Synergistic effects of La-doping on ZnO nanostructured photocatalysts for enhanced MB dye degradation

Abstract

In this work, we present the design and characterization of pristine and La-doped ZnO photocatalysts, prepared via a facile co-precipitation technique. A comprehensive range of characterization techniques was employed to analyze the physicochemical properties of these synthesized nanostructured photocatalysts. The slight shift in the position of peaks in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirms successful doping (La3+) of ZnO. Additionally, the identified wurtzite phase further validates the presence of ZnO nanostructures. Subsequent photocatalytic investigations were conducted using model solutions of water and methylene blue (MB) dyes under solar irradiation, meticulously comparing the performance of pure ZnO with La3+ doped ZnO. Over the time span of 90 min, the 5 % La-doped ZnO photocatalysts exhibited an impressive 98 % degradation efficiency for MB dye, surpassing the performance of the pristine ZnO counterpart (0 % La), which achieved only 51 % degradation. This emphasizes the pronounced enhancement resulting from the incorporation of La ions. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra insights with 5 % La3+doping exhibit significant quenching, caused by the suppression of charge carrier recombination, which enhances the photocatalyst's charge transport. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra provided crucial insights into the elemental composition and chemical states of the 5 % La3+ doped ZnO nanostructures. Through systematic reusability assessments, it was established that the 5 % La-doped ZnO photocatalysts maintain their efficiency for up to four cycles, without displaying a significant reduction in removal efficacy. This emphasizes the inherent reliability and robustness of the developed photocatalysts.