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<p>In this work, Cd-doped and Zr/Cd dual doped CeO<sub>2</sub> nanomaterials were synthesized via a sustainable solution combustion route employing <i>Lobularia maritima</i> seed extract as a green fuel and reducing agent. This eco-friendly approach enables precise defect engineering and band structure modulation in ceria-based semiconductors, enhancing their multifunctional performance. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization using p-XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, UV–DRS, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy confirmed successful dopant incorporation into the CeO<sub>2</sub> lattice without the formation of secondary phases. p-XRD analysis revealed a progressive reduction in crystallite size from 23.4&#xa0;nm (Cd<sub>x</sub>-Ce<sub>1−x</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, x = 0.05) to 21.0&#xa0;nm (Zr<sub>y</sub>-Cd<sub>x</sub>-Ce<sub>1−x−y</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, x = 0.05, y = 0.05) and then to18.0&#xa0;nm (x = 0.1, y = 0.1), indicating dopant-induced suppression of crystal growth and increased lattice disorder. Optical studies demonstrated significant band gap narrowing from 3.24&#xa0;eV (5% Cd-doped CeO<sub>2</sub>) to 3.03&#xa0;eV and then to 2.92&#xa0;eV for 5% and 10% Zr/Cd co-doped samples, respectively. PL spectra exhibited a broad emission centred at ~ 362&#xa0;nm attributed to defect-mediated recombination, with markedly reduced intensity in co-doped systems, signifying improved charge carrier separation. Photocatalytic investigations revealed that Zr<sub>y</sub>-Cd<sub>x</sub>-Ce<sub>1−x−y</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, (x = 0.05, y = 0.05) achieved superior performance, attaining ~ 90% degradation of Rose Bengal within 180&#xa0;min under UV irradiation. The enhanced activity is attributed to synergistic effects of defect states, band gap narrowing, and efficient generation of reactive oxygen species (OH• and O<sub>2</sub>•⁻), coupled with suppressed electron-hole recombination. Notably, the nanomaterials also demonstrated effective latent fingerprint visualization on non-porous substrates, highlighting their applicability in forensic science. Overall, this study establishes a green-synthesized, defect-engineered CeO<sub>2</sub>-based nanoplatform with dual-functional capabilities in environmental remediation and forensic applications.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Green synthesis of Cd and Cd/Zr-dual doped CeO2 nanoparticles for enhanced photocatalysis and latent fingerprint applications

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月23日

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  • Erachikkaiah Suresha,
  • Swamy Sreenivasa,
  • G. Nagaraju,
  • K. R. Pooja

摘要

In this work, Cd-doped and Zr/Cd dual doped CeO2 nanomaterials were synthesized via a sustainable solution combustion route employing Lobularia maritima seed extract as a green fuel and reducing agent. This eco-friendly approach enables precise defect engineering and band structure modulation in ceria-based semiconductors, enhancing their multifunctional performance. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization using p-XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, UV–DRS, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy confirmed successful dopant incorporation into the CeO2 lattice without the formation of secondary phases. p-XRD analysis revealed a progressive reduction in crystallite size from 23.4 nm (Cdx-Ce1−xO2, x = 0.05) to 21.0 nm (Zry-Cdx-Ce1−x−yO2, x = 0.05, y = 0.05) and then to18.0 nm (x = 0.1, y = 0.1), indicating dopant-induced suppression of crystal growth and increased lattice disorder. Optical studies demonstrated significant band gap narrowing from 3.24 eV (5% Cd-doped CeO2) to 3.03 eV and then to 2.92 eV for 5% and 10% Zr/Cd co-doped samples, respectively. PL spectra exhibited a broad emission centred at ~ 362 nm attributed to defect-mediated recombination, with markedly reduced intensity in co-doped systems, signifying improved charge carrier separation. Photocatalytic investigations revealed that Zry-Cdx-Ce1−x−yO2, (x = 0.05, y = 0.05) achieved superior performance, attaining ~ 90% degradation of Rose Bengal within 180 min under UV irradiation. The enhanced activity is attributed to synergistic effects of defect states, band gap narrowing, and efficient generation of reactive oxygen species (OH• and O2•⁻), coupled with suppressed electron-hole recombination. Notably, the nanomaterials also demonstrated effective latent fingerprint visualization on non-porous substrates, highlighting their applicability in forensic science. Overall, this study establishes a green-synthesized, defect-engineered CeO2-based nanoplatform with dual-functional capabilities in environmental remediation and forensic applications.

Graphical Abstract