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Influence of iron doping on the morphological and compositional properties of zirconia foil as photocatalyst


Nor Aimi Abdul Wahab Department of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Permatang Pauh Campus, 13500 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Adhwa Izzati Md Taib Chemical Engineering Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Permatang Pauh Campus, 13500 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Nabilah Yasmin Shamsol Afandi Chemical Engineering Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Permatang Pauh Campus, 13500 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Norain Isa Chemical Engineering Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Permatang Pauh Campus, 13500 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Nurulhuda Bashirom School of Materials Engineering, Kompleks Pusat Pengajian Jejawi 2, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Taman Muhibbah, 02600 Jejawi, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia Mustaffa Ali Azhar Taib Division of Advanced Ceramic Materials Technology, Advanced Technology Training Center (ADTEC) Taiping, 34600, Kamunting, Perak, Malaysia Zainovia Lockman School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Abstract
Zirconia (ZrO₂) is a promising photocatalyst; however, its performance is often limited by poor charge separation and low visible light absorption. To enhance its photocatalytic potential, this study investigates the effects of iron doping on the morphology and composition of zirconia foil. Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO₄·7H₂O) and iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate (Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O) were used at varying concentrations to examine their effects through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The findings reveal that higher concentrations of both irons induce notable surface restructuring compounds that cause considerable surface changes and color variations, indicating successful doping among the two precursors, Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O exhibits superior doping efficiency at lower concentrations. This study provides qualitative insights into these morphological modifications, contributing to a better understanding of iron-doped zirconia's role in photocatalysis.
Keyword: Compositional, Morphological, Photocatalyst, Zirconia, Iron doping
DOI: 10.24191/esteem.v21iMarch.586.g3074
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