Advances in Rare Earth-Doped ZnO Photocatalysts: Enhancing Photogenerated Electron-Hole Pairs for Radical Atom Generation

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a promising material with a diverse range of applications, spanning gas sensing, photonics, photovoltaics, energy conversion, water splitting, photocatalysis, and transparent trapping. However, ZnO limited responsiveness to visible light affected to low photogenerated electron-hole pairs (charge), low quantum efficiency, and high recombination of charge. In this review, we are addressing innovative strategies, including incorporation rare earth elements as a trap of electron to reduce recombination charge via ZnO doping from analysis 118 referenced sources. We found that hydrothermal shows very good methods for boosting efficiency up to 100 % within 60-min. We found that for rare-earth metals La and Ce as a doping show highest efficiency up to 100 % within 120 min irradiations, means that efficient as a trap for reducing recombination of charge. The potential of rare earth doped ZnO will enhance photogenerated electron-hole pairs, catalyzing the generation of radical atoms via oxidation and reduction reactions. This review encapsulates the most current findings, it serves as a valuable resource for scholars seeking to advance their understanding of rare earth doped ZnO photocatalysts and developing innovative photocatalytic technologies.