High-Entropy (Ce_0.2Pr_0.2Zn_0.2Nd_0.2Tb_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇ Zirconate Pyrochlore: A Promising Photocatalyst for Diverse...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Industrial growth leads to environmental pollution, necessitating effective pollutant mitigation strategies.
• Developing novel photocatalysts is crucial for addressing environmental contamination challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a single-phase high-entropy zirconate pyrochlore oxide, (Ce_0.2Pr_0.2Zn_0.2Nd_0.2Tb_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇.
• To evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized material for degrading environmental pollutants.

Main Methods:

• Modified Pechini method for nanoparticle synthesis.
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, FESEM, and XPS.
• Photocatalytic degradation tests with methylene blue, Congo red, and Cr(VI).

Main Results:

• The synthesized (Ce_0.2Pr_0.2Zn_0.2Nd_0.2Tb_0.2)₂Zr₂O₇ exhibited high photocatalytic activity for dye and Cr(VI) removal.
• Degradation mechanisms involved hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and holes.
• The material showed structural stability and reusability over three cycles.

Conclusions:

• The high-entropy zirconate pyrochlore oxide is an effective and stable photocatalyst for removing persistent organic pollutants.
• Optimized band positions contribute to efficient photocatalytic reaction kinetics.
• This material presents a viable solution for environmental remediation applications.