UV-assisted Photodegradation of Methylene Blue by CeO2-Decorated Graphene Sponge As photocatalyst

In this study, CeO2 nanoparticles and graphene sponge decorated by CeO2 were synthesized hydrothermally and utilized for adsorption and degradation of methylene blue. The synthesized nanoparticle and CeO2 decorated graphene sponge were characterized by powdered X- ray diffraction measurements, scanning electron microscopy, photo luminescence spectroscopy, furrier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-visible spectrophotometer. Powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results revealed CeO2 nanoparticles were grown on graphene sheets successfully. UV-visible spectroscopic analysis showed better performance of CeO2 decorated graphene sponge than pure CeO2 nanoparticles in rapid decomposition of methylene blue. This high photocatalytic activity can be explained by the presence of graphene sponge which acts as electron collector and prolongs the life-time of CeO2 photogenerated charges. Adsorption by both CeO2 nanoparticles andCeO2-decorated graphene sponge follows the Langmuir isotherm model. Adsorption kinetics of methylene blue onto CeO2 and CeO2-decorated graphene sponge is pseudo-second-order. Infrared studies reveal that graphene sponge absorbs the degradation products of methylene blue.

Keywords:

CeO2-decorated graphene sponge , CeO2nanoparticles , Photo-degradation , Dye , Methylene blue , Wastewater