Characterization of PbMo_0.3W_0.7O₄ Crystal: A Potential Material for Photocatalysis and Optoelectronic Applications

Abstract

PbMo0.3W0.7O4 semiconductor crystal, which contains the balanced ratios of Mo and W, is grown for the first time by Czochralski method. The structural and optical properties of the crystal are investigated in detail in the present study. Structural analysis shows that crystal has tetragonal structure like PbMoO4 and PbWO4 compounds. The optical characteristics are studied by transmission, Raman, FTIR and photoluminescence methods. The bandgap energy is found to be 3.18 eV, and the positions of the conduction and valence bands are determined. The vibrational characteristics are studied by means of Raman and FTIR spectroscopy techniques. Photoluminescence spectrum presents three peaks around 486, 529, and 544 nm which fall into the green emission spectral range. Taking into account the properties of the compound, it is stated that PbMo0.3W0.7O4 (or Pb(MoO4)0.3(WO4)0.7) has the potential to be used in water splitting applications and optoelectronic devices that emit green light.