Sm2O3 nanoparticles coated with N-doped carbon for enhanced visible-light photocatalysis.

Abstract Sm 2 O 3 coated with N-doped carbon (Sm 2 O 3 @N-C) nanocomposites were synthesized for the visible light driven degradation of tetracycline and RhB. The photo-degradation efficiency of Sm 2 O 3 @N-C was better than that of Sm 2 O 3 , g-C 3 N 4 , and Sm 2 O 3 /g-C 3 N 4 for the RhB removal. The photocatalytic activity of Sm 2 O 3 @N-C increased and then decreased with an increase in N-doping content for the tetracycline removal. N-doped carbon played a crucial role on the enhanced photocatalytic activity and the stability of Sm 2 O 3 @N-C with a carbon shell of 5 nm. It's ascribed to the special interface between Sm 2 O 3 and N-doped carbon, enhancing visible light sorption, facilitating the charge transfer and restraining the recombination of charge carriers. Highlights • Sm 2 O 3 coated with N-doped carbon was synthesized by the hydrothermal route. • Heterojunction interface facilitated the separation of electron-hole pairs. • Sm 2 O 3 @N-C exhibited the advanced photocatalytic activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]