S-scheme AgIO4/CeO2 heterojunction nanocomposite photocatalyst for degradation of rhodamine B dye

Abstract

Photocatalysis is auspicious technology for transferring inexhaustible solar energy into storable chemical energy. In this novel research, an auspicious S-scheme heterojunction is constructed by hybridizing CeO2 nanoparticles with band gap energy [2.9 eV], surface area [75 m2/g], and negative conduction band potential (ECB = -0.38 eV) with AgIO4 nanorods with 22 m2/g surface area, band gap energy of 1.98 eV and valence band potential of + 3.27 eV. The novel AgIO4/CeO2 heterojunctions containing different compositions of CeO2 and AgIO4 are fabricated through coupled sol–gel and sonochemical route. SEM, XRD, BET, XPS, DRS, PL and HRTEM investigate the morphological, structural, textural and optical features of the solid specimens. Combined PL and DRS analysis have pointed out that AgIO4 prohibit the as-synthesized heterojunctions with strong visible light absorbability and highly separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes. CeAg15 optimal catalyst decompose RhB dye with pseudo-first order rate of 0.024 min−1 which is tenfold higher than that of pristine CeO2. In the light of scrubber experimental results and PL analysis of terephthalic acid, S-scheme is proposed for analyzing the route of charge transportation and generation of charge carriers with strong redox power. The construction of S-scheme mechanism reveal the preservation of the positive holes of AgIO4 oxidative photocatalyst and negative electrons of CeO2 reductive photocatalyst for consuming in destruction of RhB dye into eco-friendly species as manifested from TOC analysis. This novel research work provide a clear insight on fabrication of S-scheme heterojunction with strong oxidative and reductive power for eradicate water pollutants.