Solar light sensitive hybrid Ce4+/3+ doped perovskite magnesium zirconate nano cubes for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and organic pollutant degradation in water

Abstract

Dispersion of petite quantity (Mg1−xCexZryO3) of cerium dopant in the lattice of magnesium zirconate (MgZrO3) is an efficient strategy to stimulate solar light photocatalytic activity of the material and achieve superior charge carrier separation. In this research, we demonstrate the tailoring of MgZrO3 to become a solar light sensitive material for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye and hydrogen evolution from water. Cerium doped MgZrO3 nanocubes (Mg1−xCexZryO3NCs) showed 93% efficiency for the degradation of MO and was able to show a maximum hydrogen evolution rate of 13,318 µmol h−1 g−1. It was found that, concentration of cerium plays a key role in the overall performance of the photocatalyst. A systematic characterization by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Scavenger experiments, Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy (ESR), Photoluminescence (PL) and photocurrent measurements of the Mg1−xCexZryO3 NCs showed that, it possesses high surface area, promotes transfer of photo-stimulated electrons and provides rich photo-active centers for the enhanced photocatalytic redox activity. Retention of structure and morphology even after rigorous cycling of the catalyst with respect to MO degradation and hydrogen evolution makes Mg1−xCexZryO3 NCs a robust photocatalytic material.