Solar assisted photocatalytic degradation of Naphthol Blue Black dye using Ce1−xMnxO2

The photocatalytic degradation of textile diazo dye Naphthol Blue Black has been investigated using sunlight and Ce1−xMnxO2 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 1.0) samples. Ce1−xMnxO2 samples were synthesized by co-precipitation method and characterized by XRD, FTIR, thermal techniques and surface areas. Some solid-state studies, such as magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity and diffuse reflectance studies were undertaken. The extent of decolourization of the dye was determined by UV–vis spectroscopy. CeO2 forms solid solution with Mn upto 30 mol% maintaining fluorite structure.