Chromium-doped Y0.50Gd0.50BO3 as an excellent photocatalytic and magnetic material

Crystalline chromium-doped Y0.50Gd0.50BO3 with vaterite structure was synthesized by the calcination of gel from the reaction of yttrium borate, gadolinium borate, boric acid and propylene oxide at 900°C for 4 h. Orthoborates containing 10 and 20 mol% chromium-doped samples were successfully obtained and characterized by various techniques. Photoluminescent studies were performed for the doped samples. The optical bandgap of chromium-doped samples falls in the visible region making the material more viable for photocatalytic activities. The sample was used as a photocatalyst for photodegradation of methylene blue dye. Y0.50Gd0.50BO3 and chromium-doped samples showed good magnetic properties, as they are antiferromagnetic in nature. To the best of our knowledge, the vaterite form of chromium-doped Y0.50Gd0.50BO3 has been synthesized for the first time.