Synthesis of CeO2/Au/Ho nanostructures as novel and highly efficient visible light driven photocatalyst

Only 3-5% of the UV photon flux reaching the earth's surface, therefore it would be hugely beneficial to extend the light absorption of CeO2 to the visible light region. The present work is focused on the CeO2/Au/Ho nanostructures to improve photo-catalytic activity of CeO2 under visible light. In the other word, photo-catalytic activity of CeO2 is improved by plasmonic effect of gold and co- sensitizer effect of holmium in visible region. It seems that cooperation between Au and Ho significantly improve degradation efficiency of CeO2. In addition, effect of different parameters such as surfactant and precipitating agent on morphology of final products were studied. Prepared products were characterized by different technics such as XRD, SEM, and TEM.