Efficient Visible-Light Activities of TiO2 decorated and Cr3+incorporated-porous SmFeO3 for CO2 conversion and 4-chlorophenol degradation

In this novel research work, Cr3+ incorporated and TiO2-modified porous SmFeO3-based nanocomposites are prepared via utilizing carbon nanosphere (CNS) as a hard template. Our experimental results proved that the introduction of porosity by employing a sequential template approach (STA) has upgraded the performances of SmFeO3 nanoparticles. Remarkably, the incorporation of Cr3+ increased the light absorption capability by generating surface states and regulating band gap positions, whereas the fabrication of TiO2 enlarged surface area and enhanced charge separation by modulating high-level energy electrons (HLEEs). According to our experimental techniques, including TEM, HRTEM, SEM, TGA, BET, PEC, FS, and PL, it is demonstrated that most optimal 6Cr-PSFO and 4TiO2/6Cr-PSFO nanocomposites have high porosity, appropriate bandgap positions, large surface area, and show superior visible-light photocatalytic activities compared to pristine SmFeO3 nanoparticles. Compared to pristine SFO, the activities of most active 4TiO2/6Cr-PSFO nanocomposites are improved by 8-fold for CO2 conversion and 3-times for 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) degradation. The radical trapping experiment confirmed that the ·OH i are the most active species and has a vital role in the photocatalytic degradation of 4-CP. Moreover, our experimental results are verified and consistent with theoretical calculations and computational studies. Finally, our research work will open up a new gateway for the designing of novel porous SmFeO3-based nanocomposites and their use in CO2 conversion and pollutant removal.