Niobate nanoscroll composite with Fe2O3 particles under moderate conditions: assembly and application research

Abstract

An Fe₂O₃/Nb₆O₁₇ nanoscroll composite was successfully assembled by the exfoliation-restacking method under moderate conditions. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), N₂ adsorption–desorption measurements, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). The results show that the nanoscroll composite has a larger specific surface area (114 m² g⁻¹), stronger spectral response and excellent photodegradation activities for MB under visible light irradiation. There is an obvious interaction between the host niobate nanoscrolls and guest oxide Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. The Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles are crosslinked to the niobate nanoscroll surface as proven by a blue-shifted Raman vibration at 953 cm⁻¹ and 897 cm⁻¹ associated with terminal Nb–OH groups.