Supported F-doped alpha-Fe2O3 nanomaterials: synthesis, characterization and photo-assisted H2 production

Supported fluorine doped alpha-Fe2O3 nanomaterials were synthesized by Plasma Enhanced-Chemical Vapor Deposition (PE-CVD) at temperatures between 300 and 500°C, using a fluorinated iron(II) diketonate-diamine compound as a single-source precursor for both Fe and F. The system structure, morphology and composition were thoroughly investigated by various characterization techniques, highlighting the possibility of controlling the fluorine doping level by varying the sole growth temperature. Photocatalytic H2 production from water/ethanol solutions under simulated solar irradiation evidenced promising gas evolution rates, candidating the present PE-CVD approach as a valuable strategy to fabricate highly active supported materials.