Synthesis, Characterisation and the photocatalytic performance of europium oxide/ceria nanocomposite

ABSTRACT

Different loadings of europium were doped into commercial ceria nanoparticles by using europium nitrate solution followed by thermal treatment. The characterisation results showed a formation of Eu₂O₃ nanoparticles covering the ceria particles; moreover, the density of such cover is increased with europium loading. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared samples was evaluated in the photocatalytic decolourization reaction of methyl green under the illumination of UV black light with an average wavelength of 367 nm. The reaction rate of europium-doped ceria was 4.5–10 times higher compared to the neat ceria sample.

KEYWORDS:

• Europium
• photocatalysis
• ceria
• water treatment
• UV illumination

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through General Research Project under grant number (G.R.P-114-40).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the King Khalid University [Riad Mazouki].