Unravelling the signatures of effective spin1/2moments in CeVO4: magnetization and heat capacity study

The realization of an effective spin (J_eff) ½ state at low temperatures offers a platform to study the enthralling physics behind the disordered states in certain systems. Here, we report the signatures of magnetic ground state associated withJ_eff= ½ in CeVO₄. Our studies confirm the absence of any ordering or freezing down to 1.8 K. In the low temperature region, the Curie-Weiss fit of the inverse DC susceptibility indicate towards the presence of antiferromagnetic correlations among the Ce³⁺spins. The calculated value of effective moment (∼1.16μB) corresponds toJ= ½ withg_J∼ 1.20. Further, the field dependent magnetization curve at 2 K follows a behaviour corresponding toJ= ½ Brillouin function withg_J∼ 1.13. Magnetic field dependent heat capacity fits very well with two-level Schottky scheme. Our investigations suggest that CeVO₄can be a promising candidate to realiseJ_eff= ½ properties among 3D spin systems.

The electrochemical applications of rare earth-based nanomaterials

This review presents a general description of the synthesis and electrochemical properties of rare earth-based nanomaterials and their electrochemical applications.

Phosphorus-doped cerium vanadate nanorods with enhanced photocatalytic activity

CeVO₄-based photocatalysts have been actively studied, but to the best of our knowledge, P-doped CeVO₄ with enhanced photocatalytic activity has not been reported. Herein, novel P-doped CeVO₄ nanorods were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The doped P exists as PO₄ tetrahedron which replaces VO₄ tetrahedron. The crystal size, specific surface area, and light absorption ability of CeVO₄ were tuned after doping CeVO₄ by P. In particular, the separation and transmission efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs were improved due to the internal electric field caused by the large charge density around PO₄ tetrahedron. This conclusion was also confirmed by DFT calculations. The photocatalytic activities of different samples were tested via photodegradation of aqueous organic pollutants, and a feasible mechanism of photocatalytic reaction was proposed.