Sm3+-Doped CdFe2O4 Nanocrystals Prepared in Water-Soluble Polymeric Nanoreactors and Their Characterizations

The rare-earth ion doping in nanocrystals has the advantage on improving the interested properties. As one of rare-earths, the trivalent samarium ion (Sm 3 + ) was used as a dopant. The precursor of Sm 3 + -doped cadmium ferrite (CdFe 2 O 4 ) nanocrystals was reacted in water-soluble polymeric nanoreactors as a dispersed phase in miniemulsion, and then calcinated to form doped nanocrystals. The 1% Sm 3 + -doped nanocrystal in small size exhibited the smaller narrow gap energy and weak photoluminescent emission intensity; which attributed to the positive influences on the photocatalytic degradation. The selected Sm 3 + -doped spinel ferrite nanocrystals provide a unique catalyzer for organic compound photodegradation.