Effect of Cerium Doping on Morphology and Physical Properties of α-Fe 2 O 3 Films Prepared by Hydrothermal Electrodeposition

Abstract

In this study, electrochemical growth of Ce-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 films is reported. Electrodeposition at 75°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°C and converted to hematite phase after annealing. Hydrothermal-electrodeposition at 130°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.