PrCo1-xFexO3 perovskite powders for possible photocatalytic applications

Mixed perovskites PrCo1-xFexO3 have been synthesized by the solgel citrate route with the following calcinations in air at 600-800 degrees C. The prepared samples have been studied using DTA-TG, XRD, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and nitrogen low-temperature adsorption-desorption. Electronic structure and magnetic properties of the mixed praseodymium cobaltites-ferrites were calculated within the projector augmented wave method, implemented in the ABINIT software package. The prepared perovskites have been tested as photocatalysts of dyes degradation under visible illumination. It has been established that only the crystalline perovskite phase is photocatalytically active. The prepared materials are semiconductors with band gap within 1.7-2.6 eV and intense absorption of visible light. This fact as well as sufficiently high specific surface area and developed meso-macroporous structure ensures their increased photocatalytic activity. The most active in the PrCo1-xFexO3 series is the sample with Co/Fe = 1:9 due to the highest specific surface area, low value of the band gap, and higher deformation of orthorhombic perovskite structure.