Speaker
Mr
Justine Nyarige
(University of Pretoria)
Description
Hematite films were deposited by chemical spray pyrolysis on fluorine doped tin oxide at elevated temperatures (250 - 400 ̊C). 0.05 M, 0.10 M and 0.15 M of iron(lll)chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3.6H2O) was used as precursors for hematite with nitrogen (N2) as the carrier gas. Scanning electron microscopy of the hematite films showed small grain sizes of < 100 nm, with a uniform distribution on the film. Raman spectroscopy revealed two A1g and five Eg symmetrical vibrational phonon modes of hematite. X-ray diffraction results confirmed (104) and (110) which are dominant diffraction peaks associated with a corundum hexagonal hematite structure. The films exhibited an indirect band gap varying from 2.31–1.97 eV. The as-prepared hematite films have a potential application in photoelectrochemical water splitting to produce hydrogen gas.
Key-words: Spray pyrolysis, hematite, nanostructures.
Level for award<br> (Hons, MSc, <br> PhD, N/A)?
PhD
Apply to be<br> considered for a student <br> award (Yes / No)?
Yes
Primary author
Mr
Justine Nyarige
(University of Pretoria)
Co-authors
Prof.
Mmantsae Diale
(University of pretoria)
Prof.
Tjaart P.J Kruger
(University of Pretoria)
