Facile synthesis of Ce-doped ZnO nanospindles for photocatalytic applications

We report on synthesis of Ce-doped ZnO nanospindles with improved sunlight-mediated photocatalytic performance using facile and surfactant-free wet chemical method. FESEM and TEM results showed nanospindles, while XRD and SAED studies revealed hexagonal wurtzite ZnO phase. XRD, Raman, UV–Vis–DRS and PL studies confirmed doping of Ce in the ZnO matrix. The photodecomposition activity of the prepared nanospindles was examined towards the photodegradation of toxic pollutants such as MB, MG and MO dyes upon sunlight exposure. ZnO nanospindles doped with 0.5% Ce exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity and achieved 93.9%, 88.2% and 70.3% degradation of MB, MG and MO dyes, respectively, within 24 min. The highly improved photodegradation performance of Ce-doped ZnO is attributed to effective separation of photoinduced charge carriers. Recyclability experiments confirmed the stability and reusability of the Ce-doped ZnO nanospindle photocatalysts suggesting their great potential in environmental remediation.