Photocatalytic, structural and optical properties of Ce–Ni co-doped ZnO nanodisks-like self-assembled structures

Abstract

In this work, we present a study on the photocatalytic, structural, and optical properties of Ce–Ni co-doped ZnO nanodisks-like self-assembled structures synthesized by the sol gel process. For all samples, the structural parameters were calculated, and the changes were discussed in terms of dopants, ionic radii and atomic disorder defects. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman spectra validated the hexagonal wurtzite structure formation. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy images certify the nanodisks-like self-assembled structures, while the surface area, experienced an increase with the dopant. The optical band gap decreases, weather Urbach energy increases varying the Ni content. Structural defects were identified and quantified by the photoluminescence spectra deconvolution. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that Ni concentration influence the photocatalytic performance for the Methylene Blue dye (MB) under UV irradiation. Thus, sample containing lower Ni concentration demonstrated greater photocatalytic efficiency (81.3%). In the scavenger test, MB degradation was decreased in the presence of methyl alcohol, indicating that the •OH radicals were the main species involved in pollutant removal. Finally, the MB dye irradiated with the different photocatalysts (ZCN21, ZCN22, or ZCN24) did not show toxicity against Artemia salina. Therefore, the Zn1-x-yCexNiyO compound is promising for environmental remediation.