Ajwain honey loaded CeO2 nanocomposite for antioxidant, chemical sensors and photocatalysis studies

Abstract

The present study used a simple reflux method to efficiently produce eco-friendly ajwain honey (AH) loaded cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and UV–Visible methods were used to examine the materials. Using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, the developed AH/CeO2 demonstrates 81% free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 102.5 mg/mL. The electrochemical activity was measured in a 3 M KOH electrolyte solution using a carbon pasted electrode. Electrochemical characteristics such as reversibility (ER), proton diffusion coefficient (D), and specific capacitance (Csp) have been significantly enhanced. The AH doped CeO2 electrode modification materials have a vital role in boosting sensor detection sensitivity in the electrochemical determination of cow urine, Pb+2 and Hg+2 ions. The photocatalysis of AH doped CeO2 was investigated utilizing water pollutants methyl violet (MV) and Congo red (CR). The MV pollutant is completely degraded (100%) after 60 min, and the CR is around 82%, suggesting excellent performance with AH doped CeO2.