Synthesis of Novel Yb xSb 2 − xTe 3 Hexagonal Nanoplates: Investigation of Their Physical, Structural, and Photocatalytic Properties

Abstract EN

Yb-doped Sb2Te3 nanomaterials were synthesized by a coreduction method in hydrothermal condition.

Powder X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the Yb x Sb 2 − x Te 3 crystals ( x = 0.00 – 0.05 ) are isostructural with Sb2Te3.

The cell parameter a decreases for Yb x Sb 2 − x Te 3 compounds upon increasing the dopant content ( x ), while c increases.

Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images show that doping of Yb3+ ions in the lattice of Sb2Te3 produces different morphology.

The electrical conductivity of Yb-doped Sb2Te3 is higher than the pure Sb2Te3 and increases with temperature.

By increasing concentration of the Yb3+ ions, the absorption spectrum of Sb2Te3 shows red shifts and some intensity changes.

In addition to the characteristic red emission peaks of Sb2Te3, emission spectra of doped materials show other emission bands originating from f-f transitions of the Yb3+ ions.

The photocatalytic performance of as-synthesized nanoparticles was investigated towards the decolorization of Malachite Green solution under visible light irradiation.