Effects of Pt and Ru doping on the magnetic, optical, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties of electrospun hematite (α-Fe2O3) fibres

The development of an efficient and stable photo(electrochemical) catalyst is a very challenging task because its catalytic activity depends directly on the electronic structure and the charge carrier transfer through the catalyst/electrolyte interface. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to optimize the semiconducting properties of the electrospun α-Fe 2 O 3 fibres by Ru 3+ and Pt 4+ doping, to determine the effect of these cations on magnetic and optical properties, as well as on the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical activity of α-Fe 2 O 3 fibres. Increased temperature of the Morin transition, enhanced remanent magnetization, lower coercivity and narrower optical bandgap in hematite fibres by Pt 4+ and Ru 3+ doping was observed. Electrochemical measurements revealed n -type conductivity of all fibres, while increased donor density and anodic shift of the flatband potential were registered for the doped fibres. The photoactivity of fibres, which was tested for the degradation of rhodamine B, depended on the dopant used. Graphical abstract