Multifunctional Fe and Gd co-doped CeO2-RGO nanohybrid with excellent solar light mediated crystal violet degradation and bactericidal activity

Abstract

In this research, a multifunctional Fe3+/Gd3+-CeO2 @RGO (FGC@RGO) nanohybrid was synthesized via facile co-precipitation and ultra-sonication methods. The prepared nanohybrid was utilized for crystal violet (CV) degradation and S. aureus and E. coli disinfection in visible light irradiation. FGC@RGO catalyst exhibited enhanced photocatalytic and bactericidal activities compared with Fe3+/Gd3+-CeO2 (FGC) nanoparticles (NPs). Nearly, 94% degradation of crystal violet was achieved over FGC@RGO after 40 min, while only 77% was done by Fe3+/Gd3+-CeO2 (FGC). Radical quantification tests inferred thatO̅2•, and HO•were the major ROS during the disinfection and degradation processes. The greater bactericidal and photocatalytic properties of FGC@RGO were ascribed to the synergic effect among Fe3+, Gd3+ and CeO2 nanoparticles onto the RGO sheets. The results suggested that FGC@RGO nanostructures could not only enhance the separation and migration efficiencies of charge carrying species, but also boost the charge collection ability for greater catalytic activity. Hence, this research could contribute in developing the new understandings on exploration of the RGO based multifunctional nanohybrids for solar light mediated photo-removal of hazardous organics and pathogens during wastewater treatment.