Visible light induced degradation of methylene blue using CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO catalysts

• The catalysts were synthesized via a facile thermal decomposition method which was simple, fast and feasible method.
• Degradation of methylene blue and real effluent were carried out under visible light.
• The photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite materials is higher than that of single phase material.

In the present study, the nanocatalysts CeO2, V2O5, CuO, CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO were synthesized by thermal decomposition method. This method is simple, fast and cost effective compared with other preparation methods. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by different techniques. The XRD and XPS results confirmed the structure and the oxidization states of the nanocomposite materials. DRS results suggested that the prepared CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO nanocomposites can generate more electrons and holes under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activities of prepared catalysts were evaluated using the degradation of aqueous methylene blue solution as a model compound under visible light irradiation. In addition, the nanocomposite (CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO) materials were employed to degrade the textile effluent under visible light condition.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide