Electronic structure and electrocatalytic activity of cerium-doped tantalum oxide

► Cerium-Ta2O5 particles were synthesized using a low-temperature hydrothermal method. ► The Ta2O5 cells shrunk after cerium doping. ► Cerium doping could improve the conductivity and electrocatalytic activity of Ta2O5. ► The cerium-Ta2O5 film electrode had excellent electrocatalysis for methylene blue reduction.