Fabrication of Ce doped TiO₂ for efficient organic pollutants removal from wastewater

Pristine and Ce doped TiO₂ nanoparticles were fabricated for toxic pollutants removal from wastewater. Pristine, 2% Ce and 4% Ce doped TiO₂ photocatalysts were produced via hydrothermal route. 4% Ce doped TiO₂ exhibited 2.41 eV bandgap which is smaller than pure TiO_2. The morphology was also investigated and it was established that doping of Ce ions enhanced the surface roughness and reduced the particle size. The surface area was characterized through BET analysis and 4% Ce-TiO₂ possess higher surface with large pore diameter which helped the photocatalytic activity. The prepared photocatalysts were investigated on reduction of pollutants from wastewater under visible light. Higher efficiency was obtained for 4% Ce-TiO₂ photocatalyst for both model pollutants. The "k" value possessed was also higher for the doped TiO₂ catalyst. These analysis reports the optimum level of ceria doping to enhance morphology, surface area and it increased activity than bare TiO₂. 4% Ce-TiO₂ will be the potential candidate for efficient wastewater management. The 4% Ce doped TiO₂ photocatalyst provided 77% and 88% on reducing MB and RhB dyes. The dopant has developed higher surface area, morphology and good recombination rate which reduced the toxic pollutants and changed the wastewater to reuse.