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

A new Ruddlesden–Popper type scandium oxyfluoride, Sr2ScO3F, was synthesized by a conventional solid state reaction route. The detailed structure of Sr2ScO3F was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The disorder distribution pattern of fluorine anions was determined by the 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum. The compound crystallizes in a K2NiF4-type tetragonal structure (space group I4/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 Sr2ScO3F indicates that it has an absorption in the UV–vis region. The photocatalytic activity of Sr2ScO3F was further investigated, showing an effective photodegradation of Rhodamine-B (RB) within 2 h under UV light irradiation.