Synergistic bandgap and structural engineering of La 0.5 Ca 0.5 FeO 3 @NiCo 2 O 4 for enhanced broadband optical absorption and photothermal conversion

The broadband optical absorption of LaFeO 3 can be effectively enhanced through bandgap and structural engineering. In this study, LaFeO 3 , La 0.5 Ca 0.5 FeO 3 , and La 0.5 Ca 0.5 FeO 3 @NiCo 2 O 4 microspheres were successfully synthesized via hydrothermal methods. Among them, the La 0.5 Ca 0.5 FeO 3 @NiCo 2 O 4 microspheres exhibit a flower-like morphology, with NiCo 2 O 4 nanosheets uniformly distributed on their surfaces. Ca 2+ doping significantly enhances the optical absorption of LaFeO 3 , while the incorporation of NiCo 2 O 4 further strengthens the absorption intensity. As a result, La 0.5 Ca 0.5 FeO 3 @NiCo 2 O 4 achieves an average absorptivity of approximately 95% in the wavelength range of 200-2500 nm. Overall, the synergistic effects of bandgap modulation and surface structure engineering enhance the broadband optical absorption of LaFeO 3 -based materials, demonstrating their potential for high-performance photothermal conversion.