Facile preparation of MgAl2O4/CeO2/Mn3O4 heterojunction photocatalyst and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Novel Mn3O4-promoted double p-n junction MgAl2O4/CeO2/Mn3O4 heterojunction photocatalyst was constructed by one-step synthesis method and two-step synthesis method. The X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, optical and photoluminescence demonstrated that the MgAl2O4/CeO2/Mn3O4 heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized by the twostep synthesis method comprehends a high crystallinity, charge carrier migration and separation efficiency, and relatively low optical absorption coefficient. The MgAl2O4/CeO2/Mn3O4 heterojunction photocatalysts were efficiently used as simulated sunlight-driven n-n and p-n double junction photo catalyst for the simultaneous degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. The continuous double p-n junction MgAl2O4/CeO2/Mn3O4 heterojunctions strengthened the function of single n-n or p-n junction and guided the charge carrier migration and separation direction; thus, the oxidation and reduction reactions occur at the active site of spatial separation and prevent the recombination of electrons and holes. The results suggest that the continuous double p-n junction MgAl2O4/CeO2/Mn3O4 heterojunctions are very promising candidate material for enhancing the photocatalytic activity in the photocatalytic degradation of MB dye. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The novel Mn3O4-promoted double p-n junction MgAl2O4/CeO2/Mn3O4 heterojunction photocatalyst, synthesized using a two-step method, demonstrated high crystallinity and efficient photocatalytic activity. This catalyst showed effective degradation of methylene blue dye under simulated sunlight, making it a promising candidate for enhancing photocatalytic activity.