IRON OXIDE THIN FILMS ON FTO FOR EFFICIENT PHOTOCATALYTIC APPLICATIONS: A NANO-ENHANCED APPROACH

Abstract

In this study, we explored the use of ferrocene-based precursors for the fabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles and thin films on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates (dimensions: 40 × 40 × 2 mm) via a simplified precursor pyrolysis method. Utilizing the solid single-source precursor 4-ferrocenylaniline, two samples—designated S-1 and S-2—were synthesized to ensure uniform dispersion of iron oxide with well-defined morphology and controlled particle size distribution, effectively enhancing the surface area on the FTO substrates. Synthesis involved precise masses of 4-ferrocenylaniline (0.1–0.125 g), thermally decomposed at 550 °C for 30 minutes in an electric furnace. Utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), surface morphology of thin films was comprehensively analyzed, which revealed a uniform distribution of nanostructures. Elemental composition was analyzed using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), which verified existence of iron (Fe) and oxygen (O) as primary constituents, indicating high purity and successful deposition of iron oxide onto the FTO substrate. The photocatalytic activity of the films (S-1 and S-2) was further evaluated through degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye under natural sunlight, demonstrating their potential for environmental remediation applications. Sample S-2 demonstrated superior photocatalytic activity, achieving 60% degradation efficiency. Additionally, S-2 displayed excellent stability across multiple degradation cycles, highlighting its potential as a robust and reliable photocatalyst.