Enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency of graphitic carbon nitride-loaded CeO2 nanoparticles

• Main Authors: Subashini, A., Prasath, P. Varun, Sagadevan, Suresh, Lett, J. Anita, Fatimah, Is, Mohammad, Faruq, Al-Lohedan, Hamad A., Alshahateet, Solhe F., Oh, Won Chun
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier 2021
• Subjects: QC Physics; QD Chemistry
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/34277/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

In the present study, we have evaluated the photocatalytic potentials of ceria (CeO2) loaded graphitic carbon nitride (GCN; g-C3N4) composite towards the degradation of two different organic dyes. The CeO2/GCN composite following its formation by the co-precipitation route, the physicochemical properties like crystallinity, functionality, optical, and morphology are being studied using various instrumental techniques such as powdered X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). From the analysis, the XRD studies indicated that the composite has the cubic structure of ceria and hexagonal phase for the GCN. The FTIR analysis supported for the successful formation of CeO2/GCN composite and UV-Vis provided the optical properties indicated to have the bandgap energy values of 3.12 and 2.86 eV for pure CeO2 and CeO2/GCN composite (respectively). Also, the FESEM confirmed for the surface morphology of CeO2/GCN composite, and finally, the test of photocatalytic activity studied in the presence of visible light irradiation towards the degradation of Methyl blue (MB) and Rhodamine-B (Rh-B) dyes indicated for the superior activity of CeO2/GCN composite as compared to the single-phase GCN and pure CeO2. Based on the cumulative analysis of results, it can be informed that the CeO2/GCN composite can be useful for the sustainable means of degradation of organic dyes (MB and Rh-B) by taking advantage of the synergistic impact of the two components of CeO2 and GCN.