Photocatalytic degradation of cortisone acetate by using graphite doped ceria nanoparticles under visible light illumination

Abstract

In the present study, sucrose was used as a source for carbon to prepare carbon doped ceria (CeO2). Ceria nanoparticles was saturated with sucrose solution and then thermally treated at 300°C for 4h to form a solid powder carbon doped ceria material. The prepared sample was characterized by means of XRD, DR UV–vis, SEM, Raman and EDX. Characterization data showed the formation of graphite-like particles between the nanocrystals of ceria. Moreover, the light absorption of the prepared sample showed clear red-shift towards the visible light region. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared material was investigation in the degradation of cortisone acetate in a slurry reactor under visible light illumination (wavelength > 425 nm). Carbon doped CeO2 showed 6.8 times higher photocatalytic activity than the commercially available ceria. Moreover, carbon doped ceria was successfully reused for three consecutive runs with negligible activity loss.