14 by the three catalysts (R2 > 0.99) and is in good agreement with a chemisorption mechanism. The plot of intra-particle diffusion model showed a three-stage adsorption process which suggests that more than one process affects the AR14 adsorption. α-Fe2O3/S and α-Fe2O3/CdS nanoparticles had significant enhancement on the decolourisation of AR14 compared to the bulk material. A rate removal of 78%, 94% and 98% of the AR14 was recorded at pH = 3 under UV irradiation for α-Fe2O3, α-Fe2O3/S and α-Fe2O3/CdS respectively. The decolourisation was strongly enhanced in the presence of H2O2 leading to Fenton-like process. Added H2O2 competes with AR14 for the powder surface sites and reduces its adsorption on the catalysts’ surfaces. The addition of propanol-2 as a radical scavenger confirms that •OH radicals are the main species responsible for the decolourisation of AR14 inα-Fe2O3/H2O2 system. Fenton-like process provides more selective oxidation for AR14 that have a higher affinity for the iron oxide surface and also for the modified iron oxide surface.

Tuning the optoelectronic properties of hematite with rhodium doping for photoelectrochemical water splitting using density functional theory approach

Hematite (Fe2O3) is one of the best candidates for photoelectrochemical water splitting due to its abundance and suitable bandgap. However, its efficiency is mostly impeded due to the intrinsically low conductivity and poor light absorption. In this study, we targeted this intrinsic behavior to investigate the thermodynamic stability, photoconductivity and optical properties of rhodium doped hematite using density functional theory. The calculated formation energy of pristine and rhodium doped hematite was − 4.47 eV and − 5.34 eV respectively, suggesting that the doped material is thermodynamically more stable. The DFT results established that the bandgap of doped hematite narrowed down to the lower edge (1.61 eV) in the visible region which enhanced the optical absorption and photoconductivity of the material. Moreover, doped hematite has the ability to absorb a broad spectrum (250–800) nm. The enhanced optical absorption boosted the photocurrent and incident photon to current efficiency. The calculated results also showed that the incorporation of rhodium in hematite induced a redshift in optical properties.

Structural and Morphological Properties of Undoped and Manganese Doped Hematite Nanoparticles Prepared by Ball Milling Method

Hematite nanoparticles of undoped and manganese doped were synthesized from natural sand of Logas District Kuansing Regency Riau Province by ball milling method. Structural and morphological properties of these compounds were studied using X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) respectively. Crystalline structure, lattice parameters, morphologies of the synthesized compounds were studied and the results are discussed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of a hematite (α-Fe2O3) phase. Average crystallite size based on flections (1 0 4) for undoped and manganese doped magnetic iron oxide particles are 39.2 nm and 38.2 respectively. The intensity of (1 0 4) reflection is stronger for magnetic iron oxide synthesized for 60 hours than that of 2 step (60+60) hours ball milling. This indicates the product grown along (1 0 4) direction. The average crystallite size decreases when magnetic iron oxide is doped with 10% Mn as confirmed by SEM images.

Zn Doped α-Fe2O3: An Efficient Material for UV Driven Photocatalysis and Electrical Conductivity

Zinc (Zn) doped hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles with varying concentrations (pure, 2%, 4% and 6%) were synthesized via sol-gel method. The influence of divalent Zn ions on structural, optical and dielectric behavior of hematite were studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of synthesized samples were indexed to rhombohedral R3c space group of hematite with 14–21 nm crystallite size. The lattice parameter (a and c) values increase upto Zn 4% and decrease afterwards. The surface morphology of prepared nanoparticles were explored using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The band gap measured from Tauc’s plot, using UV-Vis spectroscopy, showed reduction in its values upto Zn 4% and the reverse trend was obtained in higher concentrations. The dielectric properties of pure and Zn doped hematite were investigated at room temperature and followed the same trends as that of XRD parameters and band gap. Photocatalytic properties of nanoparticles were performed for hazardous Rose bengal dye and showed effective degradation in the presence of UV light. Hence, Zn2+ doped hematite can be considered as an efficient material for the potential applications in the domain of photocatalysis and also higher value of dielectric constant at room temperature makes them applicable in high energy storage devices.

Structural, opto-electronic and photoelectrochemical properties of tin doped hematite nanoparticles for water splitting

For application in photoelectrochemical water splitting, pristine and Sn doped (1%, 3% and 5%) hematite nanoparticles were prepared hydrothermally via a two step heating process. XRD results showed that the products match the rhombohedral crystal system. The peak broadening of hematite nanoparticles due to small crystallite size and strain were analyzed by Scherrer's equation and Williamson Hall plot method respectively. A decrease in crystallite size and an increase in lattice strain is observed with dopant addition. Structural change from nanorods to nanocorals is seen for the Sn doped hematite products. Selected Area Diffraction patterns reveal crystallinity of both the doped and undoped powders. Sn 3d XPS peak analysis reveals that Sn has been doped into the hematite lattice. Linear Sweep Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy analysis confirm that 1% Sn doped hematite has the highest photocurrent density (3 mA/cm2 at 1 V vs. Ag/AgCl) and least charge transfer resistance among the doped products. UV-VIS, Photoluminescence and Mott-Schottky analysis further show that optimum optical and electrical properties are observed for hematite doped with 1% Sn.

Modulating water oxidation kinetics utilizing h-BN quantum dots as an efficient hole extractor on fluorine doped hematite photoanode

The sluggish water oxidation kinetics in hematite photoanode is dominated by unfavorable recombination of photogenerated holes which restrict the efficiency of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Herein, we demonstrate a superior photoelectrochemical performance using boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs), which is incorporated over fluorine doped hematite (F–Fe2O3) photoanode. An impressive carrier density of 2.08 × 1020 cm−3 is achieved, which is two orders of magnitude higher than that of the bare α-Fe2O3 photo anode, resulting in a photocurrent density of 2.24 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) for F–Fe2O3-BNQDs, which is six-fold higher than bare hematite. It is found that BNQD acts as an efficient hole extractor, which enhances the carrier separation on hematite surface and decreases the hole trapping probability. Present work emphasizes on two important parameters, i.e. (i) Enhancement in carrier density via fluorine doping directly onto the substrate using soluble precursor, organic Selectflour (ii) Modification with BNQDs to provide a simple, novel and effective strategy for the design and development of more efficient PEC water splitting systems.