Innovative fabrication of highly efficient CeO2 ceramic nanomaterials for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of toxic contaminants under sunlight

Abstract

In this research, we report an innovative sonochemical technique for synthesizing cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanoparticles utilizing glucose as a capping agent, significantly boosting their photocatalytic performance under visible light. Through meticulous optimization, our CeO₂ nanoparticles demonstrated exceptional degradation efficiencies: 97.2 % for Acid Red 14, 99.1 % for Captopril, 98.7 % for Malachite Green, and 98.3 % for Amlodipine, substantially outstripping performance metrics of commercial TiO₂ and untreated samples. Our kinetic analyses, based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, indicated a superior rate constant of 0.0701 min⁻¹ for Acid Red 14 degradation—reflecting a stark enhancement over other catalysts tested. Furthermore, mechanistic insights revealed that the significant improvement in photocatalytic activity was predominantly due to the generation of hydroxyl radicals and effective utilization of electron vacancies, with the role of these reactive species validated by detailed scavenger tests. This enhancement in photocatalytic efficiency is attributed to the sonochemical synthesis paired with glucose modification, which optimizes the nanoparticles' surface characteristics crucial for reactivity. Moreover, the nanoparticles showcased remarkable stability and reusability, maintaining an 87.8 % degradation rate after 11 cycles, evidencing minimal loss in activity and underscoring their potential for long-term applications in environmental remediation. This study not only paves the way for the practical application of CeO₂ nanoparticles in pollutant degradation but also illustrates the broader applicability of sonochemically synthesized nanomaterials in sustainable environmental management, offering a promising solution to the challenge of complex organic pollutants in aquatic environments.