A novel protocol to design TiO2-Fe2O3 hybrids with effective charge separation efficiency for improved photocatalysis

•TiO2-Fe2O3 hybrids were synthesized via a mild hydrothermal method.•TiO2-Fe2O3 hybrids exhibits superior photocatalytic capability to the bare ones.•TiO2-Fe2O3 hybrids show promoted photo-induced electrons and holes separation and migration.

TiO2-based heterogeneous photocatalysis has been widely considered as a promising technique for decontamination of water. Herein the hybrid of TiO2 nanocrystals decorated Fe2O3 nanoparticles was successfully synthesized via a mild hydrothermal method, derived from favorable titanium glycolate and water-soluble FeII salt precursors. The composition and structure of the as-synthesized TiO2-Fe2O3 hybrids were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), EDX mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the decomposition of Rhodamine B in an aqueous solution under visible-light (λ > 420 nm). The results show that the TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite exhibits superior photocatalytic capability to the bare ones upon Rhodamine B degradation, owing to promoted photo-induced electrons and holes separation and migration on the basis of photoluminescence spectra, photocurrent measurements, and electrochemical impedance (EIS) spectroscopy.

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