Microwave-assisted synthesis of Nd-doped La2CuO4 perovskite photocatalysts for enhanced degradation of methyl orange and E. Coli inactivation in wastewater treatment

The development of efficient perovskite photocatalysts remains a pivotal area of research for advanced water treatment technologies. In this study, Nd-doped La₂CuO₄ (La_2-XNd_XCuO₄) perovskite photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile microwave-assisted combustion method. Comprehensive characterization revealed that the incorporation of Nd³⁺ ions into the La₂CuO₄ lattice significantly modified the structural, optical, and electronic properties of the material, collectively enhancing its photocatalytic degradation efficiency. Among the prepared compositions, La_1.75Nd_0.25CuO₄ (LNCO3) exhibited the most remarkable performance, achieving a Methyl Orange (MO) degradation efficiency of 93 % (k = 0.0191 min⁻¹), substantially higher than that of pristine La₂CuO₄ (72 %; k = 0.0088 min⁻¹). Kinetic analyses confirmed that the photodegradation process follows a pseudo-first-order model. Radical scavenging experiments and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) analysis demonstrated that superoxide radicals (^•O₂⁻) and hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) were the predominant reactive oxygen species responsible for pollutant degradation. The photocatalyst also maintained excellent stability and reusability over six consecutive cycles without significant loss of activity. In addition to MO degradation, LNCO3 displayed superior antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) under visible-light irradiation, highlighting its dual functionality for chemical and biological contaminant removal. These findings underscore the potential of Nd-doped La₂CuO₄ as a robust photocatalyst for environmental remediation.