Synthesis and Characterization of Lanthanum Zirconate Nanocrystals Doped with Iron Ions by a Salt-Assistant Combustion Method

Nanocrystalline (La _x Fe_1−x )₂Zr₂O₇ series solid solutions were prepared by a convenient salt-assisted combustion process using glycine as fuel. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results showed the La ion can be partially replaced by Fe ion. The partial substituted products were still single-phase solid solutions and the crystal form remained unchanged. TEM images reveal that the products are composed of well-dispersed square-shaped nanocrystals. The method provides a convenient and low-cost route for the synthesis of nanostructures of oxide materials. The catalytic property of (La _x Fe_1−x )₂Zr₂O₇ can be measured by the change of catalytic degradation rate of Methyl orange. The results show that the catalytic property of La _x Fe_2−x Zr₂O₇ is significant, and it has good application prospects as photocatalyst.