Effect of Europium, Yttrium and Lutetium Doping on the Photocatalytic Property of CeO₂ Nanoparticles in the Reduction of p‐nitrophenol under Visible Light

Abstract

The current study focuses on the photocatalytic reduction of p‐nitrophenol using Europium, Yttrium and Lutetium doped Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles which were synthesized via chemical precipitation method. The synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to characterization using different analytical tools to confirm the formation of nanoparticles. They were characterized using X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) studies, Fourier Transform‐Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), High resolution Scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), High resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV‐Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐DRS) studies. The synthesized rare earth nanomaterials were successfully applied for the photoreduction of the organic pollutant p‐nitrophenol with the addition of NaBH4 as reducing agent using 300 W Xenon lamp. The addition of the synthesized photocatalyst enhanced the reduction ability of NaBH4 in reducing p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol. The results confirmed the superior photocatalytic activity of Lu0.05CeO2 compared to the other rare earth doped photocatalysts. The time taken by Lu0.05CeO2 photocatalyst for the complete reduction of p‐nitrophenol was 45 min and was found to be 96 % efficient in the reduction of 0.5 mM p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol compared to the other photocatalysts.

Lutetium Copper@Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanocomposite Electrode System for Sensing and Signalling Ciprofloxacin

“…The Lu‐Cu@h‐BN also shows the Lu 4d spectrum comprising of two peaks located at 196.7 eV and 213.1 eV, which corresponds to the Lu 3+ oxide state (Figure 2E ) . Finally, from the Lu 4 f spectrum (Figure F), peak between 5 and 12 eV values reveals that Lu exists in +3 oxidation state [42] . No foreign impurities were identified in the spectrum except that of carbon.…”

“…Finally, from the Lu 4 f spectrum (Figure F), peak between 5 and 12 eV values reveals that Lu exists in + 3 oxidation state. [42] No foreign impurities were identified in the spectrum except that of carbon.…”

Eu‐doped ZnAl‐LDH as a Fluorescent Labeling Carrier for the Delivery and Controlled Release of Camptothecin

“…The fluorescent spectra of ZnAl‐Eu‐LDH, CPT, ZnAl‐Eu‐CPT, and ZnAl‐Eu under excitation at 395 nm are given in Figure 11. For the ZnAl‐Eu‐LDH, there are weak emissions at 596 and 620 nm which are attributed to the electric‐dipole ( 5 D 0 → 7 F 1 ) and magnetic‐dipole ( 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 ) transitions of Eu(III), respectively [59‐61] . The fluorescent peak of pure CPT is at 486 nm.…”

“…7 F 2 ) transitions of Eu(III), respectively. [59][60][61] The fluorescent peak of pure CPT is at 486 nm. While the CPT was intercalated into the LDH, a broad strong emission at 475 nm appeared for the corresponding ZnAl-Eu-CPT.…”