Structural, morphological and optical properties of the La2W2O9/Fe2O3 composite for UV-shielding applications

Abstract

Currently, research has been conducted on the individual oxides La₂W₂O₉ and Fe₂O₃ but not on its composite form. Using a solid-state reaction technique, a La₂W₂O₉/Fe₂O₃ composite was created. A particular calcination cycle was followed by mixing the raw precursors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphological microstructure, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to examine the structural characteristics. The thermal and gravimetric properties were examined via differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optical characteristics were investigated via UV–visible spectroscopy, which investigated included the transmittance, absorbance, absorption coefficient, band gap (E_g), penetration depth (β), Urbach energy (E_U), refractive index, optical conductivity, and dielectric function. These findings indicate that the optical properties improved after the addition of Fe₂O₃ compared with those of pure La₂W₂O₉. The La₂W₂O₉/Fe₂O₃ composite holds promise as a prospective material for use in the fields of sunscreen products, UV shielding or solar filtration.