Photocatalytic degradation mechanism of Ce-loaded ZnO catalysts toward methyl green dye pollutant

We report the photocatalytic activity of cerium-doped zinc oxide (Ce:ZnO) nanocrystals, toward the rapid degradation of methyl green dye molecules under black light (lambda = 376 nm) irradiation. The Ce:ZnO samples are prepared by simple one-pot preparation methods with different Ce concentrations. The crystal parameters of the Ce:ZnO are derived from X-ray diffraction analysis and the corresponding band gap changes are probed with diffuse reflectance spectra. Raman spectral analysis reveals the vibrational properties of Ce:ZnO samples. Following that, the morphology and compositional analysis of Ce:ZnO nanocrystals are performed with scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray techniques, respectively. Finally, the photocatalytic performances of Ce:ZnO are compared and the role of Ce toward the improved photocatalytic activity of ZnO are discussed. It has been found that 68 and 98% of degradation is achieved for pure ZnO and Ce:ZnO, respectively. On the other hand in the composites form, CeO2-ZnO exhibits 100% degradation in just 30 min.

Automated summary

In this study, the photocatalytic activity of Ce:ZnO nanocrystals towards the degradation of methyl green dye molecules under black light irradiation was investigated. Ce:ZnO samples were prepared by a simple one-pot method with different Ce concentrations, and their crystal parameters and band gap changes were analyzed. The morphology and composition of Ce:ZnO nanocrystals were studied using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray techniques. Comparisons of the photocatalytic performances between pure ZnO, Ce:ZnO, and CeO2-ZnO composites were made, showing significant improvements in degradation efficiency with the addition of Ce.