Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic performance of Yb-doped CdTe nanoparticles

•YbxCd1−xTe nanomaterials were synthesized by the hydrothermal method.•The as-prepared compounds were characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS, SEM and UV techniques.•By increasing concentration of the Yb3+ ions, the DRS spectra of CdTe show red-shifts.•The photocatalytic effect of compounds was determined by Malachite green degradation.

Doped CdTe nanoparticles as a photocatalyst with different Yb contents were successfully synthesized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The as-prepared compounds were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The absorption edges of Yb-doped CdTe were extended to longer wavelength as red-shift in comparison to pure CdTe. The photocatalytic performance of Yb-doped CdTe compounds was also determined by Malachite green (MG) degradation under visible light irradiation. Improved photocatalytic activity was shown with Yb-doped CdTe with 0.1 mol Yb dopant.

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