Fabrication of multilayer films of N-doped titania nanosheets and hematite nanocubes via layer by layer assembly

Hybrid films of nitrogen-doped titania nanosheets and hematite nanocubes were fabricated successfully via layer-by-layer assembly method. The morphological and structural properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirmed that hematite nanocubes were deposited randomly between the N-doped titania nanosheets and disordered layer structure was formed. The consecutive buildup of the film (PEI/Ti0.91O2−xNx/PEI/Fe2O3)n was monitored by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The linear increase in absorbance as a function of the deposition number implies that the same amount of composites was absorbed in each deposition cycle.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We fabricate multilayer hybrid films containing nitrogen-doped titania nanosheets and hematite nanocubes. ► Layer-by-layer assembly method. ► Hematite nanocubes transferred from organic medium to aqueous. ► Composited films formed disordered structure.