Synthesis and structure of a new layered oxyfluoride Sr2ScO3F with photocatalytic property

Abstract A new Ruddlesden–Popper type scandium oxyfluoride, Sr 2 ScO 3 F, was synthesized by a conventional solid state reaction route. The detailed structure of Sr 2 ScO 3 F was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The disorder distribution pattern of fluorine anions was determined by the 19 F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum. The compound crystallizes in a K 2 NiF 4 -type tetragonal structure (space group I 4 /mmm ) with O/F anions disordered over the apical sites of the perovskite-type Sc(O,F) 6 octahedron layers interleaved with strontium cations. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflection spectrum of the prepared Sr 2 ScO 3 F indicates that it has an absorption in the UV–vis region. The photocatalytic activity of Sr 2 ScO 3 F was further investigated, showing an effective photodegradation of Rhodamine-B (RB) within 2 h under UV light irradiation.