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Effect of cerium doping on the optical and photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanoflowers

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Abstract

Photocatalytic performances of the synthesized cerium doped (Ce-doped) ZnO nanoflowers are reported in this work. A microwave-assisted sol–gel method is adopted for the synthesis of the nanomaterial and its structural and morphological features are characterized. While doping, the \(\hbox {Ce}^{3+}\) ions occupy the sites of \(\hbox {Zn}^{2+}\) ions in the hexagonal ZnO lattice, which is investigated by means of X-ray diffraction studies and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. At higher \(\hbox {Ce}^{3+}\) concentrations, ultraviolet (UV) light absorption is quite high as evidenced by the UV–Vis absorption spectra. The photoluminescence study demonstrates higher oxygen vacancy and zinc interstitials for the Ce-doped ZnO compared to the undoped ZnO. Ce-doping improves the electrical properties of the sample as well. Finally, it is established that the Ce-doped ZnO nanoflower is highly efficient in UV degrading the methylene blue organic dye.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar

    Hemalatha Parangusan & Deepalekshmi Ponnamma

  2. Materials Science and Technology Program, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar

    Mariam Al Ali Al-Maadeed

Authors
  1. Hemalatha Parangusan
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  2. Deepalekshmi Ponnamma
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  3. Mariam Al Ali Al-Maadeed
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Correspondence to Deepalekshmi Ponnamma.

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Parangusan, H., Ponnamma, D. & Al-Maadeed, M.A.A. Effect of cerium doping on the optical and photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanoflowers. Bull Mater Sci 42, 179 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-019-1865-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-019-1865-6

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