Ce0.7La0.15Ca0.15O2-delta nanoparticles synthesis via colloidal solution combustion method: Studying structural and physicochemical properties and Congo Red dye photodegradation

The present work described the enhanced photodegradation of the Congo Red (CR) dye under visible light irradiation. The co-doped ceria (Ce0.7La0.15Ca0.15O2-delta) was prepared by the colloidal solution combustion synthesis way using colloidal silica as a template. The characterization of the as-synthesized cerium oxide (CeO2, known as ceria) nanoparticles was assessed by diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis, therm?gravimetric analysis, ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements. It revealed the cubic spinel structure with space group Fd-3 m (JCPDS card No. 34-0394), average size between 23 and 92 nm, and bandgap energy from 2.69 to 2.73 eV. The photodegradation of the CR dye under solar irradiation allowed studying the photocatalytic activities of the prepared ceria. After 180 min of light irradiation with the ceria 2 catalyst, CR absorbance was almost nil. The highest degradation rate similar to 13.7 x 10(-4) min(-1) was recorded using co-doped ceria prepared with adding 1.0 ml of colloidal silica. This exciting activity can be attributed to the smallest particle size similar to 23 nm, the smallest lattice parameter a = 5.4511 angstrom, and the catalyst's highest bandgap similar to 2.73 eV. Based on the investigation, ceria 2 nanoparticles have many possible uses in wastewater cleaning agent. Ceria 2 catalysts might be ideal for photocatalyst materials, UV filters, and photoelectric devices.

Automated summary

This study describes the enhanced photodegradation of Congo Red dye under visible light irradiation using co-doped ceria (Ce0.7La0.15Ca0.15O2-delta) prepared by colloidal solution combustion synthesis. The as-synthesized ceria nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques revealing their cubic spinel structure, average size between 23 and 92 nm, and bandgap energy from 2.69 to 2.73 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared ceria was evaluated through the photodegradation of CR dye, with the highest degradation rate achieved by co-doped ceria prepared with 1.0 ml of colloidal silica. Based on the results, ceria nanoparticles have potential applications in wastewater cleaning, photocatalyst materials, UV filters, and photoelectric devices.