(Fe1−xNix)3N nanoparticles: the structure, magnetic and photocatalytic properties for water splitting

Abstract

Fe₃N and (Fe_1−xNi_x)₃N nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared via a simple sol–gel method. The structures, morphology, and magnetic properties of the NPs are investigated using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope. It is shown that (Fe_1−xNi_x)₃N possess a spherical morphology with a core–shell structure from the TEM results. The magnetic properties of Fe₃N and (Fe_1−xNi_x)₃N NPs are carefully studied by using vibrating sample magnetometer. Moreover, Fe₃N and all of the (Fe_1−xNi_x)₃N NPs are found to photocatalyze water splitting under Xe lamp irradiation. These results suggest that (Fe_1−xNi_x)₃N NPs can be used as a low-cost catalyst for water splitting.