A novel visible-light Nd-doped CdTe photocatalyst for degradation of Reactive Red 43: Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic properties

Novel high-efficiency visible-light-sensitive Nd-doped CdTe nanoparticles were prepared with various doping concentrations of neodymium ion by a facile hydrothermal method. The reaction products were analyzed via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy techniques. Red shift was seen in the absorption band edge peak in the UV-Vis absorbance spectrum with increasing Nd content. The XRD and XPS results confirmed that Nd ions successfully replaced Cd atoms and were incorporated into the crystal lattice of CdTe. SEM and TEM images indicated spherical structure and high crystallinity. Even at a very low Nd/CdTe molar ratio of 2 mol.%, Nd doping could greatly enhance the photocatalytic activity of CdTe. The photocatalytic activity of Nd-doped CdTe nanoparticles was evaluated by monitoring the decolorization of RRed 43 in aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation. The color removal efficiency of Nd0.08Cd0.92Te and pure CdTe were 83.14% and 14.32% after 100 min of treatment, respectively. Among different amounts of the doping agent, 8 mol.% Nd indicated the highest decolorization. The presence of radical scavengers such as Cl−, CO32−, SO42−, and buthanol was found to reduce the decolorization efficiency.

Graphical AbstractPhotocatalyct activity of CdTe nanoparticle and doped CdTe with different Nd contentsFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide