Gold-selenide quantum dots supported onto cesium ferrite nanocomposites for the efficient degradation of rhodamine B

In this work, different weight percentage of gold-selenide quantum dots (AuSe QDs) (1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.0 wt.%) were successfully synthesized and decorated on cesium ferrite nanocomposite (Cs₂Fe₂O₄ NC). The as-prepared pure AuSe QDs, pure Cs₂Fe₂O₄ NC, and x wt.% AuSe QDs/Cs₂Fe₂O₄ NC photocatalysts were investigated using different characterization techniques such as nitrogen adsorption desorption isotherms (BET), X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The results show that AuSe QDs were uniformly distributed on Cs₂Fe₂O₄NCs surface as spherical dots with an average size of 1.0-8.0 nm. While the Cs₂Fe₂O₄ NCs possess an average size between 10 to 35 nm. The photocatalytic performance of x wt. % AuSe QDs/Cs₂Fe₂O₄NCs were measured through the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye as a model water pollutant, under a150 W-Mercury lamp with a filter (JB400) as a simulated source of visible light. The results revealed that the % degradation of RhB increased from 50.0 %, 59.1 %, 76.4 %, and to 99.15 % within 150 min for the pure Cs₂Fe₂O₄, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 wt.% AuSe QDs/Cs₂Fe₂O₄ NC photocatalysts, respectively. The 5.0 wt.% AuSe/Cs₂Fe₂O₄ NC sample showed highest photocatalytic activity. The effect of recycling also studied. High photocatalytic performance and superior stability confirmed that the prepared nanocomposites act as good photocatalysts.