Effect of cerium doping on morphology and physical properties of alpha-Fe2O3 films prepared by hydrothermal electrodeposition

Abstract

In this study, electrochemical growth of Ce-doped alpha-Fe2O3 films is reported. Electrodeposition at 75 degrees C and also a combined hydrothermal-electrochemical method to obtain hematite are presented. Both acidic and neutral plating solutions were used for the depositions. Ferric oxyhydroxide is produced by electrodeposition at 75 degrees C and converted to hematite phase after annealing. Hydrothermal-electrodeposition at 130 degrees C results in formation of hematite phase directly. The effect of temperature, deposition solution and cerium ion amount on the morphology and physical properties of hematite films are characterized.