Synthesis and characterization of erbium trioxide nanoparticles as photocatalyzers for degradation of methyl orange dye

Abstract

Abstract. The present work focuses on the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) on erbium trioxide nanoparticles (Er2O3 NPs). In this study, Er2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized and fully characterized via various techniques, including X-ray diffraction, UV–visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The results revealed that the photocatalytic activity of the prepared Er2O3 NPs was manifested in MO photodegradation. The optimum efficiency obtained was 16 %.