Enhanced photocatalytic performance of gadolinium-doped lithium manganese oxide (Li4Mn5O12) by conventional ball milling method

Abstract Current research aims to improve the characteristics of lithium manganese oxide (LiMn 2 O 4 ), a highly prospective for waste water treatment applications, by incorporating gadolinium (Gd-0.25 %) into the manganese position. This integration, achieved via conventional ball milling, aims to improve the structural, morphological, and electrical characteristics of Li 4 Mn 5 O 12 . A range of analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and impedance testing, were utilized to evaluate the influence of Gd-0.25 % on Li 4 Mn 5 O 12 . The results indicate that the inclusion of Gd at the manganese sites enhances the thermal conductivity of Li 4 Mn 5 O 12 (Li 4 Mn 4.75 Gd 0.25 O 12 ), leading to improved conductivity compared to undoped Li 4 Mn 5 O 12 . Additionally, the enhanced material exhibits promising potential as an efficient photocatalyst, demonstrated by its degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye.