A plasma-assisted approach for the controlled dispersion of CuO aggregates into β iron(iii) oxide matrices

Abstract

β-Fe2O3/CuO nanosystems were synthesised by using a two-step plasma-assisted strategy. β-Fe2O3 nanostructures (host) were initially deposited by plasma assisted-chemical vapour deposition (PA-CVD) on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates. Subsequently, CuO nanoparticles (NPs, guest) were over-deposited on host matrices by means of radio frequency (RF) sputtering under mild conditions. The combined use of\ud structural, morphological and chemical analyses evidenced the formation of pure and homogeneous β-Fe2O3/CuO systems possessing a high dispersion of CuO NPs in/on β-Fe2O3 hosts. The target nanomaterials were characterized by an intimate contact between the two oxides, with CuO NP size and tuneable content as a function of sputtering time. These features, along with the tailored nano-organization, make the present β-Fe2O3/CuO nanosystems attractive candidates for diverse technological applications involving solar light harvesting

Interplay of thickness and photoelectrochemical properties in nanostructured α-Fe2 O3 thin films

“…The Fe2p signal shape and position [Fig. b; BE(Fe2p 3/2 ) = 711.2 eV, spin‐orbit energy separation = 13.4 eV] was indeed constant for all samples, and in good agreement with previous reports on iron(III) oxides . The surface O1s photopeak (Fig.…”

“…On this basis, the present work aims at investigating Fe 2 O 3 photoanodes with different thickness and morphologies, devoting special efforts to the interplay between the sample chemico‐physical characteristics and their PEC performances. Among the various preparative approaches, PE‐CVD has been adopted for its inherent advantages (low deposition temperatures, homogeneity, unique control on the material nano‐organization, …) and industrial scalability , also taking into account that only a limited number of studies on PE‐CVD Fe 2 O 3 photoelectrodes is available in the literature so far . Interestingly, the present approach enabled the simultaneous control of film thickness and nano‐aggregate dimensions by tuning the sole deposition time.…”

Fe2O3–TiO2nanosystems by a hybrid PE-CVD/ALD approach: controllable synthesis, growth mechanism, and photocatalytic properties

“…43,44 Electronic grade argon and oxygen were used as plasma sources. 43,44 Electronic grade argon and oxygen were used as plasma sources.…”

Plasma‐Assisted Fabrication of Fe2O3Co3O4 Nanomaterials as Anodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

“…Subsequently, functionalization with Co 3 O 4 was carried out by radio frequency (RF)‐sputtering of cobalt on the obtained systems. The key distinctive features of such approaches, that represent highly controllable and versatile tools for the fabrication of supported nanosystems, have already been successfully exploited for the preparation of a variety of oxide nanocomposites, including Co 3 O 4 ZnO and Fe 2 O 3 CuO . The trait d'union of both PE‐CVD and RF‐sputtering is the use of non‐equilibrium plasmas yielding unique activation mechanisms under mild conditions, along with the potential to extend depositions over large areas for a variety of eventual end‐uses .…”