Ce1–xSmxO2–δ-attapulgite nanocomposites: synthesis via simple microwave approach and investigation of its catalytic activity

Ce1–xSmxO2–δ-attapulgite (ATP) nanocomposites were successfully prepared via a facile microwave approach. This was a facile and rapid process requiring only low power of microwave irradiation (160 W). The catalytic performance of the Ce1–xSmxO2–δ-ATP nanocomposites with different Sm contents for degradation of methylene blue (MB) was systematically evaluated. The Ce1–xSmxO2–δ-ATP nanocomposites showed enhanced catalytic activities compared with pure CeO2/ATP. Specifically, the catalytic activities of Ce1–xSmxO2–δ-ATP nanocomposites increased with increase in Sm content from x=0.0 to 0.3. The introduction of an optimal amount of Sm3+ into CeO2 contributed to the formation of structure defects and electronic defects in the oxide lattice, which could increase concentration of oxygen vacancies. However, further increasing Sm content to x=0.4 induced the formation of more agglomerates, leading to decreased catalytic activity. It was believed that this facile, rapid microwave-assisted strategy was scalable and could be applied to synthesize other nanocomposites for different applications.