The effect of Ce4 + incorporation on structural, morphological and photocatalytic characters of ZnO nanoparticles

We report a simple chemical precipitation method for the preparation of undoped and cerium doped ZnO nanocrystals. The concentration of cerium in the products can be controlled in the range of 0.025–0.125 mol. The structure and chemical compositions of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; energy dispersive spectrum and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that Ce4 + ions were successfully incorporated into the lattice position of Zn2 + ions in ZnO. The morphology of the products was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscope analysis. The optical properties of the products were studied by ultraviolet–visible and room temperature photoluminescence measurements. The photoluminescence emission spectra of Ce-doped ZnO showed enhanced visible emissions as a result of 5d → 4f transition of cerium. In particular, a novel photocatalytic activity of the products was assessed using methylene blue. The obtained result reveals that Ce-doped products show higher reduction efficiency for methylene blue than the undoped ZnO.