Bi3+/Ce3+ doped ZnO nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic and dielectric properties

Abstract

In this study, varying % Bi-doped on 1% Ce-doped ZnO (1CZ) nanoparticles (X% B-1CZ) were synthesized via a facile, simple, low-cost, sol–gel process. Various characterization techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized compound, while the dielectric properties i.e. dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC conductivity against frequency were studied with the help of a precision impedance analyzer. It was observed that by increasing bismuth content in the nanoparticles, the dielectric constant also increased in the range (1.47 × 106 – 4.02 × 106) at 20 Hz, and vice versa for dielectric loss decreased from 1.05 × 106 to 0.39 × 106. The role of prepared compounds as photocatalysts was also investigated against methylene blue under ultraviolet irradiation. The degradation efficiency, as well as the dielectric properties of 7% Bi-doped on 1% Ce-doped ZnO (7%B-1CZ), were found to be the best. Overall, it was found that the synthesized compounds proved promising candidates with enhanced photocatalytic & dielectric properties and hence could safely be employed for environmental remediation purposes and energy storage devices.