Enhancement Of Photocatalytic Performance Research Articles

A dual S-scheme heterojunction SrTiO3/SrCO3/C-doped TiO2 as H2 production photocatalyst and its charge transfer mechanism

Constructing an S-scheme heterojunction is a highly effective approach for enhancing photocatalytic performance. However, the impact of a single S-scheme heterojunction on charge transfer is limited. To overcome this constraint, a dual S-scheme heterojunction, SrTiO3/SrCO3/C-doped TiO2 (referred to as ST/SC/CT), is designed for UV-vis-driven hydrogen production. The mass-normalized and effective surface area-normalized hydrogen production activities of ST/SC/CT are higher than those of ST and CT, respectively. The enhancement in photocatalytic performance is primarily attributed to the improved separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers by the dual S-scheme heterojunction. Moreover, C-doping effectively extends the light absorption range from UV to visible and greatly improves the absorption intensity. The heterojunction and charge transfer mechanism are also investigated through microscopy and spectroscopic techniques, as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work offers valuable insights for the design of novel composites by combining surface modification with heterojunction engineering.

Enhancing photocatalytic performance of BiOI/TiO2 NTs nanocomposites through SILAR optimization for methylene blue degradation

Enhancing photocatalytic performance of BiOI/TiO2 NTs nanocomposites through SILAR optimization for methylene blue degradation

Enhancing photocatalytic performance: Studying the synthesis and characterization of AgI-tuned TiO2/ZnO hybrid ternary nanocomposites

Eliminating phenol and other contaminants from wastewater is an essential step in addressing environmental issues. Using tailored photocatalysts is essential for the effective degradation of phenol via photocatalysis. The main objective of this study is to produce TiO2/ZnO/AgI nanocomposites employing the reflux approach in order to enhance the degradation of phenol in the presence of UV radiation. The nanocomposite incorporates TiO2 and ZnO, resulting in a narrowed band gap that enhances photocatalytic activity. The addition of AgI enhances electron transport capacities, resulting in an inclusive augmentation in performance. The physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite were extensively investigated applying an array of advanced techniques including as XRD, BET, FESEM, TEM, EDX and TGA spectroscopy practices. The combined effect of TiO2, ZnO, and AgI exhibits an approximately 100 % degradation of phenol, exceeding the individual performance of each component. The outcomes indicated that the operational parameters have a substantial impact on the photocatalytic activity, and the addition of H2O2 also improves degradation. The ideal conditions require a low concentration of H2O2 and a dose of 0.3 g/350 mL of nanocomposite. The reaction rate constant was reported as 6.96 × 10−3 min−1 under optimised conditions. The ternary nanocomposite exhibited recyclability for four successive cycles, eventually displaying ∼88 % degradation. The TiO2/ZnO/AgI nanocomposite system exhibits significant photocatalytic efficiency, which has important consequences for addressing environmental concerns caused by the persistent existence of various organic contaminants in water sources.

Electric field driven tourmaline/hematite dual mineral photocatalysis for efficient antibiotic removal

Hematite (Fe2O3) has garnered attention due to its stability, economic viability, and non-toxic nature. However, the rapid recombination of charge carriers hampers its practical application. On the other hand, tourmaline's inherent surface electric field facilitates the rapid separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. In this study, two directly mined natural minerals, tourmaline and hematite (TFO), were successfully combined. Characterization and experiments indicate that the pronounced enhancement of photocatalytic activity in Fe2O3 is attributed to the electric field effect on the surface of tourmaline. TFO successfully removes 93% of tetracycline (TC, 50 ppm) within 60 min. The reaction rate constant for TFO composite material (0.0410 min−1) is 8.5 times that of tourmaline (0.0048 min−1) and 14.1 times that of hematite (0.0029 min−1). Simultaneously, it markedly improves light absorption and charge carrier separation capabilities. Through simulations of various natural environmental factors, TFO demonstrates excellent practicality. Analyzing and detecting active species revealed the involvement of four types of active species, with ·OH radicals making the most significant contribution. The photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. Furthermore, the degradation pathway of tetracycline and the toxicity of its metabolites were investigated. This work provides additional inspirations and insights for photocatalytic materials performance enhancement and natural resources green governance environment.

Efficient removal of bisphenol a from water using a novel organic–inorganic hybrid heterojunction

Organic-inorganic hybrid heterojunctions have the ability to efficiently remove trace pollutants from water due to efficient photosensitivity. In this work, an organic–inorganic hybrid S-scheme heterojunction photosensitizer (RCP-BW) was successfully fabricated by growing cross-linked β-CD/riboflavin copolymer on the surface of bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6). The fabrication of the copolymer retains the photosensitivity of riboflavin and the confinement effect of β-CD and forms an internal electric field with Bi2WO6 to enhance the photoelectron transport ability. Photogenerated electrons are transferred and stacked from Bi2WO6 to β-CD/riboflavin copolymers, which greatly enhances the ability of organic copolymers to reduce oxygen and produce superoxide radicals. We combined electrochemistry, free radical chemistry and DFT to study the photoelectron migration mechanism and photocatalytic performance enhancement mechanism in S-scheme heterojunctions. The pseudo-first-order reaction kinetic constant (kRCP-BW = 0.081 min−1) for BPA degradation was four times that of unmodified BW (kBW = 0.020 min−1). β-CD regulates the band structure of riboflavin to match with Bi2WO6, and utilizes charged contaminants and intermediate degradation products to promote the production of reactive oxygen species through interface electron transfer and excited state transition energy transfer. This work provides theoretical support and technical means for photocatalytic oxidation technology to control endocrine disruptors.

Enhancing photocatalytic performance of iron-doped TiO2 nanoparticles: Effects of annealing temperature on anatase-rutile mixed phase structure

The photocatalytic activity of the methylene blue in metal oxide anatase-rutile mixed phase TiO2 nanoparticles doped with iron after annealing at various temperature has been investigated. The ratio Fe/Ti (wt 3 %) was prepared using the conventional co-precipitation technique with annealing treatment. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed anatase (∼25 %) and rutile (∼75 %) phase structures, and the crystallite size increased with increasing temperature. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) transmittance band at 517 cm−1 for TiO2 stretching vibration mode was examined using Kramer-Kronig relation for determining the optical characteristic such as the refractive index (n), the extinction coefficient (k), the dielectric function, and the energy loss function. Further analysis of the optical properties of Fe-doped TiO2 NPs shows the Δ (LO−TO) is shrinker after annealing above 200oC that indicated more stable bonding. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micrographs show agglomerations formed into clusters like as edelweiss flowers and roses on the surface. UV–Vis measurement reveals that the optical energy gap decreased from 3.05 eV annealed at 200oC to 2.88 eV annealed at 500oC. The UV–Vis absorbance with varying the time from 30 to 120 min to MB as a pollutant is reduced as time irradiation increases with photocatalytic rates for annealing at 500oC is 0.0071/min. The predominant anatase phase alignment, stable bonding, and unique surface make iron doped TiO2 NPs a promising catalyst.

Enhancing photocatalytic performance of Ni-Ti bimetallic metal-organic frameworks for tetracycline degradation under visible light irradiation

Antibiotic wastewater poses a significant threat to the global environment and human health. In this work, Ni-Ti bimetallic Metal-Organic Frameworks (NT-MOF) were synthesized as effective photocatalysts to remove tetracycline (TC) from water under visible light irradiation. The photocatalysts underwent characterization using techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), N2 adsorption-desorption, and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Photocatalytic tests were conducted under visible light conditions (λ>420 nm). The enhanced performance is mainly due to the presence of Ni in NT-MOF changing the shape and structure of the samples, reducing electron-hole recombination, thus promoting the charge separation process. These findings have significant implications for the development of efficient and sustainable methods for the removal of TC from wastewater.

A Novel Perspective on Enhancing Photocatalytic Performance through the Synergistic Effect of Nd Single Atoms and Heterostructures.

There are few reports on lanthanide single atom modified catalysts, as the role of the 4f levels in photocatalysis is difficult to explain clearly. Here, the synergistic effect of 4f levels of Nd and heterostructures is studied by combining steady-state, transient, and ultrafast spectral analysis techniques with DFT theoretical calculations based on the construction of Nd single atom modified black phosphorus/g-C3N4 (BP/CN) heterojunctions. As expected, the generation rates of CO and CH4 of the optimized heterostructure are 7.44 and 6.85 times higher than those of CN, and 8.43 and 9.65 times higher than those of BP, respectively. The Nd single atoms can not only cause surface reconstruction and regulate the active sites of BP, but also accelerate charge separation and transfer, further suppressing the recombination of electron-hole pairs. The electrons can transfer from g-C3N4:Nd to BP:Nd, with a transfer time of ≈11.4ps, while the radiation recombination time of electron-hole pairs of g-C3N4 is ≈26.13 µs, indicating that the construction of heterojunctions promotes charge transfer. The 2P1/2/2G9/2/4G7/2/2H11/2/4F7/2→4I9/2 emissions from Nd3+ can also be absorbed by heterostructures, which improves the utilization of light. The energy change of the key rate measurement step CO2 *→COOH* decreases through Nd single atom modification.

Optoelectronic properties and charge transfer dynamics in graphene quantum dot/Ir(III) nanocomposites: Enhancing photocatalytic performance through strategic BTF conjugate binding and end-capping variations

The aim of this study is to analyze the optoelectronic properties and charge transfer kinetics in nanocomposites comprising graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and Ir(III) complexes, with a specific focus on their relevance in photocatalytic applications. The investigation explores how the extent of π-conjugation, variations in end-capping substituents, and the binding position of benzothiazole fluorene (BTF) conjugates influence the electronic structures. The results indicate that attaching GQDs alters the band gaps and results in different energy alignments. By adjusting the position of BTF conjugate binding and the end-capping substituent, optimal photocatalytic performance can be achieved. Binding the BTF conjugate at the para-position enhances electron injection into TiO2, thereby improving photocatalysis. Conversely, binding the BTF at the meta-position contributes to the regeneration of the ground state, leading to increased light absorption and photoelectric conversion. Furthermore, incorporating a BTF conjugate at the meta-position of the 2-phenyl pyridine ligand enhances light absorption and photoelectric conversion in the nanocomposites. These findings pave the way for further exploration of the effects of different conjugate binding positions and substituents on the overall properties and potential applications of these nanocomposites.

Mo-modified BiOI0.5Cl0.5 composites preparation for antibiotic removal

Photocatalytic technology has the advantages of high efficiency, mild reaction conditions, low cost, and minimal secondary contamination in antibiotic degradation. Bismuth oxyhalides(BiOX) has garnered considerable attention and application as a photocatalyst, due to its suitable band gap and light capture capability. In this study, we successfully synthesized the BiOI0.5Cl0.5 (BCI) material through hydrothermal treatment. Furthermore, Molybdenum (Mo) atoms were diffused into the composite to form Mo-doped Mo@BiOI0.5Cl0.5. Various techniques were employed to characterize the structures, chemical compositions, and morphologies of the obtained materials.The photocatalytic performance of the obtained materials was investigated, revealing that MBCI-3 exhibited superior performance in the photocatalytic degradation of contaminants. Over a span of 20 min, 100% of rhodamine B and 86.0% of tetracycline were successfully removed from water. The enhancement in photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the alteration in the band gap of the BCI complex, leading to improved light absorption, while the incorporation of Mo atoms expedites electron transfer. Finally, the role of h+ and O2•- radicals in photocatalytic degradation was verified through radical trapping experiments.

A Novel Bismuth‐Rich Bi3O4Cl/BixOyIz Composite with Intensified Photocatalytic Internal Electrical Field for Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotics

The enhancement of photocatalytic semiconductor degradation performance through a bismuth‐rich strategy and heterojunction engineering is considered a very effective approach. Herein, the bismuth‐rich Bi3O4Cl/BixOyIz composites are synthesized through a simple solvothermal reaction. The composites have an internal electric field because of their specific layered structure. Due to the difference between their covalent [BixOy]2+ layer and exchangeable halogen ion layer, the enhanced internal electric field facilitates electron transfer at the high‐quality interface of the semiconductor. The trace presence of Bi3O4Cl/BixOyIz (0.1 g L−1) can achieve an 88% removal of tetracycline (20 mg L−1) from the solution phase under visible light illumination in 120 min. The photocatalytic activity is much higher than that of pure BiOCl and BiOI. Furthermore, the material also exhibits high photocatalytic degradation performance for bisphenol A, doxycycline hydrochloride, etc. The excellent results further confirm the application range of the prepared photocatalysts. The superior photocatalytic activity of Bi3O4Cl/BixOyIz is attributed to the formation of a heterojunction and the generation of an internal electric field, which enhances charge separation and oxidation ability. Photoelectrochemical characterization can confirm the above views. Free radical trapping experiments and electron spin resonance show that heterojunctions can produce abundant •O2− and •OH under visible light irradiation.

Constructing a P2W18O626--Containing Hybrid Photocatalyst via Noncovalent Interactions for Enhanced H2 Production.

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have gained significant research attention because of their excellent properties in photocatalytic (PC) hydrogen production. Exploring POM-based compounds for heterogeneous photocatalysis is an ongoing task. Here, we obtain a water-insoluble inorganic-organic hybrid compound, (P2W18O62)3(C12N3H10)6(C12N3H11)6·9.5H2O (P-PW), formed by Dawson-type POM P2W18O626- (P2W18) anions and protonated 2-(pyridin-4-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (PHB) cations via noncovalent interactions. In the presence of the sacrificial agent triethanolamine, P-PW exhibits a PC H2 generation rate of 0.418 mmol/g/h, surpassing that of P2W18 and PHB by 15 and 17 times, respectively. This enhancement in PC performance of P-PW can be attributed to its band structure change from the precursor compounds, leading to increased light absorption and therefore more efficient PC hydrogen production.

Ti3C2Tx MXene decorated with NiMnO3 / NiMn2O4 nanoparticles for simultaneous photocatalytic degradation of mixed cationic and anionic dyes

The present report investigated the different mass ratios of Ti3C2Tx MXene decorated NiMnO3 / NiMn2O4 nanoparticles and their enhancement of photocatalytic performance. The NiMnO3 / NiMn2O4 - Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple electrostatic self-assembly method. The physicochemical properties of nanocomposites were analyzed by XRD, SEM, and FESEM with EDAX, FTIR, PL, and UV-Visible spectrometer. The rhombohedral / cubic spinel structure of NiMnO3 / NiMn2O4 was confirmed by the XRD. The SEM and FESEM morphology show that spherical NiMnO3 / NiMn2O4 nanoparticles were decorated on the Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets and also present on the inside of the Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets. The average diameter of NiMnO3 / NiMn2O4 nanoparticles (46 nm) and the interlayer spacing of Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets (56 nm) were measured from FESEM analysis. The energy bandgap of NiMnO3 / NiMn2O4 - MXene nanocomposites was determined as ranging from 1.2 eV to 0.8 eV. The Ni, Mn, O, Ti, C, and F elemental compositions of the composites were analyzed by the EDAX. The effective photo-generated electron transferring from NiMnO3 / NiMn2O4 to Ti3C2Tx MXene was established by the PL quenching of NiMnO3 / NiMn2O4. The 100 % degradation efficiency was achieved in methylene blue (MB). The mixed dye degradation rates achieved for Rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO), and methylene blue (MB) for 90 %,72 %, and 100 % after 50 min in the presence of NiMnO3 / NiMn2O4 -Ti3C2Tx MXene (20 wt %). According to a scavenger experiment, the predominant species actively involved in the photodegradation process were revealed to •OH and •O2-.

CTAC-assisted monoclinic BiVO4 with oxygen defects for efficient photocatalytic performances: A combined experimental and DFT study

Developing a photocatalyst with high photocatalytic efficiency, chemical stability, and self-degradation capability is essential for optimizing photodegradation processes in environmental applications. In this study, we synthesized a monoclinic BiVO4 photocatalyst whose surface morphology was modulated by hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) using a facile hydrothermal method. Experimental results demonstrated a substantial increase in the degradation rate (99%) for the CTAC-modified monoclinic BV/CT25 photocatalyst (with an initial CTAC concentration of 25 g/L) compared to the CTAC-free tetragonal BiVO4 photocatalyst (73%). This highlights the effective enhancement of photocatalytic degradation performance through CTAC modification. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the band gap of BV/CT25 remained unchanged, suggesting that changes in oxygen vacancies (OVs) and density of states, along with the porous lattice structure, contributed to the improved performance. These findings were further supported by FESEM, as well as EPR and XPS characterizations. In addition, photodegradation tests at various pH conditions and cyclic tests suggested that the modification enhanced the morphological stability and reusability of the modified BiVO4 photocatalysts. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the design of next-generation photocatalysts, leveraging surfactants to control surface properties and emphasizing the key attributes of high photocatalytic efficiency, chemical stability, and improved reusability.

Enhancement in photocatalytic and electrochemical performance of hydrothermally synthesized β-Bi2O3 via Ni incorporation

β-Bi2O3 and Ni-incorporated β-Bi2O3 nanoparticles with different Ni incorporating amounts (0, 2, and 4 at. wt. %) were successfully synthesized through a viable hydrothermal process. As-synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed by complementary analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) for structural, microstructural, compositional, and spectral properties. The photocatalytic performance of synthesized nanoparticles was assessed by subjecting them to visible light irradiation and monitoring the decomposition of rhodamine-B dye. The findings demonstrated that the inclusion of Ni(4%) in β-Bi2O3 nanoparticles significantly enhanced its photocatalytic activity compared to pristine β-Bi2O3 which is desirable for environmental remediation. This improvement may be caused by increased generation of electron-hole (e−-h+) pairs, reduced recombination rate of these pairs, enhanced absorption of visible light, and a decreased band gap energy. To evaluate the specific capacitance characteristics of synthesized electrode materials, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance analyses were conducted. The super capacitance activities of prepared electrode materials were observed in the order of Bi2O3 < Ni(2%)-Bi2O3 < Ni(4%)-Bi2O3. Notably, Ni(4%)-Bi2O3 nanocomposite exhibited higher supercapacitance, which can be attributed to the effective role of appropriate nickel incorporation in Bi2O3. These results suggested that the incorporation of Ni(4%) into β-Bi2O3 to form a nanocomposite showed greater capability as an effective electrode material for advanced energy storage devices, especially supercapacitors.

Synthesis of interfacial electric field-enhanced CdS/CdxZn1-xS/ZnO ternary heterojunction by lye dissolution etching mechanism for photocatalytic H2 production and CO2 reduction

The difficulty in fabricating a multifaceted composite heterojunction system based on CdxZn1-xS limits the enhancement of photocatalytic performance. In the present scrutiny, novel ZnO/CdxZn1-xS/CdS composite heterojunctions are successfully prepared by the alkaline dissolution etching method. The internal electric field at the interface of I-type and Z-scheme heterojunction improved the effective charge separation. The ZC 8 sample exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance and the H2 production efficiency is 15.67 mmol g−1 h−1 with good stability up to 82.9 % in 24-hour cycles. The performance of CH4 and CO capacity in the CO2RR process is 3.47 μmol g−1 h−1 and 23.5 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively. The photogenerated accelerated charge transport is then examined in detail by in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ISXPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work presents a new idea for the synthesis of CdxZn1-xS solid-solution-based materials and provides a solid reference for the detailed mechanism regarding the electric field at the heterojunction interface.

Structural design and antibacterial properties of porous SiO2/ZnO/Cu2O composites

In this study, the main antibacterial agent employed was nano-ZnO/Cu2O composite powder. The nano-ZnO/Cu2O composite powder was thoroughly dispersed within the gel precursor and subsequently utilized as a carrier for the preparation of porous SiO2 via sol–gel method. Finally, porous SiO2/ZnO/Cu2O composites were obtained. Through the characterization of the phase and structure of the composites, it can be found that nano-ZnO/Cu2O is physically embedded in the porous SiO2 skeleton and fully combined with the porous SiO2. Finally, porous SiO2/ZnO/Cu2O composites were successfully synthesized. The phase and structure of the composites were thoroughly characterized, revealing that nano-ZnO/Cu2O was physically embedded within the porous SiO2 framework and exhibits excellent integration with the porous SiO2 matrix. Compared to single-component nano-ZnO/Cu2O, the composite exhibits significantly enhanced specific surface area and improved pore properties, thereby leading to an enhancement in photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, the antibacterial performance test of the composites clearly demonstrates a remarkable 100% antibacterial rate. Porous SiO2/ZnO/Cu2O composites offer a novel avenue for enhancing the antibacterial properties of ZnO and Cu2O.

Enhanced photocatalytic ammonia oxidation over WO3@TiO2 heterostructures by constructing an interfacial electric field

WO3 nanorods and xWO3@TiO2 (WO3/TiO2 mass ratio (x) = 1−5) photocatalysts were synthesized using the hydrothermal and sol-gel methods, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of xWO3@TiO2 for NH3 oxidation first increased and then decreased with a rise in TiO2 content. Among them, the heterostructured 3WO3@TiO2 photocatalyst showed the highest NH3 conversion (58 %) under the simulated sunlight irradiation, which was about two times higher than those of WO3 and TiO2. Furthermore, the smallest amounts of by-products (i.e., NO and NO2) were produced over 3WO3@TiO2. The enhancement in photocatalytic performance (i.e., NH3 conversion and N2 selectivity) of 3WO3@TiO2 was mainly attributed to the formed interfacial electric field between WO3 and TiO2, which promoted efficient separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. Based on the results of reactive species trapping and active radical detection, photocatalytic oxidation of NH3 over 3WO3@TiO2 was governed by the photogenerated holes and superoxide radicals. This work combines two strategies of morphological regulation and interfacial electric field construction to simultaneously improve light utilization and photogenerated charge separation efficiency, which promotes the development of full-spectrum photocatalysts for the removal of ammonia.

Enhancing photocatalytic performance of Cu6Fe2SnS8 by N doping using magnetic grinding method

Nitrogen doped quaternary metal sulfide Cu6Fe2SnS8 (CFTS) was prepared by magnetic grinding. The mechanochemical method has the advantage of simple synthesis of non-metallic doped polymetallic sulfides, and there is no solvent involved in the reaction process, which is very environmentally friendly. Non metallic doping can form electron capture centers on semiconductors, suppress the recombination of photo generated electron hole pairs, and extend electron lifetime. Moreover, doping N element into the CFTS lattice will lead to the formation of new energy states, thereby narrowing the energy band gap. The characterizations of XPS and EDS have proven the successful doping of N element into CFTS. In addition, the photocatalytic mechanism and the stability of the N-doped CFTS (N-CFTS) were studied through active substance capture experiments and cyclic experiments. The experimental results indicate that ·O2− is the main active substance in the degradation of MB by N-CFTS. After multiple cyclic experiment, the N-CFTS catalytic material still exhibits good crystal structure and photocatalytic stability. This photocatalytic material has great potential for applications in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

A study on microwave synthesis of unique Zn1-3xCuxCexCrxO nanoparticles with efficient photocatalytic reactivity under visible sunlight irradiation

The study investigates the synthesis and characterization of Cu, Ce, and Cr co-doped ZnO nanoparticles (Zn1-3xCuxCexCrxO with x = 0.00, 0.03, and 0.05) using a microwave-assisted sol–gel technique. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed the monoclinic structure of the nanocrystalline ZnO with an average crystallite size ranging from 41 nm to 47 nm. Fourier-transform infrared analysis revealed chemisorption of H2O and CO2 onto the ZnO surface upon exposure to the atmosphere. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Zn, Cu, Ce, Cr, and O in the samples. Scanning electron microscopy images depicted agglomerated crystals with both agglomeration and non-agglomeration of smaller crystallites. Notably, a red shift in the UV–Vis spectrum was observed at a 3 % doping concentration, with an increase in photocatalytic efficiency from 56 % to 67 % compared to pure ZnO. Furthermore, an overall enhancement in photocatalytic performance was noted with increasing doping concentration, indicating potential applications in organic pollutant degradation. The study also highlighted a decrease in the band gap between pure and doped ZnO with escalating doping content, suggesting promising prospects for photocatalytic applications by suppressing carrier recombination.