Design of ternary CeO2/Fe2O3/reduced graphene oxide-based hybrid nanocomposite for superior photocatalytic degradation material for organic dyes

• Published in: Dyes and pigments 2023-10, Vol.218, p.111473, Article 111473
• Main Authors: Gomathi, A., Prabhuraj, T., Gokilapriya, S., Vasanthi, G., Maadeswaran, P., Ramesh Kumar, K.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CeO2/Fe2O3/r-GO hybrid composite; Organic dyes; Photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency
• ISSN: 0143-7208; 1873-3743
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2023.111473

Green energy and environmental preservation are becoming two foremost concerns in the human society. A successful strategy for addressing the issue of environmental pollution the photocatalytic application was helped to breakdown the harmful substances and sterilization of microorganisms in the presence of catalyst and sunlight. Herein, we introduced a serious of ternary CeO2/Fe2O3/r-GO based hybrid nanocomposite as an efficient catalyst for dye-degradation process. The effective catalyst was prepared via simple hydrothermal method assisted with annealing route. The hybrid catalyst was subjected to the XRD, FTIR, SEM and UV-DRS to estimate the structural and optical properties. Based on the study, the hybrid CeO2/Fe2O3/r-GO nanocomposite was exposed the brilliant absorption characteristics phenomena, and photocatalytic activities with remarkable stability. The methylene blue and methylene orange dye degradation activities were estimated using with the prepared hybrid nanocomposite. Fascinatingly, the hybrid CeO2/Fe2O3/r-GO catalyst was delivered the 90% and 86% dye-degradation result in the methylene blue and orange dyes under the UV light irradiation. Additionally, CeO2/Fe2O3/r-GO composite was gratefully recycled for five photodegradation sequences without experiencing any substantial changes to its activity or crystalline characteristics. The improved photocatalytic activity of the CeO2/Fe2O3/r-GO catalyst was mainly permitted to the synergic effects of the heterojunctions in the interface. The study's goal is to provide a good understanding for designing a suitable visible-light-driven photocatalyst with acceptable environmental remediation. [Display omitted] •A ternary CeO2/Fe2O3/r-GO hybrid NCs was synthesized via hydrothermal process followed by a thermal annealing route.•The prepared catalyst was characterized by various techniques and shows the well formation of CeO2/Fe2O3/r-GO NCs.•The degradation efficiency showed that the MB and MO were 90% and 86% for the CeO2/Fe2O3/r-GO NCs respectively.•CeO2/Fe2O3/r-GO NCs was gratefully recycled for five degradation sequences without changes to its natural characteristics.